| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08562544B2 |
Pen type device for ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology and biopsy
A pen type device for ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology and biopsy comprises a hollow body having a needle hole, a sliding part slidably mounted inside the body, elastic members mounted inside the body, a syringe having a cylinder mounted, a rotating part disposed inside the sliding part and the body, a head screw-coupled to the rear end of the sliding part and drawn out from the body, and a negative pressure generating part mounted on the body to generate negative pressure to the syringe by pulling a piston of the syringe when a button located on the outer face of the body is pushed. |
| US08562540B2 |
Method and system for adaptive vision modification
Methods and systems for modifying or enhancing vision are described. In exemplary embodiments, neural or neuromuscular activity is analyzed to determine a focus or other quality of a visual input, and the focus or quality information used as a basis for controlling an adjustable lens system or optical system. |
| US08562536B2 |
Algorithm for detecting a seizure from cardiac data
Methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting the seizure in a patient using a medical device. The determination is performed by collecting cardiac data; determining valid heart beats suitable for seizure detection from the cardiac data; calculating heart rate data of interest from the valid heart beats; and identifying a seizure event from the heart rate data. The medical device may then take a responsive action, such as warning, logging the time of the seizure, computing and storing one or more seizure severity indices, and/or treating the seizure. |
| US08562531B2 |
Ultrasonic motion detecting device, and image producing device and ultrasonic therapeutic using the detecting device
There is provided a ultrasonic motion detecting device that detects a three-dimensional motion of an object. The ultrasonic motion detecting device, comprises first and second ultrasonic transducers 13 having piezoelectric elements arranged in an array, which transmit ultrasonic waves to an object and acquire reflection signals from the object, a motion detection unit 20 that extracts an estimation region which is used for estimating a motion of the object from the reflection signals that are acquired by the first and second ultrasonic transducers, and detects a three-dimensional motion within the estimation region, and an image display unit 19 that displays the three-dimensional motion within the estimation region, wherein ultrasonic wave scanning surfaces due to the first and second ultrasonic transducers cross over each other. |
| US08562530B2 |
System and method for assessing risk of glaucoma onset
A system and method for predicting the onset of glaucoma uses a Finite Element Model (FEM) to obtain a response profile of the Optical Nerve Head (ONH) inside an eye. To do this, the FEM is programmed with data from first and second images of the ONH that are respectively taken at the beginning and the end of an imposed pressure differential (e.g. over a range of about 8 kPa). The FEM is then subjected to a sequence of pressure increments and the resultant profile is compared with empirical data to predict an onset of glaucoma. |
| US08562525B2 |
Biological signal processing apparatus, biological signal processing method, and biological signal processing program
A biological signal processing apparatus includes an obtaining unit that obtains a spectrum of a biological signal that has been obtained, a generation unit that generates a three-dimensional waveform by plotting elements of the spectrum obtained by the obtaining unit in a space defined by a time axis, a frequency axis, and an intensity axis, and a detection unit that detects a specified waveform component using a position along the intensity axis at which a cross-section of the three-dimensional waveform in a time-frequency domain generated by the generation unit is to be observed and a state of the cross-section at the position as criteria for recognition. |
| US08562522B2 |
Surgical retractor
A surgical retractor including a pair of handles mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot pin, a pair of arm members each terminating at a distal end in a downwardly depending blade and attachable to a respective handle at a proximal end. On application of hand pressure by an operator to the pair of handles of the surgical retractor rotates each handle and arm member about the pivot pin and causes the blades to move apart so that in use in a surgical site the blades abut against and retract tissue matter. |
| US08562520B2 |
Access port
A surgical access port assembly is provided including a cannula and an obturator insertable through the cannula. The cannula includes a housing having a hollow elongate tubular member extending distally from the housing. A duckbill valve is provided within the housing and includes an outer support rim and a pair of opposed multi-angle leaflets extending inwardly from the outer support rim. Each leaflet includes a lead in portion oriented at a first angle relative to the support rim and an entry portion extending from the lead in portion and oriented at a second angle relative to the support rim. The second angle is greater than the first angle. |
| US08562516B2 |
Methods and apparatus for obtaining endoluminal access
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for obtaining endoluminal access. An elongate body is configured for insertion within a body lumen, conduit, organ, orifice, passageway or cavity, the elongate body having a working axis and a distal region, and an articulating element disposed near the distal region, the articulating element configured to articulate off-axis from the working axis of the elongate body. The elongate may achieve access in an endoluminal or a laparoscopic fashion. Methods of using the apparatus are also provided. |
| US08562515B2 |
Capsule endoscope, capsule endoscopic system, and endoscope control method
A capsule endoscope system includes a capsule endoscope and a receiver. The capsule endoscope has plural image pickup units for endoscopic imaging by passing a gastrointestinal tract in a body. The receiver for wireless communication with the capsule endoscope receives and stores image data from the capsule endoscope. The receiver includes a data analyzer for retrieving position relationship data expressing a position relationship of the image pickup units to a target region in the gastrointestinal tract. A CPU of the receiver produces a command signal according to the position relationship data for determining a number of frames of imaging per unit time for respectively the plural image pickup units. The capsule endoscope includes a CPU for controlling operation of the plural image pickup units according to the command signal from the receiver. |
| US08562509B2 |
Ventricular assist device
A ventricular assist device includes an intravascular blood pump and a collapsible frame. The collapsible frame receives the blood pump therein and is movable between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The collapsible frame engages an interior wall of a body cavity when in the expanded state and is retrievable from the body cavity in the collapsed state. |
| US08562507B2 |
Prevention of aortic valve fusion
Materials and methods related to blood pump systems are described. These can be used in patients to, for example, monitor arterial pressure, measure blood flow, maintain left ventricular pressure within a particular range, avoid left ventricular collapse, prevent fusion of the aortic valve in a subject having a blood pump, and provide a means to wean a patient from a blood pump. |
| US08562506B2 |
Neurotrophic factor production promoting device
A neurotrophic factor production promoting device is provided, which is able to promote production of a neurotrophic factor or neurotrophic factor-like substance in an affected area by a simple technique that, regardless of the place of treatment, can be performed without transplantation of cells or injection into the affected area, in order to prevent or treat various diseases such as brain diseases. In order to apply a high frequency alternating magnetic field in the range of 20 MHz to 180 MHz, 280 MHz to 600 MHz, or 700 MHz to 1000 MHz to cells at a magnetic flux density of no more than 0.01 Tesla, the neurotrophic factor production promoting device includes a high frequency electromagnetic wave generating means generating a high frequency electromagnetic wave of the abovementioned frequency, in which the magnetic stimulation by the high frequency alternating electromagnetic field of the abovementioned high frequency allows the intracellular concentration of calcium ions to be increased so that exocytosis of the neurotrophic factor group is induced, and the magnetic stimulation allows messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) of the neurotrophic factor group to be increased in the cells so that the synthesis and extracellular release of the neurotrophic factor group are promoted. |
| US08562504B2 |
Expandable brachytherapy device
A method for brachytherapy in a lumpectomy cavity of a breast including, positioning a distal end of a brachytherapy device within the cavity, expanding an expandable surface portion located between proximal and distal ends of the device within the cavity, the source lumen tubes defining a curved configuration within the cavity; and positioning a source of radiation sequentially within one or more source lumens of the source lumen tubes according to a brachytherapy treatment plan. The device includes an inner tube, and a plurality of source lumen tubes located around the inner tube and including distal ends secured together with the inner tube at the distal end disposed within the body cavity, the source lumen tubes comprising proximal portions sufficiently long to extend outside the breast. |
| US08562494B2 |
Portable exercise device and method of using the same
According to one embodiment, an exercise device in the form of an adjustable resistance multi-use toning system that includes a plurality of elongated elastic bands (tension bands or cables) which can have different tension (resistance) values. Each band has a first end and an opposing second end. The device further includes a hollow sleeve that receives at least a portion of each of the elastic bands so as to at least partially envelope the elastic bands while permitting the first and second ends to be accessible. A first fastener is provided for attaching the first ends of the elastic bands to a support member, such as a piece of exercise equipment, a belt to be worn around a body part of a user; or any other structure to which the exercise device can be attached. |
| US08562483B2 |
Method and system for controlling an EV mode transition in a two-mode hybrid vehicle
A method of executing an electric-only (EV) mode transition in a vehicle includes determining vehicle operating values using a control system, processing the values to identify the transition, and executing the transition to or from the first or second EV mode. The transition is executed by selectively engaging and disengaging the input brake to zero, and by using the first and/or second traction motor to synchronize slip across the input brake. When the transition is from the first to the second EV mode or vice versa, the control system may use multiple speed and torque control phases to enter multiple intermediate modes, e.g., a pair of engine-on electrically-variable transmission modes and a fixed gear mode. A vehicle includes an engine, an input brake, first and second traction motors, and a transmission driven via the motors in a first and second EV mode. The vehicle includes the control system noted above. |
| US08562480B1 |
Vehicle drivetrain with an electric torque converter
A powertrain includes an Electric Torque Converter (ETC) assembly interconnecting a primary power source and a transmission. An ETC clutch connects a clutched ETC input from the ETC assembly to an output of the primary power source. A primary transmission clutch connects a clutched input of the transmission to the output of the primary power source. An ETC output from the ETC assembly is directly connected to a fixed input of the transmission. The ETC assembly includes a planetary gearset interconnecting the clutched ETC input and the ETC output of the ETC assembly. An electric motor is coupled to the planetary gearset and configured to provide a torque thereto. The torque may be directed to either the fixed input of the transmission through the ETC output of the ETC assembly, or to the output of the primary power source through the clutched ETC input of the ETC assembly. |
| US08562478B2 |
Differential for motor vehicles
In a differential for motor vehicles, comprising a tubular differential housing (5), in which differential bevel gears (4) are supported on a housing-mounted carrier stud (11) and are meshed with halfshaft bevel gears (8), and wherein the differential housing (5) has two diametral halfshaft holes (9) for feeding the axle drive shafts through and two diametral stud holes (10) for accommodating the carrier stud (11), recesses (18) are provided at both ends of the differential housing (5). Said recesses describe cutouts of the differential housing (5) that approach the halfshaft holes (9) and the stud holes (10). |
| US08562471B2 |
Electric motor assembly with movable rotor segments to reduce back electromotive force
An electric motor assembly includes a rotor hub, and a rotor supported on the rotor hub. The rotor hub has first and second hub portions, and the rotor has first and second annular rotor segments supported for rotation on the respective first and second hub portions. Each of the rotor segments has a respective set of magnets spaced circumferentially therearound. The rotor hub and the rotor segments are configured so that at least one of the rotor segments moves about the axis of rotation relative to the other of the rotor segments as the rotor hub rotates. The movement of the at least one of the rotor segments is an amount that increases as the speed of the rotor hub increases to reduce back electromotive force. The movement may be due to centrifugal force, which increases as speed increases, without requiring a control system to effect the movement. |
| US08562469B2 |
Hybrid power train having epicyclic type clutch device
The present invention is through an epicyclic gear set and a controllable brake device to structure the clutch function, so as to replace the conventional friction type electromagnetic clutch device, and combined with two or more than two of one or more rotary kinetic power device to constitute a hybrid power train having epicyclic type clutch device. |
| US08562468B2 |
Pulley for use with toothed belt
There is provided a pulley for use with a toothed belt capable of reducing the noise generated when the pulley engages with the toothed belt, while reducing the manufacturing costs and time used to manufacture the pulley. The pulley includes a disk whose inner circumference is fitly attached to a rotary shaft. The outer circumference of the pulley has teeth to be engaged with the toothed belt and flanges erected on both sides of the tooth, wherein the flanges have a plurality of through holes that penetrate through the flanges in a direction of the rotary shaft. |
| US08562467B2 |
Tensioning device of a belt and chain drive
A tensioning device for a belt or chain drive with a tensioning lever (2) which is provided with a rotatable tension roller (6) mounted rotatably a drag bearing (3) constructed as a plain bearing on a base housing (4), and radially at a distance from the axis of rotation (5) of the drag bearing (3); with a pretensioned torsion spring (11), which is constructed as a helical spring (12, 12′), disposed coaxially with the drag bearing (3) and connected at the spring ends (13, 14) thereof at the housing side to the base housing (4), and at the lever side to the tensioning lever (2); and with a brakeshoe (16, 16′ 29) which is disposed at one spring end (13, 14) and which can be pressed by the spring end against a component which can rotate about the axis of rotation (5) of the drag bearing (3) relative to the spring end (13, 14). In order to achieve good heat dissipation of the friction damping device and uniform stress on the drag bearing (3), the brake shoe (16, 16′) is constructed and is disposed at the lever-side spring end (13) of the helical spring (12, 12′) such that the brake shoe (16, 16′) is clamped peripherally between the spring end (13) and a radially directed stop surface (23, 23′) of a catch attached to the tensioning lever (22, 22′) and, via a contacting force (FS—R) resulting from the two peripheral tangential forces (FF—T, FF—T) from the helical spring (12, 12′) and on the helical spring (12, 12′), can be pressed with an outer cylindrical friction surface (17) largely radially against a cylindrical inner wall (19) of the base housing (4). |
| US08562465B2 |
Clip-type tensioner
A clip-type tensioner member having a piston in a housing and a ratchet mechanism. A plurality of rack teeth are formed on the outer periphery of the pistons. A clip member elastically engages with the rack teeth and is positioned in a recess in the housing. The points of contact of the clip member on the housing are different in the retracted and engaged positions. |
| US08562458B2 |
Striking face of a golf club head
A golf club head with improved striking face performance is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club head having a thickened central region surrounded by an internal and an external transition region; wherein the thickened central region has an inner perimeter that takes on a shape that substantially resembles the shape of an outer perimeter of the striking face of the golf club head. |
| US08562457B2 |
Golf club head having movable weights
A golf club head comprises a body and at least one self-extracting pressed weight assembly. The body comprises a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. The body defines an interior cavity. The weight assembly comprises at least three components and is configured for a press fit engagement with the golf club head. The assembly has a drive portion and a threaded portion. |
| US08562454B2 |
Golf shaft connector with shaft insertion
A connector of a golf club is provided. The connector includes a shaft adapter and a hosel adapter. A compression nut fits over both adapters to secure them against one another. The hosel adapter advantageously fits over the hosel, thereby allowing the bore of the hosel to remain unmodified from its original design. The connector also includes an anti-rotation arrangement to prevent relative rotation between the shaft adapter and the hosel adapter. Further, the tip end of the club shaft passes entirely through the connector and seats within the hosel as it normally would in the absence of the connector. The connector does not surround the tip end of the shaft where it seats in the hosel, giving the club an unaltered feel, despite the inclusion of the connector. |
| US08562450B2 |
Recoiling tethered golf ball
A recoiling tethered golf ball has a first hole extending through the ball center and a second hole extending at right angles to the first hole. A nail in the second hole extends beyond the first hole into the golf ball. An anchor has an elongated shaft tapering to a point for insertion into the ground. The upper end is formed into an eye. The anchor has optional threads for attachment to a board or tree. A surgical tubing tether extends from a first end to a second end. The first end is received in the golf ball first hole and is looped around the nail. The tether second end is looped around the anchor eye. A first retaining clip encircles the first end loop. A second retaining clip encircles the second end loop to secure the loop from releasing. |
| US08562445B2 |
Systems and methods for flexible gaming environments
Systems and methods for a flexible, dynamically configurable, process of connecting together modules or elements of a hybrid game having an entertainment game component and a gambling game component over a wide area network or the Internet. The systems and methods enable the modules or elements of the hybrid game to dynamically connect, and then perform their functions, without having to be pre-compiled or integrated. Such systems and methods dynamically bring together modules or elements to create a gaming environment in conjunction with a game of skill in the context of a networked gaming environment, such as a communication network within a casino, or a wide area network, such as the Internet. |
| US08562442B2 |
Interactive gaming via mobile playmaker
Systems and techniques relating to interactive gaming are described. A described system includes one or more site servers providing game instances to one or more devices in communication with the one or more site servers via a wired network, a wireless network, or both. The system includes a server system in communication with the one or more site servers; and one or more wireless mobile devices in communication with the server system. The server system can be configured to provide information about one or more of the gaming instances at one or more sites to the one or more mobile devices; receive, from the one or more mobile devices, an indication of a selected gaming instance of the gaming instances; relay gaming information between the one or more site servers and the one or more mobile devices; and provide gaming content and one or more gaming functions to the site servers. |
| US08562439B2 |
Geographic area templates for computer games
A system and method are disclosed for facilitating development of computer games that depict or represent actual, real world geographic areas as part of the play scenarios of the games. A source database contains data that represent geographic features in a region including roads in the region. The data in the source database includes attributes suitable for use for providing navigation-related functions. In addition to providing data from the source database for navigation-related functions, data from the source database are also used to form a template database, wherein the template database represents an imaginary locale. The template database is provided for computer game development. |
| US08562437B2 |
Keyboard equipped with functions of operation buttons and an analog stick provided in a game controller
A keyboard includes allotment keys to which the functions of operation buttons of a game controller are assigned, a pointing stick, and an Fn key. When the pointing stick is operated with the Fn key being operated, the keyboard outputs an operation signal of an analog stick of the game controller. When an allotment key is operated with the Fn key being operated, the keyboard outputs an operation signal of an operation button of the game controller. |
| US08562435B2 |
Method and apparatus for adapting to gaming venue states
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for detecting that a gaming system has presented a first of a plurality of gaming venue states of a game, presenting a first of a plurality of screen shots at a touch screen display responsive to detecting the first gaming venue state, detecting that the gaming system has transitioned to a presentation of a second of the plurality of venue states, and presenting a second of the plurality of screen shots at the touch screen display responsive to detecting the second gaming venue state. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08562430B2 |
Game system, method of controlling computer and storage medium
A game system includes: a display device that displays a screen of a game; and partial information presenting device that causes the display device to display a part of customization information of which setting is to be performed by a player on the game by utilizing waiting time of the game, and wherein the partial information presenting device varies a display range which is to be displayed at the display device as a part of the customization information in accordance with customization time allocated to setting of the customization information among the waiting time of the game so that the amount of the customization information included in the display range is increased when the customization time is long and is decreased when the customization time is short. |
| US08562428B2 |
Method and apparatus for awarding component prizes in a gaming environment
A system and method for playing component games in a gaming environment, where a component game is a game in which a physical prize, the prize to be won, is rendered in a graphical format and further divided into components (clearly recognizable parts of the graphical image). Individual component prizes are designed to be won by a player during individual game plays, that is, upon the occurrence of specific winning events while playing a chance or fixed-pool game. To win the component game prize, each of the components must be won and the combination redeemed. The component prizes are not intended to be separately redeemable game credits. In particular, the player may play for regular game credits or may choose to play for component prizes or portions thereof, not both. Component games create a highly enticing situation where players can be rewarded for long term play over a variety of machines. |
| US08562425B2 |
Wagering game with enhanced wager-per-line feature
A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game by a player includes a display, a credit indicator and a controller. The display is for displaying a wagering-game outcome having a plurality of symbols arranged in an array. The array includes a plurality of paylines for indicating symbol combinations in the array. The player is required to play all of the plurality of paylines in exchange for a minimum wager amount. The credit indicator indicates the number of available credits for making a wager amount. The controller is in communication with the display and the credit indicator. In response to the number of available credits being less than the minimum wager amount, the controller causes the display to display a group of player options for allowing the player to select a disposition for the available credits. The group of player options includes a reduced-payline option to play less than all paylines for a subsequent wagering-game outcome. |
| US08562423B2 |
Method and apparatus for rewarding multiple game players for a single win
A gaming apparatus and method is provided that is capable of rewarding a distributed jackpot to players using gaming units that are electronically linked to one another. The distributed jackpot may be shared among non-winning players when a winning result is achieved by a winning player. |
| US08562422B2 |
Products and processes for processing information related to weather and other events
According to an embodiment, a method includes receiving a plurality of bets, in which each bet defines a respective amounted wagered, a respective area, and a respective weather-related event. Data that represents the plurality of bets is displayed. An outcome of a weather-related event is determined and at least one winner is determined based on the bets and the outcome. |
| US08562421B2 |
Method of gaming, a game controller, a gaming device and a gaming system
A method of gaming comprising: conducting a mystery jackpot and a progressive jackpot having, respectively, a mystery jackpot pool and a progressive jackpot pool to which contributions are made in response to game play on participating gaming devices; making a contribution to the mystery jackpot pool in response to each play of a game with one of the participating gaming devices; and making at least one contribution to the progressive jackpot pool in response to each play of a game with one of the participating gaming devices in which an ante bet is made on the game. |
| US08562417B2 |
Embedded reel games with progressives
A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. |
| US08562413B2 |
Lottery game method
In a gaming method, player symbol data indicative of a plurality of sets of player symbols associated with a player may be received. Each player symbol is selected from a plurality of possible symbols. An indication that the player submitted a wager associated with the plurality of sets of player symbols may be received. Winning symbol data indicative of a set of winning symbols from the plurality of possible symbols may be received. A value payout based on respective numbers of winning symbols in respective sets of player symbols may be determined, wherein for at least some value payouts the value payout is different than a sum of a plurality of individual value payouts, each individual payout based on the respective number of winning symbols in the corresponding set of player symbols. Player payout data indicative of the value payout may be transmitted. |
| US08562412B2 |
Roulette game systems and roulette game apparatus
A game system including a lottery apparatus which is coupled to a plurality of player terminal devices in a manner capable of information communication. The lottery apparatus includes the same number of rotation bodies as the number of rows M or columns N of a card. Each rotation body performs a lottery draw in association with the corresponding one of the rows or columns. The player terminal device includes an arrangement-determination section that sets an arrangement of symbols allocated in the cells included in each row or column of the card such that each of the allocated symbols is the same as any one of the symbols to be determined by a lottery draw in the corresponding rotation body to the each row or column. |
| US08562399B2 |
Ventilation valve arrangement and transport container with a ventilation valve arrangement
The invention concerns a ventilation valve arrangement (1) with two valve openings (5, 6) in a valve plate (3), the opening degrees of said openings being controllable by means of a valve element, which is rotatable in relation to the valve plate (3). It is endeavored to create a large range of control opportunities in a cost-efficient manner. For this purpose it is provided that in parallel to at least one valve opening (5, 6) a ventilation channel (9) is arranged, whose flow cross-section is adjustable by means of a motor controlled valve (10). The ventilation valve arrangement (1) can be dimensioned so that at the same time it serves as underpressure valve for a transport container. |
| US08562398B2 |
Airflow diffuser (diffuser fan) and air conditioner
An airflow diffuser including a blade wheel that includes blade members, spoke members and a hub member supporting the spoke members, and that is located so that air blown out from an air outlet of an air conditioner comes in contact over a path of rotation of the blade members, a shaft member forming an axis of rotation of the blade wheel. The blade wheel is capable of being freely rotated by at least just the air that is blown out from the air outlet. |
| US08562397B1 |
Poultry shackle redirecting apparatus and method for directing poultry shackles from a poultry processing line to a disposal line
A poultry shackle redirecting apparatus can include a conveyor that conveys a plurality of poultry shackles and a guide bar having an entrance positioned along the conveyor. The guide bar can be adapted to redirect a shackle from a poultry processing line to a disposal line. A detection device can be positioned at a distance upstream of the entrance to identify a shackle to be removed. An encoder can be positioned between the detection device and the entrance. The encoder can track a position of the shackle to be removed along the conveyor. Upon receiving instructions from the encoder that the shackle to be removed is positioned in registry with the entrance, a pushing device can be adapted to push the shackle to be removed into the entrance of the guide bar. A method of directing poultry shackles from a poultry processing line to a disposal is also disclosed. |
| US08562396B1 |
Grinding or polishing disc with improved visibility and air fins for vortex cooling of the workpiece during eh grinding operation
A grinding or polishing disc which in addition to having improved viewing areas so that the object can be appropriately and clearly viewed as it is being ground or polished, also has vertical fins which create an airflow vortex similar to a turbine that go into the viewing locations to provide a cooling airflow to the workpiece so that in addition to being able to see the workpiece, the airflow cools the workpiece as the disc is being rotated. |
| US08562393B2 |
Shot-blasting machine for surface treatment of products
The shot-blasting machine for surface treatment of products comprises a base frame, a containing chamber for containing at least a product to be treated associated to the base frame and provided with at least an access opening, one or more projecting organs associated internally of the chamber for projecting a flow of shot-blasting particles onto the product, and automated unloading means associated to the base frame which cause the product to exit from the chamber through the access opening. |
| US08562392B2 |
Polishing apparatus and polishing method
A polishing apparatus includes a polishing table with a polishing pad at an upper surface, and a conditioning disc carrying out conditioning of the polishing pad, and a moving mechanism (constructed, for example, from a swing arm) capable of moving the conditioning disc to a standby position above the polishing pad, and a spraying mechanism (constructed, for example, from a washing water nozzle) that sprays liquid to the conditioning disc positioned at the standby position so as to wash or wet the conditioning disc. |
| US08562391B2 |
Finishing machine with stone rotating unit
A finishing machine with at least two finishing stones and a stone turning unit is proposed, in which the stone turning unit may be coupled to a rotary drive of the workpiece holder. A separate drive for the stone turning unit may thus be omitted, which results in a reduced weight of the stone turning unit and therefore lower drive power requirement of the stone turning unit and an improved processing quality. |
| US08562389B2 |
Thin polishing pad with window and molding process
A polishing pad is described that has a polishing layer with a polishing surface, an adhesive layer on a side of the polishing layer opposite the polishing layer, and a solid light-transmitting window extending through and molded to the polishing layer. The window has a top surface coplanar with the polishing surface and a bottom surface coplanar with a lower surface of the adhesive layer. A method of making a polishing pad includes forming an aperture through a polishing layer and an adhesive layer, securing a backing piece to the adhesive layer on a side opposite a polishing surface of the polishing layer, dispensing a liquid polymer into the aperture, and curing the liquid polymer to form a window. |
| US08562382B2 |
Method for system for a water jet propulsion system for a ship
A system and method of starting a water jet propulsion system for a ship in which the propulsion system includes a stator shell adapted to be mounted to the hull and having a nozzle ending in an outlet with a cross-sectional outlet area, an impeller housing attached to the stator shell and having an upstream inlet, and an impeller rotatably mounted in the impeller housing for receiving water from the inlet and discharging it through the nozzle of the stator shell so as to create a water jet upon rotation of the impeller. The method includes reducing the outlet area by partly closing the nozzle during a start up phase of the water jet propulsion system, wherein there is provided a back flow hindering arrangement arranged to hinder air to enter into the impeller housing via the nozzle. |
| US08562380B2 |
Testing apparatus having a connecting member movably located between a securing member and a pressing member and having a resisting member on one end and a resilient member on the other end
A testing apparatus includes a securing member adapted to be attached to a connector, a pressing member, a connecting member, a resisting member, and a resilient member. The connecting member is moveably located between the securing member and the pressing member. The resisting member is aligned with a pin of the connector and attached to a first end of the connecting member. The resisting member is attached to a second opposite end of the connecting member. The pressing member is moveable relative to the securing member, and the resisting member abuts the pin of the connector. |
| US08562377B2 |
Shield connector having a shield shell connected to a metallic case and a shield conductor
A shield connector (10) is mounted in a metal case (C) that contains a device to be mounted in a vehicle. The shield connector (10) has a housing (30) in which terminal fittings (20) connected to ends of wires (W) are accommodated and from which the wires (W) are pulled out. Rubber plugs (70) are provided for sealing between the inner peripheries of cavities (31) in the housing (30) and the outer peripheries of the wires (W). A shield shell (50) covers the housing (30) and is connected electrically to the case (C) and also to a shield conductor (60) through which the wires (W) are inserted. A second rubber ring is provided between the housing (30) and the shield shell (50). |
| US08562372B2 |
Electrical plug connector
An electrical plug connector includes a first plug having a first clip and a second clip, and a second plug including a catch element, first and second releasing tabs and an unlatching element. At least one of the first clip and second clip is configured to engage the catch element. The first and second releasing tabs respectively contact the first and second clips in a plugged state of the electrical plug connector and are configured to release the respective clip from the catch element. The unlatching element surrounds the first and second releasing tabs in the plugged state of the electrical plug connector so as to contact the first releasing tab on a first side and to contact the second releasing tab on an opposing side. The unlatching element is displaceable in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the electrical plug connector. In the plugged state, the connector is configured to receive a tool between the unlatching element and at least one of the first releasing tab and the second releasing tab. |
| US08562371B2 |
Connection device between an electrical cable and a conducting structure, especially for a current return circuit
Connection between two elements of an electrical return circuit. The device comprises a female type connection receptacle fastened to a conductive structure and a male type plug connected to a cable, said plug including a groove, and a locking spring co-operating with the plug and with the receptacle. |
| US08562365B2 |
Laminous multi-polymeric high amperage over-molded connector assembly for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle charging
In an electrical connector for an electric vehicle, the spring latch is not sealed; instead, the connector body has holes allowing water entering the spring latch mechanism to drain harmlessly out of the connector. A forward-facing LED or other light source acts as a flashlight. Once the connector is connected, the forward-facing LED is switched off, and a rear-facing LED or other light source is switched on to confirm that the connector is connected and capable of charging the vehicle. The connector is produced by overmolding in a three-layer configuration, where each layer is formed of a material having advantageous materials for that layer's position in the connector. |
| US08562363B2 |
Card connector
A card connector with an ejection mechanism is described. The card connector may include a base member, a cover member, a card accommodating space, and contact lines, which are electrically connected to a card placed into the card accommodating space. The card connector may also include an ejection lever, a spring, which pushes the ejection lever to the card accommodating space, and a pair of guide walls, which lead the ejection lever in a card insertion/withdrawal direction. The card connector may further include an ejection mechanism for pulling the IC card out of the card accommodating space. The ejection lever may include an arm portion, which comes in contact with a front end portion of the card, a spring mounting portion, a slide portion, which is led to a pair of the guide walls, and a pull portion, which extends outside the base member. |
| US08562361B2 |
Universal ground adapter for marine cables
An electrical conduit ground device is provided for electrically and environmentally shielding an electric cable. The device includes a conduit having a receiving end through which the cable passes axially; an internal seal that inserts into the receiving end; a gland boss that inserts into the receiving end; an external seal that inserts into the boss and extends axially outward from the receiving end; and a grounding assembly disposed between the internal and external seals. The assembly includes an adapter for providing electrical grounding contact between the cable and the swage tube; a space-retainer for structurally supporting the adapter; and a washer for axially separating the internal and external seals. The adapter is provided for electrically connecting an interior surface of a conduit and an external surface of a cable. The adapter includes an electrically conductive and mechanically flexible sheet having first and second edges that can face each other, the sheet being configured to form an annulus that mechanically contacts the external surface of the cable and a periphery that mechanically contacts the inner surface of the conduit. |
| US08562360B2 |
Circuit board assembly
A circuit board assembly includes a circuit board, a fixing device, and at least one color-changing piece. The circuit board includes a plurality of first contacts and second contacts opposite sides of the circuit board. The fixing device includes plurality of elastic contacts. The first contacts electrically connects to the second contacts, the at least one color-changing piece is located on and are electrically connected to the corresponding first contacts or the second contacts. When the circuit board is assembled at a predetermined position of the fixing device, the second contacts are electrically connected to the elastic contacts to form and provide an electric field, and the at least one color-changing piece changes color due to the electric field. |
| US08562357B2 |
Interactive educational system and method
A computerized educational method and system that provides educational content using a simulation situation. In one embodiment, one or more medical conditions and a question may be presented about a hypothetical patient using a video display system. The learner may select from a plurality of potential responses to the question. Typically, the plurality of potential responses are categorized into a correct category, a reasonable category, and a wrong category. Upon receiving a selection from the plurality of potential responses, the learner is provided with the category to which the selected response corresponds. |
| US08562352B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus involving Fairweather faces cosmetics brushes and face charts
Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed involving cosmetics brushes and face charts for strategic application of make-up. In particular, embodiments of the invention involve cosmetics brushes having markings color-coded to match make-up types, locations, and application steps within a sequence, as depicted on a corresponding face chart for the strategic application of make-up to achieve a desired look, using, for example, a code key to explain the face chart. Each desired look may have a specific face chart that uses color-coded markings to match a brush with a make-up type, location, and step, for a given purpose. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US08562350B2 |
Set of artificial teeth of anterior teeth linearly contacting with each other
In a set of artificial teeth, at least one of mutually adjacent artificial anterior teeth includes abutting faces which contacts linearly with the other one so as to form abutting lines and capable of continuously moving the positions of the linear contact, the abutting faces being formed of any one of circular columnar surface, elliptical columnar surface, and conical surface. |
| US08562348B2 |
Modular implant with secured porous portion
A modular implant includes a head, an intermediate part configured to engage bone, and an initially separate anchor configured to engage the head so that at least the head and the anchor cooperatively secure the intermediate part on the implant to form the modular implant. At least one of the head, the intermediate part, and the anchor has a plurality of forms, and each form is configured to be assembled on at least one form of the other two of the head, intermediate part, and anchor. The intermediate part may include a porous metal such as tantalum. |
| US08562346B2 |
Dental implant for a jaw with reduced bone volume and improved osseointegration features
A dental implant has a body with a porous metal portion for engaging bone. The porous metal portion has an outer coronal to apical height and an outer diameter. Both the height and diameter are about 4 mm to about 6 mm. This permits the implant to be placed on a jaw with a reduced bone volume. |
| US08562345B2 |
Apparatus for fastening a dental prosthesis
The device for fastening a dental prosthesis includes a bar patrix (20) and a connecting part (10), which can be attached to the dental prosthesis and has a recess into which the bar patrix can be inserted and which is surrounded by two side walls (11, 12) connected via a ceiling element (13). The side walls (11, 12) and the ceiling element (13) are shaped such that the dental prosthesis, when it is placed on the bar patrix (20) via the connecting part (10) attached thereon, rests on the bar patrix via a first (11), a second (12) and a third support location (13c), wherein in each case a free space (14a, 14b) is present between the first and third support locations and the second and third support locations. |
| US08562344B2 |
Dental platform assembly and methods
A dental implant system includes a base member that is adapted to be embedded within a patient's jawbone at a treatment site. The base member has a generally flat top side defining an outer periphery, a bottom side, and a central opening. At least one recess is included in the top side for receiving an alignment pin. The system further includes an implant screw that has a head and a threaded end. The threaded end is adapted to pass through the central opening of the base member and into the patient's jawbone. Also, the head is adapted to be seated within the central opening of the base member after the threaded end is screwed into the patient's jawbone. The implant screw further includes a threaded opening in the head. |
| US08562339B2 |
Digital orthodontic appliance coupling matrix
A digital orthodontic treatment planning system provides a practitioner with digital representations of at least a part of a tooth of a patient and at least part of a coupling matrix within a three-dimensional environment. By interacting with the system, orthodontic practitioners are able to visualize a coupling matrix that results from a specific orthodontic appliance position relative to a tooth of the patient's dental arch. The digital representation of the coupling matrix represents a substance, such as a cured adhesive, that connects an orthodontic appliance to a tooth of a patient. The system determines a thickness of at least a portion of the coupling matrix. In one embodiment, the system indicates the total thickness via a thickness map, such as a color-coded thickness map. In another embodiment, the system indicates a deviation from a baseline thickness via a thickness map. |
| US08562336B2 |
Actuator mount system
A system for mounting an injection molding system actuator to a manifold and a clamp plate comprising: a mount comprised of a thermally conductive material having first and second thermally conductive surfaces, the actuator being mounted to the first thermally conductive surface in thermal communication with the second thermally conductive surface, the clamp plate being mounted in thermal communication with the second thermally conductive surface, the actuator being mounted in thermal communication with the heated manifold; wherein the clamp plate, manifold and mold are assembled together with the actuator and the mount in an assembled operating arrangement such that the second thermally conductive surface is in compressed contact with the clamp plate under a spring force. |
| US08562329B2 |
Embossing tool and embossed product
An embossing tool includes a rotary embossing roll (10) with an axis of rotation (16) in its longitudinal direction and raised embossing protrusions (18; 18a, 18b) arranged on the operative surface area (12) of the embossing roll (10). The embossing roll (10) includes a least two segments (14; 14a-14h) forming at least a part of the operative surface area (12) of the embossing roll (10). Each segment (14; 14a-14h) is provided with at least one raised embossing protrusion (18; 18a, 18b) and the radial position and angular orientation of at least one segment (14; 14a-14h) is adjustable by at least two spaced apart, independently provided adjustment devices (26). |
| US08562325B2 |
Remote cool down of a purified directionally solidified material from an open bottom cold crucible induction furnace
Solid or semi-solid feedstock is melted in an open bottom electric induction cold crucible furnace. Directionally solidified multi-crystalline solid purified material continuously exits the bottom of the furnace and may optionally pass through a thermal conditioning chamber before being gravity fed into a transport mold where an ingot of the purified multi-crystalline solid material is transported to a remote holding area after the transport mold is filled with the multi-crystalline material and cut from the continuous supply of material. Cool down of the ingot is accomplished remote from the open bottom of the cold crucible furnace. |
| US08562324B2 |
Networked three-dimensional printing
Three-dimensional fabrication resources are improved by adding networking capabilities to three-dimensional printers and providing a variety of tools for networked use of three-dimensional printers. Web-based servers or the like can provide a single point of access for remote users to manage access to distributed content on one hand, and to manage use of distributed fabrication resources on the other. |
| US08562322B2 |
Aspects of a press assembly
An assembly includes a plurality of core retention elements for transferring cores to a tablet press turn table. The core retention elements may each include a core receptacle that selectively receives a core. The core retention elements may transfer the core into one of a plurality of die bores in the press turn table. |
| US08562320B2 |
Resin molding device
A resin molding device which molds a resin tube 1 from a molten resin has a tube molding portion 14 and a spindle 15 as jigs which define inner and outer diameters of the resin tube. |
| US08562319B2 |
Screw compressor having slide valve with inclined end face
A screw compressor includes a screw rotor, a casing, a low pressure space, a bypass passage and a slide valve. The screw rotor is provided with a plurality of helical grooves forming fluid chambers. The casing includes a cylinder portion with the screw rotor disposed in the cylinder portion. The low pressure space is formed in the casing to receive a flow of uncompressed, low pressure fluid. The bypass passage is opened in an inner peripheral surface of the cylinder portion to communicate the fluid chamber with the low pressure space. The slide valve is slideable in an axial direction of the screw rotor to change an area of an opening of the bypass passage in the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder portion. An end face of the slide valve facing the bypass passage is inclined along an extending direction of the helical grooves. |
| US08562318B1 |
Multiphase pump with high compression ratio
This disclosure relates to a new multiphase pump with low recirculated volume. This device discloses novel inlet/outlet porting. One of the disclosed improvements is to port the inlet and outlet through the back of the rotors. In the model shown there is only one lobe on the first rotor, and two lobes on the second rotor. The double lobe rotor has the ports provided thru the back, in the lowest point on the buckets between the lobes. If there were more lobes on the two rotors, then the ports would normally be provided in the rotor with the higher number of lobes, preferably in the lowest point on each bucket. The single lobe rotor shown has voids formed in the outer circumference in order to balance the rotor—however, any rotor with more than one lobe may be naturally balanced and these holes may be unnecessary. |
| US08562317B2 |
Scroll expansion machine with air flow passage around outer periphery of sealing surface
The rotating shaft is connected to the generator; the high-pressure steam s is introduced to the expansion chamber b through the guide passage; when the energy of the high-pressure steam s during expansion process revolves the revolving scroll, the generator regenerates electric power. The connecting housing is provided with the inlet opening and the outlet opening; the ventilation blades are fitted to the rotating shaft. When the ventilation blades rotate, the outside air is introduced (inside of the housing) from and through the inlet opening; the air passes by the air opening and the backside of the revolving scroll, and is discharged through the outlet opening. Thus, by the approach that the air passage is formed inside of the connecting housing and the scroll housing, the high-pressure steam s is prevented from being directed toward the backside of the revolving scroll. |
| US08562316B2 |
Variable capacity vane pump
In a variable capacity vane pump, a space between adjacent vanes is 1 pitch. A line that connects a half-pitch-advanced position from an end edge of an inlet port or from an end edge of an outlet port and a driving shaft center in a no-load state is termed a port reference line. A line that connects a center of a cam ring inner circumference side and the driving shaft center when an eccentricity amount of a cam ring is a maximum is termed a high pressure cam profile reference line. A line that connects the center of the cam ring inner circumference side and the driving shaft center at a low pressure when the eccentricity amount of the cam ring is a minimum is termed a low pressure cam profile reference line. The three reference lines; the port reference line, the high pressure cam profile reference line and the low pressure cam profile reference line, is set to be substantially parallel to each other. |
| US08562315B2 |
Fuel pump
A fuel pump includes a housing having therein a suction passage and a pressurization chamber into which fuel from the suction passage flows, a plunger held in the housing to be reciprocable so as to pressurize the fuel flowing into the pressurization chamber, and a diaphragm device located in a suction chamber that is provided in the suction passage. The diaphragm device includes a pair of first and second diaphragms that are arranged to define an inner space therebetween and air-tightly sealed at its entire peripheries. A mass addition member may be attached to an inside surface of at least one of the first and second diaphragms, so that the first and second diaphragms with the mass addition member have different characteristic frequencies. Accordingly, pressure pulsation of the fuel in the suction chamber can be effectively reduced by the pulsation damper. |
| US08562314B2 |
Electric water pump
An electric water pump apparatus may include a body, a stator disposed in the body, a rotor in the stator, a pump cover having an inlet and an outlet, wherein a front surface of the body and the pump cover form a volute chamber, wherein a stator chamber is formed at an outer portion in the body in a radial direction and the stator is mounted in the stator chamber, and wherein a rotor chamber is formed at an inner portion in the body and the rotor is mounted in the rotor chamber, a shaft rotatably coupled to the front surface and fixed into the rotor, and an impeller fixed to a front portion of the shaft, wherein the shaft includes a first shaft connecting the impeller and a front end portion of the rotor and a second shaft connected to a rear end portion of the rotor along the central axis of the shaft. |
| US08562308B1 |
Regenerative hydraulic lift system
A hydraulic cylinder assembly for a fluid pump including a cylinder, a bearing attached to an approximate first end of the cylinder, a rod slideably mounted within the bearing, and a piston located about an end of the rod in the cylinder opposite the bearing. A central axis of the rod is offset from, and parallel to, a centerline of the cylinder to impede a rotation of the piston about the rod. The hydraulic cylinder assembly further including a hydraulic pump fluidly connected to the cylinder, the pump configured to provide a hydraulic pressure to the cylinder during an up-stroke of the piston and rod and the pump further configured to generate electricity on the down-stroke of the piston and rod. |
| US08562303B2 |
Fuel supply system
A fuel supply system has an in-tank module. The in-tank module is provided with a pump, a filter, a pressure regulator and a pressure sensor detecting a fuel pressure. The pressure sensor is disposed on or at a vicinity of the fuel pump so that the pressure sensor easily detects a pulsation component due to the pump. A fuel pump controller includes a speed detection module which detects the rotation speed of the fuel pump based on a cycle of the pulsation component of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. Thus, the rotation speed of the fuel pump can be indirectly detected by means of the pressure sensor. |
| US08562302B2 |
Wind turbine blade with integrated handling mechanism attachment bores
A wind turbine blade includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, a suction side, and a pressure side. At least one integrated attachment bore is configured in each of the suction side and pressure side between the leading edge and trailing edge. The attachment bores are structurally configured for receipt of a handling mechanism therein for supporting the blade during a transportation, installation, or maintenance procedure. |
| US08562300B2 |
Wind turbine with high solidity rotor
A wind turbine includes a nacelle support structure rotationally mounted to a tower through a yaw bearing for rotation about a yaw axis. A hollow shaft is rotationally mounted to the nacelle support structure through a rotor bearing for rotation about a rotor axis of rotation and a blade support body is mounted to the hollow shaft, the blade support body supports either of a two-bladed rotor system and a three-bladed rotor system, the two-bladed rotor system and the three-bladed rotor system have essentially equal solidity. |
| US08562299B2 |
Blade for a device for generating energy from a fluid flow
A blade for a device for generating energy from a fluid including a driving surface inside which a fluid is intended to flow in order to rotate the blade about a rotational axis {right arrow over (X)}0, {right arrow over (Y)}0 which defines with axes {right arrow over (Y)}0, {right arrow over (Z)}0 an orthogonal reference frame, {right arrow over (X)}0, {right arrow over (Y)}0, {right arrow over (Z)}0. Said blade being bounded by a leading edge and a trailing edge, narrowing between the leading edge and the trailing edge, running along a neutral fiber, where the projection of the neutral fiber onto the plane {right arrow over (X)}0, {right arrow over (Y)}0 has a first curvature. The plane {right arrow over (X)}0, {right arrow over (Y)}0 being defined so as to contain the neutral fiber at the leading edge. The blade is particularly applicable to wind generators. |
| US08562296B2 |
Lightning protection system for sectional blades
Additional lightning protection system for intermediate wind turbine blade joints comprises a metal fairing that covers the blade connector elements while shielding and protecting the internal connector elements from getting hit by lightning. |
| US08562285B2 |
Angled on-board injector
A secondary flow system provides a compact injector cooling structure for turbine blades which includes an Angled On-board Injector (AOBI) that locates a metering throat at an inward angle relative to an engine centerline. The AOBI positions the metering throat at the inward angle relative to an engine centerline to communicate cooling airflow to an angled annular section of a turbine rotor disk coverplate. |
| US08562281B2 |
Actuator
In one embodiment, a fluid driven actuation system is provided having a turbine and an actuation member with cooperating surfaces. In one form the fluid is fuel. The turbine may move when fluid is flowed through the actuation member thereby causing the actuation member to move by action of the cooperating threaded surfaces. A movable nozzle may also be provided to direct fluid flowing through actuation member and may be used to cause the turbine to move. A spring may be provided to create a biasing force in the nozzle. |
| US08562280B1 |
Warehouse storage system
A warehouse storage system is shown and described. In one embodiment, the system includes a building, at least one mobile rack and a loader. Typically, the loader is configured to receive a material in a first loading position and orient the material to a second storage position. The loader may include a lift and a carriage. In particular embodiments, the mobile rack includes a load stabilizer system. |
| US08562276B2 |
System for loading and unloading unit loads into a cargo hold, in particular of an aircraft, and intermediate transport device or corresponding transport unit
The present invention concerns a system for loading and unloading loose cargo (6), such as preferably pieces of luggage or the like, in a cargo hold (1) of a plane, including conveying the loose cargo (6) towards the inner end of the cargo hold (1) during loading, or away from it during unloading, and including transport of the loose cargo (6) between the level of the tarmac and the cargo hold opening. In the system of the invention, the loose cargo (6) may during loading be conveyed into the fuselage in a direction transversal to the longitudinal axis of the plane and also in the longitudinal direction of the plane, and deposited in the cargo hold (1). Loose cargo (6) conveyed back into the plane of the cargo hold opening during unloading may be conveyed off transversely to the longitudinal axis of the plane through the cargo hold opening. Moreover the invention proposes intermediate conveyor means (2) herefor. Furthermore the present invention specifies further alternatives for the system and also for the intermediate conveyor means and conveyor unit, respectively. |
| US08562272B2 |
Substrate load and unload mechanisms for high throughput
In various exemplary embodiments described herein, a system includes a plurality of carrier arms each having concentrically mounted midpoints between opposing ends of the carrier arms with a wafer carrier mounted on each of the opposing ends of the carrier arms. A hub includes a plurality of concentrically mounted drives where each of the plurality of drives is coupled near the midpoint of a respective one of the plurality of carrier arms. Each of the plurality of drives is configured to be controlled independently of the remaining plurality of concentrically mounted drives. A respective motor is coupled to each of the concentrically mounted drives and is configured to move the coupled carrier arm in a rotary manner. A linear wafer transport mechanism moves wafers to or from select ones of the wafer carriers on the plurality of carrier arms to an easy handoff location for a load/unload robot. |
| US08562268B2 |
Fastener tip coating chemistry
An ease of drive coating for a fastener is formulated from a resin having at least two different friction reducing components, such as silicone and graphite. A fastener and fastener strip include a resin formulation with at last two different friction reducing components. |
| US08562266B2 |
Flush mounted fastener for plasma processing apparatus
A fastener assembly for parts of a plasma chamber. The fastener assembly includes a bolt with a tool engaging socket and a spring-loaded pin which fits in a through hole of the bolt. When installed, the spring-loaded pin substantially fills the space in the socket and thus prevents parasitic plasma from forming in spaces between opposed surfaces of the pin and bolt. When a tool such as a hex key is inserted into the socket, the spring-loaded pin retracts and the tool rotates the bolt to attach an upper part to a lower part by engaging threads of the bolt with a threaded hole in the lower part. |
| US08562263B2 |
Lateral movement inhibitor for a drill press table and an adjustable drill press table incorporating the same
A lateral motion inhibitor assembly, a drill press incorporating the inhibitor and a method of using the same. The inhibitor assembly includes a clamping assembly which fixedly engages a vertical support column of the drill press, a connector assembly which fixedly engages a horizontally-oriented drill press table; and a plate assembly which extends between and is pivotally secured to both the clamping and connector assemblies. The plate assembly includes a first plate and second plate that are pivotally secured together. The inhibitor assembly restrains the table and drill against lateral movement relative to each other when the table's vertical position on the support column is changed. The inhibitor assembly ensures that both an initial drill hole and a subsequent drill hole are drilled in substantially the same location on a workpiece supported on the table. |
| US08562261B2 |
End mill
An end mill includes first cutting edges which spiral in a direction defining a positive helix angle and second cutting edges which spiral in a direction defining a negative helix angle, the first cutting edges and the second cutting edges being disposed at positions shifted in a circumferential direction. The first cutting edges and the second cutting edges are each configured to be continuous over an effective cutting edge length. At an axially forward end of the end mill, a first phase angle between one of the first cutting edges and its adjacent second cutting edge located adjacent to the first cutting edges in an opposite direction to a tool rotation direction is set to be different from a second phase angle between the second cutting edge and its adjacent first cutting edge located adjacent to the second cutting edges in the opposite direction to the tool rotation direction. |
| US08562255B2 |
Bending restrictor assembly for use with a pipeline section
A bending restrictor assembly for use with a pipeline section has a sleeve affixed to the pipeline section, an outer collar slidably positioned relative to and over the sleeve, and an inner collar slidably positioned relative to an interior of the outer collar. The inner collar in spaced longitudinal relation to an end of the sleeve. The inner and outer collars are slidable relative to a bending of the pipeline section. A series of holes and keyways are formed in the inner and outer collars. Pins are inserted into corresponding holes and keyways so as to correspond to a limit of the bending radius of the pipeline section. |
| US08562254B2 |
Door arrangement for a tunneling machine
The present invention provides a door arrangement for a tunneling machine. The door arrangement is for location at the front of the tunneling machine adjacent to the digging end of the machine. The door arrangement allows for the interior of the machine to be sealed off from the tunnel face, while also allowing for the door arrangement to be opened and allow complete access to the tunnel face. The door arrangement comprises door sections for hinged connection to a tunneling machine, the door sections being pivotable about the hinged connection between a closed position sealing the tunneling machine and an open position allowing the tunneling machine access to a tunnel face. |
| US08562250B2 |
Method for injecting surface water into the ground
A method and pumping/drainage channel member for injecting surface water into the soil beneath a ground area includes drilling a series of holes and inserting an elongated pumping/drainage members into each hole extending downwardly into the soil. The pumping/drainage channel members comprise a cluster of integrally joined channel features each formed with a lengthwise extending slot opening. Surface water flows to the pumping/drainage member, enters the channels and drains down the pumping/drainage members to enhance water movement down into the soil to reduce runoff and help to recharge acquifers. Longer members may be installed between shorter members in a pattern to achieve more rapid injection of water deep into the subsoil. |
| US08562249B2 |
Paving machine with a storage container
The invention relates to a self-propelled paving machine for floor coverings respectively cover layers, particularly for synthetic floor coverings respectively resilient base layers, for synthetic coverings for sports surfaces, such as jogging tracks, small playing fields, runways for long jump installations, playgrounds, screed, particularly synthetic resin screed or the like, wherein the material is distributed uniformly over a fill-in width on a prepared under-floor, and pulled off or flattened there by at least one flattening plank, wherein a storage container is provided which is connected with a fill-up area of the paving machine, and the paving machine presents a carriage, and wherein the fill-up area is provided between a rear closing-off of the carriage, viewed in the travel direction, and the flattening plank, wherein a direct delivery of the material from the storage container into the fill-up area is provided. |
| US08562248B2 |
Method and apparatus for repairing potholes and the like
A vehicle mounted patching system for patching potholes and the like and incorporating method and apparatus for feeding materials used in patching operations as well as removing and flushing asphalt emulsion from the feed lines of the patcher vehicle to completely recycle the cleaning agent used to flush the feed lines after a patching operation, as well as preventing any external discharge of potentially toxic materials. Dry particulate is used to coat a pothole patch to permit immediate use. Rubber particulate impregnated with a fibrous material is used to assure bonding with the emulsion. A hydraulically-driven feeder feeds particulate into a pressurized conduit through a one-way air lock. A hydraulic pump provides mechanical power to the feeder and an air blower which pressurizes the conduit carrying the particulate to a dispensing head. A spray assembly is provided to spray fibrous material entering the feeder. |
| US08562247B2 |
Asphalt repair system and method
A multipurpose asphalt processor and method for repairing damaged asphalt. The asphalt processor may be used to both till and screed asphalt surfaces. The asphalt processor may include a powered shaft having a plurality of tines extending therefrom. The outermost tines on the shaft may be angled to thereby form a beveled surface along the edges of tilled area of asphalt. The asphalt processor may further include a screed for leveling tilled asphalt. The asphalt processor may take the form of an attachment for use with existing machinery, such as a tractor. |
| US08562245B2 |
Kerbstone and stop for bus traffic
A curbstone (6, 7, 9, 10) comprising an upper side (63, 73, 93, 103) serving as a step-on surface, a front side (64, 74, 94, 104) serving as a boundary, a rear side (61, 71, 91, 101) and a lower side (62, 72, 92, 102), wherein the front side (64, 74, 94, 104) comprises a lower mounting section (641, 741, 941, 1041) with an upper edge (642, 742, 942, 1042) and, adjoining the upper edge (642, 742, 942, 1042), an upper section which is provided with an oblique surface (645, 745, 945, 1045) which is set back increasingly from bottom to top in the direction of the rear side (61, 71, 91, 101) and which, in its lower region, merges into a concavely curved section (644, 744, 944, 1044) which extends as far as the upper edge (642, 742, 942, 1042) in a substantially planar section (643, 743, 943, 1043) extending virtually horizontally in the mounted state, wherein the front side (64, 74, 94, 104) comprises, above the oblique surface (645, 745, 945, 1045), a second concavely curved section (647, 747, 947, 1047) which is set back increasingly from bottom to top in the direction of the rear side (61, 71, 91, 101). |
| US08562243B2 |
Clamping arrangement and ejector and conical ring for the same
A clamping arrangement for the force-fit connection of an outer component to an inner component including an inner conical ring and an outer conical ring wherein one of the rings has leadthrough bores clamping screws and the other ring has threaded bores for the clamping screws to brace the rings against one another via the conical peripheral surfaces, and against the inner and outer component arrangement. At least one leadthrough bore having an ejector thread for an ejector screw and the diameter of the ejector thread being greater than the diameter of the clamping screw. The arrangement including an ejector ring with an ejector bore for the leadthrough of the ejector screw which can be screwed into the ejector thread and an ejector surface for engaging a clamping screw head that is incompletely screwed into the corresponding threaded bore for the transmission of an ejector force onto the clamping screw. |
| US08562241B2 |
Universal framing channel mounting bracket
An attachment system for securing conveyor components to a conveyor disposed between a pair of side guards. The side guards are U-shaped and have first and second side guard ends that extend perpendicularly from the opposite ends of a flat wall portion to a distal end. The first side guard end includes a first lip that defines a grooved portion. At least one framing channel extending between flat first and second channel ends is disposed between the first and second side guard ends. The first channel end includes a projection portion that extends from the first channel end to engage to the grooved portion to secure the first channel end adjacent the first side guard end. At least one tab extends outwardly from the second channel end to engage an end guard opening defined in the second side guard end to secure the framing channel to the side guard. |
| US08562240B2 |
Connection device for assembling together two members
A connection device for assembling a receiver first section member presenting an inner cavity and a fastener second section member presenting at least one groove having a constricted opening, the connection device to be received in the inner cavity of the receiver member and including a cage forming a pair of jaws for engaging the groove of the fastener member through its constricted opening. The device includes a spacer member for spacing the jaws apart, and an actuator mechanism for moving the spacer member relative to the jaws, the actuator mechanism including a pivotable lever that pivots about a first pivot pin. Then actuator mechanism includes a connection bar connected to the lever via a second pivot pin and to an abutment element via a third pivot pin, the three pivot pins are parallel, the distance between the first pin and the third pin being variable by actuating the lever. |
| US08562237B2 |
Ball-joint support for thin parts
A ball-joint support for thin parts, through which a ball-joint is operably coupled to a thin part, and where the ball-joint includes an inner part with a central coaxial orifice through which a longitudinal axis is introduced, and an outer part that engages complementarily to the inner part is provided. The ball joint support includes a cap including a central through hole in which the ball joint is embedded inside via the outer part, and externally, the cap is embedded in a cylindrical opening included in the thin part, and mechanical means for axial retention of the thin part to the cap, wherein the thickness of the cap is greater than the thickness of the thin part where the cap engages. |
| US08562236B2 |
Articulated device
An articulated device comprises a first member that is provided with a first set of teeth fixedly connected thereto. A second adjacent member is provided with a second set of teeth fixedly connected thereto. A coupling section is also provided on which the first set of teeth is hingeably supported around a first hinge axis and on which the second set of teeth is hingeably supported around a second hinge axis wherein the first set of teeth engages with the second set of teeth. A positioning device sets an angular position of the first and second members relative to the coupling section. |
| US08562235B2 |
Ink composition for aqueous ink ball point pen and aqueous ink ball point pen
An ink composition for an aqueous ink ball point pen with which a sufficiently high line intensity is obtained even when a thermochromic microcapsule pigment having a small average particle diameter is used and which is excellent in storage stability and a writing performance is provided with such a constitution that it contains at least a microcapsule pigment which has an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 1.0 μm and in which a wall film is formed by an amino resin and a chemical substance which is a polymer comprising ketone as a main chain and has an acidic functional group in the chemical structure and which has an acid value of 3 to 40 (mgKOH/g). |
| US08562233B2 |
Container having a tool retainer, container carrying a cosmetic accessory, and associated cosmetic accessory and treatment method
The present invention relates generally to packaging. In one embodiment the invention concerns a container having a tool retainer incorporated therein. In another embodiment the invention relates to a container of the type having a hollow envelope defining internally a chamber suitable for a product such as a cosmetic product, the hollow envelope defining externally a receiving housing for an accessory such as a cosmetic accessory; and an accessory, such as a cosmetic accessory, designed to be received removably in the receiving housing, the accessory having at least a part that is more flexible than the hollow envelope. |
| US08562224B2 |
Bearing oiling system
A split inner ring of a bearing assembly comprises first and second rings, a plurality of holes, a circumferential annulus and a lubrication system. The first and second rings are configured to mate axially at inside side surfaces to define an inner raceway formed on an outer surface of the rings. The plurality of holes are circumferentially spaced and extend from an outside side surface to an inside side surface of the first ring. The circumferential annulus is formed on the inside side surface of the first ring, between the inner raceway and an inner surface of the first ring, and intersects the plurality of holes. The lubrication system connects the circumferential annulus to the outer surface of the first ring and the second ring. The lubrication system comprises circumferentially spaced slots in the first ring, or axial holes fluidly coupled with radial holes in the second ring. |
| US08562217B2 |
Compact non-contact mechanical coupling, damping and/or load bearing device
A compact, noncontact mechanical coupling, damping, and/or load bearing device comprising an internal load bearing member and an external load bearing member that are mated in an interdigitated relation while maintaining a gap therebetween is described. In some embodiments, the gap between the internal and external load bearing members is maintained by hydrostatic means, hydrodynamic means, electrorheological fluids, magnetorheological fluids, electric fields, and/or magnetic fields. |
| US08562214B2 |
Waterproof truck bag
A large, waterproof bag that is sized to fit into the bed of a pick-up truck. The bag is fully sealed by a zipper and an overlapping flap at an opening at one end of the bag. The flap covers and protects the zipper. The waterproof bag is used to store luggage and other goods in a safe, waterproof environment in the truck bed. The bag features eight hook assemblies attached at each corner of two opposed surfaces of the bag that can be used to secure the bag in place during travel. |
| US08562210B2 |
Thermal sensor for semiconductor circuits
A system and a method for measuring temperature within an operating circuit use a Wheatstone bridge within a temperature sensing circuit. One of the resistors in the Wheatstone bridge is a thermally sensitive resistive material layer within the operating circuit. The other three resistors are thermally isolated from the operating circuit. Particular configurations of NFET and PFET devices are used to provide enhanced measurement sensitivity within the temperature sensing circuit that includes the Wheatstone bridge. |
| US08562206B2 |
Hairspring for timepiece hairspring-balance oscillator, and method of manufacture thereof
The present invention relates to a hairspring for a timepiece hairspring-balance oscillator, which can be produced, in particular, from a low-density material such as silicon, diamond or quartz, and to a method of manufacturing such a hairspring. According to the invention, this hairspring comprises at least one leaf (2) the cross section of which has a thickness and a height and its characterizing feature is that the leaf (2) comprises a plurality of apertures (3) extending in the heightwise direction of the leaf and alternating with bridges (5). The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a hairspring. |
| US08562205B2 |
Bi-axial high-performance escapement, or BHPE (EBHP)
An escapement (1) comprising: a roller (5), a first mobile escapement part (2) comprising first escapement teeth (22) and a second mobile escapement part (3) comprising second escapement teeth (32), a means (29, 39) for mechanically coupling the first mobile escapement part to the second mobile escapement part, and an anchor (4) carrying a first and second pallet stone (42, 43), the roller comprising a third impulse pallet stone (52) cooperating with the first escapement teeth and a fourth impulse pallet stone (53) cooperating with the second escapement teeth. |
| US08562203B2 |
Extruder
An extruder comprises a displacement part with a housing, inside of which at least one screw shaft is housed and which is provided, at one end, with a material entry opening for the material to be processed and, at the other end, with a material outlet opening for the processed material, and with an intermediate opening between the material entry opening and the material outlet opening for discharging gas from the displacement part. A material retaining device is connected to said intermediate opening and has at least one screw shaft inside an intermediate housing. This screw shaft extends from the intermediate opening to a gas discharge opening in the intermediate housing and conveys material entering the intermediate housing back into the displacement part. To this end, the screw section of the screw shaft facing the displacement part has a direction of thread that returns into the displacement part, and the screw section of the screw shaft facing away from the displacement part has an opposite direction of thread. |
| US08562200B2 |
Lighting module, backlight unit, and display device including the same
Provided are a lighting module, a backlight unit, and a display device including the same. The lighting module may include a substrate, a plurality of light emitting diodes positioned on a first surface of the substrate, and at least one guide protrusion on the first surface of the substrate. The at least one guide protrusion may include a pin protruding from the first surface of the substrate and a cap coupled to the pin. |
| US08562194B2 |
Wavelength conversion unit and illumination apparatus including the unit
A wavelength conversion unit includes a wavelength conversion member that transmits a part of incident excitation light and converts a part of the excitation light into wavelength-converted light having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the excitation light to emit the wavelength-converted light. The excitation light has an intensity distribution in which an intensity is maximum at the center and decreases as getting apart from the center. A thickness of the wavelength conversion member at a portion into which light at the center of the intensity distribution of the excitation light enters is larger than those at any other portions. |
| US08562193B2 |
Wedge-base bulb socket and automotive light for motor vehicles and similar provided with said socket
Wedge-base bulb socket comprising: a supporting base provided with a coupling seat dimensioned to house the plug of the light bulb; two coupling and connecting members which are located inside the coupling seat, and are structured to separately hold the wedge-shaped plug of the light bulb fitted into the coupling seat, and to feed electric current to said light bulb; two electrically conductive elements which extend on the surface of the supporting base up to the edge of the entrance of the coupling seat, on opposite sides of said entrance, and then descend into the coupling seat up to reach each a respective coupling and connecting member; and two respectively-facing additional supporting jaws which are supported by the two electrically conductive elements so as to be located substantially on opposite sides of the entrance of the coupling seat, and structured to clamp the wedge-base light bulb fitted into the socket, so as to firmly hold said wedge-base light bulb in the wedge-base bulb socket. |
| US08562190B2 |
Rear lamp assembly
A rear automotive lamp assembly is provided replicating the appearance of a plurality of distinct illumination sources, such as light emitting diodes. The lamp assembly having a light source, at least one reflector, the reflectors having reflective surfaces, the reflective surfaces operable to reflect light from the light source. The reflectors spaced apart and oriented such that light rays from the light source are incident to each of the reflective surfaces are reflected towards a viewing direction. A shield further disposed between the light source and the reflective surface of the reflector. The shield including a plurality of open sections or cutouts thereby allowing a generally collimated light beam from the light source to shine on the reflective surface such that each of the reflective surfaces of the at least one reflector appears as a distinct illumination source from the viewing direction. The openings vary in size and dimension along the length of the shield. |
| US08562185B2 |
Expandable liquid volume in an LED bulb
An LED bulb includes a base, a shell connected to the base, one or more LEDs, a thermally conductive liquid, and a flexible diaphragm. The one or more LEDs are disposed within the shell. The thermally conductive liquid is held within the shell. The flexible diaphragm is in fluidic connection to the thermally conductive liquid, and is configured to deflect from a first position to a second position to compensate for expansion of the thermally conductive liquid. |
| US08562182B2 |
Lighting fixture and method for creating visual effects and method for creating a distorted image
A lighting fixture and method for creating visual effects include a light box having an interior, a reflective inner surface and an opening, a plate covering the opening, a 3-dimentional image on the plate having a first depth, at least one light source disposed in the interior for illuminating the image with evenly spread light. The light source is disposed at a second depth behind the image. A ratio of first to second depths is between 7:7 and 7:21. A plurality of interchangeable plates may be provided with respective 3-dimentional images for creating different effects. A method for creating a distorted image includes preparing a 2-dimensional image, sculpting a 3-dimensional model, vacuum forming and running a 3-dimentional grid, drawing a distorted outline onto a 2-dimentional grid with photo management software, digitally matching and stretching an original image to match the outline and removing the outline leaving the distorted image. |
| US08562173B1 |
Illumination system
An illumination system is provided, which includes a first solid-state light source, a second solid-state light source, a third solid-state light source, a light combining element, a light homogenizing element, a first plate and a first band-stop filter. The first solid-state light source to the third solid-state light source respectively provide a first-wavelength light beam to a third-wavelength light beam. The first plate has a first surface opposite to an outputting surface of the light combining element and a first phosphor, while the first phosphor is excited by the third-wavelength light beam to produce a fourth-wavelength light beam. The first band-stop filter allows the first-wavelength light beam to the third-wavelength light beam to pass therethrough and reflects the fourth-wavelength light beam. With these arrangements, the illumination system can strengthen the light of a specific color and the volume of the illumination system can be reduced. |
| US08562166B1 |
Illuminated headgear with integrally constructed displays
An illuminated headgear (10), with an energy absorbing support structure (11), operationally coupled to an outer shell (12), with illuminated graphical display units, containing graphical representations that are illuminated by lights (25a-25f) energized in a timed mode of operation, the illuminated graphical displays being integrated with the outer shell and supported by the window instead of disposed in the supporting structure (11), and further comprising graphical support membrane (82), enabling individuals to make and apply their own unique graphical representations to light-transmissive windows (13, 14) in the generally opaque outer shell (12). |
| US08562159B2 |
Instrument cluster and methods thereof
The present invention relates to an instrument cluster, more particularly relates to an improved instrument cluster having a Printed Circuit Board [PCB (1)] which holds the pointer drive source and an illumination source of pointer. The instant invention also provides for a method of operating the instrument cluster and method of assembling the instrument cluster. |
| US08562158B2 |
Device having built-in digital data device for LED bulb
A device having built-in digital data means is powered by an unlimited power source for a lamp-holder, LED bulb, light device connected to unlimited power source by prongs or a base that can be inserted into a socket that would otherwise receiving a bulb. The device may take the form of a webcam having auto tracking functions and retractable prongs that plug directly into a wall outlet. |
| US08562157B2 |
Extended field of view exterior mirror element for vehicle
An extended field of view exterior mirror element includes a reflective single glass element having a substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and a multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion. The substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides a first primary field of view rearward of the vehicle. When the driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of the vehicle, the substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides to the driver of the vehicle a rearward field of view that subtends an angle that is not greater than approximately 20 degrees with respect to the driver-side of the vehicle. The multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the vehicle. The second auxiliary rearward field of view extends the first primary rearward field of view further outward from the driver-side of the vehicle. |
| US08562156B2 |
Mirror for improved visibility of danger zone area on right side of school buses
The present invention relates to a mirror and mirror system which can be used in connection with large vehicles, such as school buses, to provide the driver of such vehicles with the ability to view the entire side of the vehicle. While such vehicles currently include side view mirrors attached to the front of the vehicle, these mirrors contain blind spots, such as the area immediately in front of the rear wheel of the vehicle. The current invention overcomes such blind spots by attaching a second mirror to the rear portion of the vehicle that provides a forward view from the rear of the vehicle, including a view of such blind spots. Such front and rear mirrors may be aligned so that the view of the rear mirror is portrayed within the view of the front mirror. As such, the present invention provides the driver with a complete view of the passenger side of the vehicle. |
| US08562155B2 |
On-vehicle multidirectional visual-recognition device
An on-vehicle multidirectional visual-recognition device includes a first visual-recognition mechanism including a front door window and a door mirror of a door mirror mechanism. A second visual-recognition mechanism includes a first mirror provided in a door-mirror housing of the door mirror mechanism so as to show a range from a side of a vehicle including an area below the door mirror mechanism to a front side of the vehicle. A sub window transmits light reflected by the first mirror and extends continuously from the front door window toward the front side of the vehicle via a frame. A second mirror reflects the light transmitted through the sub window toward a vehicle occupant. Brightness of the light to be received by the vehicle occupant is set substantially equal to brightness of the light at the first visual-recognition mechanism. |
| US08562152B2 |
Collimator lens unit with aspheric surfaces for imparting a luminous flux density distribution
A collimator lens unit includes at least two lenses and substantially collimates a beam of light emitted from a solid-state light source unit of a Lambert emission type, wherein at least two faces of incidence faces and emission faces of the lenses constituting the two lenses are aspheric faces, one front aspheric face located close to the solid-state light source unit has a function of changing a luminous flux density distribution of the beam of light emitted from the solid-state light source unit to a predetermined luminous flux density distribution in which the luminous flux density in the vicinity of an optical axis of the collimator lens unit is higher than the luminous flux density in a peripheral portion separated from the optical, the rear aspheric face farthest from the solid-state light source unit has a function of substantially collimating the beam of light. |
| US08562149B2 |
Flexibly connectable digital micromirror device module and projecting apparatus employing same
A digital micromirror device module includes a flexible connection device, a digital micromirror device and a connecting interface. The flexible connection device includes a plurality of conducting wires and an external insulation layer, wherein the conducting wires are discretely arranged and encapsulated by the external insulation layer. The digital micromirror device unit is disposed on the external insulation layer of the flexible connection device and electrically connected with the conducting wires of the flexible connection device. The connecting interface is arranged at a lateral end of the flexible connection device and connected with the conducting wires. |
| US08562142B2 |
Projector for micro projection surfaces and use of a multicolour LED in a projector
A multicolour LED, in which layers for generating light of different colors are arranged one above the other, is used as the light source in a projector. |
| US08562138B2 |
Projection display device
In a projection display device, a polarization converting element is provided between an imager and a refracting optical system for converting a polarization direction of light after modulation into a direction radially extending from the center of the optical axis of the refracting optical system. Light transmitted through the polarization converting element is incident onto the refracting optical system in a state of P-polarized light or a state close to the state of P-polarized light. Thereby, the transmittance of light through the refracting optical system is made substantially uniform and increased. |
| US08562135B2 |
Ophthalmic apparatus
An ophthalmic apparatus includes: a light projecting optical system for projecting measurement light on a cornea of an examinee's eye; a first imaging optical system for imaging a cornea reflection image obtained by reflection of the measurement light at the cornea; a computing unit for obtaining a direction of a corneal astigmatic axis based on the cornea reflection image; an illuminating optical system for projecting illumination light toward a fundus of the examinee's eye; a second imaging optical system for imaging a retro-illumination image in a pupil of the examinee's eye obtained by reflection of the illumination light at the fundus; an image processing unit for combining a first target representing the direction of the astigmatic axis with the retro-illumination image; and an output unit for outputting the retro-illumination image with which the first target has been combined. |
| US08562130B2 |
Interconnection tab used with optical devices
An optical device with at least one interconnection tab is provided. The optical device includes a pair of opposed substrates with a gap therebetween filled with an electro-optic material. Each substrate has a facing surface with a substrate electrode disposed thereon. A sealing material is disposed between the pair of opposed substrates to contain the electro-optic material. At least one interconnection tab is interposed between the substrates. The interconnection tab includes an insulator layer with opposed surfaces. A tab electrode is provided on each surface, wherein each tab electrode is in electrical connection with a corresponding substrate electrode facing the tab electrode. And a pad electrode is also provided on each surface, wherein each pad electrode is in electronic connection with the substrate electrode facing the opposed surface of the insulator layer. |
| US08562128B2 |
Recording apparatus, recording method
A recording apparatus includes: an upstream conveying unit that intermittently conveys a recording medium from an upstream side to a downstream side in a conveying direction; a downstream conveying unit that continuously conveys the recording medium; a recording unit that deposits a liquid and performs a recording process on the recording medium while the recording medium is being intermittently conveyed by the upstream conveying unit and has stopped; a fixing unit that performs a fixing process for fixing the liquid on the recording medium being continuously conveyed by the downstream conveying unit after the liquid has been deposited by the recording unit; and a control unit that controls the downstream conveying unit so that the downstream conveying unit conveys the recording medium at a conveying velocity that is higher than an average conveying velocity when the recording medium is conveyed by the upstream conveying unit. |
| US08562125B2 |
Concentrated inkjet ink
A concentrated inkjet ink for packaging includes a liquid composition present in an amount that is less than 60 wt % of the concentrated inkjet ink, and nonvolatile solids present in an amount ranging from about 40 wt % to about 90 wt % of the concentrated inkjet ink. The nonvolatile solids include encapsulated pigment particles having a particle size ranging from about 50 nm to about 500 nm, and a dispersant. The concentrated inkjet ink is dispersible in an ink vehicle to form a print ready inkjet ink. |
| US08562124B2 |
Self-dispersing pigment dispersions and ink jet inks containing them
The disclosure provides a self dispersing pigment dispersion for use in inks including a pigment having a stabilizing group covalently attached to the pigment surface, and having an oil adsorption of at least about 155 to about 179 mL/100 g, and an acid content of at least about 0.98 microequivalent/m2, and wherein the pigment dispersion has a pigment densification rate of less than about 8.40 E-04 mL/second. Ink jet inks containing these self-dispersing pigments, are also provided. |
| US08562120B2 |
Continuous printhead including polymeric filter
A printhead includes a substrate, a filter membrane structure, and a liquid source. A first portion of the substrate defines a plurality of nozzles. A second portion of the substrate defines a plurality of liquid chambers. Each liquid chamber of the plurality of liquid chambers is in fluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of nozzles. The filter membrane structure is in contact with the second portion of the substrate. Each liquid chamber of the plurality of liquid chambers is in fluid communication with a distinct portion of the filter membrane structure. The filter membrane structure includes a polymeric material layer. The liquid source provides liquid under pressure through the filter membrane structure. The pressure is sufficient to jet an individual stream of the liquid through each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles after the liquid flows through the filter membrane structure. |
| US08562118B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus, including: a tank for storing a liquid; a liquid ejecting head that includes an inner passage having an inlet and an outlet and individual liquid channels; a supply passage connecting the tank and the inlet; a return passage connecting the tank and the outlet; a supply device to forcibly supply the liquid in the tank to the inner passage; a restrictor valve to restrict a liquid amount flowing through the return passage; and a discharge controller to drive the supply device while opening the restrictor valve, such that liquid circulation is conducted in which the liquid in the tank returns back thereto via the supply passage, the inner passage, and the return passage, in order, and configured to control the valve to restrict, during the liquid circulation, the liquid amount flowing through the return passage, for permitting a discharge of the liquid from the ejection openings. |
| US08562116B2 |
Printing fluid cartridge and printing apparatus
A printing fluid cartridge includes a front face oriented toward a first direction, a printing fluid supply portion positioned at the front face, a rear face positioned opposite the front face and oriented toward a second direction opposite the first direction, an electrical interface positioned between the front face and the rear face and facing, and an engagement surface facing in the second direction. |
| US08562111B2 |
Semiconductor device, liquid discharge head, liquid discharge cartridge, and liquid discharge apparatus
A semiconductor device including segments, a power supply pad and conductive patterns is provided. Each segment includes driving units for discharging a liquid. Each driving unit includes a driving circuit and an element driven by the driving circuit to apply discharging energy to the liquid. The conductive pattern includes a first conductive portion connected to the power supply pad, a second rectangular conductive portion, a third conductive portion connected to the driving units, and a connection portion which connects the second and third conductive portions. These conductive portions are elongated in a first direction. In a second direction, a length of the second conductive portion is greater than a length of the first conductive portion. The second conductive portion is connected to the first conductive portion at a first corner and to the connection portion at a second corner diagonal to the first corner. |
| US08562108B2 |
Two pass print mode method and apparatus for limiting wind-related print defects
A two pass print mode method and apparatus limits wind-related print defects produced during printing, utilizing a reciprocating carrier of a printer carrying a printhead having an array of columns of actuator-fired fluid-jetting nozzles along a bi-directional scanning path. Due to instructions from a controller, printing proceeds along an initial partial swath on a print medium during a first pass along the scanning path by firing actuators associated with a first plurality of segments of a given column of nozzles. Then, printing proceeds along a final partial swath on the print medium during a second pass along the scanning path by firing actuators associated with a second plurality of segments of the given column of nozzles. Each segment of nozzles of the first and second pluralities includes more than one consecutive nozzle so that gaps are created in the partial swath printing accommodating wind-related effects without causing wind-related print defects. |
| US08562107B2 |
Printing process of forming two images on print medium in overlapping manner
The printing apparatus includes a control-section for forming an image on a print-medium by repeating an image-formation-operation and a transport-operation. Through the image-formation-operation, a plurality of nozzle-arrays discharges an ink while a moving-mechanism moves the plurality of nozzle-arrays, and through the transport-operation, the print-medium is transported to the transport-mechanism. The control-section forms a first-image by using a nozzle group for the first-image. The nozzle-group for the first-image is formed of N nozzles included in a first-nozzle-array of the plurality of nozzle-arrays. In addition, the control-section forms a second-image, which overlaps with the first-image on the print-medium, by using a nozzle-group for the second-image. The nozzle-group for the second-image is formed of M nozzles among the nozzles included in the second-nozzle-array of the plurality of nozzle-arrays, and the position of the nozzle-group for the second-image is different from that of the nozzle-group for the first-image in a first-direction. |
| US08562106B2 |
Inkjet print head and inkjet print apparatus
There is provided an inkjet print apparatus which can prevent floating mists from being attached on a head face to realize a print with high quality. Therefore a wing-shaped print head is provided to increase an air flow flowing into a region between a print head positioned backward thereof and a print medium. |
| US08562105B2 |
Fixing structure for print head carriage rod and fixing method thereof
A fixing structure for print head carriage rod and a fixing method thereof. The fixing structure is simplified and is able to minimize the flexure of the print head carriage rod. The fixing structure includes a frame body disposed in a printing machine, and a carriage rod mounted on the frame body for a print head carriage to reciprocally travel on the carriage rod for printing operation. The frame body has sidewalls and support sections formed on the sidewalls for supporting two ends of the carriage rod. The fixing structure further includes retainers for securing the carriage rod to the frame body. The retainers are positioned on two sides of the support sections of the sidewalls to together with the support sections prevent the carriage rod from being flexed so as to avoid deterioration of printing quality. |
| US08562101B2 |
Method and system for correcting media shift during identification of printhead roll
A method for aligning a printhead to compensate for printhead roll when an image receiving member moves laterally during printing has been developed. The method includes generating at different times a plurality of marks in a process direction with different inkjets in a printhead and identifying relationships between marks in each plurality. Lateral motion is thereby detected and removed from the analysis identifying the magnitude of the roll corresponding to the locations of the marks in the pluralities of marks. |
| US08562099B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus and method for detecting faulty discharge in ink jet recording apparatus
A faulty discharge detection technique to detect faulty discharge of nozzles in an ink jet recording apparatus includes recording a test pattern onto a recording medium so as to include at least two or more reference marks in the width direction of the recording medium, reading the test pattern by a scanner unit, determining whether or not there is a faulty discharge image from image data read in the test pattern reading, and calculating faulty discharge nozzle position to, in the event that there is a faulty discharge image in the image data, detect the reference marks and detect the position of nozzles in a faulty discharge state from the position of the faulty discharge image in the image data. |
| US08562096B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image formation method, and computer-readable medium
An image forming apparatus including a first carriage having a print head independently movable in a main scanning direction, a second carriage having a print head movable with the first carriage, an encoder sheet, first and second home position reference units provided to the first and second carriages, a home position detector that detects the first and second home position reference units, and first and second position detectors provided to the first and second carriages, which detect positions of the first and second carriages by reading the encoder sheet. A control unit controls ejection of ink from the print head of the first carriage based on an output from the first position detector, and ejection of ink from the print head of the second carriage based on the output from the second position detector. |
| US08562092B2 |
Platen unit and liquid ejecting apparatus
A platen unit includes a supporting member, a first member that is provided on the supporting member and includes an inner space, a second member that is provided on the supporting member and includes an inner space, a first platen in which at least a portion is provided on the first member and which includes holes communicating with the inner space of the first member, and a second platen that is provided on the first member and the second member, includes holes communicating with the inner space of the first member, and holes communicating with the inner space of the second member. |
| US08562091B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting ink in a reservoir using an overdriven thermistor and an electrical conductor extending from the thermistor
A method detects the level of ink in a print head reservoir by monitoring the power drawn by a thermistor positioned within the print head reservoir by an electrical conductor. The method includes dissipating heat in a thermistor positioned within an ink reservoir, the thermistor having an electrical conductor that extends from the thermistor, a length of the electrical conductor extending through at least a portion of the ink reservoir, providing electrical power through the electrical conductor to the thermistor to maintain the thermistor at a predetermined temperature that is a fixed differential above a temperature of the ink reservoir, measuring a parameter that corresponds to the heat dissipated from the thermistor and the length of the electrical conductor extending through the portion of the ink reservoir, and correlating the measured parameter to a predetermined value corresponding to an ink level in the ink reservoir to detect a position of the ink level in the reservoir continuously along the length of the electrical conductor and the thermistor. |
| US08562090B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method for controlling the same
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a head having a nozzle for discharging a liquid droplet; a sub-tank for temporarily storing the liquid supplied to the head; a main tank for storing the liquid; a pump capable of forwardly sending the liquid from the main tank to the sub-tank and reversely sending the liquid from the sub-tank to the main tank; and a sensor for sensing a pressure in the sub-tank is provided. In the method, before sending the liquid forwardly or reversely to achieve a target negative pressure in the sub-tank, a pressure sensing function of the sensor is checked by sending the liquid with the pressure in the sub-tank being at a negative pressure range in which a meniscus of the liquid is maintained. When the pressure sensing function is determined abnormal, a control is performed not to send the liquid by the pump. |
| US08562089B2 |
Refrigerator shelf retainer and divider assembly for tall packages
A retainer including a front wall, a back wall, and opposing side walls defining a ring having a central opening is removably attached to a liner of a refrigerator door at a position spaced above a shelving unit. With this arrangement, a tall food item supported on the shelving unit and having an upper portion which projects through the central opening is prevented from falling when the refrigerator door is opened. A divider may be slidably attached to the retainer or shelving unit for laterally retaining the tall food items on the shelving unit in a snug configuration. |
| US08562088B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator having a storage box. The storage box may be configured to move back and forth in a storage compartment having a fixed rail. The storage box includes a guide unit provided at one side of the storage box, and a moving rail slidably coupled with the guide unit and accommodated in the fixed rail. The moving rail slidably moves back and forth along the fixed rail and the guide unit when the storage box moves back and forth. Since the guide unit is slidably coupled with the moving rail that moves back and forth along the fixed rail, a drawing length of the storage box is increased. |
| US08562085B2 |
Installation device for slide assembly
An installation device includes a retaining member fixed to a rail of the slide assembly and including a base, a release portion, an arm and a resilient portion. The base contacts the first contact portion of the rail. The release portion extends from the base. The arm has a retaining hole and a positioning portion. The retaining hole is located corresponding to an installation hole of the rail, and the positioning portion contacts the second contact portion of the rail. The resilient portion is connected to the rail so as to provide a resilient force to keep the retaining hole of the arm facing the installation hole of the rail. When a force is applied to the release portion, the arm is moved and the positioning portion is disengaged from the second contact portion, so that the installation member is released from the installation hole of the rail. |
| US08562083B2 |
Double bench with cabinet
A wooden piece of furniture for changing shoes has a cabinet with two parallel benches upon the sides of the cabinet. Each bench has a seat and storage rack beneath the seat. At the end of each bench, a cabinet stores slippers, footwear, and outerwear upon shelves behind doors and within a drawer. This furniture also includes a compartment within the cabinet for hanging storage of items, hooks within the compartment, seats stiffened by rails and a beam, and a cabinet stiffened by panel diaphragm action. This furniture can store both footwear and articles of clothing temporarily placed thereon by guests and other visitors. |
| US08562079B2 |
Road planing tool
A road planing tool includes a tool holder having a front end thereof formed with an assembling socket, and a tool bit being in a cone-like shape and having a tip and a bottom, wherein the bottom is configured to be fittingly inlaid in the assembling socket. The road planing tool is characterized in that: the bottom of the tool bit has a plurality of projecting retaining teeth, and the assembling socket is peripherally formed with a toothed inner rim correspondingly, wherein fittingly engagement between the retaining teeth and the toothed inner rim allows the tool bit to be firmly combined with the tool holder. |
| US08562068B2 |
Vehicle framework member
When front side members are bent by a front-rear-directional collision of a vehicle, the front side members come in surface, not point, contact with an adjacent member in the vehicle by a contact surface formed at a contact portion. Accordingly, the front-rear-directional collision load is stably transmitted to a member, such as an adjacent engine, such that it is possible to efficiently improve the effect of distributing and reducing the load in a collision. Further, since the bent front side members stably come in surface, not point, contact with the adjacent member, such as the engine in the vehicle, it is possible to decrease the possibility of unexpected fracturing of the front side members. |
| US08562064B2 |
Vehicle interior part
A door trim 10 having a side-impact absorption capability includes a base 22 having suction holes 23 and grooves 24 on a rear side between the adjacent suction holes 23. The base 22 is covered with a top cover 50 that is clung to a surface of the base 22 by applying vacuum through the suction holes 23. The suction holes 23 and the grooves 24 deform in conjunction with each other in a side collision and this improves the side-impact absorption capability. |
| US08562061B2 |
Sun visor for vehicles
A sun visor for vehicles, in which a sun visor body can pivot on a support rod, and includes a biasing and holding member that biases and holds the support rod only by three regions in a circumferential direction of the support rod. The biasing and holding member is formed by bending a single leaf spring and integrally includes a support rod holding region and a biasing force generating region. The support rod holding region comprises the three regions that surround an outer surface of the support rod, and the biasing force generating region is formed at a predetermined distance from the support rod holding region in a direction transverse to the axial direction of the support rod. Further, the biasing force generating region is designed as a mounting part for mounting the biasing and holding member to the sun visor body. |
| US08562060B2 |
Vehicle seat device
A vehicle seat device in which a seat can be simply and reliably held at a storage position. In a vehicle seat, a vehicle width direction outer side end portion of a seat cushion is supported so as to be capable of rotating around a drive shaft having an axis along a vehicle front-rear direction, and the seat cushion can be switched between a seating configuration at which an occupant can be seated and a storage configuration at which the seat cushion stands erect along a vehicle cabin inner side surface, due to being rotated around the drive shaft by a driving motor. Further, the vehicle seat which is in the storage configuration is held at the storage configuration by a striker. |
| US08562058B1 |
Light module for upper and lower glove box bin
A vehicle storage compartment is provided having a housing defining an outer casing and an inner storage space and a shelf disposed within the inner storage space such that the storage space is effectively divided into multiple storage compartments. A light source is operably coupled to the outer casing at an aperture opening into the storage space. The light source is divided by the shelf assembly and positioned to provide light illumination to the multiple storage compartments, as the light source is partially disposed in each of the multiple storage compartments. |
| US08562055B2 |
Machine tool
A machine tool includes: a hydraulic pump that supplies pressure oil; a fixture plate that positions a workpiece; a fixture base that detachably holds the fixture plate and that moves relative to a tool during machining; a hydraulic cylinder performs an attaching/removing operation for attaching or removing the fixture plate to or from the fixture base; an accumulator that accumulates the pressure oil from the hydraulic pump and that supplies the pressure oil to the hydraulic cylinder; and a manual valve that is manually switched to supply the pressure oil in the accumulator to the hydraulic cylinder to thereby control the attaching/removing operation of the hydraulic cylinder. |
| US08562052B2 |
Component engagement apparatus for use in automated systems and methods of assembling same
A component engagement apparatus for use in automated systems is provided. The engagement apparatus includes a main body and at least one retaining member coupled to the main body. The retaining member is configured to couple a component to the engagement apparatus such that the component is retained within the component engagement apparatus in a first predefined position. A plurality of alignment members are coupled to the main body such that each of the alignment members are positioned a predefined distance from the retaining members. The alignment members are each configured to align the component within the engagement apparatus when the component moves, via gravity, from the first predefined position to a second predefined position. |
| US08562048B2 |
Reel lifting device and method
A device 10 for engaging an object having an opening through a surface of the object includes a first pivotable hook 12 with a collar 16 and a point 26, the first hook 12 having a bend 24 between the collar 16 and the point 26. The first pivotable hook 12 also includes an opening 22 at or near the bend 24 of the first pivotable hook 12. The device also includes a second pivotable hook 14 with a collar 28 and a point 38, the second hook 14 having a bend 36 between the collar 28 and the point 38 and also having an opening 34 at or near the bend 36 of the second pivotable hook 14. A fastener 40 extends through the openings 22 and 34 at or near bends 24 and 36 of the pivotable hooks 12 and 14 such that the first and second pivotable hooks 12 and 14 are able to pivot around fastener 40. |
| US08562041B2 |
Bumper structure
A bumper structure which as a whole has a reduced weight and which has sufficient buckling strength. A bumper structure has a box-like outer shape constituted of a front flange (2), a rear flange (3), an upper web (4), and a lower web (5) which consist of a steel material. An intermediate web (6) consisting of a material other than the steel material is disposed between the upper web (4) and the lower web (5). If the Young's modulus of the steel material is E1, the density of the steel material is ρ1, the Young's modulus of the material which forms the intermediate web (6) is E2, and the density of the material which forms the intermediate web (6) is ρ2, the bumper structure satisfies E1/ρ13 |
| US08562038B2 |
Manual unlocking unit for a sliding door
A manual unlocking unit for a sliding door is disclosed. The unlocking unit includes a pivotable lever element comprising a plurality of abutments; a cable having a first end connectable to an unlocking device for the sliding door and a second end connected to the lever element, the cable being tensioned to actuate the unlocking device; and an actuating element actable on at least one of the plural abutments for pivoting the lever element. Each of the plural abutments is configured for receiving a tension or pressure actuating force from the actuating element. |
| US08562037B2 |
Vehicle handle
A vehicle handle (20) having handle joining sections (20e, 20f) joining with a door panel of a vehicle in addition to having a non-contact type detection sensor in a handle interior space (s), and performing at least unlocking of a door in accordance with detection information from the detection sensor, comprises an internal water discharging path (G) communicating between the handle interior space (s) and a handle exterior space (S) and capable of discharging water inside the handle interior space (s) to the handle exterior space (S). |
| US08562036B2 |
Fixing apparatus for battery
A fixing apparatus includes a base and a latch. A number of fixing holes is defined in the base for receiving supporting posts of different batteries. A first end of the latch is pivotably connected to a side of the base, and a second end opposite to the first end of the latch is detachably engaged with an opposite side of the base. A resilient tab extends downwards from a middle of the latch. |
| US08562033B2 |
Double lock override mechanism for vehicular passive entry door latch
In an embodiment, the door latch system is provided. A ratchet is movable between closed and open positions. A pawl is movable between ratchet locking and ratchet release positions. A release lever is movable between rest and pawl release positions. A lock link is movable between engagement and disengagement positions to transfer of not transfer movement of the release lever to the pawl release position into movement of the pawl to the ratchet release position. A double lock lever is movable between two positions to permit or prevent disengagement of the lock link. A double lock override lever is movable between two positions to permit or prevent the double lock lever from being in the double locking position. The ratchet can move the double lock override lever to the first position upon opening. |
| US08562032B1 |
Latch assembly with automatic locking function
A latch assembly (10) is mounted to a follower door (275) of a double door (257). When the follower door (275) is closed while a primary door (259) of the double door (257) is closed, an actuation latch (131) of the latch assembly (10) is moved from a releasing position to a pressing position to move a latch (231) of the latch assembly (10) to a latching position engaged in a groove (37, 300) in a door frame (31) or in the ground (299). When the actuation latch (131) is moved from the releasing position to the pressing position while the follower door (275) is not in the closed position, the latch (231) is retained in an unlatching position, avoiding damage to the latch assembly (10). |
| US08562030B2 |
Electronic mobile device cover latch mechanism
An electronic mobile device comprises a base defining a compartment opening and a cover movably supported by the base to restrict access to the compartment opening. The device further comprises a latch supported by one of the base and the cover and a catch pivotably supported by the other of the base and the cover. The catch pivots in a first direction to engage and move the latch relative to the catch and thereby move at least a portion of the cover away from the compartment opening. |
| US08562029B2 |
Clamp for mounting upon a cylindrical member
A clamp for mounting upon a cylindrical member, such as a sub-sea riser or umbilical, has a set of outer clamp shells shaped to be arranged around the cylindrical member, and preferably adapted to be secured to one another in this configuration, e.g., by means of bolts. Within the structure thus formed are inner clamp members shaped to seat upon the cylindrical member, e.g., through part-circular inner faces. The inner clamp members are biased into engagement with the cylindrical member by means of spring elements pre-stressed upon assembly of the clamp between opposed surfaces of the respective outer clamp shell and inner clamp member. Preferably, the spring elements each act along a circumferential direction. |
| US08562026B2 |
Security element and process for the production of a security element
The invention concerns a security element (3′) having a top side and an underside and a process for the production thereof. The security element has a transparent layer (33′) with a non-homogenous refractive index, in which a plurality of Bragg planes are formed by a refractive index variation. The transparent layer (33′) is of a layer thickness of between 5 μm and 200 μm and the transparent layer (33′) has a plurality of first zones (41) of a smallest dimension of less than 300 μm, which are arranged in accordance with a first grid raster in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional succession in mutually adjacent relationship and in which the Bragg planes of the transparent layer are respectively shaped to provide a respective transmissive optical imaging function. |
| US08562021B1 |
Front vehicle body structure
There is provided a front vehicle body structure including: a front sub frame mounted below front side frames; a tie rod disposed forwardly of an axle; a tie rod pressing member having a pressing portion which is mounted on the front sub frame forward of the tie rod and presses the tie rod when a collision occurs; and a rotational movement generating member for causing the tie rod pressing member to generate a rotational movement by deforming an area on which the tie rod pressing member is mounted in the front sub frame, by the load received when a collision occurs. The pressing portion is displaced by the rotational movement from a first position which is out of a steering range of the front wheels to a second position at which the pressing portion swings outward in the vehicle width direction and which allows pressing of the tie rod. |
| US08562019B2 |
Bumper block assembly for a rear bumper of a trailer
A bumper block assembly configured to be coupled to a bumper of a trailer includes a compressible bumper block including a generally horizontal bore extending from an outer surface of the bumper block to an inner surface of the bumper block and an outer cap coupled to the bumper block. The outer cap includes an outer wall engaged with the outer surface of the bumper block and further includes an aperture formed therethrough that is aligned with the bore of the bumper block. A bolt of the bumper block assembly is received through the aperture of the outer cap and the bore of the bumper block in order to couple the bumper block assembly to the bumper of the trailer. A spring of the assembly is positioned around a threaded end portion of the bolt in order to maintain the bolt recessed within the aperture of the outer cap as the outer cap and bumper block are moved between expanded and compressed positions. |
| US08562018B1 |
Inflatable curtain with passive pretensioner
An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18) includes an inflatable curtain (14) inflatable away from the roof adjacent the side structure of the vehicle. A pretensioner (150) connects the curtain (14) to the vehicle (12) and includes rotational element. The inflatable curtain (14) is connected to the rotational element and upon deployment applies a force to the rotational element that causes the rotational element to rotate. The rotational element is configured such that angular momentum causes the rotational element to continue to rotate and thereby tension the inflatable curtain (14). |
| US08562014B2 |
Adaptor for joining towing bar to nose wheel of aircraft
Towing bars for joining towing vehicles to the front wheel axles of aircraft often include a pair of parallel bars having cylindrical bosses connected to the trailing ends of the bars and opposing one another. The bosses are intended to fit into sockets or bores in the opposing ends of the axle. With certain airplanes the bosses may not be long enough to clear the opposed sides of a nose wheel tire sufficiently so that their ends project into the axle openings. An adaptor to allow such towing bars to fit these aircraft includes a cylindrical rod of a diameter adapted to extend into the end bore of the axle joined at its opposite end to a coaxial, larger diameter cylindrical hub having a bore adapted to receive one of the tow bar bosses. The length of the adaptor hub is such that the tow bar arms clear the outer sides of the tire when the cylindrical rod ends are within the axle bores, allowing the nose wheel to freely rotate during towing and prevent damage to the tire. |
| US08562013B1 |
Receiver hitch for automotive vehicles
A receiver hitch includes a plurality of bores. Thus, an accessory is attached to the receiver hitch at two points of contact by being coupled to the plurality of bores. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the bores is positioned off center relative to the receiver hitch or the vehicle. In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the receiver hitch can include a trailer hitch receiving bore positioned on a centerline of the receiver hitch. In this exemplary embodiment, a trailer is attached to the trailer hitch receiving bore (through, for example, a ball mount) while an accessory is attached to one of the other bores. In yet a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is included at least one bore that is off centered relative to the receiving hitch. |
| US08562010B2 |
Body structure of straddle-ride vehicle
A body structure of a straddle-ride vehicle includes a body frame, a handlebar, a front fork, a front wheel guide member, and an opposite cover. The handlebar is turnably provided on the body frame. The fork extends from the handlebar and rotatably supports a front wheel. The front wheel guide member is disposed at a front portion of the body frame in a traveling direction of the vehicle and faces the front wheel. The front wheel guide member includes a slant portion extending from one side to another side in a vehicle-width direction and from a front to a rear in the traveling direction. The opposite cover is supported by the front fork to cover a rear portion of the front wheel and faces the front wheel guide member. |
| US08562009B2 |
Suspension arrangement for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle
A suspension arrangement for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle includes an output lever hinged directly or indirectly to a wheel control element and configured as a flexible spring of defined spring rate. A transverse torsion-bar spring acts on the output lever, with an actuator adjusting a pretension of the torsion-bar spring. |
| US08561994B1 |
Game vending machine
The present invention relates to a game vending machine. The game vending machine includes: at least one premium hooking unit and a puller unit. The premium hooking unit hooks premium, and the puller unit pulls a front plate included in the premium hooking unit to allow the premium to drop down into a premium discharge part. |
| US08561991B1 |
Unlucky sevens dice game
A dice game utilizes a playing card and game playing elements. Each player in sequence rolls the dice and places a game playing element on the playing card corresponding to the value displayed on the rolled dice. If the player has previously rolled this number, the number may be used by the next player in sequence who needs this number. If a player rolls a 7, he or she forfeits their turn and must remove a game playing element from one of the covered numbers on their playing card. The first person to have all of the numbers on the playing card covered wins the game and the contents of the winner's pot. |
| US08561987B2 |
Machine for processing sheets
The invention relates to a machine for processing sheets, having a deliverer for delivering the sheets which comprises a delivery drum that is acted on pneumatically. The delivery drum has vacuum applied to it. The delivery drum also has disks for carrying the sheets, each of the disks defining vacuum channels for holding the sheets. The vacuum channels have openings and a vacuum connection. The openings and the vacuum connection together form a rotary valve cyclically applying vacuum to the vacuum channels. |
| US08561985B2 |
Conveying device, image forming apparatus, and program
An image forming apparatus includes a feed unit, a sensor, a control unit, a measuring unit, and a determining unit. The feed unit 1 conveys a sheet. The sensor detects the sheet being conveyed. The control unit controls to change the force acting on the sheet from that is in normal conveyance of the sheet. The measuring unit measures a measurement value related to conveyance speed of the detected sheet with the acting force changed. The determining unit determines whether there is an indication of abnormality in conveyance of the sheet on the basis of the measurement value. |
| US08561978B2 |
Image forming system
An image forming system having: a sheet feeding unit which cuts a roll sheet and feeds cut sheets; a stack unit which stacks and stores the sheets fed by the sheet feeding unit and feeds the stored sheets; an image forming portion which forms an image on the sheets fed from the stack unit; and a controlling unit configured to control the feeding unit and the stack unit so that the stack unit feeds a sheet stored in the stack unit to the image forming portion when the sheet feeding unit feeds a sheet to the stack unit so as to stack the sheet from the sheet feeding unit into the stack unit. |
| US08561977B2 |
Post-processing apparatus with sheet ejection device
A post-processing apparatus with a sheet ejection device includes a first sheet tray, a second sheet tray, and a sheet ejection arm. The sheet ejection arm includes a first pushing element and a second pushing element. The second pushing element is pivotally coupled to the first pushing element. The tail edges of the plural paper sheets are pushed by the sheet ejection arm from the first end of the first sheet tray, so that the plural paper sheets are moved toward the second end of the first sheet tray. When the tail edges of the plural paper sheets reach the second end of the first sheet tray, the second pushing element is swung toward the second sheet tray to press the tail edges of the plural paper sheets, so that the plural paper sheets are aligned with each other and smoothly fallen down to the second sheet tray. |
| US08561976B2 |
Transportable carrier compatable with a retractable pin tool
A device for providing support to an LCD and its corresponding components during various manufacturing steps. A first carrier section is positioned on a work surface and is then loaded with an LCD as well as drivers to be bonded to the tabs of the LCD. Once the desired work has been performed a second carrier section is mated with the first carrier section and a closing means is utilized to position the two carrier sections in a closed position. Once the two carrier sections have been placed in a closed position about the LCD and other components, the entire piece may be safely removed from its position on the work surface for further processing, storage, etc. Exemplary embodiments also relate to a method of providing support to an LCD and its corresponding components during various manufacturing steps. |
| US08561974B2 |
Pin clamp assembly
A pin clamp assembly having a housing, locating pin, at least one finger, a drive rod and an actuator is provided. At least a portion of the locating pin may be extendable exterior of the housing. The finger is located adjacent the locating pin and movable relative thereto. The drive rod is movable and is engagable with the finger to move the finger between clamped and unclamped positions. The actuator drives the locating pin and the drive rod. Movement of the locating pin and drive rod is linear only and no rotational movement of the locating pin and drive rod is employed to move the finger between clamped and unclamped positions. |
| US08561968B2 |
Marine load raising and lowering system
The invention relates to a subsea marine load raising and lowering system (1) for use on a vessel, preferably a vessel for laying an offshore pipeline, which system comprises first and second winches (2, 6) for raising or lowering first and second cable portions (4, 8) connected via an equalizing sheave (11), to the axle (12) of which a load connector (13) is connected. The system comprises operating means to perform synchronous raising or lowering of the cable portions. The system further comprises overload protection systems provided at both winches, and a safety assembly (15) preventing any substantial further movement of the cable portions (4, 8) in case the cable portions do not operate synchronously, comprising a structure (15a) mounted to the axle (12) of the equalizing sheave (11) having passages (15c) for the cable portions and further comprising stops (15b) arranged on each cable portion above and in the vicinity of the structure (15a). The safety assembly is arranged such that one of the stops will abut the structure (15a) upon relative movement of first and second cable portion (4, 8) such that the other cable portion is subjected to an increased tension and the overload protection system of that other cable portion will enter into force. |
| US08561965B2 |
Non-interchangeable connecting valves for fuel cartridges
A non-interchangeable two-component connecting valve capable of connecting a fuel supply to a fuel cell or other device is disclosed. One component of the connecting valve comprises at least one center post and one internal elastomeric seal, which opens when moved or compressed by a correctly sized and dimensioned mating tube from the other component. In one embodiment, only one valve component has one or more internal seals. In alternate embodiments, both valve components have one or more internal seals, which can open simultaneously or sequentially. |
| US08561963B2 |
Electrostatically addressable microvalves
An improved microvalve is described. The microvalve includes a corresponding actuation aperture in an actuation aperture layer. A control fluid flows through the actuation aperture. The flow of the control fluid is controlled by an electric field typically applied via a charge distribution near an actuation aperture layer. In one embodiment, the electric field may adjust the opening and closing of the actuation aperture thereby controlling the flow of the control fluid. In a second embodiment, the control fluid is an electrorheological fluid where the electric field controls the viscosity of the ER fluid thereby controlling fluid flow through the actuation aperture. In both embodiments the flow of the control fluid controls stretching of a flexible membrane formed along the wall of a conduit through which a fluid to be controlled flows. The stretching of the flexible membrane controlling the flow of the main fluid to be controlled. |
| US08561961B1 |
Captive hardware for improved installation
A lighting fixture includes a housing with an upper base panel and opposed end walls that collectively define an opening in which one or more lamps and one or more reflector panels are disposed. The lamps extend substantially along a longitudinal axis of the housing, between bracket subassemblies. Each bracket subassembly includes at least one captive hardware fastener, which is pre-installed in the bracket subassembly and designed to be movable relative to the bracket subassembly only upon application of deliberate force with respect to the captive hardware fastener. While the captive hardware fastener is movable for installation purposes, the captive hardware fastener is not readily removable from its corresponding bracket subassembly. For example, the captive hardware can include a self-drilling screw, the body of which extends between two substantially parallel members separated by a third member, which has a straight or curved geometry. |
| US08561958B2 |
Multi-position base assembly for tool
A base assembly removably and adjustably receives a tool and includes a base and a wall extending outwardly from the base. First and second openings are disposed in the wall. First and second cutouts are disposed in the wall to receive the tool. A pivot pin is removably received by the first and second openings. The tool is removably disposed on the pivot pin. A locking ring is disposed on the pivot pin. The locking ring is in a locked position to prevent movement of the pivot pin and in an unlocked position to allow movement of the pivot pin, thereby allowing the tool to be easily moved between positions and securely locked in a desired position. |
| US08561957B2 |
Multifaceted trivet
A multifaceted trivet with multifaceted functionality includes a trivet (50) within a basket (54), a trivet (50) that may serve as a lid and a trivet with a rotatable base. The trivet (50) within a basket (54) provides further insulation by use of the basket (54). The basket (54) has serving handles (56) which allows a heated item to be placed within the basket and easily carried to a serving area The trivet (50) that may serve as a lid may function as a trivet on which a pot or container may be placed or may fit as a lid of a particular pot or container. The trivet (50) having a rotatable base rotates for greater access to a serving dish support by the trivet (50). The trivet with a rotatable base may further include a basket having wheels (58) for placing the trivet (50) within to carry the trivet (50) and the serving dish and to provide an alternative movement of the trivet. |
| US08561954B2 |
Combined ladder engageable tool carrier and step stool
A tool carrying device configured for removable engagement atop a stepladder and to provide elevated support for a user when the carrying device is positioned on the ground. A secure removable engagement with the top of the ladder is provided by walls descending from a top which form a skirt to surround the top end of the ladder and hold the device from sliding therefrom. Removable tool holders and shelves to hold and store tools are provided, allowing the user a secure tool box when atop a ladder and a slightly elevated working structure for tasks requiring a lower elevation for the user. |
| US08561950B2 |
Cable management apparatus
A quick-release cable management apparatus includes a securing board and cable management clip. Cables can very conveniently be secured in the clip, or removed from the clip, and the clip itself can be detached and remounted elsewhere very quickly. The securing board defines a securing hole. The cable management clip includes a base and a pressing member pivoting on the base. The base includes a sprung wedge located in the securing hole to lock the clip in place. The pressing member is adapted to rotate between a locking position and a unlocking position. In the locking position, the pressing member is locked with the base to form a cable management space between the pressing member and the base. In the unlocking position, the pressing member is unlocked with the base to open the cable management space. |
| US08561948B2 |
Method for ensuring the safety of an aircraft flying horizontally at low speed
A method for ensuring the safety of an aircraft flying horizontally at low speed includes an operation in which, when the flaps of the aircraft are disposed in a maximum extended position and are blown on by airscrews, the flaps are at least partially retracted, automatically, based on whether the thrust of the engines is at least equal to a predetermined lift value. |
| US08561947B2 |
Method and system for a refueling drogue assembly
A method and system for a refueling drogue coupling system are provided. The system includes a coupling latch assembly coupled to the coupling outlet wherein the coupling latch assembly includes a latch member configured to matingly engage a complementary latch-receiving member of a refueling probe. The coupling latch assembly further includes a latch member actuator operatively coupled to the latch member to permit the latch member to move from a first locked position to a second unlocked position. A probe position sensor is configured to detect a position of the refueling probe. A hose tension sensor is configured to measure a tension in a hose coupled to the coupling inlet. A drogue control system is positioned on the refueling drogue coupling system and communicatively coupled to the latch member actuator, the probe position sensor, and the hose tension sensor. |
| US08561946B2 |
Low profile cargo handling system
Different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus to increase a clearance of a cargo area of an aircraft. The apparatus and method may comprise an aircraft with a cargo area. A tray system may have a plurality of segment trays with each segment tray positioned between a plurality of floor beams located underneath a surface of the floor of the cargo area. A plurality of rollers in the tray system may be configured to allow an object to be moved across the cargo area. |
| US08561945B2 |
Skid-type landing gear for a helicopter
The invention relates to a skid-type landing gear (1) for a helicopter (2) comprising bow shaped crosstubes (10-13) directed symmetrically towards a left- and a right-hand side of a longitudinal mid axis (9) of the helicopter (2) with respective skids (14, 15) at outboard ends thereof and main beams (5-8) in a fuselage (4), the crosstubes (10-13) being connected to the main beams (5-8) via supports (16-23) fixed to the main beams (5-8). The skid-type landing gear (1) is retractable. A method for operating such a skid-type landing gear (1) for a helicopter (2) is provided. |
| US08561944B2 |
System and method for desaturation of a control moment gyroscope
A method of de-saturating a control moment gyroscope that leverages a torque on an aircraft that is generated by airflow over the aircraft. As an aircraft navigates through an airspace, the aircraft may destabilize and reorient to form a sideslip angle that forms the airflow torque on the aircraft. The control moment gyroscope may be de-saturated into a neutral position that in turn exerts a torque on the aircraft that counters the airflow torque. A scissor pair of first and second control moment gyroscopes can be used for generating a torque in a single plane. |
| US08561942B2 |
Gas turbine engine mounting structure with secondary load paths
A connection for mounting an aircraft engine to an aircraft pylon includes a plate to be connected to a portion of an engine, and a body that extends rearward from the plate. A back-up connection, including a pin positioned within a slotted hole, is provided between the portion of the engine and the body. When there is a normal connection between the plate and the body, there is clearance between the pin and the slotted hole. |
| US08561939B2 |
Apparatus for taxiing an aircraft
Apparatus indicated generally at 26 is incorporated within an aircraft. The apparatus 26 includes an electric motor 28, a first drive train 30 and a second drive train 32. The first drive train 30 provides drive from the electric motor 28 for one or more of the wheels 20, allowing the electric motor 28 to propel the aircraft when taxiing. The second drive train 32 provides drive from the electric motor 28 for an aircraft system which is operational at least when the aircraft is in flight. In this example, the electric motor 28 is illustrated using the second drive train 32 for driving a compressor 34 of the ECS 24, the compressor 34 being responsible for cabin pressurization during flight. A clutch 36 allows the drive train 30 to be connected or disconnected from the electric motor 28, thereby connecting or disconnecting the drive from the electric motor 28 to the wheels 20. The clutch 36 is controlled to disconnect the first drive train 30 when the aircraft is in flight. Thus, when the aircraft is in flight, the full output of the motor 28 is available for driving the compressor 34; when the aircraft is on the ground, the compressor 34 is not required or is less demanding, and surplus output of the motor 28 can be used for driving the wheels 20. |
| US08561936B2 |
Hang glider electric propulsion system and method
The system includes a keel fitting that can be rigidly attached directly to the keel of the hang glider. It also includes two elongated frame members symmetrically mounted on opposite sides of the keel fitting. At least one electrical motor is mounted on each frame member and there are at least two propellers, each in driving engagement with a corresponding one of the electrical motors. The system further includes an electrical power unit mounted on the back of the pilot. The electrical power unit includes at least one battery and a pilot-actuated control circuit to vary the electrical power supplied to the electrical motors. The system gives the pilot the capability of taking off from a flat terrain. Once airborne, the system is not operated and the hang glider can then be used as an unpowered one. |
| US08561926B2 |
Material feeding device for VSI-crusher
A vertical shaft impact crusher for crushing material including a rotor for accelerating a first flow of material to be crushed, a first feed device for feeding the first flow of material to the rotor, a housing that includes a circumferential impact wall section against which the accelerated first flow of material may be crushed, and a second feed device for feeding a second flow of material to be crushed into the path of the accelerated first flow of material. The second feed device includes an inner hopper and an outer hopper. The inner hopper includes at least one outlet for allowing the second flow of material to enter a space formed between the inner and outer hoppers. A slide plate inclined substantially tangential in relation to the rotor is located adjacent the at least one outlet in the space between the inner and outer hoppers. |
| US08561923B2 |
Jet regulator
A jet regulator is provided with a jet fractioning device designed as perforated plate with a number of flow-through holes that are located at a distance to each other. The perforated plate has at least one reinforcement rib on its flat side on the inflow side and/or outflow side to reinforce the perforated plate. On its side facing the outflow side the jet regulator has an additional perforated plate with a number of flow-through holes defined by flow guide walls. At least one distance piece is provided on at least one of the sides of the perforated plate that are facing each other and/or on an adjacent jet regulator component part. The distance piece deforms the perforated plate and the jet regulator component part as the result of a relative motion during the jet regulator installation from a non-deformed initial position into a round bodied or convexly bent application position. |
| US08561920B2 |
Variable nozzle, variable nozzle device, and applying device including variable nozzle device
In the present invention, functions of both a nozzle change drive mechanism configured to move a desired one of a plurality of nozzles to an ejection position and a nozzle moving drive mechanism configured to move the desired nozzle to apply a fluid to an application surface are realized by the nozzle moving drive mechanism.The present invention includes: a rotating portion (27) having first to third nozzles (23); a base portion (28) configured to support the rotating portion (27); a variable nozzle (22) configured to move a desired one (23) of the first to third nozzles to an ejection position (T) to eject a fluid, supplied from the base portion (28) side, from the desired nozzle; an engaging portion (47) provided at the rotating portion (27); and an engaged portion (48) provided at a mounting base (50), wherein the desired nozzle (23) is moved to the ejection position (T) by moving the base portion (28) by a robot arm with the engaging portion (47) engaging with the engaged portion (48). |
| US08561919B2 |
Foam spray head assembly
A foam spray head assembly includes a head, a first piston unit, a valve unit, a link, a second piston unit, a cylinder, a resilient member and a resilient valve. The valve unit is directly connected to the head to allow the valve unit to receive the pressing force of the head to quickly respond in the form of reciprocating motion. The parts made of metal such as the spring is isolated from the liquid to ensure that the liquid is not affected by the metal. |
| US08561916B1 |
Movable bridge joint, associated support and rail bridge panel containing same
The invention may be described as a rail bridge joint, associated guard plate assembly, and a bridge assembly incorporating same. |
| US08561914B2 |
Temperature-responsive fluid flow control apparatus
The temperature-responsive fluid flow control apparatus of the present invention comprises: a housing installed between the inlet and the outlet of a fluid pipe in which a fluid flows; a valve block installed inside the housing to allow inflow of the flowing fluid in the housing and to discharge a portion of the flowing fluid to the outside according to the change in the internal pressure; and a temperature-responsive device for generating a pressure difference in the valve block according to the temperature change of the temperature-responsive fluid filled therein. The temperature-responsive fluid flow control apparatus prevents the fluid flowing pipe from freezing by discharging a portion of the fluid flowing in the housing to the outside, when the temperature of the temperature-responsive fluid reaches a preset temperature as the external temperature drops. |
| US08561912B2 |
RFID tag having capacitive load
The present invention relates to an RFID tag having capacitive load, including: an antenna unit, a capacitive load and an RFID device. The antenna unit includes two metal sheets and a conductive substrate, and the metal sheets are disposed at a corresponding position above the conductive substrate and electrically connected to the conductive substrate. The capacitive load is electrically connected to the metal sheets. The RFID device feeds the antenna unit by electrically connecting to the metal sheets or coupling. This dramatically decreases the operating frequency, so the imaginary part of impedance is higher with the same size of the antenna unit, thereby reducing the size of the RFID tag. As a result, the weight is reduced, the manufacture process is simplified and the subsequent structure can be easily adjusted. |
| US08561910B2 |
Memory programming methods and memory programming devices
Memory programming devices include a print head that moves across a substrate to deposit memory material on the substrate to form an array of memory cells and programming circuitry coupled to the print head so that the programming circuitry moves across the substrate along with the print head and that, for individual memory cells of the array, is positioned proximate the individual memory cell and writes data to the individual memory cell. Memory programming methods include depositing memory material above a first portion of an electrically conductive bitline printed on a substrate to form a memory cell and using programming circuitry positioned proximate the memory cell, storing data in the memory cell by altering a characteristic of the memory cell, the characteristic remaining altered after the programming circuitry is moved away from the memory cell. |
| US08561906B2 |
System and method of optical code reading
Optical reading system and methods having multiple modes of operation, for example: omnidirectional and single-code picking; fixed and handheld reading; 1D and 2D code reading. In one configuration, an image-based system obtains input data via an area sensor (e.g., a 2D CCD array) with only data corresponding to a pattern of virtual scan lines being stored and processed. A user may implement different operating modes such as a first mode reading codes in any location or orientation and a second mode reading only a code oriented along a particular virtual scan line or group thereof. Alternately, the data reader is operable to switch between handheld mode selecting a first pattern of virtual scan lines to process and/or decode and a fixed mode selecting a second pattern of virtual scan lines to process and/or decode. Virtual scan patterns in either mode can change within or between frames. |
| US08561903B2 |
System operative to adaptively select an image sensor for decodable indicia reading
A decodable indicia reading system can be provided for use in locating and decoding a bar code symbol represented within a frame of image data. The system can comprise a central processing unit (CPU), a memory communicatively coupled to the CPU, and two or more image sensors communicatively coupled to the CPU or to the memory. The system can be configured to select an image sensor for indicia reading by cycling through available image sensors to detect an image sensor suitable for an attempted indicia reading operation by comparing a measured parameter value to a pre-defined sensor-specific threshold value. The system can be further configured to select the first suitable or the best suitable image sensor for the attempted decodable indicia reading operation based upon the comparison result. The system can be further configured to notify the system operator which image sensor has been selected. The system can be further configured to obtain a decodable indicia image by the selected image sensor. |
| US08561896B2 |
Systems and methods for data collection and providing coupons at a point of return
Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information. |
| US08561892B2 |
System and method for completing a transaction with a payment terminal
A method of completing a transaction with a payment terminal involves the payment terminal transmitting to a network gateway via a first communications network a transaction proposal identifying a proposed transaction with a network device, and receiving from the network gateway a transaction proposal response in response to the transaction proposal. The transaction proposal response specifies a pointer to the proposed transaction. The network gateway is configured to authenticate to the network device via a second communications network that comprises the network device. The payment terminal transmits over a payment network, distinct from the communications networks, payment particulars for the proposed transaction, and receives from the payment network a payment confirmation in response to the payment particulars. In accordance with the payment confirmation, the payment terminal initiates completion of the proposed transaction by generating a transaction completion request and transmitting the transaction completion request to the network device via the network gateway. The transaction completion request is generated from the transaction pointer, and requests completion of the proposed transaction with the network device. |
| US08561888B1 |
Check cashing banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to card data read from user cards by a card reader. The financial transfers involve accounts that correspond to the read card data. The machine includes drive belts, rotatable idler rollers, and sensors positioned along a stack transport path. A stack of aligned currency notes is moved by the drive belts while the stack is situated between the belts and the rollers. The belts engage the face of an end note at one side of the stack while the stack bearing rollers contact the face of the other end note at the other side of the stack. The rollers' rolling contact with the stack earns sufficiently low friction that keeps the currency notes in alignment as the stack is moved along the transport path to a machine user during a cash dispensing operation. |
| US08561883B2 |
Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus of the present disclosure includes: (a) a two-dimensional matrix barcode detecting unit configured to detect a two-dimensional matrix barcode if an image of image data includes the two-dimensional matrix barcode; and (b) a broken matrix barcode detecting unit configured to determine whether a broken two-dimensional matrix barcode exists in the image or not when the two-dimensional matrix barcode detecting unit does not detect the two-dimensional matrix barcode but detects at least one position detection pattern. The broken matrix barcode detecting unit determines whether the broken two-dimensional matrix barcode exists in the image or not on the basis of a pattern in a predetermined position adjacent to the detected position detection pattern. |
| US08561879B2 |
Hotbar device and methods for assembling electrical contacts to ensure co-planarity
Devices and methods for assembling co-planar electrical contacts in a connector are provided herein. In one aspect, an exemplary method of assembly comprises depositing solder in a connector plug enclosure, positioning electrical contacts on the solder deposits, advancing the hotbar toward the enclosure contacting each of the electrical contacts so as to planarize a top surface of each of the electrical contacts with the enclosure and melting the solder with the heated hotbar to solder the electrical contacts to the enclosure. In one aspect, an exemplary hotbar device includes a magnet for releasably coupling the electrical contacts to the hotbar. In another aspect, the hotbar includes metallic portions for heating the electrical contacts and insulated ceramic portions for contacting the enclosure. In another aspect, an electrically conductive hotbar includes side portions that extend away from the bottom heating surface facilitating more uniform current flow through the hotbar. |
| US08561878B2 |
Linear cell stringing
Techniques for linear cell stringing are disclosed. In some embodiments, a plurality of sets of solar cells are linearly positioned, a plurality of tabbing ribbon segments are placed in contact with the plurality of sets of solar cells, and the plurality of sets of solar cells and corresponding plurality of tabbing ribbon segments are soldered together to form a plurality of solar cell strings. In some cases, the plurality of solar cell strings is substantially simultaneously formed in parallel. |
| US08561874B2 |
Surgical instrument with articulating tool assembly
A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, an articulating tool assembly and at least one coupling member is disclosed. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion and defines a first longitudinal axis. The articulating tool assembly defines a second longitudinal axis and has a proximal end including at least one recess therein. The articulating tool assembly is securable to a distal end of the body portion and is movable from a first position where the first and second longitudinal axes are substantially aligned to at least a second position where the first and second longitudinal axes are at an angle. The coupling member has at least one spring arm and is securable to the body portion. At least a portion of the spring arm is receivable in the recess of the articulating tool assembly to releasably retain the articulating tool assembly in the first position. |
| US08561868B2 |
Device for driving flexible strips of fasteners
An example hammer tacker includes a contact face for contacting a material and a firing mechanism adjacent the contact face. The firing mechanism drives a staple into the material when the contact face is brought into contact with the material. A curved staple guide extends from adjacent the contact face. |
| US08561865B2 |
Organizer attachment for vehicle sun visor
An organizer attached for use in combination with a vehicle sun visor. The vehicle sun visor has inside and outside major visor surfaces. The sun visor is pivotable between a raised position wherein the inside visor surface resides adjacent an interior ceiling of the vehicle, and a lowered position wherein the outside visor surface resides adjacent a front windshield of the vehicle. The organizer attachment includes an organizer panel having opposing planar inside and outside major panel surfaces. The inside panel surface defines a first fastener area incorporating one of hook and loop fasteners. At least one visor strap is attached to the sun visor, and is separate and detachable from the organizer panel. The visor strap defines a second fastener area incorporating one of hook and loop fasteners adapted for releasably mating with the first fastener area of the organizer panel. The organizer attachment is readily removed from the sun visor and the visor strap for transport outside of the vehicle. The first fastener area of the organizer panel is greater than the second fastener area of the visor strap. |
| US08561862B2 |
Personal securing apparatus for handheld devices
A securing apparatus for a handheld device or object is comprised of a sleek, fashionable, flexible elastic strip or band, enhancing a user's gripping capability, thereby preventing abuse and accidental dropping of the device. The elastic strip is removably attached to the device by removable attaching means connected or integrated to each end of the strip. The apparatus may be further provided with a discrete lift mechanism, either attached or integrally formed with the elastic strip. The apparatus retains its form after stretching, and is taut against a surface of the device to avoid catching against exterior objects, fitting discretely on any surface of the device. The securing apparatus can be installed for easy use and minimal dexterity for all users and can be made in different sizes, color, and of different materials having elastomeric properties. |
| US08561861B2 |
Combination nursing device and baby carrier
A baby nursing and carrying device, specifically one that allows a mother to switch breasts when breastfeeding a baby while still remaining covered and while still supporting the baby. When not in use for breastfeeding purposes, a mother can use the device for easily carrying the baby without strain on the mother's back and without having to support the baby with her hands, thus allowing the mother's hands to be free to do other things. |
| US08561860B2 |
Pour spout member for packaging bag
An improved pour spout member having a base attached to a packaging bag, a tubular neck having a tip opening sealed by a sealing member, and a lid member having an upper end connected to the sealing member and covering an outer periphery of the tubular neck. The lid member includes expandable lid segments having upper ends connected to a portion integral with the sealing member and, between the expandable lid segments in a collapsed state and a portion integral with the tubular neck, there is provided a rotation locking mechanism enabling temporary restriction of the lid member. |
| US08561859B2 |
Dispensing device
A dispensing device for dispensing liquid media having a housing, an outlet opening for the medium, a medium reservoir for storage of the medium and a conveying device for transporting the medium from the medium reservoir to the outlet opening, wherein a flow brake is provided in a medium duct between the conveying device and the outlet opening. The flow brake has a first flow brake component which can be arranged and fixed relative to the housing or to a second flow brake component during assembly in several differing relative positions, wherein differing flow resistances of the flow brake are achieved depending on the selected relative positions. |
| US08561855B2 |
High-volume fluid dispense system
A fluid dispense system for use with a drum having a drum insert configured to couple with a bung included on a drum, the drum insert having an upper portion and a drum insert down tube extending therefrom into an interior of the drum. The system further having a dispense head configured to couple with the drum insert, the dispense head having first and second conduits, each having a valve assembly, the valve assemblies in operable communication with the drum insert when the dispense head is coupled with the drum insert. When the dispense head is coupled with the drum insert the first and second valve assemblies are effected to an open position enabling fluid to flow through the conduits. When the dispense head is not coupled with the drum insert the first and second valve assemblies are biased to a closed position inhibiting fluid from flowing through the conduits. |
| US08561854B2 |
Dispensing device for viscous materials
A dispensing device having a housing capable of receiving a pre-packaged charge of pre-whipped topping or icing. The housing has an inner wall with a slot formed therein for receiving a rod. The rod engages with a pawl mechanism to move a piston in the axial direction to force the pre-whipped topping or icing through the outlet in its packaging. The pawl engages with the rod when it moves in a first direction and the pawl disengages with the rod when it is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction. |
| US08561853B2 |
Airtight preservation system
The present invention relates to an airtight preservation system of a consumer fluid within a container, and in particular a system for the preservation of said fluid, typically intended for alimentary consumption, from contamination by contact with outside atmosphere, in particular during the phase of delivery. The system according to the present invention is of easy installation, by virtue of a compact structure applicable to any container size and of an operation marked by utmost rationality. |
| US08561851B1 |
Sports bottle with preloaded valve and methods
A beverage bottle for storing and dispensing water and impure sports beverages having a container and a dispensing opening on a top wall movable between an open position and a closed position and a unitary valve disposed within the container bottom wall having a vertically sinuous contour, and laterally opposed, laterally actuating, compliant slit faces and a substantially rigid annular flat surface. As the vertically sinuous contour is flattened upon the annular flat surface, the slit faces are laterally urged together establishing a preloaded seal, for leak resistant valve operation, and reduced restriction dispensing of water and impure sports beverages. |
| US08561850B1 |
Device for dispensing materials from a container
A device for dispensing materials and a method for operating the device are disclosed. An embodiment of the device comprises a tube, a disk for transferring piston pressure to the material to be dispensed and a pliable cone-shaped plastic nozzle attached to the tube. A tab attached to the disk enables latching on with a hook and removal of the disk when the material is in the tube is depleted, thus allowing refilling the tube as needed. Metal in the form of wire strands, wire mesh or coil is imbedded in the walls of the nozzle and provides pliability to the nozzle, but prevents recoil due to the characteristic memory of plastics. |
| US08561844B2 |
Container, dispensing system for flowable products, and production method
A container of a flexible material web of weldable plastic. A reinforcing element is attached on the exterior of a wall of the container. The container may be formed by drawing a flat material web of weldable plastic material over a core tube and welding a longitudinal seam for closing the flat material web to form a tube. A reinforcing element is welded on an exterior of the tube while employing the core tube as an internal cooperating support. The tube is divided and separated along transverse seams into cut-off containers to form the containers. A dispensing system for flowable products includes at least one of the containers and a dispenser provided with a container receiving device for holding the container without closure. The container is formed with sliding guide and a displaceable closure, which is preferably opened when the container is placed on the receiving device. |
| US08561841B2 |
Cartridge based fluid dispensing apparatus
A concentrated flavor dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a fraction of a milliliter and a few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is realizably connected to a disposable pre-filled fluid cartridge. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod that is advanced or retracted by any one of several predetermined distances. The drive rod impels a plunger positioned within the disposable cartridge to dispense a volume of fluid. Flexible capillary tubes connected to the output of each disposable cartridge direct the fluid to a central dispensing area. The disposable cartridge includes an expandable plunger which draws fluid back into the cartridge when the drive rod is withdrawn after a dispense operation for drip prevention. |
| US08561840B2 |
Aerosol spray texture apparatus for a particulate containing material
A method of applying texture material to a surface. A block of chip material is provided. A physical structure of the chip material is not substantially altered when the chip material is exposed to a propellant material. The block of chip material is processed to obtain chips, and the chips are combined with a coating portion to obtain acoustic texture material. Propellant material is arranged within the product chamber such that a liquid phase portion of the propellant material is mixed with the acoustic texture material, and a gas phase portion of the propellant material pressurizes the acoustic texture material within the product chamber. The propellant material may be di-methyl ethylene. |
| US08561834B2 |
Container lid and holder assembly, system and method
An apparatus, system and method for attaching a lid to a beverage container is provided. In one embodiment a lid is positioned over the container opening and fastened to a first bead located around the opening. The lid also fastens to a second bead that is either located on the container, or located on a partial ring that is positioned adjacent to the first bead. The partial collar may only extend partway around the container. The partial collar may be removable and may also include a handle. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims. |
| US08561832B2 |
Bakery tray
A bakery tray includes a base. A front wall extends upward from a front edge of the base. Side walls extend upward from side edges of the base. A rear wall extends upward from a rear edge of the base. The rear wall includes an inner panel portion and an outer lip portion that protrudes outward and then downward from an uppermost edge of the inner panel portion. A plurality of ribs connect the inner panel portion to the outer lip portion. In one feature, the plurality of ribs may include an increased concentration of the ribs in the center of the tray. |
| US08561830B2 |
Thermal beverage container with secure account identifier
A thermal beverage container provides an RFID tag anchored between dual walls of the container to be hermetically protected while scannable, thereby permitting the container to be used as a gift card to promote the use of reusable containers rather than disposable cups in the purchase of beverages. |
| US08561824B2 |
Assembly box and plate material connecting structure
[Objective] To provide a box that allows easy tasks involved in assembling and disassembling and a novel plate material connecting structure adapted thereto.[Means to solve the problem] An assembly box comprises: a frame 1 (or 10) that is rectangular as seen from the top and whose four sides are formed from plate materials 11a and the like which are square as seen from the front; and a base 2 that has a placement plane 2a for the frame 1 and guides 21 and the like for supporting the plate materials constituting the frame 1 on the placement plane 2a. A first connecting part 111 and a second connecting part 122 (or a first connecting part 121 and a second connecting part 112) are positioned at corners of the frame 1 and have each a detachable locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is configured to separate two connected plate materials by inclining either one of the plate materials at a predetermined or larger angle with reference to the plate material connecting part. |
| US08561821B2 |
Heat set container
A heat set container including a base portion, a shoulder portion, and a sidewall portion extending from the shoulder portion to the base portion. The shoulder portion, the sidewall portion and the base portion cooperate to define a receptacle chamber within the container into which product can be filled. A plurality of vacuum panels are equidistantly disposed about the sidewall portion. A plurality of transition lands are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of vacuum panels and spaced outwardly relative thereto. The plurality of vacuum panels and the plurality of transition lands cooperate to be inwardly collapsible from a first outside diameter to a second outside diameter in response to at least internal vacuum forces. |
| US08561820B2 |
Shelving system
A shelving system (10) with height adjustable shelves is described, with reference to a portable trolley with shelves for holding medical equipment, although it is also applicable to portable and stationary shelving systems for many uses. The shelving system (10) comprises at least one shelf (18), at least one support (14) and at least one locating bracket (36) for locating the shelf (18) on the support (14). The locating bracket (36) includes at least two engagement members (38) engageable with the support (14), and locking means (40) to lock the locating bracket (36) and the shelf (18) to the support (14). |
| US08561816B2 |
Loose item holder
A retail display apparatus includes a front panel, a right side panel extending from the front panel and a left side panel extending from the front panel. A bottom panel extends from the front panel and has at least one opening. A back panel extends from the bottom panel. A first channel has an open top and an open bottom and extends along the back panel. A second channel has an open top and an open bottom and extends along the back panel. |
| US08561814B2 |
Stackable modular personal computer array
One aspect of this disclosure is directed to a sub-rack module for supporting a personal computer chassis therein. The sub-rack module is configured to be received within a multi-position support rack. Due to the unique combination of the sub-rack and the multi-position support rack, the sub-rack modules can be positioned such that the back ends of the personal computer chassis form an air passageway in the center of the multi-position support rack, which allows for the air flow to be directed through the passageway and out through the front end of the personal computer chassis. This configuration allows for the high density storage of an array of personal computer chassis while providing adequate cooling for multiple units. A method for manufacturing this system is also provided. |
| US08561805B2 |
Automatic vibratory separator
Methods for automatically controlling a vibratory separator, e.g., but not limited to a shale shaker for processing drilling fluid, the methods in certain aspects including: introducing material to a vibratory separator; sensing with sensor apparatus a state parameter indicative of operation of the vibratory separator; providing a signal indicative of a value of said state parameter to control apparatus; and, with the control apparatus, automatically controlling the vibratory separator based on the level of the state parameter. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US08561803B2 |
Method and apparatuses for screening
A method and apparatus are disclosed for screening materials. A vibratory screening machine includes a first frame and a second frame. The second frame is attached to the first frame by elastomeric mountings. A vibratory motor is configured to vibrate the first frame and the second frame. An attachment arrangement is configured to secure a replaceable screen assembly to the first frame. The replaceable screen assembly is in contact with the second frame such that the second frame excites the replaceable screen assembly. |
| US08561802B2 |
Systems and methods for processing waste materials
Systems and methods for processing waste material are presented. For some embodiments, the system comprises a chamber, an inlet, a fluid outlet, a metal outlet, and a magnet. The inlet is configured to selectively open and close. The inlet injects waste material into the chamber when the inlet is open. The waste material is suspended in a fluid medium, and comprises both ferromagnetic substances and non-ferromagnetic substances. The magnet is a selectively activated magnet coupled to the chamber. The magnet is configured to activate when the inlet is open, and deactivate when the inlet is closed. The magnet attracts the ferromagnetic substances from the waste material when the magnet is activated. The attracted ferromagnetic substances are released from the magnet when the magnet is deactivated. The metal outlet configured to selectively open and close. The metal outlet opens and expels the released ferromagnetic material from the magnet when the magnet is deactivated. The fluid outlet configured to selectively open and close. The fluid outlet opens when the magnet is activated, and expels any remaining waste material after the magnet has substantially attracted the ferromagnetic substances from the waste material. |
| US08561801B2 |
Machinery packaging system
A packaging system and method for packaging a piece of machinery are provided. A first corner bracket is extended from a first exterior edge of the machinery. The first corner bracket comprises a first baseplate positioned along a bottom plane of the machinery, and a first plurality of side plates. Each of the first plurality of side plates is integrally attached to the first baseplate at a first angle. Each of the first plurality of side plates extends upwardly from the baseplate. Each of the first plurality of side plates is integrally attached to at least one other of the first plurality of side plates. The first plurality of side plates form a first interior edge that mates to the first exterior edge of the machinery. |
| US08561799B2 |
Nestable container
A nestable container includes a base wall and a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls extending upward from the base wall. The walls are nestable within side walls and end walls of an identical container. The container includes one or more supports, each having a pair of support arms extending from a support bar. The support is movable between a nesting position where the support bar is outward of the base wall, a high stack position where the support bar is a first height over the base wall, and a low stack position where the support bar is a second height over the base wall. The support bar is not directly supported on the side walls when the support is in the high stack position. The support bar is supported on the side walls at a point spaced away from the support bar. |
| US08561798B2 |
Slide card for selective insertion and withdrawal from a sleeve
A slide card for selective insertion and withdrawal from a sleeve includes a base panel, a locking panel and at least one embossment. The locking panel is integrally formed with the base panel and hingedly connected to one of the opposing end edges of the base panel to engage at least part of the sleeve to lock the base panel in the sleeve. The locking panel extends from the one of the opposing end edges of the base panel to its free end edge that is located opposed to the one of the opposing end edges of the base panel. The at least one embossment is formed on one of the opposed surfaces of the locking panel. The at least one embossment projects from the one of the opposed surfaces of the locking panel and is spaced apart from the free end edge of the locking panel. |
| US08561795B2 |
Low-pressure packaging for fluid devices
Certain aspects of the invention are generally directed to devices for withdrawing a substance from the skin and/or from beneath the skin of a subject, and/or for delivering a substance to the skin and/or to a location beneath the skin of a subject. In some embodiments, the devices may comprise one or more skin insertion objects, such as needles or microneedles. In some cases, the device also may comprise one or more vacuum chambers. In some aspects, the device may be contained within an environment able to assist with maintenance of such pressures. For example, a package containing such an environment may also have a pressure less than atmospheric pressure, and/or the package may be molded to the device or otherwise have a shape that does not contain substantial gases that can “leak” into the device and alter the pressure of any vacuum chambers that may be contained therein. |
| US08561787B2 |
Conveyor installation for hanging items
A conveyor installation for conveying and accumulating hanging items comprises a drive chain which is mounted to a guide rail, and retaining members which are mounted on rollers below the drive chain. The retaining members—together with the items to be transported which are suspended therefrom—are conveyed by the drive chain in a direction of conveyance and, if required, stopped and accumulated by means of a stopping device, with the drive connection being released between the drive chain and the retaining members by displacing the drive chain upwards due to a particular design of coupling members arranged on the lower side of the drive chain. |
| US08561786B2 |
Conveyor system support hanger assembly
A screw conveyor to move media includes a first feed screw having a first end portion, a second feed screw having a second end portion, and a support hanger assembly to support the first feed screw and the second feed screw. The support hanger assembly includes a hanger bracket having a vertical support member and an inner hub secured to and extending perpendicularly from the vertical support member, a shaft portion disposed within the inner hub, an inner sleeve configured to be disposed between the shaft portion and the inner hub, at least one outer hub coupled to the shaft portion, and an outer sleeve configured to be disposed between the inner hub and the at least one outer hub. The first feed screw and the second feed screw are coupled to the at least one outer hub. The inner sleeve and/or the outer sleeve may be fabricated from low coefficient of friction material. |
| US08561783B2 |
Adjustable star wheel
The present invention provides an adjustable star wheel provided with at least one interchangeable pocket for receiving a container to be conveyed. The star wheel comprises a larger pocket of fixed shape and size, moveable jaws defining a smaller pocket having a fixed shape and size, an actuator disc rotatable about the central axis, and a cam mechanism linking the jaws to the actuator disc to cause radial movement of the jaws. In an extended position, the jaws move the smaller pocket into coincidence with the larger pocket thereby configuring the star wheel to receive containers in the smaller pocket. In the retracted position, the jaws are clear of the larger pocket thereby configuring the star wheel to receive containers in the larger pocket. |
| US08561779B2 |
Box carrier
The invention relates to a box carrier having a contact surface for transporting flat cutouts, or sleeves, and folding boxes produced from the same. According to the invention at least one suction opening, which can be connected to a vacuum source, is disposed in the contact surface. |
| US08561769B2 |
Stackable, towable luggage
An interlocking case system includes a base case having a luggage receptacle and an overlying lid that together form a luggage compartment. One or more swivel wheels are located in proximity to one end of the base case and at least one non-swivel wheel is located at the other end. An upper case is configured to interlock with, and be supported by, the base case when the base case is supported by the first and second swivel wheels and the at least one non-swivel wheel. The case system may be towed using a flexible towing strap coupled to the base case. |
| US08561763B2 |
Brake device
A brake device includes a pad 100a having a friction surface 101 and a disk 200a having a friction surface 201 sliding on the friction surface 101. The friction surface 101 includes hard particles 102 that are elastically supported in a y direction perpendicular to the friction surface 201. The friction surface 201 includes a plurality of convex portions 202 that is disposed in a direction where the friction surface 201 slides on the friction surface 101. When the friction surface 201 slides on the friction surface 101, the hard particles 102 continuously come into contact with the convex portions 202, respectively, while being displaced in the y direction perpendicular to the friction surface 201. Accordingly, the brake device can improve abrasion resistance as compared to a brake device that mainly performs abrasive friction. When the hard particle 102 comes into contact with the next convex portion 202 after coming into contact with one convex portion 202, the hard particle 102 comes into contact with the convex portion 202 at a position lower than the apex of the convex portion 202. Accordingly, the hard particles 102 continuously come into contact with the convex portions 202 so as to follow the convex portions 202, respectively. Therefore, it may be possible to obtain a larger frictional force. |
| US08561761B2 |
Oil pan arrangement of a motor vehicle
The oil pan arrangement of a motor vehicle has an oil pan in particular for a gearbox as well as an oil drain plug for closing a drain opening of the oil pan. On an exterior side of the oil pan, at least one rotation stop for the oil drain plug is arranged. |
| US08561757B1 |
Firearm suppressor
Embodiments of the invention relate to a dynamic suppression mechanism for a firearm. Multiple dynamic volume chambers are aligned within a housing. An aperture is provided within the aligned chambers to accommodate the projectile. As the projectile travels through the aperture across the length of the housing, each of the chambers is subject to a dynamic expansion and contraction, with the dynamic volume change absorbing byproduct of the traveling projectile. |
| US08561755B1 |
Electronic device with speaker
An electronic device includes a front frame that includes a planar portion, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall protruding from the planar portion. A back cover is coupled to the front frame. A speaker is attached to the front frame adjacent to the second sidewall of the front frame. The front frame includes several spaced first hooking members arranged on the first sidewall and the back cover includes several spaced second hooking members respectively engaged with the corresponding first hooking members. The first hooking members are used for cooperatively causing a natural frequency of the first sidewall to be greater than a resonance frequency of the speaker, thereby reducing noises caused by resonant vibration of the first sidewall induced by the speaker. |
| US08561751B2 |
System for selectively charging and discharging a steering accumulator
A system and method for selectively charging and discharging a steering accumulator are provided. One vehicle steering system includes a hydraulic pump configured provide a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for use in steering the vehicle. The steering system also includes an accumulator configured to hold pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump for use in steering the vehicle in case of need. The steering system includes a charging circuit configured to selectively allow the hydraulic fluid to flow from the hydraulic pump to the accumulator based on a fluid pressure applied by a first pilot and a second pilot. The steering system includes a charging bypass circuit configured to allow the hydraulic fluid to flow to a steering control unit and to bypass the charging circuit. The hydraulic pump supplies fluid to the charging circuit and the bypass circuit. |
| US08561744B1 |
Vehicle with multiple engines coupled to a transmission via a jackshaft
A motor vehicle is provided with a power train having primary and auxiliary internal combustion engines which selectively feed power to a jackshaft. The power accumulated in the jackshaft is conveyed to a speed change transmission. Fuel economy is achieved by utilizing only one engine when lesser power is needed by the vehicle. |
| US08561743B2 |
Vehicle battery mounting structure
A plurality of batteries (3) are disposed under a floor panel (16) of a vehicle (1). A first battery unit (38F) comprising a plurality of batteries (3) stacked in a vertical direction and a second battery unit (38R) comprising a plurality of batteries (3) stacked in a vehicle transverse direction are provided. By arranging a layout of the first battery unit (38F) and the second battery unit (38R) considering the location of an electric equipment (12, 13, 14) to which the batteries (3) supply power as well as the location of passenger seats (32F, 32R), the weight balance of the vehicle (1) in the front-aft direction can be optimized. |
| US08561739B2 |
Movable grille shutter for vehicle
A movable grille shutter for a vehicle, which is provided at a grille opening portion through which ambient air is taken into an engine room, includes a first fin, a second fin provided along a lengthwise direction of the first fin in a manner that a predetermined angle is formed between the first fin and the second in a manner that the first fin and the second fin are arranged to match a shape of the grille opening portion. The movable grille shutter for the vehicle also includes a driving source for driving the first fin and the second fin for opening and closing the grille opening portion, and a universal joint provided between the first fin and the second fin for transmitting a driving force from the driving source to the first fin and the second fin. |
| US08561736B2 |
Adjustable mid-wheel power wheelchair drive system
Wheelchairs in various embodiments include a variable-position drive system that can automatically move the drive wheels fore and aft through an approximately 41 cm range. Such a system provides all the benefits of front-, mid-, and rear-wheel drive configurations in a single wheelchair, for example, to adjust the drive wheels toward the rear for stability and speed outdoors and toward the center for maneuverability indoors. The performance-optimal placement of drive wheels often depends on the physical environment (e.g., terrain), on the combined center of mass of the wheelchair and user, and on the user's cognitive functioning, trunk stability, and driving skills. One disclosed embodiment includes a pair of mid-position drive wheels that can automatically be repositioned forward or backward to accommodate changes in terrain and center of mass, which will improve the power wheelchair's stability and maneuverability and, consequently, safety and ease of use in a wider range of scenarios. |
| US08561733B2 |
Alignment restoration device for load transporting apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically aligns a support foot of the apparatus with a load-bearing frame connected to the load transporting apparatus during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes a linking device attached to a support foot of the apparatus and a biasing device connected to the linking device that is deflected during non-linear load transporting movements, where the biasing device acts to automatically return the support foot to an aligned position relative to the load-bearing frame after a non-linear movement has been completed and the support foot is raised above a ground surface. |
| US08561730B2 |
Foot valve assembly for a down hole drill
A retaining assembly for a cylindrical member and support sleeve in the bore of a component of a DTH. The cylindrical member and support sleeve may, for example, be a foot valve assembly for insertion into a counter bore in a bit. The cylindrical member has a cylindrical member rigidity and at least a portion of the support sleeve has a rigidity greater than the cylindrical member rigidity. A gap is provided between the sleeve and the component bore of the DTH. The cylindrical member deforms in the gap, resulting in the cylindrical member being fixedly sandwiched between the support sleeve and the component bore. |
| US08561728B2 |
Cutting element apparatuses, drill bits including same, methods of cutting, and methods of rotating a cutting element
A subterranean drilling system may include a drill string and a rotary drill bit coupled to the drill string. The rotary drill bit may include a bit body and a cutting element coupled to the bit body, with the cutting element being structured to rotate in response to torque applied to the cutting element. The system also may include a cam assembly coupled to the drill string, a cam follower assembly in contact with a cam surface of the cam assembly, and a torque-applying structure coupled to the cam follower assembly. The torque-applying structure may be configured to apply torque to the cutting element in response to relative rotation between the cam assembly and the cam follower assembly. |
| US08561727B1 |
Superabrasive cutting elements and systems and methods for manufacturing the same
An exemplary cutting element for a rotary drill bit may have a forward end and a rearward end. The cutting element may include a substrate having a forward face, a rearward face, and at least one interface surface extending between the forward end and the rearward end. At least one of the forward face and the rearward face may be a substantially planar surface. The cutting element may also include a superabrasive layer bonded to the at least one interface surface of the substrate. The superabrasive layer may include at least one cutting edge extending between the forward end and the rearward end. An exemplary rotary drill bit may include at least one cutting element coupled to the bit body. The at least one cutting element may have a rearward end adjacent to the bit body and a forward end extending away from the bit body. |
| US08561725B2 |
Ultra-hard drill collar
A drill collar formed substantially entirely from a metal matrix material and one or more metal alloys, the drill collar being produced through a molding process. The metal matrix material of the drill collar minimizes lateral movement and vibration during drilling operations, while providing a weight greater than that of conventional drill collar materials, thereby enabling construction of drill collars and bottom hole assemblies having a reduced length. |
| US08561717B2 |
Articulating drill with integrated circuit board and method of operation
The present invention is an articulating hand power tool with a main housing having a longitudinal axis, a head portion rotatably engaged with the main housing for placement at a plurality of angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main housing, an integrated circuit board located within the main housing and at least one controller accessible from outside of the main housing for controlling the integrated circuit board. |
| US08561716B2 |
Power tool
A power tool capable of performing vibration damping action in working operation, without an increase in size. The working tool includes a motor, a housing in which an internal mechanism driven by the motor is stored, a tool bit disposed on one end of the housing, a hand grip continuously connected to the other end of the housing, and a dynamic damper. The dynamic damper is disposed by utilizing a space between the housing and the internal mechanism so that the damping direction of the dynamic damper faces the longitudinal direction of the tool bit. |
| US08561712B2 |
Automatic stove top fire suppression module
An apparatus for extinguishing fires in stoves used in food preparation. This invention detects a grease fire on the stovetop by detecting an elevated temperature associated with a grease fire and releases a fire suppression agent into the burning pan. A trigger mechanism retracts a restraining pin releasing the lever and cover. A packet of dry fire suppression agent with a foil separator falls using gravity. The foil separator is folded in a manner that divides the fire suppression agent into smaller portions. |
| US08561710B2 |
Seal system and method
A tool for setting an annular seal, including an inner body, a first outer body coaxial with the longitudinal axis, and a second outer body coaxial with the longitudinal axis, wherein the second outer body is coupled to the first outer body. The inner body is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the tool and is configure to bias a retaining ring, the first outer body is configured to couple to a potion of the mineral extraction system, and the second outer body is configured to move along the longitudinal axis to bias the annular seal. |
| US08561700B1 |
Method and apparatus for cementing while running casing in a well bore
An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. |
| US08561697B2 |
Downhole tool delivery system with self activating perforation gun
An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores. |
| US08561696B2 |
Method of placing ball sealers for fluid diversion
A method for placing ball sealers within a well formed within a subterranean formation for sealing holes in a casing of the well is carried out by performing at least one of two operations. The first operation involves providing a tag with at least one ball sealer or a carrier fluid containing the at least one ball sealer to facilitate monitoring of the location of the ball sealer. A tag monitoring device is provided within the well for monitoring the location of the tag. The ball sealer and carrier fluid with the tag are introduced downhole into the well. Information from the monitor device regarding the location of the tag is communicated to a remote monitoring location to the thereby provide an indication of the location of the tag within the well to a surface location. In the second operation a container is provided within the well at a known location downhole within the well. The container contains at least one ball sealer. The ball sealer or sealers are released from the container within the well at the known location in response to an instruction initiated from a surface location. |
| US08561695B2 |
Apparatus and method for testing solids production in a wellbore
An apparatus and method is disclosed for conducting a fluid and solids production test in a subterranean well. A testing apparatus may be inserted into a wellbore. The apparatus may employ a tubular housing with entry port(s) through the housing. An inner assembly may be positioned within the tubular housing, the inner assembly being configured for connection to the tubular housing. The inner assembly may include a fluid permeable screen and a distal end forming a reservoir that is scaled, or may be adapted to be scaled, for the collection of solids during a well production testing event. Following a testing event, the apparatus may be removed from the wellbore to enable the collected solids to be measured to determine the amount of solids generated by a subterranean formation at actual field flow conditions. |
| US08561693B2 |
Mobile well services assembly
A mobile assembly usable in at least one well services operation includes a chassis, a drum disposed on the chassis having a spooled element disposed thereon for use in the at least one well services operation, a winch disposed on the chassis and attached to the spooled element for raising and lowering the spooled element, an elevation device disposed on the chassis and operable to support the spooled element in the at least one well services operation, at least one acquisition system disposed on the chassis in operable communication with a tool disposed on the spooled element, and a prime mover operable to provide power to at least the drum, the winch, and the elevation device. |
| US08561690B2 |
Expansion cone assembly for setting a liner hanger in a wellbore casing
An expansion cone assembly (200) for setting a liner hanger. The expansion cone assembly (200) includes a cone mandrel (202) having an outer frustoconical surface (220), a lead cone (206) slidably disposed around the cone mandrel (200) having a frustoconical surface (228) with a maximum outer diameter (230) and a collapsible cone (204) slidably disposed at least partially around the outer frustoconical surface (220) of the cone mandrel (202). In an expansion configuration, the outer frustoconical surface (220) radially props the collapsible cone (204) such that it has a first maximum outer diameter (232) that is greater than the maximum outer diameter (230) of the lead cone (206). In a retrieval configuration, the collapsible cone (204) axially shifts relative to the outer frustoconical surface (220) such that it has a second maximum outer diameter (234) that is no more than the maximum outer diameter (230) of the lead cone (206). |
| US08561687B2 |
Pressure containment devices and methods of using same
Moveable and split packer cups for use above a conventional coiled tubing fracturing or stimulation tool are described as well as methods for running these tools into a wellbore. These devices can be used for extended stimulation intervals with coiled tubing, as well as for a secondary pressure containment to avoid pressure communication with uphole formations or perforations. |
| US08561686B2 |
Downhole fluid communication apparatus and method
A probe for establishing fluid communication between a downhole tool and a subterranean formation is provided. The downhole tool is positioned in a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation. The probe includes a platform operatively connected to the downhole tool, at least one packer operatively connected to the platform, the packer having at least one hole extending therethrough and at least one embedded member disposed in the packer for enhancing the operation of the packer as it is pressed against the wellbore wall. |
| US08561683B2 |
Wellbore tubular cutter
An apparatus and a method for cutting a wellbore tubular may include an upper section and a lower section mating at a juncture plane defined by a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the wellbore tubular. Each section may include a support plate having a passage, a liner positioned adjacent to the support plate, and an energetic material disposed between the support plate and the liner. An initiator having a shaft may be positioned in the passages of the upper section and the lower section. |
| US08561679B2 |
Heat exchanger header and related methods and apparatuses
A heat exchanger (such as a radiator) that provides for a consistent tank-to-header joint location. The header generally includes a drafted wall that is movable adjacent to or within a tank and may include a curved fillet to maintain header alignment. |
| US08561673B2 |
Sealed self-contained fluidic cooling device
A cooling system and method for cooling electronic components. The cooling system employs a cooling device that includes a composite structure having first and second plates arranged substantially in parallel and bonded together to define a sealed cavity therebetween. The first plate has a surface that defines an outer surface of the composite structure and is adapted for thermal contact with at least one electronic component. A mesh of interwoven strands is disposed within the cavity and lies in a plane substantially parallel to the first and second plates. A fluid is contained and sealed within the cavity of the composite structure, and is pumped through interstices defined by and between the strands of the mesh. Flow dividers can define interconnected channels within the cavity. |
| US08561670B2 |
Process and apparatus for direct chill casting
An apparatus for direct chill casting of metal having an open ended mold cavity formed by a casting surface, a refractory sleeve adapted to receive molten metal, a coolant delivery system for supplying coolant to chill the descending hot metal body, and a boron nitride ring mounted between the refractory sleeve and the peripheral wall of the mold cavity. A downspout may be used instead of a refractory sleeve having a flow control rod or floating baffle to control the amount of molten metal entering the mold cavity. A process for direct chill casting of a metal including continuously filling the cavity with molten metal and permitting the metal to move downwardly through the mold to form an ingot, and simultaneously chilling the ingot by spraying coolant on the ingot from the coolant delivery system. |
| US08561668B2 |
Rapid manufacturing method
A rapid manufacturing method includes forming tooling in a rapid manufacturing process. The tooling is coated with a conductive material. |
| US08561666B2 |
Flexible furniture system
An article of flexible furniture having a core formed from a plurality of laminar panels of a flaccid material and each panel having a pair of oppositely directed major faces, adjacent faces of said panels being inter-connected to provide a cellular structure upon movement of abutting faces away from each other, a pair of supports at opposite ends of said core and connected to respective ones of said faces, said supports being self-supporting to provide rigidity to said core whereby said supports may be moved apart to expand said cellular and extend the length of said partition. |
| US08561661B2 |
Run-flat pneumatic tire assembly and method
A run-flat pneumatic tire assembly includes a pneumatic tire having an elastomeric casing and a tire cavity formed therein. A longitudinally-extending and approximately planar length of strip material is helically arranged within the tire cavity to pre-stress the length of strip material for usage of the pneumatic tire during under-inflated and non-inflated conditions. A method of making a run-flat pneumatic tire assembly is also included. |
| US08561660B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A sipe extending in a tire width direction is provided in a land part (block) of a tread shoulder region, and the sipe is configured to include a first sipe part, a second sipe part having a groove width larger than the first sipe part and a third sipe part larger than the second sipe part. The first sipe part is formed over the whole of a sipe length direction in an opening side region of the sipe and the whole of a sipe depth direction in an inner region on the side of a tire equator; the third sipe part is formed in an outer region on the side of a tread ground contact end in a sipe bottom part region; and the second sipe part is formed in a region between the first sipe part and the third sipe part. |
| US08561659B2 |
Tire and electronic device assembly
A tire and electronic device assembly is disclosed, the electronic device measuring one or more tire parameters. The electronic device attaches to a cellular insert member to create a sub-assembly, the insert member having an inward surface attached on a centerline of the tire to an inward facing tire surface defining a tire cavity. The electronic device attaches to the cellular insert member between raised regions of the cellular insert member with an outward surface of the device uncovered and exposed and recessed below outward boundaries of the raised regions. |
| US08561655B2 |
Automated ice bagging apparatus and methods
An automatic ice vending apparatus including a holding vessel formed with an aperture, the holding vessel being configured and dimensioned to receive and house ice pieces produced by an operatively associated ice supply, an ice metering device, and an ice transferring device at least partially disposed within the holding vessel that facilitates movement of ice pieces located therein in a first direction toward the aperture thereof, and movement of ice pieces in a second different direction from the aperture to the ice metering device, which is adapted and configured to meter a quantity of ice pieces into a readily transportable container. Methods and automated methods of delivering ice to consumer(s) are also included. |
| US08561654B2 |
Self propelled kit applicable to buckraking machines or silo-bag
The present invention relates to a kit which can be easily adapted to a buckraking device or silo-bag, to allow people to work without using a tractor. The kit includes a movable base having at least one wheel and an independent engine mounted on the movable base. The independent engine activates the load screw and a clutch mechanism is coupled to the independent engine. A coupling fuse is coupled to the clutch mechanism and a speed reducer is coupled to the coupling fuse. A short cardan joint is coupled to the speed reducer at one end and to the hopper in the other end. |
| US08561653B2 |
Material(s)/content(s) management method and apparatus
Volumetric enclosure(s) provide methods and/or apparatus for teaching, generating and deriving supply chain efficiency improvement. Prime Manifold Enclosure(s) methods and/or apparatus provide for deriving and generating efficiency by volumetric displacement and volumetric replacement of dissimilar material(s) and volumetric displacement and volumetric replacement of material having dissimilar origin. Apparatus for generating matrix patterns comprising fluent material manifold(s) cooperatively structured for creating integrated composite communication flow matrix pathways are disclosed. Supply chain efficiency advantages are conferred in part by encroachment across distinct disciplines of manufacture/care, by the interposition of prime manifold enclosure(s) between distinct disciplines previously un-traversed and volumetric displacement and volumetric replacement of dissimilar materials deriving from dissimilar origins. |
| US08561652B2 |
Method for safe filling with carbon nanotubes, filling system and industrial plant employing this method
The invention relates to a method for filling a receptacle (200) with carbon nanotubes from another receptacle (106) whereby the CNTs are passed from one receptacle to the other by means of a coupling (300) comprising a double-valve device (30), each valve being coupled to one of the receptacles, the valves (31, 32) closing independently and tightly and being openable only when they are coupled to one another. |
| US08561651B2 |
Fabric, fabric manufacturing method and vehicle seat
A fabric, a fabric manufacturing method and a vehicle seat are provided. The fabric has one surface and an opposite surface, and includes a constituent yarn having at least an elastic yarn; and a chenille yarn having a core yarn and a pile yarn. At least one kind of yarn of the constituent yarn is shaped in a waveform as seen from a sectional direction of the fabric. The core yarn is located closer to the opposite surface than an imaginary line, the imaginary line being formed by connecting each of peaks of mountain portions of the waveform in the one surface. |
| US08561643B2 |
Control device for a hydrostatic steering motor
A control device (1) for a hydrostatic steering motor comprises supply and return pump and tank connections (P, T), a slide valve arrangement in which inner and outer slide element sleeves are rotatable relative to each other to both sides of a neutral position through a limited small angle, said sleeves mutually forming controlled supply and return passages connected to said motor having supply and return throttles which are closed when said sleeves are in a neutral position, bypass throttle means (7) between said pump and tank connections (P, T) being open when said sleeves are in a neutral position, said bypass throttle means (7) having a set of at least two variable orifices connected in series. In such a device the noise should be reduced when a higher supply pressure of hydraulic fluid is used. |
| US08561633B2 |
Steel-reinforced HDPE rain harvesting system
The steel-reinforced HDPE rain harvesting system collects, stores, and pumps harvested rain water for a variety of non-portable uses. The rain harvesting system includes either a horizontally disposed or vertically disposed steel-reinforced plastic cylindrical wetwell connected to an inlet pipe. The inlet pipe discharges rain water into a rain filter made from a pervious concrete manhole lined with a replaceable 20-micron filter cloth. The rain filter allows rain water into the storage section of the wetwell. A high water alarm is disposed in the rain filter and alerts maintenance personnel to clean the filter when needed. A submersible pump is housed in an HDPE pump sleeve outside the wetwell and conveys effluent from a forcemain at the wetwell's bottom portion to a target area. A level monitoring system disposed inside the wetwell selectively activates the pumping system. Maintenance hatches atop the unit are included. |
| US08561630B2 |
Dual gas source changeover valve and control cabinet and gas supply system
A dual gas source changeover valve comprises a valve body having a first inlet port, a second inlet port and an outlet port which are all in fluid communication with each other, a spool having a structure relative to an axial passage of the cavity of the valve body and which is slidably disposed therein, a first transition cavity formed by the cavity of the valve body and the spool between the first inlet port and the outlet port, a second transition cavity disposed opposite to the first transition cavity and formed between the second inlet port and the outlet port. By introducing delivered gas to the first transition cavity or the second transition cavity through connection channels, the present invention selectively connects or disconnects the first inlet port, the first transition cavity and the outlet port or the second inlet port, the second transition cavity and the outlet port. |
| US08561629B2 |
Method and a device for draining a tank, and a tank and an aircraft fitted with such a device
The present invention relates to a method of draining a tank (2) having a plate, the plate (12) including a canister (19) having an outer casing (20) provided with a base (19′) that is pressed against the plate (12), the base (19′) presenting at least one through orifice (21) suitable for being closed by a movable member (22) of the canister (19), the plate (12) carrying a pump (30) that co-operates with the canister (19) by actuating the movable member (22) to open the through orifice (21), during which method the pump (30) is removed from the canister (19) and then a fluid connector (50) is inserted to take the place of the pump (30), the fluid connector (50) co-operating with the canister (19) by actuating the movable member (22) to release the through orifice (21) in order to drain the tank (2) via the fluid connector (50). |
| US08561628B2 |
Continuous gas service restoration and meter change-out system
An assembly for maintaining flow between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit. The assembly may include a first plate having an inlet notch sized to engage the inlet conduit and an outlet notch sized to engage the outlet conduit, and a second plate having an inlet notch sized to engage the inlet conduit and an outlet notch sized to engage the outlet conduit. The assembly may also include a first connecting member coupled to the first plate and the second plate and a bag having at least one glove port coupled to a second connecting member. The first connecting member may be connected to the second connecting member. |
| US08561627B1 |
Calibration of a chemical dispense system
Method for providing a fluid at a target pressure. In one implementation, the method may include providing a semiconductor solution at a velocity to a supply line through a dispenser, measuring a pressure of the semiconductor solution flowing through the supply line, comparing the measured pressure with the target pressure, and adjusting the velocity based on the results of the comparison. |
| US08561624B2 |
Hydraulic coupling of a vertically adjustable dish basket of a dishwasher
A dishwasher having a washing compartment with a sidewall; a height-adjustable basket that can be at least partially withdrawn from the washing compartment; a spray arm; a feed pipe, disposed on the basket, for the spray arm; and a coupling device. The coupling device has a first part-coupling that is disposed on the sidewall and that has first openings arranged vertically one above another. The coupling device also has a second part-coupling that is connected to the feed pipe and that has a second opening which, depending on a height adjustment of the basket, cooperates with one of the first openings such that washing liquor passes through that opening and the second opening and flows via the feed pipe to the spray arm. The washing liquor is discharged under pressure from the first openings. The second part-coupling closes the remaining first openings. |
| US08561623B2 |
Apparatus for removing debris from gutters, troughs and other overhead open conduits
The apparatus removes debris from overhead open conduits. The apparatus includes a shaped conduit with closed sidewalls. The top portion of the shaped conduit exhibits a bend which permits it to reach into the open conduit. The portion of conduit beneath the bend is straight. On the straight portion there is an on-off switch which sends a wireless signal to a switch on a source of vacuum which is attached to the straight portion. Adjacent the on-off switch there may be a valve which controls an amount of water applied from a water line attached to the shaped conduit. |
| US08561619B1 |
Artificial nail or tip arrangement and method of making same
An artificial nail or tip arrangement and method of making the same are provided. The arrangement includes a body having a concave lower surface with a shape corresponding to a natural nail. The arrangement also includes an adhesive layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first surface adheres to the concave lower surface of the body and the second surface is provided to adhere to the natural nail when applied thereto. The arrangement further includes a removable layer that covers the second surface of the adhesive layer, and which is removable to expose the second surface of the adhesive layer for application to the natural nail. The removable layer is provided with a plurality of slits so that a surface of the removable layer remains smooth after adherence of the first surface of the adhesive layer with the concave lower surface of the body. |
| US08561615B2 |
Vasectomy devices, kits, and methods of using same
Conventional vasectomy techniques suffer from a number of disadvantages, including, for example, a substantial risk for the development of hematomas and swelling, a potential for spontaneous regeneration and undesired resumption of fertility, a need for a highly skilled surgical professional, as well as a long recovery period, accompanied by severe limitations on post-surgical activity. The invention disclosed herein overcomes the disadvantages and deficiencies of the prior art by providing a rapid, reliable, less invasive male sterilization procedure as well as a vasectomy device and kit for use therewith. |
| US08561612B2 |
Method and system for monitoring patient's breathing action response to changes in a ventilator applied breathing support
A method for monitoring patient's breathing action response to changes in a ventilator applied breathing support, where a) a desired target range for a breathing gas indication of O2-consumption for the patient is first determined, after which b) the ventilator applied breathing support is changed, and c) the breathing gas indication of O2-consumption of said patient is measured and d) compared with the desired target range. At least the steps b)-d) are repeated to maintain the measured breathing gas indication of O2-consumption of said patient within the desired target range. A system for monitoring a patient's breathing action is also provided. |
| US08561609B2 |
Dry powder inhaler
A dry powder inhaler includes a chamber holding an actuator to which a powdered medicament is adhered. Air is drawn into the chamber through an inlet flow channel and exits through an outlet flow channel. The actuator oscillates in response to the air flow, dislodging powdered medicament to be entrained in the air flow and delivered to the patient. A retaining member prevents the actuator from exiting the chamber. Thus, the medicament may be delivered to the patient without the use of carrier particles. |
| US08561607B2 |
Heated nebulizer devices, nebulizer systems, and methods for inhalation therapy
Nebulizer assemblies and systems are disclosed. A nebulizer assembly includes a reservoir and a nebulizer for producing an aerosolized gas. An aerosolized gas outlet passes the aerosolized gas. A breathing gas mixing chamber is coupled to an outlet port of the nebulizer to entrain nebulized medication into a breathing gas. A system and method of heating medication in a reservoir and adding medication to a gas flow is also provided. |
| US08561605B2 |
Atraumatic introducer for nasal endotracheal tubes and its method of use
The present invention provides an intubation device including a nasal endotracheal tube having a proximal, relative to a person inserting the nasal endotracheal tube, end and a distal end; and an introducer including an elongated member having a proximal open end and a distal blunt end, the introducer proximal open end including a hollow mouth having sidewalls for receiving and holding the distal end of the endotracheal tube. The dilator/introducer is simply a tube, solid or hollow having a hollow proximal end that will hold a distal end of a nasal endotracheal tube in place. It will act as a dilator, and once the distal end of the endotracheal tube is past the nasopharynx and is visualized in the oropharynx, the “dilator” is removed and typically discarded. A method of use of the intubation device is also disclosed. |
| US08561598B2 |
Method and system of thermochemical regeneration to provide oxygenated fuel, for example, with fuel-cooled fuel injectors
The present disclosure is directed to integrated injector/igniters providing efficient injection, ignition, and complete combustion of various types of fuels. One example of such an injectors/igniter can include a body having a base portion opposite a nozzle portion. The base portion receives the fuel into the body and the nozzle portion can be positioned adjacent to the combustion chamber. The injector further includes a valve carried by the nozzle portion that is movable between a closed position and an open position to inject the fuel into the combustion chamber. An actuator is coupled the valve and extends longitudinally through the body towards the base portion, and a driver is carried by the body and is movable between a first position and a second position. Thermochemical regeneration of waste heat produced by combustion and associated combustion events is captured and invested in endothermic reactions to improve efficiency of the combustion event. Hydrogen characterized fuel may be used as a heat sink. |
| US08561595B2 |
Drive-integrated type BLDC fuel pump module
Provided is a driver-integrated type BLDC fuel pump module, which is used in a vehicle and in which a driver used for controlling the operation of a BLDC fuel pump is installed in a flange of the BLDC fuel pump module, thus removing the spatial limit caused when the driver is installed and reducing the length of an electric wire electrically connecting the driver to a BLDC fuel pump of the module, thereby solving the problem of the operational performance of the BLDC fuel pump deteriorating as a result of both the voltage drop in the electric wire and a reduction in the operational efficiency of the pump. |
| US08561590B1 |
Oil pan for an internal combustion engine
An oil pan for an internal combustion engine includes a flange configured for attaching to the internal combustion engine, and a floor spaced apart from the flange by a first distance and configured for collecting an oil thereon. The oil pan further includes a wall interconnecting the flange and the floor and defining at least one passage therein, wherein the at least one passage extends from the flange towards the floor to a second distance that is less than the first distance. In addition, the oil pan includes at least one insert insertable into the at least one passage to a third distance that is less than the second distance to thereby define an oil drainback channel that is configured for draining the oil from the internal combustion engine to the floor. |
| US08561589B2 |
Gear and balance shaft for a piston engine
Balance shaft for a piston engine comprises a bearing journal, on which the balance shaft is supported, a gear section, on which a gear is connected in a rotation-locked manner thereto via a press fit or another shaft-hub-connection, and an unbalanced section having an integrally connected unbalanced mass or an unbalanced mass fastened on this unbalanced section using machine elements or via another shaft-hub connection. The balance shaft can alternately comprise steel or cast iron material in the case of a friction mounting and its bearing journals can alternately be implemented as hardened or also unhardened. If the balance shaft is mounted in roller bearings and if the roller bodies have direct contact with the bearing surface, it is implemented in a suitable steel and the bearing journals are hardened. The gear comprises nodular cast iron and is not hardened. |
| US08561588B2 |
Engine stop/start system and method of operating same
A method of operating an engine stop/start system includes connecting an armature of a starter motor to the engine through an overrunning clutch when the engine changes a rotational direction. |
| US08561583B2 |
Phaser with oil pressure assist
A variable cam timing phaser for adjusting phase between a first shaft and a second shaft using oil pressure from an oil pressure source including a housing assembly and a rotor assembly together defining a plurality of segments. The segments include at least one operating segment including an advance chamber and a retard chamber, the advance chamber and the retard chamber being oppositely switchable between at least a source of oil pressure and a drain, the vane being movable by oil pressure from the oil source applied to either the advance chamber or the retard chamber with the other of the advance chamber and the retard chamber being coupled to the drain and at least one assist segment including an assist chamber and a vent chamber, the vent chamber being vented to atmosphere; such that oil supplied to the assist chamber assists the motion of the vane in a direction. |
| US08561580B2 |
Engine cooling device
In an engine, a block-side flow path for circulating cooling water to cool a cylinder block, and a head-side flow path for circulating cooling water to cool a cylinder head are formed. A head-side outlet temperature of cooling water flowing out of the head-side flow path is adjusted by using a water pump that pressure sends the cooling water to both the block-side flow path and the head-side flow path. A block-side outlet temperature of cooling water flowing out of the block-side flow path is adjusted by a first thermostat that changes a flow amount of the cooling water flowing out of the block-side flow path. The cooling water flowing out of the block-side flow path is used as a heat source of first and second heater cores for heating air. |
| US08561578B2 |
Hydrogen generator and internal combustion engine provided with hydrogen generator
A hydrogen generator provided with a cracker which cracks a compound containing hydrogen atoms and nitrogen atoms to generate hydrogen, a compound feeder which feeds the compound to the cracker, and an oxygen feeder which feeds oxygen to the cracker. The cracker includes catalyst particles which promote the cracking of the compound and catalyst particles which promote the oxidation of the compound. The cracker is fed with the compound and oxygen, causes the compound to oxidize to generate heat of oxidation, and uses the generated heat of oxidation to crack the compound. |
| US08561577B1 |
Adjustable dog harness adapted for pulling, walking, vehicle restraint and other diverse applications
An adjustable dog harness has a pair of adjustable length neck straps through which a dog's head passes. A chest strap passes from the neck under the chest and back, to connect with a pair of adjustable length side straps. These side straps pass up from the chest strap to a belly region that may optionally include a belly strap. The side straps are formed into folds, at approximately 45 degree angles, to continue as adjustable length back straps to the adjustable length neck straps. A sliding position ring couples a lead or leash to the side/back strap folds. Buckles are provided in the side straps, and in the optional belly strap, to permit rapid placement and removal of the harness. Through appropriate adjustment of the side and back straps, the harness will alternatively be adapted to function as a pulling, walking, or vehicle harness and for other diverse applications. |
| US08561574B2 |
Collection station for accelerated collection of specimens from laboratory animals
Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatuses relating to animal specimen collection and animal specimen collection stations. In an embodiment, multiple chambers each contain a single animal, and wells on a removable floor on each of the chambers may collect animal specimens. The wells may be dimensioned with a depth and width such that the animals may not disturb, contact, or contaminate specimens contained within a well. |
| US08561564B2 |
Device and method for launching an underwater moving body
A method and a device for launching an underwater moving body. In order to reduce the expenses arising from furnishing watercraft, a land supported deployment of underwater moving bodies in coastal waters using a launching device is provided with a land-based carrier system for transporting the underwater moving body and a corresponding land-based deploying system. |
| US08561563B2 |
Side-by-side mooring bay
A mooring system may comprise a station keeping apparatus having a turntable rotatably mounted thereon. The station keeping apparatus is operable to movably couple to a first vessel and to a second vessel in a side-by-side configuration. The turntable is operable to freely rotate both the first and the second vessel about the station keeping apparatus. The station keeping apparatus is securable to the second vessel using a head mooring line having a length which is adjustable for aligning a heading of both the first and the second vessel with a prevailing weather direction. Further, the mooring system may comprise a rigid yoke or a soft yoke movably coupling the turntable to the first vessel for angular adjustment between the station keeping apparatus and a longitudinal center line of the first vessel. |
| US08561560B2 |
Workpiece holder
A workpiece holder is usable with an embroidery sewing machine including a needle bar movable upward and downward and a transfer mechanism transferring the workpiece in two directions. The workpiece holder holds the workpiece when the workpiece is engraved by striking the workpiece by a striking needle attached to the needle bar while the workpiece is transferred by the transfer mechanism. The workpiece holder includes a pair of connecting portions detachably attached to the transfer mechanism, a placement member on which the workpiece is placed and a holding mechanism which is located on the placement member to hold a part of the workpiece other than a worked surface of the workpiece which is engraved, so that the part is fixed. |
| US08561559B2 |
Sewing system, multi-needle sewing machine, storage device and computer readable medium
A sewing system that forms an embroidery pattern on the workpiece cloth by co-operating a sewing mechanism and a transfer mechanism using a count of thread colors determined by a count of thread color data found to match thread color data by a verifier. By removing a storage device attached to one of the plurality of multi-needle sewing machines and attaching the removed storage device to other one or more multi-needle sewing machines, unsewn portions of the embroidery pattern at each of the other one or more multi-needle sewing machines are sewn by reading the progress information by a data reader, verifying whether or not the thread color data contained in the progress information read by the data reader matches thread spool color data of other one or more multi-needle sewing machines and executing a sewing operation based on the verification. |
| US08561558B2 |
Cleaning element, sowing heart and individual grain sowing machine
Sowing heart for an individual grain sowing machine including a seed disk which can rotate in one direction of rotation R, wherein the seed disk has sowing holes in a defined arrangement; a receiving region for receiving the seed in the sowing holes and a delivery region for delivery of the seed; and a cleaning element for cleaning of the sowing holes during operation of the sowing heart between the delivery region and the receiving region. For improved cleaning action of the cleaning element for cleaning each hole, per revolution of the seed disk there being at least two separate cleaning phases which can be easily replaced at the same time. Furthermore, the invention relates to an individual grain sowing machine with a plurality of sowing assemblies with one aforementioned sowing heart at a time and a corresponding cleaning element. |
| US08561555B2 |
Oxyfuel combustion boiler plant and operating method for the same
An oxyfuel combustion boiler plant having a first boiler and a second boiler for injecting gas including oxygen in higher concentration than that in the air, gas including carbon dioxide in higher concentration than that in the air, and fuel from a burner and generating steam by combustion gas in a furnace, respectively, comprising: an exhaust gas supply pipe for supplying exhaust gas discharged from the first boiler to a burner of the second boiler, and a gas flow rate control apparatus for controlling a flow rate of exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas supply pipe. |
| US08561553B2 |
Solid fuel nozzle tip assembly
A solid fuel nozzle tip for issuing a flow of mixed solid fuel and air into a boiler or furnace includes an outer nozzle body having an outer flow channel extending therethrough from an inlet to an outlet of the outer nozzle body. An inner nozzle body has an inner flow channel extending therethrough from an inlet to an outlet of the inner nozzle body. The inner nozzle body is mounted within the outer nozzle body with the inner flow channel inboard of and substantially aligned with the outer flow channel. The inner and outer nozzle bodies are joined together so as to accommodate movement relative to one another due to thermal expansion and contraction of the outer and inner nozzle bodies. |
| US08561547B2 |
Track guided vehicle wheel truck
A track-guided vehicle wheel truck facilitates vehicle maintenance and enables reduction in costs. The track vehicle wheel truck includes guide frames arranged along the forward and rearward directions of the vehicle on the inside of the vehicle width direction in the running wheels, and fixed to knuckles; a tie rod arranged on the center side of the forward and rearward directions in the vehicle along the vehicle width direction, and interlock with the guide frames; guide wheel receivers disposed toward the inside of the vehicle width direction from the guide frames on the vehicle end side and the center side relative to an axis of the running wheels; and a steering axle arranged along the vehicle width direction, and are able to turn the running wheels, the knuckles, and the guide frames by installing a kingpin at both ends thereof. |
| US08561544B2 |
Method for prodution of a projectile, as well as a projectile
The invention relates to a projectile (1) having a sub-caliber projectile core (2) and a guide cage or sabot (3) that comprises a driving element (4), which acts on the projectile core (2) at the rear thereof and is in the form of a plate composed of metal. In order to produce such a projectile (1) at low cost, the projectile core (2) and the driving element (4), which is in the form of a plate, are inserted as inserts into an injection-molding tool, and are extrusion-coated so that the injection-mold shape is chosen so that the contour of the guide cage or sabot (3) of the projectile (1) is produced after the injection-molding process. |
| US08561543B2 |
Lightweight polymer ammunition cartridge casings
One embodiment of the present invention provides a polymeric ammunition cartridge and methods of making and using the same. The cartridge includes a substantially cylindrical insert connected to a substantially cylindrical polymeric middle body. The substantially cylindrical insert includes a top surface opposite a bottom surface and a substantially cylindrical coupling element that extends from the bottom surface, a primer recess in the top surface that extends toward the bottom surface, a primer flash hole positioned in the primer recess to extend through the bottom surface, and a flange that extends circumferentially about an outer edge of the top surface. The substantially cylindrical polymeric middle body includes a substantially cylindrical polymeric bullet-end and a substantially cylindrical polymeric coupling end connected by a powder chamber, wherein the substantially cylindrical polymeric coupling end extends over the substantially cylindrical coupling element and covers a circumferential surface of the primer flash hole. |
| US08561534B2 |
Decorating an elongated element
A decorating apparatus comprises an advancing arrangement for advancing an elongated element in an advancing direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated element and a plurality of decorating devices positioned downstream one another along the advancing arrangement for decorating distinct surfaces of said elongated element, each decorating device comprising a decorating unit for decorating a respective surface of the elongated element, the decorating unit comprising: a transferring device for transferring a flowable material on the elongated element, including a transferring roller rotatable around a rotation axis and arranged for interacting with the elongated element, the transferring roller being made of deformable material so that non-flat surfaces can be decorated; a kiln arrangement arranged downstream of the transferring device for heating said flowable material applied to said elongated element. |
| US08561530B2 |
Wire bobbin binding device and automatic bobbin winding device using wire bobbin binding device
A wire bobbin binding device includes a binding head having first and second coaxially aligned rotatably mounted chucks for engaging opposite sides of an empty bobbin for motor-driven rotation about a bobbin axis while a wire is wound upon the bobbin. A ring creeping clip is mounted on the binding head and moveable between an advanced position and a retracted position to selectively engage the wire and bind the terminal end of the wire. |
| US08561528B2 |
Device and method for heating food products
A device for heating the outside of food particles includes a substantially cylindrical tube extending with a substantially horizontal axis, a heating device configured to heat the tube on the outside, a drive device configured to drive the tube in rotation about its axis, a supply device configured to supply food particles to be heated to the interior of the tube in the vicinity of a first end of the tube, and a discharge device configured to discharge the heated food particles from the second end of the tube. The product is heated briefly by contact heating in a rotating tube, being carried along by the rotating part and detaching from the wall at a point in time due to gravity in combination with the rotating movement, and thereby coming loose from the other part of the tangle of meat. |
| US08561523B2 |
Reciprocating pump having a piston assembly
A reciprocating pump including a piston is disclosed. In some embodiments, the piston includes an annular hub, a flexible sealing element coupled to an outer surface of the hub, and a sleeve seated on the outer surface of the hub adjacent the sealing element. The sleeve is axially moveable relative to the hub to compress the sealing element. The sealing element includes a lip, which is displaced radially outward when the sleeve compresses the sealing element. |
| US08561520B2 |
Brake servo
A brake servo whose valve piston has a concentric sealing seat which projects axially beyond a second sealing seat, with the concentric sealing seat having at least one recess for throttling the air volume flow. The controllability and also the noise characteristics of the brake servo can be improved in this way. |
| US08561515B1 |
Method for neutralizing explosives and electronics
Disclosed is a system for detonating a buried explosive device by discharging an electric discharge with at least five joules of energy to detonate the buried explosive device. |
| US08561514B2 |
Braided carbon nanotube threads and methods of manufacturing the same
A braided carbon nanotube thread includes at least three carbon nanotube filaments braided into a thread. The carbon nanotube filaments include a plurality of carbon nanotubes, each of the carbon nanotubes having a length L. The carbon nanotube filaments are braided such that the carbon nanotube thread has at least 8 intersections per the length L of each carbon nanotube. The carbon nanotube thread has a tensile strength greater than the tensile strength of the constituent carbon nanotube filaments. |
| US08561513B2 |
Miter saw
A miter saw for cutting a workpiece is disclosed. The miter saw has a base section, a holder section, a saw blade section, a saw blade support section, and a guide bar. The base section has an upper surface for supporting a workpiece to be cut. The holder section stands from the base portion. The saw blade section has a circular saw blade for cutting the workpiece. The saw blade support section pivotably supports the saw blade section. The guide bar slidably supports the saw blade support section. The guide bar is slidably supported by the holder section. The guide bar extends substantially parallel to the upper surface of the base section. The saw blade support portion is slidable along the guide bar. |
| US08561509B2 |
Mechanical-activated ID grooving tool
A mechanical-activated inner diameter (ID) grooving tool includes a shank, a body, a stopper, an insert cartridge, a bushing and an end cap. The shank includes a tapered piston having an extension surface and a retraction surface. The insert cartridge includes a tapered piston pocket having a piston-engaging face and a piston-retracting face. Axial movement of the tapered piston in a first direction causes the extension surface of the tapered piston into contact with the piston-engaging face of the insert cartridge, thereby causing the insert cartridge to move in a radially outward direction. Axial movement of the tapered piston in a second, opposite direction causes the retraction surface of the tapered piston into contact with the piston-retracting face of the insert cartridge, thereby causing the insert cartridge to move in a radially inward direction. |
| US08561506B2 |
Hand operated gripping tool
A hand operated gripping tool comprises a first jaw unit having a workpiece engaging portion, a second jaw unit having a workpiece engaging portion and being movable relative to the first jaw unit such that a variable size workpiece receiving space is defined between the workpiece engaging portions and a handle for applying a force to the second jaw unit. The second jaw unit is engagable with a reaction surface such that, in use, in response to a force applied by the handle, the workpiece engaging portion is forced against a workpiece received in the workpiece receiving space. An elongate extension portion extends from the workpiece engaging portion. The lever arm is connected with the elongate extension portion and the extension portion has a bend promoting portion disposed between the workpiece engaging portion and the lever arm connection that is configured to promote bending of the extension portion. |
| US08561505B2 |
Multiple-link tool assembly, tool extension, and method
A multiple-link tool assembly includes an elongated handle, an exchangeable extension link, and an exchangeable tool link. The exchangeable extension link has a first connecting end removably linked to the handle, and a second connecting end defining a sectioned cavity. The sectioned cavity includes an internally serrated cavity section and a non-serrated cavity section. An adjustable geometric connector having an externally serrated base is received and retained within the sectioned cavity. A spring is located within the non-serrated cavity section, and is adapted for normally urging the externally serrated base of the geometric connector into the internally serrated cavity section. The exchangeable tool link has a proximal end removably joined to the geometric connector of the extension link, and a fastener-engaging distal end adapted for engaging a threaded fastener. |
| US08561504B2 |
Wrench socket
A wrench socket for use on fasteners such as pipework fittings where closed pipework or other obstructions would normally prevent the use of a ring wrench or closed sockets has a plurality of swivel arms pivotally mounted to a socket main body. The swivel jaws can be opened and closed as required around pipework and the fastener. Formations on the swivel arms align with one another when the swivel arms are closed allowing engagement by a drive bar that locks the swivel arms together. The swivel arms cooperate with the socket main body to define a polygonal fastener receiving aperture. The socket main body can be made thin profile to allow the wrench socket to be used in close proximity to obstructions that would prevent the operation of prior art wrenches and wrench sockets. |
| US08561496B2 |
Multi-axis industrial robot with stopper
An industrial robot includes a mounting base, a turning base rotatable relative to the mounting base about a rotation axis, and a stopper mechanically limiting an operating angle of the turning base. The stopper includes a fixed section attached to the mounting base, a connecting base attached to the turning base, and a swing lever pivotally connected to the connecting base and capable of swinging between a first position and a second position. The turning base is maintained in the first position and the second position, respectively, by the stopper when the swing lever contacts the fixed section, thereby limiting the operating angle of the turning base. |
| US08561495B2 |
Gear unit with a lag function
A gear unit having a drive element with a first tooth structure, an output element with a second tooth structure, wherein the tooth structures are able to be brought into engagement cogging with each other to form a gearing in at least one engagement area of the second tooth structure. The output element has at least one uncoupling area, in which the cogging engagement of the gearing is uncoupled. The first tooth structure has at least one first modified tooth element and the second tooth structure has at least one second modified tooth element wherein by a movement of the drive element, synchronization of the second modified tooth element with the first modified tooth element is possible in order to create a change from the uncoupled state to the engagement state. |
| US08561494B2 |
Manual transmission
A gear train for first gear, a gear train for another specified forward gear and a gear train for reverse gear are arranged in order from the opposite side to an engine. A synchronizer for reverse gear is arranged on a first countershaft between a first driven gear of the gear train for reverse gear and a driven gear of the gear train for first gear. The synchronizer for reverse gear connects the first driven gear of the gear train for reverse gear and the driven gear of the gear train for first gear when a reverse shift is selected. Accordingly, the manual transmission which can shorten its axial size can be provided. |
| US08561492B2 |
Multi-stage transmission
A multi-stage transmission has driving gears m and driven gears n in constant mesh and supported for being individually engageable and disengageable with a hollow driven gear shaft. The transmission realizes a smooth speed change by providing cam rods within the driven gear shaft for engagement and disengagement between the driven gears n and the driven gear shaft and by providing compact lost motion mechanisms with axially acting springs for the cam rods, respectively. Swing pawl members each disengageably engage projections formed at circumferentially spaced positions on the inner peripheral surface of each driven gear n to control engagement and disengagement between each driven gear n and the driven gear shaft. The cam rods are moved in the driven gear shaft to operate the swing pawl members. Gear shift driving means includes a control rod moved in sliding contact with the inner surfaces of the cam rods. |
| US08561488B2 |
On-line production process of sand presenting a controlled methylene blue value
An embodiment of the invention provides a production process of sand including the extraction of sand from a quarry; the periodic, on-line and automated withdrawal of a sample of sand; and the automated measurement of the methylene blue value on the sample of sand. Another embodiment of the invention provides a production line of sand including means of extraction of sand from a quarry; periodic and automated means of withdrawal of a sample of sand; and automated means of measuring the methylene blue value for the sample of sand. |
| US08561482B2 |
Sealed sensor with strain gauges
A sealed sensor includes a test body configured as a deformable simple parallelogram, including a one-piece test body having a generally H- or X-shaped central opening extending therethrough, whose shape determines four hinge positions of the parallelogram, between the end of each arm of the opening and one face of the test body, and the thickness thereof. At least one hinge is a measuring hinge on one side of the test body. The outer face of the body has a recess and housing for strain gauges and circuits. At least one pair of side cavities define therebetween the width of the measuring hinge(s) and the thickness of the sheets of material connecting side edges of this measuring hinge to side edges of the test body corresponding to the hinge, preventing strains generated in the measuring hinges from being affected by strains from the side edges of the test body. |
| US08561480B2 |
Erosion-resistant insert for flow measurement devices
An erosion-resistant insert is provided for a flow measurement device having a fluid displacement member. The insert includes a flange and a sleeve extending axially from the flange. The sleeve may be inserted into a recess machined into a fluid conduit of the fluid measurement device to protect the inner wall of the conduit. The insert maintains a property of the flow measurement device. |
| US08561477B2 |
Fluid flow monitor and control system
A fluid flow monitoring system including one or more fluid flow dispensing valves each including a piston. Fluid flow sensors are associated with the fluid flow dispensing valves for measuring fluid flow. The fluid flow sensors include a housing with a magnet positioned therein and a piston follower is coupled to the magnet. The piston follower includes a shoulder portion positioned within the housing. A spring is operative to bias the magnet and piston follower towards the piston during operation so that piston movement is transmitted to the magnet. The housing includes a retainer portion disposed on the housing that confronts the shoulder portion of the piston follower whereby the magnet, piston follower, and spring are retained within the housing. The system also includes a fluid flow monitor that includes a microprocessor programmed to convert cycle signals from the sensors to fluid flow information. |
| US08561473B2 |
Force sensor temperature compensation
In one embodiment, a force sensor apparatus is provided including a tube portion having a plurality of radial ribs and at least one fiber optic strain gauge positioned over each rib of the plurality of radial ribs. The strain gauges are comprised of a negative thermo-optic coefficient optical fiber material in one embodiment. A proximal end of the tube portion is operably couplable to a shaft of a surgical instrument that is operably couplable to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal end of the tube portion is proximally couplable to a wrist joint coupled to an end effector. In another embodiment, adjacent fiber optic strain gauges with differing thermal responses are used to solve simultaneous equations in strain and temperature to derive strain while rejecting thermal effects. In yet another embodiment, a thermal shunt shell is over an outer surface of the tube portion. An advantageous surgical instrument having improved temperature compensation is also provided. |
| US08561472B2 |
Load sensing pin
A load sensing pin disposed to receive a load applied in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the pin. A load sensor is substantially fixedly oriented with respect to the applied load or alternatively with respect to the pin which is rotationally restrained with respect to a support structure. The load sensor is disposed to generate a load signal corresponding to strain of the pin resulting from the applied load. |
| US08561468B2 |
Scanner diagnostics utilizing three axis accelerometers
Numerous failure modes, causes, and adverse operating conditions on scanner systems exhibit mechanical signatures that are detected by three-axis accelerometers located in the upper and lower sensor heads. A diagnostic system for monitoring the scanning system that detects characteristics of sheet materials during linear translation along a translation axis of a bi-directionally driven mobile detector device includes a vibration sensor configured to measure vibrations generated by various components of the scanning system and to generate vibration signals indicative of operation conditions of the components. Correlating the vibration signals to modes of operations of the components identifies the source, location and severity of potential problems in the scanner. In dual scanning systems, the accelerometer in the upper scanner head monitors activities associated with movement of the upper carriage while the accelerometer in the lower scanner head monitors activities associated with movement of the lower carriage. |
| US08561457B2 |
Mobile device, step counting method, and gravity direction detecting method
In order to count the number of steps without involving an increase in circuit size or in computational load, a mobile phone includes a three-axis acceleration sensor to detect accelerations in three directions of X axis, Y axis, and Z axis, which are different from each other, a gravity direction detecting portion to detect a gravity direction on the basis of the detected accelerations in the three directions, a gravity direction acceleration calculating portion to calculate an acceleration in the detected gravity direction on the basis of the detected accelerations in the three directions, and a step counting portion to count the number of steps on the basis of the calculated gravity direction acceleration. |
| US08561453B2 |
Calibration of all pressure transducers in a hydrogen storage system
A method and system for automatically calibrating all pressure sensors in a hydrogen storage system for a fuel cell vehicle. A pressure regulator in the hydrogen storage system, which has much greater accuracy at low pressures, is used to calibrate the high-range pressure sensors used in the hydrogen storage system. This calibration can only be done when the pressure regulator is in a fully open position. In such a condition, the pressure sensors can be calibrated to the regulation pressure value of the regulator, thus greatly improving the accuracy of the readings of the high-range sensors at the low end of their range. The calibration can be performed during fuel cell operation under certain circumstances, performed during a programmed shutdown sequence, or performed in a service procedure. |
| US08561452B2 |
Forging apparatus
A forging apparatus is described, comprising forging tools (5) which are arranged in a centrically symmetrical way about a forging axis (2) and whose tool holders (4) radially guided in a frame (3) are connected with lifting drives (7), which each comprise one respective connecting rod (8) that is pivotably supported via abutments (9) on a housing (1) on the one hand and on the tool holder (4) on the other hand, and comprising a common drive for the lifting drives (7) which comprises a torsional vibration drive (11) for at least one actuator (12) for the one of the two abutments (9, 10) of the connecting rods (8), which actuator is rotatably held about the forging axis (2). In order to ensure advantageous constructional conditions, it is proposed that the frame (3) forms the actuator (12) of the common drive for the lifting drives (7), and that the torsional vibration drive (11) is provided between the housing (1) and the frame (3) which is rotatably held about the forging axis (2). |
| US08561450B2 |
System and method for annealing of a pre-formed panel
A system for annealing a formable panel includes a stamping press configured to pre-form the panel using a first die and a second die. The system also includes a transfer device configured to engage the pre-formed panel and transfer the panel from the stamping press. The transfer device includes a heating element configured to anneal the pre-formed panel. The heating element anneals the pre-formed panel in the stamping press after the first die is disengaged from the panel and while the panel is being supported by the second die. A method of processing a formable panel and a method of processing a pre-formed panel in a multi-stage stamping operation, each using the system, are also disclosed. |
| US08561439B2 |
Fabric treating machine
A fabric treating machine according to the present invention comprises a connector which is disposed at an outer tub and is connected to a driving part which is disposed at either the center or the off-center position of the connector optionally. Therefore, not only the direct driving motor but the indirect driving motor can be disposed without change of the outer tub and the connector. Because the common use of the outer tub is possible regardless of the connecting method of the driving part, there are the advantages that the cost is reduced and productivity and assembly are improved. |
| US08561438B2 |
Complex washing machine and controlling method for the same
A complex washing machine is disclosed. The complex washing machine includes an auxiliary washing machine that is capable of serving as a pedestal for a main laundry machine, such as a washing machine or a drying machine, and performing a washing operation. The auxiliary washing machine is suitable for washing a small amount of laundry while the auxiliary washing machine serves as a pedestal for supporting the main washing machine, which is placed on the auxiliary washing machine. A bearing housing, which supports a rotary shaft of a motor, and a bottom plate of a tub are connected to each other via a gasket. Consequently, the vibration generated from the tub during washing is minimized. |
| US08561435B2 |
Latch needle with improved latch bearing
A latch needle includes a pivot pin connected with the latch in a torque-proof manner, said pivot pin having mirror-symmetrically shaped bearing heads (29, 30) on both sides of the latch shank (20). The bearing heads (29, 30) are produced by plastic deformation (i.e., axial upsetting of a pin (27)) and have a cylindrical exterior shape. |
| US08561434B2 |
Circular knitting machine, a method for knitting an article with a circular knitting machine and an item of clothing
A circular knitting machine and a method for knitting an article with such a circular knitting machine, wherein the article is at least partially knitting by a reciprocating rotational movement of a needle cylinder in a forward direction and a backward direction. Needle elements are either being moved in axial direction of the needle cylinder by a stationary cam means according to a predetermined path of a stationary cam means or being moved in axial direction of the needle cylinder by a movable cam according to an amended path or being disengaged from the cam means and movable cam. The movement of each needle element near each movable cam can be individually controlled. |
| US08561432B2 |
Apparatus for fabricating porous glass preform
The present invention provides an apparatus for fabricating porous glass preforms, in which any damages of a reaction vessel due to the increase in thermal load to the reaction vessel can be controlled without enlarging the reaction vessel. A wall of the reaction vessel includes a plurality of rectangular inner wall metal plates that defines at least apart of inner side walls of the reaction vessel, adjacent inner wall metal plates of a plurality of inner wall metal plates of which being weld bonded at their edges, and a plurality of metal frame members having higher stiffness than that of the inner wall metal plates and being arranged along each edge region of the opposite surface of the inner side walls of each of the plurality of inner wall metal plates and fixed to the edge region by a tightening or welding means. |
| US08561429B2 |
Glass with compressive surface for consumer applications
A strengthened glass that does not exhibit frangible behavior when subjected to impact or contact forces, and a method of strengthening a glass. The glass may be strengthened by subjecting it to multiple, successive, ion exchange treatments. The multiple ion exchange treatments provide a local compressive stress maximum at a depth of the strengthened layer and a second local maximum at or near (e.g., within 10 μm) the surface of the glass. |
| US08561424B1 |
Air motor power drive system
Several air motors are powered by a refrigerant that is pressurized to drive an alternator or generator. The electrical output can be used to propel a vehicle or to drive any type of operating system for land, air or sea based systems. The system uses a dual charging system to move pressurized gas that is then injected into an air motor. The gas is then exhausted and condensed back to a liquid. The liquid is stored until it is needed. It is then heated back into a gas, and fed back into the air motor in a continuous cycle. Several of these systems can be installed and connected to a planetary gear system. |
| US08561418B2 |
Refrigeration system with parallel evaporators and variable speed compressor
A refrigeration system for controlling airflow around an air-cooled heat generating device having a plurality of components includes a refrigerant line split into second refrigerant lines, which are arranged in a parallel configuration with respect to each other. Evaporators are positioned along the second refrigerant lines and in the path of airflow supplied into the components or airflow exhausted from the components. The refrigeration system further includes a variable speed compressor and a controller for controlling the speed of the variable speed compressor. Furthermore, the refrigeration system includes a temperature sensor configured to transmit signals related to a detected temperature to the controller, and the controller is configured to vary the speed of the variable speed compressor based upon the detected temperature. |
| US08561415B2 |
Method of making a structural reinforcement strut for a turbine exhaust case of a gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine case having a working fluid flow, includes inner and outer case portions defining an annular duct for directing the working fluid flow, and a plurality of struts positioned within the annular duct and extending between the inner and outer case portions. The struts are welded to the inner and outer case portions with a first weld along a peripheral line of the respective struts and with second weld, of fillet type, in selected locations for additionally connecting a portion of each strut to the respective inner and outer case portions. |
| US08561414B1 |
Gas turbine engine mid turbine frame with flow turning features
A gas turbine engine includes first and second stages having a rotational axis. A circumferential array of airfoils is arranged axially between the first stage and the second stage. At least one of the airfoils have a curvature provided equidistantly between pressure and suction sides. The airfoils extend from a leading edge to a trailing edge at a midspan plane along the airfoil. An angle is defined between first and second lines respectively tangent to the intersection of the midspan plane and the curvature at airfoil leading and trailing edges. The angle is equal to or greater than about 10°. |
| US08561413B2 |
System for powering a vehicle
A method and system operating an aircraft system are provided. The gas turbine engine system includes a low-pressure (LP) shaft, a high-pressure (HP) shaft, a constant speed mechanical drive assembly having an input and an output, the input mechanically coupled to the LP shaft, the output mechanically coupled to a constant frequency (CF) electrical generator, and an accessory gearbox assembly having an input and an output, the input mechanically coupled to the HP shaft, the output mechanically coupled to a variable frequency (VF) electrical generator. |
| US08561411B2 |
Air particle separator for a gas turbine engine
An assembly for separating debris from a pressurization air flow adjacent to a bearing compartment seal includes a baffle and a capture annulus. The baffle is disposed in the pressurization air flow upstream of the compartment seal. The capture annulus is positioned adjacent the baffle and has a cavity to collect the debris. |
| US08561408B2 |
Hydrogen production system and power generation system
The amount of high-temperature steam supplied from external equipment is reduced. Provided is a hydrogen production system (1) including a reactor (3) that allows a humidified process fluid output from a humidifier (2) to react in the presence of a catalyst to transform carbon monoxide in the process fluid into carbon dioxide; a second channel (B) through which the high-temperature process fluid that has reacted in the reactor (3) flows; a circulation channel (C) through which excess water in the humidifier (2) is circulated; and a first heat exchanger (7), disposed at an intersection of the circulation channel (C) and the second channel (B), for heat exchange between the high-temperature process fluid that has reacted in the reactor (3) and the fluid circulated through the circulation channel (C). |
| US08561407B2 |
Hybrid solar collector and geo-thermal concept
A hybrid solar collector and geothermal system collects low grade heat energy derived from the sun. A simple heat engine converts this energy into mechanical energy, and then into electrical energy using an air-motor-generator setup, by exploiting the difference in temperature between the solar collector and the geothermal heat sinks. Waste heat trapped in an attic is directed to the solar collector to supplement the collection of low grade heat energy. In addition, cryogenic liquid is used to create the temperature difference in the geothermal heat sink when low grade heat energy is unavailable. This system does not produce any CO2 because it does not use combustion to produce electricity. |
| US08561406B2 |
Process and power system utilizing potential of ocean thermal energy conversion
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) systems and methods utilizing the systems are disclosed for producing a useable form of energy utilizing warm surface seawater and cold seawater from depths up to 2 miles below the surface and utilizing a multi-component working fluid. The systems and methods are designed to maximize energy conversion per unit of cold seawater, the limited resource, achieving relative net outputs compared to a Rankine cycle using a single component fluid by at least 20% and even as high as about 55%. |
| US08561405B2 |
System and method for recovering waste heat
A waste heat recovery system includes at least two integrated rankine cycle systems coupled to at least two separate heat sources having different temperatures. The first rankine cycle system is coupled to a first heat source and configured to circulate a first working fluid. The second rankine cycle system is coupled to at least one second heat source and configured to circulate a second working fluid. The at least one second heat source includes a lower temperature heat source than the first heat source. The first and second working fluid are circulatable in heat exchange relationship through a cascading heat exchange unit for condensation of the first working fluid in the first rankine cycle system and evaporation of the second working fluid in the second rankine cycle system. |
| US08561404B2 |
Supercharged internal combustion engine
Turbocharger supercharged internal combustion engine, of which the exhaust manifold (22) comprises a first outlet (20) constantly supplying a turbine (18) for driving a compressor (12), a second outlet (34) equipped with means of sealing (36) synchronized with the rotation of the engine in order to supply a recycling conduit (46) of exhaust gas and a third outlet connected by a by-pass conduit (58) at the outlet of the turbine (18). |
| US08561403B2 |
Super-turbocharger having a high speed traction drive and a continuously variable transmission
A super-turbocharger utilizing a high speed, fixed ratio traction drive that is coupled to a continuously variable transmission to allow for high speed operation is provided. A high speed traction drive is utilized to provide speed reduction from the high speed turbine shaft. A second traction drive provides infinitely variable speed ratios through a continuously variable transmission. Gas recirculation in a super-turbocharger is also disclosed. |
| US08561399B2 |
Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control. |
| US08561397B2 |
Leakage detection system in a wind turbine
In one aspect, a hydraulic system including a reservoir, a hydraulic device, a first sensor, a second sensor and a controller is described. The reservoir is connected to the hydraulic device for supplying hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic device. The first sensor is adapted for measuring a first volume of the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir. The second sensor is connected to the hydraulic device such that at least one parameter being indicative for a second volume of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic device is measurable. The controller is adapted for calculating the second volume of the hydraulic fluid based on the at least one parameter. The controller is adapted for determining a leakage of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system based on the first volume and the second volume. |
| US08561388B2 |
Failure detection apparatus for particulate filter
A detection apparatus is used to detect a failure of a particulate filter. The detection apparatus includes a PM (particulate matter) sensor, a timing estimating unit, and a failure determining unit. The PM sensor is disposed at a downstream side of the particulate filter in an exhaust passage. The PM sensor includes a pair of electrodes and detects an amount of the PM based on current passing through the PM deposited between the electrodes. The estimating unit estimates a failure-state energization timing at which the PM sensor starts to be energized due to the PM deposited between the electrodes assuming that the particulate filter has failed. The determining unit determines that the particulate filter is in a failure state when an actual energization timing of the PM sensor based on an output of the PM sensor is earlier than the failure-state energization timing estimated. |
| US08561384B2 |
Fan exhaust nozzle for turbofan engine
The cross sectional flow area of a fan discharge nozzle on one side of a central plane of an associated gas turbine engine power plant is greater than the corresponding flow area of the fan discharge nozzle on an opposite side of the central plane to compensate for the blockage of fan airflow by a pylon. |
| US08561383B2 |
Turbine engine with differential gear driven fan and compressor
A gas turbine engine (10) provides a differential gear system (58) coupling the turbine (20) to the bypass fan (14) and the compressor (16). In this manner, the power/speed split between the bypass fan and the compressor can be optimized under all conditions. In the example shown, the turbine drives a sun gear (74), which drives a planet carrier (78) and a ring gear (80) in a differential manner. One of the planet carrier and the ring gear is coupled to the bypass fan, while the other is coupled to the compressor. |
| US08561382B2 |
Mower with cushioned suspension for operator support platform having stowed and deployed positions
A stand-on riding mower has a support platform at the rear thereof for supporting an operator who stands during operation of the mower. The support platform is pivotally connected to the traction frame of the mower by a suspension that includes pivotal support plates at each side of the platform. At least one spring is arranged to push against the pivotal support plates in a direction causing the platform to rise such that the weight of the operator atop the platform causes the platform to lower until increasing biasing force in the spring balances the operator's weight. The spring ensures that impact shocks and the like on the traction frame of the mower are cushioned before reaching the operator's platform. In addition, the operator's platform is pivotal relative to the support plates to allow the operator's platform to be disposed in both a vertical stowed position and a horizontal deployed position. |
| US08561379B2 |
Process for making pouches from flex-crack-resistant, LDPE films
A sealant film for use in a film structure for the manufacture of pouches and bags for containing flowable materials, the sealant film comprising: (1) from about 2.0 to about 9.5 wt %, based on 100 wt % total composition, of an ethylene C4-C10-alpha-olefin interpolymer having a density of from 0.850 to 0.890 g/cc and a melt index of 0.3 to 5 g/10 min, the interpolymer being present in an amount that optimizes flex crack resistance as measured using a Gelbo Flex tester set up to test in accordance with ASTM F392, and minimizes reduction of thermal resistance, as measured using DSC (ASTM E794/E793) Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) which determines temperature and heat flow associated with material transitions as a function of time and temperature, and stiffness of the sealant film layer as measured using Tensile Modulus of the polyethylene films measured in accordance with ASTM Method D882; (2) from about 70.5 wt % to about 98.0 wt %, based on 100 wt % total composition, of one or more polymers selected from ethylene homopolymers and ethylene C4-C10-alpha-olefin interpolymers, having a density between 0.915 g/cc and 0.935 g/cc and a melt index of 0.2 to 2 g/10 min; and (3) from about 0 wt % to about 20.0 wt %, based on 100 wt % total composition, of processing additives selected from slip agents, antiblock agents, colorants and processing aids; and wherein the sealant film has a thickness of from about 2 to about 60 μm. |
| US08561376B2 |
Device for dispensing a product in a petri dish
The disclosure relates to a device for dispensing a prescribed product in a Petri dish, the device comprising pistons, a transfer member with lid-bearing openings and a dish bottom, and a dispensor. According to the disclosure, the transfer member is a shuttle capable of translation relative to the base according to a direct reciprocating movement of the bearing openings between either of first and second stop positions, the dispensor being arranged so as to dispense the product above the inner opening and under the upper opening at the bottom of the dish when the openings are in a position selected from the first and second stop positions. |
| US08561364B2 |
Support structures on roofs
This invention provides support structures on roofs. Such support structure can be used to support a roof load, or a closure structure which doses an aperture in the roof, thus to provide access to the interior of a building through an aperture in the roof. The support structure can support a skylight to provide natural day-lighting, or a smoke vent, or a variety of other loads optionally relating to matter or energy communication between the inside and outside of the building. The support structure includes rails adapted to be supported by adjacent rib elevations on opposite sides of a flat of a roof panel, elevated above the water line of the panel flat. Where the support structure surrounds an aperture, a diverter seals a cut away portion of the rib structure and diverts water through the rib structure and laterally away from the rail and closure structure. |
| US08561363B2 |
Apparatus and method for stabilizing headstones
An apparatus and method for stabilizing a headstone. A substantially-rigid perforated member is provided having a headstone aperture formed therein. The perforated member includes at least one anchor extending away from the perforated member to be driven into the ground. At least one securing member is disposed at the headstone aperture of the perforated member to secure the stabilizing apparatus to the headstone. The method includes providing such a perforated member, removing existing sod from around the headstone, placing the perforated member over the headstone with the headstone extending through the headstone aperture so that the perforated member is next to the ground, adjusting a securing member so as to secure the stabilizing apparatus to the headstone, and placing sod on top of the perforated member. |
| US08561362B2 |
Ground securing system for a soccer goal
A selectively releasable ground securing device that includes a ground member, a clamp body, and a lock assembly that selectively cooperates with the ground member to secure the clamp body relative thereto. The ground member includes a drivable body that is constructed to be driven into a ground surface such that the ground member is generally flush with the upper layer of the ground surface. The lock assembly selectively cooperates with the ground member to secure the clamp body and structure engaged therewith relative to the ground member. In a preferred embodiment, the clamp body cooperates with a rail of a goal assembly to prevent tipping or movement of the goal assembly when the lock assembly is engaged with the ground member. |
| US08561361B2 |
Anchoring system
A ground (G) anchoring system (100) for various objects (O), such as building structures, warranties great stability, strength to mechanical stress and simplicity of installation, although having a structure of easy and economical manufacturing and comprising at least two elongated tubular guiding members (2), having a closed cross section and that are apt to define a tilted inserting direction (I), and inside which an anchoring rod (5) is inserted. The elongated members (2) are formed as distinct bodies fixed to a substantially flat developing supporting surface (1, 11), to which the object (O) to be anchored to the ground is connected and they have a longitudinal extension at least equal to about the distance (D) between two adjoining inserting end (21). |
| US08561360B2 |
Sound arresting barrier
A sound barrier wall suitable for new installations and for retrofitting existing sound barrier walls includes a plurality of vertically extending posts and a plurality of wall sections disposed between pairs of the posts. The posts may have generally I-shaped cross sections with oppositely disposed channels defined by flanges on opposite sides of the posts. The sound barrier may further include post covers coupled with the respective posts. The post covers may have lip portions that are received over the flanges of the posts. The wall sections are received within the respective channels and may contact at least one of the lip portions of the post covers. |
| US08561358B2 |
Shelter building
Housing for emergencies or for those in need could be a short-term solution or may be set up as a longer-term shelter. The shelter may be flexible to grow and change enough to accommodate the individual, the family and the community. The shelter is more substantial than a tent and easier to assemble and transport as compared to conventional shelters. The shelter can be transported in a standard size truck bed (for example, 4 feet by 8 feet) and erected by two individuals in a minimal amount of time, typically less than an hour. The walls of the shelter may include various features, including shelving, bathing facilities, sinks, beds, lighting, and the like. The shelters may be designed to be connected to external electric and water supplies. Optionally, the shelters may be designed as stand-alone, “off-the-grid” units. The ceiling of the shelter may include one or more solar panels to provide power for the shelter. The shelter's container provides the essentials needed to sustain life. This takes away the need for standing in multiple lines and gives the much needed immediate help. |
| US08561350B2 |
Bracket for window regulator window regulator and vehicle body
A vehicle window regulator includes a fixing lug including a first part for fixing to a window guide rail having a window-guiding direction and a second part for fixing to a vehicle body. The second part defines a plane, and a normal line perpendicular to the plane that is inclined relative to the window-guiding direction. The normal line is preferably inclined at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the window-guiding direction. The lug can be fixed in the vehicle body without the lug turning on itself during fixing by screwing, for example. |
| US08561347B1 |
Portable planting system and method
A portable planting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a flexible, lightweight sack having an opening located in at least one end for receiving the soil. Opposing ends of the sack are held shut and supported by respective opposing handles which maintain the soil within the sack and allow the sack to be lifted and moved. Furthermore, the portable planting system comprises a liner which receives the sack. The liner has an upper opening for receiving the sack and opposing end openings for receiving the handles. Also, the portable planting system comprises one or more straps for containing the sack within the liner. Small holes can be poked in the exposed upper portion of the sack in order to plant individual plants and the sack prevents weeds from growing around the plants. The liner contains a portion of the water and provides stability to the portable planting system when the system is moved. |
| US08561343B2 |
Pest control method and apparatus
An apparatus to project toward a tree to disburse a pheromone, comprising: a releaser removably adjacent to a capsule via an extension; whereby said releaser and said capsule are disposed adjacent to each other in a deployable state, then the releaser separates from the capsule but is still connected via said extension whereby inertia causes said releaser to move away from said capsule into an attachment state, and related methods of applying a pheromone onto a tree branch. |
| US08561341B1 |
Rifle scope alignment assembly
The rifle scope alignment assembly of translucent construction enables alignment of a scope with respect to a rifle, and which is secured onto the scope via a rubber band encircling a portion of the assembly and a rearmost scope mount. The rifle scope alignment assembly includes a horizontal alignment plate that extends and retracts downwardly with respect to a housing, and which includes a groove that touch a top portion of a rifle barrel. The housing includes scope rest pins that extend rearwardly, and which engage the upper, exterior surface of the scope, and in concert with the groove of the horizontal alignment plate enable horizontal alignment of the scope with respect to the rifle. The housing is attached against a vertical alignment plate that includes a plurality of horizontal lines, which are used with the scope's cross hairs to vertically align said scope. |
| US08561340B2 |
Illumination device
An illumination device includes a tube holder including two connectors for receiving either a light-emitting diode (LED) tube and or a fluorescent tube. One of the connectors includes a rotary member rotatably received in a through hole defined in a retainer, and three conductive elastic pieces positioned in the retainer around the through hole. One elastic piece is electrically connected to an LED tube drive circuit board and a fluorescent tube drive circuit board, and the other two conductive pieces are electrically connected to the LED and the fluorescent tube drive circuit boards, respectively. The rotary member can be rotated to first and second positions, wherein at the first position, the LED tube can be activated, and at the second position the fluorescent tube can be activated. |
| US08561337B2 |
Monolithic rail platform and bolt assemblies for a firearm
A firearm assembly for a firearm can include a monolithic rail platform with a handguard portion and an upper receiver portion. The barrel of the firearm can be positioned through the handguard portion and secured with the upper receiver portion. A firearm assembly can also include a bolt assembly with a bolt carrier having minimized land area and a forward end sized for receipt in the barrel extension at the rearward end of the barrel. |
| US08561336B2 |
Top opening, modular top rail, multi-rifle adaptable free float rail adaptor system (ARM-R)
An improved Rail Adaptor System/Rail Accessory System (RAS) which attaches to a firearm. The rail is top opening, modular, and free floats the barrel. Provided is a rigid, lightweight, strong platform for mounting firearm accessories. Heat transmission from the barrel assembly to the user is limited. The user is also protected from ventilated gases originating from the operating system. A quick detachable top rail section is provided so that the gas system may be easily accessed. This removable top section of the rail is what makes this device unique because the RAS may be installed without removing the barrel, gas system, front sight base, flash hider or the barrel nut. The herein described RAS is adaptable to a wide variety of firearms with the use of conversion parts. The top tail “returns to zero” on reinstallation allowing the remounting of various optics and electronic gun sites without the need to realign them. |
| US08561333B2 |
Snap N place sign system and method of use for interior signs
A Snap N Place sign system and method for supporting a sign message includes a sign substrate associated with a number of rubber nipple fasteners and a lens. The sign message and the lens further include mounting holes placed at their corners for securely holding the sign message in association with the sign substrate and lens. The rubber nipple fastener can be pulled through the mounting holes in the lens utilizing a relatively low insertion force. The rubber nipple fasteners can be driven axially into the mounting holes in the lens with a flexible tab engaging the lens and flexing as they move through the hole in the lens. The rubber nipple fastener can be specifically designed such that the force required to install or push the rubber nipple fastener through the mounting hole is relatively low thereby facilitating ergonomic considerations. The Snap N Place sign system is capable of holding signs of a variety of thicknesses and sizes. |
| US08561332B2 |
Multi-way signage
A sign system for displaying product information to consumers positioned proximate a product being vended. The sign system is characterized as having a planar support and a primary sign is releasably retained by the planar support having product information made visible to the consumers and further having a window configured therein. A secondary sign is releasably retained behind the primary sign such that at least a portion of the secondary sign is visible through the window, the secondary sign having a plurality of alternative pricing indicia strategically positioned thereon such that through repositioning the secondary sign behind the primary sign, alternative pricing indicia is displayed through said window. An organizer is also employed for storing secondary pricing signs for easy access. |
| US08561331B2 |
Print medium, wristband, and method of creating a wristband
A print medium and methods are provided for producing a die-cut portion easily separable from the print medium, thereby shortening the required time to separate the die-cut portion and reducing wasted consumption of print media. The print medium may include die-cut portions having a contour of a wristband, such as those used in a hospital on the wrist of a patient. The die-cut portions are formed sequentially at a constant interval on the print medium, and die-cut lines are formed between each die-cut portion as lines connecting adjacent die-cut portions. The print medium may be automatically cut at the position of a severance line perpendicular to the die-cut line referenced by a cut mark on the print medium. Because the edges of the severed print medium piece are perpendicular to the die-cut lines, separating the die-cut portion from the print medium can be easily started along the die-cut line. |
| US08561329B1 |
Rotational displays
A rotation apparatus includes at least one magnet, and a flexible suspension coupled to the at least one magnet or to a moveable object. The at least one magnet is suspended from the suspension directly or via the moveable object. Moreover, when the flexible suspension causes rotation in a first direction via a force, the at least one magnet alternately rotates in the first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction. |
| US08561323B2 |
Footwear devices with an outer bladder and a foamed plastic internal structure separated by an internal flexibility sipe
A footwear or orthotic sole including an outer sole and a footwear or orthotic device that includes a bladder having an uppermost surface being curved concavely relative to an intended wearer's foot location and interconnected internal structure formed by a foamed plastic, a plastic composite and/or a blown rubber. The internal structures are substantially surrounded on at least the top, bottom and sides by the bladder. The bladder and internal structures are separated by an internal sipe. The internal sipe is formed by an inner surface of the bladder and an opposing surface of the internal structures; and the opposing surfaces forming the sipe can move relative to each other in a sliding motion. The bladder includes inside at least one media selected from a gas, a liquid, and a gel. The internal structures are proximate to both an upper inner surface and a lower inner surface of the bladder. |
| US08561318B2 |
System and method for preparing a container loaded with wet radioactive elements for dry storage
A method for preparing a container holding high level radioactive waste for dry storage. In one aspect, the method includes: (a) providing a gas circulation system comprising a condensing module, a desiccant module, a gas circulator module; (b) connecting the gas circulation system to the canister so as to form a hermetically sealed closed-loop path that includes the cavity; (c) filling the hermetically sealed closed-loop path with a non-reactive gas; (d) circulating the non-reactive gas through the hermetically sealed closed-loop path until the condensing module is no longer removing substantial amounts of water from the circulating non-reactive gas, wherein the desiccant module is sealed off from the hermetically sealed closed-loop path during step (d); and (e) adding the desiccant module to the hermetically sealed closed-loop path and continuing to circulate the non-reactive gas through the hermetically sealed closed-loop path, the desiccant module dehumidifying the circulating the non-reactive gas. |
| US08561316B2 |
Granulation device
A granulation device comprises a wet granulation unit (2), comprising a chamber (4), for mixing a powder product with appropriate binding agents, and a dry granulation unit (3), comprising a chamber (26), for mixing a product exiting from the wet granulation unit (2); the dry granulation unit (3) being operatively connected with the wet granulation unit (2). |
| US08561297B2 |
Method for producing engine valve in which sodium metal is sealed
Provided is a method for producing an engine valve by subjecting a stem portion having a hollow part to a drawing treatment using a series of dies such that the outer diameter and inner diameter of the stem portion become smaller in steps and the stem portion is thereby molded to the desired size, whereby, after the stem portion has been subjected to the drawing treatment until the inner diameter of the hollow part of the stem portion has reached a specific size, sodium metal in the form of a solid block is introduced to the hollow part of the stem portion, and a protective agent made from solid paraffin or naphthalene is also introduced to the hollow part of the stem portion such as to form a barrier between the sodium metal and the atmosphere, after which the stem portion is further subjected to a cold drawing treatment. |
| US08561292B2 |
Method for manufacturing an implantable electronic device
A method of manufacturing an implantable electronic device, including: providing a silicon wafer; building a plurality of layers coupled to the wafer including an oxide layer coupled to the silicon wafer; a first reactive parylene layer coupled to the oxide layer, an electrode layer coupled to the first reactive parylene layer, and a second reactive parylene layer, coupled to the electrode layer, that chemically bonds to the first reactive polymer layer, and a second polymer layer coupled to the second reactive parylene layer; coating the plurality of layers with an encapsulation, and modifying the encapsulation and at least one of the plurality of layers to expose an electrode site in the electrode layer. |
| US08561289B2 |
Repair method and repair jig
A repair method for detaching a part from a board in an electronic device module having at least the board and the part bonded with the board by a press fitting process. A repair use block having a repair use through hole is placed on the part, and a repair use bolt is fastened with a repair use female thread formed in the part, in advance, through the repair use through hole. The repair use bolt head abuts against the top surface of the repair use block, then is further fastened, whereupon the part is pulled up together with the repair use female thread upward above the board. When a repair use female thread cannot be directly formed in the part, a repair use auxiliary part which is to be pulled up integrally with the part, is interposed. |
| US08561286B2 |
Manufacturing method for a magnetic head supporting suspension
A manufacturing method for a magnetic head supporting suspension includes forming a load beam blank having a load beam with a dimple formed therein, and a frame portion with a positioning part formed therein; and forming a flexure blank having a flexure and a frame portion. A fitting portion in the flexure blank is fittable to the positioning part. An anti-rotation portion is formed on the load beam blank or a member attached to the load beam blank. A receiving portion in the flexure blank is fittable to the anti-rotation portion. The load beam blank and flexure blank are superposed with the positioning part fitted to the fitting portion. The anti-rotation portion is fitted to the receiving portion, and the flexure is fixed to the load beam. The load beam and flexure are thereafter separated from the frame portions. |
| US08561284B2 |
Machining means for ceiling fixed parts
A machining device has a machine head capable of displacement along at least three translation axes X, Y, Z for machining an immobile part fixed above the machining head. The machining head is maintained in a constant orientation by at least three articulated connecting rods. Two connecting rods define together with the machining head and with a first Y carriage, on which they are articulated, an deformable articulated parallelogram in the XZ plane. Another connecting rod is articulated on the machining head and on a second Y carriage and the second Y carriage is capable of displacement along Y on a second X carriage capable of displacement along X. The relative movement along X of the Y carriages results in a displacement in the Z direction. Several devices can be positioned in a plurality of tunnels, these tunnels being arranged so as to share several things. |
| US08561280B2 |
Assembling a multi-fiber multi-spot laser probe
In certain embodiments, assembling a multi-fiber multi-spot laser system includes heating a ferrule until an interior diameter of an interior volume of the ferrule has expanded to greater than a predetermined diameter. End portions of a number of optical fibers are disposed within the interior volume. The ferrule is cooled to allow a cross-section of the fibers to conform to a fiber pattern having the predetermined diameter. At least a portion of the ferrule is disposed within a connector body to yield at least a portion of an optical fiber connector. In certain embodiments, the ferrule is rotated with respect to the connector body to align the fiber pattern with a laser spot pattern. |
| US08561277B2 |
Runout compensation on machine tools
A method of determining axial and/or radial runout due to workholding equipment and compensating for such runout during machining of a gear wherein axial and/or radial runout compensations are executed during the machining of each individual tooth slot. |
| US08561275B2 |
Setting device with a variable setting stroke adjustment
Setting device with a variable setting stroke adjustment and method of setting the setting stroke of setting device. Setting device includes a housing, a pulling rod structured and arranged for movement in an axial direction, an adjustably positionable stop element structured and arranged to adjustably limit a setting stroke of the pulling rod, and a locking element movable between a closed position and an adjustment position. The stop element has at least one region with a polygonal contour, and, in the closed position, the locking element engages in a path of motion of edges of the polygonal contour and, in the adjustment position, releases the path of motion. |
| US08561270B2 |
Composite ceramic structure and method of making the same
A composite ceramic structure such as, for example, a PZT ceramic structure including, in one embodiment, a plurality of ceramic elements encapsulated in a layer of epoxy material. Each of the ceramic elements includes opposed first and second ends terminating in opposed respective top and bottom surfaces of the composite ceramic structure. A layer of conductive material on the top surface of the composite ceramic structure covers only the respective first ends of the ceramic elements to isolate the same from each other. A layer of conductive material covers the entire bottom surface of the composite ceramic structure to ground the opposed second ends of the plurality of ceramic elements to each other. A method of making the composite ceramic structure described above is also disclosed. |
| US08561269B2 |
Fastener having a flexible base
Fasteners including male and female assemblies. At least one of the male or female assembly may have a flexible base that flexes to conform to a non-planar mounting surface. The flexible base is bonded to the stud and/or the socket using techniques that provide a high degree of strength to withstand repeated engagement and disengagement of the fastener. Moreover, in certain embodiments the bonding techniques eliminate the need for mechanical means (for example, threads) to secure the stud to the flexible base. Mechanical tests show that the male assembly according to certain embodiments has 62% more strength than known male assemblies. |
| US08561264B2 |
Female snap button
A female snap button detachably receives a projection of a male snap button in a projection-receiving space. The female snap button includes an annular protrusion rising from a base and defining the projection-receiving space. In the annular protrusion, there are formed thick-walled portions with the thickness from the inner surface of the protrusion to the radially outer side being relatively thick and thin-walled portions with the thickness being thinner than that in the thick-walled portions. The thick-walled portions and the thin-walled portions are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. |
| US08561256B2 |
Floor cleaning machine
A floor cleaning machine includes a cleaning system, a front wheel, two rear wheels, and a drive mechanism. Each of the two rear wheels is independently driven by the drive mechanism. The operator is placed on the machine such that the operator is standing on a platform located along and above the geometrical center axis between the two rear wheels. The maximum vertical distance between the platform and the floor is 200 mm. |
| US08561255B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
Provided is a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle and a main body rotatably connected to the suction nozzle. |
| US08561253B2 |
Control of an electric machine
A method of controlling an electric machine that includes exciting a winding of the electric machine in synchrony with zero-crossings of back emf when operating over a first speed range. The method then includes exciting the winding in advance of the zero-crossings by a fixed period of time when operating over a second speed range, and exciting the winding in advance of the zero-crossings by a period of time that varies with speed when operating over a third speed range. Additionally, a control system for an electric machine, and a product incorporating the control system and electric machine. |
| US08561252B2 |
Value document processing device and method for reducing dust in the value document processing device
A value document processing apparatus comprises an input for value documents to be processed, an output and/or a storage device for processed value documents, a transport device for singled transport of value documents from the input to the output or the storage device, a housing, a checking device arranged in the housing for checking value documents transported in singled form past it, and a suction conduit system for suction air which has a port for a suction unit for sucking air with dust out of the suction conduit system, and at least one hand cleaning portion connected to the port and having a suction opening movable in the area of the checking device, and/or at least two conduit portions connected to the port and having suction openings arranged at different portions of the transport path and directed onto the transport path. |
| US08561251B2 |
Mop-head plate comprising mop cover
The invention relates to a mop (1) comprising a mop-head plate (2) and an interchangeable mop cover (3) with a mopping surface (4) that is attached to the mop-head plate (2). According to the invention, the mop cover (3) is equipped on two opposing sides with a respective fixing device (5), which engages in a respective retainer (6) of the mop-head plate (2). At least one retainer (6) is formed by a recess (7) and the corresponding fixing device (5) is held by a positive fit in the recess (7) so that it can be detached without sustaining any damage. |
| US08561247B2 |
Oral care implement
An oral care implement and method for forming the same is provided. The oral care implement comprises a handle and a head having a base structure. A unitary assembly comprising a top portion of a first pod, a top portion of a second pod, a third pod comprising a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the third pod, and at least one suspension member is formed. The unitary assembly is subsequently attached to the base structure of the handle to form the first pod extending from a first face of the base structure and the second pod extending from the first face of the base structure. The third pod is disposed between and supported above the first face by the first and second pods by the at least one suspension member so that a gap exists between a bottom surface of the third pod and the first face of the base structure. |
| US08561241B2 |
Motorized rotating and/or oscillating applicator
An applicator for applying a product includes a motor and a switch for automatically rotating and/or oscillating an applicator head. By virtue of having a motor with a throttling gear, the applicator is capable of rotating and/or oscillating at controlled frequencies during application of cosmetic, medicinal, or other products to a surface. |
| US08561237B2 |
Weighted shoe insole and method for making the same
A weighted insole assembly, comprising a top thermoformable material layer, a bottom thermoformable material layer, and a weighted unit encapsulated between the top and bottom thermoformable material layers, the weighted unit including a heavy filler material and having a specific gravity between about 2.0 and about 4.0. |
| US08561235B2 |
Cover for a self-adjusting mattress that secures a fitted sheet
An adjustable mattress that incorporates a movement mechanism and support member inside of the foam mattress includes a fabric covering with a fastener member. The fastener member is used to keep a fitted sheet in place over the adjustable mattress when the mattress is adjusted to an inclined configuration. The fastener member is attached to the fabric covering near the lower edge of the adjustable mattress and is adapted to fasten to a corresponding fastener on the fitted sheet. The fastener member can be a toggle that fits through a loop on the fitted sheet. The fitted sheet also has an elastic band that draws the fitted sheet taut around the adjustable mattress. The lower portion of the fabric covering is made of stretchable fabric that stretches between the lower edge of the adjustable mattress and a balancing bar that supports the adjustable mattress when the adjustable mattress is inclined. |
| US08561233B2 |
Infection control bedding product
A hermetically sealed infection control bedding product such as a pillow, duvet, mattress, cushion or such like having a sealed cover and having a resiliently deformable filling material, comprising a vent means in the cover, characterized in that the vent means comprises a filter medium including a filter membrane for the removal of particles of microbial size and wherein the filter medium also comprises a strengthening layer of material for providing mechanical strength to the filter medium whereby the filter medium allows air flow therethrough but is substantially impermeable to liquid while maintaining a barrier to particles of microbial size. |
| US08561229B2 |
Baffle box comforter
The comforter includes two substantially identical fabric sections, with lines of attachment between them defining edges of a plurality of side-by-side parallel channels. Baffle members are positioned within each channel, attached to one edge of each channel, but not extending all the way to the opposing edge thereof, wherein the baffle members in any given channel are positioned in a staggered relationship relative to the position of baffle members in adjacent channels. |
| US08561228B2 |
Covering
A device for covering a human or animal at rest on a surface comprising a support to reversibly fix the device relative to the surface, and an adjustable covering to cover the human or animal wherein the covering is reversibly fixable at a length so as to ensure that the human or animal's face is not covered by the device. |
| US08561226B1 |
MRI or imaging transfer table
An MRI transfer table is provided for transporting a patient and transferring a patient to an MRI table associated with an MRI apparatus. The MRI transfer table includes a mobile frame, a patient support and a series of connectors for detachably connecting the patient support to the mobile frame. In use, the MRI transfer table is aligned with the MRI apparatus and the MRI table is projected underneath the patient support of the MRI transfer table. The patient support is disconnected from the mobile frame and allowed to rest on the MRI table. Thereafter the mobile frame is moved from the MRI apparatus and the MRI table with the patient support thereon retracted into the MRI apparatus. |
| US08561225B2 |
Automatic dual flush activation
A multi flush volume flush valve is in communication with an automatic flush control. The flush control determines the presence of a user and the amount of time the user uses the toilet. The usage time is compared to a predetermined time value to determine the appropriate flush volume based on an assumption regarding usage time and flush volume needs. The comparative value statistically adjusts to the restroom traffic. |
| US08561224B2 |
Handicapped accessible shower enclosure with ramp and/or floor pan
A bathroom floor module is used in conjunction with a fully or partially curbless, handicapped-accessible, waterproof shower module. The bathroom floor module defines one or more drain apertures to mate with a bathroom floor drain. The bathroom floor module and shower module mate to define a contiguous surface over which a bathroom floor and/or wall tile can be applied to create a transition between the bathroom floor and shower over which a wheelchair can be easily rolled. Installation of the handicapped accessible shower comprises installing the shower module, by adhering the bathroom floor module on the bathroom floor, placing an edge of the bathroom floor module in registry with an edge of the shower module, sealing the joint formed between the edges of the shower and bathroom modules, and installing a finishing surface material over the floor and sidewalls of the shower module, and over the bathroom floor module and threshold. |
| US08561223B2 |
Bathtub device
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a bathtub device including a bathtub 2, a jetting unit 3, a jetting driving unit 4, and a controller 5. The bathtub includes a first bathtub wall surface and a second bathtub wall surface opposed to the first bathtub wall surface. The jetting unit is provided in the second bathtub wall surface and configured to jet a jet flow to a sole of a bather bathing in the bathtub. The jetting driving unit is connected to the jetting unit and configured to adjust jetting flow rate of the jet flow jetted from the jetting unit. The controller is configured to control the jetting driving unit. The controller is configured to control the jetting driving unit to cause the jetting unit to intermittently jet the jet flow with a strength, a leg of the bather being passively bent by the jet flow with the strength. |
| US08561221B2 |
Method and apparatus for dampening waves in a wave pool
A wave pool for producing periodic waves preferably having a first wave forming portion with an inclined section oriented obliquely relative to the travel direction of the waves, and a second wave dampening portion having a relatively deep solid chamber floor and a raised perforated floor above it for dampening the waves. The wave dampening portion preferably dissipates the waves, which in turn, reduces wave reflections and rip currents that can otherwise interfere with the oncoming waves. |
| US08561220B2 |
Keeping sewer drainlines clear with low flush toilets or cisterns
A device (20) for improving drainline clearance for use with an ultra low flushing volume toilet (24). The device (20) includes a centrifuge separator means (30), for separating liquids (L) and solids (S), and a reservoir (42). The separator means (30) has a substantially horizontal inlet (32), adapted for connection to the outlet (26) of a toilet pan (24), an outlet (36) primarily for solids (S) and an outlet (38) primarily for liquids (L). The reservoir (42) is beneath the separator means (30) and has an inlet (38) in fluid communication with the liquids outlet (38) of the separator means (30). The reservoir (42) is adapted to syphonically empty substantially all of its contents into a sewerage drainline (22) after at least 2 flushes of the toilet (24). Further, the separator means (30) and the reservoir (42) have a combined vertical dimension less than the maximum height of the toilet pan outlet for installation adjacent the toilet (24) and substantially above the floor level (F) of the toilet (24). |
| US08561219B2 |
Positionable zero-footprint self-cleaning urinal and very low water-usage mist-dispensing means
A self-rinsing urinal and very low water-usage mist-dispensing means mountable in close proximity to a normally-interior portion of at least one positionable panel configured slidably or pivotally positionable from an opening of customary cabinetry of a room or a wall. The urinal is positionable from the customary cabinetry or wall opening, between a zero-footprint concealed state and a revealed-for-use state, such that an interior receptacle surface of the urinal is aligned with said very low water-usage mist-dispensing means during at least a revealed-for-use state, to receive from the mist-dispensing means a distributed misted spray aligned with the receptacle, to repel waste-liquid from and facilitate a self-rinsing of the receptacle while employing as little as single-digit ounce(s) of water, per use-cycle. Certain of the embodiments include the option to provide actuating means for positioning and/or aligning one or more urinal-related components in response to receiving a control signal. |
| US08561216B2 |
Helmet
The invention provides a helmet for protecting the head of a wearer and includes a helmet body and a strap for coupling the helmet to the head, the strap being secured to the helmet body. The strap has two halves, each with a front portion for passing under the wearer's chin and a rear portion for passing around the side and rear of the wearer's head. The front portion of each strap half has an end that is secured to the helmet body at a first location at the side and the second portion has an end that is secured to the helmet body towards the rear. An elastically deformable element, such as a suction cup and/or a pad, is located in a pocket towards the end of the second portion. This provides additional grip, comfort, and security. |
| US08561212B2 |
Underwater drysuit
This underwater drysuit has a waterproof zipper device 30 that opens/closes and defines a body covering/uncovering opening part 22 that is provided extending from one of shoulder parts to the other one of the shoulder parts on top of arms across a chest part of a drysuit main body 20 in a chest width direction. This device is configured in the form of a horizontal line in the chest width direction to have a dual structure with a first waterproof zipper 40 and a second zipper 50 located above the first waterproof zipper in a vertical direction. The underwater drysuit has a reinforcing material that includes an open angle suppressing part, which is joined to a rear fabric along with both two tapes of the first waterproof zipper along outer circumferences of the both tapes, from a rear side of the first waterproof zipper, and suppresses an open angle between the both tapes to be opened by a slider of the first waterproof zipper, when the slider is moved and stopped at a lower end position, which is a largest opening position of the first waterproof zipper. |
| US08566958B2 |
Method for authorizing contents play rights in use of a recording medium
A method for authorizing an off-line image device to play contents in use of a recording medium, including recording an encrypted key on a recording medium; recording contents on the recording medium using the encrypted key; and recording information as to a play right to play the contents recorded on the recording medium. Thus, the off-line image device can be authorized to play contents in use of the recording medium. As a result, the off-line image device can play contents that are recorded on the recording medium and must be authorized to play the contents. |
| US08566954B2 |
Method and apparatuses for authorising provision of indirected content associated with a presentity of a presence service
The invention provides a method of authorizing provision of in-directed content to a user of an IPcommunications network. The in-directed content is associated with a presentity subscriber of a presence service, the presence service including authorization rules regarding users to which the in-directed content may be provided. The in-directed content is stored at a content server that is not controlled by the presence service. The method includes receiving at an authorization proxy in the network a request from the user to be provided with the in-directed content, and identifying the presentity subscriber associated with the requested in-directed content. The authorization proxy retrieves the authorization rules to verify that the user is authorized to receive the in-directed content. Subject to the verification, the in-directed content is provided from the content server the user. |
| US08566952B1 |
System and method for encrypting data and providing controlled access to encrypted data with limited additional access
A system and method allows signed permissions to be used to decrypt data. Unsigned permissions may also be used to decrypt data up to a limit. |
| US08566951B2 |
Apparatus and methods for setting security to storage unit and computer
Methods and apparatus are provided for inhibiting data writing to an optical disc drive connected to a computer. A BIOS confirms presence of a security function of an optical disc drive. When the optical disc drive possesses the security function, the BIOS delivers a command to the optical disc drive to set it to a read-only mode. The optical disc drive that has received the command sets the drive per se to operate in the read-only mode. Since a command for setting it to the read-only mode and a command for releasing it are delivered to the optical disc drive only by the BIOS, when a control is transferred to an Operating System (OS), setting of the read-only mode cannot be released by the OS and other OS's, or application software. |
| US08566944B2 |
Malware investigation by analyzing computer memory
Technology is described for malware investigation by analyzing computer memory in a computing device. The method can include performing static analysis on code for a software environment to form an extended type graph. A raw memory snapshot of the computer memory can be obtained at runtime. The raw memory snapshot may include the software environment executing on the computing device. Dynamic data structures can be found in the raw memory snapshot using the extended type graph to form an object graph. An authorized memory area can be defined having executable code, static data structures, and dynamic data structures. Implicit and explicit function pointers can be identified. The function pointers can be checked to validate that the function pointers reference a valid memory location in the authorized memory area and whether the computer memory is uncompromised. |
| US08566941B2 |
Method and system for cloaked observation and remediation of software attacks
A method and system provide security for a communication network and for one or more nodes within the network. Software can be distributed throughout the network from a centralized location or administrative console. The software can be made resident in the kernel of the operating system of a receiving node. The software can provide an observation functionality, an analysis functionality, a reporting functionality and a remediation functionality or some subset of those functionalities. |
| US08566940B1 |
Authenticated operations and event counters
Apparatus and methods protect a memory device from a security attack. A security attack may lead to an unusually high number of security events, such as power cycling of a device hosting the computing system and/or memory device. Power cycling events of the memory device can be counted. A count value can be maintained of power cycling events occurring within a particular period of time. The count value can be compared to a threshold number. Normal operation is permitted if the count value does not exceed the threshold number. A security action is invoked when the count value exceeds the threshold number. |
| US08566938B1 |
System and method for electronic message analysis for phishing detection
A system and method for analyzing electronic messages for phishing detection are disclosed. In one example, email characteristics are obtained by parsing a received email message from a sender/sender organization to a recipient/recipient organization based on a set of predetermined email characteristics; the email characteristics of the received email message are then compared with email characteristics associated with the recipient/recipient organization and/or the sender/sender organization, and the received email message is then declared as a phishing electronic message based on the outcome of the comparison. |
| US08566937B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method for preventing unauthorized cooperation of applications
An information processing terminal (40) includes: a network control unit (250); an installation control unit (260); a process control unit (200) for starting up an application and establishing cooperation among applications including the application; an access-history map updating unit (290) for updating an access-history map (281) which represents history information on an access relationship among the applications when a request is made to start up the application or to establish cooperation among the applications; and an unauthorized-cooperation-of-applications control unit (220) for (i) determining whether or not an unauthorized cooperation, which is directed at sensitive information kept secret, is established among the applications with reference to information obtained from the access-history map (281) and an application authorizing list (271), and (ii) controlling execution of the application using an application execution control technique in the case where a result of the determination shows that the unauthorized cooperation is established. |
| US08566930B2 |
Monitoring module
A system and associated method for monitoring the execution of software on one or more computers by receiving traffic from within the monitored computer(s). The monitoring may take place passively, such that the operation of the monitored computer or computers is completely unaffected by the monitoring. More intensive monitoring, such as maintenance of a shadow copy of the RAM of the monitored computer, may be initiated upon recognition of a pattern in the data received from the monitored computer. The execution of software on the monitored computer may be halted by the monitoring module. The monitoring module may also read from or write to the memories of the monitored computer. |
| US08566928B2 |
Method and system for detecting and responding to attacking networks
A system and method for detecting a first network of compromised computers in a second network of computers, comprising: collecting Domain Name System (DNS) data for the second network; examining the collected data relative to DNS data from known comprised and/or uncompromised computers in the second network; and determining the existence of the first network and/or the identity of compromised computers in the second network based on the examination. |
| US08566926B1 |
Mobility protocol selection by an authorization system
An authorization system in a home wireless network comprises a communication interface and a processing system, wherein a wireless communication device associated with the home wireless network transfers a request to a visited wireless network for access to an internet. The communication interface is configured to receive an authorization request for the wireless communication device transmitted from the visited wireless network. The processing system is configured to select one of a visited internet connection and a home internet connection for the wireless communication device, wherein the visited internet connection links the wireless communication device to the internet without using the home wireless network and wherein the home internet connection links the wireless communication device to the internet through the home wireless network. The communication interface is configured to transfer the authorization response for delivery to the visited wireless network indicating the selected one of the visited internet connection or the home internet connection. |
| US08566918B2 |
Method and apparatus for token-based container chaining
According to one embodiment, an apparatus may intercept a request to access a resource represented by a resource token. The apparatus may receive a hard token representing identification information of a device. The apparatus may determine, based at least in part upon the hard token and the resource token, at least one token-based rule specifying compliance criteria required to consume the resource. The apparatus may receive at least one token representing compliance information of the device in response to a request for compliance information of the device. The apparatus may then compare the compliance information against the compliance criteria to determine that the device is capable of consuming the resource. The apparatus may then generate a compliance token representing the determination that the device is capable of consuming the resource, and communicate the compliance token to facilitate the provisioning of a container to the device. |
| US08566917B2 |
Efficient single sign-on and identity provider configuration and deployment in a database system
Various techniques and procedures related to user authentication, identity providers, and single sign-on (SSO) are presented here. One approach creates an SSO link between two organizations in a streamlined manner using an internal cross-user systemwide digital certificate, and without processing any user-created, user-uploaded, or user-assigned digital certificates. Another approach presented here configures an identity provider service for an entity or organization by processing a single user command. The identity provider service is automatically configured in the background without processing any additional user commands, user instructions, or user-entered data. |
| US08566912B2 |
Zone migration in network access
The present disclosure is directed to providing a network user the ability to travel between different zones or locations within a network environment, such as, for example, a hospitality location, without requiring a user to re-login to the new location, while requiring a user to re-login to other locations within the network environment. |
| US08566910B2 |
Method and apparatus to bind a key to a namespace
A method includes identifying an application installed on a device as an authorized application of a certain domain, the application being signed with a private key; deriving a signer identity using a public key that forms a key pair with the private key; mapping the certain domain to another domain using a deterministic function map; making a request to the another domain to obtain a list of signer identities that are authorized to act on behalf of the certain domain; determining whether the signer of the application is in the list and, if it is, authorizing the application to act with the same privileges as granted in the certain domain. Apparatus and computer programs for performing the method are also disclosed. |
| US08566905B2 |
Electronic device, use restriction method for electronic device, and computer-readable recording medium
An electronic device includes a display part, a system control part for designating a display target to be displayed by the display part and switch the display target to another display target, a display control part for instructing the display part to display an operation screen corresponding to the display target designated by the system control part, and a receiving part for receiving a request for initiating the exclusive use of the display part from a use restriction application and receiving a request for terminating the exclusive use of the display part from the use restriction application. In a case where the receiving part receives the request for initiating the exclusive use of the display part, the system control part ceases switching the display target to the other display target until the receiving part receives the request for terminating the exclusive use of the display part. |
| US08566902B2 |
Secure messaging center
A secure messaging system is disclosed wherein messages are transmitted to a user based on a feature unique to the user, such as an account number. The user authenticates himself, then messages associated with the user can be displayed. |
| US08566898B2 |
Method and apparatus for securing information in a wireless network printing system
A method and apparatus for securing information in a wireless network printing system are provided. The information security method includes setting and storing service items to be allowed according to wireless security levels supported by the wireless printer, selecting one of the wireless security levels, and executing a service requested by a user if the requested service is one of allowed service items for the selected wireless security level. |
| US08566897B2 |
System and method for a master scheduler
A system and method for associating and controlling multimedia supporting events with a primary event. The events are translated into tasks and sent to media servers for execution at a predetermined time by being further translated into media specific tasks to control a bit-pump. |
| US08566896B2 |
Addressable network interface units suitable for use in FTTX and RFOG networks and related methods of controlling bandwidth allocation and identifying noise sources in such networks
An addressable optical network interface unit includes an optical input and a radio frequency output. The unit also includes an optical-to-electrical conversion circuit that converts optical signals received at the optical input into radio frequency signals, a directional coupler that is coupled to an output of the optical-to-electrical conversion circuit and a radio frequency receiver that is coupled to a first output of the directional coupler. The radio frequency receiver receives radio frequency signals input through the optical input. The unit also includes a controller that is coupled to the radio frequency receiver, and a filter circuit that is coupled to a second output of the directional coupler. The filter circuit includes multiple signal paths that filter out signals in different frequency ranges. Switches are provided that select one of the signal paths through the filter circuit. These switches are controlled in response to data contained in the radio frequency signal. The controller is configured to generate control signals that control the settings of at least some of the switches based at least in part on a filter control signal received through the optical input. |
| US08566895B2 |
System and method for incremental implementation of new service capabilities
A system for gradually implementing network services to end users includes substantially redundant first and second control networks, connectable to the end users through a routable communications network. The first control network provides a first service capability to all the end users. The second control network provides a second service capability to a first portion of the end users, the second service capability replacing the first service capability of the first portion of the end users. The second control network subsequently provides the second service capability to a second portion of the end users, while continuing to provide the second service capability to the first portion, the second service capability replacing the first service capability of the second portion of the end users. The second service capability provided to the second portion of the end users may include revisions based on feedback from the first portion of end users. |
| US08566892B2 |
Network system and image projection apparatus
A network system includes an image projection apparatus that projects image data; a first terminal; and a second terminal where the first terminal includes an original image data storing unit that stores original image data and a corresponding information generating unit that generates corresponding information in which image identification data of the image data for projection, generated from the original image data, capable of identifying the original image data and terminal identification data for identifying the first terminal correspond with each other, and the image projection apparatus includes a request sending unit that sends, upon receiving a request for delivering the image data being projected from the second terminal, the request for delivering the original image data including the image identification data, which is included in the corresponding information stored in the storing unit, to the first terminal. |
| US08566891B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring, troubleshooting and/or controlling a digital television
A system for monitoring, troubleshooting, controlling, calibrating and/or configuring a digital television is provided. The system includes a functionality module configured to perform one or more functions of a digital television. The system includes a testing module associated with the digital television, communicatively coupled to the functionality module and being configured to receive from the functionality module, data indicative of the one or more functions of the digital television. The testing module is configured to perform processing using the received data to determine whether to alter one or more parameters associated with the one or more functions of the digital television. |
| US08566889B2 |
Control apparatus, content transmission system and content transmission method
Disclosed herein is a control apparatus for accepting a request for transmission of a content from a content transmission apparatus to the control apparatus and for passing on the request to the content transmission apparatus by way of a communication network allowing a transmission quality to be reserved and for issuing a request to a content accounting server to carry out a content accounting process according to the substance and content quality wherein the control apparatus: receives a specified substance and quality of the content and transmits a request to the content transmission apparatus to transmit the content; determines a transmission quality on the basis of the specified content quality and makes a reservation for the determined transmission quality of a transmission line on the basis of the transmission quality; and issues a request to a transmission-quality accounting server to carry out an accounting process according to the transmission quality. |
| US08566888B2 |
System for updating channel lineup for broadcasting and switched digital broadcasting services
In a system that is capable of operating in a broadcast mode and a switched mode, it is advantageous to be able to shift program delivery between the two modes. Thus when one video program is being delivered to at least a first customer in a first mode, this program may be delivered to at least a second customer in a second mode that is different from the first mode. In this manner, the video program that is being delivered to first customer will be maintained in the original mode while new requests for this program will be served in a different mode until the delivery of the program to the first customer has been completed. In other words, legacy program delivery is maintained until the program delivery has been completed or otherwise terminated, while delivery of the program in response to new requests for the same program will be delivered in a different mode instead. |
| US08566885B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling time-scale modification during multi-media broadcasts
One embodiment of the present invention is a method for broadcasting information to a client device, which device utilizes presentation rates to present information at various presentation rates, and which method includes: (a) broadcasting information; and (b) broadcasting guidance information used to determine presentation rates for use by the client device in presentation of the information; wherein the guidance information is transmitted at or not at a time of broadcast of the broadcast information. |
| US08566884B2 |
Socially collaborative filtering
In one embodiment, a method comprises identifying user selection preferences of an identified user having accessed the network, the identifying based on an accumulation of user selection inputs executed by the identified user, relative to input options presented to the user and identifying respective available network items, the accumulation including an identification of the input options not having been selected by the identified user; determining a group of network users having a highest correlation of shared interests with the identified user, based on identifying preferred network items for the identified user, and identifying first network users providing highest relative user affinity values for each of the preferred network items; and determining at least one of new network items most likely to be preferred by the identified user, based on determining, from among network items not presented to the identifier user, the preferred network items for each of the first network users in the group. |
| US08566883B2 |
Method of controlling media devices of a hospitality establishment to associate credit with guest room for use toward pay-per-use media function, and system and controller thereof
A hospitality establishment includes guest rooms having media devices installed therein. Each guest room has one or more in-room media devices for providing a pay-per-use media function. A media system controller dynamically associates a credit corresponding to a monetary value with a particular guest room in response to an occurrence of a first event, configures an in-room media device of the particular guest room to indicate the credit associated with the particular guest room and allow a guest of the particular guest room to utilize at least an amount of the credit toward an order of the pay-per-use media function, activates the pay-per-use media function on at least one of the in-room media devices of the particular guest room in response to a received order, and decreases the credit associated with the particular guest room according to the amount of the credit utilized toward the received order. |
| US08566881B2 |
Live integration of push-to-talk (PTT) audio with independent video feed
The present invention discloses a mosaic video channel and a system for generating the mosaic video channel. A system in accordance with the present invention indicates an audio input for a mosaic video channel displayed on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time, and comprises a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell having a respective audio portion associated with the video cell, an announcer audio portion, and an indicator, coupled to the respective audio portions, for indicating to an announcer that at least one of the respective audio portions is active. |
| US08566880B2 |
Device and method for providing a television sequence using database and user inputs
A device for providing a television sequence has a database interface, a search request receiver, a television sequence rendition module and an output interface. The database interface accesses at least one database, using a search request. The search request receiver is formed to control the database interface so as to acquire at least audio content and at least image content separate therefrom via the database interface for the search request. The television sequence rendition module combines the separate audio content and the image content to generate the television sequence based on the audio content and the image content. The output interface outputs the television sequence to a television sequence distributor. |
| US08566879B2 |
Method and apparatus for navigating video content
Methods and apparatus for navigating video content. Digital markers may be placed at desired locations within recorded or cached video content. In one embodiment, these markers (or bookmarks) may be used to instantly jump to a particular scene or location within a video presentation. Such markers may be manually or automatically placed during live caching of video content or playback of previously recorded content. In another embodiment, selectable thumbnailed images that are representative of the video content at previously bookmarked locations may be presented to a user. Such selectable thumbnailed images may be integrated with a DVR status bar and, when selected, may be used to begin viewing stored video content from the bookmark corresponding to which ever thumbnail is chosen. |
| US08566875B2 |
System and method for controlling settings for television services
The present disclosure provides a system, method and computer-readable medium for providing a television service. A group of settings relating to a television service is received from a customer device. A portal is provided to a remote device that enables updating the group of settings. A change to at least one setting is received from the remote device, and the change is made to the at least one setting at the customer device. |
| US08566874B2 |
Control tools for media content access systems and methods
In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a media content processing subsystem including an output driver configured to provide at least a component of a media content instance to a display for presentation to a user, and a receiver configured to receive an input command initiated by the user during the presentation of the component of the media content instance. The media content processing subsystem is further configured to select a control pane from a group of control panes based on the input command, each of the control panes including a different set of control tools, and provide, in response to the input command, the control pane to the display for concurrent presentation of both the component of the media content instance and the control pane to the user. |
| US08566873B2 |
Program guide enhancements
According to the invention, a method for formulating a program guide screen is disclosed. In various steps, program description information and promotional data is received. The promotional data comprises one or more of the following: a video clip, a video clip with audio accompaniment, an audio clip, an animation, an animation with audio accompaniment, a still image with audio accompaniment, a still image, a plurality of still images, and a plurality of still images with audio accompaniment. A predetermined program is associated with the promotional data and program description information. The guide screen is formulated with the promotional data and program description information. |
| US08566872B2 |
Broadcasting system and program contents delivery system
Provided is a summary management method including: a step for receiving a program signal providing a program, a step for acquiring a summary of a web content associated with the program together with the summary management information, and a step for managing the acquired summary according to the management information. |
| US08566871B2 |
Multiple interactive electronic program guide system and methods
A multiple Interactive Program Guide (IPG) system provides different television programming and different IPGs to several different users respectively. A single set-top box is capable of providing programming and scheduling data to several different television sets. Each of the different IPGs share a common database. Therefore, a first IPG being viewed by a first user can display data added or modified via a second IPG by a second user of the system. Furthermore, the data added or modified by the second user can influence the viewing rights of the first user. Also, all the competing and conflicting requests for limited resources, such as VCR scheduled recordings, will be brought to the users' attention and will be displayed by the system. |
| US08566870B2 |
Higher speed high definition television (HDTV) channel and external input surfing
A high definition television (HDTV) is capable of displaying one or more streams. Typical stream changing is accomplished by freshly determining the stream settings (frame rate, resolution, refresh method) as each stream is detected, resulting in slow to tortuously slow stream surfing. Here, the HDTV stream settings are stored in a list of present streams, so that stream surfing may continue at much higher rates without redetermining the stream settings with each stream change. The improved stream surfing may be turned on or off at user discretion. Additionally, individual streams, as well as other audio/video inputs may also be edited to user-desired stream settings by accepting user inputs. The HDTV may automatically detect HDTV settings for each currently tuned stream of a list of potential streams, or may download the HDTV setting for a specific location of the HDTV. |
| US08566867B1 |
Pre-fetch ads while serving ads in live stream
Described herein are techniques related to pre-fetching ads while serving ads in a live streaming video. In one implementation, the pre-fetching mechanism will set up a default set of ads pre-fetching criteria on a client and then the client will parse new/extra ads pre-fetching criteria from a live stream. Next the default set of ads pre-fetching criteria on the client will update via the parsed new/extra ads pre-fetching criteria. Now a notification from the live stream to pre-fetch ads is received by the client and the pre-fetched ads are obtained from the live stream. The client will receive a notification from the live stream to show ads and pre-fetched ads will be shown on the client. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US08566866B1 |
Web identity to social media identity correlation
An identification server correlates the web browsing behavior of individuals with their use of social media systems. Based on these behaviors, web identifiers (referred to as identities or IDs) may be matched to social media identifiers; these matches being determined, stored, and output as a confidences that the web identity of the user corresponds to a social media identity. Each web identity may be associated with one or more social media identities. The identity correlations between web identities and social media identities may be used along with other alignments to provide information regarding the time-based media (e.g., advertisements) a user may have likely been exposed to, and to provide targeted advertisements. |
| US08566864B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing emergency communications
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller operable to monitor for emergency messages over a broadcast network and over the Internet, obtain an emergency message based on the monitoring where the emergency message comprises text data, audio data, schedule data and location data and where the text and audio data correspond to a plurality of languages, generate an alert message comprising the schedule data, the location data and at least a portion of the plurality of languages of the text and audio data, and multicast the alert message over an Internet Protocol Television network to a plurality of set top boxes, wherein each of the set top boxes presents a text alert that is synchronized with an audio alert based on the multicast alert message when the location data corresponds with a location of the set top box. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08566855B2 |
Audiovisual user interface based on learned user preferences
A method and apparatus for providing an audiovisual user interface based on learned user preferences is described. In one implementation, the method involves collecting a set of user preferences for a user; providing a metadata stream associated with an audiovisual input; comparing elements within the metadata stream with the set of user preferences to form a comparison; and outputting a message to the user if the comparison indicates that the metadata stream matches one or more elements of the set of user preferences. The message may be output either acoustically or visually, and may relate to the audiovisual input, which may be audio, video, or both audio and video. The audiovisual input may be blocked based on a restricted message, and may be accessed upon a successful password query. |
| US08566854B2 |
Apparatus for rotating disk with improved anti-slip torque
An apparatus for rotating a disc is disclosed, wherein the apparatus for rotating the disc includes a rotation shaft; a turn table coupled to the rotation shaft and having a felt that makes contact with a disc; a center guide member inserted into the rotation shaft and coupled to an inner face of the disc; a clamp magnet sucking a clamp unit that is faced with the turn table and makes contact with an upper face of the disc toward the felt; an elastic member interposed between the turn table and the center guide member and the elastic member elastically supporting the center guide member in an axial direction of the rotation shaft, wherein an anti-slip torque that is applied to the upper face of the disc by using the clamp unit and the elastic member is stronger than a rotation torque that is generated by the turn table to prevent slipping of the optical disc from the turn table. |
| US08566849B2 |
Name service object clustering
A naming service clustering method which permits naming service load balancing over a set of object references contained within the same cluster such that loads are equitably distributed among servers. Each cluster contains its own unique object binding table which contains object references which each typically represent a single server. Load balancing is performed using a load balance algorithm (e.g., Round Robin). The specific algorithm which is used to perform load balancing is specified upon creation of each naming service cluster. The method provides transparent load balancing among multiple object references in the same cluster. In addition, transparent “failover” among object references in the same cluster is achieved. The method also provides a dynamic addition of new object references into a cluster via binding, along with the dynamic removal of old object references from a cluster via unbinding. |
| US08566846B2 |
System and method for configuring drivers
Driver systems and methods are provided, such as those that include identifying a process corner of a driver; and configuring the driver based on the identified process corner. Further embodiments provide a method that includes detecting a process corner of a driver, setting a reference voltage of a calibration circuit based on the process corner detected, and configuring the driver based on the reference voltage. |
| US08566845B2 |
System and method for optimizing multi-pathing support in a distributed storage system environment
A Multi-Pathing Optimization Module (MPOM) interfaces with a client to route a data access request along a most optimal path to a storage system serving data container stored on a striped volume set (SVS). The MPOM constructs and references a Location Data Structure (LDS) containing striping rules associated with the SVS, a list of network elements (N-blades) operatively connected to the client, and a list of disk elements (D-blades) sharing a node of the storage system with the listed N-blades. The MPOM executes a Client_Locate( ) function on a per data access request basis to identify the D-blade serving the volume which will receive the request. When possible, the MPOM routes the data access request directly to the N-blade sharing a node with the identified D-blade, thereby using the most optimal path from the client to the SVS. |
| US08566840B2 |
Method and system for kernel level filtering
An embodiment of the invention pertains to a method of filtering messages in a kernel of an operating system. The method includes receiving message traffic from network and determining information that indicates contents of each message in the kernel. The method also includes selectively passing the message from the kernel to one or more applications based on the information and according to at least one criterion, where the least one criterion is associated with a respective application of the one or more applications. |
| US08566839B2 |
System and method for automated content presentation objects
Provided is a system and method for centralizing common messaging functionality across a plurality of heterogeneous Mobile data processing System (MS) applications, and for synergistically bringing new messaging functionality to those applications. New synergistic presentation/messaging capability is provided with distributable presentation objects in areas of Out-Going Messages (OGMs), Out-going Caller Messages (OCMs), Confirmation Of delivery Messages (COMs) and ADvertising messages (ADs). OGMs include messages which are played to callers in a phone call recording system. OCMs include messages that can be left automatically to a phone call recording system by a caller. COMs include messages that are automatically sent based on a delivery. ADs include messages for conveying advertising information. Different message types are automatically presented for a variety of triggering events, and in accordance with reconciling an originator's intent and an observer's preferences. In a preferred embodiment, the Location Based eXchange method and system is leveraged. |
| US08566836B2 |
Multi-core system on chip
A multi-core system on a chip (200) is described in which a speed information for each core (210, 220, 230, 240), such as the maximum operation speed (Fmax), is extracted and stored in a storage device, such as a device control registry (215), where it may be accessed and used by the operating system when allocating workload among the cores by selecting the fasted core (e.g, 210) to run any applications or tasks that can not be executed on a plurality of cores. |
| US08566834B2 |
Mechanism for application management during server power changes
The present disclosure provides, in some embodiments, a method for managing applications and resources. According to some embodiments, a power orchestrator may comprise (a) receiving information handling system resource status, (b) receiving one or more application registrations from one or more applications to be executed on the information handling system, (c) formulating a resource priority schedule using the received resource status and the one or more application registrations, (d) formulating a resource allocation schedule in accordance with the resource priority schedule, (e) communicating the resource allocation schedule to the one or more applications, and (f) allocating one or more resources to the one or more applications in accordance with the resource allocation schedule. A method may comprise, according to some embodiments, determining whether one or more of the one or more applications will submit a registration update and/or determining whether available resource(s) match demand and adjusting resource status to match demand. |
| US08566831B2 |
Execution of work units in a heterogeneous computing environment
Work units are transparently offloaded from a main processor to offload processing systems for execution. For a particular work unit, a suitable offload processing system is selected to execute the work unit. This includes determining the requirements of the work unit, including, for instance, the hardware and software requirements; matching those requirements against a set of offload processing systems with an arbitrary set of available resources; and determining if a suitable offload processing system is available. If a suitable offload processing system is available, the work unit is scheduled to execute on that offload processing system with no changes to the work unit itself. Otherwise, the work unit may execute on the main processor or wait to be executed on an offload processing system. |
| US08566830B2 |
Local collections of tasks in a scheduler
A scheduler in a process of a computer system includes a local collection of tasks for each processing resource allocated to the scheduler and at least one general collection of tasks. The scheduler assigns each task that becomes unblocked to the local collection corresponding to the processing resource that caused the task to become unblocked. When a processing resource becomes available, the processing resource attempts to execute the most recently added task in the corresponding local collection. If there are no tasks in the corresponding local collection, the available processing resource attempts to execute a task from the general collection. |
| US08566829B1 |
Cooperative multi-level scheduler for virtual engines
A device for providing a plurality of virtual machines utilizes a multi-core processor having a plurality of cores, each with a memory cache, and a shared memory resource in communication with the cores. The device utilizes a cooperative, multi-level scheduler. The multi-level scheduler includes a primary scheduler and a plurality of secondary schedulers, each supporting a subset of the physical cores. The primary scheduler assigns a group of threads to one of the processor cores. The secondary scheduler associated with the processor core to which the group of threads was assigned schedules execution of individual ones of the threads. The secondary scheduler also provides an indication of lock status to the primary scheduler. The lock status information can be used by the primary scheduler to avoid preempting a thread that holds a lock. |
| US08566824B2 |
Migrating a virtual machine to a target machine
The present invention is directed to systems and methods for providing disaster recovery services using virtual machines. The invention provides an inexpensive and minimally intrusive way to provide disaster recovery services including recovery of the state of computer processors and devices. The system includes a production host and a backup host that communicate via a communications link. The state of the processor and devices on the production host are periodically stored onto backup host and can be restored in the event of an emergency. Additionally, the invention includes two business methods for utilizing the system and methods for providing disaster recovery services. |
| US08566820B1 |
Method and system for installing software
Method and system are disclosed for providing multiple installations of a software application. The method/system creates an installation template from a single correct or “golden” installation of the software application and uses the installation template to produce additional installations of the software application. In one embodiment, any references to a specific host or computing system in the files or directories of the installed software application are replaced with a temporary variable in the installation template. The installation template may then be stored on a designated server and uploaded to any computing system needing a new installation of the software application. Once uploaded, the variable is replaced with system-specific references to complete the new installations. Since the installations are produced from the installation template and not from floppy disks or CD-ROMs, the process takes significantly less time. |
| US08566818B2 |
Method and system for configuring a consolidated software application
A system and method for selectively configuring features and functions of a consolidated software application for particular end users. |
| US08566813B2 |
Method and system generating execution file system device
Provided is a method and system generating an execution file. The method includes determining number-of-calls information for a number of functions and then generating the execution file by locating the functions based on the number-of-calls information. |
| US08566808B2 |
Object storage and synchronization hooks for occasionally-connected devices
A system may include an application programming interface (API) layer, a cache layer, and an object storage/access layer. The API layer may expose an interface to store a business object and an interface to retrieve the business object, and may transmit a request to store the business object and a request to retrieve the business object, and the cache layer may cache the business object and transmit the request to store the business object and the request to retrieve the business object. The object storage/access layer may receive the request to store the business object and, in response to the request to store the business object, to invoke a serialization method exposed by the business object to store the data associated with the object in a data structure. The object storage/access layer may also receive the request to retrieve the business object and, in response to the request to retrieve the business object, to invoke a deserialization method of the business object to deserialize the data associated with the business object in the data structure. |
| US08566807B1 |
System and method for accessibility of document object model and JavaScript by other platforms
A method and system for allowing for access to a Document Object Model and JavaScript of Web-page on a server-side is disclosed herein. The present invention analyzes the JavaScript of the Web-page on the server-side with a JavaScript parser and engine. The present invention converts the Document Object Model and JavaScript of the web-page into an accessible format. The present invention allows for access of the accessible format of the Document Object Model and JavaScript of the Web-page by other platforms such as JAVA, RUBY-ON-RAILS, PHP and .NET. |
| US08566805B2 |
System and method to provide continuous calibration estimation and improvement options across a software integration life cycle
A method and system of calibrating estimates for software projects is provided. More particularly, a method and system is provided to continuously provide calibration estimation and improvement options across a software integration life cycle. The method is implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions operable to: compare actual data associated with a phase of a project to expected results used to develop a strategic development plan for the project; and calibrate efforts in the strategic development plan for future activities of the project based on the actual data. |
| US08566803B2 |
Benchmark profiling for distributed systems
Embodiments of the invention may be used to generate a benchmark profile for a computing job configured to execute on distributed systems. The benchmark profile may be used to predict the performance of components of a computing job for a variety of different distributed computing system architectures. A profiling tool evaluates the computing job to identify the particular performance characteristics of the application and match this with benchmarks that are most representative of the identified performance characteristics and store them in the benchmark profile. The identified benchmarks may then be run on different configurations of a distributed computing system in order to predict the performance of the application for a variety of scenarios. |
| US08566794B2 |
Checkpoint entry insertion during test scenario creation
A test module can be configured to initiate test scenario creation for a target application, and an interaction entry definition module can be configured to define, during the test scenario creation, a plurality of interaction entries representing a sequence of user interactions with a plurality of user interface elements of the target application. A test scenario compiler can be configured to include the plurality of interaction entries in a test scenario file representing a test scenario, and a checkpoint entry definition module can be configured to receive an indicator that a property of a user interface element from the plurality of user interface elements has been selected for verification, and configured to define a checkpoint entry configured to trigger verification of the property of the user interface element from the plurality of user interface elements based on the test scenario file during test scenario verification of the target application. |
| US08566793B2 |
Detecting and displaying errors in database statements within integrated development environment tool
Embodiments of the invention provide database integration within an integrated development environment (IDE) tool for displaying database structure and other database information, query editing and execution, and error detection for database statements embedded in program source code. Embodiments of the invention integrate database connectivity and error detection into the IDE tool, thereby potentially reducing the time required for database-aware application development. |
| US08566788B2 |
Predictive prefetching to improve parallelization of data retrieval subtasks
In a system in which documents are generated dynamically in response to user requests, historical data is collected regarding data retrieval subtasks, such as service requests, that are performed to generate such documents. This data is used to predict the specific subtasks that will be performed to respond to specific document requests, such that these subtasks may be initiated preemptively at or near the outset of the associated document generation task. A subtask that would ordinarily be postponed pending the outcome of a prior subtask can thereby be performed in parallel with the prior subtask, reducing document generation times. In one embodiment, the historical data is included within, or is used to generate, a mapping table that maps document generation tasks (which may correspond to specific URLs) to the data retrieval subtasks that are frequently performed within such tasks. |
| US08566786B2 |
Portlet template based on a state design pattern
A method for designing object-oriented software for implementing portlets, and an associated computer system and computer program product. The portlets are available to a user of the software who clicks on a link of a first page to identify an action object of an Action class and a state object of a State class. The software includes the State class, the Action class, and program code. The State class includes a method for displaying a view of a page. The Action class includes an actionPerformed method for performing an action and a setState method for setting the state object into the session. The program code is adapted to execute: the actionPerformed method of the action object to perform the action; the setState method of the action object to set the state object; and the method of the state object to display a view of a second page. |
| US08566785B2 |
Information processing device, method of processing information, and program
An information processing device for providing a program selected on the basis of a predetermined theme among recorded programs and programs to be received to a user. A special program is generated by selecting a predetermined program on the basis of a predetermined theme such as ‘person of the today’, ‘hot drama’, among recorded programs and programs to be received to a user and the contents of the selected program is displayed on a screen as information of a recommendation program. The contents of the special program are changed according to preference of the user, a displaying time of the screen, and setting by the user. |
| US08566783B2 |
Determining a navigation path for a constraint language editor
A method and navigation helper for generating constraint language codes for navigation in a constraint language editor. The constraint language editor generates model/instance-related constraint expressions according to the loaded model/instance and related constraints. The navigation is a path implementing the constraints. The method includes parsing the loaded model/instance; calculating a possible association related to the element through the type of the navigation-related element in the model/instance; and calculating a possible navigation path according to the association. A method for generating constraint language codes in a constraint language editor and the constraint language editor includes loading the model/instance; loading constraint patterns for storing parameters and a constraint code template; invoking corresponding helpers, according to the types of parameters stored in the constraint patterns; and generating constraint codes according to the generated parameters and the constraint code template. |