| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08568276B2 |
Control mechanism and method for engagement of impeller clutch
A method for engagement of an impeller clutch includes a process for decreasing a back pressure relative to a clutch engagement pressure by decreasing an internal pressure of a torque converter in a case where the impeller clutch is brought into an engaged state, the impeller clutch enabling a driving force of an engine to be transmitted and disconnected to and from a pump impeller of the torque converter, transmission and disconnection of the driving force between the engine and the pump impeller being controlled by the clutch engagement pressure that is applied to the impeller clutch through an independent oil passage. |
| US08568273B2 |
Hydraulic control device
A hydraulic control device is provided with a linear solenoid valve, a shift valve, and a controller. The linear solenoid valve has a gain switching chamber which produces a biasing force in a direction to close the linear solenoid valve to switch the gain characteristic of the linear solenoid valve when oil pressure is supplied to the gain switching chamber. The shift valve is configured to be switchable between a supply state in which the output oil pressure from the linear solenoid valve is supplied to the gain switching chamber and a blocked state in which the supply of the output oil pressure is blocked. The controller brings the shift valve into the supply state when a necessary oil pressure of an engagement element is high and into the blocked state when the necessary oil pressure of the engagement element is low. |
| US08568272B2 |
Method for starting an engine
A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one example, the method adjusts a desired engine speed to at least two levels during engine speed run-up from cranking to engine idle speed. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles. |
| US08568267B2 |
Planetary-gear automatic transmission
A planetary-gear automatic transmission, in particular a planetary-gear automatic transmission includes at least eight forward gear positions. For shifting the individual gear positions, shifting devices formed by clutches and/or brakes are provided. For actuating the shifting devices, shift actuators are provided which generate assigned actuating forces. The planetary-gear automatic transmission is constructed such that all shift actuators can be arranged or are arranged directly on or directly in the area of the assigned shifting devices. |
| US08568266B2 |
Overdrive unit
An overdrive unit for a vehicle is operatively connectable to a transverse mounted front wheel drive vehicle gearbox, which has been arranged to provide a single output shaft. The overdrive unit includes a planetary gear set and a differential are mounted together in an overdrive unit housing such that the output shaft of the vehicle gearbox is operatively connectable to the planetary gear set. The planetary gear set is further operatively connectable to drive shafts of the vehicle via the differential. A clutch unit is provided for selectively engaging gearing of the planetary gear set. |
| US08568263B2 |
Gear transmission
A gear transmission comprises an external gear and an internal gear that rotates eccentrically relative to the external gear while meshing with the external gear. At least one first recess is formed on an outer peripheral side of the internal gear so that at least a portion of a motor is disposed within the first recess, thereby shortening the length and width of the device that includes the motor and the gear transmission in the axial and radial direction, respectively. |
| US08568260B2 |
Toothed belt for use with oil and relative timing control system
Toothed belt for use with oil comprising a body and a plurality of teeth extending from at least a surface of the body; the teeth are covered by a coating fabric. The toothed belt comprises a plurality of resistant inserts produced from at least a first and a second material. Preferably, the resistant inserts are constituted by glass fibers and carbon fibers. Preferably, a resistant layer is made to adhere over the coating fabric, said layer comprising a fluorine based plastomer with the addition of an elastomeric material, wherein the plastomer is present in a greater amount than the elastomeric material. The elastomeric material forming the body of the belt is preferably a copolymer obtained from a diene monomer and a monomer containing nitrile groups, wherein the nitrile groups are between 33% and 49%, preferably 39 weight % with respect to the copolymer. |
| US08568257B2 |
Frangible payload delivery apparatus
A payload delivery apparatus comprised of a frangible hollow body for delivering a variety of payloads. The body is attached to a base having a threaded section for removable engagement with an arrow shaft. A plurality of equidistant spaced impact stanchions are attached around the perimeter of the body. A cap is fitted to an open end of the hollow body. Each impact stanchion is connected to the hollow body in such a way as to fracture upon impact with a target thus delivering the payload. In an alternate embodiment, a set of aerodynamic linear channels and annular indentions is included in the body so as to aid to fracturing upon impact. |
| US08568256B1 |
Method and apparatus for increasing visual performance of athletes
A method and apparatus for increasing the visual performance of athletes. For example, a baseball hitter is taught to recognize the spin of a thrown baseball and thus become a better hitter. A hitter wears eye glasses having lenses which are tinted in a color which is complementary to the a baseball being all or partially tinted in a complementary color. For example, the hitter may wear green tinted lenses to make the red seams of the thrown baseball become much more apparent. Various complementary color schemes are disclosed. Several examples of specific practice for use of the method and apparatus are disclosed. Examples of sporting activities in which color recognition is useful include baseball, shooting, soccer, racquetball, handball, volleyball, tennis and others. |
| US08568254B2 |
Batting tee system for bat-and-ball games
A batting tee system includes a batting tee assembly that may be used with conventional balls or with the ball described as an embodiment of the present invention. Optionally, the batting tee assembly may be used with a netting system that provides feedback to a batter based on a trajectory of the ball after it has been struck by a bat and leaves the batting tee assembly. In one embodiment, the batting tee assembly includes a support base coupled to a swing arm, which in turn is coupled to an adjustable-height batting tee. The batting tee system may be configured for both left and right handed batters and also placed in a portable or storable configuration. |
| US08568248B2 |
Golf club head having a composite crown
A golf club head having a high COR that is durable and has desirable acoustic qualities. The club head includes a body portion, a striking face and a crown forming a hollow cavity of at least 150 cc in volume. The body portion defines a front opening and an upper opening, and it includes a sole and a side section that extends rearward of the front opening. The striking plate is secured to the body portion, enclosing the front opening. While partially assembled, final weighting and/or other attachment of other members to the inner surface of the club head can be preformed, as desired. The crown is secured to the body portion, enclosing the upper opening. A surface veil may also be provided about a junction of the crown and body. The crown has a maximum thickness no greater than about 2 mm. The density of the crown is less than the density of the body portion. At least one of the striking plate and the crown is attached to the second portion by adhesive bonding, and the golf club head has a maximum coefficient of restitution of at least 0.80. |
| US08568247B1 |
Golf club head with improved aerodynamic characteristics
A golf club head comprising an aerodynamic hosel is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the hosel may have an airfoil cross-section with a high thickness to chord ratio. In a further embodiment, the thickness to chord ratio may increase from a hosel head connection point to a hosel shaft connection point. In another embodiment, a shaft connection point of the hosel is closer to a club face vertical plane than to a head connection point vertical plane, e.g., is swept. In yet another embodiment, the hosel has an endplate proximate a shaft connection point. In yet another embodiment, the exterior surface of the hosel is rough, comprises at least one vertex generator, comprises a fillet, or comprises at least one trip step. |
| US08568244B2 |
Tripod constant velocity joint
A constant velocity joint for a drive system comprises: a tripod housing coupled to the first rotating shaft and having a plurality of guide grooves therein, each guide groove extending in an axial direction of the tripod housing; a spider coupled to the second rotating shaft and having a plurality of trunnions, each trunnion positioned in a corresponding guide groove of the tripod housing; and a spherical roller disposed between the trunnion and the guide groove of the tripod housing, and a plurality of needle rollers disposed between the trunnion and spherical roller. Each spherical roller is in angular contact with the guide groove of the tripod housing with two contact points displaced relative to a pitch circle diameter line of the tripod housing. The ratio of the length (CL) between two contact points of tripod housing groove to the length (SL) between two edges of spherical roller is between 0.5 and 0.85, and the ratio of the radius (TGR2) of the guide groove of the tripod housing to the radius (SRR) of the spherical roller is between 1.1 and 1.4. |
| US08568238B2 |
System for remote game access
A system for allowing a user to remotely access a game includes: a game console; a remote console client configured to receive a game control signal; and a remote console server. The remote console server includes an audio and video encoder configured to receive an audio output and a video output from the game console and to convert the audio output and the video output to a network packet. The remote console server also includes: a game controller emulation unit and a network interface configured to send and receive the network packet. The game controller emulation unit is configured to receive a game controller signal from the game console and to send the game controller signal to the remote console client and to receive a game controller input from the remote console client and send the game controller input to the game console. |
| US08568237B2 |
Networked gaming system communication protocols and methods
A system, method and apparatus for a gaming system is provided. The gaming system includes a rewards server and a separate gaming or slot accounting server. The system may further include a separate player tracking server. The system further includes one or more game machines. The game machines may include a base game, rewards tracking module, and a game management module. Further details will be apparent from the description, drawings and claims. |
| US08568226B2 |
Master control program for a gaming device
A gaming device master control program is described herein. In one embodiment, the master control program performs operations including starting one or more gaming applications that include one or more gaming application processes. The master control program can also monitor the gaming application processes and determine, based on the monitoring, that fault recovery operations are needed. The master control program can also perform the fault recovery operations. |
| US08568225B2 |
User interface system and method for creating and verifying signed content
An embedded additional user interface 10 includes a web page display screen 20 and an embedded processor 30, and is incorporated into a gaming machine 40 that in turn includes a gaming screen 50 and a gaming processor 60. Because of security procedures applied for digital signing and certification of user selectable programming elements, the embedded additional user interface 10 employs an interface build application 79 such that the user can select and modify the look and feel of the web page display screen content. The interface build application enables content to be presented on a web page display screen that can track to an individual player. The interface build application also enables a casino user to update current casino promotions for its players in a timely manner, as well as present customized marketing messages, which can even be targeted to individual players. The casino user can customize the look and feel of web page display screen content to make the game player environment more exciting and more conducive to extended player gaming sessions. |
| US08568223B2 |
Gaming machine and gaming method thereof
A gaming environment is described. Each of values which betted by a player is compared. One of the players, who betted the largest accumulated value, can obtain a right of choice for a dealer image (or actual dealer). A game session is conducted by the selected dealer (or actual dealer). |
| US08568221B2 |
Wagering game with dual-play feature
Multi-player games that foster cooperation or competition between players. A multi-player wagering game system includes a first display to display a first wagering game; a first input device corresponding to the first display to accept input from a first player; a second display to display a second wagering game, the second display being adjacent to the first display; a second input device corresponding to the second display to accept input from a second player; and a bonus display to display a bonus game. The bonus game receiving input from both the first and the second input devices. Computer software causes the first wagering game and the second wagering game to be executed. A multi-person seating device is configured to permit the first player and the second player to sit side-by-side in front of the first display and the second display, respectively. |
| US08568218B2 |
System gaming
A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded. |
| US08568215B1 |
System and method for multi-player online Faro game
A game system comprising a plurality of card rank icons, each card rank icon represents one of a plurality of types of cards. A plurality of case keep icons, each case keep icon represents a number of cards of one rank that have been played in a game, wherein one or more of the case keep icons further comprises a denomination field displaying a denomination of a card associated with the case keep icon and a plurality of status indicators disposed around a periphery of the denomination field. A plurality of wager icons configured to be generated on a user display, each wager icon configured to graphically represent a bet on one or more of the card ranks by overlapping one, two or four of the card rank icons. |
| US08568213B2 |
Game unit with controller-determined characters
An electronic game apparatus. The apparatus may include at least a first player input device and a second player input device. Each player input device may have a plurality of buttons adapted to be manipulated by a player, thereby producing player input signals for moving one or more characters within the game environment. The apparatus may also include a base unit coupled to the player input devices. The base unit may include a game processor adapted to receive the plurality of player input signals and to determine therefrom a game simulation. The game processor may transmit output signals representative of the game simulation to a monitor device. Optionally the game simulation may include movements of at least one of the first player and the second player character based upon input signals from the corresponding player input device. Each player character may be selectable from different groups of player characters. |
| US08568210B1 |
Integrated venturi heating elements for air curtains
An air curtain resistant heating system including multiple heating coils integrated within blower fan cages. The multiple heating coils defining an inflow venture air pattern for increased heat transfer and fan cage internal flow vortex dependent on coil flow conveyance. Coil orientation placement assures limited impact to effect blower pressure and therefore minimizes loss of air performance parameters. Multiple phase electrical supply for multiple paired heating coils positioned in corresponding multiple blower fan units in an air curtain assembly. |
| US08568207B1 |
Apparatus and method using electromagnetic radiation for stunning animals to be slaughtered
A method of stunning an animal for slaughter is provided. The method includes directing a first portion of electromagnetic radiation in a first side of the animals head and directing a second portion of the electromagnetic radiation in a second side of the animals head such that the first portion and second portion of the electromagnetic radiation achieve constructive interfere at a focal point within the animal's head. |
| US08568206B2 |
Abrasive article for use with a grinding wheel
An abrasive article for use with a grinding wheel including an abrasive body having abrasive grains contained within a matrix of bond material, the abrasive body having a plurality of arm portions defining a twisted path having a plurality of linear portions joined by a plurality of turns. |
| US08568204B2 |
Material removing tool
A material removing tool, such as a cutting or grinding tool, adapted to be oscillated by the output shaft of a manually operable motor-driven apparatus, is provided with at least one elongated cutting edge defined by teeth or analogous cutting elements arranged in at least one at least substantially straight linear array. |
| US08568203B2 |
Method and apparatus for multiple cutoff machining of rare earth magnet block, cutting fluid feed nozzle, and magnet block securing jig
In a method for multiple cutoff machining a rare earth magnet block, a cutting fluid feed nozzle having a plurality of slits is combined with a plurality of cutoff abrasive blades coaxially mounted on a rotating shaft, each said blade comprising a base disk and a peripheral cutting part. The slits in the feed nozzle into which the outer peripheral portions of cutoff abrasive blades are inserted serve to restrict any axial run-out of the cutoff abrasive blades during rotation. Cutting fluid is fed from the feed nozzle through slits to the rotating cutoff abrasive blades and eventually to points of cutoff machining on the magnet block. |
| US08568197B2 |
Method of fluid jet machining
A pocket (6) is machined into the surface of a component (9) by pressurising a fluid (1) and directing a jet (11) of the pressurized fluid (1) at the surface to be machined. Continuous relative movement is provided between the component (9) and the pressurized jet (11) of fluid (1) during machining. Material is removed from the component (9) in a series of layers, whereby the path of the fluid jet (11) in one of the layers is perpendicular to the path of the fluid jet (11) in the subsequent layer. The fluid jet (11) operates continuously until the required amount of material has been removed from the component (9). |
| US08568195B1 |
Multi-fabric garment
A multi-fabric garment for slenderizing the midsection of a user includes a noncompressive upper section, a slenderizing compressive middle section, and a noncompressive lower section. The slenderizing middle section can include both compressive and noncompressive materials. |
| US08568190B2 |
Balloon sealing and displaying device
A balloon sealing and display device comprises a disk-like body member that includes a first sealing slit formed therein, extending from an open mouth inwardly to a closed end. The disk-like body member also includes a second sealing slit formed therein extending from an open mouth inwardly to a closed end. The closed end of the first sealing slit and the closed end of the second sealing slit are spaced apart from one another to define a neck wrap portion of the body member. The disk-like body member also includes a ribbon wrap portion. The balloon sealing and display device also includes a ribbon, having a first end and a second end defining a length thereof, having the first end secured to the body member. |
| US08568185B2 |
Dual external electrode fluorescent lamp and manufacturing method thereof
A dual external electrode fluorescent lamp and manufacturing method thereof comprising a 1st glass tube with both ends open and an inner wall optionally coated with a fluorescent material, wherein the diameter of the opened ends is extended; connecting the 1st glass tube with two 2nd glass tubes by joining both opened ends of the 1st glass tube to the two both-end opened 2nd glass tubes that have a diameter larger than that of the 1st glass tube; joining a 1st multi-tube for the enlargement of an electrode area in the one 2nd glass tube or a ‘flare’ structure having one closed end to one end of 2nd glass tube through insertion after spreading one end widely, and enlarging an electrode area in the other 2nd tube and joining a 2nd multi-tube having an exhaust port to the other 2nd tube through insertion; cutting and sealing a portion of the exhaust port after vacuuming the inside of the glass tubes and injecting discharge gas inside the glass tubes through the connection of an exhaust system to the exhaust port. |
| US08568184B2 |
Display modules
An electronic device may have a display. The display may have active components such as display pixels formed on a display substrate layer. The display substrate layer may be formed from a glass substrate layer. Thin-film transistors and other components for the display pixels may be formed on the glass substrate. An encapsulation glass layer may be bonded to the glass substrate using a ring-shaped bond structure. The ring-shaped bond structure may extend around the periphery of the encapsulation glass layer and the substrate glass layer. The bond structure may be formed from a glass frit, a solid glass ring, integral raised glass portions of the glass layers, meltable metal alloys, or other bond materials. Chemical and physical processing operations may be used to temper the glass layers, to perform annealing operations, to preheat the glass layers, and to promote adhesion. |
| US08568183B2 |
Process of producing organic electroluminescence element composition, organic electroluminescence element composition, process of producing organic electroluminescence element, organic electroluminescence element, organic EL display device and organic EL lighting
To provide a process of producing an organic electroluminescence element having a high current efficiency and a long drive life by a wet film formation process. The present invention relates to a process of producing an organic electroluminescence element composition, comprising a filtration step of filtering a solution containing an organic electroluminescence element material and a solvent, wherein the composition is obtained after a time-elapsing step wherein 8 hours or more elapses after the filtration step, and the composition is used for a wet film formation of an organic layer in an organic electroluminescence element. |
| US08568181B2 |
Spark plug with undercut insulator
A spark plug for an internal combustion engine, the spark plug having: an elongated center electrode having a center electrode tip at one end and a terminal proximate the other end; an insulator substantially surrounding the center electrode, the insulator having a channel formed in an exterior surface of the insulator; and an outer shell surrounding the insulator, the outer shell having a jamb nut portion and a distal end extending from the jamb nut portion, the distal end of the outer shell is aligned with the channel such that the distal end of the outer shell is received in and engages the channel of the outer shell. |
| US08568180B1 |
Stackable mooring buoy
A mooring buoy for use in water having a lower portion with a substantially cylindrical outer surface and a bottom surface with a female stacking indent and an upper portion having a radiused outer surface and a male stacking ridge so two such mooring buoys can be stacked and sit atop each other when the mooring buoys rest on a planar surface. Handles can be formed in the lower portion. |
| US08568173B2 |
Cable connector assembly with an improved spacer
A cable connector assembly (100) comprises an insulative housing (1), a plurality of contacts (2) received in the insulative housing, a metallic shell (3) enclosing the insulative housing and a spacer (5) assembled to the insulative housing and supporting the contacts. The insulative housing includes a base portion (11), a first tongue (121) and a second tongue (122) extending forwards from the base portion. The contacts comprise a plurality of first contacts held in the first tongue and a plurality of second contacts held in the second tongue. The spacer (5) comprises a primary portion (51) and a pair of rectangular protrusions (53) extending forwards from a front end of the primary portion, the insulative housing defines a pair of outlets (116) recessed forwardly from a back end thereof, the protrusions are accommodated in the corresponding outlets. |
| US08568172B1 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes a first insulating housing having a base board and a tongue board extending forwards from a front of the base board. Two opposite sides of the base board extend downward to form a pair of clamping boards spaced from each other. A second insulating housing is assembled to the first insulating housing. The second insulating housing has a base portion resisting against rear edges of the clamping boards. A tongue portion protrudes forwards from a front of the base portion to be clamped between the clamping boards. A terminal group includes a plurality of flat terminals and a plurality of spring terminals. The flat terminals are molded in the first insulating housing and the spring terminals are molded in the second insulating housing. A metal shell encloses both the first insulating housing and the second insulating housing. |
| US08568171B2 |
Stacked electrical connector
A stacked electrical connector having an insulation body, a plurality of contacts, an external case, and an internal case. The insulation body includes a pair of plugs and a separation member disposed between the pair of plugs for separating the pair of plugs. The plurality of contacts are disposed on the pair of plugs. The external case encloses the insulation body, while the internal case encloses the separation member. The internal case has at least two support legs extending out of the external case from two sides of the internal case respectively, to secure the electrical connector on a circuit board. By providing the support legs on the internal case, the material cost of the connector can be reduced and the workability of the support legs can be improved. |
| US08568168B2 |
Waterproof connector and method of producing rubber stopper
A waterproof connector has a housing (10) with a rearwardly open stopper accommodation part (20). A rubber stopper (50) is accommodated in the stopper accommodation part (20) and has wire insertion holes (52). A holder (70) is mounted on the housing (10) for preventing the rubber stopper (50) from being removed from the stopper accommodation part (20). A positioning part (58) is formed on the rubber stopper (50). A positioning receiving part (26) is formed on the stopper accommodation part (20) and mates with the positioning part (58) when the rubber stopper (50) is in a correct posture so that the rubber stopper (50) can fit in the stopper accommodation part (20). The positioning part (58) interferes with the positioning receiving part (26) when the rubber stopper (50) is in an incorrect posture so that the rubber stopper (50) cannot fit in the stopper accommodation part (20). |
| US08568167B2 |
Coaxial cable connector having a breakaway compression sleeve
An outer sleeve of a coaxial cable connector comprising a tubular body operably attached to a coupling member, a compression portion frangibly connected to the tubular body, wherein the compression portion is configured to break away from the tubular body and displace towards the first end of the tubular body within the tubular body upon an axial compressive force is provided. Moreover, a post configured to receive a prepared end of a coaxial cable, a coupling member, axially rotatable with respect to the post, an outer sleeve engageable with the coupling member, the outer sleeve having a first end and a second end, wherein rotation of the outer sleeve rotates the coupling member, and a compression portion structurally integral with the outer sleeve, wherein the compression portion is configured to break apart from the outer sleeve when axially compressed is further provided. Furthermore, associated methods are also provided. |
| US08568166B2 |
High-voltage coaxial cable and connector
A high-voltage coaxial cable and a connector are provided. The connector includes inner connector electrode, a connector dielectric enclosing an inner connector electrode, and an external connector housing. The inside electrode of a connector is provided with a tapped hole in one side thereof. The tapped hole corresponds to the threaded single core of a high-voltage coaxial cable. The inside electrode of a connector is selectively assembled with and separated from the high-voltage coaxial cable by selectively screwing the threaded single core into and away from the tapped hole. The connector dielectric is formed along the circumferential surface of the inside electrode, and is provided with a coupling portion. The coupling portion couples the connector with another connector, and is formed to a preset depth in a corrugated shape. The connector housing is formed in a shape that surrounds the connector dielectric. |
| US08568165B2 |
Electrical signal connector having a locknut, core tube, elastic cylindrical casing, and barrel for quick connection with a coaxial cable
An electrical connector includes a locknut having an annular locating flange, a core tube for receiving the copper core, inner dielectric insulator and aluminum foil shield of a coaxial cable and supporting the braided metal wrapper and outer plastic sheath of the coaxial cable, a casing surrounding the core tube and having first and second tubular deformable portions and a vertical rear stop edge, and a barrel mounted on the casing between the first tubular deformable portion and the locknut and having a tapered inner surface portion and movable to compress the first and second tubular deformable portions against the coaxial cable and the core tube and an annular front stop edge for stopping a crimping tool used to crimp the casing. |
| US08568150B1 |
Central processing unit socket
A socket for a central processing unit (CPU) includes a housing, a bottom base, a slide base, and a number of resilient members. The bottom base is received in and fastened to a lower portion of the housing. The bottom base defines a number of accommodating holes which are slanted. A number of slanting pins extends up from a top of the bottom base. The slide base is slidably received in the housing and above the bottom base. The slide base defines a number of through holes, which are also slanted, for receiving the pins. The slide base includes a number of slanting protrusions for engaging in the accommodating holes. A receiving hole is defined in a bottom surface of each protrusion. Each resilient member is received in the receiving hole and accommodating hole. |
| US08568145B2 |
Predictive performance optimizer
A method, apparatus and program product are provided for optimizing a training regimen to achieve performance goals. Historical training data is provided. At least one training regimen is defined. A training objective is selected for at least one training regimen to optimize. The training regimen is optimized by computing an initial training regimen solution and computing a neighbor solution at a distance from the initial training regimen solution. The neighbor solution is compared to the initial training regimen solution. If the neighbor solution is determined to be a better solution than the initial training regimen solution, the initial training regimen solution is replaced with the neighbor solution. The distance is updated per a schedule to compute a next neighbor solution. |
| US08568137B2 |
Method for operating a continuous annealing or galvanization line for a metal strip
A method for operating a continuous annealing or galvanizing line for a metal strip, uses a direct flame heating section with an upstream zone and a downstream zone. The direct flame heating section is followed by a radiant tube heating section. The metal strip is indirectly heated in the direct flame heating section. The heating of the metal strip is achieved in the upstream zone by combustion of a mixture of atmospheric air and fuel such that the temperature of the combustion gas is between 1250° C. and 1500° C., preferably close to 1350° C. and in the downstream zone, the heating of the metal strip is achieved by combustion of a superoxygenated substoichiometric mixture of air and fuel such that the temperature of the combustion gas achieved at the end of the upstream zone is maintained until the end of the downstream zone of the direct flame heating section. |
| US08568135B2 |
Device for lighting and extinguishing candles
A device for lighting and extinguishing candles that includes a housing, an ignitor mechanism provided on the housing, an extinguisher mechanism provided on the housing and being movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and a first actuator for the extinguisher mechanism. Activation of the first actuator prevents the ignitor mechanism from being operated. |
| US08568133B2 |
Melt channel geometries for an injection molding system
An injection molding system is disclosed that utilizes a melt channel wherein at least a portion of the melt channel has a noncircular cross-section for balancing shear in a melt stream of moldable material that flows therethrough. The noncircular cross-section of the melt channel portion may be, for e.g., capsule-shaped, extended egg-shaped, oval, teardrop-shaped, or peanut-shaped. A flow splitter is also disclosed that is positioned offset from a central axis of an upstream melt channel to protrude between inlets of respective downstream melt channels, where the upstream melt channel splits into the downstream melt channels, to thereby create a narrower inlet into one of the downstream melt channels and a wider inlet into the other of the downstream melt channels. |
| US08568125B2 |
Roll fed flotation/impingement air ovens and related thermoforming systems for corrugation-free heating and expanding of gas impregnated thermoplastic webs
Disclosed herein are roll fed air heated flotation ovens and related thermoforming systems, assemblies, and machines that enable the corrugation-free expansion of a gas impregnated thermoplastic web passing through an oven chamber (without use of a pin-chain assembly), as well as to related methods. In an embodiment, a gas impregnated thermoplastic web is conveyed and expanded through an elongated air heated oven chamber, wherein the elongated oven chamber includes a plurality of downwardly directed heated air nozzles positioned at regular intervals along and within the upper portion of the oven chamber, and a plurality of upwardly directed heated air nozzles positioned at regular intervals along and within the lower portion of the oven chamber, but staggered apart from the downwardly directed heated air nozzles such that the gas impregnated thermoplastic material web undulates in an up and down wavelike fashion, thereby minimizing sagging, bagging, puckering, and/or buckling of the web. |
| US08568124B2 |
Powder spreader
Powder spreaders suitable for use with layered manufacturing processes are disclosed in which a strip of flexible material of a width which spans the powder bed is used to spread, level, and, optionally, compact deposited powder to form a layer of the powder bed. The strip surface moves relative to the deposited powder it is spreading as the working portion of the strip, i.e., the portion of the strip that is in contact with the powder, traverses across the powder bed so that it can provide lift to the powder in front of it and, optionally, compaction to the powder below it. The working portion of the strip can be configured to have its leading and trailing surface contours to be different from one another, and, optionally, to have these contours and its bottom edge contour be independently adjustable. Layered manufacturing systems comprising such powder spreaders are also disclosed. |
| US08568122B2 |
Control and actuation system for machine for producing expanded-grain cakes
A control and actuation system is provided for a molding machine for producing expanded-grain cakes. The system includes a control unit, a temperature-regulated heating system, multiple motors operated by the control unit for separately actuating mechanical functions, multiple sensors for providing grain level and mechanism positional data to the control unit, control inputs for programming and otherwise providing input to the control unit, and a display device allowing the control unit to provide operational status information. The control unit regulates the thermal energy input to the mold, the molding cycle frequency, and the size of the grain charge. Several interrupts are used to ensure conformance to the control parameters and to enhance operator safety. |
| US08568121B2 |
Techniques for sensing material flow rate in automated extrusion
An extrusion construction system may include an extrusion nozzle configured to extrude construction material through an outlet onto an external surface, the extrusion nozzle including an excess flow port disposed substantially adjacent an edge of the outlet, an imaging device coupled to the extrusion nozzle, and a controller configured to adjust the rate of material flow through the extrusion nozzle in response to receiving one or more images captured by the imaging device showing excess material being extruded through the excess flow port. |
| US08568120B2 |
Tire vulcanization mold manufacturing method and tire vulcanization mold
A tire vulcanization mold manufacturing method can manufacture a tire vulcanization mold having an exhaust mechanism capable of ensuring sufficient exhaust with fewer processing steps. When a mold having a surface of a gypsum mold transferred to the mold is to be manufactured by pouring molten metal onto the surface of the gypsum mold and solidifying the molten metal, a tubular body having a slit allowing hollow inside to communicate with the outside is disposed in such a way that the slit is brought into contact with the surface of the gypsum mold. Thereafter, the molten metal is poured onto the surface of the gypsum mold in such a way that the tubular body is buried in the mold while the slit is exposed on a tire molding surface of the mold. |
| US08568119B2 |
Single screw compressor
A single-screw compressor includes a screw rotor including a spiral groove, a casing, and a gate rotor. The gate rotor includes a plurality of radial gates configured to mesh with the spiral groove. A clearance between one of the gates disposed in the spiral groove and a wall surface of a discharge side portion of the spiral groove is larger than a clearance between the gate disposed in the spiral groove and a wall surface of a suction side portion of the spiral groove. The wall surface of the discharge side portion of the spiral groove is a portion extending from a predetermined position of the spiral groove at a certain point in a compression phase to the terminal end of the spiral groove. The wall surface of the suction side portion of the spiral groove being a portion other than the discharge side portion. |
| US08568118B2 |
Compressor having piston assembly
A compressor includes orbiting and non-orbiting scrolls forming first and second fluid pockets therebetween. First and second ports are disposed in the non-orbiting scroll and radially spaced apart from each other. The first port communicates with the first pocket at a first radial position and the second port communicates with the second pocket at a second radial position. A blocking device is movable between a first position preventing communication between the ports and a fluid source and a second position allowing communication between the ports and the fluid source. The first and second pockets have first and second pressures, respectively. One of the pressures may have a disproportionate pressure change compared to the other of the pressures after at least one of the pockets communicates with the fluid source through at least one of the ports. The disproportionate pressure change biases the orbiting scroll relative to the non-orbiting scroll. |
| US08568110B2 |
Blower fan and method of manufacturing the same
A blower fan includes a rotor arranged to rotate about a rotation axis together with a shaft, a stator arranged radially outward of the rotor and opposite the rotor, a motor support portion arranged to support the shaft through a bearing such that the shaft is rotatable, and an impeller arranged to rotate together with the shaft. The motor support portion includes a base portion, a bearing support portion arranged to support the bearing, and a stator support portion arranged to support the stator. Each of at least a portion of the bearing support portion which is in contact with the bearing and at least a portion of the stator support portion which is in contact with the stator is defined by a metallic member coupled to the base portion, which is made of a resin, preferably through, for example, insert molding. |
| US08568109B2 |
Pump for a high-pressure cleaning device
A pump for a high-pressure cleaning device for delivering cleaning fluid is provided. The pump has at least one pump chamber, into which at least one piston plunges, and which is connected to a suction line via at least one inlet valve and to a pressure line via at least one outlet valve. A bypass line leads from the pressure line to the suction line. An overflow valve is arranged in the bypass line. The valve body of the overflow valve is connected to a control piston which is displaceably held in a control chamber with the interposition of a sealing element and moves the valve body into a closed or an open position as a function of the flow rate of the cleaning fluid in the pressure line. A sliding element is arranged in the control chamber and abuts sealingly on the wall of the control chamber. |
| US08568104B2 |
Fast set material proportioner
The proportioner (10) has a variable speed controlled DC motor (12) having a gearbox (14) and crankshaft (16) at either end which are connected to reciprocating piston pumps (18). The outputs (18a) of the two pumps (18) are fed to a manifold (22) where the pressure of each output is measured. The user sets a setpoint pressure (e.g. 1000 psi) and the controller (26) then compares the pressures of the two components and controls the higher of the two relative to the setpoint. Ratio assurance is monitored by continuing to look at both output pressures. If one side falls below a predetermined percentage of the setpoint (50% in the preferred embodiment), an alarm may be raised or operation stopped. |
| US08568100B2 |
Bi-axial compliant bearing
Embodiments of a bi-axial compliant bearing assembly and methods of assembling the bi-axial compliant bearing assembly are disclosed. A bi-axial compliant bearing assembly employs a transition bearing race. The transition bearing race comprises a cylindrical surface. The cylindrical surface is configured to rotatably engage a rotational bearing element and to slidably engage the rotational bearing element along an axis. The transition bearing race also includes a spherically-compliant surface. The spherically-compliant surface is configured to engage a spherically-compliant element and to enable the spherically-compliant element to rotate transversely to the axis. |
| US08568098B2 |
Pitch drive apparatus of wind generator and wind generator
The present invention provides a pitch drive apparatus of a wind generator and the wind generator constituted not to affect a main shaft or a gear box, and capable of preventing reliability from being deteriorated. The pitch drive apparatus includes a wind turbine blade (6) having a base portion (21) mounted so as to be turnable around an axis center L with respect to a rotor head (4), an electric drive member having an output shaft (19) mounted on the rotor head (4) so as to extend in a direction along the axis center (L), a lever (15) having one end fixed to the output shaft (19) and extending in a direction intersecting with the output shaft (19), and a connecting link (17) disposed so as to extend in a direction intersecting with the output shaft (19). One end of the connecting link (17) is rotatably mounted on a free end of the lever (15) and the other end of the connecting link (17) is rotatably mounted on a drive position P of the wind turbine blade (6). |
| US08568094B2 |
Gas turbine and method for opening chamber of gas turbine
A gas turbine includes a rotor rotated by combustion gas produced by a combustor that burns fuel, and a casing that is formed by connecting a plurality of casing members divided in plurality, the casing storing the rotor in an inside thereof, and including a second upper-side second vertical inner flange and a third upper-side first vertical inner flange for connecting a second upper casing member with a third upper casing member different from the second upper casing member among the casing members at the inside. |
| US08568089B2 |
Gear arrangement
An example gear arrangement includes a gearbox shaft and a journal shaft. The journal shaft establishes an opening that receives an end portion of the gearbox shaft. The gearbox shaft is configured to rotate the journal shaft. The journal shaft is configured to selectively rotatably couple with another shaft. The journal shaft is allowed to align to the bearing surface while the gearbox shaft allows for misalignment between the accessory and gearbox drive. |
| US08568087B2 |
Device for detecting a fractured shaft of a gas turbine and a gas turbine
The present technology relates generally to a device for the detection of a shaft fracture in a rotor of a turbine, for example a medium pressure turbine such as a gas turbine, in particular an aircraft engine, whereby at least one stator-side sensor element is positioned downstream from the turbine in the area of a stator-side guide vane ring of another turbine in particular, a low pressure turbine; and whereby a radially inner section of the last rotor-side moving blade ring (as seen in the direction of flow) of the turbine cooperates with at least one sensor element directly and/or proximally in the event of a shaft fracture in the rotor of the turbine to generate an electric signal corresponding to the shaft fracture. |
| US08568085B2 |
High pressure turbine vane cooling hole distrubution
A turbine vane for a gas turbine engine with an airfoil portion including a perimeter wall having first, second, third and fourth sets of cooling holes defined therethrough, including the holes numbered HA-1 to HA-13, HB-1 to HB-13, PA-1 to PA-9, and SA-1 to SA-3, respectively, and located such that a central axis thereof extends through the respective point 1 and point 2 having a nominal location in accordance with the X, Y, Z Cartesian coordinate values set forth in Table 3. |
| US08568080B2 |
Method and device for forming packages of products arranged in superposed layers
The device includes a stacking surface movable in a substantially vertical direction, on which layers of products to be packaged are superposed, and a pair of conveyors substantially superposed to feed the layers of products to the stacking surface. The device also includes a pair of walls substantially parallel, and substantially vertical, between which the layers of products are inserted by the conveyors when they are stacked on the stacking surface. The walls move reciprocally towards and away from each other to take a position of greater reciprocal distance, in which they do not interfere with the products deposited on the stacking surface, and a position of lesser reciprocal distance, in which they interfere with the products inserted therebetween. |
| US08568075B2 |
Wall anchor
A wall anchor is provided and includes a nose cone structure including a body and a primary cone, which is rotatably coupled to the body and manually urgeable to penetrate a substrate, a detent assembly, disposed on the nose cone structure, which is engageable to maintain the primary cone in a first position and a trigger integrally coupled to the nose cone structure and actuatable to selectively disengage the detent assembly such that the primary cone is permissively rotatable about the body into a second position. |
| US08568073B2 |
Fastening element for vehicle parts
The invention relates to a fastening element (1) for vehicle parts (5), in particular for fastening a heat shield to a bolt shaped fastening means (13) of a vehicle body, preferably an underbody of a motor vehicle, comprising a claw disk (2) and a spring washer (3), held at claws (2.1) of the claw disk, wherein the claw disk (2) comprises an opening (6) and the spring washer (3) can be interlocked with a bolt shaped fastening means (13), wherein the claw disk (2) comprises at least one clip element (8), associated with the opening (6) and oriented away from the spring washer (3), wherein the at least one clip element (8) is configured for insertion through an opening (7) in the vehicle part (5) or in the heat shield, and wherein the at least one clip element (8) comprises an undercut (10) for interlocking the rim portion of the opening (7) of the vehicle part (5) or of the heat shield. |
| US08568070B2 |
Cargo lashing fitting
A cargo lashing fitting for affixing to the deck of a transportation vehicle. The fitting includes a housing which is formed from material having welding compatibility with the deck of the transportation vehicle, and is sized to fit within an opening in the deck of such vehicle. The fitting further includes a securing plate removably positioned within the housing and configured to transmit load forces to the housing in a closed loop without such load forces being transmitted into the hardware removably retaining the securing plate within the housing. |
| US08568064B2 |
Substrate plate for double-sided indexable cutting inserts
The present invention relates to a substrate plate for a double-sided indexable cutting insert, which is to be fixed within a tool to be equipped with at least one cutting insert, where the tool has at least one seat for at least one indexable cutting insert, where the substrate plate has a plate-like fundamental shape with a round or polygonal outline and with a lower contact area, generally planar, which can be placed in contact with one area of the seat, and with an upper support area bearing the indexable cutting insert, where the contact area and support area have connection to one another via side walls defining the periphery of the substrate plate. The invention proposes, in order to provide a substrate plate and appropriate combinations composed of substrate plates and indexable cutting plates, and also to provide appropriate tools which ensure very precise seating of the indexable cutting plate and nevertheless also give better protection of the cutting edges on that side of the cutting insert facing towards the substrate plate, with respect to disadvantageous contact and damage via swarf impact, that the support area, has, at a distance from the side areas, a plateau arranged parallel to the contact area, and that the upper edges formed on the substrate plate at the transition between the side walls and the support area have a varying distance from the plane of the lower contact area. |
| US08568063B2 |
Mooring system for floating arctic vessel
A mooring system for a floating vessel such as a drilling unit is provided. The floating vessel has a platform for providing drilling, production or other operations in a marine environment, and a tower for providing ballast and stability below a water line in the marine environment. The mooring system generally includes a plurality of anchors disposed radially around the tower along a seabed, and a plurality of mooring lines. Each mooring line has a first end operatively connected to the tower, and a second end operatively connected to a respective anchor. Each mooring line further comprises at least two substantially rigid links joined together using linkages. Each joint is at least five meters in length. The mooring system is capable of maintaining station-keeping for the vessel greater than about 100 Mega-Newtons such that operations may be conducted when the marine environment is substantially iced over. |
| US08568062B2 |
Safety device and method for scuba-diving
The present invention relates to a safety method in connection with SCUBA diving to control a diver's buoyancy, in which method the diver (11) is equipped with diving equipment comprising at least one air pressure tank (1), a valve device (2) connected to the pressure tank (1) and arranged to supply air from said pressure tank via first supply means (5) to a breathing regulator (4) and via second supply means (7, 9, 12) to an inflatable diving jacket (6) in order to control the diver's buoyancy, an actuator (8) being able to automatically initiate inflation of the diving jacket (6) when the diver has not affected the air flow through the breathing regulator (4) for a certain time period, said actuator (8) being controlled by an actuation mechanism (20) that automatically sets the actuator in active mode when the diver is within an actuation zone (A), wherein in order additionally to improve the diver's buoyancy the actuator (8) is also arranged to automatically initiate dumping of a weight (11) carried by the diver when the air flow through the breathing regulator (4) has ceased for a certain time period. The invention also comprises a safety device, an inflatable diving jacket and an inflator. |
| US08568061B2 |
Polyurethane foams for trench breaker and other applications
The invention is directed to methods for supporting trench pipes with polyurethane foams which are flotation resistant with sufficient strength and density to provide stability and inhibit erosion at pipeline trench sites, and other uses, wherein at least 50% of the foam is open cell and has a density of approximately 1.3 lbs/ft3 to 3.5 lbs/ft3. The invention also provides methods for making compositions used to make polyurethane foams that exhibit such characteristics. |
| US08568060B2 |
Rehabilitating pipe segment and existing pipe rehabilitation method using same
A rehabilitating pipe segment for assembling a rehabilitating pipe inside an existing pipe. The rehabilitating pipe segment has first and second segment halves connectable together to provide for the rehabilitating pipe segment an internal surface plate and side and end plates surrounding peripheral edges of the internal surface plate. The first and second segment halves are configured to move relative to one another in a width direction of the rehabilitating pipe segment corresponding to a pipe length direction of the rehabilitating pipe so that the first and second pipe segment halves expand and contract to make the width of the rehabilitating pipe segment variable in the width direction of the rehabilitating pipe segment. |
| US08568056B2 |
Force decay release mechanism
A system is provided for the force decay triggered release of a device, the system comprising: a base; a plurality of retention rods extending from the base; a rotationally movable actuator, to which a linear force is configured to be applied, converting the linear force to a rotational force; a plurality of retention pins, the retention pins being coupled to the actuator, and each the pin being removably disposed within a retention rod of the plurality of retention rods, such that a rotation of the actuator withdraw each the pin from respective the rod; a force triggered detent, the detent allowing the rotation of the actuator when the rotational force exceeds a threshold level. |
| US08568055B2 |
Adjustment system for connections between metal structures
An adjustment system for connections between metal structures which consists of two plates. The adjustment system comprises a first plate (1) provided with four radial slits (4), where one part of the structure to be connected can be joined, and a second plate provided with four circular slits (5) where another part of the structure to be connected can be joined. Joining screw pins (3) pass through the radial slits in plate (1) and through the circular slits in plate (2) in order to join the two parts by means of the corresponding nuts (6) which tighten the said plates together. The adjustment system makes it possible to adjust the position of the two plates (1 and 2) with respect to their movement on axes X, Y and Z. |
| US08568052B2 |
Binder
A binder includes a back part disposed between ring parts, each of the ring parts being openable and closable. to constitute a binder. A penetration hole is formed at a portion of the ring parts intersecting with the back part, thereby allowing the binder to expand and contract to a certain degree in a longitudinal direction thereof. |
| US08568047B2 |
Retractable instrument having a two stage protraction/retraction sequence
A retractable instrument in accordance with the disclosure advantageously has a simple construction and fewer pieces or sub-assemblies than known retractable instruments. The retractable instrument includes a barrel that encloses a tool holder. The tool holder has an extension, and a tool extending from the distal end of the extension. A valve selectively covers the tool to protect the tool from environmental conditions. A biasing element is disposed between the valve and the tool holder, the biasing element biases the valve away from the tool holder. A movable closure assembly retains the valve on the extension and selectively allows the lid to open and close. The closure assembly includes a closure ring and a retention ring connected by one or more closure arms. The retention ring is disposed on the tool holder and the retention ring is prevented from sliding off of the tool holder by a retention stop. |
| US08568043B2 |
Coating and developing apparatus and coating and developing method
Disclosed is a coating and developing apparatus including (a) a first liquid process module to sequentially perform a first liquid process by a first chemical liquid, and a second liquid process by the first chemical liquid again; (b) a buffer module to sequentially store the respective substrates which have been subjected to the first liquid process and have not yet been subjected to the second liquid process; and (c) a second liquid process module to sequentially perform a third liquid process by a second chemical liquid. In particular, the third liquid process to be performed on a first substrate of the substrate group is started before the first liquid process performed on a last substrate of the substrate group is ended, in such a manner that right after the first liquid process is performed on the last substrate, the second liquid process is to be performed on the first substrate. |
| US08568038B2 |
Positioning means for camshaft roller bearing
A roller bearing assembly includes a plurality of rollers (122), a cage (114) including a plurality of slots (118) for positioning the plurality of rollers, an outer race (134) positioned radially outside the plurality of rollers and the cage, and means (126,130,138) for retaining axial alignment between the cage and the outer race provided integrally with at least one of the cage and the outer race. |
| US08568036B2 |
Wheel bearing apparatus for a vehicle
A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member, an inner member and double row rolling elements freely rollably contained between the outer raceway surfaces and inner raceway surfaces, respectively, of the outer member and the inner member. Either one of the outer member or inner member, on its outer side end, is integrally formed with a wheel mounting flange to mount a wheel. A plurality of bolt apertures is formed in the wheel mounting flange. The wheel is secured on the wheel mounting flange by a plurality of bolts. Cut-out portions are formed between the bolt apertures. The cut-out portions avoid the vicinity of each bolt aperture. Each cut-out portion is formed with a circular arc configuration so that its deepest portion is positioned closely to a pitch circle diameter of the bolt apertures. |
| US08568031B2 |
Clicking closure device for a reclosable pouch
A reclosable pouch includes a first side wall and a second side wall joined together to form a bag. The pouch has an open top for receiving and removing items to be stored, such as food or other material. The pouch further includes at least one closure mechanism near the open top of the bag which provides for a reclosable bag. Each closure mechanism comprises a male closure element and a female closure element aligned on the opposing first and second side walls, respectively. The male closure element is asymmetrically deformed in a plurality of intermittent section. Preferably, the closure mechanism is a double zipper with at least one male section including one hook extending from an end thereof to engage the female closure element. The closure mechanism provides a clicking feel and/or sound when the pouch is closed. The closure mechanism is substantially leak-proof when closed. |
| US08568026B2 |
Wireless temperature measurement system and methods of making and using same
A temperature measurement system capable of operating in harsh environments including a temperature sensor having an antenna, diode, and dielectric layer disposed on the object of interest is provided, wherein the antenna includes a buried portion that extends through and is electrically coupled to the object of interest, and an exposed portion disposed upon an outer surface of the dielectric layer and the diode is coupled between the object of interest and the exposed portion of the antenna. The antenna is configured to receive interrogating signals from a transmitter, and to transmit response signals corresponding to the resonant frequency of the temperature sensor and its harmonics, which are indicative of the measured temperature of the object of interest. A receiver detects the response signals and correlates the frequency to a known temperature response of the dielectric material. Methods of making and using the temperature measurement system are also provided. |
| US08568024B2 |
Temperature detecting system
A temperature detecting apparatus for adjusting direction of airflow from a fan according to thermal status in an electronic device, includes a detection module, a control module, and a driver module. The detection module detects temperatures of a plurality of position coordinates in the electronic device and converts the detected temperatures and the plurality of position coordinates corresponding to the detected temperatures to first voltage signals. The control module receives the first voltage signals and compares the temperatures of corresponding position coordinates to output a position coordinate of the greatest temperature according to the first voltage signals. The driver module receives the position coordinate of the greatest temperature and directs airflow towards a position having the greatest temperature. |
| US08568023B2 |
Ear thermometer and measuring apparatus used with it
A measuring apparatus for an ear thermometer includes a battery, a mode switching circuit and a microcontroller, and the microcontroller, during a run mode or a normal operating state, does not pass battery current to the mode switching circuit in order that the insertion of the mode switching circuit causes no substantial change in power consumption so as to suppress a power consumption of the apparatus and extend the power of the battery. |
| US08568022B2 |
Method and arrangement for measuring at least one physical magnitude, such as temperature, flow or pressure of the cooling fluid flowing in an individual cooling element circuit of a cooling element in a metallurgical furnace
The invention relates to a method and arrangement for measuring at least one physical magnitude, such as temperature, flow or pressure of the cooling fluid flowing in an individual cooling element cycle (3) of a cooling element (1) in a metallurgical furnace. The arrangement includes a supply header (2) for distributing the cooling fluid and for feeding it to the cooling element cycles (3) of the cooling elements (1), and a collection header (4) for collecting and receiving cooling fluid from the cooling element cycles (3) of the cooling elements (1). The arrangement includes a survey line (5) that is by intermediation of a valve arrangement (6) in fluid connection with at least one cooling element cycle (3), so that the cooling fluid is conducted alternatively through the survey line (5) to the collection header (4) or past the survey line (5) to the collection header (4). The survey line (5) comprises at least one measuring device (7) for measuring at least one physical magnitude of the cooling fluid flowing in the survey line (5), and for measuring the cooling element cycle (3). |
| US08568021B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring heat flux from radiant heater
A method of measuring heat flux received on a selected area from a radiant tube heater includes providing an enclosing wall along side edges of the selected area and the radiant tube heater having a radiant heating tube mounted above the area. A heat flux sensor whose operating temperature can be regulated is used and is placed on a grid formed on the selected area, this grid defining a plurality of side-by-side sensor locations, each corresponding respectively to an area covered by one heat flux sensor. The heat flux received at each sensor location is measured and the sensor is moved sequentially from one sensor location to an adjacent sensor location after each measurement. |
| US08568019B2 |
Mixing apparatus for manufacturing an emulsified fuel
A mixing apparatus is disclosed. The mixing apparatus comprises a mixing device having a constant flow area. The mixing device is configured to create a shearing environment. Several types of mixing apparatus are disclosed. Methods for producing aqueous fuel emulsions with consistently uniform dispersed phase particle sizes using a mixing apparatus are also disclosed. |
| US08568018B2 |
Fluid injection assembly for nozzles
A fluid mixing apparatus and method include a first fluid assembly having at least one fluid nozzle for providing a first fluid; a second fluid assembly having at least one fluid mixing nozzle sized and shaped to be received by the at least one fluid nozzle for providing a second fluid into the first fluid; a mixing region disposed where the at least one fluid nozzle and the at least one fluid mixing nozzle coact in spaced relationship for providing turbulence to the first and second fluids, thereby providing a fluid mixture thereof; and a passageway in communication with the mixing region for expanding the fluid mixture into a different phase. |
| US08568013B2 |
Backlight module
A backlight module includes a light guide plate (LGP) and a light emitting unit. The LGP has a first surface, a second surface, a light incident surface, a first curved convex surface, a first plane, a second curved convex surface and a second plane. The first surface has a visual area. The second surface is opposite to the first surface. The light incident surface, the first curved convex surface, the first plane, the second curved convex surface, and the second plane connects the first surface and the second surface. The light incident surface connects the first plane and the second plane. The light emitting unit is disposed beside the light incident surface for emitting a light beam, wherein the light beam is capable of entering the LGP through the light incident surface, and being transmitted out of the LGP through the visual area of the first surface. |
| US08568009B2 |
Compact high brightness LED aquarium light apparatus, using an extended point source LED array with light emitting diodes
A compact high-brightness LED aquarium light fixture is described for use in illuminating aquarium tanks artificial light. (18) The LED aquarium light uses a densely-packed array of high-brightness light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are not individually packaged, where the array behaves similarly to a point source of light. The LED chips are distributed laterally over an area, where the LED chips have light emitting surfaces for emitting light in directions transverse to said area, wherein the dimensions of the area do not exceed 25 mm. Adjacent chips of the array are preferably separated by less than about 0.2 mm. The extended point source LED array, with its lens and associated reflector, result in a concentrated light source that attractively illuminates the contents of the aquarium, and creates a desirable shimmering effect within the aquarium. A clamp-on, flexible gooseneck mounting arrangement allows for use with aquarium tanks of various sizes. |
| US08568006B2 |
Mirror device for vehicle
Arrangement accuracy of a transmission member with respect to an exposure hole is increased. In a door mirror device for a vehicle, a turn lamp is assembled to a bracket, a visor rim, and a visor cover, and an exposure portion of a lamp lens of the turn lamp is exposed by an exposure hole of a lower visor cover. As an anchor plate of the lower visor cover is inserted into an anchoring hole of the lamp lens and a fitting column of the lamp lens is inserted into a fitting hole of the lower visor cover, the lamp lens is positioned in the lower visor cover. Therefore, the accuracy precision of the exposure portion with respect to the exposure hole can be increased, thereby enhancing the appearance of a gap between the exposure portion and the periphery of the exposure hole. |
| US08568004B2 |
Direction indicator and saddle riding type vehicle including same
A direction indicator includes a direction indicator main unit, a grommet for elastically supporting the direction indicator main unit to a front cowl on a vehicle body side, a retainer for removably fixing the front cowl on the vehicle body side and the direction indicator main unit via the grommet, and a shouldered bolt for fastening the retainer and the direction indicator main unit. A fastening portion of the direction indicator main unit to which the retainer is fastened with the shouldered bolt has a groove that serves as a weakened or fragile portion that is deformed or damaged when the direction indicator engages the ground. |
| US08568002B2 |
Light diffusion and condensing fixture
Certain embodiments of the invention may include system apparatus for providing a light diffusion and condensing fixture. According to an example embodiment, a light fixture is configured for illuminating subjects and it includes an enclosure cavity. The enclosure defines a cavity with an opening and one or more reflective inner surfaces. The light fixture also includes a frame structure defining an optical aperture and the frame structure is disposed proximate to the opening. The light fixture also includes two or more film tensioners associated with the frame structure. The light fixture also includes at least one light source positioned between the one or more reflective surface and a plane defined by the optical aperture. The light fixture further includes at least one optical film comprising at least one lenticular lens surface and the at least one optical film is suspended substantially parallel to the optical aperture by the two or more tensioners. |
| US08568001B2 |
LED socket assembly
A socket assembly includes a light emitting diode (LED) package having an LED printed circuit board (PCB) with an LED mounted thereto. The socket assembly also includes a clamp for holding the LED package to a support structure. The clamp includes a base that is configured to be mounted to the support structure such that the base engages the support structure. The clamp also includes a spring finger that extends from the base such that the base and the spring finger define a unitary body of the clamp. The spring finger is configured to engage the LED PCB of the LED package and apply a clamping force to the LED PCB that acts in a direction toward the support structure. |
| US08567998B2 |
Light emitting diode and lens for the same
A lens for a light emitting diode is formed with a material having a refractive index of n, and the lens includes a base, a first curved circumferential surface extending from the base, a curved center-edge surface extending from the first curved circumferential surface, and a curved centermost surface extending from the curved center-edge surface. The base includes a groove for receiving a light emitting chip therein. In the lens, a distance from a center of the base to a point of the curved center-edge surface is always shorter than the radius of curvature for the point of the curved center-edge surface. The curved centermost surface has a concave shape with respect to the base. In addition, when an obtuse angle formed between a main axis of the lens and a tangent line of a point of the curved centermost surface is A1, and an acute angle formed between a straight line linking the center of the base to the point of the curved centermost surface and the main axis of the lens is A2, the lens satisfies the equation: A1+A2<90+sin−1(1/n). |
| US08567994B2 |
Street lamp using LEDs
The present invention relates to a street lamp which uses LEDs as a light source and has a freely adjustable lighting direction and an adjustable lighting range. The street lamp of the present invention includes a housing 1; LEDs 10 arranged in the housing 1; heat radiation fins 20 formed on an upper surface of the housing 1; a lighting direction adjuster 30 arranged on the bottom surfaces of the heat radiation fins 30 in the housing 1; and a lens case 40 attached to an upper surface of the lighting direction adjuster 30 and equipped with a lens moving means for positioning a lens 49 arranged in the lens case wherein the lighting direction adjuster 30 includes a spherical rotating body 32; a receiving body 34 having a groove 35 for accommodating the spherical rotating body 34; and a cover plate 36 arranged on the rotating body 32. |
| US08567992B2 |
Integrally formed light emitting diode light wire and uses thereof
Integrally formed LED light wires are provided, comprising a plurality of dynamically addressible LED modules, each LED module comprising one or more LEDs; a microcontroller; and one or more ports, said microcontroller being configured to: check a status of at least one of said one or more ports; if the status of the port corresponds to a predetermined state: assign the LED module to which said microcontroller belongs to a first display address, and send signals to said microcontroller of a neighboring LED module, said signals assigning respective further display address to the neighboring LED module. Such LED light wires can also include a display memory which stores current display information associated with each of said LED modules in said LED light wire, and a display controller, said display controller being configured to update the current display information stored in said display memory. |
| US08567990B2 |
Light emitting diode (LED) bulb
A lighting device may include a substrate attached to one edge side of a radiator and a cover may be attached to cover the substrate. Heat-radiating fins may be provided on the other edge side of the radiator and an air-cooling unit may be rotatably provided inside the heat-radiating fins, thereby enabling freely rotation. In one or more examples, a case storing a circuit part is attached to the other edge side of the radiator and a cap is provided to the case. By the air flow from the air-cooling unit, the heat-radiating fins are caused to be a part of the ventilation path to allow for ventilation of the inside of the radiator. |
| US08567988B2 |
Efficient LED array
An efficient LED array. In an aspect, an LED apparatus includes a metal substrate having a reflective surface, and LED chips mounted directly to the reflective surface to allow for thermal dissipation, and wherein at least a portion of the LED chips are spaced apart from each other to allow light to reflect from a portion of the reflective surface that is located between the portion of the LED chips. In another aspect, a method includes configuring a metal substrate to have a reflective surface, and mounting a plurality of LED chips directly to the reflective surface of the metal substrate to allow for thermal dissipation, and wherein at least a portion of the LED chips are spaced apart from each other to allow light to reflect from a portion of the reflective surface that is located between the portion of the LED chips. |
| US08567987B2 |
Interfacing a light emitting diode (LED) module to a heat sink assembly, a light reflector and electrical circuits
A light emitting diode (LED) module is in thermal communication with front and back heat sinks for dissipation of heat therefrom. The LED module is physically held in place with at least the back heat sink. A mounting ring and locking ring can also be used to hold the LED module in place and in thermal communication with the back heat sink. Key pins and key holes are used to prevent using a high power LED module with a back heat sink having insufficient heat dissipation capabilities required for the high power LED module. The key pins and key holes allow lower heat generating (power) LED modules to be used with higher heat dissipating heat sinks, but higher heat generating (power) LED modules cannot be used with lower heat dissipating heat sinks. |
| US08567986B2 |
Self-contained LED tubular luminaire
The LED tube for a lighting fixture has a transparent peripheral portion, internally disposed grooves for receiving an LED array board opposite the transparent portion and externally disposed longitudinally extending slots to slidably receive connectors for the mounting of the fixture. Multiple tubes can be grouped together in arrays of two or more without requiring different fixture enclosures. |
| US08567985B2 |
Illumination device having a display module and a detecting module associated therein
An illumination device including a lighting device, a detecting module and a display is disclosed. The detecting module is configured for detecting information of the lighting device. The display is configured for receiving the information and displaying the information thereon. Therefore, the user could know the information of the lighting device timely. |
| US08567984B1 |
Illuminating shelf/mantel
A device and method for providing illumination from a shelf or mantel shelf is provided. A housing recess within the shelf includes a base, front, side, and rear walls extending perpendicular from and along the perimeter of the base. A top panel covers the recess, is coplanar with the top surface of the shelf and permits the dispersion of light through the top side. A multiplicity of lights are positioned within the recess along the perimeter of the base to provide even dispersal of the light from the shelf. |
| US08567979B2 |
LED lens, back light module and liquid crystal display device
The present invention discloses a light emitting diode (LED) lens, a back light module and a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. A LED lens is of a direct type back light module; the dispersion index of said LED lens is less than 0.1; said dispersion index is: k dispersion = ∫ A ∑ i d i d total ⅆ A ; dA is a microfacet of the main luminous surface of the LED blue chip; di is a solid angle of the incident angle which is just in the critical area when dA light is reflected to the lens; the critical area refers to an area in which light with different wavelengths emitted by the LED is dispersed in the lens; the total solid angle of color separation corresponding to microfacet dA is: ∑ i d i ; dtotal is the solid angle of the lens light emergent surface corresponding to any microfacet. The present invention can avoid dispersion phenomenon under the condition of guaranteeing wide luminance. |
| US08567978B2 |
Backlight module having a light guide plate and a heat dissipation frame and display apparatus having the same
The present invention provides a backlight module. The backlight module comprises a back bezel, at least one light source, a light guide plate and a heat dissipation frame. The light source is disposed in a recess of the light guide plate. The heat dissipation frame is configured to support the light guide plate and the light source, and to dissipate the heat of the light guide plate and the light source. The back bezel is configured to carry the light guide plate, the light source and the heat dissipation frame. The invention can improve the heat dissipation effect of the backlight module. |
| US08567976B2 |
Appliance doors having integrated lighting and controls
The present invention is an integrated control system for use with various home appliances, such as washing machine, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and the like. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the integrated controls are incorporated into a polycarbonate clear door panel, and incorporate proximity switches and controls to provide control and operation of the applicance. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are optionally incorporated into a door handle for the appliance in an area out of sight such that only the light produced by the LEDs is seen and illuminates a handle for opening the door of the appliance. Additionally, opaque glass technology may be incorporated into one or more surfaces of the appliance which enables an opaque panel to become transparent to view the content of the interior of the appliance, such as a refrigerator. |
| US08567974B2 |
Illumination device with LED and one or more transmissive windows
The invention provides an illumination device (100) comprising a translucent exit window (200), one or more transmissive windows (300), arranged upstream from LED(s) and downstream from the translucent exit window (200), and one or more luminescent material layers (400), which may particularly be coated to the downstream and upstream faces of the transmissive windows (300). |
| US08567973B2 |
Multiple-chip excitation systems for white light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward white light illumination systems (so called “white LEDs”) that comprise a multi-chip excitation source and a phosphor package. In a two-chip source, the two LEDs may be UV-emitting and blue emitting, or blue-emitting and green-emitting. The phosphor package is configured to emit photoluminescence in wavelengths ranging from about 440 nm to about 700 nm upon co-excitation from the first and second radiation sources. The photoluminescence emitted by the phosphors is at least 40 percent of the total power in the white light illumination, and the portion of the total power in the white light illumination contributed by the first and second radiation sources (LEDs) is less than about 60 percent. This ratio can vary in alternative embodiments, and includes 50/50, 60/40, 70/30, and 80/20, respectively. The white light illumination emitted by the system has in one embodiment a color rendering index (CRI) greater than about 90. |
| US08567971B2 |
Utility vehicle rear-view mirror
A rear-view mirror assembly is mounted to the side of a utility vehicle cab which comprises a door hinged to a front pillar of the cab. The assembly comprises a mirror support bracket for supporting a rear-view mirror in a position which at least partly resides within a swept volume of the door. The support bracket is pivotally mounted to the cab and a rod is connected between the support bracket and the door. The mirror pivots upwardly to a position outside said swept volume as the door is opened, effectively ‘leapfrogging’ the door. |
| US08567968B2 |
Mount for an optical structure and method of mounting an optical structure using such mount
An improved mount for, and method of mounting an, optical structure is provided. The mount has a protruding member extending from a surface of the optical structure, a base element having a mounting structure for mounting the mount to another structure and an upper element extending from the base element having a first opening extending therethrough for receipt therein of at least a portion of the protruding member. The first opening defines first and second arms, each of the arms comprising a head portion and each of the head portions ending at an end. A second opening in the upper element extends through one of the head portions and the end thereof in a direction toward the other head portion, while a third opening exists in the upper element through the end of the other head portion in an orientation substantially opposite to and in communication with the second opening so that a tightening mechanism received through the second opening can be received into the third opening. Tightening of the tightening mechanism into the third opening causes the ends of the head portions to draw toward each other so that the first opening of the upper element tightens around the at least a portion of the protruding member. |
| US08567965B2 |
Reflective object and the production process thereof
The present invention is related to a reflective object, which comprises the structure with the following layers sequentially: an adhesive layer embedded with optical components; a color layer; and a reflective layer; wherein the reflective object is characterized that the color layer is not contacted with the optical components. The present invention is also disclosed a method of producing the reflective object. |
| US08567955B2 |
Methods and apparatus for concealing sensors and other components of electronic devices
A concealing structure to at least partially conceal a sensor, light emitter or other component by at least partially preventing reflection of external light by an underlying structure. In some examples, this function is performed by a two-component masking assembly, the masking assembly including a linear polarizer to cause linear polarization of light which passes from the exterior of the device to an underlying component, and a wave plate to shift the axis of any reflected polarized light. In many cases, a high density optical fluid will further be included within the masking assembly to minimize reflections from the other components of the assembly. |
| US08567950B2 |
Apparatus for treating visual field loss
A method and apparatus for treating visual field loss by disassociating and differentiating between the ambient and focal visual information of a patient. This is achieved by providing a stationary target for the patient to focus on and a moving, spinning or rotating background relative to the stationary target. |
| US08567947B2 |
Ophthalmic imaging apparatus and control method thereof
An ophthalmic imaging apparatus divides a frame image obtained by capturing a moving image into a plurality of regions grouping pixels, and acquires photometric values corresponding the plurality of the regions. Further, the ophthalmic imaging apparatus determines acknowledgement or dis-acknowledgement of capturing a still image based on temporal variation of the acquired photometric values or distribution of the acquired photometric values on a fundus image. The ophthalmic imaging apparatus inhibits to execute a still image capturing of the fundus if the dis-acknowledgement of capturing is determined. |
| US08567946B2 |
Methods of filling a liquid-filled lens mechanism
Methods for filling an internal volume of a liquid filled lens mechanism with fluid are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include creating a vacuum within the internal volume, de-aerating the fluid, filling the vacuum in the internal volume with the de-aerated fluid, and sealing the internal volume. In some embodiments, the methods include elevating a temperature of the fluid prior to sealing the internal volume. In some embodiments, the internal volume is formed by a structure having at least one flexible component. |
| US08567945B2 |
Illuminated eyewear
Illuminated eyewear is provided. In one form, the temple arm members have all the lighting components mounted thereto including for each temple arm member a light, power source for the light, and electrical connections including a switch for providing power from the power source to the light. In another form, the cross-frame member has blinder portions integrally formed at either end thereof which are configured to block stray light to avoid glare problems. The blinder portions preferably include surfaces that are inclined to generally extend along the light cone generated by an LED light source mounted to the front end portion of each of the temple arm members. In another form, the temple arm members each have a recessed cavity formed in inner surface portion thereof in which the power source and switch components are received with the switch actuator mounted to the inner surface portion so it is hidden from view when the eyewear is worn for enhanced aesthetics. |
| US08567940B2 |
Medium feed device and recording apparatus
A medium feed device has a configuration in which a feed section is provided to send a medium in the front-and-back direction of the medium feed device, the device includes a guide member which guides the medium in the back face side of the medium feed device, the guide member is provided to be capable of being extended and contracted in a direction connecting the base end side and the free-end side of the guide member, and the guide member forms a feed pathway for the medium which is held to have a roll shape which is sent further from the back face side than the guide member, in a first state where the guide member is contracted, and forms a feed pathway for a fed medium of a single sheet shape which is sent from the guide member, in a second state where the guide member is extended. |
| US08567936B2 |
LED roll to roll drum printer systems, structures and methods
An enhanced printing system comprises a drum structure, a print carriage for delivering LED curable ink there from, such as from one or more print heads, and one or more LED light sources for curing the delivered ink. Some embodiments may preferably further comprise one or more LED pining stations, such as to control, slow or stop the spread of ink drops. As well, some printer embodiments may comprise a mechanism to deliver any of an inert gas, e.g. nitrogen, or other gas that is at least partially depleted of oxygen, between the LED energy source and the substrate. The disclosed LED printing structures typically provide higher quality and/or lower cost as compared to prior art systems, for a wide variety of printing matter output, such as for but not limited to super wide format (SWF) output, wide format (WF) output, packaging, labeling, or point of sale displays or signage. |
| US08567934B2 |
Multi-plane filter laminate to increase filtration surface area
A printhead including a jetstack configured to include a multi-plane filter laminate. The multi-plane filter laminate includes a first rock screen subassembly and a second rock screen subassembly. Each subassembly is configured to include an upstream pocket layer, a downstream pocket layer aligned with the upstream pocket layer, and a rock screen plate sandwiched between the upstream and downstream pocket layers, the rock screen plate configured with through holes over an entire exposed surface area thereof. A portion of the rock screen plate of the first subassembly is configured to overlay the rock screen plate of the second subassembly. |
| US08567933B2 |
Dispensing liquid using vertical outlet opening wall
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 wall. The wall includes a surface. A portion of the wall defines an outlet opening that includes a downstream edge relative to a direction of liquid flow through the liquid dispensing channel. The downstream edge is perpendicular to the surface of the wall of the liquid dispensing channel. A liquid is provided that flows from the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel to the liquid return channel. 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. |
| US08567929B1 |
Wide format printer cartridge refilling method and apparatus
The present invention provides a semi-automated and automated system for refilling wide format printer ink cartridges. The system includes a computer with memory provided to store information relating to a plurality of ink cartridges, and a user interface in signal communication with the computer and a database comprising respective fill information for a plurality of ink cartridge model numbers. The system comprises a series of ink reservoirs, a fill pump in fluid communication with the ink reservoir and an extraction pump. The system utilizes workstation needles comprising a blunt tip and an ink discharge aperture located along a sidewall proximate a transition between the sidewall and the blunt tip. A control valve can be provided between the fill pump, the extraction pump, and the workstation needle. A second, vent needle can be inserted into a vent port for a dual port cartridge form factor. |
| US08567927B2 |
Piezoelectric device, liquid-ejecting head, and liquid-ejecting apparatus
A piezoelectric device comprises a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer provided above the first electrode, and a second electrode provided above the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer comprises a mixed crystal containing at least bismuth ferrate and barium titanate. The piezoelectric layer comprises a first piezoelectric layer and a second piezoelectric layer which is disposed between at least one of the first and second electrodes and the first piezoelectric layer. The barium titanate content of the second piezoelectric layer is at least 10 mole percent higher than the barium titanate content of the first piezoelectric layer. |
| US08567923B2 |
Method and apparatus for droplet deposition
A method for depositing droplets onto a substrate employs an apparatus, such as an inkjet printhead, the apparatus having: an array of channels, acting as fluid chambers, separated by interspersed walls, with each channel communicating with an aperture or nozzle for the release of droplets of a fluid contained within the channel, such as ink. Each of the walls separates two neighboring channels and is actuable such that, in response to a first voltage, it will deform so as to decrease the volume of one channel and increase the volume of the other channel, and, in response to a second voltage, it will deform so as to cause the opposite effect on the volumes of the neighboring channels. The method includes the steps of: receiving input data, such as an array of image data pixels; selecting pairs of adjacent channels based on the input data; assigning the selected pairs of adjacent channels as firing channels and the remaining channels as non-firing channels. While the pairs of firing channels may generally have any spacing, one of the pairs of firing channels is spaced apart from another of the pairs of firing channels by an odd number of non-firing channels. Within each of these selected pairs, the separating wall of that pair is actuated so as to cause the release of at least one droplet from each of said firing channels. The actuations for all the pairs overlap in time so as to ensure a high level of throughput or printing speed. |
| US08567915B2 |
Inkjet recording method by heat, inkjet recording apparatus using heat, and ink for inkjet recording by heat
An inkjet recording method includes recording by ejecting liquid droplets of an ink onto a recording medium from an ejection head that ejects, by heat, the liquid droplets of the ink at an ejection amount with respect to one droplet of from 1 ng to 2 ng to thereby attach the liquid droplets of the ink to the recording medium, wherein the ink comprises a pigment having a volume average particle diameter of from 100 nm to 400 nm and has a dynamic contact angle of from 30° to 60°, 50 seconds after dropwise addition of 3 μl of the ink to plain paper. |
| US08567912B2 |
Inkjet printing device with composite substrate
An inkjet printhead die for an inkjet print head, wherein the inkjet printhead die comprises a composite substrate that includes a planar semiconductor member, a planar substrate member and an interface at which the planar semiconductor member is fused to the planar substrate member. |
| US08567909B2 |
Printhead for inkjet printing device
An inkjet printhead is provided for a digitally controlled inkjet printing apparatus wherein the inkjet printhead is comprised of a material layer and a drop formation mechanism positioned in or on the material layer, that is substantially improved in chemical resistance and thermally stability. A chemically resistant and thermally stable multilayer coating is provided onto and in contact with the inkjet printhead, wherein the multilayer coating includes one or more thin film layers comprised primarily of hafnium oxide or zirconium oxide and one or more thin film layers comprised primarily of tantalum oxide, the multilayer coating being located on the material layer. The corrosion resistant film of the invention is particularly beneficial because it can be formed on the printhead using atomic layer deposition film forming methods that produce conformal films that cover complex geometries, thereby enabling the corrosion resistant film to be formed on all surfaces of the printhead that come in contact with inks or other fluids employed in the printing system. |
| US08567897B2 |
Circuit substrate
A circuit substrate includes a first terminal connected to a storage device, a second terminal to which voltage higher than voltage which is applied to the first terminal is applied, and a third terminal. The third terminal is disposed adjacent to the first terminal and the second terminal and connected to an overvoltage detection section provided in a printer. A convex portion is provided on a substrate surface between the first terminal and the second terminal, and a configuration is made such that a liquid droplet easily spreads from the second terminal to the third terminal rather than the liquid droplet spreading from the second terminal to the first terminal. |
| US08567891B2 |
Inkjet recording head and inkjet recording method
The present invention provides a recording apparatus including recording heads each including a plurality of nozzle arrays that are arranged so as to overlap, wherein the width with which the overlapping portions of the recording heads for colors that are simultaneously used with a relatively high frequency overlap in an intersecting direction that intersects an array direction of nozzles is smaller than the width with which the overlapping portions of the recording heads for colors that are simultaneously used with a relatively low frequency overlap in the intersecting direction. |
| US08567890B2 |
Method for controlling droplet discharge device and droplet discharge device
A method is for controlling a droplet discharge device including at least a droplet discharge head having a plurality of nozzles for discharging droplets of a functional liquid, a plurality of drive elements provided corresponding to each of the nozzles, and a vibrating plate which is vibrated by the drive elements to discharge the functional liquid from the nozzles; and a flushing unit in which the vibrating plate undergoes microvibration when the droplet discharge head is in a standby period. The method for controlling a droplet discharge device includes selecting one of a plurality of predetermined microvibration control programs for causing the vibrating plate to undergo microvibration in accordance with information relating to the functional liquid, and controlling the drive elements to cause the vibrating plate to undergo microvibration when the droplet discharge head is in the standby period in accordance with the selected microvibration control program. |
| US08567886B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
The present invention forms a high-quality image by using a print head, in which a plurality of arrayed small heads, each having a plurality of print elements arranged in columns, are arranged so that at least two sets of print elements in adjoining small heads are aligned in a scan direction. The print head and a print medium are moved relative to each other in the scan direction crossing a direction of the print element columns. The print elements are divided into a plurality of drive blocks and activated the drive blocks on a time-division basis. The small heads each have the plurality of print elements arranged in columns, the number of print elements being equal to an integer times the number of time-division drive blocks. Drive timings with which to activate the paired print elements aligned in the scan direction are the same time-division drive timing. |
| US08567884B2 |
Synchronization device for synchronizing two actuating drives for moving a movable furniture part
The invention relates to a synchronization device for moving a first actuating device in synchronization with at least one second actuating device. The first actuating device and the second actuating device are provided on a piece of furniture in the installed state in order to move a movable furniture part. The device includes a synchronization rod for transferring a synchronous motion of the at least two actuating devices, and at least one fastening device, by which the synchronization rod can be detachably connected to at least one of the two actuating devices. At least one detachable locking device is also provided, which prevents the synchronization rod from being connected to the at least one fastening device in the locked state of the locking device, wherein the locking device is in the locking state without prior actuation by a user. |
| US08567882B1 |
Height adjustment mechanism for rack assemblies of appliances
A rack assembly for an appliance is provided. The rack assembly includes a sidewall and a rack adjustment assembly. The rack adjustment assembly includes an engagement cam that selectively engages a member of the sidewall in order to permit the sidewall to be moved upwardly and downwardly along a vertical direction relative to the rack adjustment assembly. |
| US08567881B2 |
Container data center
A container data center includes a rack and a cabinet. The rack includes a base and two spaced posts perpendicularly extending up from the base. A shockproof device is mounted to each post. The shockproof device includes an installing member embracing the post, a number of first shockproof members sandwiched between the installing member and the post, and a second shockproof member sandwiched between a bottom of the installing member and the base. The cabinet is mounted to the installing members. |
| US08567880B2 |
Automated robotic system for handling surgical instruments
Systems and methods that process a plurality of surgical instruments for cleaning and/or packaging. A device identifies a robot-ready insert having a predetermined configuration for accepting at least one type of surgical instrument. The surgical instruments are identified and oriented according to type using an automated apparatus. Specialized tools are also provided for automatically opening and closing surgical instruments, flipping instruments and assisting in the processing and maintenance of surgical instruments. The automated apparatus then places each of the surgical instrument types in one or more predetermined areas of the insert, configured to accept a predetermined set of surgical instrument types. |
| US08567879B2 |
Garage storage systems
Cabinets adapted for non-level garage floors and out-of-plumb garage walls with leveling controls operated from inside each cabinet. The cabinets have in common that they are attachable to a garage wall and each has at least one adjustment panel forming a part of the back of the cabinet. Each adjustment panel has a hand screw for extending behind the cabinet to engage the wall to provide back-to-front leveling and to prevent installation of fasteners, such as screws, from pulling the cabinet closer to the wall during installation. Each adjustment panel also has horizontal slots in a staggered arrangement in two horizontal rows for receiving fasteners. Floor-standing cabinets have feet that are adjustable from inside the cabinet. Wall-hanging cabinets have a top bracket that provides side-to-side leveling form inside. Floor-standing cabinets are modular and stackable, using an included adapter and door-handle coupler to enable stacked cabinet doors to open as one. |
| US08567877B2 |
Rubber crawler and crawler-type traveling body
A rubber crawler which includes: a rubber crawler body having an endless belt shape and which has a left-right pair of rolling wheel passing surfaces on the inner circumferential surface thereof; a steel cord layer in which a plurality of steel cords extending in the crawler circumference direction are embedded in the rubber crawler body so as to be arranged in the crawler width direction, and a plurality of bias reinforcing layers that are disposed on the outer circumferential side of this steel cord layer in the rubber crawler body, in which the left-right pair of rolling wheel passing surfaces are disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the rubber crawler body at positions corresponding to the respective end portions in the crawler width direction of the steel cord layer and the plurality of bias reinforcing layers; the rubber crawler further includes: a rubber layer disposed between an innermost reinforcing layer that is positioned on the innermost side of the plurality of bias reinforcing layers and the steel cord layer, at least at positions corresponding to the end portions of the innermost reinforcing layer in the crawler width direction. |
| US08567875B2 |
Anti-skid control device and automatic brake control device
An anti-skid control device or an automatic brake control device gradually increases a W/C pressure for a boost control valve for a front wheel FR or FL on a high-μ surface, by repeating a cycle in which the differential pressure for the boost control valve at the high-μ surface side is kept at the first differential pressure for a first period, and after that kept at the second differential pressure for a second period. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the individual variation in the capability for W/C pressure boosting, and accordingly to suppress the difference of the W/C pressures between the right front wheel and the left front wheel. Thus, it is possible to suppress the yaw torque applied to the vehicle and therefore to suppress the spin of the vehicle. |
| US08567872B2 |
Grinder bit
An apparatus for grinding material includes a grinder bit including a drum and a plurality of grinders, at least a portion of the grinders disposed longitudinally in a first helical pattern along the outer surface of the drum. The apparatus further includes a plurality of cleats, at least a portion of the cleats disposed longitudinally in a second helical pattern along the outer surface of the drum. The second helical pattern is offset from the first helical pattern. |
| US08567868B2 |
Vehicle seat
In a vehicle seat, an ottoman portion that includes a shaft member that attaches to the sitting portion, a first frame member that rotates about the shaft member, and a second frame member that is fixed to a cushion. One side of the first frame member is attached to one side of the second frame member, and the other side of the first frame member is attached to the shaft member. From a position in which the other side of the second frame member that faces the cushion is close to the other side of the first frame member to a second position in which the ottoman portion is extended in front of the seat from the sitting portion so as to support a calf of the occupant, the other side of the second frame member and the other side of the first frame member spread apart. |
| US08567866B2 |
Stroller seat pod
A stroller seat pod includes a seat bottom having front, left side, right side, back, top, and underside; seat back having first piece and second piece, first piece and second piece slidably connected to one another; first piece of seat back being hingedly connected to seat bottom such that seat back and seat bottom have first seat position and second seat position, wherein, in first seat position, seat back and seat bottom have open configuration for sitting, and wherein, in second seat position, seat back and seat bottom have a closed configuration for storage; second piece of seat back being connected to first piece of seat back such that first piece of seat back and second piece of seat back have first backrest position and second backrest position, wherein, in first backrest position, first piece of seat back and second piece of seat back are extended relative to one another to increase seat back area for sitting, wherein, in second backrest position, first piece of seat back and the second piece of seat back are retracted relative to one another for storage. |
| US08567865B2 |
Connecting apparatuses
A connecting apparatus of the present invention includes an inner teeth member with inner teeth, a guide member with a rotation support portion rotatably supporting an outer peripheral surface of the inner teeth member, a first and second teeth member movably mounted on the guide member, and a switching member capable of switching a lock state and an unlock state by moving the first and second outer teeth members. Further the connecting apparatus includes a backlash preventing mechanism capable of preventing a backlash of the inner teeth member with respect to the guide member by the switching member pushing the inner teeth member (6) to the rotation support portion of the guide member. Space is formed between outer teeth of the second outer teeth member and the inner teeth of the inner teeth member. The space permits them to mesh with each other, and forms clearance between them in a radial direction. |
| US08567863B2 |
Back support, orientation mechanism and method
A back support is pivotally oriented to locate a pivot point relative to posterior superior iliac spines of a seated user, such that when an upper portion of the back support contacts the upper torso of the user and moves to a desired angular orientation to balance the upper torso over the pelvic area, the back support transfers support to the posterior superior iliac spines to maintain the pelvic skeletal structure in alignment. A lower portion of the back support angularly contacts, supports and confines gluteal and buttocks tissue of the user independently of the degree of pivotal orientation of the upper portion. |
| US08567861B2 |
Seat with heater
A seat comprises a cushion member, a seat heater, and a skin material. The seat heater has a planar base member disposed on the cushion member, a heater wire fixed to the base member, and a temperature control that controls the temperature of the heater wire. The skin material covers both the cushion member and the seat heater. The cushion member includes a seat cushion surface portion for a sitting person and a recess formed in a surface located on the side opposite to the seat cushion surface portion. The base member includes a seat cushion surface-side portion disposed on the seat cushion surface portion. The heater wire includes a seat cushion surface-side heater wire disposed in the seat cushion surface-side portion and an insertion portion heater wire extended from the seat cushion side heater wire. At least a part of the temperature control is connected to the insertion portion heater wire and is disposed within the recess of the cushion member. |
| US08567860B2 |
Combination backpack-luggage-chair with integral lumbar support
A multipurpose folding chair is disclosed. The chair includes a frame that may be configured for a variety of applications. Locking mechanisms may secure leg portions, a backrest portion, and a footrest portion of the chair in multiple positions relative to a seat of the chair. The chair may be configured to receive a container such as a backpack. In the container receiving configuration, a shoulder strap of the container may be used to carry both the container and the chair. The chair may be equipped with wheels to facilitate portability. The chair includes an integral lumbar support element to support the back of the user. The chair may be optionally equipped with a footrest, armrests, and/or a headrest. |
| US08567853B2 |
Vehicle body structure
A vehicle body structure includes a bumper fascia panel and a fascia support bracket. The bumper fascia panel includes side and front end fascia sections. The front end and side fascia sections are integrally formed as a one-piece member. The side fascia section includes upper and lower fascia portions defining a fascia cutout such that they at least partially surround a vehicle lamp area. The fascia support bracket includes front end and side fascia supports. The front end fascia support supports an inboard surface of the bumper fascia panel along the front end fascia section. The side fascia support includes upper and lower support portions that support the inboard surface of the bumper fascia panel along the upper and lower fascia portions, respectively. The upper and lower support portions define a support cutout such that they at least partially surround the vehicle lamp area. |
| US08567851B2 |
Vehicle cowl cover
A vehicle cowl cover includes a windshield support portion and a channel portion. The windshield support portion includes a first windshield supporting wall and a second windshield supporting wall coupled to the first windshield supporting wall to define a windshield receiving cavity that is configured to receive a bottom edge of a windshield. The windshield receiving cavity extends in a lateral direction along the bottom edge of the windshield. The channel portion extends from the second windshield supporting wall and defines a water receiving channel that is configured to receive water that flows over a top edge of the second windshield supporting wall from the windshield receiving cavity. The channel portion is angled relative to an inner surface of the windshield to direct water laterally along the channel portion to at least one side edge of the vehicle cowl cover. |
| US08567847B1 |
Vehicles having utility bed with flexible seal
A vehicle includes a frame, a utility bed, and a flexible seal. The utility bed includes a left side, a right side, a bed frame, and a forward wall supported by the bed frame. The utility bed is pivotally coupled with the frame and pivotable between a hauling position and a dumping position. The flexible seal is attached to at least one of the bed frame and the forward wall of the utility bed. The flexible seal extends downwardly below the forward wall of the utility bed and laterally at least partially between the left side and the right side of the utility bed. When the utility bed is in the hauling position, the flexible seal contacts the frame. |
| US08567846B1 |
Vehicle having utility bed including seat
A vehicle includes a vehicular frame and a utility bed coupled with the vehicular frame. The utility bed includes a bed frame and a seat. The seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat back is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The seat back includes an upper back support and a lower back support. The lower back support is movably coupled with the upper back support and is movable between a passenger support position and a stored position. |
| US08567845B2 |
Car with a sun roof provided with a containing tank of the rear window
A car having: a frame provided with two external vertical posts, which are arranged facing each other on opposite sides of the car, and two internal vertical posts, which are arranged between the two external vertical posts and at a given distance from the external vertical posts; a passenger compartment; a sun roof, which is supported by the frame and can be set in an open position or a closed position with respect to the passenger compartment; a housing for containing the sun roof when the sun roof itself is set in the open position; a movable cover for closing the housing; and a rear window, which is mounted in a sliding manner so as to move between an extracted position, in which the rear window projects from the car body, and a withdrawn position, in which the rear window is housed inside the car body. |
| US08567844B2 |
Car with a sun roof provided with sealing gaskets
A car having: a frame provided with two external vertical posts, which are arranged facing each other on opposite sides of the car, and two internal vertical posts, which are arranged between the two external vertical posts and at a given distance from the external vertical posts; a passenger compartment; a sun roof, which is supported by the frame and can be set in an open position or a closed position with respect to the passenger compartment; a housing for containing the sun roof when the sun roof itself is set in the open position; a movable cover for closing the housing; and a rear window, which is mounted in a sliding manner so as to move between an extracted position, in which the rear window projects from the car body, and a withdrawn position, in which the rear window is housed inside the car body. |
| US08567843B2 |
Tonneau cover having securing mechanism
A tonneau cover apparatus for securing a flexible cover about a cargo box of a pickup truck. The apparatus comprises the cover and a support frame for attachment to the cargo box. The frame has two opposing side rails, each of which has a lock engaging surface. The support frame further includes a pair of securing plate engagement members, each of which is secured to one of the respective opposing side rails. The apparatus further comprises a flexible cover securing plate attached to the cover. The flexible cover securing plate includes a channel and least one locking member. Each locking member is secured within the channel and each respective locking member is engagable with the lock engaging surface of the respective side rail such that the flexible cover securing plate is prevented from disengaging with respect to the respective side rail when it is in a first position. |
| US08567840B2 |
Mosaic panel kit and method
A mosaic panel kit (10) and method (200) is described. The method (200) can include: installing (202) wall panels (12) to an interior surface (14) of an enclosure (16) nose (18) and walls (20); interconnecting (204) each wall panel (12) with an adjacent wall panel; and providing (206) a ceiling panel (40) over cargo (42) to be protected. The kit (10) and method (200) provide a simple and effective way to protect temperature sensitive products and/or cargos, from ambient temperature fluctuations. |
| US08567833B2 |
Blade lifting system with saloon doors
A system for lifting a blade of a wind turbine is proposed. The system includes a yoke device lifted by a crane, an upper bracket device and a lower bracket device that are mounted to the yoke device for holding the blade. The upper bracket device engages a first section of the blade and the lower bracket device engages a second section of the blade. The lower bracket device is movably mounted to the yoke device in such a way that the blade is insertable into the system in an open position of the lower bracket device. The lower bracket device is movably mounted to the yoke device in such a way that the blade is spatially fixed by both the upper bracket device and the lower bracket device in a closed position of the lower bracket device. |
| US08567832B2 |
Hand grip for electronic devices
A hand grip for an electronic device is disclosed. An example hand grip may include a backing removably attachable to a back side of the electronic device by stretching over opposite edge portions of the electronic device. The hand grip may also include a handle member connecting with the backing. The handle member connects with one or more finger of a user to securely hold the handheld electronic device by the hand of the user. |
| US08567828B2 |
Snap-type locking device
The present invention relates to a snap-type locking device for releasable and principally external keeping together of two parts and comprising at least one grip part at least one grip part, at least one movable arm and at least one spring, said at least one movable arm being turnably attached to said at least one grip part as well as, directly or indirectly, to a first part of said two parts. Said at least one spring abuts said at least one grip part in order to urge the same in a direction away from said two parts. |
| US08567824B2 |
Polymer duct having clamping collar
A polymer duct configured to be connected to a nozzle of a system for transporting a fluid has a circumferential groove into which is mounted a clamping collar configured to clamp the duct against the nozzle, the groove being delimited by two lateral rims comprising radially projecting lateral studs with which the collar cooperates to be rotationally blocked relative to the duct. The collar has a circumferential clamping strip having two ends which overlap in an overlap region of the strip, a strip clamping member and a non-metallic blocking cover having an abutment portion. The abutment portion has a pair of lateral fins which extend in the radial and axial directions and abut against axial and lateral faces of the lateral studs. |
| US08567823B2 |
Fire hose connection adaptor
A quick-mounting adapter is axially forced upon and then twisted relative to threaded targets for connection. A rotatable hub has a threaded portion for connection to a hose and an integral flange fastened to a tubular sleeve coaxially within the adapter. A rotatable handle assembly comprises a rigid ring with an internal orifice and at least two outwardly projecting handle segments. A multi-segment thread assembly secured within a ring groove to the sleeve is displaceable radially inwardly and outwardly in response to a rigid, cylindrical collar secured to the handle assembly. Each segment comprises an outer tapered portion contacted by and compressed by the collar. Pushing and subsequent rotation of the handle assembly attaches the thread assembly on the threaded target to connect the adapter. |
| US08567821B1 |
Tubular beam with a crimped sleeve
An aluminum tubular beam is assembled to a steel box frame rail with a steel sleeve. The sleeve is connected by a crimp joint or by a hem flange to the tubular beam. The steel sleeve may be effectively welded to the steel box frame rail to which it is assembled. An adhesive may be provided between the sleeve and the beam. |
| US08567816B1 |
Airbag tear seam shapes
A vehicle interior panel for use over an airbag includes a substrate having an airbag door region and a decorative covering disposed over the airbag door region. A tear seam is formed in the decorative covering along a path having an end portion that is non-orthogonal with respect to a hinge side of the airbag door region. The tear seam path may include a central portion that lies along a side of the airbag door region opposite the hinge side, along with end portions that form obtuse included angles with the central portion. In some cases, the end portions diverge from a perimeter of the airbag door region and may generally extend along high deployment stress regions of the covering. Tear seams formed along such a path may reduce airbag inflation energy losses associated with tearing the covering material(s) during airbag deployment. |
| US08567812B2 |
Configuration for fastening a liquid container
A configuration is provided for fastening a liquid container in an engine compartment of a motor vehicle, including, but not limited to a liquid container and a fastening holder, using which the liquid container is fastened on the vehicle body of the motor vehicle, the liquid container being situated so it is displaceable on the fastening holder. |
| US08567802B2 |
Cantilevered, vehicle side mount safety guard
A safety guard which functions to push objects lying in the path of a vehicle out of the path of the wheels of the vehicle, such as a school bus, for safety purposes includes a front guard positioned at an angle in front of a wheel of the vehicle and is secured through a mounting plate unit to both a side panel and either a frame beam or floor board of the vehicle, with the frontal guard being supported in a cantilevered manner in front of the wheel. This configuration provides for a substantially universal mounting arrangement that can be particular advantageous in connection with school buses and other vehicles having underbody frame and support structure remote from the vehicle wheel. |
| US08567801B2 |
Front-axle bracket for motor vehicles
A front-axle bracket for motor vehicles has two accommodations spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal vehicle direction in each instance for the bearing locations for pivoting mounting of one or two wheel guide elements, in each instance, such as transverse control arms or A-arms, accommodations for attachment of the front-axle bracket as a pre-finished unit, together with pre-assembled assemblies, on the vehicle body, and at least individual ones of accommodations for attachment of the steering gear mechanism, for attachment of the stabilizer, and for mounting of a pendulum support. The front-axle bracket is produced as a component that is in one piece with these accommodations and connects them with one another. At least individual ones of the accommodations are integrated into the front-axle bracket by way of rod-shaped connecting elements, in framework-like manner. |
| US08567800B2 |
Pair of runners for walking and/or travel movement
Pair of runners for walking and/or travel movement characterized by the fact that the secondary beam (1b) contains at least two sets of wheels (5), one in the rear of a runner and the second the front of a runner, while the main beam (1a) includes at least two feet (6a) made of flexible material or at least two rolling sets (6b); at least one set of wheels (5) in every runner is equipped with mechanism for locking of the wheels rotation and runners are connected by a stabilization rod (8). |
| US08567797B2 |
Wheelbarrow
A wheelbarrow is proposed with a frame (1) formed from at least one hollow body (3), with at least one pivot-mounted wheel on the frame (1), with at least two handle bars (5) with grips (6) for the frame located on the handle bars (5), with at least two supports (7) for the frame on which the wheelbarrow is supported in the rest position, with a load-carrying facility (2) of load-carrying shape located on the frame (1), with a differing cross-section of the hollow body (3) in various sections of the frame (1) and an oval external shape of the hollow body (3) departing from a circular shape for the cross-section of at least one straight section (5) of the frame (1). |
| US08567796B2 |
Rolling container assembly with adjustable storage units
An apparatus for transporting articles between working locations. The apparatus includes wheels mounted towards the bottom of the apparatus for rotation about an axis to provide rolling support for the apparatus and a manually engageable pulling handle. The pulling handle and the ground engaging wheels are arranged to enable a user to manually pull the pulling handle generally rearwardly so as to tilt the apparatus rearwardly to a tilted rolling movement position, thereby enabling the user to roll the apparatus to a desired location by pushing or pulling the pulling handle in a desired direction. The apparatus also includes a frame and at least one or more mount structures adjustably connected to the frame. The apparatus further includes a plurality of containers connected to the mount structures, where at least one of the containers are of a different configuration from another one of the containers. |
| US08567795B2 |
Lower frame for a product holder, holder and operating procedure
A basic frame for a holder for products, includes a first beam, fitted with at least a first support, to support the first beam on a basis, a second beam fitted with at least a second support, to support the second beam on the basis, and with the first beam linked at variable distances by at least a spacer, for the parallel positioning of the beams mainly distanced from each other at least in an unfolded position of the basic frame, as well as an arm stretched out in the direction of the second beam for a third support, linked to the first beam, for the support of the basic frame on the basis at a distance of at least a collapsed state of the basic frame from the first beam. |
| US08567794B2 |
Frame structure for skates
A skate frame comprises a lower frame portion comprising gliding means for running on a gliding surface and an upper frame portion comprising one or more support surfaces for supporting the user's boot. Both the frame portions comprise protruding arms that are mechanically coupled. The mutual interlock between the coupling surfaces of said protruding arms prevent relative movements between the frame portions along predefined directions. |
| US08567785B1 |
Intellectual game model
Present invention provides an intellectual game model which includes a base with several grooves, level selector and 7 chain hexagonal bricks. There are 8 hexagon docks with numbers, and player is capable of selecting the level of difficulty of the game by moving level selector. There is also a hexagonal stud which is for increasing the difficulty of the game. Player uses 7 chain hexagonal bricks with different shapes to complete the shape which is built by empty grooves. The game inspires player's intelligence and is suitable for beginner or the one who want to challenge difficult levels of the game. |
| US08567784B2 |
Integrated blackjack hole card readers and chip racks, and improved covers for chip racks
Integrated blackjack hole card readers and chip racks, and novel locking cover assemblies, are disclosed. In one embodiment of the hole card reader and chip rack, a chip rack of standard configuration is provided, and defines a cutout into which the reader can be placed. In another embodiment, the chip rack and reader are molded as a single unit. A removable locking cover is also disclosed which can be used to cover chip racks any time they are not in use. |
| US08567782B2 |
Predetermined and identified bonus enhancement for game card game
This invention relates to a predetermined bonus feature for use in conjunction with a designated underlying game of chance, wherein the individual game card and master game card or master bonus game card include symbols that predetermine and identify which player(s) is eligible to win the bonus prize upon the occurrence of another event. A predetermined winning bonus symbol on a master game card or master bonus game card made known prior to or after conclusion of play of the designated underlying game. Players who have a symbol on their individual game card that matches the predetermined winning bonus symbol know, in advance, that they are eligible to participate to win the bonus prize. The winner(s) of the designated underlying game will win the bonus prize if s/he is able to match a symbol on the individual game card with the winning bonus symbol. |
| US08567780B2 |
Sheet discharging device and image forming apparatus
A sheet discharging device, comprising: a housing including a first wall; a discharge section configured to discharge a sheet to an outside of the housing through a slit defined in the first wall; a pressing portion attached to the housing so that the pressing portion presses the sheet discharged through the slit outside the slit; and a moving unit configured to move the pressing portion along the slit. |
| US08567779B2 |
Apparatus for pressing flat materials onto a transport module
An apparatus for pressing flat materials onto a transport module with a transport belt includes a holding carrier for pressing elements being disposed under a feed table. At least one of the pressing elements is mounted on the holding carrier with a multiplicity of individual resilient or sprung constituent parts, or a multiplicity of pressing elements are disposed on the holding carrier below the transport belt in a transport direction. The pressing elements can protrude through an opening in the feed table, in order to provide suitable pressure from below on the transport belt of the transport module. |
| US08567778B2 |
Sheet feeder, original document transport device, image forming apparatus, and sheet feeding method
Provided is a sheet feeder, which includes: a sheet placing table; a rotary body which is movable and sends out sheets; a sheet placement detection portion for detecting placement of sheets; an upper limit detection portion for detecting that the rotary body has reached an upper limit position; a transport detection portion for detecting transport of sheets; and a control part which rotates the rotary body so as to perform sheet feeding operation regardless of a detection state of the upper limit detection portion when sheets are set on the sheet placing table, determines that a non-feed jam has occurred when no sheet arriving is detected, and stops rotating the rotary body by determining that the sheet feeder is brought into a sheet feeding restriction state, when sheets are set again on the sheet placing table and the rotary body is detected to be in the upper limit position. |
| US08567777B2 |
Combined ultrasonic-based multifeed detection method and sound-based damage detection method
A method for feeding sheets through a sheet transport path. Ultrasonic energy is directed toward a sheet in the transport path while an audio receiver detects audio data generated by the ultrasonic source and the mechanisms that transport the sheet. The audio data is processed to determine whether a multifeed or a misfeed condition exists in the transport path. |
| US08567774B2 |
Bill deposit/withdrawal machine
Provided is a means for stably accumulating the bills to be paid out to a customer. A bill press (26) has a dog-leg shape composed of a supporting face (26a) facing bills and an inclined face (26b) inclined in a direction away from the bills above the supporting face (26a), has two sliding pins (30) lined up along a movement direction on a side face thereof, and has a sliding groove (35) at the side of the bill press (26). A bent portion (35a) is provided at one end of the sliding groove (35) on the side of an accumulating tongue piece roller (28). When the bills to be paid out to a customer are accumulated in a bill deposit/withdrawal unit (10), the bill press (26) turns so that the sliding pins (30) on the side of the accumulating tongue piece roller (28) enter the bent portion (35a), and thereby the supporting face (26a) is inclined toward the accumulating tongue piece roller (28). |
| US08567773B2 |
Device for handling banknotes
The invention relates to a device for handling notes of value, comprising at least one cash box for receiving notes of value and at least one separating and/or stacking module for removing notes of value and/or for supplying notes of value to the cash box. Here, the separating and/or stacking module and the cash box are arranged separately from each other. The cash box comprises a retraction element which in a swiveled-away position is arranged such that the notes of value are suppliable to the cash box by means of the separating and/or stacking module through an opening of the cash box and/or are removable from the cash box. In a retaining position, the retraction element is arranged such that no notes of value are suppliable to and no notes of value are removable from the cash box. |
| US08567772B2 |
Adjustable spring mounting assembly
An adjustable spring mounting assembly having a first lug with a first elongated opening with a first channel and a second lug with a second elongated opening and a second channel. A mounting pin extends through the first and second elongated openings. First and second spacers received in the first and second channels hold the mounting pin in one of at least two mounting positions. |
| US08567770B2 |
Seat suspension
To expand a body weight adjustment range and achieve thinning. An initial position adjusting member 15 which can adjust initial resilient forces of two torsion bars 31, 41 is provided. Therefore, a body weight adjustment range is expanded as compared with a conventional configuration where a resilient force of only one torsion bar is adjusted. Since a moving magnet unit 52 is provided such that a moving direction of a moving body coincides with an approximately perpendicular direction to a mutual displacement direction of an upper frame 10 relative to a lower frame 20, the thickness (height) of a fixed magnet unit 51 is made thin as compared with a case where the moving magnet unit is provided such that the moving direction of the moving body coincides with approximately the same direction as the mutual displacement direction of the upper frame relative to the lower frame, so that the thickness of the whole seat suspension at a position at which the upper frame 10 has come closest to the lower frame 20 (a lower limit position) can be made thin. |
| US08567764B1 |
Well pump puller
A well pump puller, which includes a base, a support element supporting a spindle, and an elastic element, extracts a well pump from within a well by winding electrical wiring attached to the pump around the spindle. During an extraction, at least a portion of any arising yank forces are absorbed by deformation of the elastic element, which reduces the risk of the wiring failing mechanically. A spindle can include a rotation element for rotating the spindle; a spindle lock and safety latch to limit rotation of the spindle; a wire guide to guide the wire; a pipe guide to guide a water pipe connected to the pump; a pipe catch to catch the pipe if the wiring fails; and a drill abutment that can abut a drill used to rotate the rotation element. |
| US08567763B1 |
Tire lift
A tire lift is provided for lifting and supporting a tire to facilitate the task of changing tires on a vehicle. The lifting apparatus includes a base frame, an upper frame, and a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly is coupled to and extends between the base frame and the upper frame. The lifting assembly is extendable or retractable to urge the upper frame away from the base frame or draw the upper frame towards the base frame. Support rods may extend across an open top of the upper frame to support a tire in an upright position on the upper frame. |
| US08567762B2 |
Electro-mechanical lifting device
The invention relates to an electro-mechanical lifting device comprising a lifting head and a controlling and positioning carriage, said lifting head comprising a substantially vertical telescopic cylinder element, comprised of a plurality of outer telescopic jacket elements and a corresponding number of inner telescopic threaded elements, an element for coupling the member to be lifted being provided above the upper jacket element, the upper element of the lower inner threaded element being coupled with said lifting member coupling element, the intermediate threaded element(s) being provided with an outer and an inner threading, while the lower inner threaded element is threaded only on the outer surface, coupling between said jacket elements providing means preventing their rotation each other. |
| US08567760B2 |
Prying tools
A prying tool suitable for staple removal includes an elongate shaft with prying member disposed at one or both ends, (each) having a flat section terminating in a serrated, distal edge, and forming an integral fulcrum between the shaft and the serrated edge. The distal edge consists of parallel, wedge-like teeth, separated by rounded notches, each tooth tapering along its length to a sharp point at the tip, which is rounded across its width. The taper may be achieved via a forward beveled surface on the top face of the tooth. The width of the tooth may also taper from the bottom to the top face, with the top edges rounded and/or beveled. The configuration allows a tooth to engage a staple, then gradually straighten and lift it by distributing upward force evenly thereto, reducing staple breakage, and the rounded notches prevent the staple legs from lodging in the tool. |
| US08567756B2 |
Slit valve door able to compensate for chamber deflection
Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a slit valve door assembly for sealing an opening in a chamber. A slit valve door that is pressed against the chamber to seal the slit valve opening moves with the chamber as the slit valve opening shrinks so that an o-ring pressed between the slit valve door and the chamber may move with the slit valve door and the chamber. Thus, less rubbing of the o-ring against the chamber may occur. With less rubbing, fewer particles may be generated and the o-ring lifetime may be extended. With a longer lifetime for the o-ring, substrate throughput may be increased. |
| US08567755B2 |
Solenoid operated fluid control valve
Solenoid operated fluid control valve for controlling the pressure of a fluid in a fluid control system comprises a solenoid housing having therein a solenoid coil, an armature movable in response to electrical current applied to the solenoid coil, a valve member for controlling fluid flow to a fluid passage, an actuator pin disposed between the armature and the valve member for moving the valve member in response to armature movement, and one or more features including an armature damping member, tubular actuator pin support body, flow diverter, coil bobbin support sleeve, and/or internal particle gettering magnet to improve valve operation. |
| US08567754B1 |
Tunable valve assembly
Tunable valve assemblies attenuate valve-generated vibration at one or more predetermined assembly resonant frequencies which are typically altered to correspond to specific pump housing resonant frequencies. Each tunable valve assembly comprises a valve body having a peripheral groove spaced radially apart from a central reservoir. An adjustable flange may be coupled to the valve body for imposing a predetermined shear preload by partially constraining a viscoelastic element in the reservoir. One or more valve assembly resonant frequencies are thus predictably altered. Further, the associated valve-generated vibration spectrum is narrowed, and its amplitude is reduced through hysteresis loss of closing impulse energy at each predetermined assembly resonant frequency. Assembly resonant frequencies are additionally or alternatively altered through choice of viscoelastic elements and inclusions (e.g., shear-thickening materials) in the reservoir and/or peripheral groove. Peripheral groove fenestrations increase valve assembly responsiveness to longitudinal compressive force while stabilizing peripheral groove elements. |
| US08567751B2 |
Inline aseptic valve
Inline valve assembly having a body with an axial bore and guide slots extending in a direction perpendicular to the bore, a flexible tubular liner having an axially extending flow passageway with a generally cylindrical side wall disposed in and supported by the bore, throttling pins mounted in the guide slots in engagement with the side wall on opposite sides of the liner, and cam members rotatively mounted on the valve body for urging the pins together against the side wall to restrict flow through the passageway. |
| US08567747B2 |
Portable drilling pad
A drilling pad comprising a composite pad construction formed of layers of sheet metal, sheet rock, expanded metal and polymer emulsion and a spine formed of metal plate connected to the layers and fastening plates for joining pads to create a larger pad. |
| US08567745B2 |
Apparatuses and systems with vertically and longitudinally offset mounting flanges
A flanged apparatus includes an apparatus body and a flanged mount, which includes a support pylon, a first mounting flange and a second mounting flange. The support pylon includes a first pylon segment, a second pylon segment and a routing notch. The first pylon segment is cantilevered from the apparatus body, and extends to the first mounting flange. The second pylon segment is cantilevered from the first pylon support, and extends from the first mounting flange to the second mounting flange. The routing notch extends vertically between the first pylon segment and the second pylon segment. The first mounting flange and the second mounting flange extend laterally from the support pylon, and the first mounting flange is separated from the second mounting flange by a longitudinal distance and a vertical distance. |
| US08567744B1 |
Reusable breakaway mounting device
A reusable device for detachably mounting an object to a platform includes a breakaway plate that is mounted to the object and a mounting bracket that is fixed to the platform. The breakaway plate is formed with a circumferential groove, and an o-ring is placed in the groove. A tooth ring having a slight gap is positioned over the o-ring. As a retaining ring is placed over the o-ring and tooth ring and fastened to the mounting bracket, the tooth ring compresses, which causes the o-ring to compress and engage the tooth ring at a breakaway force of the object. When an applied force that is greater than the breakaway force is applied to the object, the o-ring pops out to separate the object and platform. The o-ring durometer is chosen according to the magnitude of breakaway force that is desired by the user. |
| US08567743B2 |
System for attaching column to a structural support
A system for attaching a columnar building member to a structural support member, uses one or more connecting brackets comprising a flat base plate having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter, with a plurality of apertures disposed along the base plate. A socket extends from the inner perimeter of the base plate, with the perimeter of the socket conforming to the inner perimeter of the base plate, and with a plurality of apertures disposed along the socket. The columnar building member is attached to the connecting bracket via a plurality of fastening means through the apertures disposed along the socket. The columnar building member and connecting bracket are attached to the structural support member(s) via a plurality of fastening means through the apertures disposed along the base plate. |
| US08567740B2 |
Deployable support unit for reading material
A support unit for supporting readable material at a convenient angle and height for facilitated viewing. The support unit is deployable between a collapsed and generally flat non-deployed position, and a deployed position with a support platen at an adjustably selected angle and height for comfortable viewing. In one embodiment, the support platen is pivotally mounted onto an intermediate bracket plate which in turn is pivotally mounted onto a base plate, with an upper support strut adjustably set to accommodate support platen positioning relative to the base plate and bracket plate in one of multiple angular settings. The support platen may include or support a digital device such as an electronic touch pad, computer or reading device. In a preferred form, the upper support strut is adapted to overlie and protect the support platen and device thereon in the non-deployed position. |
| US08567733B2 |
Locking module and support stand for display device using the same
A support stand for display device includes a base seat, an elevating support, and a locking module detachably connected the elevating support to the base seat. The locking module includes a fixing member, a rotating member, an elastic member, and a latching member. The fixing member is fixed on one of the base seat and the elevating support, and the fixing member defines a gap and a latching groove. The rotating member is rotatably extended through the other one of the base seat and the elevating support, and the fixing member. The elastic member is sleeved on the rotating member, and abuts on the fixing member. The latching member is fixed on an end of the rotating member. The latching member is extended through the gap of the fixing member, and is engaged in the latching groove of the fixing member. |
| US08567732B2 |
Bracket construction for mounting a link chain
A bracket assembly for mounting a link chain includes first and second opposed mirror image brackets each bracket having a uniformly thick base flange for mounting on a surface for support and an upstanding transverse link attachment flange which includes spaced openings symmetrically positioned for replication of a chain link plate and for attachment of the plates of a chain link to a pair of opposed spaced brackets. |
| US08567731B2 |
Tripod-supporting device and supporting member for supporting a tripod
An attaching means composed of a hole or a groove is formed in the leg of a tripod or another member attached to the legs. A support member inserted in the attaching means is so disposed as to extend in a direction from the attaching means to the ground, toward which direction the tripod is liable to overturn. Therefore, overturning of the tripod can be reliably prevented by a simple operation. |
| US08567727B2 |
Trailing edge flap
A trailing edge flap arrangement for an aircraft wing, comprising an array of flap elements each discretely moveable between a retracted and an extended position by a respective actuator, wherein the flap elements are arranged to be deployed so as to open up a through slot between an adjacent pair of the flap elements only when the aerodynamic leading element of the pair has reached its extended position. Also, a method of operating the trailing edge flap arrangement. |
| US08567725B2 |
Orbital debris mitigation system and method
Fiber-based debris interceptors are used to intercept and/or contain space debris. The debris interceptors may be made up of fibers that are formed in space from a material supply on a space vehicle. The fibers for the debris interceptors may be formed by extrusion, with a heat source, such as a mirror to focus sunlight, used to heat the material of the material supply that is carried on the space vehicle. The debris interceptor may be separated from the space vehicle, and used to remove debris from an orbit, or otherwise prevent debris entering an orbit from damaging a satellite or other spacecraft that travels in that orbit. The debris interceptor may be deployed prior to later launch of a valuable spacecraft, in order to “cleanse” the intended orbit of debris. Debris objects may pass through the debris interceptor, but in so doing may lose energy so as to de-orbit. |
| US08567724B2 |
Forward extraction force transfer coupling
An extraction force transfer coupling device is particularly adapted for use with certain cargo aircraft systems for aerial delivery of a load. The extraction force transfer coupling device employs a drop arm which prevents inadvertent actuation of the actuator arm. Prior to aerial delivery, the actuator arm is obstructed by the drop arm. When the platform is forwardly extracted from the aircraft, the drop arm slides along and eventually disengages from the aircraft floor which eventually results in actuation of the cable release to provide for opening of a suspension parachute. |
| US08567722B2 |
Splice and associated method for joining fuselage sections
A splice and an associated method are provided in order to efficiently join structures, such as adjacent fuselage sections. A splice for joining fuselage sections may include a strap configured to bridge the fuselage sections, a shear tie overlying the strap and a fitting positioned between the strap and the shear tie such that the strap and the shear tie are spaced apart. At least the strap and the fitting may be formed of a composite material. The fitting may have an H-shape and may have first and second longitudinally extending sections that extend beyond opposite sides of the strap. Each longitudinally extending section is configured to overlie at least two stringers of a respective fuselage section. The fitting may also have a medial portion upon which the shear tie is seated. |
| US08567718B1 |
Launch and recovery system for unmanned aerial vehicles
A method of launching and retrieving a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) (10). The preferred method of launch involves carrying the UAV (10) up to altitude using a parasail (8) similar to that used to carry tourists aloft. The UAV is dropped and picks up enough airspeed in the dive to perform a pull-up into level controlled flight. The preferred method of recovery is for the UAV to fly into and latch onto the parasail tow line (4) or cables hanging off the tow line and then be winched back down to the boat (2). |
| US08567717B2 |
Aircraft landing gear
A landing gear for an aircraft, having mounting means fitted to the fuselage of the aircraft; at least one wheel; and at least one supporting arm having a first end portion connected to the mounting means, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, and to which the wheel is suspended. The first end portion of the supporting arm has a seating portion fitted in rotary manner to a pin connected to the mounting means and extending crosswise to the supporting arm; and an electrically controlled actuator is fitted to the seating portion, and is activated selectively to rotate the supporting arm, about the pin, between a first and second operating position defining a stowed in-flight configuration and a lowered landing configuration of the landing gear respectively. |
| US08567716B2 |
Landing gear uplock mechanism employing thermal phase-change actuation
An uplock assembly for retaining and releasing landing gear systems, said uplock assembly comprising: a thermal actuator comprising: a chamber configured to contain expansible material therein; a heating mechanism coupled to said chamber for heating said expansible material and causing volumetric expansion thereof; a piston slidably coupled to said chamber and adapted to extend in response to said volumetric expansion; and an uplock release mechanism releasably engaged by said piston when extended such that said engaged uplock release mechanism causes the release of said landing gear. |
| US08567713B2 |
Lift fan clutch
A multi-plate clutch is provided to couple a drive shaft from a gas turbine engine with a driven shaft of a lift fan. When disengaged the plates of the clutch can be physically separated. Plates of one shaft are coupled to the shaft with individual energy members that return the plates to a disengaged position. The plates of the other shaft can be coupled together with a travel member and/or lug key and energy devices between at least some of the plates. |
| US08567708B2 |
Portable bobbin winder
Disclosed is a portable device for winding thread around a bobbin from a spool of thread. The device includes a height adjustable thread holder configured to receive the spool of thread, a thread guide bar pivotable between a stored position and an operative position, and an adjustable tension feed device for applying tension to the thread during winding. The device also includes a spindle slot configured to receive one of a plurality of rotatable spindles that are interchangeable within the spindle slot so that different corresponding spindles can be used with the device. Also, a speed control knob for adjusting a speed at which the spindle rotates and thus at which thread is wound around the bobbin from the spool of thread, a fill knob for adjusting the amount of thread to be wound on the bobbin, and an automatic shut off mechanism are disclosed. |
| US08567703B2 |
Method for producing hydraulic powder
The present invention produces the hydraulic powder through grinding of the hydraulic compound in the presence of a compound (a) prepared by reacting (A) at least one compound selected from polyhydric alcohols and alkylene oxide adducts thereof with (B) a sulfating agent. |
| US08567701B2 |
Fuel injection valve
A fuel injection valve for an internal combustion engine is provided. The fuel injection value includes an injection hole plate having a plurality of fuel chambers formed by recessing part of the upstream side of the injection hole plate at a plurality of positions along the valve seat opening portion Each of the fuel chambers has a shape in which the halves are symmetric with each other with respect to a line that radially extends from the center of the injection hole plate. The fuel chambers are is disposed in a place that ranges from the inside of a virtual circle to the outside of the inner circumference of the valve seat opening portion. Two injection holes are arranged outside the inner circumference of the valve seat opening portion in such a way as to flank the radial center line of the fuel chamber. |
| US08567694B2 |
Test method and test apparatus for checking the function of a painting device
The disclosure relates to a test method for functional testing of a painting device, comprising: connecting a test device to the painting device, capturing at least one process parameter of the painting device, and checking of a functionality of the painting device by the test device using the captured process variables of the painting device. The disclosure further relates to a corresponding test device for performing the method. |
| US08567693B2 |
Dispenser for the controlled release of volatile substances
The invention relates to a dispenser for a volatile substance (4), which contains a reservoir (1) and two control elements. The first control element (6) exerts a control function that is dependent on the substance characteristics of the volatile substance (4) and the material characteristics of the constituents of said first control element (6). However, the second control element (7) exerts a control function that is independent of the substance characteristics of the volatile substance (4) and the material characteristics of the constituents of said first control element (6). The first control element (6) is located between the reservoir (1) and the second control element (7) and is permeable to at least one volatile substance (4). The second control element (7) consists of a material that is impermeable to the volatile substance and contains defined material cavities (8). Perfumes, crop protection agents, pheromones and repellents, which can be released in a controlled manner, constitute the volatile substances. |
| US08567690B2 |
Toy vehicle track set
In one exemplary embodiment, a toy track set for at least one toy vehicle is provided, the toy track set having: a track path; and a surface rotatably mounted to a base, wherein a portion of the surface comprises a portion of the track path and wherein as the surface rotates and spins on the base to transfer the toy vehicle from a first portion of the track to a second portion of the track. |
| US08567683B2 |
Reader device and outing data carrier decision method
In order to decide an attribute of each data carrier without manual operation, an RFID reader (30) which is carried by a user includes an identification information acquisition unit (310) reading identification information for identifying an RFID from the RFID in the vicinity in a non-contact state, a reader position acquisition unit (315) obtaining reader position information indicating a position of the RFID reader (30) when the identification information is read, an RFID position decision unit (316) deciding representative position information indicating the position of the RFID based on the obtained reader position information, and a storage unit (32) correlating the decided representative position information with the read identification information and storing them. |
| US08567677B1 |
Optical identification system and method
The invention is an optical labeling/identification system that comprises an optical interrogator, optical label and a programmer. The optical label stores and returns to the interrogator different parts of a wavelength code word. The programmer programs the optical labels with a programming light beam to change the wavelength response of the labels. Interrogation and programming of the labels can be accomplished from a stand off distance without physical contact between the label and the interrogator/programmer. The label may be applied to uneven, wrinkled or discontinuous surfaces. |
| US08567674B2 |
Two-sided sheet containing a plurality of different travel-related document items and a method of operating an apparatus to provide such a two-sided sheet
A two-sided sheet contains a plurality of different travel-related items. The two-sided sheet includes a first travel-related item in the form of a baggage tag having a front major surface facing a first direction and on which baggage tag information is printed. The two-sided sheet also includes a second travel-related item which is other than a baggage tag and which second travel-related item has a front major surface facing a second direction which is opposite the first direction and on which other information is printed. The two-sided sheet further includes adhesive disposed between the first and second travel-related items to provide a single sheet in which the second travel-related item can be peeled away and separated from the baggage tag. |
| US08567672B2 |
Location based discounts
The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture for interacting with a multiple criteria buying and/or selling system to conduct business electronically. In particular, the architecture can include a dynamic discount card that includes an information access component for receiving information. In addition, the dynamic discount card can include a presentation component for displaying information to a user via the dynamic discount card. |
| US08567669B2 |
Method and apparatus for a merchant profile builder
A merchant profile builder (MPB) is provided. The complete merchant profiling process is split into three pieces: Data Preprocessing, Weekly Summary Calculation, and Merchant Profile Calculation. In the Data Preprocessing stage, authorization data and daily fraud data are processed on a weekly basis to yield: an authorization extract file and fraud authorization data, each of which are sorted by a merchant key. In the Weekly Summary Calculation stage, the files output by the Data Preprocessing stage are used as input to compile basic statistics for each merchant based only on data for one week. There are separate weekly summaries for authorizations and fraud authorizations. In the Merchant Profile Calculation stage, the weekly summaries from the 16 most recent weeks are combined together and averages are calculated and output a set of merchant profiles and a set of default profiles. |
| US08567665B2 |
Secure enclosure
A method of constructing a secure enclosure body is disclosed. The method comprises providing a molded plastic shell body incorporating a mesh reinforcement; coupling a mold to the molded plastic shell to define a cavity between the mold and the molded plastic shell; inserting concrete into the cavity; and removing the mold when the concrete has sufficiently set to provide a secure enclosure body. |
| US08567662B2 |
Methods and apparatus relating to lock-top box
A box having top panels that lock together to keep the box in a closed condition is disclosed. A box blank or cutout from which the box is created by folding is further disclosed. |
| US08567660B2 |
Sustainable packaging system for shipping liquid or viscous products
The present disclosure, in one embodiment, relates to a packaging assembly for holding liquids, viscous material, or particulate material. The packaging assembly includes a carton having side and bottom walls and an open top. A self-supporting plastic liner fits inside of the carton, and is for containing liquids, viscous material, or particulate material. The liner has a side wall, a closed bottom end, and an open top end having an outwardly-projecting rim. The rim has a radially-extending flange portion, and a dependent skirt portion. When the self-supporting plastic liner is inside of the carton, the dependent skirt portion of the rim hangs over the side walls of the carton. A lidding material is removeably affixed to the rim of the plastic liner. A carton lid closes off the open top of the carton. |
| US08567657B2 |
Coiled tubing with retainer for conduit
Coiled tubing with secured wireline and a method for manufacturing same. A slickline held by a retainer is introduced to the coiled tubing manufacturing process by attaching the retainer and slickline to a metal plate, prior to the metal plate being welded into a tubular. The slickline is unaffected by the welding and heat treatment process or processes. To install wireline into the coiled tubing, the coiled tubing is unrolled from the reel, the wireline is attached to and end of the slickline and the other end of the slickline pulled to fish the wireline through the coiled tubing, resulting in wireline held within the retainer inside the coiled tubing. Alternatively, heat resistant wireline may be secured within the coiled tubing by attachment to the coiled tubing or held by a retainer. |
| US08567655B2 |
Circular stapler with automatic locking mechanism
A circular stapling instrument includes a casing, an anvil assembly, a staple driver, and a locking mechanism. The anvil assembly is configured to move back and forth between an open position away from the casing and a closed position adjacent the casing. The staple driver is configured to move within the casing from a pre-fired position to a fired position. The locking mechanism is configured to, whenever the anvil assembly is in the open position, automatically lock the staple driver in the pre-fired position preventing the staple driver from being moved to the fired position. The locking mechanism is also configured to, whenever the anvil assembly is in the closed position, automatically unlock the staple driver from the pre-fired position to allow the staple driver to be moved to the fired position. |
| US08567650B2 |
Truck box assembly
A storage box and a supporting bracket assembly are provided for use in the bed of a pickup style truck. The storage box has a base with a bottom and a plurality of side walls. The bracket assembly includes a box engaging portion, a hook portion and an adjustable support leg. The box and bracket have an installed position wherein the hook portion engages the upper rail of a bed of a pickup style bed, the outer end of the adjustable support leg engages a wall extending downwardly from the upper rail of the bed and the storage box is supported on the bracket assembly adjacent the wall of the bed. |
| US08567648B2 |
Spout adapter system
A spout adapter system is provided for use with at least two different containers in which each container has a threaded fitment adapted to removably receive a threaded closure cap and in which the two different containers have different thread configurations around the dispensing opening. The system includes a first and second adapter each having two ends and a fluid passageway extending between their ends as well as a dispensing spout having a fluid passageway for dispensing fluid. The spout includes a threaded connector which threadably cooperates with a threaded connector at one end of either of the adapters so that the dispensing spout may be used with either adapter. The first adapter includes a threaded portion at its other end which is configured to cooperate with the threaded fitment of one of the containers while the other adapter has a threaded portion at its other end configured to cooperate with the threaded dispensing opening of the other container. Consequently, the different adapters enable the same spout to be utilized with different containers having different sized dispensing openings. |
| US08567644B2 |
Procedure and system for dispensing depilatory wax in a regulated manner for its immediate application
A melted depilatory wax dispenser has a container with an opening that stores solid depilatory wax at room temperature. The container is opened, inverted and inserted into a vertically protruding heating element and the opening is placed upon and sealed to an adaptor ring. As the heating element heats the contents of the container, the wax melts and is dispensed through a mouth which leads to a piping system and a valve which in turn leads to a dispensing tube which allows the hot wax to be dispensed in a controlled and easy fashion. |
| US08567643B2 |
Device and method to deliver fluid products
Device to deliver fluid products or suchlike, comprising a plurality of canisters, each one suitable to contain a predetermined fluid, and connected to an associated delivery unit. Each delivery unit comprises a bellows pump, alternatively drivable between a condition in which it sucks in the fluid from the corresponding canister and a condition in which it delivers the fluid. The delivery device also comprises actuator means able to cooperate directly or indirectly with each bellows pump in order to drive it between the suction condition and the delivery condition. The actuator means comprise a acutation cam element, rotatable alternatively in two opposite directions of rotation, and having a profile able to cooperate during its rotation with the bellows pump, so as to define in a first direction of rotation the suction condition and in the opposite direction of rotation the delivery condition. |
| US08567641B2 |
Business card case
A business card case includes a storage case, a fixing part, a lifting part, a guiding part and a discharging button. The storage case comprises a discharging opening for discharging a card, which stores cards in its interior and comprises a lower case and an upper case vertically detachable from each other. The fixing part fixes the lower case and the upper case while both the cases overlap each other. The lifting part provided on the lower case lifts up cards stored in the lower case toward the upper case. The guiding part attached to one of sides of the storage case bends at least of the ones at the top of the cards stored in the lower case. The discharging button slidably provided toward the discharging opening on the upper case includes a locking portion for locking the cards at the top. |
| US08567634B2 |
Foldable container for transporting and storing goods
A container for transporting and storing goods with a container base and at least two foldable sidewalls, wherein the sidewalls, which are foldable on top of one another, are linked to the container base through hinges. Hinge bolt receivers include recesses, so that the hinge bolts are movable in the hinge bolt receivers from a lower end position, in which the folded down sidewall contacts the container base far enough into an upper end position, so that a planar placement of two sidewalls on top of one another is facilitated. |
| US08567633B2 |
Waste collection container
Waste container that is formed of a base part with a container body attached, the body comprising an outer casing and a cover plate with a gap for putting in waste attached to the container body's upper surface. The body comprises at least one curved surface that makes the body take the shape of a vertical cylinder whose surface is meant to be a media surface for commercials. The transparent casing is located outside the surface, and the film that functions as the media surface is located between the curved surface and the casing. A transparent, curved casing can be made to be more curved for changing the media surface, where out of the length of both side edges of the casing at least a part comes out of the slot places formed at the edges of the curved surface, so that the casing can diverge from the curved surface. |
| US08567632B2 |
Cover for a culinary article with silicone gasket
The invention relates to a cover for a culinary article comprising a lid designed to cover the culinary article and a silicone gasket running around the lid. According to the invention, in the radial direction, the gasket extends at least 10 mm, or ever 15 mm beyond the perimeter of the lid. |
| US08567628B2 |
Fuel cap with fuel-tank pressure/vacuum dissipation control system
A fuel cap includes a filler-neck closure including a pressure-relief valve and a vacuum-relief valve and a handle arranged to overlie the filler-neck closure. The fuel cap also includes a torque-transmission ring arranged to lie between the handle and the filler-neck closure. |
| US08567620B2 |
Container having a shock-absorbing element
A container includes a storage chamber for the reception of a filler material and a neck which contains a discharge passage for dispensing the filler material. The neck is surrounded by a shock absorbing element that has a first end connected to the neck, a jacket circumferentially spaced about the neck to form an intermediate space and a second end also spaced from the neck. The shock absorbing element ensures that the neck remains intact on an impact. |
| US08567610B2 |
Fuel supply system of an internal combustion engine and method for separating water from fuel
A fuel filter system having a fuel filter (14) and water separation device (20), a water collecting chamber (24) with a drain line (26, 28) and controllable water discharge valve (30). A cleaning component (32) is disposed in the drain line behind the water discharge valve (30). A suction line (38) connects a fuel tank (40) with the fuel pump (18). Between the water collecting chamber (24) and cleaning component (32) a connecting line (36) branches to suction line (38) having a pressure controlled stop check valve (44). |
| US08567609B2 |
Apparatus and method for separating and concentrating fluids containing multiple components
An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture. |
| US08567604B2 |
Container for produce storage, packing and transport
Embodiments are directed to containers for storage and transportation of items such as produce harvested with its roots intact. The containers include a base and lid hingedly connected together on at least one edge, and may be stacked to maximize density for storage so that a shipping receptacle can hold more produce while taking up the same place, allowing for more efficient transportation saving on transportation costs and storage. In addition to saving costs on transportation and storage, the containers maintain the freshness of the produce harvested with its roots intact by keeping away soil, soil debris and moisture from the remaining portions of the produce. When containers are stacked together, a substantially circular recessed center portion on a top surface of the lid of a first container is adapted to receive a substantially circular male protruding center portion one the base of a second, identical container. |
| US08567599B2 |
Multifunctional electronic device case
A case for an electronic device includes a main body configured to secure and protect the electronic device and one or more accessory-attachment nodes configured to be coupled to a case accessory. Example case accessories include shoulder straps, car headrest frames, wall-mounting frames, and the like. When the electronic device case is mated to the case accessory using the one or more accessory-attachment nodes, the electronic device may be securely positioned for transport and/or use. Further, the one or more accessory-attachment nodes may allow the case and, in particular, the electronic device coupled to the case, to be easily moved from one case accessory to another case accessory. |
| US08567595B2 |
Endless annular baler belt made of rubber or rubber-like materials
An annular baler for agricultural use includes at least one annular baler belt made of rubber or rubber-like materials with an embedded core defining a reinforcement. The annular baler belt has ventilation bores which are distributed in a regular or irregular pattern around the periphery thereof and extend through the annular baler belt. |
| US08567594B2 |
Device for recovering fines and related method
Device for recovering fines constituted by a dragging conveyor/loop elevator equipped with scrapers/collecting cups (4) moved by a catenary link according to a closed path and associated to a plate conveyor supported by chains or metallic belt, which conveyor is equipped with pendula/pushers hinged to the transport plates themselves. |
| US08567591B2 |
Longitudinal joint
A longitudinal joint forms a surface usable as a passage between first and second passage surfaces (2,3) adjacent to one another, usable as walking user passage, the distance between both in the longitudinal direction being variable. The longitudinal joint (1) has transverse slats (4) attached to one another, with a substantially planar upper surface (5), each being attached to the contiguous slats by a pivot point (6) with respect to which they can rotate preserving the continuity of the surface of the longitudinal joint (1). The slats (4) rest on a series of support surfaces (8,9,12), a certain number of slats being hidden under the first passage surface (2), below the level of the upper surface (5), by the relative rotation to one another with respect to the pivot point (6), depending on the distance between first and second passage surfaces (2,3). |
| US08567585B2 |
Money handling apparatus
A money handling apparatus (10, 60) includes a collecting and storing unit (20, 71, 72) provided in a housing (10a, 60a), the collecting and storing unit (20, 71, 72) being configured to store money transported by a transport unit (15, 65). A memory unit (37, 87) is configured to store an amount-of-money data which is a money amount of money stored in the collecting and storing unit (20, 71, 72), and a limit sum which is a money amount of money that can be stored in the collecting and storing unit (20, 71, 72). Based on the amount-of-money data and the limit sum respectively stored in the memory unit (37, 87), the control unit (30, 80) performs a control such that the amount-of-money data does not exceed the limit sum, when there is performed a money collecting process in which money in the collecting and storing unit (20, 71, 72) is taken out from the housing (10a, 60a) of the money handling apparatus (10, 60). |
| US08567584B2 |
Friction plate with pressed core plates
A friction plate, including: a ring-shaped piece of friction material with an inner circumference, and first and second surfaces facing in first and second opposite axial directions, respectively; a first core plate with a first ring-shaped body, a first plurality of protrusions extending radially outward from the first ring-shaped body and imbedded in the first surface, and a second plurality of protrusions extending radially inward from the first ring-shaped body; and a second core plate with a second ring-shaped body, a third plurality of protrusions extending radially outward from the second ring-shaped body and embedded in the second surface, and a fourth plurality of protrusions extending radially inward from the second ring-shaped body. The first and second bodies are at least partially disposed radially inward of the inner circumference. The second and fourth pluralities of protrusions are for engagement with a rotatable element. |
| US08567581B2 |
End plate for a plate assembly, frictionally operating device having an end plate of this kind, and method for the production of an end plate of this kind
One embodiment includes an annular end plate for a plate assembly of a frictionally operating device, having a friction section, extending in the radial direction, to form a flat front side, which can be turned toward the plate assembly in a first axial direction, and having a rotary driving section, which integrally adjoins the friction section in the first radial direction. The end plate may have a reinforcing section, which integrally adjoins the friction section in the opposite, second, radial direction, the reinforcing section or the first section of the reinforcing section, that adjoining the friction section, being at least partially and preferably completely bent through more than 90° in the opposite, second, axial direction relative to the friction section. The present invention furthermore relates to a frictionally operating device having an end plate of this kind and to a method for the production of an end plate of this kind. |
| US08567574B2 |
Brake caliper
A brake caliper has a brake pad having a backplate with a friction material attached to one side and a loading face on an opposite side. The caliper further includes a piston that applies a force to the loading face. The brake pad is releasably attached to the piston, thereby eliminating a separate brake pad retaining structure in the caliper. |
| US08567571B1 |
Friction rail skate
A friction rail skate comprising a base having a guide portion for supporting and steering along a rail and a tongue where the base is detachably connected to the tongue. |
| US08567570B2 |
Brake assembly for a portable generator
A brake assembly for use with a portable generator includes a frame, a shaft, a brake surface, and an actuator. The frame is designed to be attached to the portable generator. The shaft is supported by the frame, and the brake surface is connected to an end of the shaft. The actuator includes a foot pedal, a cam, and a pivot, where the pivot is coupled to both the foot pedal and the cam and provides for rotation of the foot pedal and the cam about a portion of the frame. The cam of the actuator translates the shaft between a released position and a braked position during operation of the brake assembly. |
| US08567568B2 |
Arrangement for compensating the rope forces of a traction sheave elevator
The object of the invention is an arrangement for compensating the rope forces of a traction sheave elevator, which elevator comprises at least a hoisting machine (5) and the traction sheave (6) connected to it, as well as an elevator car (1) suspended on hoisting roping (3), which is fitted to travel along guide rails (4), and in the rope suspension of which elevator is a rope force compensating element (8). The compensating element (8) comprises at least two compensation pulleys, of which the first part (3a) of the hoisting ropes (3) coming to the compensating element (8) are led over the top of the first compensation pulley (18) and the second part (3b) of the hoisting ropes (3) coming to the compensating element (8) are led to the second compensation pulley (19). |
| US08567563B2 |
Front bearing grease applicator
A vehicle bearing grease applicator and method for applying a predetermined amount of grease to vehicle wheel bearings includes a hand-holdable bearing grease applicator having a hand-holdable body with a rigid flange disposed at one end and a resilient applicator flange secured to the hand-holdable body in spaced apart relation from the rigid flange. The resilient applicator flange defines an annular concavity facing in a direction opposite the rigid flange. Grease is packed in the annular concavity defined by the applicator flange. The hand-holdable body is held and manipulated so as to align the grease packed annular concavity with a vehicle annular wheel bearing. A force is applied on the hand-holdable body to force the annular flange with the annular concavity toward the vehicle annular wheel bearing thereby applying the grease held by the applicator flange onto the vehicle annular wheel bearing. |
| US08567561B2 |
Personal escape device and methods for using same
The invention presents devices for controlled descent from buildings. Such a device includes a housing having a primary spool about which a cord is wound, a payload coupler for attaching a harness assembly to the housing, and an unwind control assembly for controlling the rate of exit of the cord from the housing. An inventive device kit may include a convertible storage unit used to protectively store a device and which, upon deployment, may be used as a protective helmet. In using an inventive device, a user attaches the device to a fixture in a building, dons a harness and the converted helmet, attaches the device to the harness, and exits the building from a window or roof. |
| US08567558B2 |
Partition panel
A partition panel improves sound insulation performance and optimizes a reverberation time. The partition panel has sound absorption and insulation functions, and has a front plate having a perforated section with a plurality of through-holes and an entirely-continuous peripheral edge portion located outside the perforated section. An entirely-continuous back plate is disposed on a side opposite to a sound source across the front plate. An inner perforated plate is disposed between the perforated section of the front plate and the back plate. A front-side honeycomb core is interposed between the perforated section and the inner perforated plate, a back-side honeycomb core is interposed between the back plate and the inner perforated plate and a peripheral honeycomb core is interposed between the peripheral edge portion of the front plate and a region of the back plate opposed to the peripheral edge portion. |
| US08567557B2 |
Sound-muffling underlay tile systems
Sound muffling flooring underlay tile systems using sonic foam-enhanced underlay board may comprise a sound-muffling tile assembly for installation underneath a floor surface to help minimize sound transfer between living areas and to provide increased insulation. The sound-muffling tile assembly may comprise a flooring base member, a cushioning film layer, and a fastener for securing the flooring base member to the cushioning film layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cushioning film layer may comprise a foam substance comprising an open-cell structure. In addition to actively dampening sound waves that travel through the open-cell structure of the foam substance, the cushioning film layer provides a floated surface for the floor above the sound-muffling tile assembly when installed. |
| US08567556B2 |
Firearm sound suppressor with inner sleeve
In one example, a firearm sound suppressor includes a housing, a baffle, and an inner sleeve adapted to be disposed within the housing and to substantially surround the baffle. The inner sleeve includes a sidewall adapted to slide against the housing to permit the inner sleeve with the baffle to be selectively inserted into and removed from the housing without the baffle contacting the housing, and a longitudinal split extending through the sidewall and between front and rear ends of the inner sleeve to permit the sidewall to flex to permit removal of the baffle from the inner sleeve. Other embodiments are also contemplated. |
| US08567555B2 |
Dual bore canalphone system
A canalphone system may include a high frequency sound bore carried within a canalphone. The system may also include a low frequency sound bore adjacent to the high frequency sound bore to form a single unit, the low frequency sound bore and the high frequency sound bore being sized so that the low frequency sound bore and the high frequency sound bore each deliver sound with similar time and phase. The system may further include a high acoustical driver carried within the canalphone where the high acoustical driver delivers sound through the high frequency sound bore. The system may additionally include a low acoustical driver carried within the canalphone where the low acoustical driver delivers sound through the low frequency sound bore. |
| US08567547B2 |
Regenerative braking method
A neighborhood electrical vehicle (NEV), including provisions for improved deceleration during regenerative braking, in which the vehicle momentum is converted to electrical energy stored in a capacitor bank. The capacitor bank includes alternate configurations for charging or discharging of the capacitors. |
| US08567541B2 |
Electric vehicle and on-board battery charging apparatus therefor
An electric vehicle and a range extender engine are shown including the controls to operate the same. |
| US08567536B1 |
Tracked climbing machine with compliant suspension apparatus
A tracked climbing vehicle containing a compliant suspension apparatus to prescribe the distribution of forces on the adhering members in the tracked climbing machine capable of negotiating irregular surfaces. The compliant suspension apparatus is configured to negotiate irregularities in a climbing-surface without its tracks losing full surface contact and adhesion. It does this by distributing the loads from the climbing machine chassis to the adhering traction members in a specific prescribed fashion to avoid exceeding the allowable force in any adhering traction member and thus significantly improve the performance of the climbing machine. |
| US08567532B2 |
Cutting element attached to downhole fixed bladed bit at a positive rake angle
A downhole fixed bladed bit comprises a working surface comprising a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working surface and diverging towards a gauge of the bit, at least on blade comprising a cutting element comprising a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planer interface, the cutting element being positioned at a positive rake angle, and the superhard material comprising a substantially conical geometry with an apex comprising a curvature. |
| US08567523B2 |
Methods and systems for drilling boreholes
A system for drilling a borehole according to the present invention includes a drill rig and a control system. The control system receives information from the drill rig that relates to at least one drill parameter. The control system processes information relating to the drill parameter, determines whether the drill parameter is within a predetermined specification for the monitored drill parameter, chooses a hole defect mitigation routine based on the monitored drill parameter when the monitored drill parameter is outside the predetermined specification, and controls the drill rig to implement the chosen hole defect mitigation routine. |
| US08567522B2 |
Apparatus and method for supplying electrical power to an electrocrushing drill
An apparatus and method for controlling power delivered to a pulsed power system which includes a command charge switch for controlling when power produced by a primary power system is fed into a cable. The command charge switch also controls the power delivered to the pulsed power system in a bottom hole assembly. |
| US08567519B2 |
Ground working device
The invention relates to a ground working device comprising a carrier implement, a mast that forms a mast sequence and has a lower mast part, which is linked to the carrier implement, an upper mast part and at least one mast extension piece, whereby for the purpose of increasing the mast length the mast extension piece is removably inserted into the mast sequence between lower mast part and upper mast part and removed from the mast sequence, and, with the mast extension piece removed, the upper mast part can be fixed directly on the lower mast part, a work sledge which is guided in a displaceable manner along the mast, and at least one feed rope for displacing the work sledge, which runs at least in some areas longitudinally of the mast. The ground working device according to the invention is characterized in that a reel for receiving slack rope is provided that develops on the feed rope when the mast extension piece is removed from the mast sequence and the upper mast part is fixed directly on the lower mast part. The invention also relates to a method for operating a ground working device of such type. |
| US08567517B2 |
Agricultural implement tool frame actuating system
In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a tool bar and a tool frame rotatably coupled to the tool bar. The agricultural implement also includes multiple row units coupled to the tool frame, and a frame actuator extending between the tool bar and the tool frame. The frame actuator is configured to rotate the tool frame between a lowered position that places each row unit in contact with soil and a transport position that raises each row unit above the soil. The frame actuator is also configured to transfer weight from the tool bar to the tool frame while the tool frame is in the lowered position. Each row unit includes a ground engaging tool configured to selectively engage and disengage the soil while the tool frame is in the lowered position. |
| US08567516B2 |
Fire protection with fuel cell exhaust air
A fire protection system for reducing the danger of fire, which has a fuel cell for producing a nitrogen-enriched cathode exhaust air. The fuel cell is supplied with air and a fuel. Within the fuel cell, the air is then reduced to a determined oxygen content. The exhaust air is supplied to the room to be protected. |
| US08567513B2 |
Hydraulic surface connector
A connector to secure a blow out preventer to a casing head of a well or wellhead or other tubing and a method of securing a blow out preventer to the well tubing utilizing the connector. The connector may be configured to secure the blow out preventer adapter to the well tubing and provide, within fifteen minutes, a seal operable to withstand ten thousand pounds per square inch of pressure. The connector may include both a hydraulically operated locking segment and a separate mechanical locking segment, and wherein both locking segments may be transitioned from a fully retracted position to a fully locked position within fifteen minutes. The connector may be configured to accommodate up to ten degrees of misalignment between the blow out preventer and the tubing. |
| US08567504B2 |
Composition and method relating to the prevention and remediation of surfactant gel damage
Among many things, compositions and methods relating to the prevention and remediation of surfactant gel damage are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a treatment fluid comprising a carrier fluid; at least one component selected from the group consisting of a chelating agent and a scale control agent; at least one component selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, a glycol, a pH modifier, a hydrocarbon, a mutual solvent, an oxidizer, a reducer, an enzyme, a transition metal, a combination thereof, and a derivative thereof; and at least one component selected from the group consisting of a nonemulsifier, a demulsifier, a combination thereof, and a derivative thereof, and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. |
| US08567501B2 |
System and method for stimulating multiple production zones in a wellbore with a tubing deployed ball seat
A system and method for selectively stimulating a plurality of producing zones in a wellbore in oil and gas wells. The system includes a plurality of modules connected in a string that may be selectively actuated to stimulate a producing zone. Each module may be adapted to engage a tubing run ball seat. After installation of the string within the wellbore, a ball seat may be run into the well and positioned to selectively engage a desired module. The ball seat may be used to open a sleeve of the module permitting the stimulation of the producing zone. After stimulation of the producing zone, the ball seat may be removed from the wellbore rather than needing to drill out the ball seat. The sleeve may include a profile adapted to engage a shifting tool permitting the selective closure of the sleeve after stimulation of the producing zone. |
| US08567499B2 |
Gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids and their associated methods of use
A method of forming a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid is disclosed. The method comprises combining a liquid hydrocarbon, a phosphoric acid ester and a pre-mixed solution comprising water, ferrous ion (Fe2+) and an amine; and forming the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid. A method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation is also disclosed and comprises: providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid, by combining a liquid hydrocarbon, a phosphoric acid ester and a pre-mixed solution comprising water, ferrous ion and an amine, and treating the portion of the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid. |
| US08567496B2 |
System and method for managing a subterranean formation
A system and method for managing a well site having a subterranean formation. The method comprises determining a first spectral attenuation of a first seismic wave measured from a first location, determining a second spectral attenuation of a second seismic wave measured from a second location, determining a reservoir attenuation anisotropy from a comparison of the first spectral attenuation to the second spectral attenuation, and determining at least one fracture parameter of the subterranean formation from a comparison of the first seismic wave to the second seismic wave. |
| US08567493B2 |
Tubing hanger running tool with integrated landing features
A system includes a tubing hanger running tool (THRT) configured to position a tubing hanger within a wellhead. The THRT includes an integrated pressure equalization system including a tube having a first end in fluid communication with an annulus of the wellhead, and a second end in fluid communication with a control line. The integrated pressure equalization system also includes a piston disposed within the tube. The piston is configured to move within the tube to balance a pressure differential between a first fluid within the annulus and a second fluid within the control line. |
| US08567492B2 |
Modified packer with non-extrusion ring
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having non-extrusion rings. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of rigid segments, a support ring and an elastic matrix. |
| US08567489B2 |
Angled-penetrator device and system
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a tubing hanger having an angled auxiliary bore is provided. The auxiliary bore may receive a penetrator for a cabling system that powers a submersible pump. The auxiliary bore is angled with respect to the production bore of the tubing hanger. As a result, the penetrator exits the lower end of the tubing hanger at a location relatively close to the production tubing. This facilitates the use of a smaller-diameter production casing or casing hanger, in turn helping to reduce potential costs, for instance. |
| US08567488B2 |
Modular dart launching valve
The present invention relates in general to equipment for servicing subterranean wells and in particular to a cementing head that is intended to drop a combination of darts, balls, bombs and canisters in order to activate downhole equipment, launch cementing plugs, deliver chemical products, or the like. A cementing head comprises a modular valve apparatus, comprising at least two detatchable parts. This arrangement allows the operator to remove and disassemble the valve apparatus at the wellsite. Thus, repairs and maintenance may be performed at the wellsite and the valve apparatus may be reassembled and reinstalled, obviating the need to transport the equipment to a central facility. |
| US08567487B2 |
Sectioned flow device
A heat exchanger plate includes one or more heat exchanger sections, each of which has an inlet and outlet. The heat exchanger sections flow one or more heat exchanger fluids therein in a first direction from the inlet to the outlet. The heat exchanger plate includes one or more process flow channels, each of which has a channel inlet point and a channel outlet point defining a line oriented in a second direction. The second direction is at an angle of ninety degrees relative to the first direction. The process flow channel is configured to flow a process fluid therein or thereon and has a serpentine configuration. The heat exchanger plate includes a temperature sensor. The heat exchanger plate includes a regulating valve positioned in each heat exchanger outlet and is configured to regulate flow of the heat exchanger fluid in response to a signal received from the temperature sensor. |
| US08567484B2 |
Heat dissipation device with rotation-locked heat sink
An exemplary heat dissipation device includes a heat sink and a fixing frame. The heat sink defines receiving depressions at an outer peripheral surface thereof. The fixing frame includes a peripheral side plate encircling the heat sink, fixing legs extending downwards from the side plate, and an elastic member disposed on the side plate. Protruding members extend inwardly from the fixing legs. The heat sink is rotatably received in the fixing frame. When the heat sink is in an unlocked state, the protruding members align with the receiving depressions, respectively. When the heat sink is rotated to a locked state, the protruding members abut a bottom of the heat sink thereby limiting axial movement of the heat sink relative to the fixing frame and the elastic member is received in a corresponding receiving depression and limit rotation of the heat sink in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. |
| US08567483B2 |
Heatsink with flexible base and height-adjusted cooling fins
One embodiment provides a heatsink having a flexible base and height-adjusted cooling fins. The flexible base includes a single base plate, with cooling fins and heat pipes secured directly to an upper surface of the single base plate. The use of the single base plate allows the length of the cooling fins to be increased. The use of a single base plate also allows the base to flex when mounted at the outer region of the base plate to a circuit board using fasteners. The flexure of the base biases the heatsink against the heat-generating component. The flexure also displaces the outer cooling fins, and the length of the outer cooling fins is further increased to compensate for the anticipate displacement. |
| US08567482B2 |
Heat tube device utilizing cold energy and application thereof
An energy storage device that stores hot and/or cold energy includes an evaporating part and a condensing part. According to one aspect, the evaporating part includes a heat tube in a U shape or a thimble shape and further includes one or more power cycle tubes. A working substance within the evaporating part evaporates after absorbing heat and condenses in the condensing part after releasing heat. |
| US08567480B2 |
Method and twin roll caster for the production of strip cast from a molten metal
A twin roll caster and a method for operating a machine of this type. The machine includes two casting rolls, that delimit a casting gap between them on its longitudinal sides; two side plates that delimit the casting gap on its narrow sides; and at least one oscillation device, which moves the side plate in an oscillating manner about an axis of oscillation, extending substantially axially parallel to the axes of rotation of the casting rolls. Oscillation device includes two actuators, which are articulatedly coupled to the one side plate and each apply a torque rotating about the axis of oscillation on the one side plate, and a control device that emits control signals, upon which the actuators, individually or together with each other, carry out adjustment movements aligned against one another or parallel to one another. |
| US08567479B2 |
Equipment for making foundry cores
The present invention concerns equipment (1) for making foundry cores comprising a mold (2) provided with one or more core forms (3) and one or more channels (4, 6, 7) for conveying core formation material to the core forms (3). The equipment comprises one or more inserts (10) housed or able to be housed in the conveying channels (4, 6, 7) near to the core forms (3). |
| US08567478B2 |
Method for making upper and lower molds and an apparatus therefor
The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for making upper and lower molds and an apparatus therefor that can prevent the resulting molds from being warped and match-plates from being broken.The method of this invention comprises the step of holding a match-plate 1 between cope and drag flasks 2 and 3, inserting upper and lower squeezing means 4 and 5 into the respective openings of the cope and drag flasks 2 and 3, which openings are opposite to the match-plate 1, so as to define upper and lower molding spaces, supplying molding sand to the upper and lower molding spaces, and then causing the upper and lower squeezing means 4 and 5 to move forward to the match-plate 1 so as to squeeze the molding sand and make upper and lower molds, wherein during the step of causing the upper and lower squeezing means to move forward to the match-plate the difference between the squeezing pressures of the upper and lower molding spaces is kept within a predetermined tolerance. |
| US08567476B2 |
Device for creating an angular biasing force
A device for creating an angular biasing force for the roller tube of a security shade, which roller tube is mounted to a fixed structure of a vehicle. The device comprises an element attached to the fixed structure of the vehicle and a plurality of force units, each including a torsion spring exerting a biasing force between the structure and the roller tube, wherein the torsion springs each have a first inner end associated with the fixed structure and a second outer end associated with the roller tube so the torsion biasing force of each spring is in a direction from the fixed structure to the roller tube. The total angular force of the device is the sum of the biasing forces of all of the torsion spring force units when the units are connected in parallel. When connected in series, the magnitude of angular rotation is the sum of the angle of rotation of all units. |
| US08567475B2 |
Overhead gate systems
Overhead gate systems include a gate assembly having a barrier and that defines a passage. When in a deployed configuration, the barrier is adjacent to the ground and restricts ingress to and egress from the installation site, and the passage is distal the ground surface relative to the barrier, permitting access to and from the installation site via the passage. When in a stowed configuration, the barrier is not adjacent to the ground surface and does not restrict ingress to and egress from the installation site. |
| US08567471B1 |
Tire working apparatus and method of use
A Tire Working Apparatus and Method of Use for facilitating the mounting of a tractor tire onto a wheel while the wheel is in a vertical or mounted positioned. The tire working apparatus includes a tire iron for selectively working a bead of a tire adjacent to a rim flange of a wheel, a rotating member selectively receiving said tire iron, and a ratchet wrench. The rotating member further comprises a main cylindrical wall, which includes a lateral aperture positioned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said rotating member and selectively receives the tire iron. The rotating member generally has a socket positioned at one end for receiving the square drive of the ratchet wrench. |
| US08567461B2 |
Non-pneumatic survivable tire mounting system for conventional wheels
A non-pneumatic tire and wheel assembly incorporates a tire tread and a conventional vehicle wheel with an elastomer tire body element and integral wall elements extending radially inward from the tire body element for sealing engagement with the wheel. The tire body element includes multiple concentric layers with alternating spokes. A bonded multilayer cover may be employed which is received within a recess in an outer surface of the tire body element from the tire tread. An attachment plate is engaged to the cover and attached to the wheel. |
| US08567460B1 |
Credit card holder
A credit card holder made from a generally rectangular sheet of aluminum that is folded back upon itself so that the bottom is closed, while the top and both sides have slit-like openings between the front and the back of the holder. A pair of generally congruent indentations are formed into the right side and a pair of offset indentations are formed into the top of the holder. |
| US08567452B2 |
Syringes and methods of syringe manufacturing
A syringe for holding fluids susceptible to void formation when frozen and thawed before use. The interior surface of the syringe sidewall may be roughened, which serves to prevent or significantly reduce the incidence of void formation in the fluid. The required level of surface roughening for counteracting void formation may be reduced by increasing the sidewall flexibility. Alternatively, the flexibility of the syringe sidewall may operate over certain thickness ranges to prevent or significantly reduce void formation in the fluid without intentionally roughening the interior surface. |
| US08567446B1 |
Flow check valve assembly and method
The present invention provides, in part, a valve assembly and method that maintains balance of flow to pressure in fluid and gas piping system applications. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a main body component adapted to retain a chamber body component, a fluid control plate and seal, and a chamber cap. The chamber body component is slidably maintained within the main body component. A resilient gland member is securably attachable to one end of the main body component and the chamber body component, and acts as a seal and a memory for returning the chamber body component to a standard operating position upon fluid pressure environment shifting the chamber body component towards a shut off position. |
| US08567445B2 |
Water flow restriction device and method
A device and method restricting water flow from a bathroom fixture is provided herewith. A preferred embodiment of the improved flow restrictor assembly comprises a metallic fitting or housing that accommodates an interior ring assembly and a flow-restrictor disk. The fitting is substantially tubular with a top section, a bottom section and an intersection. The top section of the fitting is defined by an opening, a hollow interior and a ledge upon which the interior ring assembly and flow-restrictor disk are positioned when the flow restrictor assembly is installed and in use. The bottom section features a pair of gripping planes which can be gripped by a specialized tool for purposes of uninstalling the improved flow restrictor assembly. |
| US08567443B2 |
Spool-type selector valve
A tapered face whose hole diameter is gradually reduced toward a riding-on direction is formed at a valve-seat end of a supply valve seat or an discharge valve seat where a seal member of a spool slides and rides onto from a side with a low fluid pressure to a side with a high fluid pressure, while the other valve-seat end is kept as a cylindrical surface with a constant hole diameter, by which two tapered faces are formed in a valve hole, and an inner diameter of a portion located between the two tapered faces of the valve hole is formed equal to an inner diameter of a small diameter end of the tapered face, while an inner diameter of a portion located on a hole end side rather than the two tapered faces of the valve hole is formed equal to or larger than the inner diameter of a large diameter end of the tapered face. |
| US08567441B2 |
Sample introduction device
A sample introduction device for reducing carry-over is provided. In the sample introduction device, when a high pressure valve 51 is switched from a load status to an injection status in a total volume injection method, the communication between a stator hole d in communication with an injection port 25 and a stator hole c connected to a flow path toward a separation/detection section 30 occurs earlier than the communication between a stator hole b in communication with a liquid feeder 10 and a stator hole a in communication with a needle 54. A length of a rotor groove Y communicating stator holes d and e or stator holes d and c is set longer than a length of another rotor groove X. |
| US08567438B2 |
Quick coupling with safety catch device
A quick coupling includes a first element and a second element which may be separably coupled. The first element includes a connector for connecting to a user interface, an external sleeve having helicoidal grooves and seats, and a first valved coupling for a first pressure line. The second element includes a hooking ring nut, a plurality of internal pins, a compression spring, a second valved coupling for a second pressure line, and a connector. The second element further comprises a safety ring nut and a plurality of safety pins provided along a circumference of the safety ring nut, the safety pins being configured to axially slide with the safety ring nut. The safety pins are configured to be pushed by the hooking ring nut and the compression spring into the seats of the external sleeve. |
| US08567437B2 |
Multi-speed resin cartridge production system
Provided is a system and method for producing resin cartridges that can be used in mine roof bolt applications. The system and method can be used to produce resin cartridges that contain a first portion that includes a resin and a catalyst that cure at a first speed when mixed together and a second portion that includes a resin and a catalyst that cure at a second speed when mixed together. The system can include a base material supply source, a plurality of branch lines, at least one altering material supply line in fluid communication with at least one branch line, a valve arrangement, a product line, and a packaging machine. |
| US08567436B2 |
Hydraulic connection assembly with a pressure discharge control, positionable between an onboard hydraulic circuit of an engineering vehicle and a removable hydraulic equipment
A hydraulic assembly comprises a one-piece body attachable to the outside of the hydraulic machine near the hydraulic equipment and provided with at least one input hydraulic linkage connectable to a pressure line of the hydraulic circuit of the vehicle, at least one coupling suitable for the connection with a feeding input of a removable equipment and a pressure discharge hydraulic linkage connectable to a draining line, at least one normally closed discharge valve positioned between the linkage to a pressure line and the linkage to a draining line and a pressure discharge control operable so as to cause the opening of the at least one normally closed valve for the connection the pressure line to the draining line for discharging the pressure existing in the hydraulic circuit of the vehicle. The discharge valve is of the sliding piston type and the pressure discharge control is formed by a lever rotatable around a transversal axis between a stable resting position and a working position in which a side of the lever exerts an axial thrust on the sliding piston for the opening control of the valve. |
| US08567433B2 |
Pressure regulator with manual shut-off valve
A pressure regulator includes a housing assembly defining a fluid flow path from an inlet end to an outlet end; a plunger having a tubular plunger body supported within the housing assembly for linear movement toward and away from a valve seat in response to fluid pressure at the outlet end. A sleeve is supported within the housing assembly and is engageable with the tubular plunger body, and an actuator collar is supported externally of the housing assembly and operatively attached to the sleeve such that rotation of the actuator collar in one direction from an open position to a closed position produces linear movement of the tubular plunger body, independent of the pressure at the outlet end, into engagement with the valve seat to thereby shut off the flow path within the regulator. |
| US08567432B2 |
Valve box platform
A valve box platform is disclosed. The valve box platform may include a peripheral wall having a receiving surface for receiving a valve box. The receiving surface may have an elevated peripheral surface that extends around an outer periphery of the receiving surface and a recessed peripheral surface that extends around an inner periphery of the receiving surface. A knockout portion may be positioned within the peripheral wall. The knockout portion may have a protruding portion that comprises a portion of the elevated peripheral surface of the peripheral wall. The peripheral wall may include a U-shaped recess having a rounded receiving portion, the U-shaped recess being aligned with the knockout portion. |
| US08567430B2 |
Magnetic coupling for faucet handle
A fluid delivery device including a body having at least one waterway, a valve assembly in fluid communication with the at least one waterway, the valve assembly including a movable valve member configured to control the flow of water through the at least one waterway and a stem operably coupled to the moveable valve member for movement therewith, and a handle coupled to the stem for movement therewith. A magnetically attractive element is supported by one of the handle and the stem, and at least one magnet is supported by the other of the handle and the stem that is configured to magnetically attract the magnetically attractive element to couple the handle to the stem. |
| US08567425B2 |
Fluid mixing and delivery in microfluidic systems
The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods employing one or more vent valves to controllably flow and/or mix portions of fluid within the microfluidic system. Advantageously, fluid control such as a sequence of fluid flow and/or a change in flow rate, can be achieved by opening and closing one or more vent valves and by applying a single source of fluid flow (e.g., a vacuum) operated at a substantially constant pressure. This can simplify the operation and use of the device by an intended user. |
| US08567424B2 |
Tent and tent frame
A tent frame includes a plurality of structural members (PSM), each having a first end portion and a second end portion. The tent frame also includes a connecting member having a first part and a second part. The first end portion of each of the PSM couples to the first part, and the second end portion of each of the PSM couples to the second part, such that at least one of a tensional force, a bending force, a compressive force, and a torsional force is exerted on each of the PSM. One of the PSM and the connecting member form a first side of a tent frame. Another of the PSM and the connecting member form a second side of the tent frame. When the at least one of the tensional force, the bending force, the compressive force, and the torsional force is decreased, the tent frame expands longitudinally. |
| US08567408B2 |
Composite oral appliances and methods for manufacture
Oral appliances adapted to for spacing the occlusal surfaces of the teeth of a user are disclosed. The oral appliances have an integral retention band interconnecting a first bite pad and a second bite pad. The first bite pad can include a first spacer and the second bite pad can include a second spacer that are configured to maintain the spacing of the occlusal surfaces of opposing teeth of a user during clenching or upon an impact to the jaw. Methods for the manufacture of composite oral appliances are also disclosed. The methods include forming a composite oral appliance over a model of a user's mouth. |
| US08567406B2 |
Adjustable oral interface and method to maintain upper airway patency
An oral apparatus and a method capable of alleviating or curing snore and obstructive sleep apnea by applying a negative pressure through a mini oral interface to the oral cavity are provided. The mini oral interface creates a secure connection to mouth and prevents disengaging from patient's mouth during sleeping. The negative pressure pulls the tongue toward upper palate and also pulls the soft palate forward. By moving the tongue and the soft tissue in a forward direction, the patency of the upper airway near the pharynx is maintained to prevent sleep-disordered breathing. The negative pressure will pull the lips inward to close the mouth preventing air from entering the oral cavity from atmosphere. The negative pressure will also pull the soft palate into contact with the rear surface of the tongue to create a seal that prevents the air from entering the oral cavity through the nasal airway. |
| US08567404B2 |
Cushion for patient interface
A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal. |
| US08567402B2 |
Mask ports
Mask ports 180 for attaching supplemental oxygen tubes 510 or measurement devices to a respiratory mask are downwardly directed and recessed into the base 110 of the mask frame 100. The ports may comprise a pair of downwardly extending tubular spigots 185 each housed in a respective recess 190 in the base 110, with a shallow bridging recess 290 therebetween for receiving a bridging piece 300 of a closure cap 280. |
| US08567399B2 |
Methods and devices for providing inspiratory and expiratory flow relief during ventilation therapy
Respiratory support and/or controlled mechanical ventilation of a patient are provided. A ventilation apparatus may include a ventilator, a transtracheal prosthesis, and a respiratory relief device. The transtracheal prostheses and ventilation catheter may be arranged such that the patient can breathe freely through the upper airway and/or the tracheal prostheses. Respiratory sensors may measure a breathing rate, lung pressure, airway pressure, or a combination thereof. Pulses of gas may be provided to the patient through the ventilation catheter during inspiration. The pulses may have a first volume while the patient breathes normal and a second volume when the sensors detect a cessation of breathing or reduction in breathing volume. The second volume may be provided at 1-5 times the normal breathing rate, with a volume 25-500% times the first volume, or both. |
| US08567394B2 |
Inhalation device for drugs in powder form
To provide an inhalation device which has improved use properties, particularly advanced moisture protection while in use, an inhalation device (1) for powder drugs is proposed comprising at least one storage chamber (13) for accommodating a plurality of drug powder doses and a dosing device which includes at least one dosing slider (15) which is movable approximately with a translatory movement in a dosing slider passage (16) at least from a filling position into an emptying position, wherein the inhalation device (1) further includes a device for inhalation-triggered automatic movement of the dosing slider (15) from its filling position into the emptying position and a return device for automatic movement of the dosing slider (15) back into the filling position. |
| US08567393B2 |
User interface for sedation and analgesia delivery systems and methods
The present invention comprises a user interface for systems and methods for sedation and analgesia delivery. The user interface receives input from a user of a sedation and analgesia delivery system and relays information regarding the system, the administration of sedation and analgesia, physiological conditions to the user in a context sensitive manner. The information relayed may be displayed to the user on a touch sensitive screen or multi-layer display device. The display may be segregated geographically or may be color coded on the display device where the geographic location and/or color of the displayed information relates further information to the user. |
| US08567388B2 |
Hotwater tank
A hot water storage tank having features to minimize heat loss and improve stratification throughout the tank. The tank having an inner lid and outer lid. The tank having a bladder. A tank having a solar stratification input pipe, the solar stratification input pipe having one or more holes, the one or more holes allowing the fluid to exit the solar stratification input pipe at a level where the fluid is of similar density to the fluid in the tank maintaining stratification throughout the tank, and the solar stratification input pipe being located within the tank and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tank. |
| US08567387B2 |
Unvented gas fireplace
An unvented gas fireplace in which air flow through a closed combustion chamber is controlled by means of a restriction in the air flow path through an outer plenum chamber surrounding the combustion chamber. The restriction in the air flow path through the plenum causes a pressure differential between the plenum and combustion chamber, forcing air from the plenum into the combustion chamber, where it is combusted and mixed with the cool air that has passed the restriction in the plenum, before the air mixture is exhausted into the surrounding room, thereby heating the room. |
| US08567385B2 |
Fret saw including a cutting wire provided with fixed abrasive grains each including a core coated with a hard film
A fret saw includes a cutting wire and fixed abrasive grains provided on the cutting wire by electroplating. Each of the fixed abrasive grains includes a core and a hard film coated on the core. The core is 1 to 60 micrometers in diameter. The core is made of a material selected from the group consisting of a Ti metal and a Ti alloy. The hard film is 1 to 40 micrometers thick. The hard film covers about 30% to 90% of the surface of the core. |
| US08567384B2 |
Slicing method and wire saw apparatus
The invention is directed to a method for slicing an ingot in the form of a wafer by winding a wire around a plurality of grooved rollers and pressing the wire against the ingot while making the wire travel and supplying slicing slurry to the grooved rollers, in which when the ingot is sliced, an amount of displacement of the ingot changing in an axial direction is measured and an amount of axial displacement of the grooved rollers is controlled so as to correspond to the measured amount of axial displacement of the ingot, and thereby, the ingot is sliced while controlling a relative position of the wire relative to an entire length of the ingot changing in the axial direction. As a result, a slicing method and a wire saw apparatus are provided that can perform slicing in such a way that a Bow or a Warp in a wafer obtained by slicing can be reduced, for example, by controlling a slicing path built into an ingot so that, in particular, the slicing path becomes flattened. |
| US08567374B2 |
Internal combustion engine
The present invention provides an internal combustion engine comprising an engine body 100, an overhang 101 projecting from a cylinder row end the engine body 100 and extending from an intake side 21 to an exhaust side 23 of the engine body, and an EGR pipe 41 disposed in a space 102 defined under the overhang 101 with a gap 103 between the EGR pipe 41 and the cylinder row end of the engine body, thereby avoiding the excessive cooling of EGR gas passing through the EGR pipe 41 while reducing a length of a passage defined by the EGR pipe 41, and preventing members disposed near the EGR pipe 41 from being damaged by heat. |
| US08567372B2 |
Ignition system
An ignition system (10) comprises a spark plug (12) having a first end (14) defining a spark gap (16) between a first electrode (18) and a second electrode (20). A transformer (46) comprises a primary winding 44 and a secondary winding (50) also forms part of the system. The secondary winding is connected in a secondary circuit to the first electrode 18 and the secondary winding has a resistance of less than 1KΩ and an inductance of less than 0.25 H. A drive circuit (26) is connected to the primary winding. |
| US08567370B2 |
Method and system for engine control
Methods and systems are provided for controlling exhaust emissions by adjusting a fuel injection into an engine cylinder from a plurality of fuel injectors based on the fuel type of the injected fuel and further based on the soot load of the engine. Soot generated from direct fuel injection is reduced by decreasing an amount of direct injection into a cylinder as the engine soot load increases. |
| US08567368B2 |
Cylinder head structure in four-cycle engine
To achieve further reduction in size and weight of a cylinder head in a four-cycle engine having a connection surface formed on the cylinder head to connect a head cover set so as to follow along a plane that is inclined so as to be spaced further away from a cylinder block toward a first side wall. A camshaft holder is integrally formed on a cylinder head so as to protrude from a connection surface as viewed from an axial direction of a camshaft. An intake port is disposed in the first side wall such that an upstream end thereof is disposed at the same position as part of the bearing portion in a direction along an axis of a cylinder bore. An exhaust valve has a stem end disposed at a position protruding from the connection surface as viewed in a direction along the axial direction of a camshaft. |
| US08567367B2 |
Crankshaft damper and tone wheel assembly having noise reducing configuration
This disclosure provides crankshaft damper and tone wheel assembly having a low noise characteristic. The crankshaft damper and tone wheel assembly can provides both damping of vibrations excited in a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and an indication of the rotational speed or position of the crankshaft. The crankshaft damper including a hub portion and a ring-shaped portion connected to the hub portion by plural spokes, and the ring-shaped portion has an inner circumference that surrounds an area including the hub portion and the plural spokes. The tone wheel includes an annular-shaped portion connected to the crankshaft damper and having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, plural teeth arranged at an equal pitch along the outer diameter, and a same rotational axis as the crankshaft damper. To reduce transmitting noise of vibrations excited in the crankshaft, the annular-shaped portion does not overlap a substantial amount of the area defined by the inner circumference of the ring-shaped portion when viewed along a direction of the rotational axis. |
| US08567363B1 |
Motorcycle rocker arm stand apparatus
A motorcycle engine rocker arm stand having a pair of rocker arm assemblies spaced a distance “D” from each other effective to increase the “rocker arm ratio” and therefore the horsepower output of the engine. Each rocker arm assembly includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion oriented along an axis disposed at an acute angle to the axis of the first arm portion. Each rocker arm further includes a roller contact for engagement with the intake valve stem of the engine and an axially adjustable contact member for engagement with the engine's push rod. The axially adjustable contact member axis is disposed at a second acute angle with respect to the axis of the first arm portion. |
| US08567362B2 |
Vehicle engine
A vehicle engine includes a cylinder head, a cam housing fixed to a top of the cylinder head, a cam cap fixed to a top of the cam housing, a camshaft rotatably supported between the cam housing and the cam cap, the camshaft supporting a cam, a rocker arm configured to be pushed by the cam, and a valve configured to operate by being pushed by the rocker arm. The vehicle engine has an oil pipe that is formed integrally with the cam housing. |
| US08567361B2 |
Valve drive for an internal combustion engine
A valve drive for an internal combustion engine, wherein in order to activate gas exchange valves at least one camshaft having at least one sliding cam which can be displaced axially on the camshaft is provided, wherein the respective sliding cam has a sliding block section with a plurality of grooves which are formed on an outer lateral face and are positioned one behind the other on the circumference, wherein in order to bring about displacement of the respective sliding cam an actuator is provided with a first pin for displacement in the two directions about a first axial segment and a second pin for displacement in the two directions about a second axial segment. The sliding block section is manufactured in certain sections from a material with a relatively high electrical conductivity and in certain sections from a material with a relatively low electrical conductivity. |
| US08567360B2 |
Control valve
A control valve for a device for the variable adjustment of the valve timing of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine. The control valve has a substantially hollow-cylindrical valve box, a control piston and a securing ring. The valve box is arranged in a receptacle inside the device, the securing ring projects over the valve box in the radial direction and the control piston is arranged so as to be axially displaceable inside the valve box. |
| US08567356B2 |
Drill rig and method for controlling a fan therein
A method for controlling at least one fan (13) for the regulation of the cooling demand of at least two cooling elements (12) included in a drill rig (1), the cooling demand of each one of the cooling elements (12) being determined, that the determined cooling demands are weighted together and that the fan (13) is controlled based on the weighting together. The method is characterized in that at least one of the cooling elements is equipped with a safety thermostat (21), which, if required, prevents overcooling that the fluid is not allowed to circulate in the cooling elements. The invention also relates to a drill rig for the execution of the above-mentioned method. |
| US08567352B2 |
Low maintenance fluid heater and method of firing same
A fluid heater constructed of rectangular tubing through which fluid to be heated is circulated in a circuitous path. The floor and walls of a combustion chamber of the heater are constructed of the rectangular tubing. A tubular coil stack is positioned over the combustion chamber and surrounded by coil stack chamber walls constructed of the rectangular tubing. Consequently, all surfaces of the fluid heater exposed directly to flame are constantly cooled by the fluid to be heated. A combustion unit of the fluid heater is removable to facilitate maintenance. |
| US08567349B2 |
Double dog run system
A double dog run system utilizes a system of uniquely configured swivel members attached via a ground anchor to a container with sloped surfaces. Two dog leashes are connected to the swivel members by rotatable clamp members. The resulting system causes separation of the leashes when they are crossed, and compels the leashes to slide down the sloped surface of the container to the ground. The system guarantees that the leashes will never tangle, regardless of the speed and direction of movement of the dogs attached at the other ends of the leashes. |
| US08567346B1 |
Teatcup liner
A teatcup liner for a teatcup has a longitudinal shape extending along a longitudinal axis (x). The teatcup liner includes a barrel (2) having a length (L) and defining an inner space (21) for receiving the teat. The barrel has a polygonal cross-sectional shape transversely to the longitudinal axis along the barrel. The polygonal cross-sectional shape defines a plurality of corner portions and a plurality of side portions, each connecting two of the corner portions. Each corner portion includes an inner surface facing the inner space and having an inner radius extending from the inner space to the inner surface. The inner radius is equal for each corner portion. Furthermore, the inner radius of each of the corner portions is at least 4 mm at a center part of the corner portion. |
| US08567343B2 |
Method for extracting milk and determining a group milk yield based upon a subgroup milk yield
For the milking of animals, in particular cows, in a milking installation comprising a plurality of milking places, a method and a device are proposed wherein the milk yields extracted during a milking session at some milking places or the characteristics corresponding to the milk yields are determined and evaluated and in particular compared with prognoses as to milk yield or characteristics. These measures allow on the one hand that sufficiently accurate data are provided for herd management while on the other hand the investment cost for a milking installation are reduced. |
| US08567342B2 |
Coating device and coating method
A coating device includes a coating mechanism which includes nozzles for ejecting a liquid material onto front and rear surfaces of a substrate while rotating the substrate; and an adjusting mechanism which adjusts the coating state of the liquid material at the outer periphery of the substrate; wherein the adjusting mechanism includes a dip portion which dips the outer periphery of the substrate in a solution while rotating the substrate and dissolves and removes a thin film formed on the outer periphery of the substrate; and a suction portion which suctions the vicinity of the outer periphery of the substrate after dipping in the solution. |
| US08567341B1 |
Supply changing apparatus for powder coating systems
A powder coating system comprising a plurality of supply containers and a connection changer having a plurality of supply connectors associated with a support member and each in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of supply containers. The connection changer includes a movable delivery connector selectively and independently connectable to each of the plurality of supply connectors associated with the support member. A pump is in fluid communication with the delivery connector of the connection changer and at least one applicator is in fluid communication with the pump. Fluid communication from the delivery connector to the applicator defines a delivery portion of the system. The pump is disposed along the delivery portion of the system to apply negative pressure to the at least one selected supply container and draw its contents to the at least one applicator. |
| US08567339B2 |
Liquid processing apparatus
There is provided a liquid processing apparatus capable of preventing an atmospheric air of a lower surface side of a substrate, to which a processing liquid is supplied, from circulating and being introduced into an upper surface side of the substrate, to which the processing liquid is not supplied, and capable of decreasing a fuzzy gas consumption supplied to separate the atmospheres between the lower and upper surface sides from each other. An upper plate 5 is disposed at an opposite side to the upper surface of the substrate maintained horizontally and a gas supplier 53, 531 supplies a pressurized gas into a space formed between the upper plate and the substrate. Also, due to a negative pressure built in a space formed between the upper plate and the substrate, an atmospheric gas outside the space is introduced into the space via a gas inlet port. |
| US08567336B1 |
Diver propulsion assembly and method
A diver propulsion assembly includes a waist belt and at least one thruster. A thruster mounting assembly cooperates with the waist belt to mount the thruster to an upper leg of the diver. |
| US08567332B1 |
Advanced bilge keel design
An advanced bilge keel design for improved ship roll damping performance. The advanced bilge keel design includes curved upper and bottom surfaces and improved free end edge design for providing passive roll stabilization and improved energy dissipation. |
| US08567330B2 |
Method of assembling and installing a very large floating barge for example for processing gas or crude oil at sea
The present disclosure relates to a method of assembling and installing a very large floating barge (1) and includes manufacturing each side portion (10) and each connection portion (15) separately, placing each side portion (10) on the water, moving the connection portions (15) between the side portions (10), moving the connection portions (15) vertically, fixing the connection portions (10) to the side portions (15) and taking the barge (1) to the operation site. |
| US08567327B1 |
Manually operated seeding device and associated methods
A manually operable seeding device comprises an elongate body portion having a trough section formed therein, and a plurality of openings formed through the body portion in or adjacent the trough section. The plurality of openings is spaced one from another a distance that corresponds to a spacing at which it is desired that plants germinating from the seeds will grow. A method of manually seeding a plant bed is also provided, including: obtaining a seeding device that comprises an elongate body portion having a trough section formed therein and a plurality of openings formed through the body portion in or adjacent the trough section; positioning the seeding device atop or partially below the ground surface; and delivering at least one seed through each of the openings to bed the seed within or atop the ground surface. |
| US08567320B2 |
Resilient pad for railroad vehicle
A resilient pad having a base with two side arms and two side lips for resiliently holding the base on a pedestal wear plate, the pad being configured with dome shaped portions disposed substantially perpendicular to the direction of the pad and being spaced apart from each other, where the pad, when installed with a pedestal wear plate serves to improve the force load handling and preferably re-distributes the load bearing surface from the edges and center of the adapter to the flat load bearing surface of the adapter, thus eliminating load on areas that have no support. Because the spring arms do not depend on bending of the base for their resiliency, the pad of the invention provides improved service stress capabilities and allows for longer life of the wear plate. |
| US08567313B2 |
Screen printing apparatus and screen painting method
To provide a screen printing apparatus and a screen printing method which can enhance a plate separating property after a printing operation regardless of a type of a mask, thereby suppressing occurrence of printing failure. A screen printing apparatus includes mask supporting means 6 for supporting a mask 2 from the rear surface thereof, holding means 20 for holding a printing medium 3, posture changing means 30 for changing a posture of the printing medium 3 held by the holding means 20 between a parallel posture parallel to the mask 2 and a tilted posture tilted about the mask 2, and lifting means for lifting the holding means 20 so as to contact and separate the surface of the printing medium 3 with or from the rear surface of the mask 2. Here, the printing medium 3 having been subjected to a pattern printing operation is separated from the mask 2 from one end of the printing medium to the other end thereof. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance a separating property between the printing medium 3 and the mask 2, thereby suppressing occurrence of printing failure. |
| US08567308B2 |
Spiral transfer heat treatment apparatus
In a food transfer heat treatment apparatus using a spiral transfer belt, heat treatment gas blowing means and a heat treatment gas circulating method for enhancing the heat transfer efficiency between a heat treatment gas and food and for improving the heat treatment effect are realized to expand the degree of freedom for the layout of the apparatus and to simplify the assembly. Provided is a spiral transfer heat treatment apparatus comprising endless conveyer belts (2) for circulating the food (f) in a store room (1), and a spiral moving unit (3) for causing a heat treatment gas (c) to act on the food (f) while transferring the food (f) on the conveyer belts (2). The spiral transfer heat treatment apparatus further comprises a heat treatment gas generating device (10) arranged in the inside space of the spiral moving unit (3), a distribution duct (13) arranged between the heat treatment gas generating device (10) and the spiral moving unit (3) for receiving the heat treatment gas (c) generated in the heat treatment gas generating device (10), and a plurality of hollow nozzle units (14) protruding from the distribution duct (13) between the conveyer belts (2) of the spiral moving unit (3), thereby to inject the heat treatment gas flow toward the food (f) on the conveyer belts (2) arranged below and to form their upper faces (14c) into the supporting faces of rails (15) for supporting the conveyer belts (2) slidably. |
| US08567307B2 |
System for continuously producing edible product filled with liquid material at center
There is provided a system for continuously producing edible products filled with liquid material at the center, having a high liquid material filling factor without leakage of liquid material. The system for continuously producing edible products filled with liquid material at the center is characterized in that atmospheric air is sucked in extrusion of an edible product rope. |
| US08567306B2 |
Fryer
A fryer is provided which, during a standby for cooking, can keep the temperature of a cooking oil slightly lower than a cooking temperature and, during cooking, can quickly raise the oil temperature to the cooking temperature. The fryer also has capabilities of easily performing a heat exchange operation on the cooking oil, preventing degradation of the cooking oil, securing a good kitchen environment and enhancing a work efficiency. The fryer comprises a fryer tank having oil and water for cleaning the oil stored in two layers one upon the other; and a heater installed in the oil layer; wherein the water in the water layer is drawn out from a water suction opening at a bottom of fryer tank, cleaned by a filtering water tank and then delivered into the fryer tank almost horizontally in an off-centered direction from a water supply opening formed in a lower, side wall of the fryer tank, thus rotating the water in the fryer tank in a swirl. The fryer also has a device for discharging impurities collected in the filtering water tank. |
| US08567305B2 |
Portable beverage aeration device
A portable aeration device includes a housing having an air chamber in communication with an ambient air source, a supply area, a valve restricting airflow between the air chamber and ambient air source, and a valve restricting airflow between the chamber and supply area. The housing defines an exit in communication with the supply area, the aeration device having a cap selectively covering the housing exit. The aeration device includes a diffuser having a plurality of openings, an output tube extending from the diffuser to a location in communication with the supply area to alternately supply air from the supply area to the diffuser and allow liquid to pass from the diffuser to the supply area. A pump is in communication with the air chamber to force air from the air chamber to the supply area. The aeration device includes a fastener for attaching the housing to a water bottle. |
| US08567303B2 |
Compressor and/or expander device with rolling piston seal
An apparatus can include a piston movably disposed within a pressure vessel and defines a first interior region and a second interior region. The piston has a first position in which the first interior contains a gas having a first pressure and has a volume greater than the second interior region, and a second position in which the second interior region contains a gas having a second pressure and has a volume greater than the first interior region. A seal member is attached to the piston and to the pressure vessel. The seal member has a first configuration in which at least a portion of the seal member is disposed at a first position when the piston is in its first position, and a second configuration in which the portion of the seal member is disposed at a second position when the piston is in its second position. |
| US08567302B2 |
Compressed gas operated instrument, in particular a surgical instrument
A compressed gas operated instrument incorporating a connector for a compressed gas cartridge to which the compressed gas cartridge is connectable in sealed manner by means of a supply channel for the compressed gas flowing out of the compressed gas cartridge is provided which incorporates a regulating valve in the supply channel for governing the compressed gas stream through the supply channel. The regulating valve comprises a valve body which is sealed in a valve chamber with respect to a wall of the valve chamber by means of a first seal and is mounted in the valve chamber in displaceable manner. The valve body is connected on the upstream side thereof in sealed manner to a connector element by means of a second seal and also be displaceable with respect to the connector element by displacement thereof in the valve chamber. |
| US08567296B2 |
Support bracket for manually operated vegetable cutting utensils
A manually operated vegetable cutting utensil having a stand for keeping it in an inclined position on a horizontal worktop, where a support bracket, in particular in the form of a stirrup, installed at the bottom of the stand of the utensil is provided to butt, in the use position, against an edge of the worktop so as to stabilize the utensil even if the worktop is wet or greasy. |
| US08567294B2 |
Sandwich holder and knife guide
A sandwich holder and knife guide for cutting a sandwich while maintaining the ingredients in place includes a base, a pair of upwardly extending parallel walls with an aligned slit in each of the walls for guiding a knife through a sandwich, a transparent dome with a slit aligned with the slits in the walls, a knife, a support frame, a pair of tapes disposed on opposite sides of the slits and each of the tapes extending across the support frame in a parallel relationship with the slits and one end of each of the tapes is coiled upon a retractable coil for maintaining the tapes under tension so that the tapes when extended and placed on top of the sandwich retain the sandwich and its fillings in place when the sandwich is cut. |
| US08567288B1 |
Belt wrench for cam gear and method of use thereof
A belt wrench for a cam gear comprising a linear timing belt section wherein a first end is formed into a closed loop configuration. Whereas primarily intended for automotive use, the belt wrench is equally useful in the installation or removal of the gears of any timing belt mechanism. The looped end is designed to be installed onto a fixed gear location while the linear portion of the belt wrench immobilizes the appropriate gear by being partially wrapped around. |
| US08567286B2 |
Hydraulic control device for automatic transmission
At pre-shift of a shift control, a line pressure control section determines a pressure raising amount ΔPL of a line pressure PL on the basis of a pressure raising amount map stored in a memory, and controls a line pressure controlling linear solenoid valve so that the line pressure PL regulated by a regulator valve is raised by this pressure raising amount ΔPL. For example, a control hydraulic pressure corresponding to the pressure raising amount ΔPL is applied to the regulator valve from the line pressure controlling linear solenoid valve. Thus, hydraulic oil supplied from an oil pump is mostly discharged from an output port for the line pressure PL. Therefore, although there is a possibility that the line pressure PL regulated within a line pressure circuit somewhat varies when stroke of a hydraulic piston starts, a decrease of the line pressure PL is suppressed sufficiently compared with the case where the line pressure PL is not raised as a conventional manner. |
| US08567281B2 |
Rotating device and robot arm device
A rotating device includes a communication unit including a transmitting portion having a first ring-shaped coil, a first ring-shaped magnetic body covering the first ring-shaped coil and a first terminal connected to the first ring-shaped coil, and a receiving portion having a second ring-shaped coil, a second ring-shaped magnetic body covering the second ring-shaped coil and a second terminal connected to the second ring-shaped coil, and a bearing connecting a hollow fixed portion to a hollow rotating portion. |
| US08567280B2 |
Roller transmission and gearing mechanism
A roller transmission and gearing mechanism with a driving body, one or more rollers, and a driven body coupled to the driven body via the rollers. The bodies define at least one pair of respective roller guide tracks thereon. The guide tracks start and terminate at respective pairs of limit surfaces. The rollers contact the guide tracks along rolling curves, and distances between points of the rolling curve on the driving body and the respective rolling curve on the driven body are different such that: for all contacting point-pairs on the rolling curves, the respective tangential planes are parallel to each other; the velocities of the contacting pairs of points are identical but have opposite signs; in the contacting points, the action lines of forces intersect the central axes of the rollers; and the lengths of the rolling curves of the driving and driven bodies are equal. |
| US08567279B2 |
Mechanism for converting rotary motion into linear motion
A mechanism for converting rotary motion into linear motion includes a rod having a thread or threaded part at its outer peripheral surface, and a holder member on the outer peripheral surface of the rod, rotatable relative to the rod, and axially movable relative to the rod. Rollers are supported rotatably by the holder member and have annular grooves at their outer peripheral surfaces. Each roller is torsionally disposed at an axial angle greater than or equal to a lead angle of the thread with respect to a central axis of the rod. Both ends of the roller shaft are secured to the holder member, and the mechanism has a structure in which a hole having a diameter greater than that of the roller shaft is provided at one end of the holder member and the roller shaft is secured by a roller mounting member. |
| US08567275B2 |
Synchronizing device of a transmission
A synchronizing device of a transmission is provided with a cylindrical synchronizer body having an external toothing. A shifting sleeve includes, but is not limited to an internal toothing. The internal toothing axially displaceably meshes with the external tooting of the synchronizer body. A synchronizing ring includes, but is not limited to a locking gear rim. In clearances distributed on the circumference of the synchronizer body, pre-synchronizing elements are arranged. The pre-synchronizing elements are in spring-elastic engagement with the shifting sleeve and are arrested by the shifting sleeve in a middle position. A face end of the locking gear rim includes, but is not limited to outward bulges in direction of the pre-synchronizing elements subject to the setting of spacing between synchronizing ring and pre-synchronizing elements. |
| US08567270B1 |
Infinitely variable reciprocating transmission apparatus
A transmission includes an input coupled to reciprocate a lug along a stroke path. The lug is coupled between a shuttle and a persuader, the shuttle is coupled to drive an output in response to reciprocation of the shuttle along a drive path, and the persuader is coupled between the lug and the shuttle and is operable to change the stroke path between an inoperative direction relative to the drive path isolating the shuttle from the forcible reciprocation of the lug and an operative direction relative to the drive path transferring the forcible reciprocation of the lug along the stroke path to the shuttle imparting reciprocation to the shuttle along the drive path. Forcible reciprocation of the lug is transferred to the shuttle along an infinitely variable gearing range between the inoperative and operative directions of the stroke path of the lug relative to the drive path of the shuttle. |
| US08567269B1 |
Sensor mounting apparatus and method
An apparatus and method for mounting a sensor with strict orientation and insertion depth requirements in a process vessel or pipe section. The apparatus includes a lock block having a socket for receiving a plug disposed around a sensor inserted through an inner bore of the lock block. Reception of the plug in the socket controls insertion depth of the sensor in the process vessel. The lock block also includes a cam bore for receiving a cam used to rotationally orient the sensor and the attached plug. The cam is locked into position within the cam bore of the lock block by inserting a retaining pin through a retaining pin bore in the cam. During insertion and removal of the sensor through the sensor mounting apparatus, process isolation is maintained by an integral seal mechanism of the lock block and an internal isolation valve that fits within the lock block. |
| US08567258B2 |
Urine flow monitoring device and method
Unique characteristic sounds produced as urine impacts the surface of the water are used to monitor men's urinary flow patterns and their dynamics. By detecting the intensity at selected acoustic frequencies, it is possible to accurately and precisely measure the urine flow rate. Techniques for analyzing urine flow and its dynamics employ sound levels that are detected with digital filters at two or more distinct frequency regions or channels of the sound spectrum. One frequency region that is designated the measurement channel is where the sound measurement intensity strongly depends on urine flow levels. Another frequency region that is designated the reference channel is where the sound measurement intensity is not dependent on urine flow levels. By using a combination of measurements from the measurement channel and the reference channel, the urine flow monitoring apparatus compensates for variations in operating conditions and other factors during use. |
| US08567255B2 |
Semiconductor pressure sensor having a recess with a larger area than a planar shape of a diaphragm
There is provided a semiconductor pressure sensor which improves the sensor sensitivity and is excellent in the withstand pressure characteristic and the temperature characteristic. In the semiconductor pressure sensor in which a diaphragm is formed by a cavity provided on one of top and bottom surfaces of a silicon substrate and a plurality of piezoresistors is disposed in the diaphragm edge, a recess which has a larger area than the planar shape of the diaphragm and whose entire edge is located outward from the diaphragm edge in plan view is provided in a protective film which covers the entire surface of the silicon substrate on the diaphragm side. The protective film located on the diaphragm is preferably formed of SiO2. |
| US08567254B2 |
Pressure sensor assembly
The present disclosure relates to pressure sensors. In one illustrative embodiment, the pressure sensor may include a pressure sensor assembly having pressure ports on opposite sides of the pressure sensor assembly. The pressure sensor may include a protective housing including a first housing member and a second housing member defining a cavity for securely housing the pressure sensor assembly. The protective housing may include a first port coupled to one of the pressure ports of the pressure sensor assembly and a second port coupled to the other pressure port of the pressure sensor assembly. In some cases, the protective housing may include one or more aligning features, one or more positioning features, and a boss, which can include two or more bumps, on each side of the cavity around the pressure ports. |
| US08567253B2 |
Opto-acoustic methods and apparatus for performing high resolution acoustic imaging and other sample probing and modification operations
An opto-acoustic transducer assembly includes a substrate; at least one layer of opto-acoustic material coupled to a surface of the substrate, where the at least one layer of opto-acoustic material generates sound waves when struck by pulses of pump light; and an acoustic lens configured to focus sound waves generated by the at least one layer of opto-acoustic material towards a sample. The acoustic lens is further configured to collect sound waves returning from the sample and to direct the returning sound waves to the at least one layer of opto-acoustic material. In one non-limiting embodiment the at least one layer of opto-acoustic material is interposed between the substrate and the acoustic lens, and the substrate is substantially transparent to light having wavelengths of interest. |
| US08567252B2 |
Automatic sonic/ultrasonic data acquisition device and system
An automatic sonic/ultrasonic data acquisition device that is constructed and arranged to be moved across the surface of a concrete structure, to collect data from the structure. There is a frame, a number of wheels carried by the frame, one or more sensors carried by a wheel and constructed and arranged to contact the structure as the wheels roll along a surface of the structure, and an energy source for initiating compressional and/or shear waves in the structure that are sensed by the sensors. The wheels rotate properly timed and in unison so that the pressure transducers are in contact with the surface when the sound waves are initiated. |
| US08567251B2 |
Detailfunction based measurement
A method and device for selecting echoes from an echo list. The method includes receiving an echo list, the echo list including a plurality of current echoes, at least two current echoes of the plurality of current echoes including a relationship correlation. The method also includes weighting at least one assignment of at least one current echo of the plurality of current echoes of at least one past echo of at least one past echo function. The method also includes selecting an assignment of at least one current echo to the at least one past echo of the at least one past echo function such that a predeterminable selection criterion is fulfilled. The selection of the assignment takes into account the relationship correlation between the at least two current echoes of the plurality of current echoes. |
| US08567250B2 |
Method of determining the texture of food material and apparatus for use in this method
The invention relates to a method of determining the texture of food material, comprising the steps of applying a vibrational impact with a predetermined frequency to the food material, measuring the vibrational response of the food material to the vibrational impact, and comparing the vibratiorial response with at least one reference value, determined prior to the measurement. The food material is in a liquid or a semi-solid state and/or contained within a container body (16), such as a pipe. In a second aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus (10) for determining the texture of food material, wherein the apparatus comprises a device (12) for generating a vibrational impact, such as a piezo actuator, a device (14) for measuring vibrations, such as a vibrometer, a holding mechanism, comprising a container body (16) for containing the food material therein or a string to attach the food material thereto, and an analyser for comparing measured vibrations with at least one reference value, determined prior to the measurement. |
| US08567249B2 |
Nanomechanical resonance detector
An embodiment of a nanomechanical frequency detector includes a support structure and a plurality of elongated nanostructures coupled to the support structure. Each of the elongated nanostructures has a particular resonant frequency. The plurality of elongated nanostructures has a range of resonant frequencies. An embodiment of a method of identifying an object includes introducing the object to the nanomechanical resonance detector. A resonant response by at least one of the elongated nanostructures of the nanomechanical resonance detector indicates a vibrational mode of the object. An embodiment of a method of identifying a molecular species of the present invention includes introducing the molecular species to the nanomechanical resonance detector. A resonant response by at least one of the elongated nanostructures of the nanomechanical resonance detector indicates a vibrational mode of the molecular species. |
| US08567245B2 |
Vehicle speed detection unit and wheel attachment unit
It is an object, in a wheel attachment unit holding a rotary encoder externally attached to a wheel, to certainly acquire an encoder output signal obtained from a rotating shaft of a tire, by reducing an occurrence of a bending deformation or breakage of a unit component (e.g., shaft) occurred during a vehicle run and making the encoder function normally. A shaft, through which there is passed a cable for outputting a measurement result of the encoder whose rotating shaft is connected to the wheel, is arranged offset from the axle center by a predetermined amount and is held by a bracket attached to the vehicle, to be movable in the up and down direction. Alternatively, a holder for holding a stator of the encoder is attached to the body of the vehicle, by a rotary linkage mechanism to hold rotatably with five degrees of rotational freedom. |
| US08567243B2 |
Method for fill level measurement
A method for a fill level measurement in which a first and/or a second fill substance can be located. A rest position can be ascertained, when the entire amount of each fill substance in the container forms a single layer containing only this fill substance, wherein the first fill substance has a smaller specific weight than the second fill substance, and the two fill substances have different dielectric constants. An electromagnetic signal is sent into the container, wherein a part of the signal is reflected. A capacitance between a capacitive probe and a reference electrode is measured, dependent on the amounts of the fill substances located in the container, and, on the basis of the measured capacitance and the measured travel times for each fill substance present in the container, the rest position of its fill substance upper surface is ascertained. |
| US08567242B1 |
Pressure sensor venting system
A pressure sensor venting system for efficiently and accurately measuring a liquid level. The pressure sensor venting system generally includes a housing, a pressure transducer within the housing, a diaphragm, a pressure passage fluidly connecting the pressure transducer and a pressurized liquid from the diaphragm, and a first vent tube that is fluidly connected to the pressure transducer opposite of the pressure passage. The distal end of the first vent tube extends outwardly from the housing and extends a distance into a second vent tube. The second vent tube is fluidly connected to liquid resistant vent that is positioned within the interior space of the liquid container and above the liquid level. |
| US08567241B2 |
Adapter incorporating a TPMS onto a truck tire valve
An adapter assembly for attaching a tire pressure monitor onto an inflation valve which incorporates a distal end flange. An adapter is included in the assembly that consists of a collar having a configuration sized to fit over and be internally retained by the valve distal end flange. An O-ring is positioned on the flange contiguously engaging the collar. A tire pressure monitoring cap is threadably attached to the collar which is disposed above and compresses the O-ring between the cap, collar and valve end flange. The adapter permits the tire pressure monitor to be attached, for use with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and also prevents minor air leaks. A fourth embodiment incorporates an outward-extending integral arm formed with the collar for mounting the TPMS sensor on the drop center of the wheel. |
| US08567239B2 |
Method and system for determining vacuum leaks
A method for detecting leaks within a vacuum system is described. The method may detect vacuum system leaks responsive to vacuum pump speed. The method can compensate for changes in barometric pressure so that a single leak threshold may be provided for all altitudes and barometric pressures. |
| US08567231B2 |
Gas sensor
A gas sensor includes an inner electrode formed on an inner surface of a base body. The inner electrode has an inner sensing portion formed in a gas contact inner region such that the inner sensing portion is located on the whole of a heat-facing area of the gas contact inner region facing a heating portion in a radial direction of the base body, a terminal contact portion formed in a rear end region such that the terminal contact portion is located in at least a part of the rear end region in a circumferential direction of the base body and a lead portion formed only on a part of the inner surface of the base body in the circumferential direction of the base body so as to connect the inner sensing portion and the terminal contact portion to each other. |
| US08567227B2 |
Guide and retention assembly for a die set
A guide and retention assembly for spaced apart confronting plates of a die set for guiding the plates for relative reciprocal movement toward and away from the other. The assembly includes a housing with a mounting flange and a sleeve with a through bore, and a rod extending through the bore and slidably received in at least one bushing in the sleeve. |
| US08567218B2 |
Burner for chemical vapour deposition of glass
A burner for a vapour deposition process has a central nozzle for ejecting a glass precursor material, at least a crown of nozzles surrounding said central nozzle for ejecting a flame reactant, and a circular nozzle between said central nozzle and said crown of nozzles for ejecting an innershield gas, wherein the central nozzle has a concave shape in a cross section in the axial plane and, preferably, a symmetry about an axial plane. |
| US08567216B2 |
Manufacturing method of a sheet glass material for magnetic disk, manufacturing method of a glass substrate for magnetic disk
A manufacturing method of a glass substrate for magnetic disk including a pair of principal surfaces is disclosed The method includes the steps of: dropping process for dropping a lump of molten glass; pressing process for forming a sheet glass material by sandwiching simultaneously the lump from both sides of the dropping path of the lump with surfaces of the pair of dies facing together, and performing press forming to the lump; and machining process for machining the sheet glass material, wherein the press forming sandwiches the lump while moving the pair of dies in the direction of drop of the lump so that relative speed of the lump to that of the pair of dies approaches zero. |
| US08567214B2 |
Method for producing glass body and method for producing optical member for EUV lithography
The present invention relates to a method for producing a glass body containing: hydrolyzing a silicon compound and a compound containing a metal serving as a dopant, in a flame projected from a burner to form glass fine particles; and depositing and growing the formed glass fine particles on a base material, in which a raw material mixed gas containing a gas of the silicon compound, a gas of the compound containing a metal serving as a dopant, and either one of a combustible gas and a combustion supporting gas is fed into a central nozzle (A) positioning in the center of the burner; the other gas of the combustible gas and the combustion supporting gas is fed into a nozzle (B) different from the central nozzle (A) of the burner; a combustible gas or a combustion supporting gas is arbitrarily fed into a nozzle different from the nozzles (A) and (B); and a flow rate of the raw material mixed gas is 50% or more and not more than 90% of the largest flow rate among flow rate(s) of the combustible gas(ses) and the combustion supporting gas(ses) fed from other nozzle or nozzles than the central nozzle (A). |
| US08567213B2 |
Ethane recovery methods and configurations for high carbon dioxide content feed gases
Ethane is separated from a carbon dioxide-containing feed gas in a demethanizer that receives a rich subcooled reflux stream at very low temperature. Freezing of carbon dioxide is prevented by feeding a temperature-controlled vapor portion of the feed gas to the column, wherein the temperature of the vapor portion is adjusted by routing a portion of the expander discharge through a heat exchanger in response to the tray temperature in the demethanizer. Thus, high separation efficiency is achieved at reduced, or even eliminated carbon dioxide freezing. |
| US08567211B2 |
Portable hygenic ice chest for medical supplies or the like
A generally box shaped portable ice chest for medical supplies and the like includes a plastic housing having a top, bottom, front, back and two sides and an inner compartment within the plastic housing. Between the plastic housing and inner compartment there are three layers of insulation including a Styrofoam polystyrene foam layer, a compressed cork layer and a compressed rubber layer sandwiched between the stainless steel lining and the outer housing. The inner compartment includes three removable vertically stacked drawers and a beverage compartment behind the drawers for receiving a plurality of beverage containers. One of the drawers is adapted to receive dry ice. Each of the drawers includes a plurality of openings. A fan, a solar panel and a rechargeable battery and circuit for charging the battery are disposed in the top of the housing for circulating air through the drawers and beverage container. |
| US08567210B2 |
Refrigerator having an ice maker with vertical freezing cores
Provided is a refrigerator configured to improve the structure of an ice-making chamber provided to a refrigerator door, thereby efficiently supplying cool air into the ice-making chamber. The refrigerator includes a main body including a storage chamber, a refrigerator door rotatably coupled to the main body, an ice-making device provided to the refrigerator door and configured to make ice, an ice-making unit provided to the ice-making device and including a cool air introduction part, a freezing core vertically arranged in the ice-making unit and cooled by cool air, and an ice tray configured to receive at least one portion of the freezing core therein, wherein the cool air introduction part is provided on an upper side of the freezing core. Cool air is efficiently introduced into the ice-making chamber, thereby increasing the amount of ice made. |
| US08567209B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a body defining a storage space; a door selectively shielding the storage space; a container connecting part disposed in the storage space or the door; a water supply container separably coupled to the container connecting part, the water supply container including an opening for injecting water; an ice making device for making ice using the water supplied from the water supply container; a water supply passage fluidly connecting the water supply container to the ice making device, the water supply passage extending in an inside direction of the water supply container; and a pump connected to the water supply passage to supply the water within the water supply container into the ice making device. According to the refrigerator, installation cost is reduced, and quality and reliability are improved. |
| US08567206B2 |
Vehicle air conditioning system
A vehicle air conditioning system includes a controller that initially controls operation of a compressor to switch between inactive and active states in response to detecting that an operating condition is equal to or surpasses a first operation threshold. The controller determines a first time delay occurring between initiating the switch from one of the inactive and active states to the other of the compressor, and an actual change in the operating condition. The controller subsequently defines a first limit that is offset from the first operation threshold such that the controller controls the operation of the compressor to subsequently switch from the one of inactive and active states to the other in response to detecting that the operating condition is equal to or surpasses the first limit. |
| US08567205B2 |
Inlet air flow guide for ACDX fan coil
An inlet air flow guide for a condensing unit of an air cooled direct expansion (ACDX) air conditioning unit. The flow guide has a panel having at least a portion spaced from a surface of the condensing unit to define a plenum for cooling air to enter the condensing unit from one side. A condensing unit of an ACDX air conditioning unit has a refrigerant cooling coil disposed in an opening, and the inlet air flow guide defines a plenum to provide an air flow passage to the opening from one side thereof. According to a method, the inlet air flow guide is installed onto the condensing unit of an ACDX air conditioning unit, wherein a panel of the flow guide has at least a portion spaced from a surface of the condensing unit to define a plenum for cooling air to enter the condensing unit from one side. |
| US08567204B2 |
Sensor-free optimal control of air-side economizer
Systems and methods for regulating the amount of outdoor air that is introduced into a building are shown and described. These systems and methods utilize extremum seeking control logic to vary the flow of outdoor air into the building in response to cooling load determinations. |
| US08567198B2 |
Injection nozzle having constant diameter pin and method for operating the injection nozzle
An injection nozzle (10), especially for injecting liquid fuel, preferably crude oil, into the combustion chamber of a gas turbine, includes an inner chamber (16) which extends along a nozzle axis (19), conically tapers to a concentric nozzle orifice (17), and to which the medium which is to be injected is fed from outside through a plurality of inlet ports (18) which are arranged in a distributed manner around the nozzle axis (19). The inlet ports (18) are oriented perpendicularly to the nozzle axis (19) and each lead tangentially into the inner chamber (16). With such an injection nozzle, an improved spray cone is achieved by the fact that a pin (14), which extends in the axial direction, is concentrically arranged in the inner chamber (16) and passes through the region of the mouths of the inlet ports (18) and extends right into the nozzle orifice (17). |
| US08567197B2 |
Acoustic damper
An apparatus for attenuating acoustic oscillations of a gas flow contained in part by a combustor wall of a gas turbine engine combustor, wherein the combustor includes at least one air/fuel mixer, includes at least one resonating tube with a closed end and an open end and a single cavity between the ends. The tube is located on the combustor wall downstream of the air/fuel mixer. |
| US08567194B2 |
Floating platform with detachable support modules
A floating support that can be joined with a floating platform while the floating platform is at a deployment location is disclosed. The support provides functionality to the floating platform in order to change, augment, upgrade, or diversify the platform's overall capability. In some embodiments, the present invention eases the serviceability of the platform by enabling a first support that has diminished capability to be readily replaced by a second support having superior capability—without removing the floating platform from its deployment location. In some embodiments, the present invention enables platform operation that is analogous to “plug and play” electronics systems. Further, in some embodiments, hydrodynamic performance of the floating platform can be changed with the addition or removal of one or more floating supports. |
| US08567189B2 |
Twin scroll turbocharger with EGR takeoffs
Systems and methods for operating a twin scroll turbocharged engine with a junction configured to selectively control exhaust gas delivery to an exhaust gas recirculation system and a twin scroll turbine are provided. |
| US08567169B2 |
Agriculture bale accumulator
An agricultural bale accumulator includes a load bed, a bale transfer module, and a bale discharge module. The load bed includes center, right and left load beds, adapted to receive and accumulate thereon first, second and third bales, respectively, from a bale chamber of an agricultural baler along a bale-receiving axis. The bale transfer module alternately transfers the bales across the load bed from the center load bed to the right load bed or the left load bed along a bale transfer axis, transverse to the bale receiving axis, responsive to a bale transfer signal to accumulate the bales on the center, right, and the left load beds in a side-by-side relationship. The bale discharge module moves between a bale accumulating position and a bale discharging position responsive to a bale discharge signal. The bale discharge module moves to the bale accumulating position to accumulate the bales on the load bed. The bale discharge module moves from the bale accumulating position to the bale discharging position to discharge at least the first bale received and accumulated on the center load bed to the ground surface. |
| US08567168B2 |
Crop header with lateral fingers and hood articulated
Crop header with lateral fingers and hood articulated which particular structure facilitates time reduction during the task of inspection of the transport commands or auger activations of the crop header thereby contributing to the rotation or turn of aforementioned lateral fingers, enabling an easy access to the commands or auger activations. In the machine the lateral fingers (A) and hood (8) are arranged in an articulated form in relation to the piece that contains the transport auger, and preferably, lateral fingers (A) and hood (8) articulate in a way that their longitudinal axles (A1) are displaced on a substantial horizontal level. |
| US08567167B2 |
Quick connect/disconnect coupling for a stalk stomper
A quick connect/disconnect coupling for securing an agricultural implement, such as a stalk stomper, to a tool bar assembly on a tractor, without the need for any tools. The tool bar assembly includes a bracket having a pair of spaced-apart arm members. Each arm member has a recess therein, and a hole spaced therefrom. The recesses and the holes are generally transversely aligned. A pin is adapted to be received in the holes. The agricultural implement assembly includes a plate member. Provided on the plate member is a cross bar. The cross bar is adapted to be engaged in the recesses. To connect the agricultural implement assembly to the tool bar assembly, the cross bar is engaged in the recesses and the agricultural implement and the pin can be inserted into the transversely aligned holes to connect the agricultural implement to the tool bar assembly. |
| US08567166B2 |
Belt tensioning device for a riding type mower
A spring support body is slidably supported on a support portion provided to a connecting member connected to a link mechanism, the spring support body supporting a side of a tension spring opposite to the side connecting the tension spring to a tension wheel body, the tension spring biasing the tension wheel body to a tension position, the tension wheel body being freely movable between a tension position and a tension release position. An operation tool slides the spring support body between the tension side and the loosened side of the tension spring, the operation tool being connected to the spring support body by being disposed such that the operation tool is positioned on a lateral exterior side of a cutting blade housing with respect to the connecting member. |
| US08567165B2 |
Method and apparatus for compacting product
A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs. |
| US08567164B2 |
Plastic bottle for hot filling or heat treatment
Process of hot-filling a plastic container comprising a side wall connected to a neck and to a base, with a liquid or viscous product; process consisting in at least filling the container with a product at high temperature, hermetically sealing the container, cooling the container and its contents; process characterized in that a plastic container is used for which the linear thermal expansion coefficient of the side wall is greater than 0.00014 m/(m.K) and in that the container is allowed to expand and shrink at least as much as its contents. |
| US08567161B2 |
Wetting agents for aseptic filling
The present invention is directed to wetting agent compositions and methods for making and using the wetting agent compositions. The compositions of the invention include a sheeting agent, a defoaming agent, and an association disruption agent. The wetting agent compositions of the present invention result in a faster draining/drying time on most substrates compared to conventional wetting agents. The wetting agent compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for use on plastic substrates. |
| US08567155B2 |
Centrifugally cast pole and method
Herein disclosed is a centrifugally cast pole having a substantially uniform wall thickness along the long axis of the pole. During centrifugal casting, molten metal is poured inside a rotating, tapered mold. As chilled liquid is poured over the outside of the rotating mold, the metal forms, or paints, to the contour of the mold interior creating a metal pole. By precisely controlling casting gyrations such as the spin, travel, pitch, and yaw of the rotating mold and the calibration and physical mechanisms of the casting machine, hollow, tapered, tubular metal poles are produced with previously unknown uniformity of wall thickness. The controlling principles, designs, and mechanisms of this centrifugal casting method enable wall uniformity to extremely high tolerances. By extension, the ability to precisely control the metal volume painted inside the mold allows, as a design choice, wall thickness variation in any embodiment if so desired. |
| US08567153B1 |
Composite concrete and framing system and method for building construction
A composite building construction system comprising a frame, an expanded wallboard, and a concrete layer. The wallboard comprises an outer portion and inset portion wherein the wallboard is attached to the frame with the outer portion covering an exterior side of the frame and the inset portion is disposed within the frame. The wallboard thus provides exterior and interior insulation for the system. The concrete layer is sprayed on to the outer portion of said wallboard, forming a strong durable composite construction system. One or more rebar supports may be attached to the frame at the exterior side by key bolts and are spaced apart from the wallboard. A wire grid may be attached to the key bolts whereby the grid and the rebar supports provide a support structure for the concrete layer. The frame comprises steel and the wallboard comprises insulative expanded polystyrene. |
| US08567149B2 |
Interlocking spatial components
The present invention relates generally to interlocking spatial components, and more particularly to spatial components having mating surfaces of uniform periodical structure comprising a regular array of interlocking connectors of the same shape allowing components to be arbitrarily interlocked along various relative directions, in various relative orientations, and upon various sides and to be assembled with one another to create spatial structures. |
| US08567147B1 |
Roof shingle assembly
A roof shingle assembly includes a panel that has a front edge, a rear edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The panel has a first bend and a second bend therein each extending between the first and second side edges. The first and second bends defining a first section positioned between the first bend and the rear edge, a second section positioned between the second bend and the front edge and an intermediate section positioned between the first and second bends. The first and second sections extends away from the intermediate section in opposite directions with respect to each other. The first and second sections lie in planes orientated parallel to each other and vertically spaced from each other. The plane of the first section is positioned below a plane of the second section. |
| US08567143B2 |
Fortified flashing laminate
A fortified flashing laminate including a polymeric layer having an uncured portion and a cured portion forming a fortified area. The fortified area strengthens the flashing laminate at an area of known vulnerability or increased stress to prevent damage to the flashing laminate during installation and prior to curing of the remainder of the polymeric layer. The fortified flashing laminate may also include a layer of adhesive tape covering at least a portion of the bottom surface of the polymeric layer. |
| US08567142B2 |
Mounting fixture for fire-rated structurally glazed glass
The system includes a concealed, glazing retention method and system for use with a fire rated structurally glazed curtain wall. In one embodiment, a pressure plate is configured to be coupled to a building structure and positionable between an outer face of the fire rated glazing unit and an inner face of the glass unit. A plurality of retaining members can secure the pressure plate to the building structure. |
| US08567138B2 |
Securable cover apparatus for trade show booths
This invention relates to a security apparatus for trade show booths comprising a flexible cover section to enclose an opening in a booth structure and a means for securely fastening the edges of the cover section to an opening of a booth structure so as to provide a securable removable cover to deter individuals from stealing merchandise from a display booth or otherwise enclose the booth for privacy. In one embodiment, adjustable fasteners that are used to secure the vertical edges of the cover are provided in a manner that does not permit removal from outside of the cover when installed. Optional hangers are also used to hang the top edge of the cover to a support structure. Additionally, the cover may be provided with an adjustment belt to ensure that the cover remains taut on the support structure when locked in its fastened position. |
| US08567137B2 |
Pet door panel storm window
A pet door panel or module is configured to include a pocket window opening having an open side portion to permit a ventilation screen to be slid into the pocket on centrally located tracks to provide ventilation means, and to further permit dual panel storm window means to be slid into the pocket via tracks on either side of the centrally located track to enclose the screen between the window panes to prevent air from flowing through the window opening to protect from foul weather and insulate from cold outside temperatures. |
| US08567136B2 |
Rail mounting system for mounting skylights and the like to rib elevations of a raised rib metal panel roofing system
A rail mounting system is provided for mounting and supporting skylights and/or other structures to rib elevations of a metal panel roofing system. The rail mounting system includes first and second side rails which can be mounted to the rib elevations of the metal panel roof. Each side rail includes a riser, an upper flange extending from the riser, and a bottom shoulder structure extending from the riser. The bottom shoulder structure can be mounted to a rib elevation of the roofing system. The upper flange provides a top bearing surface for supporting one side of a skylight, or run of skylights, or other structures, which are supported from the roof by the rail mounting system. The rib elevations to which the side rails are mounted provide structural support for the skylight or skylights supported thereon for substantially the entire length of the skylight or skylights or other supported structure. |
| US08567125B2 |
Push-pull chain and actuator
A push-pull chain and actuator. The push-pull chain has lateral flexibility in two opposite directions. The actuator in which the chain is used can be mounted with either side of the chain up with substantially equally lateral flexing capacity. The push-pull chain bends sidewards in both opposing directions without being forced to assume a straight-line configuration. |
| US08567123B2 |
Water wick pot
A pot including a sump and water wick assembly for providing water to a plant supported within the pot is disclosed. The sump includes an inner diameter that corresponds to the inner diameter of the pot. The sump is disposed about an outer perimeter of the pot and includes the water wick that extends into the pot and soil supporting a plant. The pot assembly includes an edge with a curved surface to provide desired appearance that nests within corresponding features of a second identical pot to aid in stacking many example pots for shipment and display. |
| US08567121B2 |
Nutrient application forecasting system (NAFS) in particular for AFO/CAFO liquid manure applications
The invention relates to methods, using a computer and software system, for providing real time running forecasts during an agronomic period of a capacity for absorbing nutrients by a plurality of fields according to an agronomic standard, and/or for providing a running real time forecast for a plurality of fields of capacity for absorbing nutrients by current status versus agronomic limit of a targeted substance. |
| US08567120B2 |
Modular plant support structure
The present invention is a modular support for vine plants and tomato plants. It comprises a solid, cylindrical base with holes to accept posts and associate tier rings. A cover may also be provided to transform the base into a miniature hot house. Notches may be formed in the rim of the base to accommodate irrigation systems and stake ends may be provided for the posts to allow immediate securement of the posts to the ground rather than the base. The solid base contains water, mulch and other beneficial compounds for the plants and helps block the spread of weeds immediately around the plant. As the plant grows, additional tiers may be added to the support to increase its size. The parts are preferably made of a durable plastic so as to support larger plants and increase longevity of the support. |
| US08567119B2 |
Frame for floral foam
A support structure is configured to be pierced by stems of flowers to hold the flowers in place and to retain moisture. The support structure extends along a longitudinal path and has front and rear surfaces and two opposite side surfaces. A backplate overlies the support structure's rear surface. A frame overlies the support structure and is attached to the backplate to hold the support structure against the backplate. The frame includes longitudinal bands that extend along the longitudinal path along the support structure. The frame further includes cross bands that extend about the support structure's front and side surfaces in directions that are perpendicular to the longitudinal band. Each cross band crosses the longitudinal bands at crossing points at which the longitudinal band is perpendicular to and adjoined to and underlying the respective longitudinal band. |
| US08567117B2 |
Netless fiber mulch mats bound with bicomponent fibers
Natural fiber mulch mats are prepared from natural fibers, bicomponent fibers, and optionally other synthetic fibers, and consolidated at a temperature sufficient to melt a lower melting polymer of the polymers used to prepare the bicomponent fiber. The mulch mat may be prepared without conventional binders and without a polymer netting, yet exhibits good handling properties and superior water holding properties as compared to melting-containing products, without the drawbacks of the latter. |
| US08567114B1 |
Insect capture device and system
A device and method for capturing insect pests that rest or crawl on a surface, while keeping one's fingers away from the capture site. The capture device is a rectangular sheet that is coated on one side with a high-tack adhesive, and on the other side with a release coating so that the sheets can be provided in a stack. Using a handling tab, the capture sheet is inserted into grooves in a holder which is mounted at one end of a handle. Disposal of the entrapped insect can be accomplished by removing the sheet by hand or by holding the handle so that the capture sheet is vertical and letting it drop away from the holder. |
| US08567112B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling burrowing animals
In a method of controlling burrowing animals, a slurry of a natural soil component and water is generated. The slurry is pumped into a tunnel and den system dug by the burrowing animal until the tunnel and den system is filled by the slurry. An apparatus for controlling burrowing animals includes a first tank that contains water. A second tank contains a natural soil component. A water pump pumps water from the water tank into the second tank. A plurality of nozzles receives water from the water pump and sprays water from the water tank into the bottom portion of the second tank, so as to generate a slurry of a natural soil component and water. A slurry pump is configured to pump the slurry. A slurry hose is configured to delivery the slurry from the slurry pump into a tunnel and den system dug by a burrowing animal. |
| US08567111B2 |
Electric deterrent device
A deterrent device for delivering an electric shock to an animal, pest or bird to be deterred, having the typical components of a non-conductive base to which the electrically conductive elements are attached. Instead of the typically-used copper wire, however, the braided elements comprise smaller strands of a conductive material, such as copper, aluminum or stainless steel wire, is used and is mechanically attached to the non-conductive base. The braided elements can be mechanically attached using a simple sewing operation in which the braid is sewn to the base. Because of the mechanical attachment and the ability of the braided elements to flex in both contraction and extension, the device of this invention can be used in tight corners and other contorted locations without having the wires of the typical prior art device pull free of the base. |
| US08567110B2 |
Process for glass sealing of dye-sensitized solar cells
The presently disclosed subject matter describes a new sealing process of a specific type of photovoltaic cells named dye-sensitized solar cells. Currently, the sealing of these cells is made by means of a polymer, which connects the two electrode substrates made of glass, isolating the cell's inner content from the outside. The glass-based sealing method has the advantage of enhancing the cell's lifetime. However, glass sealing should not lead to the heating of the whole cell, which may cause its degradation. The process here unveiled employs a string of a glass precursor, a powder or a paste, that bounds the cell's entire external perimeter. The glass precursor string is then heated to its melting point with a laser beam, allowing the two substrates of the cell to stick together. |
| US08567104B1 |
Removable firing pin and safety for revolvers
A hammer is adapted to receive a removable firing pin and includes an axial bore for receiving the firing pin and a transverse bore for receiving pins to secure the firing pin within the axial bore. The transverse bore includes a slave pin section for receiving a slave pin configured to mate with an annular groove or machined notch in the firing pin and a screw pin section for receiving a screw pin to secure the slave pin and the firing pin. |
| US08567101B2 |
Sing-along greeting cards
An electronic greeting card containing a recordable audio module with a pre-recorded audio or music clip which allows a user to sing along with the pre-recorded audio or music clip and record it within the audio module in the card. The card also contains a preview function that allows a consumer to try the recording function before purchasing the greeting card. In preview mode, the recorded message is played back, simultaneously with the pre-recorded clip, only once and then erased. Once a consumer has purchased the card, the preview function can be disabled whereby the user-recorded sound clip is saved, and whereby the user-recorded sound clip is played back simultaneously with the pre-recorded sound clip. |
| US08567099B2 |
Device to dry catalyst roaster conveyor belt and method of using same
A system and process for removing an inorganic salt from a catalyst roaster belt is disclosed. The system includes an apparatus with a drying vessel having a catalyst roaster belt inlet, a catalyst roaster belt outlet, a heating medium inlet, and a heating medium outlet, wherein the catalyst roaster belt inlet and the catalyst roaster belt outlet are spaced apart along a first direction, the heating medium inlet and the heating medium outlet are spaced apart along a second direction, the heating medium inlet is spaced apart from the catalyst roaster belt inlet in the second direction, and the catalyst roaster belt inlet is between the heating medium inlet and the heating medium outlet along the second direction. The system includes an acid bath and a moveable catalyst roaster belt extending from the acid bath through the catalyst roaster belt inlet and through the catalyst roaster belt outlet. The process includes the steps of providing a catalyst roaster belt with an inorganic salt disposed thereon and supplying a heating medium to a first side of the catalyst roaster belt such that heat from the heating medium flows through the catalyst roaster belt to a second side of the catalyst roaster belt to vaporize the inorganic salt. |
| US08567097B2 |
Shoe sole
A sole adapted to provide improved leverage during the toe-off stage of gait comprises elongate elements (2a-e) along the horizontal surface of the sole. The elongate elements (2a-e) are adapted to tauten in response to longitudinal forces on the sole, increasing the rigidity of the midsection of the sole and providing effective propulsive assistance to the athlete. |
| US08567090B2 |
Method of, and apparatus for, treating the waste air from heated laundry machines
Humid waste air is produced in heated laundry machines. This humid waste air has a still relatively high temperature. In order for the energy contained in the humid waste air to be recovered, at least in part, the humid waste air is directed through a heat exchanger (12). Condensate is produced in the heat exchanger (12), and it has proven difficult, in the case of known heat exchangers (12), for this condensate to be directed away. Moreover, the humid waste air contains accompanying substances, for example fluff from the treated laundry. These accompanying substances are deposited in known heat exchangers (12), which adversely affect the efficiency of the heat exchanger (12) over time. The invention makes provision for the heat exchanger (12) to be equipped with upright heat-exchanger plates (13), from which the condensate can run off. The condensate can then be discharged in a specific manner out of the heat exchanger (12). The invention further provides for the accompanying substances to be separated from the humid waste air at least in part in the heat exchanger (12) and to be directed away together with the condensate. It is thus no longer possible for the accompanying substances to settle in the heat exchanger (12) and adversely affect its effectiveness. |
| US08567082B2 |
Slew bearing system
A method of monitoring wear of a slew bearing system includes steps of assembling a slew bearing system having a first bearing ring and a second bearing ring concentrically positioned relative to each other forming at least upper and lower raceways, a plurality of bearing rollers positioned in each raceway between the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring, and an index system having a first reference connected with the first bearing ring and positioned relative to a second reference on the second bearing ring to provide a measurable distance between the first reference and the second reference, where the measurable distance changes with wear of the slew bearing system; and monitoring a change in the measurable distance between the first reference and the second reference to monitor wear of the slew bearing system. |
| US08567079B2 |
Construction layout tool with line guide
A layout tool is provided with markings (508) and an anchor post (502) for anchoring a layout line, such as a chalk line, in relation to a piece of construction material. The tool (500) includes a chalk line guide assembly (510) comprising a mounting plate (514) which carries a chalk line guide post (512) and a securing mechanism (516) for securing the chalk line guide post (512) and plate (514) at a desired position along an arcuated groove (506) formed in the surface (504). A worker can secure the tool (500) to a work piece and attach a layout line to the anchor post (502). Thereafter, the worker can disengage the securing mechanism (516) to allow movement of the chalk line guide post (512) and plate (514) to a desired position in the slot (506) corresponding to a desired angular orientation of the layout line. |
| US08567078B2 |
Rotary construction laser
A laser instrument is disclosed. The laser instrument having a laser unit, a drive device for tilting the laser unit, and a damper device between the drive device and the laser unit. |
| US08567077B2 |
Laser tracker system and technique for antenna boresight alignment
A system and processes for aligning an antenna boresight from a position which is internal to a structure on which the antenna is mounted is described. The system includes a laser tracking system and a plurality of targets disposed on a surface of the antenna. |
| US08567062B2 |
Method for assembling an electromagnetic gas valve, and electromagnetic gas valve
A method of assembling an electromagnetic gas valve having a first body, a second body, a unit comprising a valve disc and stem assembly coupled to a moveable insulating structure having a projecting member, an electromagnet assembly comprising a magnet fixed within the second body and a coil wound on a moving part with a cavity adapted to receive the projecting member, the first body having a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a through hole disposed between the gas inlet and outlet. In one implementation the insulating structure is coupled to the electromagnetic assembly by introducing a fluid under pressure into the gas outlet or gas inlet to act upon the unit to cause the projecting member to move in a direction towards the inside of the second body and into the cavity of the moving part of the electromagnet assembly. |
| US08567054B2 |
ACF attachment device and ACF attachment method
An ACF attachment method includes supplying an electronic component from a component supply unit, suctioning the electronic component, simultaneously attaching a first ACF to a first terminal surface of the electronic component and a second ACF to a second terminal surface of the electronic component, and providing an ACF attachment device which includes two ACF attachment units for attaching the first ACF and the second ACF. The first terminal surface is disposed on a first edge portion of the electronic component and the second terminal surface is disposed on a second edge portion of the electronic component. The two ACF units are positioned according to a space between the first terminal surface and the second terminal surface of the electronic component, and attaching the first and second ACFs is performed using the two ACF attachment units. |
| US08567049B2 |
Method for interconnecting electrical device to a module
An electrical assembly (300, 400) includes a power IC such as a MOSFET (112, 412) attached to a substrate module (114, 214). The MOSFET includes a top surface comprising first and second conductive device surfaces (A, B), associated with first and second device ports, and a bottom surface comprising a third conductive device surface C associated with a third device port. A first foil element is bonded to the first conductive device surface(s) A and to each of the first conductive substrate surfaces (A1, A2) and provides a continuous conductive pathway from each conductive surface (A) to each other conductive surface (A) and to each conductive surface (A1, A2). A second foil element is bonded to the second conductive device surface(s) B and to the second conductive substrate surface B1 and provides a continuous conductive pathway from each device conductive surface (B) to the substrate conductive surface (B1). A third foil element may be installed to electrically interconnect the discrete second device surfaces (B). The foil elements reduce interconnection parasitics and reduce charge and thermal energy density at device conductive surfaces as compared to wire bonded electrical interconnections. The foil elements may be comprised of formed metal elements that are flexible but sufficiently rigid to hold a formed shape or flexible foils supported on a flexible dielectric substrate. |
| US08567047B1 |
Device for installing wiring, electrical box, ad receptacle or switch simultaneously
A machine for installing electrical box, wiring, and receptacles or switch simultaneously and a process that allows electricians to perform all 3 tasks at one time without the need to return to install receptacles or switch after wallboard is installed comprises: Housing with built-in laser guide and attached magnetic spacers for metal studs or wooden studs that allow for correct alignment of receptacle or switch for applicable wallboard thickness used. |
| US08567046B2 |
Methods for making magnetic components
A method for making a magnetic component is provided. The method comprises providing a core with one or more ridges protruding from one or more surfaces of the core, depositing one or more electrically conductive materials on the core, and removing at least a portion of the one or more ridges to form one or more continuous conductors wound around the core. Each of the one or more continuous conductors defines at least one insulating gap. Further, a magnetic component and methods for making the magnetic component are also presented. |
| US08567042B2 |
Method of assembling and operating a submersible pump motor
A submersible well pump motor has features to prevent the carrier bearing from sliding axially along the stator due to thermal growth of the rotor. The rotor has a shaft and rotor sections spaced apart from each other. Carrier bearings are located between the rotor sections, each having an anti-rotation member that frictionally engages the inner diameter of the stator to prevent spinning of the carrier bearing. A deflectable thrust washer may be located between ends of the carrier bearing and the rotor sections. The thrust washer reduces in thickness in response to an axial thermal growth force due to axial thermal growth movement of the rotor sections and shaft. The thermal growth force is less than an amount of dislodging force required to cause the anti-rotation member to axially move relative to the stator. Rather than deflectable thrust washers, sacrificial thrust washers that dissolve prior to normal operation may be used. |
| US08567038B2 |
Apparatus and method for transporting vertical axis wind turbine
The invention relates to a vertical axis wind turbine, and in particular to an apparatus and method for transporting the vertical axis wind turbine. The method for transporting the vertical axis wind turbine, including the steps of: employing an apparatus to be a box or frame; situating a generator horizontally in the apparatus; fixing an upper flange and lower flange to a vertical shaft; fixing the base of the generator on the corresponding surface of the apparatus through holes at the base of the generator; and supporting the other end of the vertical shaft by a supporting object. |
| US08567036B2 |
Method for assembling lens module
A method for assembling a lens module is provided. The lens module includes a lens barrel, a lens holder, a lens and a filter. The lens barrel includes a first portion and a second portion. The method for assembling the lens module includes the steps of; providing a tray which defines a plurality of perforations, each of which is for accommodating the lens barrel; spreading glue on the second portion, and affixing the filter on the second portion by means of glue; solidifying the glue; cleaning the inside of the lens barrel after the filter is mounted on the second portion; cutting the filter into a plurality of filter portions whose shape matches the shape of the second portion; and placing the lens holder with the lens into the lens barrel complete with a filter portion after the lens barrel has been cleaned. |
| US08567034B2 |
Method for the permanent connection of workpieces, pressing tool, and attachment for a pressing tool
The invention relates to a compression tool (2) for the permanent connection of workpieces (14, 16, 18, 30, 34) having two pivot elements (4), which each have a compression jaw (10), and having at least one rotational axis (6), on which the pivot elements (4) are hinged, wherein the inner contours of the opposing compression jaws (10) form a receiving area (12). The present invention is based on the technical problem of disclosing an alternative compression tool (2), with which a permanent connection can be provided between workpieces (14, 16, 18, 30, 34) by axial compression. The technical problem is solved in that the inner contours have at least one sliding face (22), which is inclined relative to the receiving area axis (20). A compression tool (2) can thus be provided which, starting from a radial inward movement, performs a compression in the axial direction, nonetheless requires little installation space, and offers weight advantages due to a smaller axial extension, for example. Furthermore, the invention relates to an attachment for a compression tool (2) and to a method for the permanent connection of workpieces using a compression tool. |
| US08567032B2 |
Method for joining metal and plastic workpieces
The present invention relates to a method for connecting a metal workpiece and a plastic workpiece by means of a joining tool, including positioning the metal workpiece and the plastic workpiece, bringing the front end of the pin, the sleeve and the clamping ring in contact with an outer surface of the metal workpiece, rotating the sleeve and the pin so as to generate friction between the front ends of the sleeve and the pin and the outer surface of the metal workpiece, and moving the pin and the sleeve in the axial direction while both are rotated, one of the sleeve and the pin penetrating into the metal workpiece and the other of the sleeve and the pin being retracted from the outer surface thereof. The axial movement into the metal workpiece is stopped before the one of the sleeve and the pin reaches the contact surface and after stopping the axial movement the one of the sleeve and the pin is retracted from the metal workpiece and the other is moved towards the outer surface of the metal surface until the front ends of the pin and the sleeve are on the same level. |
| US08567028B2 |
Injector sleeve removal device and method of use
An injector sleeve removal device including a tapered portion and a ridge. The a tapered portion having a first diameter and a second diameter. The first diameter is relatively smaller than an opening of an injector sleeve and the second diameter is relatively greater than the opening. The ridge is disposed helically about the tapered portion. The ridge is configured to cut into an inner surface of the injector sleeve and draw the tapered portion into the injector sleeve in response to rotation of the sleeve removal device. |
| US08567024B2 |
Device and method for producing a UD layer
Method and device for producing a unidirectional (UD) layer with a predetermined layer width from a predetermined number of filament strands. The method includes spreading the filament strands out transversely to a longitudinal direction of the UD layer to form bands that are arranged next to one another. A first width of the bands is greater than a dividing width, which corresponds to the predetermined layer width divided by the predetermined number of filament strands. |
| US08567019B2 |
Semi-automatic slider
A semi-automatic slider assembly having a slider body, a lock pin, and a pull tab. When the pull tab is in a first orientation, the lock pin engages with elements of the tape and the slider assembly is in a locked configuration that prevents the slider assembly from moving along the tape. When the pull tab is in a second orientation, the lock pin does not engage with the elements of the tape and the slider assembly is in an unlocked configuration so that the assembly is permitted to move along the tape. The slider body has a recess for receiving a portion of the lock pin, and the lock pin has an opening that reduces interference when the pull tab is in the second orientation. |
| US08567016B2 |
Splice tube with wedge retaining caps
A splice tube includes a body, first and second wedge assemblies, first and second plugs, and a securing member that secures at least one of the first and second plugs to the body. The body defines first and second passageways that extend through the body. Each passageway of the body has a first end and a second end. The first and second wedge assemblies each have a passageway. At least a portion of the first and second wedge assemblies are positioned within the first and second passageways, respectively. The first and second plugs are at least partially positioned within the passageway of the first and second wedge assemblies, respectively. |
| US08567012B2 |
Automotive door check with energy storage body
A door check apparatus for an automobile comprises a unitary check body containing a pair of compliant leaves and a guidance arrangement which is adapted to be rigidly mounted to a vehicle door. It also comprises a check arm containing cam surfaces and detent features which is pivotally connected to a vehicle body structure and is configured to slideably interface with the guidance arrangement of the unitary check body. The unitary check body is manufactured from a resilient material so that the compliant leaves are capable of storing and releasing energy in response to the movement of the cam surfaces and detent features of the check arm relative to the guidance arrangement. Rotary motion of the vehicle door relative to the vehicle body structure is checked with predetermined forces generated from the energy stored and released by the compliant leaves at positions determined by the relationship between the detent features of the check arm relative to the guidance arrangement of the unitary check body. |
| US08567011B2 |
Door closing mechanism
The present invention relates to an actuator (1), comprising an output member (6); a resilient element (8) connected to said output member (6) so as to urge it in a first direction; and an hydraulic rotation damper (5) with a closed cylinder cavity, a rotational damper shaft which extends into the cylinder cavity, and a piston dividing the cylinder cavity into a first side and a second side. Within the rotation damper (5), the rotational movement of the damper shaft is converted into a translational movement of the piston along a longitudinal axis of the shaft. A restricted fluid passage communicates said first and second sides. The damper shaft is connected over a gearing (10, 15, 17) to the output member (6) and resilient element (8) of the actuator for damping movement of said output member (6) in said first direction.The present invention relates to both rotational and linear actuators as well as to a closing mechanisms for hinged members, such as doors, gates, or windows, comprising such actuators. |
| US08567007B2 |
Air flow sensing unit and cleaning apparatus having the same
An air flow sensing unit, which may sense an amount of air flowing or an pressure for air flown into the cleaning apparatus by a suction motor or an impeller and inform a user of a time for emptying a dirt collecting receptacle of dust or dirt and/or a time for cleaning or replacing a filter with a new one, and a cleaning apparatus having the same are provided. The unit may include an air flow pipe to fluidly communicate an air flow passage of a cleaning apparatus with the outside, and an indicator positioned in the air flow pipe to be lifted based on a change in amount of air flowing or air pressure generated by air movement in the air flow passage and to be lowered due to a weight thereof. |
| US08567005B2 |
Construction technique for a domestic appliance such as a surface cleaning apparatus
A domestic appliance, such as a surface cleaning apparatus, comprises a fluid flow path including a dirt inlet and a clean air outlet with a suction motor and a treatment member provided in the fluid flow path. A first part of the surface cleaning apparatus has an opening and a second part of the surface cleaning apparatus has a key receiving portion. A key is insertable into the opening and the key receiving portion. The first part and the second part are secured together when the key is inserted. |
| US08567001B2 |
Vehicle windshield wiper motor having multiple attachment points, and mounting structure for said motor
A vehicle windshield wiper motor including an output shaft and an attachment device for attaching a mounting structure onto a tube, the attachment device including an attachment base and a plate. The base includes at least five attachment members for attaching parallel rods therebetween, three attachment members forming a first group being spaced around the output shaft of the motor, and two attachment members forming a second group being placed at a sufficient distance from at least one of the three attachment members of the first group to form a cavity capable of holding the tube, the cavity being closable by the plate. A mounting structure can mount such a windshield wiper motor. |
| US08566998B2 |
Absorbent structures with integrated contact elements
A device comprising an absorbent structure and one or more resilient contact elements integrated into the absorbent structure is disclosed. The absorbent structure is preferably a sponge or foam structure and the resilient contact elements are squeegees, nodules, or combinations thereof. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the resilient contact elements include anchor features that are embedded within the absorbent stricture. |
| US08566997B2 |
Self draining mop system
The mop has a hollow pole (1) the center of which has a piston (3) which is activated from the outside with a movable grip (6), so that said piston (3) may reduce the elevation of a pressure chamber (4) established in the lower area of the pole (1), which communicates directly with a push cylinder (10) with a larger diameter, which reinforces said pole at the bottom and in the center of which works a push plunger (13) which supports the head (24) the mop cloth (25), also actuating said push plunger (13) on a pair of side cams (16) which when resting adjust on the exterior to the push cylinder (12) but that in the initial downward movement phase of the plunger (13) they tilt outward locking into a perimeter tab (18) of the wringer opening (19) also part of the opening of the bucket that holds the water, so that the tendency of the pole (1) reversing during the wringing phase is eliminated by locking said pole (1) to the wringer (19) using the mentioned tab (18) of the latter. The manual effort needed to wring the mop cloth (25) is therefore drastically reduced. |
| US08566986B1 |
Multi-functional pillow device
A multi-functional pillow device is disclosed. The multi-functional pillow device comprises a main body, two side bodies and a control unit. The main body has a through hole for face down sleep, a matching element for fitting with the through hole, and a circuit board inside the main body for connecting to a vibration unit and a rotation unit. Each of the side bodies is connected to the rotation unit and has a speaker connected to the circuit board, wherein the side bodies are adjusted to a vertical position or a horizontal position by the rotation unit. The control unit is disposed at the external of the main body and is connected to the circuit board for setting and controlling the vibration unit and the rotation unit, and for inputing audio data into the circuit board for playing from the speakers. |
| US08566984B2 |
Multi-position support apparatus featuring a movable foot support
Apparatus for supporting a user in a resting position characterized in that it includes a processor programmed to cause a foot support to be in a feet-engaging position, engaging the bottom surface of the user's feet, when a tiltable frame assembly is in a resting position, and to maintain the feet-engaging position while the tiltable frame assembly is moving towards a vertical position, to thereby prevent sliding of the user's body when the tiltable frame assembly is tilted. |
| US08566983B2 |
Bed covering
An improved bed covering comprising a generally rectangular cover piece and an elastic member attached to the bottom side of the cover piece near the bottom of the bed. The member comprising an adjusting means and having sufficient length to extend under a mattress such that the member is not visible while the covering is positioned on the bed. |
| US08566981B2 |
Bed in a box and method
A bed in a box is provided. The bed in a box comprises a plurality of components and a box. The plurality of components includes a headboard, a footboard, at least two first segments, at least one first connector for joining the at least two first segments end to end to form a first side rail, at least two second segments, at least one second connector for joining the at least two second segments end to end to form a second side rail, and a mattress support system. The plurality of components are disposed in the box. One or more of the at least two first segments is in a position other than end to end with another of the at least two first segments. One or more of the at least two second segments is in a position other than end to end with another of the at least two second segments. A bed frame and method for packing a bed in a box are also provided. |
| US08566976B2 |
Adjustable drain assembly
An adjustable drain assembly is provided. The assembly includes a base that has a concave inner pivoting surface and a top surface. An upper member is present and has a bottom surface located above the top surface. The upper member may have a concave inner pivoting surface. A pivot component may be present and have a convex outer pivoting surface that engages the concave inner pivoting surface of the base and upper member. The pivot component may be configured for engagement with a cover member. The base may have a pipe engagement surface for engagement with a pipe that is located completely below the pivot component. |
| US08566973B2 |
System, apparatus, and kit for washing pets
A pet wash kit enables a user to outfit a shower head for washing pets adjacent the shower head. The pet-washing kit and/or apparatus comprises a head-to-funnel interface device, a funnel structure, and a length of conduit. The interface device comprises conduit-engaging and head-engaging portions for respectively receiving adjacent portions of a shower head assembly. The funnel structure has a water inlet, a water outlet, and structure for engaging the interfacing device for removably attaching the funnel structure to the shower head assembly. The length of conduit is attachable to the water outlet and extendable therefrom. The funnel structure receives water from the shower head assembly, and the length of conduit directs water away from the funnel structure for enabling a user to selectively discharge water via an optionally nozzled end of the conduit for washing a pet. |
| US08566970B2 |
Hydraulic atuator device for raising and lowering a seat and lid
Improvements to a hydraulic drive device for raising and lowering the lid and seat of toilettes, characterized by a left and right modules comprising a casing with a central transverse shaft whose ends protrude, each said casing is divided into three recesses; the left shaft end is attached to the lid and the right shaft end to the seat, the opposite end of each shaft being fixed to a drive plate of three flaps, one of each flap housed in each recess of the casing, with each recess also housing a cylindrical diaphragm, which when filled with water press simultaneously against the flaps to cause a partial rotation of the shafts, to raise or lower the lid and seat together or separately by rotary displacement; said diaphragms are fed through a check valve that allows the passage of feed water to fill the diaphragms and to discharge the water from the diaphragms through a duct into the toilet tank when the toilet flush button is actuated; the left and right floor actuation valves are connected to a general water distributor element connected to the water supply duct. |
| US08566968B2 |
Helmet with columnar cushioning
Presently disclosed is a protective helmet, which may include a shell defining a shell exterior and a shell interior, and being configured to receive a wearer's head and extend to protectively cover the head circumferentially and vertically over the top of a wearer's skull; a first cushioning member disposed within the shell interior and configured for cushioning the skull; and a plurality of columnar cushioning members configured for supporting the shell on the skull and being configured for bending to allow rotational movement of the shell with respect to the skull, the columnar cushioning members having inner surfaces disposed further inwardly with respect to the shell than the first cushioning member surface to position the columnar member inner surfaces for resting against the skull and leaving a space between the first cushioning member inner surfaces and the skull. |
| US08566967B2 |
Helmet with neck roll
A helmet includes an outer shell, a liner and a neck roll. The neck roll is configured to absorb impact between the helmet and a wearer's head/neck when the wearer's head is forced rearward. The neck roll can be positioned adjacent a lower rim of the liner and can include one or more deformable impact absorption compartments to absorb the impact between the helmet and the wearer's head/neck. The impact absorption compartments can be formed by a base, two generally upwardly extending walls and one or more generally upwardly extending support members extending between the upwardly extending walls. The impact absorption characteristics of the compartments can be varied to provide a desired level of impact absorption. |
| US08572756B2 |
Captcha method and system
A CAPTCHA method executed by a CAPTCHA system is provided, comprising: receiving a CAPTCHA request comprising category information of an application service from an application server; responding to the application server with a token identifying the CAPTCHA request and a CAPTCHA image comprising a distorted advertisement word associated to the category information and a series of randomly generated and distorted characters, both the advertisement word and the characters being a CAPTCHA text intended to be typed by a user via a user equipment connected to the application server; receiving from the application server the token and a CAPTCHA answer submitted from the user equipment by the user; and verifying the token and the answer and returning to the application server a result of the verification. This provides an improved CAPTCHA system and method with better advertising effects and security. |
| US08572754B2 |
System and method for facilitating unlocking a device connected locally to a client
Systems and methods for facilitating unlocking a device connected locally to a client, utilizing a server located remotely from the client and the device, are provided in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. In one aspect, a system includes a proxy configured to receive, at the client, at least one string descriptor request from the server over a network, where the at least one string descriptor request is associated with switching an interface of the device from a first interface type to a second interface type. The system further includes a stub driver configured to receive the at least one string descriptor request from the proxy, and to direct the at least one string descriptor request to the device. |
| US08572751B2 |
Method, system, and program product for preventing unauthorized changes to an electronic document
The present invention provides a method, system, and program product for preventing unauthorized changes to an electronic document (or a portion thereof). Specifically, under the present invention, an electronic document having a user interface control (UIC) is obtained. It is then determined whether a portion of the electronic document for which the user interaction is being attempted is protected by examining at least one of: a signature status of data associated with the UIC, or an archival status of the UIC. Based on this determination, the user interaction will be denied if it affects at least one of: the data, or a presentation property that affects an interpretation of the data is prevented. A notice indicating the denial of the user interaction can then be communicated to a user/party attempting the user interaction. |
| US08572749B2 |
Information security control self assessment
Apparatuses, computer readable media, methods, and systems are described for identifying risk assessment queries for assessing risk of a process, providing the identified risk assessment queries to a client device for presentation, receiving response data from the client device comprising responses to the risk assessment queries, determining response values for at least some of the risk assessment queries based on the received response data, and calculating a process risk metric based on the determined response values. |
| US08572748B2 |
Label-based taint analysis
A computer-implemented method and apparatus, adapted to receive a computer program, and dynamically analyze the computer program to determine flow of untrusted data with respect to a computer resource associated with the computer program. Based on the flow of untrusted data, the method and apparatus determine an abstraction of the computerized resource, and performing static analysis of the computer program with respect to the abstraction, wherein the static analysis is for identifying whether the computer program is susceptible to one or more possible security vulnerabilities. |
| US08572747B2 |
Policy-driven detection and verification of methods such as sanitizers and validators
A method includes performing a static analysis on a program having sources and sinks to track string flow from the sources to the sinks. The static analysis includes, for string variables in the program that begin at sources, computing grammar of all possible string values for each of the string variables and, for methods in the program operating on any of the string variables, computing grammar of string variables returned by the methods. The static analysis also includes, in response to one of the string variables reaching a sink that performs a security-sensitive operation, comparing current grammar of the one string variable with a policy corresponding to the security-sensitive operation, and performing a reporting operation based on the comparing. Apparatus and computer program products are also disclosed. |
| US08572742B1 |
Detecting and repairing master boot record infections
Security is provided for a client by replacing a volume boot module adapted to execute during a boot process of the client with a repair module. The client is booted to start the boot process and to execute a master boot module. The repair module is executed in place of the volume boot module. The repair module determines whether the master boot module is infected with malware. If the master boot module is infected, the repair module repairs the malware infection by disabling and/or removing the malware. |
| US08572740B2 |
Method and system for detection of previously unknown malware
A system, method and computer program product for detection of the previously unknown malware, the method comprising: (a) receiving event information and file metadata from a remote computer; (b) identifying whether the event information or the file metadata are indicative of the already known malware presence, indicative of the unknown malware presence, or indicative of malware absence; (c) if the event information or the file metadata are indicative of the known malware or indicative of malware absence, filtering out the event information and the file metadata; (d) performing a risk analysis and risk assessment for the remaining event information and the remaining file metadata to determine if the event and the file metadata are indicative of the previously unknown malware presence; and (e) where performing a risk analysis and risk assessment includes a “parent-child” hierarchy of the files, and the risk assessed to the parent is based on the risk associated with the child. |
| US08572739B1 |
Detection of malicious modules injected on legitimate processes
A computer includes modules that provide a shared library of functions callable by processes or other modules. A malicious module in the computer may be identified by enumerating modules needed by a process to operate. Modules currently loaded in the memory of the computer are also enumerated. A suspect or suspicious module may be identified as currently being loaded in the memory of the computer but not needed by a process to operate. The suspicious module may be deemed malicious (i.e., having malicious code, such as a computer virus) if the suspicious module does not export or provide a function for sharing to be called by other modules or process. |
| US08572735B2 |
Attack resistant continuous network service trustworthiness controller
An attack resistant continuous network service trustworthiness controller comprising: state estimation module(s), response selection module(s), actuation module(s), and client dispatcher communication module(s) for maintaining the availability and integrity of online server(s). The state estimation module(s) are configured to generate state estimate(s) for online server(s) using behavior data obtained using sensor module(s). The response selection module(s) are configured to determine corrective action(s) to maintain the availability and integrity of online server(s) when state estimate(s) indicate that the integrity of an online server(s) is compromised. The actuation module(s) are configured to activate actuator(s) based upon the corrective action(s). Client dispatcher communication module(s) are configured to communicate online server availability information to a client dispatcher. |
| US08572722B2 |
Failure recognition
A system and method for failure recognition is disclosed. The technology initially establishes a security association (SA) between a client and a first server on a network. In addition, an active reference count of a number of connections in the SA between the client and the first server is maintained. The SA is evaluated when the active reference count returns less than two connections within the SA between the client and the first server. |
| US08572720B1 |
System, method, and device for communicating and storing and delivering data
A system, method, and device optionally includes a server that is isolated from open networks which assigns secure random socket connections, e.g., communication ports that have randomly selected addresses that are hidden from accessing devices. Optionally, the secure random socket connections are dynamically assigned, i.e., the secure random socket connections are closed and opened with each command to access data secured by the server. |
| US08572718B2 |
Method, device, and computer program product for differentiated treatment of emails based on network classification
Method, device, and computer program product are provided for differentiated treatment of incoming and outgoing emails based on a network server. A server receives a query from a gateway, and the query includes information about an email received by the gateway. The server obtains rules for processing the email of the query. The server determines an identity for the email based on the rules for processing the email. The server transmits the identity to the gateway to cause the gateway to send the email having the identity to a post office server. The email having the identity is configured to cause the post office server to process the email based on the identity. |
| US08572711B1 |
Real identity verification
A system for in-person identity verification comprises a computing device, an identity broker, a verifier system and a network. The user computing device sends a request for identity verification to the identity broker and it responds with a verification ticket including a unique identification number. The user presents the ticket to a clerk using the verifier system. The clerk inputs the unique identification number to the verifier system, the verifier system sends it to the identity broker and the identity broker sends user information that the verifier system presents to the clerk. The clerk compares the information to a photo government ID of the user and inputs whether the information presented by the user matches the information presented by the verifier, and whether the person is the person in the photo ID. Based on the clerk's input, the identity broker sends to the user computing device a message indicating whether the verification was confirmed or declined. |
| US08572709B2 |
Method for managing shared accounts in an identity management system
This disclosure describes a method of and system for provisioning of shared account credentials to provide authorized access to shared or delegated accounts. Preferably, an enterprise single sign-on (E-SSO) system is used to manage the shared account or control delegation of account access, and preferably the shared or delegated account credential is not exposed to the end user. The described technique enables temporary delegation of account privileges to a member of a shared role. Using the described approach, an information technology (IT) account may be shared so that a user who needs to perform a shared duty can do so in the context of a shared role and without having control over the account itself. The approach facilitates delegating the use of a single account to one of a member of the shared role. |
| US08572703B2 |
System and method for authenticating a user of an image processing system
A system and method for authenticating a user of an image processing system. User credentials are received at an authentication device corresponding to an image processing device, and transmitted to a first server remote from the authentication device. The validity of the user credentials are judged by comparing the received user credentials to authentication information stored at the first server, and a result of the judging is transmitted to the image processing device. The image processing device then requests access to a second server remote from the image processing device, and the second server transmits a request for the user credentials to the first server. After receiving the user credentials from the first server, the second server performs user authentication. |
| US08572702B2 |
Server and method for password recovery
An exemplary password recovery method is applied on a server. The server is connected to one user terminal. The server stores email addresses and email boxes associated with the corresponding email address. Each email box includes emails sent to each corresponding email address. Each email may be a registration email that includes a website and a username. The method receives a password recovery request for a submitted email address of a user, and determines whether there is a registration email in the email box. If yes, the method obtains the website and the username. The method then controls the user terminal to display the prompt information corresponding to the obtained website. Further, the method receives the input username, and determines whether the input username matches the obtained username. If yes, the method generates a new email password, and controls the user terminal to display the new email password. |
| US08572701B2 |
Authenticating via mobile device
A first server device is configured to receive an authentication request from a second server device; add the authentication request to a queue associated with a user; and provide a representation of the queue to a mobile device of the user. The representation of the queue includes an entry for the authentication request. The first server device is further configured to receive, from the mobile device, authentication information, provided by the user, for the authentication request; determine that authentication, of the user, for the authentication request is successful based on the authentication information; generate an authentication response that indicates that the authentication, of the user, for the authentication request is successful; and transmit, by the first server device, the authentication response to the second server device. |
| US08572700B2 |
Method and system for exchanging setup configuration protocol information in beacon frames in a WLAN
Certain aspects of a method for enabling exchange of information in a secure communication system may comprise configuring at least one 802.11 client station via authentication enablement information comprising data that specifies a time period during which configuration is allowed. The data that specifies a time period during which configuration is allowed may comprise a configuration window open field, which indicates a period when a configuration setup window is open. At least one client station may be configured via the authentication enablement information comprising recently configured data, which indicates whether at least one configurator has configured at least one other client station within the time period during which the configuration is allowed. |
| US08572698B1 |
Connecting a legacy wireless device to a WPS-enabled access point
A direct connection mechanism can be implemented for legacy wireless network devices to securely connect to a WPS-enabled access point. A legacy wireless network device can connect to the WPS-enabled access point and can provide a PIN of the WPS-enabled access point and a predefined keyword that indicates that the wireless network device is not a WPS-enabled wireless network device. In response to determining that the wireless network device is not a WPS-enabled wireless network device, the WPS-enabled access point can switch from a WPS authentication mechanism to a legacy authentication mechanism compliant with legacy wireless network devices. Such a direct connection mechanism enables legacy wireless network devices to connect to the WPS-enabled access point using the same connection model as would a WPS-enabled wireless network device (without a user having to manually configure underlying protocols and without changing implementation of the legacy wireless network device). |
| US08572696B1 |
Contextual data aided security protection
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing contextual data aided security protection. In one aspect, a method includes automatically parsing an electronic message associated with a user that includes location information, and extracting the location information from the electronic message. The location information can be added to a database (e.g., white list) associated with the user. The location information in the database can be used to authenticate the user's request for access to electronic mail. |
| US08572694B2 |
Integrated security roles
An approach to handling integrated security roles is presented. An upstream application includes one or more role-mapping requirements that correspond to an upstream security role and a downstream security role. The upstream security role is expanded by adding an upstream security role identifier in a downstream application's role-mapping table or by adding upstream user-to-role mappings to a downstream application's role-mapping table. When an upstream security role is expanded, a user assigned to the upstream security role automatically has access to role-mapped downstream applications. |
| US08572693B2 |
Reception apparatus
A reception apparatus of the present invention is provided with a reception unit 301 for receiving a stream including a data signal, a display unit 305 for displaying based on the stream received by the reception unit 301, an authentication process unit 302 for authenticating a sender of the stream received by the reception unit 301, a signal separating unit 303 for separating the data signal from the stream received by the reception unit 301, and a control unit 310 for controlling so as to prohibit the screen unit 305 from displaying a screen based on the data signal separated by the signal separating unit 303 during authentication of the stream by the authentication process unit 302. Thereby, the reception apparatus appropriately plays contents without inflicting a disadvantage or stress on a user. |
| US08572690B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing session validation to access confidential resources
According to one embodiment, an apparatus may receive a first token indicating that access to a resource has been requested by a device. The first token may further indicate that the resource is a confidential resource. The apparatus may determine that a plurality of tokens includes a second token and generate a session token based at least in part upon the first token and the second token in response to the determination that the plurality of tokens includes the second token. The apparatus may receive a third token indicating an event affecting the risk associated with granting access to the resource and determine, based at least in part upon the at least one token-based rule, that access to the resource should be terminated in response to receiving the third token. The apparatus may then terminate the session token in response to the determination that access to the resource should be terminated. |
| US08572685B2 |
Consolidated data services apparatus and method
An apparatus for consolidated data services comprising a plurality of devices, a plurality of data services and a content application programming interface (API). A user API provides user identification for each of the plurality of devices using one or more of a plurality of user API methods. A feedback API configured to receive data from each of the plurality of devices that identifies media content that was delivered to the plurality of devices using one or more of a plurality of feedback API methods. A device API configured to provide a client system to one or more of the plurality of devices using one or more of a plurality of device API methods. A web service consolidator coupled to the content API, the user API, the feedback API, the device API, the update API, a plurality of data services and the plurality of devices through the communications media. |
| US08572684B1 |
Authentication using one-time passwords and associated indicia for plural sequences
Methods, apparatus, and systems for using multiple one-time passwords (OTPs) to authenticate a user to access goods or services provided by a single service provider. An electronic computing device associated with the user may include multiple OTP generators for generating multiple OTPs, where each OTP is associated with an OTP identifier that uniquely identifies the OTP from other OTPs. The electronic computing device sends OTP information including the generated OTP and OTP identifier to an authentication server which determines whether a stored OTP corresponding to the received OTP identifier matches the received OTP and, if there is a match, authenticates the user to access goods or services from a single service provider. |
| US08572680B2 |
White listing DNS top-talkers
Systems and methods for creating a list of trustworthy resolvers in a domain name system. A computer receives a resolver profile for a resolver sending queries to a domain name server. The resolver profile is based on any, or a combination, of a top-talker status of the resolver, a normalcy of distribution of domain names queried, a continuity of distribution of query type, and a RD bit status, and information related to query traffic based on the topology of the domain name server. Resolver profiles can be compared to a trust policy to determine whether the resolver is trustworthy. Resolvers deemed trustworthy can be added to a list of trustworthy resolvers. Embodiments can detect the occurrence of a network-based attack. Embodiments can mitigate the effect of a network-based attack by responding only to queries from resolvers on the list of trustworthy resolvers. |
| US08572677B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for enabling reconfiguration of services supported by a network of devices
Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for enabling the reconfiguration of services supported by a network of devices. Such reconfiguration can be realized dynamically and in real time without compromising the security of the overall system from external threats or internal malfunctions. These systems, devices and methods may provide a first functional stack supporting a previous version of a specific service and the provisioning of a second functional stack dynamically and in real-time that supports an updated version of the specific service. In addition, an administration function may be included in the embodiment such that the administration function manages and controls the functional stacks and network operations. Using these mechanisms, an existing service can be changed dynamically or a new service can be added dynamically in a secure manner without interruption of other existing services. |
| US08572676B2 |
System, method, and device for mediating connections between policy source servers, corporate repositories, and mobile devices
The invention relates to providing policy from an integrated policy server to a mobile device, comprising identifying a policy in an integrated policy server applicable to the mobile device and supplying policy elements to policy transports for transmission to the mobile device. The invention also relates to providing policy from an integrated policy server to a mobile device, including identifying a policy in the integrated policy server applicable to the mobile device, determining whether the mobile device is in compliance with the policy, and supplying policy elements to policy transports for transmission to the mobile device when the mobile device is not in compliance with the policy. The invention further relates to controlling access to a data server by a mobile device, including identifying a policy in an integrated policy server applicable to the mobile device, and determining whether the mobile device is in compliance with the policy. |
| US08572667B2 |
Host device interfacing with a point of deployment (POD) and a method of processing digital video recorder (DVR) status information
A host device interfacing with a point of deployment (POD) and a method of processing digital video recorder (DVR) status information are disclosed. A storage device records contents. A communication unit transmits/receives data over a network. A controller collects information associated with the storage of the contents, updates DVR status information on the basis of the collected information, and transmits the updated DVR status information via the communication unit when a request for the DVR status information is received. |
| US08572663B2 |
Automatically configuring a web-enabled portable device to access the internet
Automatically configuring a portable electronic device for accessing a site on a public network is disclosed. The method and system include establishing a connection to at least one server for establishing and maintaining website accounts, and sending information uniquely identifying the electronic device to the at least one server. The at least one server sends user account information to the device, including an account ID and password, created based on the electronic device information. The user account information is stored on the device for use the next time the device accesses the website, whereby the user does not have to enter account information in order to establish the ISP connection or the website account before accessing the public network or, if the user account is not completely set up, to establish the user account a next time the device connects to the at least one server. |
| US08572661B2 |
Satellite signal distribution
Disclosed is a system and method for receiving satellite television signals. A centralized system component may be provided in association with the satellite antenna. The centralized system component includes at least one or more tuners and one or more demodulators. The centralized component may provide output through a network adaptor that provides output through a single output, which is a coaxial cable in one embodiment. The centralized component may send output in the form of packetized data directed to one or more set-top boxes by way of a network transaction. The set-top box or boxes may be operable to receive the network transaction and to process the data, as appropriate, for display on a TV/monitor. |
| US08572653B2 |
Image display apparatus and method for operating the same
A multifunctional display device and a method of controlling the same are disclosed herein. The method may include displaying a first card object in a first area of the display, displaying a second card object in a second area of the display, and partially displaying a third card object in a third area of the display to indicate that additional card objects are available for display. The first card object may be configured to display a video image and the second card object may have at least one link for connecting to a server. Based on a request to change the displayed card objects, the third card object may be displayed in the second area of the display and a fourth card object may be partially displayed in the third area of the display. |
| US08572652B2 |
Apparatus and method for displaying channel information in digital broadcasting receiver
An apparatus and method to display channel information in a digital broadcasting receiver. The apparatus includes a first tuner to receive a signal of one of the plurality of channels, a plurality of second tuners to extract channel information and a representative image for each of the plurality of channels from a broadcasting signal during reception of the signal of the selected channel by the first tuner, and a display to display the channel information and the representative image for each channel when requested by the user. |
| US08572651B2 |
Methods and apparatus for presenting supplemental information in an electronic programming guide
The various embodiments described herein facilitate the display of television guide information to a user simultaneously with supplemental content related to the guide information. An electronic programming guide is initially displayed in first and second portions of a display menu. Responsive to a user selection, the size of the display menu devoted to the electronic programming guide data is modified to free space for the display of supplemental content. Thus, the supplemental content is presented in a first portion of the display menu previously devoted to the electronic programming guide, and the electronic programming guide is simultaneously presented in a second portion of the display menus |
| US08572645B2 |
IPTV and method for controlling emergency alert system widget in IPTV
A digital broadcast receiver and a method of controlling data for an emergency alert system (EAS) in a digital broadcast receiver are provided. The method includes receiving a digital broadcast signal including an emergency alert table including a uniform resource identifier (URI) descriptor, detecting a URI address included in the URI descriptor, accessing the URI address, receiving additional emergency alert information from the URI address, and performing control to display the additional emergency alert information on a screen of the digital broadcast receiver. |
| US08572644B2 |
Data injection
A data transport device for transporting a data stream, the device including: a data stream processing unit for receiving an input data stream including a plurality of data items, performing processing in dependence on the content of the items and forming an output data stream including at least some of the data items; and a data item injection unit including a memory for storing a plurality of injection data items and associated with each injection data item an injection action, and an injection processor arranged to retrieve the injection action for each of the injection data items in turn and in dependence on the retrieved injection action to inject the associated injection data item into the output data stream. |
| US08572641B2 |
Media transmission system and method
A media transmission system and method for the transmission of a desired one of a plurality of broadcast media channels to a remote client over a data connection is disclosed. The system includes means for routing data for a first one of the broadcast media channels over the data connection to the remote client and means for routing data for an alternate one of the channels over the data connection following receipt of a channel change request from a user. This allows efficient use of a limited bandwidth data connection. |
| US08572639B2 |
Broadcast advertisement adapting method and apparatus
Techniques of adapting an advertisement previously broadcast or in the process of being broadcast are disclosed. An advertisement selection factor is generated in order to adapt ads to a particular recipient. The advertisement selection factor can be derived from a database of information concerning the recipient and/or from data input by the recipient. The ad may be adapted in a variety of ways including replacing a broadcast ad segment with another segment. The replacement ad segment may be stored in a local device such as a set-top box or hardware card of a TV or PC and selected according to the advertisement selection factor. The replacement ad segment is synchronized with the on-going broadcast to produce a seamless ad. Alternatively, an ad processing can change audio or visual characteristics of the ad according to the ad selection factor. Such ad processing also includes dynamical texture mapping, object replacement, object addition, and audio/video data layering. The ad processing may also be combined with ad segment replacement. The result is a broadcast advertisement specifically targeted for a recipient and thereby likely to have a greater impact on that recipient's buying patterns. These techniques may also be applied to a variety of content such as sitcoms and sports shows to adapt the content to a particular recipient. |
| US08572638B2 |
Motor and optical disk drive using the same with chamfered and fractured parts on rotor case
There are provided a motor capable of preventing scratches from occurring on an outer surface of a rotor case thereof, a method for manufacturing the same, and an optical disk drive using the same. The motor includes a shaft rotatably inserted into a bearing assembly; and a rotor case fixedly fastened to the shaft and rotating together with the shaft, wherein the rotor case is provided with a chamfered part along the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface thereof. The rotor case includes a rotor hub fastened to an end of the shaft; an extending part extending in an outer-diameter direction from the rotor hub; and a vertical extending part formed to be vertically extended downwardly in a shaft direction from an outer peripheral edge of the extending part and having the chamfered part formed on the bottom end surface thereof. |
| US08572637B2 |
Disk loading apparatus with small and large diameter loading levers
A disk loading apparatus includes a disk selecting unit rotatable through a rotating angle which corresponds to a size of an inserted disk, a pair of guide arms that are spaced from the disk selecting unit and are rotated by the disk, a small diameter loading lever that is rotated by one of the guide arms, a large diameter loading lever that is moved by the guide arms, a slide cam unit that is moved by the small diameter loading lever or the large diameter loading lever, and a chuck unit which is disposed between the guide arms and the disk selecting unit and is operated by the slide cam unit to chuck the disk. The small diameter loading lever and the large diameter loading lever are disposed at a same height above the guide arms. |
| US08572635B2 |
Converting a message signaled interruption into an I/O adapter event notification
One or more message signaled interruption requests from one or more input/output (I/O) adapters are converted to I/O adapter event notifications. Each I/O adapter event notification includes the setting of one or more specific indicators in system memory and an interruption request, the first of which results in a pending I/O adapter interruption request. While a request for an I/O adapter interruption is pending, subsequent message signaled interruption requests are converted to I/O adapter event notifications, but do not result in additional requests for I/O adapter interruptions. |
| US08572631B2 |
Distributed control of devices using discrete device interfaces over single shared input/output
Systems and methods are provided for controlling a device. In one aspect, a method for controlling a device includes exposing a plurality of virtual device interfaces (13) for a device (11), wherein each virtual device interface (13) enables client control of a discrete function of the device, and controlling concurrent communication between the device (11) and two or more virtual device interfaces (13) operating on a single shared I/O connection (15) using a shared I/O port controlled by a device I/O module (12). The device I/O module (12) enables independent development of multiple device interfaces (13) that can seamlessly and independently operate on a single (physical) device communication connection (15), wherein the device shared I/O (input/output) module (12) implements functions to arbitrate and coordinate I/O activity between the device interfaces (13) and target device (11). |
| US08572630B2 |
System and method for providing an application to a device
The disclosed embodiments include a system and method for providing at least one electronic application to at least one device. In one embodiment, the method includes acquiring device information that relates to the device and determining whether the device supports the at least one application based on the device information. The method may further include generating an electronic message for the device wherein the message contains at least one link for acquiring the at least one application when the device supports the application. |
| US08572627B2 |
Providing supplemental semantics to a transactional queue manager
In one embodiment, a computer system instantiates a queue manager configured to process a plurality of existing queue manager commands on messages in a message queue. The computer system instantiates a virtualized instance of a queue manager in a virtual layer associated with the queue manager in the computing system. The a virtualized queue manager instance provides supplemental queue manager commands usable in addition to existing queue manager commands, such that the queue manager can be used to implement the supplemental commands without substantial modification. The computer system receives an indication that a message in a message queue is to be accessed according to a specified command provided by the instantiated virtualized queue manager instance that is not natively supported by the queue manager and the virtualized queue manager performs the specified supplemental command as indicated by the received indication by performing one or more existing queue manager commands. |
| US08572622B2 |
Reducing queue synchronization of multiple work items in a system with high memory latency between processing nodes
A system efficiently dispatches/completes a work element within a multi-node, data processing system that has a global command queue (GCQ) and at least one high latency node. The system comprises: at the high latency processor node, work scheduling logic establishing a local command/work queue (LCQ) in which multiple work items for execution by local processing units can be staged prior to execution; a first local processing unit retrieving via a work request a larger chunk size of work than can be completed in a normal work completion/execution cycle by the local processing unit; storing the larger chunk size of work retrieved in a local command/work queue (LCQ); enabling the first local processing unit to locally schedule and complete portions of the work stored within the LCQ; and transmitting a next work request to the GCQ only when all the work within the LCQ has been dispatched by the local processing units. |
| US08572619B2 |
System and method for integrating software schedulers and hardware interrupts for a deterministic system
The problem which is being addressed by this invention is the lack of determinism in mass market operating systems. This invention provides a mechanism for mass market operating systems running on mass market hardware to be extended to create a true deterministic responsive environment. This is accomplished through programming hardware elements of the scheduler to behave deterministically with respect to the software scheduler. |
| US08572618B2 |
Event driven change injection and dynamic extensions to a business process execution language process
An extensible process design provides an ability to dynamically inject changes into a running process instance, such as a BPEL instance. Using a combination of BPEL, rules and events, processes can be designed to allow flexibility in terms of adding new activities, removing or skipping activities and adding dependent activities. These changes do not require redeployment of the orchestration process and can affect the behavior of in-flight process instances. The extensible process design includes a main orchestration process, a set of task execution processes and a set of generic trigger processes. The design also includes a set of rules evaluated during execution of the tasks of the orchestration process. The design can further include three types of events: an initiate process event, a pre-task execution event and a post-task execution event. These events and rules can be used to alter the behavior of the main orchestration process at runtime. |
| US08572612B2 |
Autonomic scaling of virtual machines in a cloud computing environment
Autonomic scaling of virtual machines in a cloud computing environment, the cloud computing environment including virtual machines (‘VMs’), the VMs installed upon cloud computers disposed within a data center, also including a cloud operating system and a data center administration server operably coupled to the VMs, including deploying, by the cloud operating system, an instance of a VM, flagging the instance of a VM for autonomic scaling; monitoring, by the cloud operating system, one or more operating characteristics of the instance of the VM; deploying, by the cloud operating system, an additional instance of the VM if a value of an operating characteristic exceeds a first predetermined threshold value, including executing a portion of the data processing workload on the additional instance of the VM; and terminating operation of the additional instance of the VM if a value of an operating characteristic declines below a second predetermined threshold value. |
| US08572610B2 |
Patient monitoring system and method of safe operation with third party parameter applications
The system and method of the present application includes a functional software stack including a type 1 hypervisor running on a single hardware platform. One embodiment of the hardware platform includes a processor and storage media, as well as network and video hardware. The hypervisor includes a network driver and a display driver, and executes directly on the hardware and abstracts the hardware from any guest operating systems (OS). To the OS, the hypervisor appears to be the base hardware platform and the network and display drivers appear to be similar hardware as well. The guest OS includes the resident patient monitoring application as well as third party applications, both of which execute independently on the virtualized hardware of the hypervisor. The network and display drivers manage the monitoring network and display regions in a monitoring display that are available to the guest operating systems. |
| US08572607B2 |
System and method for performing designated service image processing functions in a service image warehouse
System and method for performing processing functions on a warehoused service image. In one embodiment, the system comprises a service image warehouse for storing at least one service image; means for modifying the at least one service image by performing at least one of a plurality of service image processing functions on a service image contemporaneously with a user's checking the at least one service image out of the service image warehouse; means for checking the modified service image back into the service image warehouse; and a plurality of compute nodes connected to the service image warehouse to which the at least one service image may be deployed. Each of the compute nodes comprises one of a physical machine and a virtual machine host. |
| US08572605B1 |
Source switching of virtual machines
Stitching a proxied connection between a first core virtual machine (VM) and a second core VM is disclosed. Stitching includes determining that a stitched connection should be generated between the first core VM and the second core VM and generating the stitched connection between the first core VM and the second core VM. |
| US08572604B2 |
Method and apparatus to support virtualization with code patches
A processing system executes an emulation patch for a guest virtual machine (VM) of the processing system. In one embodiment, the emulation patch includes data to facilitate identification of a routine to emulate a guest instruction. After executing the emulation patch for the guest VM, the processing system may use the data to find an emulation routine for emulating the guest instruction. The processing system may transfer control from the guest VM to a virtual machine monitor (VMM) in response to execution of the emulation patch, without saving a trap frame. The VMM may then find and execute the emulation routine for the guest instruction without decoding the guest instruction. A break instruction with an immediate value, for example, may be used for the emulation patch. The immediate value may be used for finding the emulation routine. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08572598B1 |
Method and system for upgrading software in a computing device
A method and system for upgrading a software component in a computing device are disclosed. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method, which includes the steps of storing a first software component in a first memory segment, maintaining a second software component in a second memory segment, wherein the second software component enables the computing device to boot up, and modifying at least one of a plurality of address lines to access the second memory segment after exiting a reset condition, if the execution of the first software component fails to satisfy a predetermined test condition. |
| US08572596B2 |
Runtime code modification in a multi-threaded environment
A code region forming part of a computer program is modified during execution of the computer program by a plurality of threads. In one aspect, identical modification instructions are provided to each thread for modifying a site in the code region having a desirable idempotent atomic modification, and the modification instructions direct each thread to make the desirable idempotent atomic modification. In another aspect, a thread is selected to modify the code region, each thread other than the selected thread is directed to execute an alternative execution path that generates output identical to the output of the code region after the code region has been modified, and, responsive to directing each thread other than the selected thread, the selected thread is directed to modify the code region. |
| US08572592B2 |
Extended language specification assigning method, program developing method and computer-readable storage medium
An extended language specification assigning method assigns an extended language specification with respect to an object of a program, by analyzing candidates of the extended language specification, and automatically assigning an extended language specification with respect to an object based on the analyzed result. |
| US08572590B2 |
Methods and apparatus for joint parallelism and locality optimization in source code compilation
Methods, apparatus and computer software product for source code optimization are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a first custom computing apparatus is used to optimize the execution of source code on a second computing apparatus. In this embodiment, the first custom computing apparatus contains a memory, a storage medium and at least one processor with at least one multi-stage execution unit. The second computing apparatus contains at least two multi-stage execution units that avow for parallel execution of tasks. The first custom computing apparatus optimizes the code for both parallelism and locality of operations on the second computing apparatus. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims. |
| US08572588B2 |
Thread-local memory reference promotion for translating CUDA code for execution by a general purpose processor
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for translating application programs written using a parallel programming model for execution on multi-core graphics processing unit (GPU) for execution by general purpose central processing unit (CPU). Portions of the application program that rely on specific features of the multi-core GPU are converted by a translator for execution by a general purpose CPU. The application program is partitioned into regions of synchronization independent instructions. The instructions are classified as convergent or divergent and divergent memory references that are shared between regions are replicated. Thread loops are inserted to ensure correct sharing of memory between various threads during execution by the general purpose CPU. |
| US08572586B2 |
Optimized scalar promotion with load and splat SIMD instructions
Mechanisms for optimizing scalar code executed on a single instruction multiple data (SIMD) engine are provided. Placement of vector operation-splat operations may be determined based on an identification of scalar and SIMD operations in an original code representation. The original code representation may be modified to insert the vector operation-splat operations based on the determined placement of vector operation-splat operations to generate a first modified code representation. Placement of separate splat operations may be determined based on identification of scalar and SIMD operations in the first modified code representation. The first modified code representation may be modified to insert or delete separate splat operations based on the determined placement of the separate splat operations to generate a second modified code representation. SIMD code may be output based on the second modified code representation for execution by the SIMD engine. |
| US08572585B2 |
Using compiler-generated tasks to represent programming elements
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for representing various programming elements with compiler-generated tasks. Embodiments of the invention enable access to the future state of a method through a handle to a single and composable task object. For example, an asynchronous method is rewritten to generate and return a handle to an instance of a builder object, which represents one or more future states of the asynchronous method. Information about operation of the asynchronous method is then passed through the handle. Accordingly, state of the asynchronous method is trackable prior to and after completing. |
| US08572584B2 |
Converting program code of a multi-threaded program into program code causing less lock contentions
A method, computer system, and computer readable article of manufacture for converting a first program code in a multi-threaded program into a second program code which causes less lock contention. A processing unit determines whether the first program code includes either a first class having a method call to a third class that operates while taking synchronization by locking, or a second class inheriting a parent class that operates while taking synchronization by locking. If the first class, then it is converted into a class with a method call to a concurrent operation executable class that is functionally equivalent and a shorter lock holding section. If the second class, then it is converted into a class with a method call to a concurrent operation executable class that is functionally equivalent to that of the parent class, and a shorter lock holding section. |
| US08572581B2 |
Measurement and reporting of performance event rates
Methods and systems are disclosed for measuring performance event rates at a computer and reporting the performance event rates using timelines. A particular method tracks, for a time period, the occurrences of a particular event at a computer. Event rates corresponding to different time segments within the time period are calculated, and the time segments are assigned colors based on their associated event rates. The event rates are used to display a colored timeline for the time period, including displaying a colored timeline portion for each time segment in its associated color. |
| US08572579B2 |
Break on next called function or method in java debugger agent
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for optimizing handling of breakpoints in a Java debugger agent. Embodiments provide a novel command that allows execution of the application in the debugger to stop or break at the beginning of a next called function or method (e.g., a “break on next called function” or “BNCF” command). When the BNCF command is given to the debugger, a flag may be set in the interpreter of the virtual machine to which the debugger is attached. On encountering a new method or function call, the flag is examined by the interpreter to determine whether it should stop or break in that call. If the flag is set, the interpreter will stop; otherwise the interpreter proceeds. |
| US08572578B2 |
Script debugging
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for script debugging. Embodiments of the invention serve as a plug-in to an existing debugger. The plug-in leverages the debugger's user-interface and engine. The plug-in can be a controller that subscribes to common notifications and is guided by a state machine, which stitches together a script control channel with an existing debug channel. |
| US08572576B2 |
Executing dynamically assigned functions while providing services
Methods, systems, and computer program products for applying actions during server system processing. Functional processing blocks where actions may be applied to a service request are identified. actions are dynamically associated with functional processing blocks. During execution of a functional processing block, a check is performed to determine whether an action is associated with the functional processing block. If an action is associated with a functional processing block, the action is applied during the functional processing block's execution. An evaluation may be performed to determine if an action should be applied before or after the functional processing block. The server system may comprise an XML data repository, providing access to XML data, based on identity information which is received with a client system request. A portion of the server system may be described in accordance with an XML schema. |
| US08572575B2 |
Debugging a map reduce application on a cluster
A method, apparatus, system, article of manufacture, and data structure provide the ability to debug a map-reduce application on a cluster. A cluster of two or more computers is defined by installing a map-reduce framework (that includes an integrated development environment [IDE]) onto each computer. The cluster is formatted by identifying and establishing communication between each computer so that the cluster functions as a unit. Data is placed into the cluster. A function to be executed by the framework on the cluster is obtained, debugged, and executed directly on the cluster using the IDE and the data in the cluster. |