| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08562456B2 |
Golf club head
A golf club head 2 includes a face line 8 having a depth of D1 (mm) and a land area LA. When a boundary point between the land area LA and the face line 8 in a section line of a surface of the face line 8 is defined as Pa; a point of which a depth is T1 (mm) is defined as Pb; and a curvature radius of the section line between the point Pa and the point Pb is defined as R1 (mm), the golf club head 2 satisfies the following formulae (1) and (2): R1>T1 (1) 0.10≦T1≦0.5 (2) Preferably, a ratio (R1/T1) is greater than 1.0 and is equal to or less than 3.0. |
| US08562455B2 |
Method of forming a golf club head with improved aerodynamic characteristics
A driver type golf club head comprising a body having a face, a crown and a sole, wherein the highest point of the crown surface is located within a crown apex zone, and a portion of the crown contour exists above a radius arc of approximately 5.25 inches. |
| US08562452B2 |
Golf club or golf club head having an adjustable ball striking face
This invention relates generally to golf clubs or golf club heads, having an adjustable ball striking face. The golf club head includes a club head body, a ball striking face, and a brace extending from a sole of the club head body to an inner surface of the ball striking face. The brace may further include an end portion engaged with the inner surface of the ball striking face, a fixed rod located between the end portion and an inner surface of the club head at the sole, a biasing member attached to the fixed rod. The biasing member may provide a biasing force to the ball striking face such that the ball striking face is adjustable between a first direction thereby adjusting a face angle of the club head and a second direction thereby adjusting a loft angle of the club head. |
| US08562451B2 |
Golf swing trainer
A golf swing trainer which gives a golfer immediate feedback as to whether the relative timing of the hip movement to the club movement is correct. The trainer comprises a lightweight swing arm which is pivotally connected to the user's belt. For a right handed user, the swing arm on the trainer is initially placed to the right of a right-handed user and is pushed around by the movement of the user's left forearm during a correct golf swing. On the other hand, if the golfer's arms pass in front of the swing arm without swinging it around with the arms, the timing of hip movement was incorrect. In the case of a left handed golfer, the trainer swing arm is initially moved to its far left position and, as before, during the downswing, the user's arms should come in behind and push the trainer swing arm around ahead of the user's arm. |
| US08562449B2 |
Breathing mode damper
A shaft assembly is provided to reduce breathing mode vibrations and resulting noises. The shaft assembly includes a shaft member having an outer surface and a damping member constructed at least in part from a damping material and including a substantially annular body and generally opposing ends. The opposing ends are biased such that at least a portion of the damping member engages with the shaft member. |
| US08562444B2 |
Sharing items between multiple game participants
Items may be transferred between participants in a multi-participant gaming application through an item sharing object. The item sharing object may be activated by a participant during game play. After activating the item sharing object, a state of the item sharing object may be determined. If the state indicates that a prior participant has left behind an item that is available, then the left behind item may be presented to the current participant activating the object. Alternatively, if no items are available, the processing device may present the current participant with a quest, the completion of which may result in the current participant leaving behind an item for a subsequent participant activating the item sharing object. |
| US08562443B2 |
Semi-synchronous multi-participant application updates
Individual participants in a multi-participant collaborative computing application may be sent intermittent updates of actions taken by other participants. These updates need not be sent to a participant's device until the participant has interacted with a specified object in the application. The participant's device may then be sent an update including object interactions of the other participants occurring since the participant's previous object interaction. The update may be used to periodically inform the participant of the actions taken by the other participants during the period between the participant's interactions. |
| US08562440B2 |
Method, apparatus, and program product for modeling presence in a persistent virtual environment
Apparatus, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that accumulate a presence history of an entity within a persistent virtual environment by repeated gathering of virtual presence information. The virtual presence information includes an entity identification value and a sampling time value. Once the virtual presence information is collected, the technology performs a general least-squares-fit to a set of basis functions on a portion of the presence history to create a coefficient vector. The coefficient vector represents a temporal profile consistent with the presence history and includes coefficients responsive to the general least-squares-fit. Once the coefficient vector is created, the technology characterizes the entity responsive to its coefficient vector and presents the characterization of the entity. |
| US08562438B2 |
System and method for television-based services
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for executing an interactive game in a television distribution system. In one aspect, a method includes receiving input over the television distribution system from a game client indicating an action associated with a game instance, wherein the game client is hosted on a set-top box; determining an updated status of the game instance based on the action; generating a game status message identifying the updated status of the game instance; and transmitting the game status message to the game client. Further, the game status message can be transmitted to a plurality of game clients participating in the game instance. Additionally, input can be received over the television distribution system from another game client indicating a second action associated with the game instance and an updated status of the game instance can be determined based on the second action. |
| US08562436B2 |
User interface and method of user interaction
A method of user interaction with an entertainment device comprises generating an audio-visual output for use with audio-visual reproduction equipment, initiating an audio-visual event as part of the generated audio-visual output, receiving input data from one or more game control devices associated with the entertainment device, analyzing the received input data to evaluate an involuntary physical response by a user interacting with the or each game control device occurring within a predetermined period associated with the initiation of the audio-visual event, and adjusting subsequently generated audio-visual output responsive to the evaluation of the user's involuntary physical response. |
| US08562432B2 |
Mobile terminal and method for controlling motions using sound noise level
Provided is a device and method for controlling game motions in a mobile terminal, having an audio processing unit for converting an input sound into a digital sound, a noise level measurement unit for measuring the noise level of the digital sound, and a controller for calculating a motion control level on the motions object corresponding to the measured noise level, and controlling the corresponding motion of the motions object based on the calculated motion control level. Accordingly, the motion control for the motions object of a game can be differentially controlled according to the level of the sound noise such as wind or sound outputted through the mouth of a user without manipulating the key button with fingers. |
| US08562431B2 |
Gaming device and secure interface
An improved gaming device with a secure interface has been developed. The invention includes an electronic gaming device with internal components, software and data, an external communication interface in communication with the electronic gaming device and an output device of the electronic gaming device in communication with the external communication interface. The output device communicates with external communication interface through a secure interface that does not allow external communications to directly access the internal components, software and data of the electronic gaming device. |
| US08562429B2 |
Gaming device having independent reels in a circular arrangement
A gaming device having unisymbol display reels, wherein each symbol on a display of the gaming device represents or is included on a different reel. The present invention structures the paylines of the gaming device in such a way that the gaming device can include different reel strips having different winning symbols or different proportions of winning symbols, while still maintaining payout symbols and payout combinations that have uniform odds and uniform payouts. |
| US08562427B2 |
Gaming device and method having purchasable enhanced paytables
An apparatus and method for a game having a paytable selection feature which may be implemented with a primary or base game, a secondary or bonus game, or both. In one embodiment, the gaming device employs an initial paytable and enables a player pay a fee to purchase a different paytable for a plurality of plays of the game. If the player chooses to purchase a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for a plurality of plays of the game and provides any awards based on the different paytable. If the player does not choose to select a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for each of those plays and provides any awards based on the initial paytable. In one embodiment, the player has the opportunity to see the different paytable prior to paying the fee to purchase it. |
| US08562426B2 |
Charge payment system using virtual money
There is provided a system where usage charge of a facility can be paid by virtual money. A card ID and a consumption amount of virtual money are transmitted from a game terminal as charging-target terminal apparatus, the card ID being recorded in a card possessed by a user (step S31). The server apparatus replaces the card ID with a user ID unique to each user (step S32), and specifies a virtual money account managed by the server apparatus in association with the user ID. When the balance of the account is not less than the consumption amount, the consumption amount is subtracted from the balance of the account, and when the balance is less than the consumption amount, the subtraction of the consumption amount is stopped (stepS34). Transaction result information including information indicating whether the subtraction of consumption amount has succeeded is transmitted to the game terminal (3) as a response (steps S35, S36). |
| US08562420B2 |
Gaming system and a method of gaming
A method of gaming comprising: (a) selecting a plurality of symbols from a source symbol set to form a selected symbol set for display at a plurality of display positions, the source symbol set comprising at least one removable symbol and at least one designated symbol different to each removable symbol; and if a removal condition is met, the removal condition including at least that the selected symbol set includes at least one designated symbol within the display positions; (b) removing at least one removable symbol from the source symbol set from which it was selected to form a modified source symbol set; (c) selecting at least one symbol from the modified source symbol set to form a modified selected symbol set; and (d) determining whether to make an award based on the modified selected symbol set. |
| US08562415B2 |
Providing non-bingo outcomes for a bingo game
The present invention provides methods and devices for providing a first wagering game (such as a bingo game) that presents a changing pool of displayed game outcomes for a second wagering game (such as a Class III game), preferably on a network of gaming machines. Some implementations of the invention provide a bingo game that presents a changing pool of displayed game outcomes for a slot game or a poker game. In some preferred implementations, game outcomes are generated, e.g., by individual gaming machines, on an ongoing basis and stored in memory. Each of the game outcomes corresponds with a bingo outcome. Preferably, the game outcomes are sorted and stored according to payout amounts for various bingo outcomes. In some implementations, the game outcomes are stored in the form of random number generating (“RNG”) seeds, but in other implementations the game outcomes are stored in a variety of other forms. |
| US08562414B2 |
System and method for simulating the outcome of an electronic bingo game as a blackjack game
A game system and method plays an electronic game and simulates the outcome as a blackjack game. The game system allows a player to place a wager. The outcome of the electronic game includes a payout according to a first pay table if a set of predetermined winning conditions has been achieved. The outcome of the bingo game is simulated as a blackjack game. The outcome of the blackjack game is equivalent to the outcome of the electronic game. |
| US08562410B2 |
Gaming device having sequential activations of a game and replay of previous activations of the game
A gaming device including a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols on each of the reels. At least one of the symbols on the primary reels are designated as tracking or back symbols. A tracking symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to flag the outcome of the current and all tracking spins. A back symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to retrieve the flagged outcomes of each flagged spin and to re-display the outcomes in a sequential manner and to provide the awards associated with the outcomes to the player. |
| US08562406B2 |
Poker system and method for allocating pots prior to an end of the poker game based on true odds at the time of allocation
A method of allocating poker pots based on the true odds of winning the hand. The pot allocation is at the election of the two or more players involved in the hand after no more bets are possible (i.e., one or more players all in). Once no more bets are possible, the two or more players may elect to allocate the pot based on the true odds of each player winning the pot. The house or game operator may charge a fee in order for players to utilize the pot allocation option. In one version, players may allocate a percentage of the pot and play the hand out for the remaining percentage. In yet another version, if one player declines the pot allocation option, the house or operator may buy the player's hand and play it out. In yet another version, the pot allocation option may be offered to players multiple times during a poker game with the true odds changing based on newly displayed/dealt cards. |
| US08562404B2 |
Computer device for implementing a trading card game and control method therefor, program executed by computer device, controller, system, and game cards
A card game program is executed in a computer device for playing a game using a plurality of cards. The identification information of each card is used to generate a combination of the cards for a game player. The combination of the cards is changed in response to an instruction of the game player. |
| US08562403B2 |
Prompting a player of a dance game
Presented herein are methods, apparatuses, programs, and systems for prompting a player to perform a series of dance moves. A player is prompted to perform a series of dance moves by providing a timeline comprising at least a first time interval associated with a first dance move, and a second time interval associated with a second dance move; displaying an icon representing the first dance move at a first location on the display for the duration of the first time interval; and displaying an icon representing the second dance move at the first location on the display for the duration of the second time interval, wherein the icon representing the first dance move includes one or more representations of a body and indicates on the one or more representations of the body at least one body part whose position is important during the performance of the first dance move. |
| US08562401B2 |
Amusement devices and games involving head to head play
Various methods and apparatus related to gaming are described. Some embodiments relate to a multi-tiered game involving multiple participants. Some embodiments relate to players establishing gaming elements based on desired criteria. Other embodiments are described. |
| US08562395B2 |
Guard anti-rotation lock
A system for a hand-held power tool has a tool housing, a receiving unit fixed to the tool housing and a guard unit connected with the hand-held power tool. The guard unit includes a guard extending at least partially around a rotatable tool. A guard anti-rotation lock device includes a clamping band fixedly connected to the guard that establishes a frictional connection between the guard unit and the receiving unit. The receiving unit includes a receiving flange and a connecting element that are together surrounded by and clamped in a clamping region by the clamping band to effect the frictional connection. In a case where the rotatable tool bursts into pieces during operation, the connecting element counteracts rotational movement of the guard unit with respect to the receiving unit by changing a cross-sectional shape of the clamping region. |
| US08562394B2 |
Polishing head and tool change arm for a polishing head
A polishing head for use in a polishing machine for optical surfaces, having an axis of rotation and a base body having a holding structure intended to be arranged at a polishing spindle and having a transport element intended to be held at a tool change arm, the transport element being positionable against a holding element of the tool change arm in order to perform a tool change, wherein at least one locking element is provided which can be positioned against the tool change arm such that a positive and/or non-positive joint results. |
| US08562390B2 |
Double-disc grinding apparatus and method for producing wafer
A double-disc grinding apparatus having at least: a rotatable ring-shaped holder for supporting a sheet-like wafer having a notch for indicating a crystal orientation from an outer circumference side along a radial direction, the holder having a protruding portion to be engaged with the crystal-orientation-indicating notch; and a pair of grindstones for simultaneously grinding both surfaces of the wafer supported by the holder, in which the holder is provided with at least one protruding portion separately from the protruding portion to be engaged with the crystal-orientation-indicating notch, and the both surfaces of the wafer are simultaneously ground by the pair of the grindstones while the wafer is supported and rotated with the at least one protruding portion being engaged with a wafer-supporting notch formed on the wafer. |
| US08562388B2 |
Mastectomy prosthesis and bra
The present document describes a prosthesis for a mastectomy bra comprising: a lower portion comprising a manually malleable material having a first density; and an upper portion comprising a manually malleable material having a second density smaller than the first density, the lower portion being substantially located below the upper portion thereby insuring stability of the prosthesis when in use. There is also described a bra for receiving the prosthesis. |
| US08562387B1 |
Driving mechanism for remote control toy vehicle
A driving mechanism for a radio-controlled toy vehicle is disclosed comprising a radio controlled drive assembly with a frame, two (2) large central wheels, and two (2) small motor driven drive wheels. The large wheels are driven by two (2) independent motors with drive wheels attached which engage the outer perimeter of each large wheel. The drive train and power supply are positioned upon a platform of the frame. Front and rear midpoints of the frame are provided with a finger protrusion to support the vehicle when changing directions or when balance is lost. The wheels are driven independently enabling one (1) wheel to be driven forward while the other one (1) is driven backwards to allow the vehicle to spin in place about a center point. The motors can be driven in a simultaneous manner to propel the vehicle forward or backward. Proportional steering enables the vehicle to turn corners and produce movements that follow curves or arcs. |
| US08562385B2 |
Doll with water squirting feature
A figure includes a body with a first portion including an inlet and a second portion including an outlet. The first portion is submersible in a liquid. A conduit extends between the inlet and the outlet. A pump mechanism is coupled to the conduit. The pump mechanism is operable by a user to draw liquid into the inlet, move the liquid through the conduit, and discharge the liquid from the outlet. |
| US08562383B2 |
Towing equipment
The present disclosure relates to a towing equipment for towing a person by a vehicle. The towing equipment comprises a proximal portion intended to be associated with said person, a distal portion intended to be connected to said vehicle, and a junction region interposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The proximal portion includes a first flexible branch and a second flexible branch, which are connected to the distal portion at the junction region. A proximal end of said first flexible branch comprises a handle; a proximal end of said second flexible branch is configured to be associated with the waist of said person. The present disclosure further relates to an abdominal belt intended to be used in conjunction with a towing equipment. The present disclosure also relates to a method for towing a person by a vehicle or the like. In particular, the person is a water skier and the vehicle is a motor boat. |
| US08562381B2 |
Connector
A connector (10) having a plat-shaped terminal fitting (40) connected to a plate-shaped conductor (T) extended from equipment by tightening a bolt with the conductor (10) being overlapped on the terminal fitting (40) and a connector housing (11) holding the terminal fitting (40). A metal nut (45) into which a bolt (V1) is screwed is joined with the terminal fitting (40). The connector housing (11) has a supporting part (25) supporting both side edges of the terminal fitting (40) in a width direction thereof. |
| US08562376B2 |
Cable connector assembly having a capacitor connected with one connector and a metallic shell
A cable connector assembly (100) includes an insulative housing (10) defining a plurality cavities, a first connector (20) received in a cavity, a pair of second connector (30) received in other cavities, a cable electrically connected with the first connector and the second connectors, a metallic shell (40) shielding on the insulative housing and a capacitor (50) defined in the insulative housing. The capacitor is assembled behind the connectors, and includes two linking points (500, 501). The second connector has a plurality of grounding legs (300) electrically connected with each other, one linking point of the capacitor is connected with one of the grounding legs of the second connector, and the other linking point is connected with the metallic shell. |
| US08562375B2 |
Electrical connector assembly with LED display
An electrical connector assembly includes a bracket arranged along a longitudinal direction thereof with a plurality of connector ports and a LED port opening forwards, a plurality of electrical connectors retained in the connector ports, a shading board disposed with a plurality of cavities and a circuit board retained behind and parallel to the shading board and disposed with a plurality of LEDs on a front face thereof. The plurality of LEDs is received in corresponding cavities of the shading board. The shading board with the circuit board is retained in the LED port by the shading board in a height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. |
| US08562374B2 |
Harness connector
A harness connector having a header assembly that includes a header housing that extends between a plug end and a mounting end. The header housing holds header contacts. Optionally, the header housing may be mounted to a printed circuit board at the mounting end with the header contacts being electrically connected to the printed circuit board. One or more plug assemblies are received in the plug end of the header housing along a plug axis. The plug assembly includes a plug housing holding receptacle terminals. The receptacle terminals extend along terminal axes parallel to the plug axis between mating ends and terminating ends. The mating ends are mated with corresponding header contacts. The terminating ends have insulation displacement contacts configured to receive, and be electrically connected to, corresponding wires. The wires extend from the insulation displacement contacts along wire axes that are generally perpendicular to the terminal axes. |
| US08562373B2 |
Electronic module with improved latch mechanism
An electronic module (100) for mating with a complementary connector, comprises: a housing, a printed circuit board (3) disposed in the housing, a slider member (6) movably received in the channel, and a cover member (9) mounted to the housing over the slider member. The slider member has a body portion (611) and a pair of curved arm portions (612) extending forwardly from the body portion. The cover member has a pair of curved contacting portions (92) overlaying the pair of curved arm portions of the slider member, the pair of curved contacting portions being moveable outward in response to a sliding movement of the pair of curved arm portions. |
| US08562370B2 |
Electrical connector, electrical connector unit, and electric vehicle charger
A power feeding side connector (electrical connector) has a locking lever adapted to lock together the power feeding side connector and a power receiving side connector at the time of engagement therebetween, a microswitch adapted to detect halfway fitting of the locking lever to interrupt electrical conduction, and a release lever adapted to release locking by the locking lever after charging. In the halfway fitting state, an intermediate portion of the locking lever is brought into contact with a spring piece of the microswitch to push it so that normally-closed contacts of the microswitch are opened to interrupt electrical conduction. |
| US08562368B2 |
Service disconnect assembly
A service disconnect assembly for a battery assembly includes a receiver configured to hold terminals of a power circuit of the battery assembly and a service disconnect removably coupled to the receiver. The service disconnect has a hub rotatably coupled to the receiver that holds a terminal interconnect configured to electrically connect the terminals together. The service disconnect is removable from the receiver to disconnect the terminals from one another. Rotating the hub in a first direction drives the terminal interconnect into engagement with the terminals and rotating the hub in a second direction opposite to the first direction releases the terminal interconnect from the terminals. |
| US08562367B2 |
Socket for electrical part
A socket for electrical part mounted on the wiring substrate to accommodate an electrical part. The present invention comprises a socket body, a floating plate and a holding structure. The socket body has a contact pin unit comprising a unit body in which the plural contact pins are mounted. The floating plate is mounted on upper side of the unit body to accommodate the electrical part, and comprises through holes into which the upper side contact portions of contact pins are inserted. The holding structure holds the floating plate in a descended state when the socket for the electrical part is not yet mounted on the wiring substrate, and releases the holding state of floating plate and makes the floating plate to be capable of moving vertically under the state of being urged upward when the socket for the electrical part is mounted on the wiring substrate. |
| US08562362B2 |
Supported slide safety member for a low voltage power connection device
A supported slide safety member. A slide block disposed on the inner side of an upper cover of a socket, includes two inclined surfaces in the same direction disposed on the outer side of the slide block with a slide block window respectively disposed on a lower side of each inclined surface, and a protruding supporting shaft disposed on the inner side of the slide block. A cover plate with two cover windows is disposed on the inner side of the slide block, and the outer side of the cover plate is in contact with the supporting shaft. An elastic component is connected between the slide block and the upper cover. A stop surface is disposed on both the inner side and the outer side of a tail end of the slide block, stopped by and upper stop rib and a lower stop rib. |
| US08562354B2 |
Method and system for supporting and enhancing time management skills
A method and system for supporting and enhancing time management skills. Through the use of an electronic time management device, such as a cell phone or other portable digital computer based device programmed to support this method, the user enters information about a task which is then verified and “banked points” are given for correct entry. The banked points can then be used toward a socially desirable reward, such as sending text messages or playing music or watching videos. This is particularly effective in teaching time management skills to young students who may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). |
| US08562351B2 |
System and method to detect target hits
A device includes a first light source to be aligned along a path of a projectile. The first light source has a narrow divergence to simulate the path of the projectile. A second light source has a vertically wide divergence extending above the path of the projectile. The first and second light sources are encoded and aligned to facilitate distinguishing between head and body shots using only head sensors. |
| US08562349B2 |
Dental implant that increases bone support
A dental_implant that increases the amount of bone around the implant by increasing its length in order to place a longer implant without the need for a sinus elevation surgery in the posterior maxillary region where bone stock is not sufficient by employing the principles of displacement procedures in implantology which rely on regeneration of patient's own bone and have been used for years in the dentistry for orthodontic procedures. The dental implant has a pressure adaptor that protrudes and advances through the apical part of the implant body. Pressure adaptor is advanced within the bone until desired length of implant and bone is achieved. This procedure forms significant amount of bone around the implant within the floor of maxillary sinus. Floor of maxillary sinus is elevated. New bone is formed without the need for an additional surgery. |
| US08562343B2 |
Fluid driven dental handpiece with hydrostatic bearings
A dental handpiece uses a single airflow input to drive both a rotor and provide a hydrostatic bearing. The fluid flow in the form of compressed air is applied first to the hydrostatic bearings and then subsequently to the turbine blades of the rotor without the use of any moving mechanical parts by the design of the air passageway being more direct for the hydrostatic bearing. This passageway is the form of a manifold insert which may be mounted within the handpiece. The handpiece includes a pair of frusto-conical cages separated by a C-shaped spacer which enables precise fabrication. The frusto-conical ends of the rotor and the mating frusto-conical inner surfaces of the cages are provided with a diamond like carbon coating. |
| US08562342B2 |
Angles hose connection for dental handpiece
A dental handpiece having a distal end including an attachment for assembly of a removable workpiece and a handpiece body intermediate a proximal end and the distal end. The handpiece extends in a substantially axial direction. A coupler is included having a cylinder portion and a supply-end portion, the cylinder portion being assembled into the handpiece extending in the axial direction toward the distal end. The cylinder portion includes at least one seal that interfaces with an interior of the body so as to isolate a portion of the body interior into at least one distinct chamber. The supply-end portion of the coupler extends from the proximal end of the handpiece body at an angle from the axis. The supply-end portion also includes a plurality of outlets, the at least one distinct chamber in fluid communication with one of the outlets of the plurality of outlets. |
| US08562341B2 |
Dental and medical instruments comprising titanium
Endodontic instruments for use in performing root canal therapy on a tooth are disclosed. In one form, the instruments include an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank comprises a titanium alloy, and the shank is prepared by heat-treating the shank at a temperature above 25° C. in an atmosphere consisting essentially of a gas unreactive with the shank. In another form, the endodontic instruments have an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank consists essentially of a titanium alloy selected from alpha-titanium alloys, beta-titanium alloys, and alpha-beta-titanium alloys. The instruments solve the problems encountered when cleaning and enlarging a curved root canal. |
| US08562338B2 |
Treatment progress tracking and recalibration
Systems and methods of developing and tracking delivery and patient progression through an orthodontic treatment plan. One method includes identifying deviations from an orthodontic treatment plan, including receiving a digital representation of an actual arrangement of a patient's teeth after an orthodontic treatment plan has begun for the patient and prior to completion of the orthodontic treatment plan. The method further includes comparing the actual arrangement to a pre-determined planned arrangement to determine if the actual arrangement substantially deviates from the planned arrangement, the comparing including matching teeth from a previously segmented model to a surface of an unsegmented representation of the actual arrangement; and calculating one or more positional differences between the actual and planned arrangements of at least some of the corresponding teeth. |
| US08562337B2 |
Active attachments for interacting with a polymeric shell dental appliance
An active dental attachment. Specifically, an attachment device for interacting with a polymeric shell dental appliance is described. The attachment device includes an anchoring attachment body. A bonding surface is coupled to the anchoring attachment body, wherein the bonding surface is configured for anchoring the anchoring attachment body to a dental feature of a patient's dentition. A force-applying active mechanism is coupled to the anchoring attachment body. A polymeric shell dental appliance contact region is coupled to the force-applying active mechanism. The polymeric shell dental appliance contact region is configured to contact the force-applying active mechanism and apply a force generated by the force-applying active mechanism between the dental feature and the polymeric shell dental appliance when the polymeric shell dental appliance engages the force-applying active mechanism. |
| US08562334B2 |
Injection blow molding system with enhanced parison neck mold configuration
An injection blow molding (IBM) system and method for forming a plurality of parisons and molded articles. The IBM system includes an injection station having two die sets, two body mold halves, and two neck mold halves. Each of the neck mold halves is attached directly to one of the die sets. The neck mold halves are configured to cooperatively form the exterior shape of the necks of one or more parisons. This type of neck mold attachment configuration can allow for better temperature control of the neck portion of the parison being molded therein. Further, such a neck mold configuration can reduce the cost of fabricating, installing, and/or replacing the neck molds. |
| US08562333B2 |
Rotational molding machine and method
A molding machine apparatus and method for the production of thermoplastic skins or shells by means of what is generally known as rotational or slush molding. The tooling is heated uniformly, rapidly and efficiently by means of high velocity, hot air streams directed at the tooling which create turbulent flow on the surface of the tooling. The air stream is accelerated by means of adjustable nozzles and the air is circulated in the mold by means of a centrifugal fan. |
| US08562332B2 |
Device for manufacturing feedstuff molded into shells
The invention relates to a device for producing goods for consumption, consisting of a fat mass, in particular a fat mass containing cocoa or a chocolate-type fat mass, said goods contains a large number of hollow moulds (1a, 1b) that can be filled with the fat mass (M) when the latter has been heated and is in a free-flowing state, the moulds being configured as depressions in a mould block (1). The inner surface of each hollow mould (1a, 1b) shell-shaped goods for consumption that are to be produced. The device also comprises a plurality of die-type cooling bodies (3a, 3b), which are displaceably mounted on a suspension device (4), a respective cooling body (3a, 3b) being lowered into a respective hollow mould (1a or 1b) and the outer surface of the respective cooling body (3a, 3b) determining the inner surface of the shell-shaped goods for consumption (M) that are to be produced. According to the invention, the plurality of cooling bodies (3a, 3b) that is mounted on the suspension device (4) consists of individual cooling body groups (3), in which several cooling bodies (3a, 3b) are coupled together and mounted on the suspension device (4). The individual cooling body groups (3) are mounted independently of one another on the suspension device (4). |
| US08562331B2 |
Method and tool for expanding a pipe end
A pipe end is expanded with the aid of an expander tool (1). The expander tool (1) comprises a plurality of jaws (10) that are radially movable between a retracted and an expanded position. The jaws (10) have outer jaw surfaces which are intended for engagement with the inner surface of the pipe end and which lie adjacent to one another in the retracted position of the jaws (10) and have an at least generally circular arcuate shape in cross-section. The expander tool (1) further comprises a piston (2) or cone with a tapered end for moving the jaws (10) between the retracted and the outer expanded positions and the piston (2) is moved in a reciprocating manner in the axial direction before expanding the pipe end gradually in the stages. The axial reciprocating movement of the piston (2) is guided to rotate the jaws (10) to a certain extent in a circumferential direction after each expansion stage. |
| US08562330B2 |
Rim rolling screw having pneumatic cooling
A rim rolling apparatus is provided having a plurality of rim rolling screws, a motor and a pneumatic cooling circuit. Each screw has a hot section and a cool section provided downstream of the hot section. The motor is configured to drive the screws in rotation to feed thermoformed articles between the screws to roll lips of the articles. The pneumatic cooling circuit extends within the screw from an exit end towards an entrance end. The cooling circuit is provided in thermally conductive relation with the cool section and insulated from the hot section. |
| US08562328B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing figured veneer
A method and apparatus for making a piece of figured veneer comprise means for, and the steps of, softening lignin in a sheet of veneer, pressing the sheet of veneer between complementary corrugating press rollers having a pitch and a depth to press the sheet of veneer into a wavy or corrugated configuration, and surfacing the pressed sheet of veneer to remove crests of the corrugations, making the piece of figured veneer. Another method and apparatus for making a piece of figured veneer, comprise means for, and the steps of, softening lignin in a sheet of veneer, placing the sheet of veneer onto a wavy or corrugated surface of a plate, pressing the sheet of veneer using a press roller so that the roller presses the sheet of veneer against the surface to achieve a wavy or corrugated veneer, and surfacing the pressed sheet of veneer to remove peaks of the corrugations, making the piece of figured veneer. Yet another method and apparatus for making a piece of figured veneer, comprise means for, and the steps of, softening lignin in a sheet of veneer, placing the sheet of veneer onto a corrugated surface of a plate having such a wavy or corrugated surface, pressing the sheet of veneer onto the troughs and peaks of the surface using a flexible platen having a corrugated surface so that the corrugated surface of the platen presses the sheet of veneer against the corrugated surface of the plate to achieve a wavy or corrugated veneer, and surfacing the pressed sheet of veneer to remove peaks of the corrugations, making the piece of figured veneer. |
| US08562327B2 |
Floating cut-off bar and method of use thereof
A floating cut-off bar that follows a preselected path of travel over a mold box during a block production cycle. The floating cut-off bar may be coupled to a feed drawer whereby a mechanism allows the floating cut-off bar to engage the specified contour of a division plate in a mold box assembly and aid in material distribution by screeding excess material and delivering additional material to areas of the mold box as necessary and method of making wall blocks therefrom. The specified contour of the division plate is designed to optimally deliver material to achieve a specified uniform density of the block produced for greater structural integrity, strength and durability of the block. |
| US08562326B2 |
Electrospinning apparatus for producing nanofibres and capable of adjusting the temperature and humidity of a spinning zone
Provided is an electrospinning apparatus for producing nanofibers, including: a spinning solution supply unit (10); a spinning unit (30) that includes spinning nozzles (32) and a nozzle block (31) in which the spinning nozzles (32) are equidistantly arranged and supported; a nanofiber-collecting unit (40) which collects nanofibers spun from the spinning unit (30); a power supply (50) which forms an electric field in a spinning zone (Z); a process gas supply unit (20) which generates and supplies process gas to control the temperature and humidity of the spinning zone (Z) to a range appropriate for electrospinning conditions for nanofibers; and a process gas laminar flow distribution device (100) which fractionates the process gas supplied from the process gas supply unit (20), into laminar flows within the process gas laminar flow distribution device (100), and distributes the process gas from an upper portion of the spinning unit (30) to the spinning zone (Z). |
| US08562323B2 |
Imprint apparatus and method for producing article
An imprint apparatus is disclosed that forms, by pressing a resin applied onto a substrate and a mold against each other, a pattern on the substrate. The imprint apparatus includes a substrate stage that holds the substrate, and a control unit for controlling the position of the stage by outputting a manipulating variable on the basis of a position error between a position of the stage which has been measured by position measurement unit and a target position. The control unit reduces a ratio of the manipulating variable to the position error while the substrate and the mold are in contact with each other until mold release. |
| US08562321B2 |
Automatic grease supply device of injection molding machine
A lubricant such as grease is supplied by a grease supply device to a grease supply point of an injection molding machine. A workload of a movable portion forming the injection molding machine when the movable portion operates is calculated and a grease supply command is output to the grease supply device when the calculated workload exceeds a reference value. An operating state of the injection molding machine is evaluated by using the workload reflecting a load on the movable portion and, in this way, insufficiency of lubrication of the movable portion is anticipated. |
| US08562312B2 |
Linear motor and reciprocating compressor employing the same
A linear motor for generating a linear reciprocating motion force, and a reciprocating compressor for compressing a refrigerant by employing the linear motor. The linear motor and the reciprocating compressor employing the same can reduce the number of inverter switches by employing a coil unit whose winding method is improved and a power supply apparatus whose connection to the coil unit and other circuits are improved, and can make it easy to control and reduce production costs by simplifying the circuit configuration. |
| US08562309B2 |
Piston compressor
A compressor includes a rotary shaft, a cam, a cylinder block, pistons, a thrust bearing, a rotary valve, and an oil passage. The rotary shaft has an in-shaft passage formed therein. The cam rotates integrally with the rotary shaft. The pistons are coupled to the rotary shaft through the cam. The thrust bearing is provided between the cam and the cylinder block. The thrust bearing includes a first race in contact with the cam, a second race in contact with the cylinder block, and rolling elements retained between the first and second races to form a gap therebetween. The oil passage extends from the gap to the in-shaft passage and includes an oil retaining space formed in at least one of the cam and the cylinder block. |
| US08562307B2 |
Pump equipment
An electrical signal input type displacement control device capable of reducing pipes on hydraulic equipment, and hydraulic equipment including the same. The pump equipment includes two the pump units. Electrical regulators are disposed for the pump units. In each of the electrical regulators, a solenoid proportional valve changes a supply status of driving oil. A pilot piston activates a servo switching valve in accordance with a supply status of the supplied driving oil, and controls a supply status of mechanism driving oil supplied to a servo mechanism. Servo mechanisms change the capacities of the pump units in accordance with the supply status. In the electrical regulators, a driving oil passage connects the input port to an inter-pump passage. |
| US08562306B2 |
Compressor apparatus
A compressor apparatus notifies a user whether compressed-air reaches a specified pressure without requiring a pressure gauge or the costs associated therewith. The compressor apparatus includes a motor M, a rotational shaft 11, a compressor main body 10 comprising a cylinder chamber 15, and a detector 7 that notifies the user that the pressure of the compressed-air supplied from the above-mentioned cylinder chamber 15 exceeds a reference pressure P. The detector 7 includes a valve main body 30 having a valve flow channel 30A having an exhaust port 33 and a switch valve 34 releasing the valve flow channel 30A to exhaust the compressed-air supplied from the exhaust port 33 when the compressed-air pressure exceeds the reference pressure P; and a detective cap 31 pushed up by the exhaust air pressure from the exhaust port 33 from the normal position Y1 to the protruding position Y2. |
| US08562304B2 |
Electrical motor activation method having load torque adaptation
An electrical motor activation method for an electric motor including a rotor, connected to a motor shaft, and a stator having brushes. The stator comprises multiple commutator laminations for the commutation of windings disposed on the rotor and is activated by a pulsed or linearly controllable power source. The motor shaft is connected to a radially driven load, in particular a pump, which has a nonlinear torque curve via a motor revolution. A waviness signal is obtained from a voltage potential applied to the motor and/or from the motor current and rotor position information is obtained from the curve of said waviness signal. |
| US08562301B2 |
Turbine blade retention device
A turbine blade assembly has a turbine blade with a root section and an airfoil section. The root section has one of a radially extending groove or flange, and a retainer element has the other of the groove and the flange. The groove receives the flange to hold the retainer element and the blade together. The retainer element has axial ends extending radially inwardly to secure a turbine blade assembly within a disk slot in a turbine rotor disk. A method is also disclosed. |
| US08562297B2 |
Centrifugal fan
A curved portion is formed at a corner portion between a shroud and a positive pressure surface of each of a plurality of blades. The curved portion has a curvature that decreases from a suction port or the vicinity of the suction port toward a corresponding one of discharge ports. The curved portion includes a curved surface that is concave in a direction of rotation of the fan and forms a part of the positive pressure surface. The curved portion raised inwardly into an airflow path so that a shortest distance between the outer peripheral portion of a hub and a portion of the curved surface in the vicinity of the shroud may gradually decrease toward the corresponding one of the discharge ports. |
| US08562294B2 |
Sealing arrangement for use with gas turbine engine
A sealing member has a first portion. The first portion has a central axis, a first peripheral surface extending in a direction parallel to the central axis, and a central aperture. A first wall portion of a groove has a recess communicated with the first opening of the first channel. The recess has a second peripheral surface complementary to the first peripheral surface of the first portion of the sealing member. The first portion of the sealing member moves radially toward and away from the rotational axis as the first peripheral surface of the sealing member defines and maintains a first sealing contact with the second peripheral surface of the recess. The sealing member moves radially outwardly and thereby makes a second sealing contact surrounding the second opening of the second channel to establish a communication between the first and second openings. |
| US08562293B2 |
Multi-stage pump rotor for a turbomolecular pump
A multi-stage pump rotor (10) for a turbomolecular pump has at least two separate blade disk rings (17), each having a motor ring (12) and at least one blade disk (14). A cylindrical reinforcement pipe (18), which surrounds the rotor rings (12) of the blade disk rings (17) on the outside without clearance, is provided between the blade disks (14) of adjacent blade disk rings (17). The reinforcement pipe (18) absorbs a large part of the tangential forces occurring during operation such that the pump rotor (10) has improved stability at high rotor speeds. |
| US08562290B2 |
Blade outer air seal with improved efficiency
An air seal for use with rotating parts in a gas turbine engine has a matrix of agglomerated fine hBN (hexagonal boron nitride) powder, the particles of which having a first dimension, and of a fine metallic alloy powder, the particles of which having a second dimension. An hBN (hexagonal boron nitride) powder, the particles of which have a third dimension that is greater than the first dimension, is mixed with the matrix. |
| US08562286B2 |
Dead ended bulbed rib geometry for a gas turbine engine
A component within a gas turbine engine includes a dead ended rib which at least partially defines an internal cooling circuit flow path, the dead ended rib defines a bulbed rib profile. |
| US08562284B2 |
Propulsive fan system
A propulsive fan system comprises a fan unit comprising a first stage array of rotatable blades upstream of a second stage array of rotatable blades. The first stage is coupled to a first drive means. The second stage is coupled to a second drive means. The first drive means is independently operable of the second drive means during operation of the fan system. |
| US08562279B2 |
Lifts
A lift system for mounting on a vehicle comprising a platform, the platform comprising a main platform and a platform extension slidable relative to the main platform. A handrail is pivotably mounted on the platform and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The lift system also comprises handrail deployment means arranged to be actuated by movement of the platform extension to raise the handrail from the stowed position to the deployed position. |
| US08562274B2 |
Load smart system for continuous loading of a pouch into a fill-seal machine
A load smart system for continuously loading preformed pouches into a fill-seal machine is provided. A plurality of pouches are disposed within a pouch delivery device, each of the pouches having an upper edge and an indicia. The fill-seal machine includes a rotating turret having a plurality of radially extending grippers. The rotating turret rotates the plurality of gripper pairs between a loading station, an opening station, a filling station, a sealing station, and an unloading station. A robotic transfer device is positioned between the pouch delivery device and the loading station of the fill-seal machine. The robotic transfer device includes an optical sensor positioned on a gripper member. During operation, the optical sensor scans the indicia to determine the pouch characteristics and a controlling station controls the gripper member to deposits the pouch within the gripper pairs at the loading station a predetermined distance from the upper edge of the pouch. |
| US08562273B2 |
Load port apparatus
Provided is a load port apparatus having a structure capable of resisting against a moment generated at a time of driving of a door increased in weight owing to upsizing. A pair of rectangular main bases, which project perpendicularly to an attachment surface of the load port apparatus and elongated parallel to the attachment surface, are coupled to each other with a coupling shaft, and the structural body including those components is fixed to the attachment surface through intermediation of I-shaped plates capable of being held in close surface contact with the attachment surface. Mechanisms of a door drive mechanism, a placing table, and the like are arranged on an inner side between the pair of main bases of the structural body. |
| US08562271B2 |
Compact substrate transport system
A substrate processing system including a load port module configured to hold at least one substrate container for storing and transporting substrates, a substrate processing chamber, an isolatable transfer chamber capable of holding an isolated atmosphere therein configured to couple the substrate processing chamber and the load port module, and a substrate transport mounted at least partially within the transfer chamber having a drive section fixed to the transfer chamber and having a SCARA arm configured to support at least one substrate, the SCARA arm being configured to transport the at least one substrate between the at least one substrate container and the processing chamber with but one touch of the at least one substrate, wherein the SCARA arm comprises a first arm link, a second arm link, and at least one end effector serially pivotally coupled to each other, where the first and second arm links have unequal lengths. |
| US08562269B2 |
Drilling apparatus
A drilling apparatus includes a drill rig which defines a drilling rod axis, a rod magazine for a plurality of rod sections, and a transfer device for transfer of a rod section from the rod magazine and for transfer of the rod section in the drilling rod axis. The transfer device is hereby constructed to travel in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rod section in relation to the rod magazine. |
| US08562264B2 |
Restraint device for a tire
A restraint device for securing a tire to an apertured surface and which fits in a safe space under a vehicle includes a base, a support, an abutment and an activation system. The base secures the restraint device to an apertured surface. The abutment, which is attached to the support, which in turn is slidably attached to the base, is moved into engagement with the tire using the activation system to prevent movement of the tire. The activation system has a rotational device such as a lever. The abutment may have a wedge shaped lateral support, and a positioning spring to maintain the abutment in a retracted or extended position. The restraint device may have an indicator to show that the device is properly set in the apertured surface, and a handle that collapses into the safe space when not in use. |
| US08562262B1 |
Drill block alignment and selection of cutter diameter for repair of through-hole
A drill block is aligned and a cutter diameter selected to repair a through-hole in a part. The hole has a nominal diameter. A pin having a less-than-nominal diameter is inserted into the hole, with a bushing on the pin placed over the hole at a first side of the part, the bushing having an outer diameter that is greater than the nominal diameter. Light is shone on the hole. A drill block engaging the pin is positioned to move the pin and the bushing until no light shines past the bushing. |
| US08562260B2 |
Wet cast concrete segmental retaining wall block
A concrete block and a concrete block set for building a segmental retaining wall. Each block of the block set comprises front and back faces connected together by side walls extending between a top surface and a bottom surface. The shapes of the side walls create a lateral interlock system between adjacent blocks, and one of the side walls is preferably inwardly bevelled. Each block of the block set also comprises a longitudinal slot on the bottom surface. The blocks forming a first subset of the block set are provided with a vertical connector centered between said front and back faces, on the top surface, and sized to fit into the longitudinal slot located on the bottom surface of a block positioned immediately above in a segmental retaining wall. The blocks forming a second subset are not provided with such a vertical connector. |
| US08562259B2 |
Combined strut and connector retaining wall system and method therefor
A retaining wall system formed from a wire facing unit having an upstanding face section and a rearwardly extending floor section the rear end of which is provided with aligned, transversely extending, openings defined by upstanding U-shaped protuberances. The apertures in the forward portion of a geogrid can be seated over the protuberances and a connector strut interconnects the face section and floor section for providing support therebetween and for securing the geogrid to the floor section. The connector strut includes an elongated rigid rod having a curved first end that extends to a substantially right-angled bend, and a connector rod portion extends from the bend to a second end to secure the geogrid to the floor section. |
| US08562253B2 |
Method and apparatus for mounting and protection of communication equipment in underground mine
An apparatus for supporting communication equipment in an underground mine includes a pair of vertically extending laterally spaced and substantially parallel elongate members, a pair of horizontally extending members, each depending from and extending outwardly from proximate a lower end of a respective elongate member a distance approximately equal to a thickness of a power supply, an upper shield member attached to and extending outwardly from proximate an upper end of the pair of elongate members in the same direction as the pair of horizontally extending members, extending a distance approximately equal to a depth of power supply and having a width approximately equal to a width of the power supply, and a flexible sheet of material disposed over the pair of elongate members from below the upper shield to above the pair of horizontally extending members that is held in place by the communication node. |
| US08562252B2 |
Systems for treating contaminated materials
Systems for treating contaminated soil are described herein. One system includes a soil chamber that includes one or more walls and at least one floor; at least one heater attached to or inside of at least one of the walls; and at least one heater coupled to or in the floor. Two or more of the walls enclose an interior of the soil chamber. At least one of the walls is configured to move between a closed position during heating of the soil chamber, and an open position that allows a soil moving vehicle to access an interior of the soil chamber to provide or remove soil to and from the soil chamber. At least one wall heater and at least one floor heater provide heat that transfers from the heaters to the contaminated soil in the soil chamber. |
| US08562246B2 |
Process for producing a road covering, feeder, road paver and paving train
A process for producing an asphalt layer in which material with properties that deviate from predetermined requirements is specifically homogenized, and a paving train (10), a road paver (12) and a feeder (14) for carrying out the process. |
| US08562244B2 |
Device for halting vehicle traffic
A device designed to be embedded in the pavement of a road for halting and/or preventing the motor vehicle traffic in an opposite direction. The device is formed by a drained box to be embedded in the pavement of a roadway and by a bank of mechanisms, that it is mounted inside the box. Inside the bank of mechanisms are defined cells formed by several vertical walls, and end walls, all walls being arranged parallel to each other and joined together by screwed rods extending through the end walls. The walls extend in the same direction as the road axis, the vertical walls and the end walls serving as support for several common horizontal shafts, and their tops serving as the support pavement for the vehicle tires. Each cell includes a driving mechanism which is activated at least by one tire of a vehicle transposing or attempting to transpose it in order to present an active obstacle to the displacement of the vehicle. |
| US08562242B2 |
Reinforced splines and their manufacture
A spline structure, in the form of an aeronautical brake drive bar, has wheel attachment points at its ends for engaging a wheel rim. Each wheel carries a regularly spaced series of these drive bars for engaging friction discs carried by the wheel hub. The main body of each brake drive bar is formed from titanium internally reinforced by composite blocks each comprising a bundle of silicon carbide fibers contained in a matrix that is diffusion bonded within the main body. Other spline structures can be formed in a similar manner. |
| US08562239B1 |
Joint with a protrusion rod for furniture
A joint with a protrusion rod has a male buckle and a female buckle engaged with each other. The male buckled has a hollow insertion stub with multiple expansion slots and has a receiving hole to movably receive a protrusion rod. A distal end of the protrusion rod is movably engaged with the insertion stub. The protrusion rod has a locking plate and multiple fins correspondingly engaged with the expansion slots when the protrusion rod is wedged into the insertion stub. By having the above structure, difficulty of disengagement of the protrusion rod from the insertion stub is significantly increased to prevent the disengagement of the male buckle and the female buckle. Thus, the joint has increased combination strength and is excellent in utility. |
| US08562230B2 |
Cutting device and tape printing apparatus equipped therewith
A cutting device which carries out cutting operations in a width direction of a tape-like member, includes: a cutter unit having a cutter blade; and a cutter operation mechanism having a power transmission mechanism which transmits power for causing the cutter unit to operate and carry out a circulatory movement including the cutting operations, a full cutting and a half cutting, with one mechanism, wherein the power transmission mechanism has a rotating circular plate which rotates by means of power input from a drive portion, and the rotating circular plate has on each surface an engagement portion which branches and transmits power caused by the rotation. |
| US08562229B2 |
Printing apparatus with cutter having a blade including a step portion
A printing apparatus includes a transfer mechanism that transfers a print medium, a printing device that prints on the print medium, a stationary blade that is provided on a downstream side in a transfer direction of the print medium further than the printing device to cut the print medium, a movable blade that is provided on a downstream side in a transfer direction of the print medium further than the printing device and that cut the print medium, and a step portion that is provided on a reverse face of the downstream blade which is located on downstream side in transferring of the print medium, the reverse face being reverse of a slide face of the downstream blade sliding on the upstream blade which is located on upstream side in transferring of the print medium, and that projects along a thickness direction of the downstream blade. |
| US08562228B2 |
Tape printer
A tape printer includes a tape cassette including a housing, a cassette housing portion, a feeding device, a printing device, a plurality of detecting switches that protrude toward a side surface of the housing of the tape cassette installed in the cassette housing portion, a first determining device that, if a part of the detecting switches is pressed, determines that the tape cassette is installed, and a second determining device that, if a specific detecting switch among the detecting switches is pressed, determines that the tape cassette is not installed at a proper position. The tape cassette includes a first pressing portion that, if the tape cassette is installed at the proper position, presses a part of the detecting switches, and a second pressing portion that, if the tape cassette is not installed at the proper position, presses the specific detecting switch. |
| US08562227B2 |
Transport system for monitoring industrial processes
A system transports a device into a piece of industrial equipment for the purpose of collecting data inside of the industrial equipment. In an embodiment, the industrial equipment is a furnace and the device is an IR camera. The system opens a door covering an opening on the furnace, moves the IR camera inside of the furnace for a short time, the IR camera captures images, and the system removes the camera from the furnace and closes the door. |
| US08562226B2 |
Connectors and cables with an optical transmitter
Cable adapters and connectors receive electrical signals and output optical signals. A cable adapter can receive various data signals in multiple interface protocols at a first electrical connector and provide an optical signal at a second connector. The conversion of electrical signals to optical signals may be achieved at various locations in the cable adapter. A connector can include an optical transmitter for converting electrical signals into optical signals. Such a connector can be provided on an output end of a cable adapter to provide optical signals corresponding to electrical signals received at an input connector of the cable adapter. |
| US08562223B2 |
Full complement roller bearing packed with gel-like lubricant
A rolling-contact bearing has an outer ring, an inner ring or a shaft rotational relative to the outer ring and a full complement of rollers disposed for rotation between the outer ring and the shaft. A semisolid gel-like lubricant composed of a mixture of a gelling agent and lubricating oil is packed into interstices or gaps between the outer ring and the rollers and among the adjacent rollers to retain surely the rollers on a circular inside surface of the outer ring. The gel-like lubricant is composed of the lubricating oil of mineral oil or base oil, and a powdery oil gelling agent based on amino acids. |
| US08562220B2 |
Fluid dynamic bearing system
A fluid dynamic bearing system having a first conical bearing and a second conical bearing working in opposition to the first conical bearing, wherein the two conical bearings are disposed along a stationary shaft, wherein the first and the second conical bearing each comprises a bearing cone disposed on the shaft having bearing surfaces as well as a conical counter bearing disposed in a rotor component that are separated from one another by a bearing gap filled with a bearing fluid, wherein the bearing gap has a first open end that is sealed by a first sealing gap partially filled with bearing fluid, wherein the bearing fluid in the sealing gap forms a fluid meniscus. The sealing gap is bounded by sealing surfaces of the bearing cone and associated sealing surfaces of the rotor component, wherein the smallest radius R1 of the sealing surfaces of the rotor component is larger than the largest outer radius R2 of the bearing cone and larger than the greatest possible distance R3 of the fluid meniscus from the rotational axis. |
| US08562219B2 |
Fluid dynamic bearing device
A gap width out of the radial bearing gap is axially differed; a narrow width part which has a relatively smaller gap width in the radial bearing gap is arranged on the side relatively closer to a barycentric position of the rotating body, and a wide width part which has a relatively larger gap width in the radial bearing gap is arranged on a side relatively distant from the barycentric position of the rotating body; and a region facing at least the radial bearing gap of the bearing member is formed to an electroformed part made of deposited metal. |
| US08562216B2 |
Tear away opening for multi-layer plastic pack
A tearable closure and a container with a tearable closure is disclosed. The tearable closure includes non-penetrating perforations or score lines in and across the tearable closure on a first side, and has continuous film material on the second side. Such tearable closure can be incorporated into one of numerous types of containers, including envelopes, boxes, and bags. The tearable closure can be a flap, a lid, or a tape. |
| US08562215B2 |
Package for granular products
There is described a package (10) of laminated multilayer material (PM) with at least two layers (17, 18) coupled to each other, for granular products, the package (10) consisting of a parallelepiped container including, in the position of use, a bottom wall (11), a top wall (12), a rear wall (14) and two side walls (15). The at least two layers (17, 18) of multilayer laminated material (PM) have areas of non-total coupling at the front (13), rear (14) and side (15) walls. |
| US08562211B2 |
System and method for off-center imaging
A system and a method for acquiring image data of a subject with an imaging system is provided. The system can include a gantry that completely annularly encompasses at least a portion of the subject, which can be positioned along at an isocenter of the imaging system. The system can include a source and a detector positioned within and movable relative to the gantry on a rotor. The system can include a move control module that sets move data for each of the source, detector and rotor that causes the source, detector and rotor to move in a desired motion profile to acquire image data of a portion of the subject off the isocenter of the imaging system. |
| US08562207B2 |
Electronic timepiece
An electronic timepiece that receives RF signals and displays information suppresses loss of antenna sensitivity to a sufficiently low level while using a metal case without sacrificing display functions. An electronic timepiece 100 has a dial 2 on the face 2a of which time is displayed, a flat antenna 11, and a metal case 3. The flat antenna 11 is disposed on the back 2b side of the dial 2 superimposed on the dial 2 in a direction perpendicular to the dial 2, extends in the plane direction of the dial 2, and receives signals passing through the dial 2. The case 3 has a wall 31 that surrounds the dial 2 and the flat antenna 11 in the plane direction of the dial 2. The flat antenna 11 and case 3 are disposed relative to each other in the plane direction of the dial 2 so that side distance b is greater than or equal to 1 time and less than or equal to 2 times antenna depth a. |
| US08562202B2 |
Concrete production plant
The present disclosure allows concrete to be produced on the work site, as and when required, and to limit the space occupied by the production plant. |
| US08562201B2 |
Light pipe with integrated perimeter chassis, and devices using the light pipe
A display assembly including an integrally formed light pipe and perimeter chassis, and a display glass above the light pipe is provided. The display glass includes transmissive elements configured to form an image on the display glass. The light pipe can be utilized to provide back-lighting for the display glass. In one embodiment, the light pipe and the perimeter chassis can be formed using a co-molding process. |
| US08562198B2 |
Optical member and display device
Disclosed are an optical member and a display device. The display device includes a light source, a plurality of wavelength conversion particles to convert a wavelength of a light emitted from the light source, a receptacle receiving the wavelength conversion particles and having a protrusion on an inner surface thereof, a sealing part inserted into the receptacle to seal an inner part of the receptacle, and a display panel to display an image by receiving a light converted by the wavelength conversion particles. |
| US08562197B2 |
Backlight apparatus and display apparatus including the same
A backlight apparatus includes a substrate which includes a plurality of layers. A plurality of light emitting modules are arranged on a top layer of the plurality of layers closest to a light guide panel, and a plurality of wires penetrates through the plurality of layers to electrically connect the light emitting modules and a plurality of driving units. Accordingly, the width of the substrate of an edge type backlight apparatus which can provide local dimming is reduced. Therefore, the display apparatus using the edge type backlight apparatus can be slim even if it is designed to provide local dimming. |
| US08562196B2 |
Display and/or control element in a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a cap (1) for a display and/or control element. Said cap (1) comprises a cap member (3) for covering a light source (7) and optionally also actuating a switch of an associated control element. A luminous area or projection area is embodied in the cap member (3) in such a way that a symbol represented on or through the luminous area or projection area becomes visible on an operator's side of the display and/or control element by irradiating the symbol by means of a light source (7). The luminous area or projection area encompasses a light-permeable metal coating (2) which is preferably applied using a PVD process. The cap is characterized in that the metal coating (2) has a three-dimensional contour (2a, 2b) for representing the symbol. The invention further relates to an associated production method, a display or control element comprising said cap, and a use. |
| US08562191B2 |
Vehicle light
A vehicle light can project light beams through ring-shaped or arc-shaped light exiting surfaces, and among them the outermost and innermost light exiting surfaces are brighter than the others. The vehicle light can include a light emitting element having an optical axis and a light guide lens having an incidence surface on which light beams from the light emitting element at a certain angle (θ4 to θ5) impinge, reflection surfaces reflecting the light beams so that the light beams are parallel to each other, and light exiting surfaces configured to allow the reflected light beams to pass therethrough. In this vehicle light, light beams emitted at a certain angle (θ4 to θ4a where θ4<θ4a<θ5) can be projected through the farthest light exiting surface from the optical axis. The vehicle light can further include an incidence surface on which light beams emitted at a certain angle (θ2 to θ3 where θ2<θ3≦θ4) impinge, a reflecting surface reflecting the light beams from the incidence surface so that the light beams are parallel to each other, and a light exiting surface configured to allow the reflected light beams to pass therethrough. |
| US08562189B2 |
Moulded lighting element
An exterior mirror is proposed, which is configured with an LED as a signal light in the simplest manner. A contact body at the LED facilitates simple assembly and simple contacting of the LED. |
| US08562186B2 |
Electrically illuminated flame simulator
An electrically powered flame simulator comprises at least two light sources, an integrated circuit electrically connected to the light sources for intermittently illuminating at least one of the light sources independently of other light sources such that the light sources together provide the effect of a flickering movement, and a power source for providing power to the integrated circuit. The flame simulator may be mounted in a decorative or ornamental device such as a candle or fire log, or used on decorative clothing, or may be part of a hazard or warning system. One or more solid state light sources may also be used. |
| US08562180B2 |
Lighting assembly and light module for same
A lighting assembly that has a light fixture and an LED light module is provided. One or more resilient members generate an axial force when the LED light module is removably coupled to the light fixture to thereby exert a force on the LED light module to resiliently maintain the LED light module in resilient contact with the light fixture or socket of the light fixture to thereby thermally couple the LED light module to the light fixture or socket of the light fixture. One or both of the LED light module and light fixture have one or more engaging members, and one or both of the LED light module and the light fixture have one or more slots configured to removably receive the one or more engaging members therein when coupling the LED light module to the light fixture. |
| US08562178B2 |
Passive heat radiator and streetlight heat radiating device
The present invention relates to a passive heat radiator and a streetlight heat radiating device. The passive heat radiator includes: a heat radiating base plate; a slablike upstanding plate connected to the heat radiating base plate by soldering, and perpendicular to a horizontal plane when the heat radiating base plate is under a mounting status; a heat absorbing ending face disposed at one side of the heat radiating base plate deviated from the upstanding plate, and adapted to mount a heat generating element; and heat radiating fins connected to a surface of the upstanding plate by soldering, and perpendicular to the horizontal plane when the heat radiating base plate is under the mounting status. The heat radiating device includes a mounting seat and connecting seats. The heat absorbing ending face is provided with a bulb holder, or a circuit board is layout in the heat absorbing ending face, and connected with the streetlight bulb by soldering; the mounting seats are connected to the sides of the heat radiating base plate respectively; and the connecting seats are fixed and connected to the sides of the mounting seats. The present invention adopts an upstanding plate and heat radiating fins substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane to form a heat radiating channel with a direction consistent with that of hot air flowing, which improves heat radiating effect. |
| US08562177B2 |
Lighting device with LEDs mounted on flexible circuit board self maintained in bellows shape and manufacturing method thereof
A lighting device which can illuminate a large range with a simple configuration, and in which the LEDs or the mounting portions thereof are not likely to be damaged even when vibrations occur as a light source device which uses an LED as a light source, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The present invention includes a deformable flexible circuit board having an insulating film made of thermoplastic resin, a wiring layer formed on the insulating film, and an insulating layer formed on the wiring layer and made of thermoplastic resin, and in which a bent portion with a curvature radius “R” (mm) is formed at at least one position, and a plurality of LEDs mounted on the flexible circuit board. |
| US08562175B2 |
Wire-piercing light-emitting diode illumination assemblies
A wire-piercing light-emitting diode (LED) a lead frame having a first lead and a second lead. The first lead has a first transition portion and a first bottom portion with a first cutting member, and the second lead having a second transition portion and a second bottom portion with a second cutting member. |
| US08562167B1 |
Cabinet having a light-emitting-translucent-shelf
Cabinets having various light-emitting-translucent-shelf (LETS) are shown and described. The LETS may include at least one light-channel defined by a wooden component, at least one light source positionable within the at least one light-channel, and a translucent sheet horizontally positioned above the at least one light source. |
| US08562163B2 |
Power transmission circuit with EMI shielding, lighting module, and panel display module
A power transmission circuit, a light source module including the power transmission circuit, and a panel display device are provided. The power transmission circuit includes a substrate, a power transmission layer, a metal shielding layer, a first protective layer, and a second protective layer. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface with the power transmission layer and the metal shielding layer respectively formed thereon. The metal shielding layer covers a projection region of a transmission section of the power transmission layer. The first and second protective layers are respectively disposed on the power transmission layer and the metal shielding layer and opposite to the substrate to protect the power transmission layer and the metal shielding layer. |
| US08562162B2 |
Display device and manipulation device with light display
A manipulation device has a board and a manipulation panel to cover the board. The board has a printed circuit, a light emitting element mounted on the board for emitting light, a light guide having a incidence part to guide the light incident from the incidence part to a predetermined direction along a surface of the board, and a retention cover to retain the light guide. The retention cover is positioned such that the incidence part of the light guide faces the light emitting element. The retention cover covers a surface of the light guide opposite to the surface of the board. The manipulation panel has a light transmission part formed at a position corresponding to an emission part of the light guide to discharge the light emitted from the light guide to an outside through the light transmission part. |
| US08562154B2 |
Vibrator driving method, vibrating apparatus, driving apparatus having vibrating apparatus, foreign substance removing apparatus having vibrating apparatus, and optical apparatus having vibrating apparatus
A driving method causes a vibrator to generate standing waves different in order with a predetermined time phase difference. The vibrator has a first vibration mode in which plural nodal lines are arranged in a first direction, a second vibration mode in which a number of first-direction nodal lines is different from that in the first vibration mode and its natural frequency is higher than that of the first vibration mode, and a third vibration mode having a natural frequency between those of the first and second vibration modes. The vibrator is driven on condition that an excitation force applied to one of the first and second vibration modes, in which a difference between its natural frequency and the natural frequency of the third vibration mode is smaller, is made larger than that applied to the other thereof, in which a difference between its natural frequency and the natural frequency of the third vibration mode is larger. |
| US08562146B2 |
Light source device and image display apparatus
A light source device includes a phosphor layer formed on a base, and an excitation light source exciting the phosphor. A dichroic mirror is arranged between the phosphor layer and the excitation light source and inclined with respect to a propagation direction of excitation light from the excitation light source. An incident region of the excitation light and an exiting region of fluorescence emitted from the phosphor belong to a space on the same side with respect to the surface with the phosphor layer disposed. In a dominant wavelength of the excitation light, the dichroic mirror has a spectral characteristic of transmitting 50% or more of light of a p-polarized component and reflecting 50% or more of light of a s-polarized component. Fluorescence emitted from the phosphor layer can be extracted highly efficiently and propagated by a compact and simple optical system. |
| US08562141B2 |
Light-source apparatus and projector
A projection apparatus includes a fluorescence plate including a fluorescence layer configured to emit fluorescence light beams upon irradiation of the excitation lights, a first lens array, provided on a light source side of the fluorescence plate and including a plurality of lenses arranged in an array to correspond with the light-emitting elements, and configured to collect the fluorescence light beams and emit the fluorescence light beams to be parallel with one another, and a projection unit configured to form an optical image using the fluorescence light beams obtained via the first lens array and project the optical image on a projection object. |
| US08562140B2 |
Illumination optical system and image display apparatus making use thereof
An illumination optical system for illuminating a surface with a light beam from a light source, in a first plane parallel with the optical axis, the light beam from the light source is split, and first light source images are formed in a first zone with the use of the thus split light beams; light beams from the first light source images being led to the surface, in a second plane parallel with the optical axis and perpendicular to the first plane, the light beam from the light source is split, and second light source images are formed in a second zone, with the use of the thus split light beams, light beams from the second light source images being led to the surface, where the width of the first zone in the first plane is greater than that of the second zone in the second plane. |
| US08562131B2 |
Toric intraocular lens with spatially-variant astigmatism
An intraocular lens for correcting or reducing the astigmatism of a cornea includes a pupil that is spatially divided into discrete zones, with each zone having a particular astigmatism magnitude and astigmatism orientation. In one embodiment, the zones all have the same astigmatism magnitude, which is equal and opposite the cornea astigmatism magnitude to within a particular tolerance, such as 0.25 diopters. In one embodiment, some or all of the zones all have different astigmatism orientations, with the angular separation between astigmatism orientations being on the order of the rotational misalignment tolerance of the lens to the cornea. The visual performance of such a lens deteriorates more slowly with rotational misalignment, when compared to a comparable lens having a uniform astigmatism orientation across its entire pupil, leading to more relaxed tolerances for a surgeon that implants the lens. |
| US08562129B2 |
Surface finishing process for indirect or offset printing components
A process for preparing an imaging surface of an imaging transfer member in a printing machine, the process comprises providing a surface roughness to the imaging surface to produce a plurality of pits having sharp features on the surface, and then exposing the pitted imaging surface to an acid dip for a time period sufficient to substantially reduce the sharp features on the imaging surface. This process may be followed by anodization. The process produces an imaging surface having a pit structure providing reduced oil consumption and wear of components of the printing machine that contact the imaging surface. |
| US08562127B2 |
Recording method
A recording method includes: printing a recording pattern onto an electronic component with a photocuring liquid having the property of accelerating curing when irradiated with light; irradiating light onto liquid that constitutes the recording pattern after the printing of the recording pattern; and thinning the film that constitutes the recording pattern after the irradiating of the light. |
| US08562126B1 |
Pre-treatment composition for inkjet printing
A coating composition for pre-treating a substrate prior to inkjet printing thereon, and an inkjet receiving medium comprising a substrate and having a topmost layer coated thereon, where the coating composition and topmost layer comprise one or more aqueous-soluble salts of multivalent metal cations, a cationic polyelectrolyte comprising amidine moieties, and one or more second polymer which is distinct from the cationic polyelectrolyte and which is selected from the group consisting of a polyamide-epichlorohydrin, a polyamine solution polymer, and a waterborne or water-dispersible polyurethane. The topmost layer is advantageously at a solid content of from 0.1 to 5 g/m2, and comprises from 30-90 wt % of the one or more aqueous soluble salts of multivalent metal cations, at least 0.01 g/m2 of the cationic polyelectrolyte comprising amidine moieties, and at least 0.005 g/m2 of the second polymer which is distinct from the cationic polyelectrolyte comprising amidine moieties. |
| US08562123B2 |
Inkjet ink composition and inkjet recording method
An inkjet ink composition is provided that includes (Component A) an N-vinyllactam, (Component B) a di(meth)acrylate ester of at least one type of diol selected from the group consisting of a straight-chain hydrocarbon diol having 9 to 18 carbon atoms, a branched hydrocarbon diol having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, and a monoalicyclic hydrocarbon diol having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, and (Component C) at least one type of polymerization initiator selected from the group consisting of an α-amino ketone compound, a thioxanthone compound, a thiochromanone compound, and a bisacylphosphine oxide compound. There is also provided an inkjet recording method that includes (a) an image formation step of forming an image above a support by discharging the inkjet ink composition by an inkjet method and (b) a curing step of curing the ink composition by irradiating the obtained image with actinic radiation to thus obtain a printed material having a cured image above the support. |
| US08562121B2 |
Black ink-jet inks with reduced lightness and haze
A method of decreasing L*min and reducing stacked haze in a black region of an ink-jet printed image is disclosed which includes providing an ink-jet ink receptive medium and ink-jetting at least one ink-jet ink onto the medium to form a printed medium including an image having at least one black region. At least one of the ink-jet inks includes a black ink-jet ink including a liquid vehicle and a certain black azo dye having the Formula 1. The method includes stacking the printed medium, to obtain a printed medium having decreased L*min and reduced stacked haze in the black region(s). |
| US08562119B2 |
Dispensing liquid using dispenser including multiple returns
A liquid dispenser is provided that includes a liquid supply channel, a liquid dispensing channel, and a liquid return channel. The liquid dispensing channel includes a first wall. A portion of the first wall defines an outlet opening. The liquid dispensing channel includes a second wall opposite the first wall. The second wall of the liquid dispensing channel extends along a portion of the liquid supply channel and along a portion of the liquid return channel. A liquid supply passage is provided that extends through the second wall and is in fluid communication with the liquid supply channel. A plurality of liquid return passages are provided that extend through the second wall and are in fluid communication with the liquid return channel. A liquid is provided that flows from the liquid supply passage through the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel through the liquid return channel to the plurality of liquid return passages. A liquid drop is caused to be ejected from the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel by selectively actuating a diverter member to divert a portion of the flowing liquid through the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel. |
| US08562117B2 |
Pressure pulses to reduce bubbles and voids in phase change ink
A phase change ink printer may be operated so that multiple pressure pulses are applied to the ink in an ink flow path of the printer during a time that the ink is changing phase. During the phase change, a portion of the ink in the ink flow path is in liquid phase and another portion of the ink is in solid phase. The pressure pulses are applied at least to the liquid phase ink in the ink flow path. The phase change may involve a transition from solid to liquid phase, such as during a start-up operation, or may involve a transition from a liquid phase to a solid phase, such as during a power down operation. Application of pressure during either of these operations serves to reduce bubbles and voids in the phase change ink. |
| US08562113B2 |
Piezoelectric thin film, ink jet head, method of forming image by the ink jet head, angular velocity sensor, method of measuring angular velocity by the angular velocity sensor, piezoelectric generating element, and method of generating electric power using the piezoelectric generating element
The present invention provides a piezoelectric thin film comprising an electrode film with a (001) orientation, a (NaxBi0.5)TiO0.5x+2.75—BaTiO3 film with a (001) orientation (x represents not less than 0.29 and not more than 0.4) and a (Na,Bi)TiO3—BaTiO3 piezoelectric layer, the electrode film, the (NaxBi0.5)TiO0.5x+2.75—BaTiO3 film, and the (Na,Bi)TiO3—BaTiO3 piezoelectric layer being laminated in this order.The lead-free piezoelectric thin film of the present invention has low dielectric loss and high piezoelectric performance. |
| US08562110B2 |
Ink jet print head front face having a textured superoleophobic surface and methods for making the same
An ink jet print head front face or nozzle plate having a textured superoleophobic surface that prevents undesirable drooling, wetting and/or adhesion of the ink on the print head. The textured surface includes a rim formed around the nozzle. Also described are methods for forming the textured superoleophobic ink jet print head front face or nozzle plate from silicon having the textured, oleophobic surface. |
| US08562104B2 |
Maintenance system having cleanable wiper for printhead
An apparatus for maintaining a printhead is provided having a rotatable wiper roller having a shaft and a porous material about the shaft, a rotatable transfer roller in rotatable contact with the wiper roller, and a mechanism for rotating the wiper roller so that the porous material rotates against the printhead such that the porous material absorbs fluid from the printhead during the rotation, and for rotating the transfer roller against the wiper roller so that the fluid absorbed by the porous material is transferred to the transfer roller. |
| US08562103B2 |
Recovery apparatus and image forming apparatus
A recovery apparatus for recovering an ejection state of an ejection opening is disclosed. The recovery apparatus includes a cap member to seal an ejection surface of a droplet ejection head for ejecting a droplet from the ejection opening, and an absorber mounted in the cap member and to absorb ink attached to the ejection surface, so that the ink within a sealed space is suctioned and discharged. The absorber includes, when the ejection surface is sealed with the cap member, a first absorbing part to face the ejection surface at a first side where the ejection opening is provided through a first gap and a second absorbing part to face the ejection surface at a second side where the ejection opening is not provided through a second gap, wherein the first gap is greater than the second gap. |
| US08562098B2 |
Recording apparatus and recording method
In the present invention, a conveying operation of a recording medium is controlled on the basis of a first correction value and a second correction value. The first correction value is used for correcting a conveying amount when the recording medium disengages from a first conveying roller, and the second correction value is used for correcting the phase of the first conveying roller and a second conveying roller when the recording medium disengages from the first conveying roller before the recording medium is nipped by the first conveying roller. |
| US08562094B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus and control method of liquid ejecting apparatus
Liquid ejecting apparatus and related methods of operation are disclosed. A liquid ejecting apparatus includes an ejecting head having liquid-ejecting nozzles, a platen disposed to support a recording medium and face the ejecting head, a movement section that moves the ejecting head relative to the platen, a heater that heats the platen, a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the ejecting head, a driving waveform generation section that generates a driving waveform to drive the ejecting head in accordance with the detected temperature, and a liquid ejection control section that supplies the driving waveform to the ejecting head to eject liquid for printing on the recording medium in a printing area. The driving waveform is generated according to a temperature of the ejecting head that is detected when the ejecting head has come to an area outside the printing area. |
| US08562093B2 |
Inkjet printhead and method of printing with multiple drop volumes
A printhead and a method of ejecting liquid droplets are provided. The method includes providing a printhead operable to eject liquid drops having a plurality of drop volumes Vi, for i equal to 1 through n, where n≧2, with Vj>Vi when j>i. One of the plurality of drop volumes is a minimum drop volume Vmin, and a difference in drop volumes between successively larger drops equals (Vk+1−Vk) which is less than Vmin, for k equal to 1 through n−1. The method also includes ejecting liquid drops through the printhead. |
| US08562086B1 |
Rail system for supporting equipment in a rack
A rail system for supporting equipment in a rack is disclosed. The rail system may include: a first support rail assembly extending between a pair of vertical columns; a second support rail assembly extending between a different pair of vertical columns. Each support rail assembly may include: a support rail having opposite ends; aligners configured to align the opposite ends of the support rail with apertures of vertical columns; and mounting plates configured to removably secure the aligners to the opposite ends of the support rail. At least one mounting plate may be further configured to define at least one receiving portion for receiving a fastener for securing an equipment supportable in the rack. |
| US08562082B2 |
Fixing mechanism of housing and fixing assembly thereof
A fixing mechanism of housing includes a housing and a fixing assembly. The housing has a first wall and a second wall connected adjacently. The first wall has an assembling portion with an assembling hole projected thereon. The second wall has a buckling tab. The fixing assembly includes a knob and a locking piece. The knob has an operating portion, connected to a mounting arm, disposed on the assembling portion. The locking piece has a base disposed on the inner side of the assembling portion, a hooking arm extended from the base, and an elastic portion. The mounting arm penetrates through the assembling hole in securing to the base. The elastic portion is connected to the hooking arm and the first wall on respective ends. The free end of the hooking arm has a claw portion selectively engaged with the buckling tab of the second wall. |
| US08562081B2 |
Track shoe assembly for continuous track vehicles
An improved track shoe assembly for a continuous track vehicle. The track shoe assembly comprises a pin which is rotatable relative to a shoe of the track shoe assembly. The track shoe assembly comprises an elastomeric tube through which the pin extends, the elastomeric tube being rotatable with respect to one of the pin and the shoe and being fixed with respect to the other of the pin and the shoe. |
| US08562077B2 |
Method of setting an automatic level control of the plow in plowing operations of coal mining
A method of setting an automatic level control of a plow in longwall mining operations. By means of a boom control mechanism, a control angle for setting motion of the plow, which is guided on a face conveyor, in an exploitation direction as a climbing, plunging or neutral motion is set. For each plow stroke, a cutting depth and the control angle, derived as a differential angle between inclinations of the face conveyor and of a top canopy of a shield support frame are determined. In a calculating unit, a face height change per plow stroke is calculated therefrom and a face height, as a projected height, is associated with each face position of the face conveyor. When a shield support frame that trails behind the plow in terms of a time delay reaches a respective face position, an actual height of the face is calculated and compared with the store projected height. For subsequent plow strokes, a height differential value between the projected and actual heights, determined for a respective face position, in the sense of a self-learning effect of the calculating unit when the control angle that is to be set to achieve a projected height of the face is prescribed, is taken into consideration. |
| US08562076B2 |
Configurable cushion device
A configurable cushion device is provided that protects from injury or discomfort caused by items in contact with a person. In one embodiment, the device includes a cushioned pillow wrapped in a protective case that includes a plurality of fastener straps for attaching the device to an object such as a seat belt. The protective case may include an internal or external pocket and may be made of a frictional material or include one or more grippers that provide additional friction against the object to keep the cushion device in a desired location with respect to the object or the person. The cushion device may also include a strap with a connector to allow the device to be secured around a larger object such as the waist of a person. The device may also include a drape cloth that is secured to the interior of the protective case and can be taken out and draped around an object or a person. |
| US08562075B2 |
Energy absorber element
An energy absorber element comprises an absorber portion having first and second distal ends and having a first elongate element and a second elongate element facing the first elongate element and connected to the second element solely at the first and second distal ends, a first anchor point secured to the first distal end of the absorber portion, and a second anchor point secured to the second distal end of the absorber portion, wherein each of the first and second elongate elements includes a succession of straight-line segments parallel to one another and at least one circularly-arcuate segment such that at least two successive straight-line segments are connected together by one of the at least one circularly-arcuate segment. |
| US08562074B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat is provided comprising a seat back frame having right and left side frames, a headrest for supporting a head of a seat occupant, and a back-and-forth movable plate member provided inside a backrest that is positioned at a rear of the seat occupant, wherein a backward movement of the plate reduces a distance between the head of the seat occupant and the headrest. The plate is attached to each side frame through a link member and a link support shaft swingably supports the link member. A bracket member that supports the link support shaft and is attached to the side frame. |
| US08562072B2 |
Vehicular seat
A headrest can be rotated with respect to a seatback, and support strength in a vertical direction of the headrest can be improved. In a vehicular seat, lower side curved surfaces of headrest supports, to which leg portions of a headrest are coupled, slide on lower ends of support brackets and upper side curved surfaces of the headrest supports slide on upper ends of the support brackets, whereby rotation of the headrest supports about an axis along a horizontal direction of a seatback with respect to the support brackets is guided. Further, the lower side curved surfaces touch the lower ends of the support brackets and the upper side curved surfaces touch the upper ends of the support brackets, whereby movement of the headrest supports in a vertical direction of the seatback with respect to the support brackets is suppressed. |
| US08562071B2 |
Roof apparatus for vehicle
A roof apparatus for a vehicle includes a shoe member and a support member including an end portion rotatably connected to the shoe member within a predetermined rotation range. One of the end portion of the support member and the shoe member integrally includes first and second vertical wall portions and a support portion including a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion. The other of the end portion of the support member and the shoe member includes a bearing portion pivotally supporting the large diameter portion and including an opening through which an insertion and removal of the small diameter portion is allowed in a state where the support member is positioned out of the predetermined rotation range and through which the insertion and removal of the small diameter portion is prohibited in a state where the support member is positioned within the predetermined rotation range. |
| US08562070B2 |
Frame of an openable vehicle roof and method for mounting a frame of an openable vehicle roof
The invention relates to a frame of an openable vehicle roof comprising two frame parts extending to the side of a roof opening, said frame parts being defined in each case by an end piece arranged on the rear end of the frame part. The invention is characterized in that a resiliently mounted stop element is integrally formed on the end piece, said stop element extending in the region between the frame parts. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for mounting a frame of an openable vehicle roof. |
| US08562069B2 |
Fixing structure for interior base material
A fixing structure for a vehicle interior material in accordance with the present invention includes: a first interior base material including a first end portion; a second interior base material including a second end portion disposed adjacent to the first end portion; an ornamental member disposed along an axis defined by the first end portion and the second end portion; and a plurality of joints that indirectly fix the first end portion and the second end portion via the ornamental member. |
| US08562063B2 |
Device for closing off an opening formed in the bodywork of a vehicle, with a guide element and slide forming a shuttle, and corresponding vehicle
A device is provided for closing off an opening formed in the bodywork of a motor vehicle, which includes a fixed structure in which an aperture is defined, and at least one sliding panel exhibiting a surround bearing at least two guide pegs. The device has at least one slide having a groove to accept each of the two guide pegs, the grooves being substantially identical and having an inclined portion forming an angle of between 1 and 89 DEG with the said axis of sliding; a guide element secured to the sliding panel, guided in one of the guide rails; and a return, which controls a relative movement of the slide or slides with respect to the guide element along the said axis of sliding. The sliding panel moves in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the fixed structure. |
| US08562062B2 |
Mechanism to secure cover for opening in bumper
A mechanism to secure a cover for an opening in a bumper includes a securing section at which an opening cover is secured to close the opening. A bumper-side securing portion is provided on one side with respect to a line passing shaft sections and extends from an edge of a bumper opening to a rear with respect to the bumper so as to reside farther from the shaft sections than a locus defined by movement of a one-side end of the opening cover turning about the shaft sections toward an inside with respect to the bumper. A cover-side securing piece is provided on the one-side end of the opening cover to engage with the bumper-side securing portion and has a front-side securing projection that engages with a surface of a secured portion of the bumper-side securing portion on a side of a design surface of the bumper. |
| US08562056B2 |
Audio apparatus for vehicle
An audio apparatus for a vehicle having an audio unit and storage box for storing goods integrally formed with each other and mounted in a mounting opening formed in an instrument panel. A lid for opening and closing the storage box is pivotally supported on the storage box audio unit side of the apparatus. |
| US08562054B2 |
Training chopsticks
Chopsticks are provided including a first chopstick and a second chopstick which have been modified to be readily coupled together. Bores are formed in each of the chopsticks. A pin is supplied which passes through each of the bores. The pin has a friction fit within the bores such that the chopsticks are held together. The pin resiliently flexes when distal ends of the chopsticks are brought together, so that the pin provides a return force to the chopsticks. The bores and pin preferably have a non-circular cross-section so that the chopsticks are held within a common plane. The pin can have at least one tip that is pointed so that the pin can double as a toothpick. |
| US08562049B2 |
Robotic finger assembly
A robotic hand includes a finger with first, second, and third phalanges. A first joint rotatably connects the first phalange to a base structure. A second joint rotatably connects the first phalange to the second phalange. A third joint rotatably connects the third phalange to the second phalange. The second joint and the third joint are kinematically linked such that the position of the third phalange with respect to the second phalange is determined by the position of the second phalange with respect to the first phalange. |
| US08562047B2 |
Lifting hook for erecting steel joists
A lifting hook for lifting open-frame steel joists comprises a casing having a shaft passing through it. The shaft has a lifting eye at one end and a hook member at the other end. The hook member comprises a U-shaped body having a transverse width selected to be less than the gap between the angles that form the upper flange of the open-frame joist. The hook member has a throat that is larger than the width of the flange. The shaft is spring-loaded so that the hook member is pulled toward the lower bearing surface of the casing so that once the hook member has been inserted into the joist, it is keyed to the flange and will not come loose. |
| US08562046B2 |
Merchandising grapple
A merchandising grapple is disclosed for removing retail items such as beverage cans, bottles, boxes, and the like from shipping containers in groups and placing them in groups on display shelves within a retail establishment. The grapple has spaced features that receive and hold the items in groups of several items and may have a handle for gripping the grapple and a slip joint for adjusting a width of the grapple. A method includes stocking display shelves by removing items in groups from shipping containers and placing them in groups on display shelves. |
| US08562045B2 |
Locking arrangement and culinary utensil comprising same
The present invention is concerned with a locking arrangement having a first member and a second member, each having a front end and a rear end and with the first member and the second member connected together at a first pivot axis, a front portion, a rear portion and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a lever and a guide. The arrangement is configured to assume one of two configurations in that in a first configuration the lever is engaged in a first position due to orientation of the arrangement such that the first arm and the second arm are locked against each other, or in a second configuration in which the lever having been disengaged from the first position, or engaging or engaged in the second position, due to orientation of the apparatus such that the first arm and the second arm are movable relative to each other. |
| US08562044B2 |
Tool to lift barbecue grill
A simple tool for lifting a barbecue grill is described—the grill lifter tool has a handle near its top end and a downwardly depending rod from near its center. The downwardly depending rod terminates near its bottom at a horizontal rod. The horizontal rod is thin enough to fit down between and below the space between adjacent grill bars. Near the top of the downwardly depending rod there is a first washer around and welded to the rod. Near the bottom of the downwardly depending rod, there is a second washer movably resting on the top of the horizontal rod, and held in place by a partially compressed spring constrained between the first top washer and the second bottom washer. The second bottom washer is large enough to not fit down into the space between the grill bars. |
| US08562042B2 |
Bumper assembly for motor vehicle, end portion of motor vehicle comprising such an assembly and motor vehicle
This bumper assembly is adapted for a motor vehicle having a structure including a pair of upper side members (6) and a pair of lower side members (8). It includes an energy absorbing panel (12) having at least two columns (16) each provided to bear on the ends of an upper side member (6) and a lower side member (8) and a beam (18) extending transversely between the columns (16). According to one embodiment, the bumper assembly includes a plate (36) doubling the beam (18) such that the beam (18) is compressed between a frontal face (36a) of the plate (36) in case of impact. The device is applicable to front or rear bumpers. |
| US08562040B2 |
Electromechanical locking device intended for remote access control
An electric lock for remote access control to a container wherein a U-shaped latch is mounted on a door in alignment with a slot in a housing mounted in the container. Upon closure, the latch enters the housing to engage a slotted keeper therein and causes rotation of the keeper. Rotation of the keeper causes a release lever to engage a stepped protrusion on the keeper and secures the keeper and latch. Activation of a solenoid or drive motor coupled to the release lever permits withdrawal of the latch from the housing. The axes of rotation of the keeper and release lever are located to greatly reduce the impact of pre-release forces to the door. |
| US08562034B2 |
Opening-and-closing member drive control apparatus for vehicle
An opening-and-closing member drive control apparatus for a vehicle for driving the opening-and-closing member so as to be opened or closed by means of a driving force of a motor after an idling period or an idling section of the motor includes a moving speed detecting member, calculating means for calculating a moving speed changing value, a determining means for determining a sandwiching of an object on the basis of a relationship between the calculated moving speed changing value and a threshold value, a temperature estimating means for estimating a temperature of the motor on the basis of a rotational speed of the motor, detected in the idling period or the idling section, and correcting means for correcting the threshold value so that a determination sensitivity of the sandwiching of the object becomes greater when the estimated temperature of the motor is low than when the estimated temperature of the motor is high. |
| US08562031B2 |
Locking means for an aircraft door
A locking device for an aircraft door in a fuselage section of an aircraft includes at least one fuselage fitting disposed in a region of a sill of the fuselage section and at least one door fitting disposed in a region of a lower edge of the aircraft door and corresponding in number to the at least one fuselage fitting. The at least one fuselage fitting and the at least one door fitting are each configured to transfer at least one of a circumferential load and a radial load. |
| US08562028B2 |
Connector assembly
A connector assembly for connection to a tubular element. The connector assembly includes locking elements with locking profiles, movable in a locking and an unlocking direction. The locking profiles can lock with facing locking profiles of the tubular member. The locking elements can be moved in the locking direction as a result of movement of an activation sleeve in a first direction. The locking elements or the activation sleeve include guiding elements that are adapted to slide against inclined unlocking guiding surfaces of the activation sleeve or the locking elements. Movement of the activation sleeve in a second direction results in movement of the locking element in the unlocking direction. The activation sleeve has axially extending activation sleeve protrusions having spaces formed between them. |
| US08562027B2 |
Connection device for fuel tubing of an aircraft
A fuel piping connection device for aircraft includes a male end fitting and a female end fitting that are configured to engage one another. The male and female end fittings are made of a resistive material that is an insulating material loaded with conducting fibers. Each of the male and female end fittings is configured to be bonded to a radial outer wall at an extremity of a respective tube in the fuel piping or to a radial outer wall at an extremity of a respective piping connector. Each of the male and female end fittings includes an inwardly projecting shoulder configured to engage with an axial end surface of the respective tube in the fuel piping or with an axial end surface of the respective piping connector. |
| US08562025B2 |
Secure data protection optically variable labels and foils
An optical security label for security and anti-counterfeit applications comprises a first layer having an optically variable portion (diffractive, holographic or interference film) generating an optically variable effect secured to a support layer by a weak adhesive layer such that the first layer can be scratched off the third support layer to reveal underlying data and the label is affixed to a substrate by a pressure sensitive adhesive. The label or substrate carry the data to be protected such a printed or personalized paper or plastic substrate. In one aspect the scratch off region is patterned and also the data can comprise a pattern of alternate scratch off and permanent areas. In one aspect the label is a thin frangible structure delivered to the substrate with a weakly bound top carrier. In another aspect the optical variable device includes a covert image authenticated by a decoder carried on the top of the removable carrier. In one aspect the pressure sensitive adhesive is a curable adhesive to provide a permanent bond. |
| US08562024B2 |
Number writing development guide
A number writing development guide including a number guide sheet having sequential instruction indicia. The sequential instruction indicia includes discrete ordered steps that cue a user in proper writing strokes to write an associated number. At least one of the discrete ordered steps relates to a common childhood activity or experience to thereby form an association between the activity or experience and the sequential instruction indicia. The guide further includes a challenge sheet coupled to the number guide sheet and having number challenge indicia. The number challenge indicia cues the user to arrive at a numerical answer to the number challenge and write the numerical answer thereon. |
| US08562022B2 |
Trailer
Improved trailers (e.g., semi-trailers) are disclosed. The trailers may include a floor having a top surface and a bottom surface, where the top surface is adapted to transport a payload, and an elongated shell connected to the bottom surface of the floor, where the elongated shell defines a portion of a substantially closed torsion-resistant chamber of the trailer. The trailers may have a torsion resistance that is substantially higher than conventional trailers of similar size and/or load capacity. The trailers may weigh substantially less than conventional trailers of similar size and/or load capacity. The trailers may realize a bending resistance that is at least equivalent to the bending resistance of conventional trailers of similar size and/or load capacity. |
| US08562012B2 |
Roll coupling trailer hitch assembly
A roll coupling system for roll coupling the drawbar of a trailer to the rear of a tow vehicle includes at least one load-transfer point between the tow vehicle and the trailer. At least one load-transfer point includes a wear reducer. A yaw and/or pitch articulator is mounted between the vehicle and the trailer providing for yaw and/or pitch. The articulator has a corresponding substantially vertical yaw axis and/or substantially horizontal pitch axis. |
| US08562011B1 |
Utility trailer
A utility trailer that includes a main compartment, an aft compartment, a hitch and jack assembly to attach it to a vehicle, and a number of components that will assist an individual in both shredding brush and branches as needed and also removing the resulting residue quickly and easily with use of various control boxes attached to the utility trailer. The trailer also includes a top-mounted shoot opening for throwing brush and debris into the utility trailer and conveyor belt system located within the main compartment for moving debris within the main compartment onto a pulled-out debris tray. A fold-down interior door is located within the main compartment and usually covers the conveyor belt system. Furthermore, a debris pusher blade is also located within the main compartment and can be utilized to push debris out of the main compartment by attached controls. |
| US08562007B2 |
Walker
A walker (1) is disclosed, which comprises a base frame (20) supported by wheels (22) and support rods (3, 4) mounted on the said base frame (2) to support at a suitable height support means (7, 8) designed to support the patient during walking. The support rods (3, 4) are hinged mutually and to the base frame (2), in such a way to go from the operating position, in which the support means (7, 8) are at a suitable height to support the patient, to a minimum-volume position, in which the support means (7, 8) are near the baseframe (2). |
| US08562002B2 |
Modular mobile workstation with storage capacity
The described embodiments provide a modular mobile workstation with storage capacity. The apparatus has a modular shell that can be used for a variety of purposes including, for example, a stool and low table combination, a table and coat-rack combination, and a high table combination. The modular shell encloses a removable inner shell that can be used to store goods while traveling with the unit. In one embodiment, two large wheels cap the respective ends of the shell and allow the apparatus to roll freely behind a user. A multi-use handle is also included with the apparatus. In one embodiment, the handle is collapsible and is secured to the apparatus by a securing scarf, which also serves to hold the interlocking pieces of the outer shell together. The unit is useful for travelers needing a mobile workspace, and prevents the need for additional luggage, as it also provides storage capacity. |
| US08562001B2 |
Tool holder
A tool holder includes: a collet chuck main body having a tapered hole formed in its tip end portion so as to be tapered toward an axial rear end; a tapered collet having a tool insertion hole that extends in an axial direction, a main tapered surface that fits in the tapered hole, and a tip end tapered surface positioned on an axial tip end side of the main tapered surface, and tapered toward an axial tip end; a cylindrical lock nut having internal threads that are screwed on external threads formed on an outer periphery of the tip end portion of the collet chuck main body, for reducing a diameter of the tool insertion hole by pressing the tapered collet into the tapered hole; a tip end tapered member having a tapered abutting surface that fits on the tip end tapered surface, the tip end tapered member being pressed toward the axial rear end by the lock nut; and a plain bearing positioned in a plane perpendicular to a direction in which the tip end tapered member is pressed by the lock nut, the plain bearing being inserted between the lock nut and the tip end tapered member. |
| US08561999B2 |
Sealing device and production method thereof
A sealing device is provided which is capable of reducing its sliding resistance. In a sealing device 1 which is fitted into an annular groove formed in one of a housing with a shaft hole and a shaft inserted into said shaft hole and serves to seal an annular gap between these two members, and which includes a seal ring 2 made of a resin that is in sliding contact with the other of the two members, and an elastic ring 3 that is fitted between the seal ring 2 and the annular groove, the seal ring has a plurality of concave portions 22 formed on its sliding surface 20 which is in sliding contact with the other member. |
| US08561997B2 |
Adverse pressure gradient seal mechanism
An adverse pressure gradient seal mechanism for use with variable speed components. The adverse pressure gradient seal mechanism may include a number of labyrinth teeth positioned on a component and an adverse pressure gradient seal positioned between a pair of the labyrinth teeth. The adverse pressure gradient seal may include a number of strips with each of the strips having an angled end. |
| US08561996B2 |
Bearing assembly, particularly for use in agricultural applications
The bearing seal assembly (50) includes a metal shield (70) and a resilient multi-lip sealing gasket (60) secured to the metal shield. The metal shield is supported in use by an outer ring (20) of a rolling contact bearing and includes a diagonally extending central portion (72). The sealing gasket (60) provides a number of contacting lips (62-64) facing an inner ring of the rolling contact bearing. A first, main contacting lip (66) exerts a first radial load on the inner ring. A second contacting lip (62) extends from the first lip (66) and exerts a second radial load on the inner ring lower than the first radial load. A third contacting lip (64) is on the opposite side of the second lip (62) with respect to the first lip (66) and exerts a third radial load on the inner ring lower than the first radial load but greater than the second radial load. |
| US08561992B2 |
Methods of playing card games of strategy and chance
Methods of playing card games of strategy and chance involving both a main pot and a bonus pot and in which players may perform atypical card game actions such as robbing or killing a dragon. Players invoke events by displaying, or playing, predetermined cards or pattern combinations of cards. Players may rob the dragon, thereby requiring all other players to return played cards back to their hand. Players may kill the dragon in order to win a bonus pot. Players may also be disqualified for committing a foul. The method of the present invention also increases revenue for a house hosting the method by requiring all players to place a wager prior to viewing his or her cards and by allowing the players more opportunities to raise his or her wagers. |
| US08561988B1 |
Media hold-down for printing system
A media hold down apparatus including a media transport including a transport surface having a plurality of vacuum openings formed therein in fluid communication with a vacuum source. The media transport is adapted to move substrate media in a process direction past a print zone. The transport surface includes a first recess extending in a cross-process direction along a portion of a width of a first sheet of substrate media transport. The recess is disposed on the media transport such that the recess lies beneath one of a leading or trailing edge portion of the first sheet of substrate media. The recess is in communication with the vacuum source, wherein the vacuum urges the one of a leading or trailing edge portion toward the recess on to the transport surface. |
| US08561986B2 |
Sheet conveying device
A sheet conveying device includes a cover member made of resin and partially defining a conveying path, a roller member rotatably disposed on the cover member and configured to convey a sheet along the conveying path, an urging member disposed between the cover member and a rotary shaft of the roller member and urging the roller member toward the conveying path while one end of the urging member contacts the rotary shaft, and a plate member made of metal and disposed between the cover member and the urging member. The plate member includes a first segment extending along the cover member and contacting the other end of the urging member, a second segment extending from an edge of the first segment in a direction toward the conveying path, and a third segment extending from an edge of the second segment in a direction different from the second segment extending direction. |
| US08561984B2 |
Sheet take-out apparatus, sheet processing apparatus, and sheet take-out method
To provide a sheet take-out apparatus for preventing double feed of sheets and controlling gaps to a desired value, a sheet processing apparatus, and a sheet take-out method. A take-out apparatus includes a supply structure for supplying postal matter to a take-out position, a take-out structure for taking out the postal matter from the take-out position, and a conveying structure for receiving and conveying the postal matter taken out on a conveying path. When a leading edge of the postal matter is held by the conveying structure, an absorbing operation of a vacuum pump is stopped and a moving speed of a take-out belt is reduced. Furthermore, when the postal matter is detected by a sensor, the take-out belt is stopped. |
| US08561983B2 |
Sheet eject device, fullness detecting method, and computer-readable recording medium
A sheet eject device is provided for detecting whether a sheet eject tray is filled with ejected sheets. The sheet eject device includes an ejecting unit that ejects sheets onto the sheet eject tray; a counting unit that counts an accumulated eject number every time a sheet is ejected by the ejecting unit; a storing unit that stores a defined eject number threshold and a defined eject interval time; a fullness detecting unit that detects that the sheet eject tray is filled with ejected sheets when the accumulated eject number counted by the counting unit exceeds the defined eject number threshold; and a reset unit that resets the accumulated eject number counted by the counting unit when an eject interval time exceeds the defined eject interval time, the eject interval time extending from when one sheet is ejected until a next sheet is ejected by the ejecting unit. |
| US08561981B2 |
Image forming apparatus with a pair of expansion members
An image forming apparatus may include a first tray configured to accommodate one or more recording sheets to be supplied to an image forming unit, a pair of body frames disposed to sandwich therebetween an upper part of the first tray, a pair of expansion members disposed under the pair of body frames to sandwich therebetween a lower part of the first tray, a plurality of first connectors configured to connect the pair of body frames with the pair of expansion members, an under bar bridged between the pair of expansion members, and a second connector configured to connect one of the expansion members with the under bar. The expansion member connected with the second connector may be configured such that a phantom line, which extends through the expansion member in a direction parallel to the attaching-detaching direction of the first tray, is in line with the second connector. |
| US08561972B2 |
Low pressure gas transfer device
Certain embodiments of the present technology present a low pressure gas transfer device for transferring gas into a liquid stream. The gas transfer device has a primary pipe branch with a gas injector, and a secondary pipe branch intersecting the primary pipe branch. A liquid stream passing through the secondary pipe branch mixes with the liquid stream passing through the primary pipe branch. The primary outlet port delivers a dispersion stream that is a mixture of gas-injected liquid passing through the primary pipe branch and the secondary liquid stream passing through the secondary pipe branch. |
| US08561960B2 |
Canopy mounting apparatus
A canopy mounting apparatus for use with a lawn tractor includes a housing having a bottom wall and side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall to define an interior area and an open top. The upstanding walls include opposed front and rear walls with opposed side walls connecting the front and rear walls. The housing rear wall is coupled to the lawn tractor rear framework. A support arm includes a first end pivotally coupled to the housing front wall and a second end releasably coupled to the housing front wall such that the support arm is movable between a stowed configuration when the support arm is coupled to the housing front wall and an extended configuration when the support arm is extended away from the housing front wall. A canopy holding member is coupled to the support arm and includes a configuration complementary to a canopy shaft. |
| US08561956B2 |
Corner protector
A corner protector can be mated with an article of furniture having a corresponding notch. The corner protector can include a body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a first side, a second side, and a blunted corner. Generally, in the mated configuration the blunted corner is oriented outwardly, thus providing a rounded surface that can reduce injury in the event of an impact with the article of furniture. |
| US08561955B2 |
Low profile articulating mounting system
A device mount for affixing a device to a surface such as a wall. The device mount has a surface bracket, an articulation mechanism, and a device mount plate. In various embodiments, the device mount further includes a tilt assembly. The surface mount bracket includes an upper surface bracket, a lower surface bracket and a vertical support positioned there between and connected to the lower all bracket and the upper surface bracket. The articulation mechanism has an inner articulating arm pivotally connected to the surface mount bracket and an outer articulating arm is rotatably connected to the inner articulating arm such that it maybe disposed substantially within a void of the inner articulating arm. The tilt assembly is connected to the outer articulating arm and pivotally connected to the device mount plate that is adapted to have a device mounted thereto, such that the device mount plate is selectively tiltable. The tilt assembly may comprise at least one friction hinge that substantially maintains the tilt angle of the device mount plate. When in a collapsed position, the inner articulating arm is substantially disposed between the upper surface bracket and lower surface bracket and the outer articulating arm is substantially disposed within the inner articulating arm presenting a thin profile. |
| US08561953B2 |
Upright adapter for shelving systems
An upright adapter for attaching an otherwise non-compatible fixture, such as a shelf assembly, to a shelving system upright featuring a number of slots separated by a number of dividers features an adapter tube. The adapter tube also features a number of slots separated by a number of dividers. A number of locking tabs are attached to the adapter tube. The locking tabs are adapted to engage the slots and dividers of the shelving system upright. A sliding tab featuring a leading end is attached to the adapter tube in a sliding fashion so as to move between a retracted position and an extended position. When in the extended position, the leading end of the sliding tab engages a slot of the shelving system upright so as to lock the upright adapter to the upright. |
| US08561952B2 |
Column attachment
A column attachment having an abutment, a platform, a tension member, and a securing element that are used to provide a stable support for a device. The tension member secures the platform to the abutment. The securing portion is able to slide along a slot defined in the platform. The securing portion is able to attach to devices, like total stations, and secure them to the platform. |
| US08561951B2 |
Garden hose guide
The garden hose guide includes a spiral stake member terminating at a lower end in a sharpened point. A hose support and guide define an upper portion of the stake member. The hose support and guide includes a roller, a first support arm and a hose guide arm disposed perpendicular to the first support arm. A conventional washer is attached to the stake member and is utilized to manipulate the stake for securing the stake in the ground. |
| US08561949B2 |
Articulated cable protection and guide apparatus
There is provided an articulated cable protection and guide apparatus that can securely and stably guide a large number of cables, can assure durability of articulated supporting members that operate between straight and bending postures for a long period of time, and can be easily disassembled and assembled at a machine frame-side stationary end-side connector unit or at a moving end-side connector unit. The articulated cable protection and guide apparatus comprises: a stationary end-side connector unit for affixing each stationary end of articulated supporting members, cables and a flexible belt member integrally to a machine frame-side stationary end area; a moving end-side connector unit for affixing each moving end of the articulated supporting members, cables and a flexible belt member integrally to a movable-side moving end area. |
| US08561938B2 |
Directional control for a helicopter
The present document describes a yaw control system for a helicopter having a controllable aft rudder. The system comprises a fan for blowing low pressure air impinging upon the controllable aft rudder. During flight, the main rotor assembly drives the fan and the air flow impinging upon the controllable aft rudder creates a side force which enables yaw control. |
| US08561934B2 |
Lightning strike protection
An aircraft component having an external surface includes an improved lightning strike protection surface film disposed on or proximate to the external surface. The surface film includes a preform that includes a substrate having a first areal weight density and a plurality of spaced carbon nanotubes grown on the substrate, the nanotubes having a second areal weight density. The sum of the first areal weight density and the second areal weight density is less than about 500 grams per square meter, and the preform has a surface resistance less than about 1 ohm/square. |
| US08561931B2 |
Recording tape cartridge
A recording tape cartridge in which an ability to assemble a security tag into a case is excellent is provided. A recording tape cartridge includes: a case that accommodates a reel on which a recording tape is wound; a security tag having a substantially pillar shape, that is provided within the case, and that is adapted to transmit to and receive from an exterior; and a holding portion formed in the case, that holds the security tag by having the security tag fitted with the holding portion. |
| US08561930B2 |
Spinning reel fishing line guide mechanism
A spinning reel fishing line guide mechanism for guiding a fishing line onto a spool is provided. The spinning reel fishing line guide mechanism includes first and second bail support members pivotably attached to first and second rotor arms respectively, a fixation shaft fixed to the first bail support member, a fixation shaft cover, a line roller, and a bail guiding the fishing line to the line roller through the fixation shaft cover. The fixation shaft cover includes a cover body disposed onto an axial end of the fixation shaft wherein the cover body is separate from the first bail support member, and an engagement groove on a lateral portion of the cover body. The lateral portion extends to the fixation shaft. The bail has a rod portion having a rod shape, and a plate portion attached to the rod portion. |
| US08561927B2 |
Pneumatic continuous impact pulverizer
A pneumatic continuous impact pulverizer includes an outer tube, an inner tube located in the outer tube, an air intake material feeding port located at a front end of the outer tube, an air pump located at the air intake material feeding port, and a plurality of impact tubes. The impact tubes respectively run through the tubular wall of the inner tube, and each has an airflow passage which includes a bell-shaped opening communicating with the outer tube, a middle branch opening located at one side of the airflow passage close to the air intake material feeding port and communicating with the inner tube, and an outlet communicating with the inner tube. High pressure gas and powders enter through the air intake material feeding port. The high pressure gas carries the powders to pass through the impact tubes where the powders collide with each other to become nano powders. |
| US08561925B2 |
Lateral irrigation system with Z-fold spans
A lateral irrigation system comprising a plurality of towers and a plurality of lateral structures extending between and connected to the towers. The support structures may comprise a first support structure, a second support structure pivotable relative to the first support structure, and a third support structure pivotable relative to the second support structure. The irrigation system may also comprise a fluid delivery system having conduits attached to or extending through the support structures and configured to output water from orifices formed therein. The irrigation system may further comprise joints at which the second and third support structures may pivot. The second and third support structures may be configured to pivot into a substantially zig-zag or “Z”-shaped configuration relative to the first support structure. |
| US08561924B2 |
Cooling arrangement
A pipe for carrying a fluid, having a longitudinal axis and defining a radial aperture for release of a jet of fluid having a radial direction component α, the aperture having an aspect ratio greater than 2 and arranged with its elongate axis within 30 degrees of the longitudinal axis and having area greater than 0.2 the cross-sectional area of the pipe, the fluid jet having an angle α between 30 and 80 degrees from the longitudinal axis. |
| US08561915B2 |
Vehicle and method for controlling same
When an economy switch signal is ON to instruct that fuel economy should be given priority, a blower of an air conditioning device is operated using a blower characteristic map for fuel economy so that a blower level of the air conditioning device is changed with respect to the change in an engine coolant temperature at a low rate. Also, it is determined whether an engine needs to be operated or stopped using an engine operation map for fuel economy so that the engine is likely to be stopped. |
| US08561909B2 |
RFID device having low-loss barium-based ceramic oxide
An RFID chip is embedded in a device having a body that includes a low-dielectric loss material including at least one of barium stannate, barium cerate, barium tungstate and barium molybdate. |
| US08561901B2 |
Optical identification module device and optical reader having the same
An optical identification module device has a light pipe integrally formed with transparent material, a lens holder, a lens, a sensing circuit board and a light emitting diode. A light source container and a guiding recess are arranged on one side of the light pipe. A first light channel is defined in the light pipe. An engaging bump and a separating bump aligned with the engaging bump are arranged on one side of the lens holder. The engaging bump engages with the guiding recess. A second light channel corresponding to the first light channel is defined in the lens holder, and the lens is arranged in the second light channel. The sensing circuit board with a receiver soldered at a position corresponding to the second light channel is arranged at the bottom of the lens holder. The light emitting diode is placed in the light source container. |
| US08561894B1 |
Powered cards and devices designed, programmed, and deployed from a kiosk
A kiosk may be provided that contains a number of blank cards. A graphical user interface of the kiosk may allow a user to define products that may be associated with a blank card contained within the kiosk. Aesthetic and functional features may be applied to a blank card by a kiosk and dispensed to a user of the kiosk as a fully functional card. An interrogation device of a kiosk may retrieve products associated with a current card and may associate the retrieved products with a new card to be dispensed from the kiosk. A kiosk may access a network to preauthorize any products that may be associated with a card dispensed from or programmed by the kiosk. |
| US08561890B2 |
System and method for monitoring commercial transactions
A system for monitoring commercial transactions is implemented using credit cards and/or debit cards in conjunction with card readers and/or their associated cash registers linked in communication to a banking establishment. The system comprises modules for use with printers of the card readers and/or their associated cash registers for communicating information included in receipts generated in response to transactions occurring in respect of the credit cards and/or debit cards executed at the card readers. The system further includes computing hardware executing in operation software products for receiving information included in the receipts, for receiving from the banking establishment account information regarding owners or users of the credit cards and/or debit cards, and for associating information included within the receipts with the account information to generate a detailed itemized report of individual items provided in the receipts for presentation to the owners or users. |
| US08561887B1 |
Banking system controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader that reads card data from a user card. The read card data corresponds to a financial account and is used to authorize the machine user to carry out a transaction on the financial account. The automated banking machine includes a display and a printer to produce records of a financial transaction carried out with the card reader. The automated banking machine also includes a validator arrangement including a currency note validator which reads data from a currency note in determining validity of the note. The note validator, while remaining supported by the machine, is slidable to extend outside of the machine where it can be pivoted to an orientation at which it can be serviced. |
| US08561886B2 |
Self-service device
A self-service device, particularly an automated cash machine, having an operating unit with an operating panel for entering alphanumeric characters and/or control data, and having a cover surface having a plurality of edges bounding a recess, whereby the operating panel is encompassed, wherein at least one first edge of the cover surface is disposed at a distance from a first edge of the operating panel, forming an intermediate space, wherein a functional strip is disposed, the functional strip being mounted on a mounting frame encompassing the operating panel, said frame being connected to the cover surface by mounting elements. |
| US08561884B2 |
Multi-communication assisted portable terminal
The device of the invention, starting from the conventional structure of these types of terminals, combines a great variety of peripherals therein, which makes it extremely versatile as well as suitable to use by people with physical disabilities, with an ergonomic and strong design that allows multiple transactions possibilities, multiple communication possibilities, emitting voice messages corresponding to transactions carried out, all these with a high brightness screen, a keypad with Braille reliefs and a joystick to operate the device, also having a scanner and an opening mechanism for the printer cover which prevents it from opening accidentally. |
| US08561882B2 |
Safety net for bar-coded documents
A method and system for generating and processing barcoded documents such that a safety net may be implemented to catch barcode errors. Barcodes may be generated for placement on the first and last page of documents. Each barcode may be associated with a document. During processing of barcoded documents, if a barcode is missing or misread, the safety net will catch the error and mark the affected pages for further review. |
| US08561881B2 |
Developed object for building packing box and the packing box
There is provided a packing box having a taking-out opening which can be opened with ease with only one hand. The developed object of packing box comprises: first strip foldable inwardly on fold lines arranged equidistantly and perpendicularly to strip lengthwise direction, for forming inner-lateral surface; second strip including three separate square bottom-boards continuous with first strip via fold lines; third strip continuous with central bottom-board via fold line and foldable inwardly on fold lines arranged equidistantly, for forming outer-lateral surface; and fourth strip continuous with third strip via fold line, in which buckling portions and upper lids are arranged alternately in lengthwise direction. Central buckling portion has square hole, and the width of the lid is larger than one-half of one side of bottom-board. One of the lids has a lid-cutting line formed in location that corresponds to square hole when one lid is inserted under the other. |
| US08561880B2 |
Forming metal preforms and metal balls
A process and tools for forming and/or releasing metal preforms, metal shapes and solder balls is described incorporating flexible molds or sheets, injection molded metal such as solder and in the case of solder balls, a liquid or gaseous environment to reduce or remove metal oxides prior to or during metal (solder) reflow to increase surface tension to form spherical or substantially spherical solder-balls. |
| US08561877B2 |
Structural integrity welded assembly
A welded assembly characterized by improved structural integrity includes a first component disposed along a first plane. The first component includes first and second substantially parallel surfaces, and also includes a channel arranged on the first surface. The welded assembly also includes a second component disposed along a second plane, wherein the second component includes a leading edge. The leading edge of the second component is inserted into the channel of the first component such that an interface is formed between the first and second components. A weld generated on the second surface joins the first component with the second component at the interface such that the assembly is formed. The subject weld may be a friction-stir type of a weld. The subject welded assembly may be a vehicle bumper support. A method of forming such a welded assembly is also disclosed. |
| US08561872B2 |
Systems and methods of tissue closure
Apparatus, systems, and methods are described for closing the base of a left atrial appendage or other tissue structure. A tissue closure device comprises a pair of legs having compliant surfaces for engaging against opposite sides of the tissue structure. A plurality of axially spaced-apart tissue-penetrating fasteners are delivered from one leg to the other to pierce the intervening tissue and hold the closure device in place on the tissue structure. |
| US08561869B2 |
Pneumatically driven setting tool
A pneumatically driven setting tool for driving in fastening elements, includes a chamber (17) forming a storage chamber (22) for storing the pressure medium produced by the compression device (30, 130) and an expansion chamber (26) adjoining the drive-in piston (13), which is displaceable in a guide (12), at a side of the drive-in piston (13) remote from the piston stem (14), communicating with the storage chamber (22), and having an opening (18) connecting the expansion chamber (26) with the drive-in piston (13), at least one check valve (44, 54, 142) arranged between the compression device (30, 130) and the chamber (17), and a piston retaining device (47) for retaining the drive-in piston (13) in its initial position (80) in which the chamber (17) is sealed against the guide (12). |
| US08561863B2 |
Universal electronic device holder attachable to headrest bars
Devices, methods and systems described herein provide for removably attaching an electronic device holder to a set of headrest bars of a seat in a vehicle in a manner which allows the user, while seated in the backseat of the vehicle, to utilize the electronic device without holding the electronic device. |
| US08561858B2 |
Auto-vented automatic stop flow pouring spout
The pouring spout includes a first tube detachably connectable to a liquid-storage container, a second tube slideably connected to the first tube, and a liquid outlet duct and an air inlet duct. The liquid outlet duct and the air inlet duct can be both selectively opened and closed by a spring-biased valve system. The air inlet duct, when the valve system is moved from a closed position to an opened position, is initially made in fluid communication with the liquid-storage container only either simultaneously with the liquid outlet duct or immediately after the liquid outlet duct is initially made in fluid communication with the liquid-storage container. This arrangement prevents the liquid from filling the air inlet duct when the liquid is poured using the pouring spout. It also minimizes evaporation and permeability of the liquid on internal surfaces inside the pouring spout. |
| US08561848B2 |
Extended caulking gun
The inventive concept is directed to a caulking gun which has been extended for a considerable length. This extending of the length enables an impaired person to reach areas that need to be caulked. It also enables a person to reach remote areas that only can be reached by a ladder but the person cannot negotiate a ladder. The extension of the basic caulking gun is achieved by placing longitudinal rods between the trigger mechanism and the forward end where the caulking cartridge is normally located. It is important that rods are being used to keep the weight of the gun on a reasonable level. The rods have spaced apart rings in the longitudinal direction to stabilize the rods. At the trigger end of the caulking gun there is located a handle that can be changed in location to accommodate left- and -right handed persons. |
| US08561847B2 |
Dispenser housing with locking mechanism
A dispenser housing has a closure mechanism that serves to hold the dispenser housing closed. A key either can be carried by an individual to be employed to override the closure mechanism to permit the opening of the dispenser or can be selectively mounted to the dispenser housing to position a release mechanism appropriately to permit the release mechanism to be manipulated to override the closure mechanism. When the key is not mounted to the dispenser, the release mechanism cannot be appropriately manipulated to override the closure mechanism. |
| US08561846B2 |
Tap assembly
Tap assembly configured to resist release of the tap when an internal vacuum is applied to the tap and to maintain aseptic conditions of fluid within an attached fluid container before first use of the tap. The tap assembly having an actuation member configured to cover at least a portion of a bore within a body; a cover configured to substantially enclose and abut a proximal portion of the actuation member to prevent actuation of the actuation member by engaging with the body; and a piercer element positioned on an end of the actuation member proximal to a sterility membrane sealed over the bore and including at least one projection to pierce the sterility membrane when the actuation member is actuated during first use of the tap assembly. |
| US08561839B2 |
Machine for making and dispensing iced food products
A machine for making and dispensing iced food products such as granitas, sorbets or slush drinks and the like includes a tank for containing and processing the product to be dispensed. A dispensing tap is mounted near the bottom of the tank and a power-driven stirring mechanism and an evaporator of a cooling circuit are both located inside the tank. A counter for counting an amount of product dispensed includes a unit for measuring the amount of product dispensed and a unit for enabling measurement. The measurement enabling unit includes a temperature sensor located at the dispensing tap, along the product dispensing path. |
| US08561837B2 |
Wipes dispenser
An upright, tubular floor stand wipes dispenser is disclosed having a body portion containing an upper compartment from which the wipes are dispensed through an orifice and a lower compartment housing a container such as a waste basket for used wipes. A cover plate conforming to the body portion and having an opening through which used wipes are deposited into the waste basket hangs from an upper edge of the body portion by clips arranged along the top edge of the plate. The stand is readily serviceable from the front and does not have to be moved when removing the used wipes. |
| US08561835B2 |
Dutch oven handle assembly
A Dutch oven with an improved handle assembly is provided. The assembly may include a handle configured to removably engage a receiver on the lid of the Dutch oven. The handle may be used to transport a Dutch oven to a heating source and, once placed in the heating source, removed and stored so that the handle is not subject to heat while the Dutch oven is used for cooking. To remove the Dutch oven from the heating source, the handle may be reinserted into the receiver and used to lift the Dutch oven from the heating source. The Dutch oven may also include one or more retaining members to securely hold the Dutch oven's lid in place. |
| US08561833B2 |
Alternative feeding device for infants at risk
A device particularly suitable for feeding premature newborns consists of a cup with a raised colored graded scale placed on the cup side for easy visualization, a flow reducer composed of folds, a round spout formed from the cup rim facilitating contact with the mouth of the baby, and a lid of the cup rim which fits using pressure to avoid food contamination. |
| US08561826B2 |
Universal gasoline engine fuel tank cover
The present utility model discloses a universal gasoline engine fuel tank cover including an outer shell, an inner shell and a sealing cover located on the upper surface of the inner shell, wherein the outer shell and the inner shell are connected through a ratchet mechanism and a limiting mechanism, the inner shell having a partition I and a partition II disposed in its upper cavity to divide the upper cavity into a first adsorption chamber, a second adsorption chamber and a third adsorption chamber, the first adsorption chamber and the second adsorption chamber having fine carbon particles disposed therein, the third adsorption chamber having a cylindrical foam disposed therein, the bottom of the partition I being disposed with an air hole I connecting the third adsorption chamber to the fuel tank, and the bottom of the first adsorption chamber being disposed with an air hole II causing the first adsorption chamber to be connected to the atmosphere outside. The present utility model is advantageous in that it has a delicate structural design, it is easy to assemble, its cost is low, it can effectively prevent direct exhaust of volatilized gasoline into the atmosphere, and accurate judgment can be made as to whether the fuel tank cover is adequately tightened. |
| US08561823B1 |
Food service container
Stackable trays for food items are made from fibrous plant material, the source of which may be any fibrous plant or combination of fibrous plants, such as bamboo, wheat straw, bagasse or recycled paper or other paper products. Each tray includes a plurality of locking beads which define recesses. The locking beads and recesses of adjacent identical trays mate with each other when the trays are stacked. Likewise, the locking beads and recesses of two identical trays employed to provide a food container mate with each other to secure the two trays together in a food containment configuration. |
| US08561822B2 |
Multi-gallon capacity blow molded container
A multi-gallon capacity container comprising which comprises a substantially rectangular bottom portion having a chime and a plurality of base channels; a shoulder portion with a neck section for facilitating filling and discharging of liquid from the container and a plurality vertically extending shoulder channels; a body portion which seamlessly connects the bottom portion with the shoulder portion and having a plurality of spaced apart horizontal ribs and rib channels for increasing a lateral wall strength of the container. The container includes a first and second primary columns for increasing a top load strength of the container. Each primary column commences in the shoulder portion, extends substantially continuously along the shoulder portion, across the plurality of horizontal ribs, and terminates at the bottom portion. Each one of the horizontal ribs has a column feature formed therein which is aligned with one of the first and the second primary columns and forms a continuation of primary column from the shoulder portion to the bottom portion. |
| US08561818B2 |
Product display tray with pull through feature
A tray for the display and dispensing of products in blister packages. Side guide elements, of wire or sheet material, are provided in forward portions thereof with retaining elements formed integrally and in one piece therewith. The retaining elements engage side margins of a forwardmost package well below the tops of the packages and preferably below the tops of the blisters thereof. A forwardmost package is gripped by its exposed and unobstructed upper portions and pulled forwardly to remove a package. Integral, one-piece construction of the side guide elements and the retaining elements provides for economical manufacture with superior performance. Optionally, space may be provided in front of the retaining portions to accommodate return of packages by a customer who has changed his or her mind. In one embodiment, a wire retaining portion of inverted U-shaped configuration is positioned with wire ends concealed and protected by the tray side. |
| US08561817B1 |
Winged pusher
A pusher system, for merchandising products, such as plates. The pusher system 2 has a tray 6. The tray 6 has a floor 10. A pair of wings are affixed to both sides of the floor, to hold products centered on the tray. A pusher 40 is slidably mounted on the floor. A spring biases the pusher customerward, thereby propelling the products customerward to barrier, which holds the products, which are forced against the barrier by the pusher. |
| US08561813B2 |
Cyclonic debris evacuation apparatus and method for a pump
A cyclonic debris evacuation apparatus and method for removing debris in a pumping system. The apparatus includes a valve rod, a cyclone component, cup component, ring component, and ring coupler component. The cup component is composed of a high density poly-fiber material that helps in creating a positive seal between the cup component and barrel interior during pumping operations, helping to direct solids into the cup component and thereby preventing them from travelling southward in the direction of the barrel and causing damage. The cup component can include a specialized leading edge adapted to direct solids into the cup component. The apparatus can include a carbide ring that prevents solids from traveling further down onto the pump plunger section. The carbide ring can incorporate ports that feed into a main channel flow. The apparatus can include a top plunger adapter capable of connecting with a sucker rod. |
| US08561812B2 |
Blend polymer membranes comprising thermally rearranged polymers derived from aromatic polyimides containing ortho-positioned functional groups
The present invention discloses blend polymer membranes comprising thermally rearranged polymers derived from aromatic polyimides containing ortho-positioned functional groups and methods for making and using these blend polymer membranes. The blend polymer membranes described in the current invention are prepared by heat treatment of blend polymer membranes comprising aromatic polyimides containing ortho-positioned functional groups such as —OH or —SH groups. In some instances, an additional crosslinking step is performed to improve the selectivity of the membrane. These blend polymer membranes have improved flexibility, reduced cost, improved processability, and enhanced selectivity and/or permeability compared to the comparable polymer membranes that comprise a single polymer. |
| US08561811B2 |
Substrate for immobilizing functional substances and method for preparing the same
A substrate having compounds disposed thereon for immobilizing a functional molecule, each compound having a chain including: a moiety R that is chemically coupled to the substrate, the moiety R being selected from the group consisting of an ether, ester, carbonyl, carbonate ester, thioether, disulfide, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, and carbonothioyl; and an epoxide-containing moiety that is coupled to the moiety R by a linker including at least one nucleophilic group. Methods of preparing the substrate and use of the substrate are also disclosed. |
| US08561810B2 |
Filter cartridge with a positioning cylinder for holding filter element in place
A filter cartridge includes a housing, a lid, a filter element and a positioning cylinder. The lid is provided for covering an opening of the housing. The filter element is disposed in the housing. The positioning cylinder together with the filter element is disposed in the housing and defining a passageway for reception of the filter element. Further, the positioning cylinder includes a plurality of bulging portions disposed about the passageway and each protruding toward a centerline axis of the passageway. The bulging portions of the positioning cylinder have their highest points equally spaced apart from the centerline axis of the passageway. |
| US08561809B2 |
Portable quick fit filter assembly
A portable table top filter assembly including a filter housing enveloping a filter having an inlet and an outlet for the fluid; a flat bottomed filter base having an inlet port and an outlet port communicating with the inlet and outlet of the filter housing and a protruding rim having connectors on an outside surface of the rim recessed from the main body of the filter base, an inlet entry port at a bottom section of the filter base for connecting to a fluid source and communicating with the inlet port of the filter base, an outlet exit port connecting to a fluid delivery device and communicating with the outlet port of the filter base; and, a filter locking ring locking the filter housing to the filter base when a connector at the filter locking ring connects with the connector at the filter base. |
| US08561807B2 |
Magnetic drum separator with an electromagnetic pickup magnet having a core in a tapered shape
A magnetic drum separator, for separating ferrous and non-ferrous materials from a material stream. The magnetic drum separator comprising an outer shell that is rotatable around a central axis by a drive mechanism. The outer shell having a tubular length parallel to the central axis and a circular cross-section perpendicular to the central axis. An electromagnet pickup magnet positioned at a fixed location within the circular cross-section has a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis. The pickup magnet has a first end closest to the inner circumference of the outer shell and a second end located near the central axis. The pickup magnet comprises a core, with a backbar abutting it at the second end. The core comprises a plurality of blocks of different widths, in a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis, with the narrowest block at the first end and the widest block abutting the backbar. |
| US08561797B2 |
Packaging container
A packaging container for a device comprising an enclosure assembled from separable front and back transparent shells the assembled shells defining a cavity for housing the device. A transparent insert configured with outer edges for abutting at least three inner walls of the enclosure and having an aperture conformed to a silhouette of the device for engaging and retaining the device around its periphery and in a generally central position in the cavity so that at least a back, front, top and sides of the device may be directly viewed within the cavity without visual obstruction. |
| US08561796B2 |
Package material for adhesive bandage and packaged adhesive bandage
Disclosed herein is a package material for adhesive bandage which is used for packaging therein an adhesive bandage including a surface base having one surface, an adhesive layer provided on the one surface of the surface base and a releasing sheet attached to the adhesive layer so as to cover it. The package material comprises a first sheet having a first sheet base and a first cold seal layer provided on the first sheet base, and a second sheet having a second sheet base and a second cold seal layer provided on the second sheet base. The first cold seal layer faces the surface base of the adhesive bandage and the second cold seal layer faces the releasing sheet of the adhesive bandage when the adhesive bandage is packaged in the package material. Further, each of the first cold seal layer and the second cold seal layer is formed of a mixture of rubber and acrylic resin, and an amount of the rubber contained in the first cold seal layer is smaller than an amount of the rubber contained in the second cold seal layer. |
| US08561792B2 |
Instant self-heating containers
Instant self-heating containers include a combinable reactant and activator used to generate an exothermic reaction for heating contents of the container. One instant self-heating container includes a target container, a pierceable activator container and a reaction chamber. Piercing the activator container causes activator to combine with the reactant and cause an exothermic reaction that heats the target container. The container may be used as depilatory wax dispenser. Another instant self-heating container includes an outer housing containing a contents pouch and a reactant, and capped by a lid having an activator chamber. Rupturing the activator chamber allows activator to combine with the reactant in an exothermic reaction to heat the contents pouch. Another instant self-heating container includes a flexible outer tube containing contents to be heated, a flexible reaction vessel, and a frangible activator vessel. Bending the outer tube causes the activator vessel to rupture and cause an exothermic reaction. |
| US08561790B2 |
Belt drive conveyor with power tap off
A conveyor system includes a transport member having a conveying surface that is configured to transport articles in a transport direction, an endless strip and a drive for propelling the endless strip. A power tap off is provided between the strip and the transport member. The power tap off has an input that is driven by the strip and an output that drives the transport member. The power tap off provides a positive transfer of power from the strip to the transport member. |
| US08561789B2 |
Sorting apparatus
A sorting apparatus sequentially receives and holds a plurality of transported items that are transported and sorts and supports the transported items, and includes an endless movement member disposed so as to form a constant revolving movement pathway, and a plurality of support members that are attached to the movement member so as to be arranged along the direction in which the movement member revolves and that are capable of supporting respective transported items. In a support region that is a region of the revolving movement pathway of the movement member in which the transported items are supported by respective support members, the highest position of the support members decreases the closer the support members are to the downstream side of the direction in which the movement member revolves. |
| US08561782B2 |
Helical conveyor apparatus with integrated pass-through
A material handling system has a helical conveyor apparatus operable in a first mode in which the orientation of a product can be changed and a second mode in which the orientation of the product is unchanged, i.e., passed through. The helical conveyor apparatus has a pair of conveying surfaces, with at least one of the conveying surfaces pivotal relative to the other conveying surface. The conveying surfaces can thus be arranged to twist the product as it is being conveyed or pass the product unaltered. |
| US08561781B2 |
Diverter swing arm
A diverter swing arm for diverting an article from a conveying surface comprises a central body having a unitary construction and including a pusher portion that has an external face for engaging and diverting a particular article from the conveying surface, and a linkage arm that facilitates connection to an actuator, and a pivot pin received in an opening defined by the central body, said pivot pin defining a pivot axis for rotation of the diverter swing arm relative to the conveying surface. There is no molded-in metal skeleton or frame in the diverter swing arm. |
| US08561780B2 |
Immersion treatment system
The invention relates to an immersion treatment system, particularly an electrophoretic immersion coating system, comprising at least one immersion basin in a known manner that can be filled with a treatment fluid. A transport system guides the objects to be coated to the immersion basin, into the interior of the immersion basin, out of the immersion basin, and away therefrom. It comprises at least one transport car whereon a vertically displaceable carriage is disposed. A component defining a rotary axis is supported on the same, supporting a mounting device for the object to be treated. A motion sequence for the object can be achieved in said manner, comprising a superposition of a horizontal linear motion, a vertical linear motion, and a rotary motion about the rotary axis. |
| US08561775B2 |
Vehicle drive device
A vehicle drive device has an engine, a transmission, a clutch device and a clutch operating mechanism which operates the clutch device to drivingly connect the engine to the transmission. The clutch operating mechanism has a clutch drum secured to the outer circumferential surface of an input shaft of the transmission and holding a second clutch section which is engageable with a first clutch section held on an input member of the clutch device to which a driving power of the engine is transmitted. The clutch drum has a drum chamber, a fixed plate closing an opening of the drum chamber, a piston surrounded by the clutch drum and partitioning the drum chamber into a hydraulic chamber and a spring chamber, and an urging element provided inside the spring chamber to be surrounded by the clutch drum and urging the piston. |
| US08561774B2 |
Clutch
The invention relates to a clutch having a first clutch part (2) and a second clutch part (3), wherein said two clutch parts (2, 3) are disposed pivotably relative to one another. In order to propose a clutch which in particular allows a precisely-positioned location fixing of the two clutch parts (2, 3) to one another, a clutch (1) is proposed by the invention which is characterized by a clutch element (4), which can be positioned rotationally-fixed relative to one of the two clutch parts (3), wherein the other of said two clutch parts (2) has a clutch member (6), which works together with a clutch member (7) carried by said clutch element (4). |
| US08561773B2 |
Drive device
A drive device is provided with a housing 11 and an electromagnetic clutch mechanism 14 accommodated in the housing. The electromagnetic clutch mechanism 14 is provided with an armature 41 rotatably supported in the housing 11, a rotor 42 arranged to face the armature 41 and rotatably supported in the housing 11, and a coil 46. An annular magnet 44 is fixed on the outer circumference surface of the rotor 42. A sensor 15 arranged inside the housing 11 detects a polarity change of the magnet 44 in association with rotation of the rotor 42. The magnet 44 is provided with an annular wall portion 44b extending toward the armature 41 beyond a surface on which the armature 41 is in contact with the rotor 42 with respect to the axial direction. The annular wall portion 44b is spaced radially outward from the armature 41. The annular wall portion 44b prevents abrasion powder produced on actuation of the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 14 from being scattered. |
| US08561770B2 |
Systems and methods for distributing energy in a roadway
A system and method for powering of a vehicle is disclosed. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a roadway may include an embedded conductor and a source of energy. The embedded conductor may be embedded in the roadway configured to transfer energy to a vehicle upon the roadway via magnetic induction or electric conduction. The source of energy may be applied upon or embedded in the roadway and configured to generate electric current to the embedded conductor. The source of energy may include a solar power generator, a thermoelectric power generator, a piezoelectric power generator, and/or any other suitable source of energy. |
| US08561766B2 |
Piston-cylinder unit
A piston-cylinder with a work cylinder filled with a fluid, a hollow piston rod displaceably arranged in the work cylinder along a longitudinal axis, a connection element at an end located outside the work cylinder and in the work cylinder, a piston that divides the work cylinder into first and second work spaces. A valve needle in the piston rod has a channel extending in axial direction arranged in the piston rod. The valve needle has a recess at one end. The valve needle is rotatable such that a flow of fluid is controllable. A lever extends in radial direction and is swivelably acted upon by an adjusting unit at the end of the valve needle outside the work cylinder. The adjusting unit is arranged at the connection element entirely outside the flow of force of the piston-cylinder unit. |
| US08561765B2 |
Damping device for movable furniture parts
A damping device for movable furniture parts includes a base, a movable member defining a path, a housing movably connected to the path and including a space and an opening which communicates with the space, a damper located in the space and including a cylinder and a piston rod which has one end inserted into the cylinder and the other end of the piston rod extends from the cylinder, a first threaded member connected to the cylinder including, a second threaded member connected to the first threaded member and located corresponding to the opening of the housing, an adjustment member movably connected between the base and the movable member. When rotating the second threaded member, a distance between the housing and the movable member is adjusted. When the adjustment member is adjusted, the relative distance between the base and the movable member is adjusted. |
| US08561758B2 |
Exhaust apparatus of internal combustion engine
An exhaust apparatus for internal combustion engines which can reduce exhaust noises, its weight and production cost with no need to provide a sub-muffler. The exhaust apparatus is provided with an inner pipe having the upstream open end and the downstream open end is disposed in the tail pipe, and the upstream open end of the inner pipe is protruded outwardly from the inside of the tail pipe to be extended into the resonance chamber, and thus the upstream open end is closed by the resonance chamber defined by the outer shell of the muffler, the end plate, and the partition plate. |
| US08561756B2 |
Acoustic ports aligned to create free convective airflow
Systems and methods to remove heat from an acoustic enclosure are provided. An apparatus includes an enclosure and a free convection passage located within the enclosure. The convection passage includes a non-horizontal convection inlet acoustic port having an inlet opening to the ambient environment and a non-horizontal convection outlet acoustic port having an outlet opening to the ambient environment. At least one heat producing element is coupled to an acoustic port of the free convection passage via a low thermal resistance conduction path. Heat produced by the heat producing element initiates a unidirectional free convective airflow in a direction corresponding to a path between the convection inlet acoustic port and the convection outlet acoustic port. |
| US08561754B2 |
Seismic source with positive reflection plate and method
A marine source sub-array and method for generating a pressure wave in a body of water. The marine source sub-array includes a float configured to float in the body of water; base plates connected to the float through cables; plural individual source elements connected to the base plates and configured to generate pressure waves underwater; and a coverage plate located between the plural individual source elements and the float. The coverage plate has a surface area larger than a surface area of the float. |
| US08561753B2 |
Electric power steering device
An electric power steering device including an input shaft to which a steering wheel is connected, an output shaft connected to a wheel side, a torsion bar provided between the input shaft and the output shaft, and a torque sensor that detects steering torque input from the steering wheel. An electric motor is driven in accordance with the torque detected by the torque sensor. A worm wheel is provided on the output shaft to transmit rotation of the electric motor to the output shaft in a housing, wherein a boss of the worm wheel is fitted into an outer circumference of the output shaft, and a bearing fitted into the outer circumference of the boss is supported on the housing. |
| US08561752B1 |
Power steering systems and methods
Power steering systems and methods to improve efficiency and performance of vehicle power steering systems. In one embodiment, there is provided an engine driven positive displacement hydraulic pump, a rotary valve coupled to a steering shaft for receiving hydraulic fluid under pressure in a rotary valve inlet and providing a differential pressure to a steering rack piston for a steering boost responsive to a torque exerted on the steering shaft, valving coupled between an output of the hydraulic pump, the rotary valve inlet and the hydraulic pump input for controllably coupling the output of the hydraulic pump to the rotary valve inlet or an input of the hydraulic pump, and a controller coupled to valving to maintain a flow rate of hydraulic fluid coupled to the rotary valve responsive to a pressure sensor output. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08561750B2 |
Chain guide device
A chain guide device wherein it is unnecessary to make a chain guide body a thick and heavy member to enhance the productivity of the chain guide body. The chain guide body is split into a left guide half having a left-side upper split surface and a left-side lower split surface which are formed along a longitudinal direction of a chain and a right guide half having a right-side upper split surface and a right-side lower split surface. The guide bodies, which are roughly U-shaped, can be easily demolded after injection molding to enhance productivity. The contact of the chain with the split surfaces is lessened, as compared with the case where split surfaces are inclined at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the chain. Accordingly, wearing of the split surfaces is restrained, and it is unnecessary to make the chain guide body greater in thickness and weight. |
| US08561749B2 |
ATV or UTV differential with integrated sensors
A vehicle comprising a frame, a seat coupled to the frame, and left and right wheels. Left and right drive shafts transmit power to the left and right wheels, and an input shaft transmits power to the left and right drive shafts. A differential including a housing assembly receives power from the input shaft and divides the power between the left and right drive shafts. A speed sensor is positioned through (e.g., threaded) the housing assembly such that an inner end of the sensor is positioned inside the differential. In one embodiment, the speed sensor includes left and right speed sensors, and the at least two housings comprise a left housing and a right housing. Preferably, both the left speed sensor and the right speed sensor are positioned in one of the left housing and the right housing. |
| US08561746B2 |
Motorcycle
The motorcycle comprises an engine with a gearbox, a gear group and a drive wheel. A secondary transmission chain placed between the engine and said gear group, whereas a tertiary transmission chain is placed between the gear group and the drive wheel. The secondary transmission chain is placed at one side of the motorcycle and the tertiary transmission chain is placed at an opposite side of the motorcycle with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof. This arrangement is resulted in the motorcycle body having substantially narrower width compared to the width of the prior art motorcycles. |
| US08561742B2 |
Insert, plastic part assembly utilizing same and die-casting mold for making the insert
A molded metal insert and plastic part integrally formed therewith form an assembly wherein the insert is provided with anti-rotation, die-cast teeth. The insert is adapted to attach and fix the plastic part to a vehicle structure in combination with a threaded fastener. The insert includes a cylindrical metal body having inner and outer diameters and upper and lower end portions. The inner diameter defines a passageway sized to allow an externally threaded portion of the fastener to extend through the passage and below the lower end portion for threaded attachment to the vehicle structure. The upper end portion provides a seat for a head of the fastener. The anti-rotation metal teeth are integrally molded with and extend radially outwardly from the cylindrical metal body between the inner and outer diameters and between the upper and lower end portions wherein the upper and lower end portions protect the teeth. A die-casting mold for forming the insert is also provided. |
| US08561738B2 |
Compound shutter system with independent and non-sequential operation
A compound shutter system includes a plurality of shutter assemblies. Each of the shutter assemblies has at least one louver operable to selectively open and close the respective shutter assembly. The compound shutter system additionally includes a mechanism operatively connected to each of the plurality of shutter assemblies. The mechanism is also configured to actuate each of the shutter assemblies independently and non-sequentially relative to each other. A vehicle employing the compound shutter system is also disclosed. |
| US08561734B2 |
Car, walking apparatus, and method of determining shape of wheel
A car having a rotatable wheel, the car being able to run by rotating the wheel, the car having a leg used by the car for walking, and an attitude stabilization section for stabilizing an attitude of the car. |
| US08561729B2 |
Casing bit and casing reamer designs
A casing end tool has a bowl-like (or cup-like) body defined by a wall having an outer convex surface and an inner concave surface opposite of the outer convex surface. The bowl-like body has a center axis. The inner concave surface is non-axisymmetric with respect to the center axis, while the outer convex surface is axisymmetric with respect to the center axis. The non-axisymmetric configuration is provided in one implementation through the presence of a set of raised boss or land structures formed on the inner concave surface. In another implementation, the non-axisymmetric configuration is provided by channels formed in the inner concave surface. |
| US08561722B2 |
Methods of controllably milling a window in a cased wellbore using a pressure differential to cause movement of a mill
A method of controllably milling a window in at least a portion of a cased wellbore comprises: interconnecting a mill advancing device and a mill; applying a pressure differential between the mill advancing device and the mill, wherein the application of the pressure differential causes a downward movement of the mill advancing device and the mill; and causing the mill to engage the at least a portion of the cased wellbore. |
| US08561720B2 |
Methods and systems for drilling
A method of steering a drill bit to form an opening in a subsurface formation, comprises a) determining a distance from design of a well, and b) determining an angle offset from design of the well wherein angle offset from design is the difference between the inclination and azimuth of the hole and the inclination and azimuth of plan, c) wherein at least one distance from design and at least one angle offset from design are determined in real time based, at least in part, on a position of the hole at the last survey, a position at a projected current location of the bit, and a projected position of the bit. |
| US08561719B1 |
Computerized boring system with bore head sensors
A computerized boring system provides real-time monitoring and control of a bore head during boring operations to prevent inadvertent damage to buried objects such as utility cables. A boring machine with a shaft, a bore head on an end of the shaft, and one or more proximity sensors for detecting underground target objects is controlled manually and by a computer control system in communication with the sensors, a programmable logic computer and/or electrical relay system providing control of rotational and longitudinal movement of the bore head in response to data generated by the sensors. |
| US08561718B2 |
System and method for the thermal conditioning of a fluid more particularly a drilling mud
A system for the thermal conditioning of a fluid, more particularly a drilling mud, in Preparation for subsequent cycles of analysis of the composition of the fluid. The system provides for the presence of at least one generator of microwaves for heating the fluid, and a cylinder of non-stick material. The fluid flows through the cylinder such that the heating of the mud takes place in less than 70 seconds. |
| US08561713B2 |
Soil aeration device
A movable soil aeration device with a machine frame, a main input shaft for connection to a drive, an output shaft, preferably a crankshaft, coupled to the main input shaft via a reduction gearing, in which the output shaft can move at least one piercing tool up and down, The piercing tool can be pushed into the soil and be pulled therefrom. Different transmission ratios can be set at the reduction gearing. |
| US08561711B2 |
Dispensing valve and method for dispensing a fluid under pressure
A dispensing valve apparatus and method for rapidly dispensing fluid from a fluid reservoir of a pressure vessel include a piston translatable within a cavity that closes a discharge passage opening the cavity when positioned in a first position and opens the discharge passage to fluid flow from the fluid reservoir when positioned in a second position. The piston may be rapidly repositioned from its position to its second position by venting a cavity disposed between the piston and an actuator cap by selectively opening a check valve to vent the pressure within the cavity to the discharge passage. |
| US08561707B2 |
Ultra-low friction coatings for drill stem assemblies
Provided are drill stem assemblies with ultra-low friction coatings for subterraneous drilling operations. In one form, the coated drill stem assemblies for subterraneous rotary drilling operations include a body assembly with an exposed outer surface including a drill string coupled to a bottom hole assembly, a coiled tubing coupled to a bottom hole assembly, or a casing string coupled to a bottom hole assembly and an ultra-low friction coating on at least a portion of the exposed outer surface of the body assembly, hardbanding on at least a portion of the exposed outer surface of the body assembly, an ultra-low friction coating on at least a portion of the hardbanding, wherein the ultra-low friction coating comprises one or more ultra-low friction layers, and one or more buttering layers interposed between the hardbanding and the ultra-low friction coating. The coated drill stem assemblies disclosed herein provide for reduced friction, vibration (stick-slip and torsional), abrasion, and wear during straight hole or directional drilling to allow for improved rates of penetration and enable ultra-extended reach drilling with existing top drives. |
| US08561704B2 |
Flow energy dissipation for downhole injection flow control devices
A well system can include a flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid from an interior of the device outwardly through an exit port, and a deflector which outwardly overlies the exit port and provides fluid communication between the exit port and an annulus formed radially between the deflector and a wellbore lining. The deflector can diffuse the flow of the fluid prior to impingement on the wellbore lining. A flow control assembly can include a flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid from an interior of the device outwardly through an exit port, and a deflector which outwardly overlies the exit port, the deflector including at least one opening, and the opening being circumferentially offset relative to the exit port. A form of an interior surface of the deflector and/or an exterior surface of the flow control device can diffuse the flow of the fluid. |
| US08561703B2 |
Compliant dart-style reverse-flow check valve
An apparatus usable with a well includes a gas lift valve having a check valve arrangement located between an annulus and a passageway of a tubing. The check valve arrangement is adapted to selectively allow fluid flow from the check valve arrangement from an inlet side of the check valve arrangement to an outlet side of the check valve arrangement, and is biased to prevent a leakage flow through the check valve arrangement from the outlet side to the inlet side. The check valve arrangement is defined by a valve element movable into and out of engagement with a valve seat wherein one of the valve element and the valve seat has a first sealing structure engageable with a second sealing structure on the other of the valve element and the valve seat. At least one of the first and second sealing surfaces include at least one pair of sealing members. |
| US08561694B2 |
Monitoring downhole production flow in an oil or gas
An apparatus monitors a production flow from a gravel pack into a tubular sand screen disposed concentrically around downhole production tubing in an oil or gas well. A tubular sample layer is disposed concentrically around the sand screen to be exposed to the radial production flow in use. The sample layer is electrically insulated from the production tubing in use. An erosion sensor provides a signal which varies in dependence upon an electrical resistance of the sample layer, which is related to the erosion of the sample layer. An apparatus also monitors a substantially longitudinal production flow through downhole production tubing in an oil or gas well. A method and apparatus are used to monitor the condition of a gravel pack within an oil or gas well. Other methods monitor temperature or pressure conditions within an oil or gas well. |
| US08561692B1 |
Downhole safety joint
A downhole safety joint for use in a wellbore is described. The downhole safety joint includes an upper tubular member having an upper threaded end and a lower external threaded section; a lower tubular member having a lower threaded end and an upper interior threaded section for engaging with the lower external threaded section to form a break joint, the break joint having one or more of a maximum compressive stress limit and a tensile stress limit; and one or more circumferential stress reliefs disposed into the outer diameter of at least one of the upper tubular member and the lower tubular member for transmitting a side load applied to the break joint to one or more of the circumferential stress reliefs less than one or more of the compressive stress limit and the tensile stress limit. |
| US08561689B2 |
Swellable downhole apparatus and support assembly
A downhole apparatus has a radially expanding portion comprising a swellable elastomeric material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid. A support assembly is operable to be deployed from a first retracted position to a second expanded condition. The support assembly comprises an inner surface arranged to face the radially expanding portion, and at least a portion of the inner surface is concave. The support assembly may be configured to direct a force from the swellable material to boost or energise a seal created between the radially expanding portion and a surrounding surface in use. |
| US08561685B2 |
Mobile hydraulic workover rig
A hydraulic workover rig including a base structure, a derrick extending from the base structure, a hydraulic lift cylinder connected to the upper end of the derrick, a lower slip assembly connected to the base structure, an upper slip assembly, and at least two snub cylinders connected to the base and the upper slip assembly. A distal end of a piston rod of the lift cylinder is connectable to a pipe string extendable through the upper and lower slip assemblies such that both a lifting force and a snubbing force may be applied simultaneously to the pipe string. |
| US08561684B2 |
Down-hole actuation device storage apparatus and method for launching
An apparatus for holding and launching down-hole actuation devices that has a body, a bottom end, a top end and a long bore between the ends. Moveable and protruding into the long bore are retainers upon which down-hole actuation devices may rest. Retainers are moved by a lockable hydraulic drive system. Additionally, a method for loading the apparatus with down-hole actuation devices and for launching said devices into a well bore is provided. |
| US08561682B2 |
Tube and heat exchanger using the same, and method of manufacturing tube
A tube for a heat exchanger is formed by bending a three-layer clad material of an aluminum alloy to have an overlapped portion. The three-layer clad material is formed by a core material layer containing Mg not smaller than 0.2 wt % after brazing, a brazing material layer on one surface of the core material layer, and a high melting-point material layer on the other surface of the core material layer. The brazing material layer has a thickness not smaller than 25 μm before the brazing, and has a melting point lower than 600° C. The high melting-point material layer has a melting point equal to or higher than 600° C. In addition, the brazing material layer and the high melting-point material layer opposite to each other in the overlapped portion are bonded by the brazing at a temperature not lower than 450° C. for a time within 12 minutes. |
| US08561681B2 |
Multiple flow heat exchanger
The invention relates to a multiple flow heat exchanger (1), especially a gas cooler, comprising at least two flows (2, 3) passable by a fluid (13) in opposite directions and which respectively comprise a group of parallel channels (4) provided with lamellae (5) positioned between the channels (4) in a sandwich-type manner. A deflecting pocket (6) is positioned on a first front side (1.1) of the heat exchanger (1), for reversing the direction of the fluid (13), and a fluid distributor (7) for a first flow (2) and a fluid collector (8) for a second flow (3) are arranged on a second opposing front side (1.2) of the heat exchanger (1). According to the invention, the adjacent channels (4.1), each with a different fluid temperature, for the adjacent flows (2, 3), are thermally decoupled from each other. |
| US08561680B2 |
Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger includes headers and tubes two ends of each of which are connected with and communicate the headers. Each of fins is disposed between adjacent tubes. An end cover is formed with a center hole and fixed to a proximal end of one of the headers. A distal end of a sleeve passes through the center hole to extend into the header, and a proximal end of the sleeve is held by a proximal end surface of the end cover. A first distribution-collection tube is fixed to the sleeve and defines an open proximal end and a closed distal end passing through the sleeve to extend into the header in which openings are formed along a longitudinal direction of the distribution-collection tube in a portion thereof extended into the header. A fixing nut is screwed onto the end cover to press the proximal end of the sleeve against the proximal end surface of the end cover. |
| US08561676B2 |
Cooler using cooling medium
A cooler (20) arranged in a PCU (12) is provided with a bottom plate (22), a top plate (28) and a shell (30) arranged between the bottom plate and the top plate. The shell (30) is provided with an inflow side pipe (32) and an outflow side pipe (34) for making a cooling medium flow inside. The bottom plate (22) is provided with fixing holes (36, 38) for fixing the cooler (20) at a suitable position in the PCU (12). Between the fixing hole (38) and the outflow side pipe (34), a notched section (42) is arranged on the bottom plate (22) to partially reduce rigidity so that the shell (30) does not break when an impulsive power is applied to the cooler (20). A notched section (40) may be arranged between the part where the fixing hole (36) is arranged and the inflow side pipe (32). |
| US08561674B2 |
Heat dissipation module and heat pipe thereof
A heat dissipation module includes a plurality of fins and a heat pipe connected with the fins. The heat pipe includes a body, which forms an enclosed space, and an inner ring. A wick structure is disposed on the inner surface of the body, and the inner ring is disposed in the enclosed space for increasing a structural strength of the heat pipe. The inner ring is pressed against the top and bottom of the body or in contact with the wick structure located at the top and the bottom of the body, respectively. The inner ring includes at least one opening located close to the top of the body for communicating inside and outside of the inner ring. |
| US08561671B2 |
Method and twin roll caster for the production of strip cast from a molten metal
A twin roll caster and method for producing strip cast from a molten metal using the twin roll caster. The twin roll caster has casting rolls which delimit a casting gap between them on its longitudinal sides and narrow sides sealed in each case by a side plate which is moved during the casting operation about an axis of oscillation in an oscillating manner. The inventive method and the twin roll caster enable the risk of operational disruptions from molten mass solidifying in the region of the side plate to be further minimized. This is achieved by changing the position of the axis of oscillation during the casting operation. |
| US08561667B1 |
Window treatment with knuckle joint driver
A window treatment, in which a shade is raised and lowered, is comprised of a roller upon which shade material is reeled and unreeled. A wand drives a universal joint, preferably a uniquely configured knuckle joint, and the universal joint drives a flexible shaft which is connected to the roller. Special shaping of the parts and slots of the U shape links of mating knuckles enables smooth and positive universal joint operation. A user may pull down on the wand, to bend the flexible shaft and bring the knuckles into alignment, whereupon turning of the wand rotates the roller. When the wand is released the resilience of the flexible shaft helps lift the driven knuckle so it is parallel to the horizontal roller, and the drive roller moves to a home position which inhibits counter-rotation of the roller due to the weight of the shade. |
| US08561665B2 |
Safety mechanism for top down bottom up shades
A window covering includes a first set of lift cords extending from a headrail to middle rail. The first set of lift cords is extendable between the headrail and the middle rail to a predetermined distance, which defines a lowermost position of the middle rail relative to the headrail. The first set of lift cords is also retractable to a wound position for defining an uppermost position of the middle rail. A second set of lift cords extends from the headrail to the bottom rail and is extendable from between the middle rail and bottom rail to define an extended position of window covering material. The predetermined distance that the first set of lift cords may extend is selected to help prevent children from becoming entangled in the first set of lift cords when the middle rail is lowered away from the headrail. |
| US08561664B2 |
Die bonder, pickup method, and pickup device
An object of the present invention is to provide a pickup device that can securely peel a die or to provide a reliable die bonder or a pickup method using the pickup device. To achieve the object, the present invention is provided with a characteristic that when a die to be peeled out of plural dies (semiconductor chips) applied to a dicing film is thrust up and is peeled from the dicing film, the dicing film in a predetermined part in a circumference of the die is thrust up and a peeling starting point is formed, the dicing film in a part except the predetermined part is thrust up, and the die is peeled from the dicing film. |
| US08561663B2 |
Packaging systems with adhesive seal modules
Apparatus, systems, devices, methods and computer program products configured to provide one or more of the following: improved rotary table or platform packaging systems, improved adhesive (glue) based film seal systems, and/or easier loading or releasing mounting systems of horns, forming collars and/or sprockets. |
| US08561656B2 |
Adaptable bench top filling system
A semi-automatic benchtop filling system that allows the user to switch between pump technologies while utilizing one base unit. The base unit is outfitted to accommodate peristaltic, lobe, gear, and piston pumps providing a maximum amount of flexibility and versatility in one unit. The base unit employs a computerized servo motor control system and docking hardware for driving any of the four different pump types. The system is designed to automate the filling of sample containers regardless of which pump is mounted by tare weighting, and the drive will adjust itself to dispense the correct weight. The pump drive includes appropriate reduction gearing and quick disconnect flexible couplings for each of the different pump types, a side-mounted adapter for connecting any of the peristaltic, gear and lobe pumps, and a separate piston drive assembly and dock-connector at the rear for a piston pump. The device includes a touch-screen interface with control software for user-setup, establishing different fill recipes, and run time. |
| US08561648B2 |
Flexible pipe having high resistance to axial compression and method of manufacturing such a pipe
A flexible pipe and a method of producing it. The pipe has two tubular structures, internal and external, and a tubular axial blocking layer. The tubular blocking layer comprises two section wires each having a trapezoidal cross section. The trapezoidal cross section defines a base and two sloping lateral flanks. The base of one of the two section wires is oriented toward the internal tubular structure. The base of the other section wire is oriented in the opposite direction. The section wires are wound side by side forming contiguous coils. The internal tubular structure includes a wire having a wound structure to form transversely blocked coils. One of the two section wires is wound against said structure coils. |
| US08561647B2 |
Safety and indicator apparatus systems and methods for high pressure conduits
A pressure-relieving safety assembly, comprising a sleeve and collar, protects against human injury and loss of life by blocking flow of fluid from a ruptured high pressure conduit and provides pressure relief for escaping fluid. This pressure-relieving assembly includes a sleeve that encircles the high-pressure line and is secured to, at one or both ends of the line, a coupling. The sleeve is secured to the coupling(s) by a collar having raised portions that provides a path for fluid that has escaped from the conduit at a burst or pin-hole failure location, to flow towards the ends of the conduit, indicating to the user that a conduit failure has occurred. The sleeve lowers the fluid velocity while the path provided by the collar prevents the fluid pressure from building up behind the sleeve. |
| US08561645B2 |
Two-shutter three-way valve
A three-way valve (1) with two flaps (5, 6) respectively positioned in two of the three paths (2, 3) of the valve and comprising means (7-12) for controlling and actuating the flaps (5, 6) to make them pivot from one to the other of two positions in which the paths (2, 3) are either open or closed. Single control means (7) are provided for both flaps (5, 6), and there are actuating means (9-12) designed to be controlled by the single control means (7) and to actuate the two flaps (5, 6) with a temporal phase shift. |
| US08561641B2 |
Underground storage tank
The present invention provides an underground tank having a vessel assembly and a generally spaced access assembly. That is, the access assembly includes a fuel line, a withdrawal line, and a dome assembly. The fuel line and the withdrawal line have a first end disposed outside the vessel assembly and a second end disposed adjacent to or within the vessel assembly. The first end extends upwardly from the vessel assembly toward the ground surface. The dome assembly is coupled adjacent to the fuel and withdrawal line first end. As such, the vessel assembly may be buried at any depth as the fuel and withdrawal lines may have any length. |
| US08561640B2 |
Latching check valve
A hydraulic valve including an inlet port for receiving a pressurized hydraulic fluid and an outlet port for expelling the hydraulic fluid. The valve also includes a displaceable spool for blocking and unblocking a flow path between the inlet and outlet ports, and a latching mechanism for displacing the spool in response to a pressure surge for the hydraulic fluid. The valve includes a first elastic element and a second elastic element, where the first elastic element urges the spool into a position blocking the flow path and the second elastic element urges the latching mechanism to displace the spool into a position out of the flow path. In an unlatched position of the latching mechanism, force from the second elastic element is transferred to the spool, and in a latched position of the latching mechanism, the spool is isolated from the second elastic element. |
| US08561637B2 |
Vent valve
A valve includes a housing configured to interengage with a container, a first and second poppets axially movable between open and closed positions, a first seal between the first poppet and the housing, a second seal between the first poppet and the second poppet, and first and second resilient members disposed within the housing and urging the first and second poppets toward the closed position. |
| US08561634B2 |
System and method for decreasing VOC in crude oil tanker
A system for decreasing volatile organic compounds (VOC) in a crude oil tanker includes: a supply pipe horizontally installed over a crude oil storage tank of the crude oil tanker and having an end connected to a crude oil storage tank on land; a load pipe vertically connected to a bottom surface of the supply pipe, vertically passing through the crude oil storage tank of the crude oil tanker, and communicating with a lower part of the crude oil storage tank; a distribution pipe horizontally connected to a lower end of the load pipe; and a pressure control unit installed at a lower end portion of the load pipe. |
| US08561621B2 |
Hair coloring agent applicator
The present invention relates to an applicator (1) having an applicator element (8) for applying a product, conveyed to the application zone (5) from a separate reservoir, onto a strand of hair or of fibers comparable therewith, and having a strand gripper (12) movable back and forth between a closed position and a opened position. A strand gripper (12) of this kind serves to select and subsequently guide the hair or strands during actual product application. For improved guidance of the hair or strands during product application, the strand gripper (12) comprises a guidance surface (13) that, with the gripper (12) in the closed position, entirely overlaps the application zone (5) and holds the strand in contact with the application zone (5), by preference presses it onto the application zone (5). |
| US08561617B2 |
Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
A method of treating obstructive sleep apnea includes providing an elongated element having a central buttress area and first and second arms extending from opposite ends of the central buttress area. The method includes implanting the central buttress area in a tongue so that a longitudinal axis of the central buttress area intersects an anterior-posterior axis of the tongue. The first and second arms are advanced through the tongue until the first and second arms engage inframandibular musculature. Tension is applied to the first and second arms for pulling the central buttress area toward the inframandibular musculature for moving a posterior surface of the tongue away from an opposing surface of a pharyngeal wall. The first and second arms are anchored to the inframandibular musculature for maintaining a space between the posterior surface of the tongue and the opposing surface of the pharyngeal wall. |
| US08561611B2 |
Respiratory device measurement system
A gas delivery system including a pressure generator, a pressure sensor, a control valve, and a processor. The pressure generator pressurizes breathable gas for delivery to a patient. The pressure sensor measures a pressure difference between the pressurized breathable gas and atmospheric pressure. The control valve is disposed downstream from the pressure generator and is constructed and arranged to control a flow rate of the pressurized breathable gas. The processor controls the control valve to bring the flow rate of the pressurized breathable gas to substantially zero while the pressure generator is operating and, when the flow rate is substantially zero, determines at least one of atmospheric pressure, an atmospheric air density, or a density correction factor based at least in part on the pressure difference between the pressurized breathable gas and the atmospheric pressure. |
| US08561608B2 |
Fluid product inhaler with device for opening reservoir containing fluid product
An inhaler device having an opening device for opening an individual reservoir containing a single dose of fluid, such as powder, the reservoir including a closure wall, the opening device having hollow perforator mechanism that is adapted to perforate the closure wall of the reservoir, the hollow perforator mechanism being connected to an expulsion channel so as to transport the powder towards a dispenser orifice of the inhaler. The opening device includes at least one air channel connected to the expulsion channel, such that during inhalation, an air flow passing through the at least one air channel mixes, in the expulsion channel, with the air and powder flow leaving the reservoir through the hollow perforator mechanism. The air channel is formed by a through hole made in a wall of the perforator mechanism, the through hole being oriented substantially parallel to the expulsion channel. |
| US08561604B2 |
Liquid dispensing apparatus and methods
The invention provides methods and apparatus for nebulizing liquids. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a thin shell member having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of apertures extending therebetween. The apertures are tapered to narrow from the rear surface to the front surface. A liquid supplier is further provided which delivers a predetermined unit volume of liquid to the rear surface. A vibrator vibrates the thin shell member to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the thin shell member. |
| US08561599B2 |
EGR distributor apparatus for dedicated EGR configuration
The present disclosure relates to methods, apparatuses and systems to manage exhaust gas expelled from an internal combustion engine. More particularly, the present disclosure provides an exhaust gas recirculation apparatus to distribute recirculated exhaust gas in an air stream to be introduced to an internal combustion engine, with the apparatus comprising an intake passage defined by a wall structure, the wall structure including a plurality of apertures therein configured to distribute recirculated exhaust gas into the intake passage. |
| US08561597B2 |
Flange for fuel pump module and manufacturing method thereof
A flange for a fuel pump module and a manufacturing method thereof, in which the passage communicating a first valve seat with a second valve seat in the flange can be easily and simply formed by inserting a passage forming piece in a mold without requiring an additional process during an injection-molding process of manufacturing the flange. |
| US08561596B2 |
Low fuel engine restarting
A fuel system includes a fuel tank, a fill neck through which fuel enters the tank, a fuel pump module located in the fuel tank, and a fuel retention component including a lower surface on which the fuel pump module is supported, first and second walls enclosing the lower surface, and a ramp directed from the fill neck toward the lower surface enclosed by the walls. |
| US08561593B2 |
Range of engines using common rail fuel system with pump and rail assemblies having common components
A pump and rail assembly includes a plurality of quills that are compressed between quill seats on a pump and an output rail. A rail pressure control valve and a rail pressure sensor are attached to respective ends of the output rail. An inlet throttle valve is attached to a housing of the pump and rail assembly. Depending upon the application, the output rail may supply fuel to a first injection bank that includes a plurality of fuel injectors in a first common rail, and a second fuel injection bank that includes a second common rail and a plurality of fuel injectors. Different engines having different numbers of cylinders may use similar pump and rail assemblies that each include a plurality of quills, a plurality of pumping elements positioned in a pump housing and an output rail. The quills for each of the different engine applications are interchangeable but differ in number. In addition, the pumping elements of each of the different engine applications are also interchangeable but differ in number. |
| US08561586B2 |
Rocker arm unit and method of assembling rocker arm unit
A rocker arm unit which constitutes a valve gear of an internal combustion engine, includes a lash adjuster including a cylindrical body and a plunger formed into a cylindrical shape and accommodated in the body, a rocker arm extending in a direction perpendicular to a vertical direction, and a clip configured to be fixed to an upper end of the body and formed with a retainer having a retaining portion which is configured to be swaged onto an inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the body. The clip has an extension extending integrally from the retainer. The extension has an upper end engaged with the rocker arm to prevent the rocker arm from falling off the lash adjuster. The retaining portion is configured to abut against the stepped portion of the plunger from above to prevent the plunger from coming off upwardly out of the body. |
| US08561585B2 |
Rocker arm unit
A rocker arm unit constituting a valve gear includes a support member, a rocker arm including a roller and walls opposed to each other with the roller being interposed between them and a wire member bridging the support member side and the rocker arm side with each other. The walls have shaft holes into which both ends of a shaft member rotatably supporting the roller extend respectively. The walls have lengthwise ends connected to each other via a receiving portion supported on a top of the support member so that the rocker arm is swung. The wire member has an extending portion extending from the support member side to the rocker arm side and having a distal end. The rocker arm side includes a part located away from the receiving portion. The distal end of the extending portion serves as an engagement portion engaging the rocker arm side part. |
| US08561584B2 |
Cam phaser centrally located along concentric camshafts
A camshaft assembly for extending duration of a valve event including a hollow outer shaft, an inner shaft received within the hollow outer shaft, a plurality of cam lobes, and a phaser located between the plurality of cam lobes approximately in the middle of the inner and outer shaft. |
| US08561582B2 |
Device for variably adjusting the valve timing of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine
A device for variably adjusting the valve timing of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine which has an input element, an output element and a camshaft. The input element can be brought in a driving connection with the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The output element is non-rotationally connected to the camshaft and swivelable in relation to the input element. An axial lateral face of the camshaft rests against an axial lateral face of the output element. A form-locking element on one of the axial lateral faces resting against each other aligns the output element on the camshaft with respect to its circumferential direction and engages in a mating form-locking element of the other component. |
| US08561569B2 |
Method for coating the inner walls of pipes and device suitable therefor
A combined heating and cooling device for coating the inner walls of pipes may include heating areas and cooling areas. This device can be guided along the pipe to be coated, wherein a fluid containing the coating active agent is supplied to the interior of the pipe. The combined heating and cooling treatment for the pipe supports the process of coating formation. The cooling process is subject to a desired profile by the use of the cooling area and is not determined by chance. |
| US08561565B2 |
Anchors for mooring of objects in a marine environment
An anchor for mooring of objects in a marine environment for floating vessels, floating, grounded structures etc, which is resistant to hooking or snagging on underwater objects, such as pipelines The anchor comprises a fluke and a shank, and embeds itself into the seafloor when tension is applied to a line connected to the anchor In either a side or top profile view, the shape of the anchor presents a profile which does not have a hook shape, and therefore tends to nde over and slide off of, rather than hook onto, underwater obstructions that the anchor may be dragged over Embodiments disclosed include an anchor having a shank rigidly fixed to the fluke, and one in which the shank is rotatably connected to the fluke An elastic member, which may be a coil spring, biases the shank toward a relatively closed position with respect to the fluke. |
| US08561556B2 |
Combustion installation with CO2 recovery
An installation for combustion (1) of carbon-containing solids includes an oxide reducing reactor (2), a first cyclone (5), a recuperator (6), an oxidation reactor (3), a second cyclone (4), wherein flows an oxide which is reduced then oxidized in each of the two reactors (2 and 3). In the installation, the fuel is ground before being introduced into the reduction reactor (3). The reduced size of the solid fuel particles enables more complete and faster combustion and enables almost 100% production of fly ashes which are separated from the circulating oxides. |
| US08561554B2 |
Burner structure
To provide a burner structure in which a burner is capable of highly precisely controlling the flow rate of the air for combustion within itself. An air flow passage (11) in a wind box (12) for injecting the air for combustion into a furnace (1) has a bent portion (13) just before joining with the furnace, and one or a plurality of guide vanes (14) are provided in the air flow passage (11) in the bent portion (13), and also in the bent portion (13), a drift control damper (16) is provided for varying the ratio of flow passage resistances of each of the air flow passages (11) divided by the guide vanes (14). |
| US08561551B2 |
Television support and mounting kit
A panel television support and mounting kit allows the consumer to employ any of the three modes of support, namely stand mount, elevated console mount and wall mount. The elevated console mount incorporates a vertical spine to elevate the panel television above the console and an offset arm to support the television over an upper shelf of the console. A mounting structure is provided that can be attached to the spine or to a wall. |
| US08561548B2 |
Journal box rubber pad and bogie
The present invention provides an journal box rubber pad and a bogie, wherein the journal box rubber pad comprises a glue-injection hole and a conductive mechanism: the glue-injection hole comprises a cavity formed in a rubber layer, a first hole formed on an upper wear liner and a second hole formed on a lower wear liner. The cavity, the first hole and the second hole are communicated with each other; the conductive mechanism is placed internally in the glue-injection hole; the two ends of the conductive mechanism pass through the first hole and the second hole respectively and be in contact with two conducted apparatuses. The journal box rubber pad and the bogie of the present invention have the advantages that: the journal box rubber boxes not only can overcome the disadvantages that the upper and the lower wear liners are easy to be abraded and have poor contact with a bogie side frame and an adapter because of the requirements of high manufacturing accuracy but also can realize conductive function. |
| US08561541B2 |
Propellant charge body
A propellant charge body for insertion into a propellant charge chamber in a firearm for firing caseless ammunition has a base body which contains a propellant charge. The diameter of the base body is less than the internal diameter of the propellant charge chamber. Radial projections are formed in one or more subareas on the circumference of the base body and match the radius of the base body in these subareas to the internal radius of the propellant charge chamber. |
| US08561540B1 |
Rotating thumb safety fuze for a hand grenade and related methods of operation and assembly
A safety fuze for use with a canister, includes a body, a lever that is rotatably secured to one end of the body, a striker assembly that is rotatably secured to another end of the body, and a thumb switch assembly that includes a target and that is rotatably secured to the body. The safety fuze is selectively armed and disarmed. It is settable in one or four states: a safe-locked state; a safe-unlocked state; an armed state; and an initiation state. |
| US08561537B2 |
Apparatus for the automatic determination of presetting values for inking zone setting elements of an inking unit of a press
At least one mark is integrated into an image data set from a prepress stage, and the mark is scanned in order to automatically determine a region or an extract of the image data set which is relevant to the determination of zonal area coverage values. Zonal area coverage values for a print are determined from the region or extract, and presetting values for the inking zone setting elements are determined from the zonal area coverage values. |
| US08561535B2 |
Method of screen printing on 3D glass articles
A method of screen printing on 3D glass articles includes providing a 3D glass article having a first 3D surface with a first surface profile and a second 3D surface with a second surface profile, the first 3D surface and the second 3D surface being separated by a thickness of glass. The method includes providing a fixture having a 3D fixture surface with a fixture surface profile matching the second surface profile. The method includes providing a screen having a design, a squeegee, and an ink. The 3D glass article is supported on the fixture by mating the second 3D surface with the 3D fixture surface. The screen is positioned at a plane a distance above the first 3D surface. The ink is deposited on the screen. The squeegee is positioned at a selected orientation relative to the plane. The ink is pushed through the screen onto the first 3D surface by simultaneously contacting the squeegee with the screen, traversing the squeegee in a linear direction, maintaining the orientation of the squeegee relative to the plane, locally deflecting the screen from the plane to the first 3D surface, and locally conforming the screen to the first surface profile. |
| US08561532B2 |
Stuffing device
The invention relates to an agricultural piston bale press. This press includes a pressing piston arranged in a bale chamber, an intake device to take in crop material, and a stuffing device, wherein the stuffing device includes a feed passage and a stuffing mechanism, the stuffing mechanism includes an arm supporting tines, wherein said arm is movable by a first driving device to at least move the tines in and out of the feed passage and wherein said arm is pivotably supported by a fulcrum, the fulcrum being displaceable to selectively move the arm along the stuffing trajectory or load trajectory. The stuffing device includes a second driving device to displace the fulcrum, and in that the second driving device is mechanically independent of the main driving mechanism. |
| US08561529B2 |
Food slicer and container
In one aspect of the invention, a container for displaying, preparing and presenting food including a base having an integrated cutter having a plurality of blades and a central hub and a cover removably attached to the base for displaying the food prior to use and for storing the food during and after cutting, the cover having indentations to receive the central hub and possibly the blades to enhance the depth of cutting by the cutter through the food. The base and cover have side walls dimensioned so that the cover interfaces with the base after driving. |
| US08561527B2 |
Tortilla toaster
The present invention discloses a cooking apparatus having a pan with a sidewall, a bottom wall and a grill top. The bottom wall has a top surface and a bottom surface, with the bottom surface facing a heating source and the top surface facing an air space. A grill covering is disposed on top of the sidewall, with the air space forming between the grill covering and the top surface of the bottom wall. The sidewall also contains at least one handle. |
| US08561526B2 |
Bread-toaster
A bread toaster includes an outer cover, a toaster base, a toaster frame mounted on the toaster base, a first sliding member slidably provided on a predetermined side of the toaster frame, a second sliding member also provided on the same predetermined side of the toaster frame, a front supporting frame and a rear supporting frame provided at a front side and a rear side of the toaster frame respectively, a lid arrangement, and a control circuitry, wherein the lid arrangement is arranged to be operated between a closed position and an opened position for closing and opening the toasting slots of the bread toaster. |
| US08561524B2 |
Beverage brewing device
The beverage brewing device is configured for use with a beverage brewer having an inlet probe for dispensing water and an outlet probe. The beverage brewing device includes a body defining a brew chamber configured to contain a dry beverage medium and at least one outlet probe receptacle defined in the body and extending upwardly from a bottom surface of the body. The at least one outlet probe receptacle is sized and configured to receive an outlet probe of a beverage brewer. A lid is removably securable to the body and is engageable with the body to selectively enclose a top opening of the body. An inlet probe opening is defined in the lid for receiving an inlet probe of the beverage brewer. At least one filter is defined within in the body, wherein the filter is configured to retain a dry beverage medium within the brew chamber while allowing a brewed beverage to pass through the brew chamber. |
| US08561522B2 |
Hydraulic cylinder
A hydraulic cylinder includes a piston unit inside a cylinder to be free to slide within the cylinder; and a piston rod having the piston unit fixed to one end thereof and another end thereof projecting from the cylinder. The piston unit is inserted into a small diameter portion of the piston rod with an end surface thereof fixedly contacting a shoulder end surface of the piston rod. A round portion is formed as an annular concave in a base end portion outer periphery of the small diameter portion of the piston rod. A tapered portion is formed on an inner periphery of the piston unit from the end surface in alignment with a portion formed by concaving the small diameter portion. A length of the tapered portion in a piston unit axial direction is equal or greater than a length of the concave portion in a piston rod axial direction. |
| US08561521B2 |
Linear compressor
There is provided a linear compressor, which can reduce parts production costs and simplify a part installation process by decreasing the number of main springs. The linear compressor comprises: a cylinder providing a space for compressing a refrigerant; a piston linearly reciprocating inside the cylinder to compress the refrigerant; an inner stator; an outer stator; a permanent magnet connected to the piston and linearly reciprocating between the inner stator and the outer stator; a supporter piston connected to the piston, at least part thereof being extended in a radial direction of the piston; a plurality of front main springs positioned on the same axis as the piston, one ends of which being supported by the supporter piston; and one rear main spring positioned on the opposite side of the piston, one end of which being supported by the supporter piston. |
| US08561519B2 |
Multi-weapons system
A multi-weapons system comprising: an active defense system (ADS) comprising a mortar launch tube mounted on a support base-plate rotatable 360 degrees; a weapons system comprising a machine gun mounted alongside the active defense system (ADS) on the support base, a motor with mechanism to rotate the support base-plate with the active defense system (ADS) 360 degrees, drive means to adjust the power capacity of the motor between that required for the active defense system and that required for the machine gun, control means to rotate and adjust the elevation of the launch tube and adjust the directional movement of the machine gun, computer and electronic means to automatically rotate and fire the active defense system display and control means to manually operate the machine gun, control means to override the manual operation of the machine gun and prevent its firing when the active defense system is automatically activated. |
| US08561518B2 |
Integrated laser range finder and sighting assembly for grenade launcher and method therefor
An integrated laser range finder and sighting assembly includes a range finder for determining a distance to a target and an onboard ballistics computer for calculating a trajectory and automatically rotating a pointing laser to the proper angle for aligning with the target for lobbing of a grenade. |
| US08561516B2 |
System and method for non-lethal vehicle restraint
An undercarriage immobilization device and method of restraining a vehicle uses tendrils and straps to engage the vehicle. The tendrils and straps will wrap around moving parts of the vehicle and restrain the moving parts to eventually incapacitate the vehicle. The undercarriage immobilization device includes a housing that contains tendrils that are launched from the housing by a propellant or compressed gas. The tendrils may be attached to the straps carried by the undercarriage immobilization device. Straps may be pulled off the housing leaving the housing near the point of deployment. |
| US08561510B1 |
Adjustable foam insertion machine
An adjustable foam insertion machine capable of inserting foam spacers of a user desired length into channels of cabinetry frames or other types of channels. The apparatus has a frame, a foam material feed, a foam material cutter assembly, a foam material holder, a foam material inserter, and a controller which controls and coordinates the operation of the aforesaid. The apparatus utilizes rolls of foam material, cuts them to a user desired length of foam spacer, and inserts the foam spacers pursuant to a user input. The apparatus is capable of quick, safe, and repeated foam spacer insertion without the requirement of a user feeding or utilizing pre-cut spacers or inserts. |
| US08561507B2 |
Screwdriver
A screwdriver contains a front part including a connector and a number of ribs, between each two ribs being defined a chamber; a middle part including a central block and a plurality of extending wings, the central block including an orifice, each extending wing including a slot; a rear part including a cover, a shaft, and a plurality of pegs; a plurality of seats axially connected between the two extending wings and the two pegs and located at the chamber of the front part, and each seat being moved between a storing position and an operating position by an external force; a number of bits, each including one end to be inserted into the seat when the screwdriver is operated, the seat is moved toward an operating positions so that another end of the seats extends out of the chamber of the front part to take out a desired bit. |
| US08561502B2 |
Dual drive pump system with one way clutches
A dual drive pump system for rear wheel or front wheel drive automatic transmission in a motor vehicle includes a dual drive pump disposed off-axis of the transmission input shaft axis and driven by a gear train driven by a hub. The dual drive pump is also driven by a gear train driven by an auxiliary motor. Torque multiplication through the gear train allows the dual drive pump to have a smaller displacement while still providing the hydraulic pressure needs of the transmission. Each gear train is connected to the dual drive pump via back-to-back one way clutches (OWC). The dual drive pump may be driven by either an engine or the auxiliary motor depending on the operating conditions of the motor vehicle. |
| US08561501B2 |
Gearbox mount bracket
A bracket for attaching a gearbox to an engine casing has a first portion having a first array of openings for receiving attachments therethrough, the first portion having, on a backside thereof, a first rail for engaging a slot in the engine casing, and a second portion having a second array of openings for receiving attachments therethrough. A hookup for attaching to the gearbox attaches to and in between the first portion and the second portion for diminishing effects of radial rotation between the casing and the gearbox. |
| US08561497B2 |
Wrist assembly for robotic arm
A wrist assembly (311) for a robotic arm or other mechanical device is provided. The wrist assembly comprises a first arm (313) which terminates in a first radius (317), a second arm (315) which terminates in a second radius (319), and a first band (331) that is devoid of weld joints and the extends around a portion of each of said first and second radii. |
| US08561493B2 |
Automated multi-group transmission of a motor vehicle and method for operating an automated multi-group transmission
An automated multi-group transmission of a motor vehicle comprises at least two gearing groups successively disposed in a power flow of a drive train, a clutch assembly having at least one start-up clutch, by which a connection can be established between a drive shaft of a drive motor and a transmission input shaft associated with a first gearing group, a shifting device, by which a connection can be established between the transmission input shaft and a transmission main shaft associated with a second gearing group, whereby the transmission main shaft is designed as a transmission output shaft or is at least functionally connected to a transmission output shaft, and a structure by which the tractive force gear shifting can be carried out. |
| US08561491B2 |
Electric actuator
In an electric actuator, a first bore portion in which a driving section is accommodated, and a second bore portion that extends in parallel with the first bore portion and in which a feed screw of a drive force transmission mechanism is inserted, are provided in the interior of an elongate body. Further, a rotary drive source of the driving section and the feed screw are connected through the drive force transmission mechanism. In addition, a drive force of the rotary drive source is transmitted to the feed screw through the drive force transmission mechanism for displacing a slider disposed on an upper portion of the body along an axial direction. |
| US08561489B2 |
Aircraft skin panel with ultrasonic gauge
An aircraft panel which is a wall of a fluid tank when in use, the panel comprising a skin layer with an outer surface which is an aerodynamic surface of an aircraft when in use; a hole in the skin layer; an ultrasonic gauge which is mounted to an inner surface of the skin layer adjacent to the hole in the skin layer; and an access panel which covers the hole and can be removed to gain access to the gauge. |
| US08561485B2 |
Hand-held pipetting device
The invention relates to a hand-held pipetting device (11) with a housing (13) and a pipette receptacle (23) on the housing (13) for a replaceable pipette (24). The pipette (24) is received with its first end in the pipette receptacle (23) and has a tip (26) as a second end. Furthermore, the hand-held pipetting device (11) has a negative pressure source for aspirating a liquid, an overpressure source for dispensing an aspirated liquid, and an air line which connects the negative pressure source and overpressure source with the pipette receptacle. A valve system, which is at least partially electrically controllable, is arranged within the air line and is controlled by an aspirating button (17) provided on the housing and by an dispensing button (19). A light source (37) is provided on the housing (13) at a short distance to the longitudinal axis (31) of the pipette receptacle (23). On the light source, an optical system is provided which generates a light cone (38) from the light beams going out of the light source. |
| US08561481B2 |
Stator assembly and torque measuring device
Disclosed are a stator assembly and a torque assembly device. The stator assembly includes a stator holder, a first stator which includes a first body making contact with an upper end of the stator holder and a plurality of first teeth extending from the first body so as to be disposed inside the stator holder, a second stator which includes a second body making contact with a lower end of the stator holder and a plurality of second teeth extending from the second body so to be alternately aligned with the first teeth inside the stator holder, and a fusion-welded material that is fusion-welded to the stator holder and the first and second bodies. |
| US08561479B2 |
Coriolis flow sensor
A Coriolis flow sensor including a loop-shaped Coriolis tube mounted in a housing with two ends lying next to one another, the ends being fixed in a fixation element, while the portion of the tube located between the ends lies free from the housing, which flow sensor includes an excitation element for causing the tube to oscillate about an excitation axis as well as a detection element for detecting displacements of portions of the tube during operation. The tube is connected through the fixation element to a balancing member, the assembly of the balancing member and the tube being resiliently arranged with respect to the housing, while the excitation element are arranged to rotate the tube and the balancing member with counter-phase about the excitation axis. |
| US08561478B2 |
Rotating fluid measurement device and method
Fluid flow measurement device and method. In one embodiment, a tool comprises a rotating arm with a sensor pad to measure fluid flow into or out of the casing wall. The arm maintains the sensor pad in close proximity to the casing inner wall. The tool diameter is variable to allow the tool to traverse variable diameter casings and pass obstacles. The sensor pad comprises flow channels to direct the flow of fluid by electromagnetic sensors configured to detect conductive fluid flow. |
| US08561475B2 |
Method and apparatus for investigating mechanical properties of soft materials
A method and apparatus for investigating subsurface properties of sediment, soil, snow, food stuff and other soft materials incorporates a probe head, preferably in the form of a coil spring that functions as a screw thread, which moves into the soil, snow, sediment, food stuff or other soft material, isolates a column of the material and applies tension to that column while measuring the applied force with a force sensor. |
| US08561470B2 |
Apparatus and method for eliminating varying pressure fluctuations in a pressure transducer
A single pressure sensing capsule has a reference pressure ported to the rear side of a silicon sensing die. The front side of the silicon sensing die receives a main pressure at another port. The difference between the main and reference pressure results in the sensor providing an differential pressure output. The reference pressure or main pressure may be derived from a pump pressure which is being monitored. The pump pressure output is subjected to a pump ripple or a sinusoidally varying pressure. In order to compensate for pump ripple, a coiled tube or an adjustable dampening chamber comprising a spiral inlet tube and a volume cavity can be used. The tube length is selected to suppress the pump ripple as applied to the sensor die. In this manner, the pump ripple cannot cause resonance which would result in pressure amplification and which pressure amplification would destroy the sensor. |
| US08561469B2 |
Three-dimensional mechanical ultrasonic probe
A three-dimensional mechanical ultrasound probe includes a base; a transducer for emitting an ultrasonic signal; a driven wheel with a hole, the driven wheel being connected to the transducer, the transducer being swung by the driven wheel; a motor fixed on the base; and a transmission system connected to the motor and a first rope, the transmission system being driven by the motor, the first rope being driven by the transmission system, wherein the first rope is connected to the transmission system and a rope adjusting dowel; and wherein the adjusting dowel is pivotably inserted into the hole of the driven wheel. |
| US08561467B2 |
Angular velocity sensor element, angular velocity sensor and angular velocity sensor unit both using angular velocity sensor element, and signal detecting method for angular velocity sensor unit
The angular velocity sensor of the present invention has one end connected to holding section and the other end connected to weighting section. According to the angular velocity sensor, driving arm has a dog-leg structure of arms extending in a direction perpendicular to a connecting direction of holding section and weighting section. |
| US08561466B2 |
Vibratory gyro bias error cancellation using mode reversal
The method and apparatus in one embodiment may have: providing a two-dimensional oscillator having a beam containing two principal elastic axes and two principal damping axes; driving the beam with drive components to oscillate across corners of the beam at approximately 45 degrees to sides of the beam, the drive components having forcer components that provide drive and pickoff components that provide feedback; and oscillating the beam in a normal mode and a reverse mode. |
| US08561461B2 |
Calorimetric flow meter having high heat conductivity strips
A flow meter includes a heater for heating a fluid flow along a membrane. A temperature difference is measured between and upstream point and a downstream point. There are additionally provided one or more strips of material having a relatively high heat conductivity. Strips that are substantially perpendicular to the flow direction direct heat from the heater to the sides of the membrane, causing a large proportion of the heat that would otherwise drive heat flows to be dispersed and decreases inaccuracies or bias in the measured flow rate. Strips of material that are provided parallel to the flow direction act to direct heat from the heater along the direction of flow. This increases the proportion of heat that flows along this axis and guides the flow and hence reduces the proportion of heat available to drive heat flows that cause inaccuracies and bias in the measured flow rates. |
| US08561456B2 |
Fluid detection with a spectrometer-on-a-chip
A liquid detection device for detecting liquid at a location on a structure includes a nanoscale spectrometer-on-a chip, and a fluid-absorptive element for absorbing liquid at the location and also securing the chip to the structure. Fluid absorbed by the element is analyzed by the spectrometer. |
| US08561451B2 |
Tubes and method and apparatus for producing tubes
A system and method for producing flat tubes is described and illustrated. The flat tubes can be produced from at least one strip of endless band material having at least one wall part and an inner part formed with corrugations on a roller train provided with roller pairs, with the strip running in a longitudinal direction through the rollers and being shaped. The inner part of the flat tube can be formed with corrugations placed between the shaped wall parts, after which the closure of the flat tube is carried out. Production of the flat tubes can include forming spaced apart band thinning lines running in the longitudinal direction of the strip, and forming corrugation peaks and corrugation troughs at the band thinning lines. |
| US08561449B2 |
Bending apparatus for rod-shaped workpieces
In a bending apparatus for rod-shaped workpieces, comprising a machine frame to which a bending head with bending tools is attached, which bending head is movable relative to the frame, further a feed device upstream of the bending head for feeding the workpieces to the same, and a cutting device which can be displaced in the direction of feed of the workpieces and can be applied between bending head and feed device to the respective workpiece for cutting the same, the feed device can also be displaced in the direction of feed of the workpiece in addition to the cutting device, which occurs independent of the displacement of the cutting device. |
| US08561445B2 |
Rounding system and method used in the manufacture of wind towers
A can rounding system and method that uses arms that are able to maintain cans in a concentric arrangement during the welding process. The arms enable the can rounding system to maintain the concentric positions in order to achieve improved circular dimensions and increase the overall efficiency in the construction of cylindrical and conical structures, such as wind towers. |
| US08561444B2 |
Programmable cylinder lock having a high number of combinations
A programmable cylinder lock includes a stator and a cylindrical rotor, mounted therein for rotation around its own axis and having a keyhole, a number of key followers movable along their own longitudinal and transversal directions, intended to cooperate with a key inserted into the keyhole, a number of locking pins movable along their own longitudinal direction, the key followers and locking pins forming together a number of pairs and having toothings cooperating to define the lock codification, the rotor including a stop bar cooperating with a longitudinal groove of the stator and having projections cooperating with notches of the locking pins to immobilize them when the stop bar engages them, and a change bar slidingly coupled with the key followers to normally keep them engaged with the locking pins and to disengage them therefrom when the change bar provides a lock programming position. |
| US08561442B2 |
Steering shaft lock actuator
A steering shaft lock actuator may include a motor having an output shaft, a drive train, and a lost motion device. The drive train may be coupled to the output shaft and may linearly urge a locking member to an unlocked position when the motor is energized. The lost motion device may be configured to store energy when the locking member is in the unlocked position and utilize the stored energy to drive the locking member toward a locked position with a steering shaft when the motor is de-energized. |
| US08561436B2 |
Direct driving auxiliary yarn guide apparatus for flat knitting machines
A direct driving auxiliary yarn guide apparatus for a flat knitting machine which includes a chassis, a needle bar on the chassis, a slide track above the needle bar, a yarn feeder slidably mounted onto the slide track and a yarn delivery device. The auxiliary yarn guide apparatus includes a motor located on the chassis that is coupled with a spindle and a plurality of yarn guide wheels mounted on the spindle. The motor drives the spindle and the yarn guide wheels spinning to guide yarns via the yarn delivery device to the yarn feeder to be knitted through the needle bar. Thereby yarn guiding stability improves and quality of knitting products also is enhanced. |
| US08561433B2 |
Device and method for repairing a knitted article
The present application describes a device and method for repairing dropped stitches and for correcting errors in previously knitted rows in a knitted article. The knitting repair tool of the present invention comprises a first hook and a second hook at opposite ends of a relatively short elongated shaft for recovering a first stitch and for recovering a second stitch in a knitted article, wherein the second stitch is recovered after the first stitch has been recovered, without releasing the recovered first stitch from the knitting repair tool. The present invention describes various methods for repairing dropped stitches in a knitted article wherein a first dropped stitch that is recovered is not released prior to recovering a second dropped stitch. |
| US08561427B2 |
Multi-slab multichannel heat exchanger
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems and multi-slab heat exchangers are provided that include fluid connections for transmitting fluid between groups of tubes. The fluid connections may include generally tubular members fluidly connected to manifold sections. The fluid connections also may include partitioned manifolds containing tubes of different heights. Multichannel tubes are also provided that include a bent section configured to locate a flow path near a leading edge of a tube within one section and near a trailing edge of the tube within another section. |
| US08561425B2 |
Refrigerant vapor compression system with dual economizer circuits
A refrigerant vapor compression system includes a flash tank economizer and a refrigerant-to-refrigerant heat exchanger economizer disposed in series refrigerant flow relationship in the refrigerant circuit intermediate a refrigerant heat rejection heat exchanger and a refrigerant heat absorption heat exchanger. A primary expansion valve disposed in the refrigerant circuit in operative association with and upstream of the refrigerant heat absorption heat exchanger and an economizer expansion valve disposed in the refrigerant circuit in operative association and upstream of the flash tank economizer provide a two-step expansion process for expanding refrigerant passing through the refrigerant circuit from the refrigerant heat rejection heat exchanger to the refrigerant heat absorption heat exchanger. |
| US08561423B2 |
Absorption-type cooling device and associated motor vehicle
This device (11) comprises a generator (33) for separating a mixed fluid into a refrigerant fluid and an absorbent fluid. It comprises a refrigerant fluid condenser (35), linked to a generator (33) and an evaporator (51) of refrigerant fluid linked to a condenser (35) by a feeder conduit (61) into refrigerant fluid. This device (11) also comprises a refrigerant fluid absorber (55) linked to an evaporator (51) and a generator (33). The device (11) comprises a refrigeration circuit (53) using refrigerant fluid. The circuit (53) is linked to at least a first heat exchanger (77) located outside the evaporator (51). The circuit (53) is linked to at least a first evaporation area of the evaporator (51), up and down stream from the first heat exchanger (77) to make part of the refrigerant circulate as a refrigerant fluid in the refrigeration circuit (53). For application in air conditioning for motor vehicles. |
| US08561422B2 |
Portable canned drink cooler and dispenser
A tube (20) with outer and inner walls (22, 24) and webbing (26) between them. The inner wall (24) forms a cylindrical inner chamber (28) that slidably receives drink cans (50) end-to-end. Spaces between the inner and outer walls, and between the webbing, form longitudinal thermal chambers (23) surrounding the inner wall for receiving thermal packs (48) along the length of the inner chamber (28). Convection paths (32) between the thermal chambers (23) and the inner chamber (28) provide air circulation for efficient heat transfer. The inner chamber has an access opening (29) at the front end of the tube for receiving and dispensing the drink cans. An elevator (40) in the inner chamber may be provided to move drink cans toward the access opening via cords or rods (44) extending from the front end of the tube that pull the elevator toward the front end of the tube. |
| US08561421B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator which includes an outer case defining the outer appearance of the refrigerator, the inner case received in the outer case and defining a storage compartment, the insulation member filled in a gap between the outer case and the inner case for heat insulation, and a noise attenuation member disposed between an outer surface of the inner case and the insulation member to induce a sliding movement between the inner case and the insulation member. The insulation member is slidable relative to the insulation member when the inner case expands or contracts in accordance with a variation of temperature, whereby the generation of frictional noise due to friction between the inner case and the insulation member can be greatly reduced. |
| US08561419B2 |
Modular island merchandiser
An island merchandiser including a first merchandiser module, a second merchandiser module, a third merchandiser module, and a fourth merchandiser module. The first merchandiser module includes a product display area maintained within a temperature range at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The second merchandiser module is positioned next and coupled to the first merchandiser module. The third merchandiser module is positioned next and coupled to the first merchandiser module and the second merchandiser module. The fourth merchandiser module is positioned next to the first merchandiser module and the second merchandiser module opposite the third merchandiser module. The island merchandiser also includes a first insulation panel positioned between the first and second merchandiser modules and the third merchandiser module, and a second insulation panel positioned between the first and second merchandiser modules and the fourth merchandiser module. |
| US08561412B2 |
Method and device for converting thermal energy from biomass into mechanical work
A method is provided for converting thermal energy from carbonaceous raw materials into mechanical work, having at least one first and one second device for storing and releasing thermal energy connected to least intermittently alternatively in a turbine branch having a gas turbine connected downstream thereof. The method includes the steps of: a) combusting a gas in a gas combustor; b) passing the exhaust gases arising in the gas combustor through a device for storing thermal energy; and c) feeding the hot air released by the one device into the gas turbine, wherein the hot air released by the gas turbine is fed to at least one heat exchanger connected downstream of the gas turbine. |
| US08561402B2 |
Master cylinder for a hydraulic actuation system for a handlebar-steered vehicle
A master cylinder assembly for a hydraulic actuation system for a handlebar-steered vehicle. The master cylinder assembly generally includes a housing mountable to a frame member of the handlebar-steered vehicle and having a chamber including a fluid cavity with first and second fluid cavity regions. The first fluid cavity region is in fluid communication with the hydraulic actuation system. The housing includes discrete first and second housing portions. The first housing portion has first and second end portions. The first end portion of the first housing portion extends axially into the second fluid cavity region creating an annular gap radially outboard of the first end portion extending into the second fluid cavity region. The second end portion of the first housing portion is connected to the hydraulic actuation system. A piston assembly includes a piston slidably disposed within the fluid cavity. An actuator is operatively connected to the housing and operatively connected to the piston to slidably displace the piston between an open fluid circuit position permitting fluid flow between the first and second fluid cavity regions and a closed fluid circuit position blocking fluid flow between the first and second fluid cavity regions. |
| US08561398B2 |
Fluid-based power generation system
A power generating system operates in a flowing body of fluid, such as water or air. The system includes a continuous loop member engaging and rotating around two rotatable members, which, in turn, are operatively connected to a generator. The continuous loop member can include a plurality of attachment arms that extend outwardly therefrom. A collapsible fluid catchment device can be attached to each attachment arm. The fluid catchment devices can open in the direction of movement of the water thereby driving the continuous loop member and, consequently, the rotatable members. When moving against the fluid flow, the catchment devices can collapse to a closed position to thereby reduce drag. The attachment arms are long enough so that the catchment devices are spaced a sufficient distance from the continuous loop member to prevent contact with the rotatable members and the continuous loop member when the catchment devices are fully open. |
| US08561393B2 |
Method of determining if an oxidation catalyst is quenched or is not quenched
A temperature of exhaust gas downstream of an oxidation catalyst is compared to a temperature of the exhaust gas upstream of the oxidation catalyst to determine if the downstream temperature is increasing over time or decreasing over time as hydrocarbons are injected into the flow of exhaust gas to regenerate a particulate filter. The oxidation catalyst is determined to be quenched when the temperature of the exhaust gas downstream of the oxidation catalyst remains constant or decreases over time as the rate at which the hydrocarbons are injected into the exhaust gas increases. The oxidation catalyst is determined to not be quenched when the temperature of the exhaust gas downstream of the oxidation catalyst increases over time as the rate at which the hydrocarbons are injected into the exhaust gas increases. |
| US08561392B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for reductant line heating control
In one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed for heating a reductant delivery line using coolant from an internal combustion engine where the reductant delivery line receives reductant from a reductant tank and a portion of a coolant line is positioned within the reductant tank. The apparatus includes a coolant temperature module that is configured to determine a reductant tank outlet coolant temperature target. Additionally, the apparatus includes a coolant flow rate module that is configured to generate a coolant valve flow rate command and transmit the command to a coolant valve. The coolant valve is controllable to regulate the flow rate of coolant through the coolant line. The coolant valve flow rate command is based on the reductant tank outlet coolant temperature target, a reductant tank inlet coolant temperature, and a reductant tank reductant temperature. |
| US08561390B2 |
Energy production system using combustion exhaust
An energy production and pressurized exhaust gas storage system including two combustion chambers aligned in opposition to each other, each of the two combustion chambers having a reciprocating power piston. A compression chamber is situated between the two combustion chambers and it includes a reciprocating compression piston. A shaft connects all of the pistons together. A solvent tank is connected to the two combustion chambers to receive the exhaust gas carbon dioxide. The solvent is preferably water maintained at about 32 degrees Fahrenheit and with a pressure above the water surface of about 100 pounds per square inch. Upon combustion, a pressurized carbon dioxide storage chamber receives compressed carbon dioxide from the compression chamber. Check valves are used to enable inflow of carbon dioxide to the compression chamber from the solvent tank and outflow of pressurized carbon dioxide in the compression chamber to storage. |
| US08561386B2 |
Wall cooling device
A wall-cooling device for cooling a wall subjected to a heat source and to an outer fluid. The device includes a cooling part with a fastening portion and a cooling portion. The cooling part is made of a thermally-conductive shape-memory alloy having a transition temperature T. The fastener portion is for fastening the device rigidly on a face of the wall. The cooling portion is shaped so that it takes up a first position that is substantially parallel to the wall when the temperature of the wall is lower than the temperature T and so that it takes up a second position in which a plane of the second portion defines, relative to a plane tangential to the wall, a dihedral angle lying in the range 45° to 90° . |
| US08561380B2 |
System and method for card replacement
A system for assembling a shipping package includes a feeder feeding an envelope from a supply of envelopes and a transport mechanism that transports a shipping container from a supply of shipping containers and places the shipping container in position for the feeder to insert the envelope into the shipping container. The envelope contains a replacement presentation instrument and a shipping indicator, and the shipping indicator includes a shipping address visible through a first substantially clear window in the envelope. Each shipping container has a second substantially clear window, and when the envelope has been inserted into the shipping container, the shipping address is visible through the second substantially clear window. |
| US08561378B2 |
Opening device for outer wrapping and method for forming
Provided is a tamper proof outer wrapping with a reinforced tear zone. The reinforced tear zone includes a tear tape affixed between two layers of the wrapping material. A perforated line runs parallel to the reinforced tear zone on each of the reinforced tear zone. A tab is formed at one end of the reinforced tear zone. The tab is pulled to separate the reinforced tear zone from the remaining wrapping material and open remove the outer wrapping. The wrapping can be used on packages containing smoking articles such as cigarettes or orally consumed products such as candy or pouched tobacco products. |
| US08561377B2 |
Head for applying threaded caps on containers
A head for applying threaded caps to containers that are to be used in automatic machines for closing containers. The head may comprise a tubular bushing, a shaft that extends coaxially within the tubular bushing and that carries at a bottom end thereof an attachment for a cap gripping member, and a magnetic clutch set between the tubular bushing and the shaft. |
| US08561372B2 |
Air exchanging thermally responsive wall panels and methods
Thermally responsive walls can be formed of wall panels made from different materials and having staggered conduits with respect to each other when coupled together (e.g., pancaked or layered) to form a wall at one temperature. The staggered conduits in the different wall panels are configured such that they become aligned at a second temperature due to differences in expansion coefficients. The wall panels can be designed using a computing system that processes an algorithm that accounts for various parameters, such as the different thermal expansion coefficients. |
| US08561370B1 |
Method and apparatus for applying lippage reducing forces to an array of adjacent tiles
A tile aligning and leveling method and system that uses an under tile base re-usable upright connecting tab, which is detachably connected to said under tile base, a re-usable flexible edge slotted cap, configured to slip over the connecting tab and latch thereto, as the cap is slid further down the connecting tab. The cap has an edge slot so that the connecting tab can be separated from the cap, by merely sliding the cap, so that the connecting tab passes through the slot. A flexible spring-like portion of the cap provides increased force on the tile even if undesired elongation of the connecting tab occurs. |
| US08561369B2 |
Molding profile and molding profile assembly
A molding profile assembly has a first and second molding profile. The first molding profile, whose upper surface is to form the upper surface of the molding profile assembly, has a groove formed into an under-surface of a first arm and a groove formed into a foot perpendicular to the arm. The second molding profile has first and second tabs which fit snugly into the first and second grooves of the first molding profile, respectively, interlocking the first and second molding profiles together. The molding profiles do not require scraping, stripping or other permanent alteration in order to be assembled together. |
| US08561368B2 |
Carved solid face door and method of fabrication
Embodiments of a carved solid face door and methods of fabrication are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a carved solid face door includes a solid base having a substantially flat face and an opposing rear surface, wherein the face has a design carved into at least one section of the face that emulates the appearance of a multiple-piece construction including at least one of a frame, a rail, a stile, a molding, a trim, a plurality of planks, or a panel. Optionally, a backing may be coupled to the solid base. Optionally, the solid base may comprise a plurality of horizontal sections. |
| US08561365B2 |
Versatile hybrid window system
A window assembly and method of constructing a window assembly is disclosed. The window assembly comprises a base frame assembly, an external cladding assembly, an interior trim assembly and a sash assembly. In one embodiment, the base frame assembly, external cladding assembly and interior trim assembly are constructed from one of three different types of materials. The external cladding assembly may also be snap-fit onto the base frame assembly. Further, the interior trim assembly can include a jamb extension assembly that can also be snap-fit onto the base frame assembly. The interior trim assembly may also include head, sill and side stop assemblies which can be push-fit onto the base frame assembly. Another aspect of the disclosure is a sash assembly that can be assembled as a snap-fit assembly. |
| US08561359B2 |
Baffle vent with integral drift blocker
A baffle vent incorporates an integral drift blocker portion that is connected to the main body portion of the baffle vent by a generally planar transition portion to allow the drift blocker portion to move relative to the main body portion. The main body portion is formed with transversely extending stiffening ribs, while the drift blocker portion is formed with longitudinally extending stiffening ribs with the transition portion being devoid of stiffening ribs to maintain flexibility in the transition portion. The baffle vent structure can be formed in large sheets that span several roof rafters with multiple integral drift blocker portions formed to be positioned between the roof rafters. A deck baffle panel is also provided in a configuration similar to the main body portion to be installed beneath attic flooring in manufactured housing to allow an air flow to remove moisture from beneath the attic flooring. |
| US08561352B2 |
Sliding door
A sliding door with a door leaf, which is suspended from at least one carriage and guided to be displaceable along a roller rail profile disposed at a wall or at a ceiling. The sliding door includes a closing device, which is suitable to displace the door leaf into a closed position in a decelerated manner. The closing device is disposed at the door leaf and includes a first and a second spring-damper element, which are disposed to be counter-directional to each other. The second spring-damper element is suitable to displace the door leaf into an open position in a decelerated manner. |
| US08561346B2 |
Automated seed sampler and methods of sampling, testing and bulking seeds
An automated seed sampler includes a sampling station; a sampler for removing material from a seed in the sampling station; a seed conveyer for conveying the seed from the sampling station to a compartment in a seed tray; and a conveyor for conveying the material removed from the seed to a corresponding compartment in a sample tray. The method of the present invention comprises feeding seeds individually to a sampling station, removing a sample from the seed in the sampling station; conveying the sample to a compartment in a sample tray, and conveying the seed to a corresponding compartment in a seed tray. The samples can be tested, and the seeds can be sorted according to the results of the testing of their corresponding samples. |
| US08561344B2 |
Mushroom compost compacting system and method
A mushroom compost compacting system and method includes a roller assembly mounted to a compost receptacle to form a nip, and a web or conveyor to convey mushroom compost to the nip. Mushroom compost is compacted at the nip from an initial compost height to a final compost height. The roller assembly has a roller, a shaft, and fixtures coupled to each end of the shaft. The fixtures are adjustable to define the roller nip height. In one embodiment, the fixtures are mounted to sleeves that engage the sidewalls of the compost receptacle. In another embodiment, the ends of the fixtures are mounted to a support, which may be a joist or a separate channel extending under the floor portion of the compost receptacle, or which may be a post that forms support structure for the compost receptacle. |
| US08561342B2 |
Surf fishing rig
An apparatus provides a fishing rig designed for improved performance in bottom fishing applications such as surf fishing. This fishing rig includes a hoop attached to the top of a sinker. The rig line is attached at its bottom end to the hoop, and a hook-shaped member is attached to the rig line above the hoop. Above the hook-shaped member, one or more fish hooks are attached to the rig line, and a swivel is attached at the top end of the rig line. |
| US08561339B2 |
Rail for inductively powering firearm accessories
A method and system for an inductively powering rail on a firearm to power accessories such as: telescopic sights, tactical sights, laser sighting modules, and night vision scopes. This is achieved by having primary and secondary electromagnets (U-Cores) on both the inductively powering rail and the accessory. Once the electromagnets are in contact, the accessory is able to obtain power through induction via the inductively powering rail. Accessories may be attached to various fixture points on the inductively powering rail and are detected by the firearm when attached and detached. When attached, power and data communications may flow between the accessory and a master CPU located on the firearm. Accessories that are attached to the inductively powering rail and have rechargeable power systems may be recharged via the inductive power rail. Further, accessories that have power that is not needed may be transferred to other accessories. |
| US08561338B2 |
Pistol grip recoil assembly for firearms
A pistol grip recoil assembly for a firearm includes a rigid grip body formed with rest structure thereon and connected to a firearm. A substantially elastomeric, resilient and deformable grip insert is received in the grip body and forms a shock absorbing, cushioning backstrap engageable with the palm of a user's hand for minimizing recoil caused by discharge of the firearm. The grip body and grip insert are slidably engaged together by means of a dovetail arrangement and secured together thereafter by a means of a fastening structure. |
| US08561334B2 |
Magazine holder
The invention pertains to a magazine holder for detachably holding a cartridge magazine in a grip part of a handgun. The magazine holder features an actuating element that can be operated from both sides of the grip part and a spring element for resetting the actuating element into a center position. A simple and inexpensive manufacture and assembly of the magazine holder can be achieved if the spring element contains one or more locking elements for engaging into locking grooves of the cartridge magazine in an interlocking fashion. |
| US08561326B2 |
Protective wear assembly for material handling apparatus
A wear assembly for use on a material handling apparatus can include a base having an attachment surface which attaches to the material handling apparatus and an engagement surface which is substantially parallel to the attachment surface, and a cover which protects the base from wear, the cover including another engagement surface which complementarily engages the base engagement surface. Another wear assembly can include a base having an attachment surface which attaches to the apparatus, and engagement surfaces which are inclined and not perpendicular relative to the attachment surface. The wear assembly can also include a cover with engagement surfaces which complementarily engage the base engagement surfaces. Yet another wear assembly can include a base having an attachment surface which attaches to the material handling apparatus, a cover which protects the base from wear, and an internally threaded nut received in a recess in the base. |
| US08561325B1 |
Grubbing attachment
A skidsteer loader grubbing attachment capable of removing vegetation by engaging the vegetation below and above ground. The grubbing attachment may include a frame, a pincer mounted to the frame, and a blade attached to the frame below the pincer. |
| US08561324B1 |
Combination livestock bedding leveler and groomer attachment
A combination livestock bedding leveler and groomer attachment preferably includes a mounting base, a mechanized equipment mounting plate, a rake arm and a leveler blade. The rake arm is pivotally mounted to one end of the mounting base and the leveler blade is pivotally mounted to the other end of mounting base. The mechanized equipment mounting plate is attached to a rear of the mounting base with any suitable method. The mechanized equipment mounting plate is supplied by numerous manufacturers. The mechanized equipment mounting plate allows the bedding leveler and groomer to be attached to a quick release mounting device retained on a skid steer, construction equipment, farming equipment or any other mechanized equipment. The rake arm includes a plurality of teeth projections for grooming soil or sand. The leveler blade includes a blade member for leveling soil or sand. |
| US08561315B2 |
Solar grain drying system and method
The invention includes an apparatus, system, and method for the drying of particulate agricultural matter, especially particulate crops, such grains. The present invention provides a crop particulate (i.e., grain) drying system utilizing solar energy to heat a heat transfer fluid or solution within concomitant forced-air and radiant heat systems which pass heated air through a crop particulate material contained within a conventional crop silo or bin. Electricity demand may be met through utilization of solar photovoltaic panels backed up by connection to an external power source (i.e. power utility). |
| US08561314B2 |
Installation for drying organic matter
An installation for drying organic matter, especially kitchen and food wastes or other biological matter, including matter that contains packaging residues, napkins, straws or the like. The installation comprises the following components: (a) a vacuum mixer (M) having a closable charging opening for introducing the organic matter and a closable discharge opening, disposed at the bottom or laterally towards the bottom, for the dried matter, (b) at least one vacuum pump (VP) for evacuating the air in the mixer to generate the vacuum, the pump being connected to at least one evacuation tube mounted above the maximum filling level in the housing of the mixer (M), (c) a heater (H) for heating the organic matter, (d) at least one condenser (K), connected to the air evacuation duct (AL) of the vacuum pump (VP) and having a cooling unit (KA) connected thereto to condense the evacuated air, and (e) a discharge duct (AW) for the condensate obtained from the evacuated air by cooling in the condenser (K). |
| US08561313B2 |
Apparatus for measuring film bubbles
An apparatus for measuring film bubbles (10), includes a guide track (22) that extends in a circumferential direction of the film bubble with a constant spacing relative to the latter, the guide track guiding a carriage (20) which carries a measuring head (12) facing the peripheral surface of the film bubble (10), the measuring head (12) is connected to a free end of a cantilever (18) via an articulated joint (16), the cantilever having another end pivotally connected to the carriage (20), and a compensating drive mechanism (30) for correcting a change in the orientation of the measuring head (12) resulting from a pivotal movement of the cantilever (18) is associated with the articulated joint (16). |
| US08561312B2 |
Receptacle having integrally formed protrusions for marking
The present disclosure is directed to a construction device having a receptacle configured to provide an indication of a geometric shape of the receptacle on a panel of sheetrock. The receptacle includes walls having a thickness and a length, a cavity delimited by the walls, the cavity configured to provide an interface through the panel of sheetrock, a first end configured to abut the panel of sheetrock, the first end having a surface that corresponds to the thickness of the walls, a second end spaced from the first end by the length of the walls, and a plurality of integrally formed protrusions extending from the surface of the first end, the protrusions configured to at least indent the panel of sheetrock to form a pattern of indentations that indicate the geometric shape of the receptacle. |
| US08561309B2 |
Shape measuring device
A shape measuring device to measure a shape of a workpiece, wherein the shape measuring device includes: the probe; a probe support shaft to pivotally support the probe; and a probe drive device to which the probe support shaft is attached to contact the probe with a measuring position of the workpiece and to move relatively the workpiece and the probe; wherein the probe is a sphere pivotally supported by the probe support shaft and has a cut face which is a shape cut so as to be nearly vertical to the probe support shaft and a shape measurement of a workpiece surface is carried out in such a manner that the cut face of the probe is faced with a face intersecting a face containing the measuring position of the workpiece surface, and a surface of the sphere is contacted with the measuring position of the workpiece. |
| US08561306B2 |
Kit for an electric motor having a rotary encoder
The present invention relates to a kit for an electric motor having a rotary encoder for determining the position of the motor shaft of the electric motor. A kit is proposed by which simple and precise positioning of a sensor of the rotary encoder on the electric motor, good protection of the sensor, and simple assembly are possible. To this end, the invention proposes that the kit includes an electric motor and a rotary encoder having a solid measure and having a sensor having sensor electronics, wherein the solid measure of the rotary encoder can be applied to a motor shaft at a reverse end face of the electric motor and protruding therefrom, the sensor of the rotary encoder is embedded with the sensor electronics in a plastic disc, a motor-side mounting element is disposed at the reverse end face of the electric motor, and the plastic disc comprises a sensor-side mounting element designed to be complementary to the motor-side mounting element. |
| US08561304B2 |
Folding knife with adjustable non-loosening stability-enhancing pivot
A folding knife (or tool) having opposing handle halves and at least one knife blade (or tool) pivotally attached there between by an adjustable pivot. The adjustable pivot is configured to rigidly connect the opposing handle halves at the pivot point under load from fully tightened fasteners. The distance between opposing handle halves is both adjustable and rigidly fixable, resulting in improved assembly resistance to deflection from shear and torsion loads and reduced tendency of the blade (or tool) to loosen under hard use. |
| US08561303B2 |
System and method for hair clipping and removal
A system for clipping and removing hair clippings from a clipped site is disclosed. The system includes a suction member having an integrated blade member, a hose member in communication with the suction member, and a vacuum source connected to the hose member. This device is particularly useful for use in clipping and removing the hair clippings from shaved surgical patients in a manner that prevents the hair clippings from falling into the patient's surroundings. |
| US08561302B1 |
Electrically driven linear cutter
This invention, through a novel arrangement of basic elements, has resulted in a brand new tool not previously available. This non-obvious implementation provides an electromechanical machine which is both useful and is easily operated. This invention can be arranged as a cutting device for cutting various items such as, but not limited to, plastic irrigation pipe and tree branches or, alternately, with a jaw attached in place of the cutting blade as a clamp or wrench. It accomplishes this by using a small battery powered electric motor and through appropriate reduction gearing drives a drive screw to produce a linear motion of a cutter blade or jaw. The mechanical advantages afforded by the reduction gearing and the drive screw produce sufficient force to perform as a powerful cutter or wrench/clamp. |
| US08561298B2 |
Superalloy component welding at ambient temperature
A method for welding superalloy components at ambient temperature conditions while reducing the propensity of the superalloy material to crack as a result of the weld. A root pass region of the weld is formed using a filler material that exhibits ductility that is higher than that of the base superalloy material. The ductile material mitigates stress in the root region, thereby preventing the formation of cracks. A remaining portion of the weld is formed using a filler material that essentially matches the base superalloy material. The method may utilize a pre-weld heat treatment to grow a gamma prime precipitate phase in the superalloy material, a chill fixture to remove heat during welding, a relief cut to reduce stress in the root region, and a conventional post-weld heat treatment. |
| US08561296B2 |
Method for producing wiring harness
In a first production process, firstly, a flat corrugate tube 23 having a necessary length for wiring is prepared. Next, a grommet 25 and a protector 24 are assembled with the flat corrugate tube 23 at predetermined positions. In a second production process, high-voltage power lines 22 and low-voltage electric wires 27 are inserted into the flat corrugate tube 23 from the one opening 40 toward the other opening 41. In a third production process, ends of the high-voltage power lines 22 and the low-voltage electric wires 27 exposed from the one opening 40 and the other opening 41 of the flat corrugate tube 23 are treated. When the third production process is finished, the production of the wiring harness 21 is finished. |
| US08561295B2 |
Method of adapting an expresscard slot for smaller form factor memory compatibility
An adapter assembly is disclosed that enables a memory card having a smaller length than a standard ExpressCard to be compatible with the standard ExpressCard slot. The adapter assembly includes an adapter having side rails configured to disable the ExpressCard slot ejector mechanisms. The adapter assembly further includes a tongue provided for rigidly connecting the adapter to a finger grip, which gets positioned outside of the opening of the ExpressCard slot upon insertion of the adapter assembly into the slot. The adapter allows a memory card having the approximate size, look and feel of a conventional CompactFlash card to be used in a conventional ExpressCard slot. |
| US08561291B2 |
Method for producing a number of chip cards
A method for producing a number of chip cards includes a step for preparing a supporting film comprising a number of locations each of which constituting a card support and being provided with a cavity capable of receiving an integrated circuit, a step for processing this supporting film carried out, in part, by a multi-head tool, one of the heads of this tool being provided for carrying out an operation on a location of the film essentially at the same time as another head of this tool carries out the same operation on another location of this film, and a step for separating the locations after the processing step. |
| US08561287B2 |
Under vessel local power range monitor exchange tool
A tool for use in servicing an LPRM assembly of a nuclear reactor vessel includes a structural member having a first bore that is structured to receive an LPRM device associated with the LPRM assembly, a headpiece provided at a first end of the structural member, and a nut engaging assembly slideably mounted on the structural member. The headpiece has a plurality of projections structured to mate with a plurality of bores provided in a seal of the LPRM assembly to enable the seal to be removed, and the nut engaging assembly has a housing that defines a second bore and that has first and second nut engaging portions. The nut engaging assembly is free to slide along the structural member and over the headpiece to a position wherein the engaging portions extend beyond the headpiece so that they may be used to remove the assembly nut. |
| US08561285B1 |
Methods and devices for picking and placing workpieces into small form factor hard disk drives
A method of picking and placing a workpiece relative to a disk drive may include steps of providing a robotically controlled tool, a servo motor assembly for moving the tool, at least one controller for controlling the tool and the servo motor assembly, and a machine vision assembly coupled to the controller and located relative to the tool so that a selected feature is within a field of view of the machine vision assembly while the tool is picking up the workpiece. The workpiece may be coupled to the tool, and the workpiece may be aligned with the selected feature of the disk drive using the machine vision assembly and the controller to control the servo motor assembly, such that the workpiece is aligned with the selected feature. The aligned workpiece may then be placed onto the selected feature of the disk drive. |
| US08561283B1 |
Method to provide a universal bellhousing between an engine and transmission of a vehicle
A universal bell housing which may be adapted to a variety of automotive engine and transmission combinations and method of making the same is disclosed. The bell housing is made by spin forming a sheet of steel and welding a transmission plate onto the cone. The cone and transmission plate are indexed to mount to a specified engine-transmission combination. |
| US08561282B2 |
Method of coupling container body and cover member
A method of coupling a container body (2) and a cover member (3) in a capsular container (1) includes a filling step for filling liquid medicine, powdered medicine, or granular medicine in the container body (2), and a fitting step for fitting the container body (2) to the cover member (3) under an atmosphere at a negative pressure which is lower than atmospheric pressure. Consequently, the pressure inside the joined container (1) does not exceed atmospheric pressure, the filling (37) which fills the inside of the container (1) can be prevented from leaking out between the container body (2) and the cover (3), and it is also possible to prevent bending of the container (1) which starts from the weak portion of the container (1). |
| US08561279B2 |
Spring product manufacturing line
The invention provides a spring product manufacturing line comprising: a manufacturing area 2 at which a formation device 50 attached to a base mount 52 plastically processes a spring material into a spring product; a formation device switching area 3 at which one formation device 50 is removed from the mount 52 and switched with another forming device 50; and a formation device transport line 4 that conveys a formation device 50 attached to a base mount 52 at the device switching area 3 to a manufacturing area 2; wherein the formation device 50 is provided with a plurality of formation units 54 that perform a bending process on the spring material by fluid pressure; the base mount 52 is provided with a pressure fluid line 62 that supplies pressure fluid to the formation units 54 provided at the formation device 50, and that is removably connected to each of the formation units 54; and the attachment or removal of the pressure fluid line 62 with respect to the formation device 50 is performed at the device switching area 3. |
| US08561274B2 |
Method for controlling connect and disconnect forces of a connector
A connector includes a housing having a bore with a housing groove disposed on an inside surface of the bore with a groove establishing a release angle between a housing groove bottom and a bore inside surface. A retainer defines a spring cavity between a retainer and the release angle and a circular radial canted coil spring is disposed in the spring cavity. A pin having a tapered end and a body diameter sized for sliding engagement with the bore is provided which includes a circumferential groove in the pin body for receiving the coil spring upon insertion of the pin into the bore. A circumferential groove includes a load angle for rotating the coil spring in an orientation in which the major spring axis is parallel to the release angle upon initial withdrawal of the pin from the bore. The coil is further compressed along the spring minor axis and expands radially upon continued withdrawal of the pin from the bore. |
| US08561273B2 |
Tool turret
A tool turret, with a base body (1) attachable to a machine tool defines a turret axis (13) around which the tool disk (7) is pivoted on the base body (1). The disk has a plurality of tool stations (45) distributed on its periphery. Turning the tool disk (7) can set it into at least one working position at a time. A tool drive (31, 35) located within the tool disk (7) with its output-side gear part (35) can be turned around an axis of rotation radial to the turret axis (13). By coupling, the tool device engages the tool-side coupling part for driving at least one tool located on the tool station (45) aligned to the working position. The output-side gear part (35) is located in the tool disk (7) to be pivotable around the turret axis (13). The tool disk (7) has a clutch (47) which can be switched between a first operating position in which the output-side gear part (35) for pivoting motion around the turret axis (13) is connected to the tool disk (7), and a second operating position in which the output-side gear part (35) is decoupled from the tool disk (7). |
| US08561272B2 |
Apparatus for assembling insulated duct sections
A ductmaking apparatus forms a laminate section including a sheet metal layer and a layer of insulation fastened to the sheet metal layer. The layer of insulation is severed from a moving web of insulation by pivoting slicing movement of a knife across the moving web. |
| US08561267B2 |
Composite-material buckle
A composite-material buckle contains a base including a first segment with an engaging face and a second segment, between the first segment and the second segment being defined two side walls having two symmetrical holes and two symmetrically elongated pivoting portions respectively; a shaft including two ends inserted into the two symmetrical holes respectively; a plastic press member including a pressing portion and an actuating portion secured, and between the pressing portion and the actuating portion being defined a through aperture, the plastic press member including an elastic arm; a metal member connected with the pressing portion of the plastic press member so that the metal member covers the pressing portion and contacts with the engaging face of the base, and the metal member including a number of retaining teeth arranged thereon. |
| US08561265B2 |
Interior trim fastener
A trim fastener includes a first fastener portion having a post, and first and second deflecting wings connected to an end of the post, each having a wing extending member, the first and second deflecting wings elastically deflectable toward the post. A second fastener portion connected to the first fastener portion includes a first resilient seal member. A second resilient seal member is integrally connected to a seal surface of the first resilient seal member. The second resilient seal member includes first and second wing enclosure portions connected to the wing extending members of the first and second deflecting wings. First and second through bores are oppositely positioned about the post. The first and second through bores temporarily collapse when receiving portions of the first and second wing enclosure portions when the first and second deflecting wings elastically deflect toward the post. |
| US08561263B2 |
Bracelet clasp
A bracelet clasp with an unfolding buckle includes a lever (2) pivotably mounted on a cap (1) by a first hinge (3a), the lever controlling a bolt (4) which is in turn mounted on the cap (1) by a second hinge (3b) distinct from the first. The bolt (4) is arranged to cooperate with a hook (22) fitted to the first arm (8) of the clasp. Elastic mechanism (5) is arranged for keeping the lever (2) in a non-raised position and the bolt (4) engaged with the hook (22) when the lever is not manually activated. |
| US08561262B1 |
Damping device for hinge assembly
A hinge assembly includes a housing, an arm and at least one spring. A damping device includes a damper having a piston rod, a maintaining member secured in the housing and an adjustment member. The adjustment member is movably connected to the maintaining member and has a protruded portion located corresponding to the piston rod of the damper. When the adjustment member is moved to a first position relative to the maintaining member, the protruded portion of the adjustment member is located toward the piston rod of the damper, so that the piston rod contacts the protruded portion and retracts to perform damping function. When the adjustment member is moved to a second position relative to the maintaining member, the protruded portion of the adjustment member is moved away from the piston rod of the damper, and no damping function is available. |
| US08561260B2 |
Window balance assembly
A window balance assembly may include a carrier, a spring element, and a mounting bracket. The spring element may include first and second portions. The first portion may be coupled to the carrier. The mounting bracket may engage the second portion of the spring element and may selectively engage the carrier. The mounting bracket may include a first mounting surface disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to an exterior surface of carrier when the window balance assembly is in an uninstalled configuration. The first mounting surface may be substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the carrier when the window balance assembly is in an installed configuration and the mounting bracket is disengaged from the carrier. |
| US08561249B1 |
Multi-head toothbrush assembly
A multi-head toothbrush assembly includes a housing that is elongated and has a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall. The first end comprises an exit door. Each of a plurality of spaced sets of bristles is attached to and extends upwardly from a top side of an elongated panel. A plurality of panel sections is defined between adjacent ones of the sets. Each of the panel sections and an adjacent set defines a head. A frangible area in the panel is formed at junctures of each of the heads to facilitate breaking the heads off from one another. The panel is slidable outwardly through the first end to expose the heads and allow the heads to be used for brushing teeth. The heads are broken off of the panel to allow a next one of the heads to be used. |
| US08561246B2 |
Displaceable attachment
In a mop head (1) having a handle attachment (2) that is displaceable along a frame (29), the handle attachment has a slider (3) that is displaceable (direction S) in a guide groove (20) in the frame. The slider has at least one engagement surface for frictional engagement with a respective cooperating surface of the guide groove and biasing means that with a force bias the surface/-s of the slider against the cooperating surface/-s of the guide groove. The handle attachment with the slider are depressable against the force from the biasing means, for relieving the engagement between the surface/-s of the slider and of the guide groove. |
| US08561245B2 |
Cleaning implement
A cleaning implement (10) comprising a handle (12) a cleaning end (24) coupled to the handle, and a cleaning head (14). The cleaning head may be removably coupled to the cleaning end, and can include a pair of tabs (30) extending through an aperture (32) in the cleaning end. Each tab may have a finger grip (56), and the finger grips may be generally offset from one another. Each tab may have a ledge (50) for contacting an upper surface of the cleaning end near a perimeter of the aperture to retain the cleaning head to the cleaning end. The tabs may be movable such that the ledges are moved out of contact with the upper surface of the cleaning end when removing the cleaning head from the cleaning end. |
| US08561242B2 |
Floor treating apparatus
A floor treating apparatus is provided, including a support device, on the lower side of which there is held at least one floor treating tool, which is driven to rotate or oscillate, a handle device to guide the floor treating apparatus in at least one working position, which handle device is held on the support device so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis from the at least one working position into at least one parking position and vice versa, and a storage container for a treatment liquid. The floor treating apparatus includes a storage container receptacle, in which the storage container can be releasably positioned in the at least one working position of the handle device, and a securing device with at least one first securing member and at least one second securing member which can be moved relative thereto. |
| US08561240B2 |
Pool cleaning vehicle with endless loop track
Disclosed herein is a submersible pool cleaning vehicle having an endless loop track. The vehicle including a housing and the housing having members for moving the vehicle around the pool surface. The vehicle including an endless loop track. The track having an exterior and an interior, the interior having a series of ribs and ridges, the ribs having a predetermined width and pitch. The ribs being centrally located on the track while the ridges flank either side of the ribs. The vehicle including drive members for moving the vehicle around the pool surface. The drive members and associated members for moving the vehicle have an exterior surface with a series of grooves and ridges for compatible connection with the ribs. The width of the rib is substantially smaller than the width of the groove and the track ribs engaging the groves. |
| US08561238B1 |
Hitch receiver mounted tailgate ramp
A hitch receiver mountable tailgate ramp for loading and unloading heavy articles by wheeling said articles into and from the truck bed via said ramp. Once deployed the ramp has an arched shape to displace the load during use between the ramp's surface engaging edge and the hitch mount thereby providing a ramp with a greater load capacity than similar linear ramps. When not in use the ramp can be folded into an upright position substantially coplanar with the truck's closed tailgate. In operation the ramp is extended by pivoting the interior ramp segment until the ramp is in its arched position while the articulated post is lowered into its linear position. |
| US08561230B2 |
Mattress monitoring system
A system for monitoring a mattress controller including a portable monitor having a memory, an input/output node in selective communication with the mattress controller, a processor programmed to maintain in the memory a data structure including a control data associated with the mattress controller, and selectively link with the mattress controller to communicate with the mattress controller to confirm or update the control data. |
| US08561227B2 |
Crib rocker assembly
A crib support is disclosed that includes a frame assembly configured to receive releasably a crib and be releasably secured to the crib, and a rocking mechanism, disposed within the frame assembly, configured to provide a rocking motion, and configured to create the effect of a reciprocatory movement, which is soothing and comforting to a baby. |
| US08561222B2 |
Swimming pool cover device
A pool cover device includes at least one platform (1, 2) forming the terrace and displacement elements (110, 111, 210, 211, 15, 16, 17) for this platform so as to enable displacement of the platform on each side of a support area anchored in the ground along an edge of the swimming pool, the platform performing coverage of the swimming pool and also acting as a terrace regardless of its position. |
| US08561215B2 |
Clothes tightening device
The girdle comprises two parts or halves (1-2), connected to each other by means of elastic elements (3) covered by adornments in the form of shells (6) coaxially interconnected, or any other type of unitary or fragmented adornment, wherein the plastic elements (3) are fastened to the parts (1) and (2) by means of pivots (7) selectively usable in order to vary the effective length of the girdle, length which also varies depending on the elasticity of the elements (3). Each said part or half (1) and (2) incorporates at the free end and back face thereof hooks (5) for fastening to the clasps (4) of the garment, in such a way that said elastic elements (3) cause traction between the clasps producing the girdling of the garment. The middle area of the elastic elements (3) or more specifically of the adornments encapsulating same, is visible when the parts (1) and (2) are substantially spaced, directly affecting the appearance of the girdle and constituting a changeable element. |
| US08566961B2 |
Approaches for a location aware client
Techniques for performing an action, based on the present location of a client, to protect resources of the client from theft or unauthorized access. A server may intermittently receive, from a client, location information such as GPS information, triangulation information based on one or more Wi-Fi access points, and IP trace information. The server may determine the client's location by (a) determining, for an interval of time, whether GPS information, triangulation information, and IP trace information are available for the client, and (b) based on the available GPS information, triangulation information, and IP trace information, determining the present location of the client, e.g., by determining a weighted arithmetic mean or by using a sequence of types of location information ordered based on accuracy. In response to following a security policy, the server may perform an action, specified by the security policy, based on the present location of the client. |
| US08566959B2 |
Information security apparatus, security system, and method for preventing leakage of input information
An information security apparatus and a security system, which prevent eavesdropping on input information input by an input device and identify eavesdroppers, includes a key input interface unit inputting secret information returns a decoy key input value when receiving a read access from unprotected domain 1011. Further, a payment-processing company, which judges whether it is possible or not to use a service such as electronic payment-processing, provides the information security apparatus with an immediate value to be used as the decoy key input value when performing an authentication. Accordingly, a person who attempts to eavesdrop on the input from a key input unit acquires the decoy key input value. If the decoy key input value is used when requesting payment-processing company to perform an authentication, the payment-processing company recognizes the person who requests the authentication as an eavesdropper. |
| US08566957B2 |
Authentication system
A system and method whereby the identity of a person, entity, device or the like attempting to gain access to a secured resource may be securely authenticated includes a means for receiving from a service client a request for access to a secured resource; means for generating and communicating to the purported authorized user a challenge string adapted to provide a basis for authenticating the identity of the requester; a means for receiving from the service client a response string corresponding to the challenge string; and a means for evaluating the response string to authenticate the identity of the requester. The secured resource has a common identifier by which it may be generally identified outside of the authentication system, but the request for access lacks sufficient information content for the service client to be able to determine the common identifier. |
| US08566953B2 |
Named object view of electronic data report
A named object view of a report is generated from an electronic data file. Objects in the file to be published are identified in the file. A named object view of the report associated with the file is generated by displaying published identified objects according to associated viewing rights. A viewer at a client is presented with the named object view of the report, according to the viewing rights, such that the viewer's attention is focused on the published objects. |
| US08566950B1 |
Method and apparatus for detecting potentially misleading visual representation objects to secure a computer
A method and apparatus for detecting potentially misleading visual representation objects to secure a computer is described. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring visual representation object creation with respect to the browser, accessing verification information, wherein the verification information comprises commonly used user interface elements for forming legitimate system messages, examining web data associated with the created visual representation objects, wherein the web data is compared with the verification information to identify imitating content within the created visual representation objects and modifying at least one of the created visual representation objects to accentuate the imitating content. |
| US08566948B2 |
Method and system for controlling access to logical unit of a storage device shared by computers
An acquisition unit of a user terminal acquires an initiator ID including a user ID and a computer ID. The initiator ID is transmitted by a transmitter unit, and then, received by a transmitter/receiver unit of a storage device. A LUDB stores information determining a LU corresponding to each user ID of several users. A masking unit refers to the LUDB to determine the LU corresponding to the user ID. If the received initiator ID differs from an initiator ID stored in a table corresponding to the determined LU, an access control unit refuses access to the LU by the user terminal. |
| US08566947B1 |
Method and apparatus for managing an alert level for notifying a user as to threats to a computer
A method and apparatus for managing alert level of the user computer is described. In one embodiment, the method for dynamically adjusting an alert level for notifying a user as to at least one threat to a computer includes applying heuristic information to environment data to identify vulnerability indicia regarding a computer, wherein the environment data comprises at least one usage statistic related to a user associated with the computer and determining an alert level based on the vulnerability indicia, wherein the user is notified of at least one threat to the computer in accordance with the alert level. |
| US08566945B2 |
System and method for testing web applications with recursive discovery and analysis
A recursive web crawling and analysis tool that includes conducting an initial crawl of a target to identify testable or analyzable objects. The objects are then parsed to identify vulnerabilities, as well as additional objects that can be analyzed. An attack is then launched against the analyzable objects in an effort to break or verify the vulnerabilities. During this attack, additional analyzable objects may be discovered. If such additional objects are discovered, the web crawler is invoked on the additional objects as well, and the results of the crawl are fed back into the parser and attacker functions. |
| US08566943B2 |
Asynchronous processing of events for malware detection
A system, method and computer program product for malware detection based on the behavior of applications running on a computer system, including: asynchronous processing of system events for malware threat analysis using application filters; analyzing events using heuristic and signature data; analyzing applications behavior and detecting abnormal behavior of “clean” applications; automatically classifying applications (i.e., detecting new versions) based on behavior analysis; automatically analyzing the reliability of web sites based on behavior triggered by the web site accesses; in enterprise networks, detecting abnormalities in configuration of user computer systems; recognizing a user by his behavior profile and using the profile for an automatic configuration of user applications. |
| US08566942B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for tracking the migration of objects to determine whether to perform a network based check
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for tracking the migration of objects to determine whether to perform a network based check. In operation, an object is identified. Furthermore, a first security niche associated with the object is determined. Additionally, it is determined if the object is migrating from the first security niche to a second security niche. Still yet, a network based security check is conditionally performed if it is determined the object is migrating from the first security niche to the second security niche. |
| US08566933B2 |
State notification apparatus, state notification method, and computer-readable storage medium
A state notification apparatus comprises: a holding unit that, when one or more secure runtime environments and one or more non-secure runtime environments are selectively executed in a foreground, holds an identifier of a runtime environment that is being executed in the foreground; a determination unit that determines a state of the runtime environment executed in the foreground based on the identifier held by the holding unit; and a notification unit that causes a hardware device that cannot be accessed from the one or more non-secure runtime environments to notify the state determined by the determination unit. |
| US08566932B1 |
Enforcing good network hygiene using reputation-based automatic remediation
Reputation-based automatic remediation is applied for enforcing good network hygiene of a client. A scanning module scans the client to detect files on the client in response to an attempt by the client to connect to a secure network. A reputation score module retrieves onto the client a reputation score for each of the files detected. The reputation scores can be retrieved from a reputation database of a reputation server storing reputation data for files. A hygiene score module calculates on the client a hygiene score for the client based on the reputation scores for the files on the client. The hygiene score indicates a likelihood of the client to engage in risky behavior. The threshold determination module determines whether the hygiene score exceeds a threshold for bad client hygiene. The policy module applies a policy to the client that restricts network access in response to the hygiene score for the client exceeding the threshold. |
| US08566931B2 |
Protection of information contained in an electronic circuit
A method and a circuit for protecting data contained in an electronic circuit against a disturbance of its operation, in which a detection of a disturbance conditions the incrementing or the decrementing of a counter over at least one bit, the counter being automatically reset at the end of a time period independent from the fact that the circuit is or not powered. |
| US08566929B2 |
Integrity check failure detection and recovery in radio communications system
In a packet-based communication between a mobile radio and a base station in a radio communication system, an authenticity of a packet based on authentication data associated with the packet is tested. Packets that fail the authenticity test are removed from the communication. A security condition is detected when a number of failed packets for the communication exceeds a security threshold, and in response thereto, action is taken to correct or reduce the security condition. The removed packets are preferably not discarded, but instead are stored used for analysis, and based on that analysis, appropriate action can be taken. |
| US08566927B2 |
Method for detecting and reacting against possible attack to security enforcing operation performed by a cryptographic token or card
The approach defines a protection mechanism against attacks to a security enforcing operation performed by cryptographic token or smart card. It is based on an attack detector which signals the main elaboration or processing system regarding a potential attack situation. The approach addresses SIM cloning problems of telecommunications operators who use old and breakable cryptographic algorithms such as the COMP-128 and do not want to invest in updating the network authentication systems with more resistant authentication cryptographic algorithms. The approach may be applicable to the typical telecommunications operator in an emerging market that does not use state of the art technology. |
| US08566923B2 |
Enhanced organization and automatic navigation of display screens facilitating automation control
The disclosed subject matter comprises an enhanced screen organizer component (ESOC) that can efficiently control organization and presentation of desired screens, which relate to an industrial control system, to a user. At design time, a designer employs the ESOC to select and organize one or more screens for a project relating to a control system, create and organize screen folders that can contain desired folders or screens in a hierarchical fashion, select a home screen or favorite screens, respectively, for the operator, role or group, wherein a home screen can be a screen a user views when authenticated into a terminal or the screen the user can be returned to in response to selection of a home control. During run time, the user can access desired screens, and use context menus to select a home screen, favorite screens, or other screens, in accordance with user access rights. |
| US08566922B2 |
System for isolating a secured data communication network
A system for isolating a data communication network has been developed. The system includes an internal computer system with an internal computer that is in data communication with the internal computer system, and an external computer system with an external computer that is in data communication with the external computer system. The internal and external computers are connected with an ethernet adapter that only allows transmission of data from the internal computer system and prohibits the receipt of data by the internal computer system. |
| US08566920B2 |
Application gateway system and method for maintaining security in a packet-switched information network
A method and apparatuses are disclosed for handling digital data packets at a logical borderline that separates an untrusted packet-switched information network from a protected domain. A packet processor part intercepts a packet that is in transit between the untrusted packet-switched information network and the protected domain. The packet is examined at the packet processor part in order to determine, whether the packet contains digital data that pertains to a certain protocol. If the packet is not found to contain such digital data, it is processed at the packet processor part. If the packet is found to contain digital data that pertains to said certain protocol, it gets redirected to an application gateway part that processes the packet according to a set of processing rules based on obedience to said certain protocol. The packet processor part is a kernel mode process running in a computer device and the application gateway part is a user mode process running in a computer device. |
| US08566916B1 |
Agile OTP generation
A method, system, and apparatus for agile generation of one time passcodes (OTPs) in a security environment, the security environment having a token generator comprising a token generator algorithm and a validator, the method comprising generating a OTP at the token generator according to a variance technique; wherein the variance technique is selected from a set of variance techniques, receiving the OTP at a validator, determining, at the validator, the variance technique used by the token generator to generate the OTP, and determining whether to validate the OTP based on the OTP and variance technique. |
| US08566913B2 |
Secure key management
A system for secure key management is provided. The system includes a computer processor and an application configured to execute on the computer processor, the application implementing a method. The method includes populating a section of information associated with a key, the section of information being populated with information relating to a level of protection of the key accumulated over time. Secure key management further includes securely binding the section of information to the key, wherein the key is encrypted. |
| US08566908B2 |
Database application security
A method allows access to a set of secure databases and database applications over an untrusted network without replicating the secure database. The method involves authenticating a user using a first authentication application. When the user is verified, then the user's credentials are directed to a second authentication application associated with a secure database based on a first set of user settings retrieved for the user. The second authentication application, based on a second set of user settings, grants the user access to the secure database and database applications associated with the secure database. |
| US08566907B2 |
Multiple user login detection and response system
A method is provided for controlling multiple access to a network service to prevent fraudulent use of the network service. The method includes identifying an account access counter for an account using identification information received from a user at a first device using a network, wherein the user is requesting access to a service provided at a second device, and further wherein the account access counter is the number of service access sessions active for the account; comparing the account access counter to a maximum account access number, wherein the maximum account access number defines a maximum number of service access sessions allowed for the account; and providing the user at the first device access to the service at the second device if the account access counter is less than the maximum account access number. |
| US08566904B2 |
Enterprise biometric authentication system for a windows biometric framework
An enterprise biometric authentication system for use with a network of client computing devices, each client computing device executing Windows® 7 operating system with Windows® Biometric Framework components including a client biometric service and a client engine adapter, comprises a client engine wrapper and a server subsystem further including a server database, a server storage adapter, a server engine adapter, and a server component. The client engine wrapper resides on a client computing device and is operable to intercept requests from the client biometric service to the client engine adapter and to transmit the requests. The server storage adapter may store and retrieve biometric templates from the server database. The server engine adapter may generate and compare biometric templates. The server component may receive the requests from the client engine wrapper, forward the requests to the server engine adapter, and transmit results of the requests to the client engine wrapper. |
| US08566900B1 |
Using geographical information in policy enforcement
Using geographical information in policy enforcement is disclosed. A policy is determined based on geographical information associated with an IP address. A policy is enforced based at least in part on the geographical information. The IP address may be either a source IP address or a destination IP address. In some cases network traffic is monitored to determine the IP address. |
| US08566899B2 |
Techniques for securing a checked-out virtual machine in a virtual desktop infrastructure
Techniques for securing checked-out virtual machines in a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for securing a checked-out guest virtual machine including receiving a request for checking-out a guest virtual machine hosted by a server network element, wherein checking-out the guest virtual machine comprises transferring hosting of the guest virtual machine from the server network element to a client network element. The method for securing a checked-out guest virtual machines may also include configuring a security module for the guest virtual machine in order to secure the guest virtual machine and providing the security module to the guest virtual machine when the guest virtual machine is checked-out. |
| US08566894B2 |
Method and system for distribution of media
A system for the distribution of media is disclosed. The system comprises a network center; a delivery system for receiving data from and transmitting data to the network center; and a plurality of multimedia teller machines (MTMs) for receiving data from the delivery system, and for providing a plurality of gigablocks, wherein the gigablocks provide for secure and/or high bandwidth data. |
| US08566890B2 |
Video information control apparatus and method
Video information, which is photographed with using a GPS built-in video camera, is inputted into a video information server. A video information correspondence table is produced, which associated photographing time of the video information inputted, data address of the video information photographed, and photographing position, and is memorized. According to a request from a display apparatus, the memorized video information correspondence table is searched, and thereby obtaining the video information having the information of time and position designated. |
| US08566882B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for exchanging data between television receivers over a wireless communication link
Systems, method and apparatus are described for facilitating the collection of data from television receivers. First and second television receivers exchange data over a wireless communication link. The first television receiver transmits the data received from the second television receiver to a data collection system associated with a television provider. The data collection system processes the received data to analyze the operation of the second television receiver. |
| US08566878B2 |
System for presenting media programming guides
A system for presenting media programming guides is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media receiver having a controller element to generate a Media Program Guide (MPG) that groups media programs according to a redundancy of media programs and a viewing history of a subscriber of the media receiver. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08566869B2 |
Pluggable interactive television
Techniques are disclosed herein that provide a TV receiver that supports a set of existing iTV standards and proprietary iTV implementations. Further, the TV receiver can be extended to support additional iTV standards and proprietary iTV implementations. A digital television data stream is received and processed by a client. The digital television data stream is analyzed to determine which interactive television format is present. A registry of interactive television virtual machines is searched to determine whether a virtual machine is registered for the interactive television format. Each of the interactive television virtual machines is adapted for one of the interactive television formats. If a virtual machine that matches the interactive television format is found, it is loaded and hosted. Hosting the virtual includes providing services to the virtual machine through common application programming interfaces (APIs) machine includes. The common APIs may be used by any virtual machine that is loaded. |
| US08566865B2 |
Dynamic insertion of cinematic stage props in program content
Dynamically replaceable assets are inserted in program content and may be used for the insertion of cinematic stage props therein. Such assets can be used for advertising purposes in that images of different products and services can be inserted therein and are changeable via a network. Such assets may be created by identifying locations in the content where the assets can be inserted, establishing the assets in the identified locations, determining location and visual effects information for each asset, and creating a reference file that includes the location and the visual effects information associated with each asset. A value may be determined for each asset or advertisers may bid on the assets to yield additional advertising revenue channel for the content. The content may be played back by broadcasting the content and reference information designating parameters for inserting the assets into the content. Replacement images, such as images of products, may be obtained via a network. The visual appearance of each replacement image may be modified using visual effects information so the inserted objects appear natural as if they were part of the original scene. |
| US08566863B2 |
Digital broadcast receiver and method for processing emergency alert system data in digital broadcast receiver
An IPTV and a method of processing emergency alert system (EAS) data in an IPTV are provided. The method includes receiving the EAS data, processing an EAS message based on the received EAS data, and sending response information (RI) data to a server. |
| US08566862B2 |
System and method for enhanced advertising in a video content network
A video content network having a plurality of program channels is operated, and a target time slot for an enhanced advertisement is identified. At least some of the plurality of program channels have programs scheduled during the target time slot. The target time slot is signaled to a plurality of terminals connected to the video content network. Each of the terminals is viewing a given one of the program channels prior to the signaling. Responsive to the signaling, the programs scheduled during the target time slot are effectively paused at a program time corresponding to a beginning of the time slot, and the enhanced advertisement is caused to be displayed on the terminals. Responsive to an end of the enhanced advertisement, the programs scheduled during the target time slot are resumed at the program time corresponding to the beginning of the time slot. Thus, substantially all viewers of the video content network during the target time slot are exposed to the enhanced advertisement regardless of which of the plurality of program channels the viewers were watching during the target time slot. |
| US08566861B2 |
Advertisement transcoding and approval
Advertising parameters and associated television advertisements are received from advertisers. The television advertisements can be designated as pending approval. An automated approval process and a television provider approval process can be utilized to approve or disapprove of the television advertisements pending approval. Approved television advertisements can be provided to the television provider, e.g., by a download process over a network. |
| US08566860B2 |
System and methods for advanced parental control
A set top box includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive a digital video stream and identify an I-Frame within the digital video stream. The processor is further configured to receive rating information for the I-Frame and to block playback a portion of the digital video stream in response to the rating information. |
| US08566853B2 |
Turn table having a clamping plate with a locking protrusion
Disclosed is a turn table for a spindle motor, the turn table including a clamping plate having a locking protrusion protruding from an inner surface of a first recess that is concavely formed in an outer circumference of the clamping plate, and a turn-table body having a second recess to receive the clamping plate and having protrusions that protrude from an inner surface defined by the second recess towards the first recess to lock an upper surface and a side surface of the locking protrusion. |
| US08566852B2 |
Disc clamp with balancers providing improved durability and balance and spindle motor having the same
Disclosed is a disc clamp including a disc clamp body having a rotational axis hollow engaged with a rotational axis; a first disc balancer that is projected from the disc clamp body in the horizontal direction and formed in a first thickness A; and a second disc balancer that is bent downwards from an end of the first disc balancer in order to fix the disc and formed in a second thickness B, wherein an angle formed between a horizontal surface of the first disc balancer and the second disc balancer is from 92° to 95°. |
| US08566844B2 |
Generalized event and response system (GEARS)
Embodiments of the invention broadly provide a system configured to receive, process and broadcast generalized event notifications from components and provide these generalized event notifications (messages) to a predetermined set of subscriber components. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention broadly contemplate a messaging system providing increased system flexibility for implementing and managing changes in complex computing systems having one or more related system components. |
| US08566843B2 |
System, method and computer program product for sharing information in a distributed framework
A system, method and computer program product are provided for sharing information in a distributed system. After information is received, it is stored on a bulletin board. In use, the information is shared, in real-time, among a plurality of heterogeneous processes. |
| US08566838B2 |
Techniques for workload coordination
Techniques for workload coordination are provided. An automated discovery service identifies resources with hardware and software specific dependencies for a workload. The dependencies are made generic and the workload and its configuration with the generic dependencies are packaged. At a target location, the packaged workload is presented and the generic dependencies automatically resolved with new hardware and software dependencies of the target location. The workload is then automatically populated in the target location. |
| US08566837B2 |
Dynamic run time allocation of distributed jobs with application specific metrics
A job optimizer dynamically changes the allocation of processing units on a multi-nodal computer system. A distributed application is organized as a set of connected processing units. The arrangement of the processing units is dynamically changed at run time to optimize system resources and interprocess communication. A collector collects application specific metrics determined by application plug-ins. A job optimizer analyzes the collected metrics and determines how to dynamically arrange the processing units within the jobs. The job optimizer may determine to combine multiple processing units into a job on a single node when there is an overutilization of an interprocess communication between processing units. Alternatively, the job optimizer may determine to split a job's processing units into multiple jobs on different nodes where one or more of the processing units are over utilizing the resources on the node. |
| US08566835B2 |
Dynamically resizing a virtual machine container
Embodiments of the present invention pertain to dynamically resizing a virtual machine container. According to one embodiment, an optimal utilization is determined based on a desired performance for a multi-tiered application and transaction mix information that describes a mix of transactions that result from executing the multi-tiered application. Automatic modification of an amount of a physical resource a virtual machine container is entitled to for executing a particular application component associated with the multi-tiered application is enabled where the amount is automatically modified based on the optimal utilization. |
| US08566833B1 |
Combined network and application processing in a multiprocessing environment
According to a novel mechanism, each processing device (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) in a multi-processor system) is assigned to process a single execution thread for a task and the execution thread is processed across various layers of the multi-processor system (such as a network layer and application layer) without being divided into separate threads. Advantageously, upon initialization of the multi-processor system, network context data structures are created equal to the number of processing devices in the system. As used herein, a network context is a logical entity to which zero or more connections are bound during their lifetime. Rather than sharing data structures among execution threads, a multi-processor system allocates memory resources per each network context during initialization of the system. As a result, an execution thread processing a task queued to a particular network context accesses memory resources allocated for that network context only. |
| US08566828B2 |
Accelerator for multi-processing system and method
A processing system includes a plurality of processors capable of executing a plurality of threads and supporting at least one of hardware context switching and software context switching. The processing system also includes a hardware concurrency engine coupled to the plurality of processors. The concurrency engine is capable of managing a plurality of concurrency primitives that coordinate execution of the threads by the processors. The concurrency primitives could represent objects, and the processors may be capable of using the objects by reading from and/or writing to addresses in an address space associated with the concurrency engine. Each address may encode an object index identifying one of the objects, an object type identifying a type associated with the identified object, and an operation type identifying a requested operation involving the identified object. |
| US08566826B2 |
System and method for synchronizing transient resource usage between virtual machines in a hypervisor environment
A system and method for synchronizing transient resource usage between virtual machines, e.g. Java Virtual Machines (JVMs), running within a hypervisor. In accordance with an embodiment, the system allows for synchronizing garbage collection and code optimization to reduce transient processor (cpu) and memory usage. In accordance with an embodiment, the system comprises a computer; a hypervisor for executing virtual servers running JVMs; a communication channel between the virtual servers; wherein each virtual server further comprises non-transient and transient memory and a synchronization module. In accordance with an embodiment the synchronization modules schedule garbage collects and code optimizations to minimize overlaps, thereby reducing the peak transient memory and cpu usage and the resulting volatility of transient resource usage within a computer. In accordance with another embodiment, a cloud manager can move virtual servers between computers to optimize computer volatility within a cloud. |
| US08566825B2 |
Dynamic migration of virtual machine computer programs upon satisfaction of conditions
A system includes a number of server computing devices and a management server computing device. Each server computing device has a virtual host computer program running thereon to support one or more virtual machine computer programs. Each virtual machine computer program is able to execute an instance of an operating system on which application computer programs are executable. The management server computing device monitors the server computing devices, and causes the virtual machine computer programs supported by the virtual host computer program of a first server computing device to dynamically migrate to the virtual host computer program of a second server computing device, upon one or more conditions being satisfied. The conditions may include the first server being predicted as failure prone, the first server consuming power less than a threshold, and the first server having resource utilization less than a threshold. |
| US08566822B2 |
Method and system for distributing hypervisor functionality over multiple physical devices in a network and configuring sub-hypervisor to control the virtual machines
One or more processors and/or one or more circuits may be operable to configure one or more virtual machines and a hypervisor for controlling the one or more virtual machines. The virtual machines and the hypervisor may be distributed across a plurality of network devices. A sub-hypervisor may be configured within each of the virtual machines utilizing the hypervisor. Load information of the network devices may be communicated to the hypervisor utilizing the sub-hypervisors. The virtual machines may include threads, may be load balanced utilizing the hypervisor, dynamically configured utilizing the hypervisor based on changes in the network devices, and scaled by the distribution of the virtual machines across the network devices. Information from the processing of data may be received in the virtual machines. The network devices may include a plurality of: servers, switches, routers, racks, blades, mainframes, personal data assistants, smart phones, desktop computers, and/or laptop devices. |
| US08566816B2 |
Code synchronization
Disclosed is a system and method that resolves a mismatch between software versions executing on redundant controllers. A mismatch between a first software version executing on a first redundant controller and a second software version executing on a second redundant controller is identified. By comparing software version identifiers associated with the first software version, the second software version, and a stored system software identifier, a preferred software version is selected. The preferred software version is copied from a controller running the preferred software version to the other controllers. |
| US08566815B2 |
Mechanism for updating software
Arrangements for updating software, such as initial trusted code and data, are described, including providing proof of execution of the update. The mechanism for updating the software is logically or physically separated from the general purpose CPU of the system. Thus, the update mechanism can be trusted even if the system to be updated may be compromised. |
| US08566814B2 |
Transporting object packets in a nested system landscape
Described are methods and systems related to transporting one or more object packets present in a nested hierarchy of one or more system landscapes. The object packets available for transporting from source systems to target systems present in the nested hierarchy of the system landscapes is identified. A transport request is generate for a collection of object packets of each source system in the nested hierarchy of the system landscapes. The transport requests are aggregated to render a nested transport collection. The nested transport collection is transported within the nested hierarchy of the system landscapes. The nested transport collection is deployed to assign the transport requests present in the nested transport collection to the target systems present in the nested hierarchy of the system landscapes. |
| US08566812B1 |
Using observed object patterns to dynamically tune a virtual machine for responsiveness
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that uses observed object patterns to dynamically tune a virtual machine for responsiveness and/or throughput. The system first analyzes a memory region containing a set of objects to identify objects in the memory region that indicate the need for responsiveness and/or throughput. The system gathers statistics based on the identified and unidentified objects in the set of objects, and then uses these statistics to dynamically tune a virtual machine. |
| US08566809B1 |
Apparatus, system and method for validating network communications data
An apparatus, system, and method for the improved validation of information across a communications network provide a common validation rules library that may be accessed and executed either by a client or server. The provision of a minimal amount of logic either to the client or the server is achieved by generating only a requisite amount of validation logic. Furthermore, developers are enabled to reuse and build upon validation logic by subsequent validation logic inheriting validation logic from a parent rule. |
| US08566799B2 |
Resuming a prior debug session
Inserting, at debuggee source code lines, a breakpoint and executing. For each breakpoint encounter until exiting: encountering and removing the breakpoint, incrementing a first counter value, and resuming execution. Exiting includes saving the first counter value, a state of the call stack, and an exit location. In a second debug session, preparing the debuggee to resume from the exit location. Inserting, at the debuggee source code lines, a breakpoint and executing the debuggee. For each breakpoint encounter until a second counter value matches the first: encountering and removing the breakpoint, incrementing the second counter value, and resuming execution. When the first and second counter values match: inserting an exit location breakpoint at the exit location, executing the debuggee until encountering the exit location breakpoint, and providing the user control to resume debugging from the exit location only if the present state of the call stack matches the saved state. |
| US08566797B2 |
Heuristic backtracer
A heuristic backtracer is described. In one embodiment, a scanner scans a stack of an application for a pointer to a word of a machine code of the application. A preceding byte locator identifies one or more bytes immediately preceding the pointed-to machine code. A parser parses the one or more bytes immediately preceding the pointed-to machine code of the machine code for a call instruction. A return address identifier determines the pointed-to as a return address when the one or more bytes constitute the call instruction. |
| US08566796B2 |
Systems and methods for interactions with software probes
Systems and methods are provided for enabling interaction between a user and a software probe inserted into application code for monitoring and testing application performance. Communications are initialized with the software probe and a user interface is provided to the user. Command data is received from the user through the interface and forwarded to the software probe. In response, data communications are received from the software probe. |
| US08566795B2 |
Selectively obtaining call stack information based on criteria
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for sampling call stack information. A set of methods and a set of criteria are received. Responsive to detecting an event associated with a method in the set of methods, a determination is made as to whether the method has met a set of criteria comprising at least one of a time based metric and a hardware performance monitor counter metric. A call stack is retrieved for the method if the method has met the set of criteria. The retrieved call stack is saved in a tree. |
| US08566789B2 |
Semantic-based query techniques for source code
A powerful set of features can assist software developers in searching source code. Source code can be queried to find occurrences of source code elements mapped to domain concepts appearing in an ontology. Queries can specify a search for occurrences of particular operations performed on domain concepts within the source code. Query expansion can be used to locate related domain concepts as indicated in the ontology. Query keyword weighting can be used to emphasize one domain concept over another. Tools can be provided to create the ontology and associate the ontology with the elements appearing in the source code. Results can include user interface features assisting in navigation to a location within the source code associated with the query results. |
| US08566780B2 |
Object model based mapping
Object model based mapping may be provided. First, backend data may be received defining data constructs in a backend system. Then entity data may be received defining data constructs in an entity model. User selectable elements may then be received defining a process associating the backend data with the entity data. Next, code may be produced, based on the received user selectable elements, configured to implement the process. |
| US08566777B2 |
Work packet forecasting in a software factory
A method, system, and computer-readable medium for predicatively selecting which work packets will be needed by a software factory to create a deliverable custom software are presented. In a preferred embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes: presenting an initial checklist that consists of a series of question groups; receiving answers to the initial checklist; in response to determining that received answers to the initial checklist indicate that a new series of questions is required to predict which work packets will be needed to create the deliverable custom software, dynamically generating a new checklist; evaluating leading indicators for the received answers; based on relevancy of answers and the leading indicators, eliminating irrelevant questions from the new checklist; and based on answers to remaining relevant questions, determining if a particular work packet will be needed to create the deliverable custom software in the software factory. |
| US08566771B1 |
Automation of interconnect and routing customization
A computer identifies a metal layer, in a design, which contains routing track segregated by blockages. The sections of segregated routing track are removed and new routing track are added along the periphery of the blockage. It is determined if contact can be created between the component and the new routing track with the addition of a vertical interconnect access (VIA) structure. If contact can be created, then the VIA structures are added to create contact. If no contact can be created then another new routing track is added with (VIA) structures such that contact is created. Further routing track and VIA structures are added to higher metal layers to form a connection between a routing terminus located on a top metal layer and the new routing track and component. |
| US08566766B2 |
Method for detecting small delay defects
System and method for effectively detecting small delay defects is disclosed. The method first loads layout information of an integrated circuit. Then, the nets and paths of the integrated circuit are partitioned into two groups based upon their physical information. The physical information comprises the length of each path and net and the number of vias at each path and net. A timing-aware automatic test pattern generator is configured to generate test patterns for the first group having paths and nets susceptible to small delay defects. A traditional transition delay fault test pattern generator is configured to generate test patterns for the second group. |
| US08566765B1 |
In-hierarchy circuit analysis and modification
Modifying a hierarchical circuit design includes accessing hierarchical circuit data in the hierarchical circuit design; performing timing analysis and modifications on a selected portion of the hierarchical circuit data to achieve inter-block timing closure; and performing timing analysis and modifications on the hierarchical circuit data, while accounting for a modification made on the selected portion of the hierarchical circuit data, to achieve intra-block timing closure. |
| US08566764B2 |
Enhanced analysis of array-based netlists via phase abstraction
A mechanism is provided for increasing the scalability of transformation-based formal verification solutions through enabling the use of phase abstraction on logic models that include memory arrays. The mechanism manipulates the array to create a plurality of copies of its read and write ports, representing the different modulo time frames. The mechanism converts all write-before-read arrays to read-before-write and adds a bypass path around the array from write ports to read ports to capture any necessary concurrent read and write forwarding. The mechanism uses an additional set of bypass paths to ensure that the proper write data that becomes effectively concurrent through the unfolding inherent in phase abstraction is forwarded to the proper read port. If a given read port is disabled or fetches out-of-bounds data, the mechanism applies randomized data to the read port data output. |
| US08566761B2 |
Network flow based datapath bit slicing
The present disclosure relates to a computer-based method and apparatus for determining datapath bit slices. A first two-way search is performed between an input vector and an output vector to identify gates in a datapath. A network flow is then constructed including the gates identified, and a min-cost max-flow algorithm is applied to the network flow to derive matching bit pairs between the input vector and the output vector. Next, the datapath bit slices are determined by performing a second two-way search between each of a starting bit in the input vector and an ending bit in the output vector of each of the matching bit pairs. |
| US08566760B2 |
Method and apparatus for multi-die thermal analysis
Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for performing thermal analysis of a multi-die integrated circuit (IC) design layout. The thermal analysis produces a temperature distribution for analyzing internal properties of each die within the multi-die design and for analyzing thermal interactions between two or more dies of the design based on an internal configuration of the two or more dies. Therefore, in some embodiments, the temperature distribution shows a temperature distribution for each die and the individual temperature distributions show varying temperature across each of the dies. Some embodiments reduce the number of iteration required to perform the thermal analysis by constructing a high quality preconditioner based on thermal conducting segments introduced to model thermal effects at the boundaries between two dies. |
| US08566758B2 |
Data dependency managing apparatus, design data dependency managing method and program
A design data dependency managing apparatus comprises an input/output data storing unit for storing design input/output dependency information indicating a dependency between design input/output data, which becomes an input/output of a design, and other design input/output data in association with the design input/output data, and a design execution environment constructing unit for generating design data dependency information indicating a version number, on which a dependency is made, of the design input/output data required for the design by using the design input/output dependency information, and for constructing a design execution environment. |
| US08566757B2 |
Layout of phase shifting photolithographic masks with refined shifter shapes
A method for defining a full phase layout for defining a layer of material in an integrated circuit is described. The method can be used to define, arrange, and refine phase shifters to substantially define the layer using phase shifting. Through the process, computer readable definitions of an alternating aperture, dark field phase shift mask and of a complimentary mask are generated. Masks can be made from the definitions and then used to fabricate a layer of material in an integrated circuit. The separations between phase shifters, or cuts, are designed for easy mask manufacturability while also maximizing the amount of each feature defined by the phase shifting mask. Cost functions are used to describe the relative quality of phase assignments and to select higher quality phase assignments and reduce phase conflicts. |
| US08566756B2 |
Processing condition determining method and apparatus, display method and apparatus, processing apparatus, measurement apparatus and exposure apparatus, substrate processing system, and program and information recording medium
In a first process, a process A, an actually measured transfer position measured by a measurement/inspection instrument is indicated by a black circle. A targeted transfer position indicated by x in a process B is located at the same position as the black circle. Assuming that the weights in the subsequent processes are the same, a targeted transfer position Xtarget indicated by x in processes C, D and E is located at a moderate position with which the total deviation from an actual transfer position (black circle) measured by the measurement/inspection instrument in a process preceding the current process is minimized, that is, at a proper position with respect to a plurality of other processes. Accordingly, the productivity of devices can be improved. |
| US08566753B2 |
Fragmentation point and simulation site adjustment for resolution enhancement techniques
A method of performing a resolution enhancement technique such as OPC on an initial layout description involves fragmenting a polygon that represents a feature to be created into a number of edge fragments. One or more of the edge fragments is assigned an initial simulation site at which the image intensity is calculated. Upon calculation of the image intensity, the position and/or number of initial simulation sites is varied. New calculations are made of the image intensity with the revised placement or number of simulation sites in order to calculate an OPC correction for the edge fragment. In other embodiments, fragmentation of a polygon is adjusted based on the image intensities calculated at the simulation sites. In one embodiment, the image intensity gradient vector calculated at the initial simulation sites is used to adjust the simulation sites and/or fragmentation of the polygon. |
| US08566752B2 |
Persistent selection marks
Methods and method and apparatus are disclosed herein for marking electronic documents with one or more persistent selection marks. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving input representing one or more marks on a document image; determining whether the one or more marks represents a selection of a persistent selectable area that delineates information in the document image; and storing data corresponding to the selection to enable a user in the future to obtain the information in the document image by performing an action with respect to the one or more marks. |
| US08566751B2 |
GUI pointer automatic position vectoring
A method and computer system for rapid and accurate automatic vectoring of a graphical user interface pointer to a selectable item on a display. Based upon pointer movement input from a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, touchpad or specially configured keyboard), a direction of travel vector from an initial anchor position towards a target item is determined. The location of the target item is extrapolated and the pointer is automatically moved to that target item. To ensure that the pointer moves to the intended target item, the location of the target item is extrapolated based upon the direction of travel vector and default and/or user defined parameters. Optional user defined parameters include initial pointer anchor position, vector sensitivity, automatic selection of target item, and user defined pointer limitations. |
| US08566744B2 |
Same-display comparison of content for different renditions of a single computer program
An method for use in a computer system for determining correspondence between at least two renditions of a single computer program includes enabling the identification of a selected screenshot related to navigation within the computer program and, as a response to the identification, accessing a reference screenshot captured during navigation within a first rendition and a corresponding screenshot captured during navigation within a second rendition. The reference screenshot and the corresponding screenshot are presented on a display, thereby enabling a same-display comparison of content of the reference and corresponding screenshots. |
| US08566742B2 |
Prioritized presentation of content
A method is provided for determining content to present on a display of a device. The method comprises presenting a first content in a first location in an application window of an application and presenting a second content in a second location in the application window of the application. The method further comprises receiving a user action and determining whether at least a portion of the first content will be obstructed due to the user action. The method further comprises presenting the first content in the second location based on a comparison of a first content priority value assigned to the first content and a second content priority value assigned to the second content in accordance with the determination. |
| US08566741B2 |
Internal scroll activation and cursor adornment
Mechanisms for allowing a user to scroll through a displayed viewer. Upon detected using input while the viewer is being displayed, the user input is identified is being a scrolling gesture. In response, a scrolling control is activated at an interior portion of the displayed viewer. In addition, when the user navigates the cursor to within a scrollable display, the cursor is adorned with a scrolling context emblem that represents scrolling options available for that viewer. |
| US08566739B2 |
Input field for graphical user interface
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for and input field on a graphical user interface (GUI). The graphical user interface (GUI) includes one or more input fields that, when activated in response to a stimulus, display one or more associated projected input fields showing a maximum width of the respective input fields. |
| US08566737B2 |
Virtual white lines (VWL) application for indicating an area of planned excavation
Methods and apparatus for facilitating detection of a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. Source data representing one or more input images of a geographic area including the dig area is electronically received at a first user location, which may be remote from the dig area. The source data is processed so as to display at least a portion of the input image(s) on a display device at the first user location. One or more indicators are added to the displayed input image(s), via a user input device associated with the display device, to provide at least one indication of the dig area and thereby generate a marked-up digital image. In one example, the indicator(s) is/are markings that indicate a point, line, and/or path. The indicator(s) may provide a reference for a locate operation or an area of planned excavation. A description, such as of the area of planned excavation, may be provided with reference to the indicator(s). |
| US08566729B2 |
Joint editing of an on-line document
An editing apparatus efficiently performs cooperative editing of a document. Multiple users can edit a document in parallel using the editing apparatus which includes a screen output section, an editing screen, a section for receiving, a selection input section for inputting, and an update section for reflecting the edited content selected by a selection instruction, and updating the document. |
| US08566725B2 |
Audience platform
An audience platform is disclosed. In a first example case, a first question is received. A preference event associated with the first question is received. A score is determined for the first question based at least in part on the preference. In a second example case, indications of a first and second potential interviewee are received. Preference events associated with the first and second potential interviewees are received. Scores are determined for the first and second potential interviewees based at least in part on the received preference events. A designated interviewee is selected based on the first and second scores. In a third example case, indications of a first and second potential awardee are received. Preference events associated with the first and second potential awardee are received. Scores are determined for the first and second potential awardees based at least in part on the received preference events. |
| US08566724B2 |
Online customization of information using a site management module
To customize information online using a site management module, a request is received, from a remote computer over a network, to modify information for presentation in a container on a computer, wherein the container facilitates interaction between a plurality of applications associated with a plurality of business units. Configuration information is received from the remote computer to modify the presentation of information. A processor generates a modifiable configuration file according to the configuration information, wherein the modifiable configuration file comprises instructions to present the information in the container on the computer. |
| US08566721B2 |
Editing key-indexed graphs in media editing applications
Some embodiments of the invention provide media editing applications with novel key-indexed graph editing operations. In some embodiments, the media editing application allows a user to modify such a graph without actually selecting any key index on the graph. In some embodiments, the media editing application allows a user to modify the graph by interacting with one or more shapes that are defined in terms of the graph, without selecting any of the key indices that are used to specify the graph. |
| US08566720B2 |
System and method for listening to audio content
A method including selecting a presentation content group, displaying content identifiers corresponding to the presentation content group, selecting a content identifier, and instantly presenting a substantially live presentation content from a media provider corresponding to the selected content identifier to a user. |
| US08566716B2 |
Selective macro event recording
A method, system and apparatus for selective macro event recording. In accordance with the present invention, events can be selectively included in a macro recording process, even where the events occur across different contexts such as different application windows in different applications. Specifically, once a macro recording session has been initiated for a particular application or application window, events occurring in different applications or application windows can be selected for inclusion in the macro through an append recording operation. Notably, the selective macro recording facility can be included as part of an operating environment, or as part of the individual applications executing within the operating environment. |
| US08566714B1 |
Catalog accessories meta-configurator, and its use thereof
A computer program product for standardizing the appearance of related accessories installed on a base product. The base product and related accessories can be visualized from a plurality of view-angles on a configurator application. An accessory is loaded onto the base product by an image transformation tool that manipulates the accessory to fit onto the base product. The transformed accessory is saved as a t-matrix profile for each view-angle of the base product, and the t-matrix profiles are associated with an accessory classification, which includes additional accessories that similarly fit the base product. The visualization data associated with the base product can then be updated with the t-matrix profiles. A customer GUI is provided for viewing the accessories fitted onto the base product where the transformations can automatically transform other accessories in the same accessory classification on the base product. In an embodiment, the base product is a vehicle. |
| US08566700B2 |
Displaying annotation with a document image
A client terminal acquires from a server terminal one or more document information which includes at least a thumbnail image and document identification information for identifying document data corresponding to the thumbnail image, and includes first annotation data and/or second annotation data associated with the document identification information. If first annotation data is included in respective acquired document information, the client terminal displays a thumbnail image with which the first annotation data is combined, as a list with thumbnail view, on a display unit. If the second annotation data is included in specified document data, the client terminal individually displays specified document data with which the second annotation data is combined, on a display unit. |
| US08566698B1 |
Document management system and method
A system and method for document management for processing forms on a personal computer while isolated from a network. The forms may be Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) forms stored on a personal computer isolated from a network. The forms have data fields for data submission. Data is input into a selected form and a submit command is executed to submit the entered data. Execution of the submit command stores the data to a file on the personal computer. Once the personal computer is connected to the network, the stored data is sent to a central computer connected to the network. |
| US08566695B2 |
Controlling access to digital content
Method for utilizing digital content is provided. The method includes controlling a throughput rate for utilizing the digital content by an accessing system, wherein the throughput rate is associated with information related to the digital content stored as a file. |
| US08566694B2 |
Multi-dimensional documents for parallel content display on a single screen for multiple viewers
A system, method, and storage medium for generating visual content in plural versions for substantially simultaneous display on the same display device are provided. The system includes memory for storing static content having at least one document element common to a first and second version of a document, multi-dimensional content having at least one customized document element for each document version to be inserted into a variable area within the first and second versions of the document, and multi-dimensional parameters defining static areas, variable areas, and customized document elements for each document version. The system further includes a rendering module adapted to generate a first frame-image corresponding to the first document version and a second frame-image corresponding to the second document version by arranging the static content and multi-dimensional content of each document version according to the multi-dimensional parameters. |
| US08566693B2 |
Application-specific personalization for data display
A method of optimizing a set of elements on a device display. The method includes positioning the set of elements on the device display, where the set of elements includes a first set of spatial indicia, and the device display further includes a first set of device characteristics. The method also includes generating a first set of workspace configuration indicia based, in part, on the first set of spatial indicia and the first set of device characteristics; and, if desired, re-positioning the set of elements on the device display, where the set of elements includes a second set of spatial indicia, and wherein the device display further includes a second set of device characteristics. The method further includes generating a second set of workspace configuration indicia based in part, on the second set of spatial indicia and the second set of device characteristics; wherein if the device display comprises the first set of device characteristics, positioning the set of elements according to the first set of workspace configuration indicia; else if, the display comprises the second set of device characteristics, positioning the set of elements according to the second set of workspace configuration indicia; else, positioning the set of elements according to a set of default workspace configuration indicia. |
| US08566692B2 |
Methods and apparatus for integrating external applications into an MPEG-4 scene
A method of decoding, composing and rendering a scene. First information is obtained, the first information including a part of a MPEG-4 BIFS scene description stream and at least one coded MPEG-4 media stream. The first information is decoded by invoking a BIFS scene decoder and one or more specific media decoders that are required by the scene. Second information is obtained, the second information including a second part of a BIFS scene description stream that contains a reference to an external application. The second information is decoded by invoking the BIFS scene decoder and an external application decoder. An integrated scene is composed, the integrated scene including one or more decoded MPEG-4 media objects and one or more external application objects specified in the decoded scene descriptions streams. The composed integrated scene is rendered on a display. |
| US08566691B2 |
Analyzer
An analyzer may include a body housing having a first ID, a first measurement module having a second ID that is different from the first ID, the first measurement module being releasably attachable to the body housing, a first memory in the body housing, the first memory being configured to store the first ID, first setting data and first correction data, a second memory in the first measurement module, the second memory being configured to store the second ID, second setting data and second correction data, a first CPU in the body housing, the first CPU being configured to detect the first measurement module having the second ID, and a first data transmission unit in the body housing, the first data transmission unit being configured to transmit the first setting data and the first correction data to the second memory. |
| US08566690B2 |
Apparatus and method for assessing image quality in real-time
An apparatus and method for assessing image quality in real-time in consideration of both a coding error generated in an image processing process and a packet error generated in an image transmission process are provided. The apparatus for assessing image quality in real-time includes: an image quality measurement unit measuring image degradation generated in processing an image; a packet degradation detection unit detecting a packet error generated in transmitting the image; and final outcome drawing unit finally assessing the quality of the image in consideration of both a degradation degree of the image measured by the image quality measurement unit and the packet error measured by the packet degradation detection unit. |
| US08566688B2 |
Method of certifying multiple versions of an application
A first check code is computed by applying an algorithm to a proper subset of a first body of data. A second check code is computed by applying the algorithm to an equivalent proper subset of a second equivalent body of data. The two check codes are compared. The extent of the proper subset of the first body of data is determined by a semantic analysis of the first body of data. Multiple versions of an application, when the semantic changes between the applications are inconsequential, may then be certified by ignoring the non-significant modifications and ensuring the integrity of the remainder of the content. |
| US08566686B2 |
System and method for optimizing read-modify-write operations in a RAID 6 volume
A method is disclosed for updating parity information in a RAID 6 system wherein only one parity block is read during each write operation. Both parity blocks may be updated from the new data, the data being overwritten and either of the old blocks of parity information. A method for load balancing in a RAID 6 system using this method is also disclosed. |