| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08579661B2 |
High speed modular jack
A modular jack (100) is adapted to be mounted onto a horizontal mother printed circuit board (PCB). The modular jack comprises a housing (200) defining an upper row of ports and a lower row of ports vertically stacked in columns, a number of vertical PCBs (46, 47) extending along a front-to-rear direction and being aligned laterally, a number of shield modules (500, 54) each having a vertical shield plate (50, 548) and an insulating portion (48 and 49, 55) at least partially encapsulating the vertical shield plate. Each of the vertical PCB electrically connecting with a set of mating contacts extending into one of the upper row of ports and the lower row of ports. The vertical PCBs and the shield modules are stacked side by side in an alternating manner. |
| US08579658B2 |
Coaxial cable connectors with washers for preventing separation of mated connectors
Coaxial cable connectors including washers are described herein. A coaxial cable connector configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology includes a conductive insert, a coupling nut, and a washer. The coupling nut can include a first end portion, a second end portion, and an inner surface defining a bore for receiving a corresponding coaxial cable connector. The conductive insert can include an annular flange at least partially surrounded by the bore. The washer can be positioned between the second end portion of the coupling nut and the annular flange, and can be configured to press against at least one of the annular flange and the second end portion of the coupling nut to restrict rotation between the coaxial cable connectors. |
| US08579652B2 |
Fastening device for an electric cable
A fastening device for an electric cable is provided with an outer casing (15) in which on one side a nut (12) can be screwed, by means of which at least one clamping ring (20) pressing against the outer insulation of the cable (11) can be arranged adjustably. The clamping ring (20) is provided with a number of segments (22) connected to one another and respectively moveable approximately radially, which each have on their inner surface at least one projection (24). The respective projection (24) is formed such that the latter is pressed in when the nut (12) is screwed into the outer insulation of the cable (11). A consistently long service life and also inexpensive production of this type of fastening device is thus made possible. |
| US08579649B2 |
Flexible wiring member with positioning holes mounted on another member with positioning bosses
A flexible concentrated wiring connector includes a flexible concentrated wiring member, a first member, a second member. The flexible concentrated wiring member is clamped between the second member and the first member. A second clearance is set to be greater than a first clearance. The first clearance is defined as a difference between an internal dimension and an external dimension in the width direction of the flexible concentrated wiring member in a state that a first positioning boss of the first member is inserted into the center of a first positioning hole of the flexible concentrated wiring member. The second clearance is defined as a difference between an internal dimension and an external dimension in the width direction in a state that a second positioning boss is inserted into the center of a second positioning hole. |
| US08579647B2 |
High speed electrical contact assembly
A contact assembly that comprises an outer body and an insert assembly receivable in the outer body. The insert assembly includes a housing and a conductive bather received in the housing. The conductive barrier defines first and second receiving areas in the housing. At least a first contact member is receivable in the first receiving area and at least a second contact member is receivable in the second receiving area. Each of the first and second contact members is adapted to accept a conductor. |
| US08579645B2 |
Connector mechanism for connecting a board card
A connector mechanism for connecting a board card is disclosed. The connector mechanism includes a circuit board, and a connector installed on the circuit board. An end of the board card is for inserting into the connector. The connector mechanism further includes a socket installed on the circuit board and located on a side of the connector, a rotating component pivoted to the socket, and at least one connecting component slidably installed on the rotating component and coupled to the circuit board for contacting with the other end of the board card so as to electrically connect to the board card as the end of the board card is inserted into the connector and the rotating component rotates to a connection position. |
| US08579644B2 |
Anti-vibration connector coupling with disengagement feature
A connector coupling that comprises a connector body, a first collar that receives the connector body, and second collar that surrounds the first collar. A movable ratchet ring is supported by the connector body and includes at least one locking member. The movable ratchet ring is axially movable with respect to the first collar between engaged and disengaged positions. A stationary ratchet ring is coupled to the first collar and includes at least one locking member. When the movable ratchet ring is in the engaged position, the locking members of the rings are engaged, and rotating the second collar from the first position to the second position with respect to the first collar moves the movable ratchet ring to the disengaged position away from the stationary ratchet ring such that the locking members are disengaged, thereby allowing rotation of the first collar with respect to the connector body. |
| US08579642B2 |
Device for producing and removing an electrical plug connection
One plug connecting element is mounted on its device part in a side wall of a recess. The other plug connecting element is mounted on a swivel holder. When the one device part is inserted into the other device part, the swivel initially pushes the other plug out of the way of the one device part as it is being inserted. Further insertion causes the swivel holder to move the other plug into the recess in a position to mate with the one plug. |
| US08579641B1 |
Multi-orientation plug
An electrical adapter system includes a housing that includes a receiving portion, the housing including first electrical contacts and second electrical contacts disposed at the receiving portion. The electrical adapter system includes a plug that includes a body, electrical prongs extending from a surface of the body, and electrical contacts coupled to the electrical prongs. The body of the plug is receivable by the receiving portion in at least two orientations such that in each of the at least two orientations, the electrical prongs extend outward from the housing, and one or more of the electrical contacts of the plug engage at least one of the first electrical contacts or at least one of the second electrical contacts. |
| US08579640B2 |
Electrical connector device
An electrical connection device comprises an electrical connector and a carriage. The electrical connector comprises a housing, a cage, and a plurality of terminals. The housing has a body, the terminals are provided in the body. The cage encloses the housing, and defines, together with the housing, an insertion slot, and an opening of the insertion slot corresponds to a front end of the body. The carriage can be slidably positioned in the insertion slot. The housing comprises at least a clamping slot provided close to the front end in the body, the carriage has a clamping block mating with the clamping slot, the carriage is releasably held to the electrical connector by clampingly connecting the clamping slot to the clamping block. |
| US08579639B2 |
Systems and methods for coupling input/output devices
An input/output (I/O) device for an automation control system includes a base portion configured to communicatively connect the I/O device with at least one other I/O device, an I/O module physically and communicatively connected to the base portion and comprising I/O communication circuitry, a terminal block physically and communicatively connected to the base portion, and an ejection device configured to eject the I/O module or the terminal block from the base portion by pushing the I/O module or the terminal block out of engagement with the base portion when activated. |
| US08579637B2 |
Electrical connecting system
An electrical connecting system is described for contacting an electronic module with multiple printed conductors of a flexible printed circuit. The printed conductors are enclosed between a lower and an upper cover film, and the electronic module has at least one circuit board hich is embedded in a plastic housing. According to the invention, the electronic module has at least one contact spring. A first end section of the contact spring is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the circuit board via a connecting point, and a second end section of the contact spring has two legs which extend in a U shape, between which a printed conductor is situated. An electrical contact which is less susceptible to failure results on both sides between the contact spring and the printed conductor. Also described is an electrical connecting system in which the printed conductor is electrically contacted on one side, and instead of at least one one-piece contact spring, in each case a connecting piece and a spring clip are present. The electrical connecting systems allow an electrically reliable connection to be established which is also sufficiently capable of withstanding mechanical load, by simply inserting the printed circuits into the contact springs, or between the connecting pieces and the spring clips in the electronic modules. |
| US08579631B2 |
Clean real smoke fire simulator
A simulator for use in firefighting training exercises comprising a fire compartment having a flame; a means for generating a flame; a means for generating smoke into the fire compartment; a control room for controlling the means for generating a flame and the means for generating smoke; a means for expelling the smoke from the fire compartment; a means for oxidizing the smoke; and a stack for releasing the oxidized smoke from the oxidizing means. |
| US08579629B2 |
Dental handpiece
A dental handpiece is disclosed which has a head housing, a gear shaft having a gear part with gear teeth and a shaft part extending from the gear part, and a dust control seal sealingly fit on the circumferential surface of the shaft part of the gear shaft. The dust control seal is an annular member, and has a seal body, a first lip projecting radially inwardly from the seal body, and a second lip projecting radially inwardly from the seal body above and spaced apart from the first lip, with a space defined between a contact area between the first lip and the shaft part, and a contact area between the second lip and the shaft part. |
| US08579627B2 |
Method and a device for controlling the feed of a combustible gas to a burner apparatus
A method is provided for controlling the feed of a combustible gas by a valve device placed in a feed pipe which has a gas inlet section and a gas outlet section. The device includes a valve seat in the pipe associated with a membrane-operated plug and a device for returning the plug to a position in which the valve seat is shut off. The method includes the steps of creating a pressure difference in a section of the pipe downstream of the plug with respect to the direction of flow, by a constriction in the pipe having a predetermined cross section, the pressure difference being defined by a first pressure upstream of the constriction and a second pressure downstream of the constriction; collecting the signal formed by the second pressure downstream of the constriction and making the second pressure act on the side of the membrane opposite that on which the first pressure acts; and generating a regulatable load on the membrane of the membrane operating system. |
| US08579626B2 |
Nozzle for a machine for manufacturing containers
Pressurized gas injecting device (14) for a machine (1) for blow molding or stretch blow molding a container from a blank (2) of plastic material. The device has a nozzle (15) movable between an upper position separated from a mold (9) intended to receive the blank (2) and a lower position pressed against the mold (9) while covering a neck (3) of the blank (2); an insert (36) mounted movably with respect to the nozzle (15), the insert (36) having a lower end face (45) capable of being pressed against a lip (4) of the blank (2); and a return device (44) applying force on the insert (36) toward a lower position in which the insert (36) is at the end-of-travel stop with respect to the nozzle (15), and in which the lower end face (45) of the insert (36) extends beyond the nozzle (15). |
| US08579624B2 |
Systems and methods for making multi-wall corrugated pipe
A system is disclosed for manufacturing multi-wall corrugated polymer pipe. The system includes an extruder configured to co-extrude concentric annular tubes; a corrugator configured to form the concentric annular tubes into a dual-wall pipe having a smooth wall and a corrugated wall; a cross-head die configured to extrude an outer wall of pipe onto the corrugated wall of the dual-wall pipe; a vacuum punch configured to penetrate the outer wall of pipe and draw a vacuum between the corrugated wall and the outer wall, such that the outer wall of pipe deforms inward toward the corrugated wall of pipe between bell and spigot portions of the corrugated wall; and a cutter configured to cut the pipe into sections where the vacuum punch deformed the outer wall between the bell and spigot portions of the corrugated wall. A method of manufacturing multi-wall corrugated polymer pipe is also disclosed. |
| US08579623B2 |
Extruder stabilizer assembly
A stabilizer assembly for use in an extruder having a screw rotating in a barrel is provided. The assembly comprises a plurality of rods that are secured to an interior of the barrel at one end. Each of the rods has an end that extends radially inwardly toward the center of the barrel. On the discharge end of the screw, there is a bearing member that is in contact with each of the opposite ends of the rods. The rods support the discharge end of the screw and stabilize its rotation in the barrel. |
| US08579622B2 |
Blowing machine
A blowing machine used to produce containers of correctly temperatured preforms in blowing stations including correctly temperatured blow molds, having functional get-up components such as at least electric servomotors assigned to at least the blowing stations to control and/or monitor secondary functions of functional get-up components during production. In order to bring at least some of said functional get-up components for secondary functions to the correct temperature, an electrically operated, controllable liquid temperature control system is supplied by at least one temperature control device and is integrated into the blowing machine and guided through the functional get-up components. |
| US08579614B2 |
Scroll compressor with three discharge valves, and discharge pressure tap to back pressure chamber
A scroll compressor has a housing enclosing a compressor pump unit which includes an orbiting scroll member and a non-orbiting scroll member. Each of the orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members include a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from the base. The wraps interfit to define compression chambers, with a central-most discharge pressure chamber, and circumferentially spaced intermediate pressure chambers being defined. The base of the non-orbiting scroll includes ports associated with the intermediate pressure chambers. At least one port is associated with the discharge pressure chamber. Valves are associated with each of the ports. A discharge plenum is defined downstream of the ports and valves within the housing. A back pressure chamber is defined behind the base of one of the orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members, and taps a refrigerant from the discharge pressure chamber. |
| US08579612B2 |
Peristaltic pump tubing with stopper and cooperative roller assembly housing having no moving parts
A peristaltic pump system includes elastomeric pump tubing and a roller pump. The pump tubing has a pumping segment and an inlet segment. The inlet segment has an inlet segment outer diameter. The pumping segment has a pumping segment outer diameter less than the inlet segment outer diameter. The roller pump has a roller assembly and a roller assembly housing. The roller assembly is disposed within the roller assembly housing and engaged with the pumping segment within the roller assembly housing. The roller assembly housing has an inlet gap formed through the roller assembly housing. The inlet gap defines an inlet gap inner diameter smaller than the pumping segment outer diameter. The inlet gap is adapted to frictionally receive the inlet segment for aligning the pump tubing with a roller assembly and mitigate longitudinal movement of the pump tubing into the roller assembly housing. |
| US08579607B2 |
Rotary blood pump with opposing spindle magnets, bore and drive windings
Various “contactless” bearing mechanisms including hydrodynamic and magnetic bearings are provided for a rotary pump as alternatives to mechanical contact bearings. In one embodiment, a pump apparatus includes a pump housing defining a pumping chamber. The housing has a spindle extending into the pumping chamber. A spindle magnet assembly includes first and second magnets disposed within the spindle. The first and second magnets are arranged proximate each other with their respective magnetic vectors opposing each other. The lack of mechanical contact bearings enables longer life pump operation and less damage to working fluids such as blood. |
| US08579605B2 |
DC-AC frequency converter type mucus suction device
The present invention provides a DC-AC frequency converter type mucus suction device having an electromagnetic pump, the pressure and the flow generated in which could be changed to satisfy the requirement of the mucus suction device. The mucus suction device of the present invention comprises an electromagnetic pump, a suction device and a frequency converter circuit, wherein the frequency converter circuit at least comprises an oscillator circuit, a bistable circuit, and a push-pull circuit, wherein the electromagnetic pump is supplied with AC obtained from the oscillation of DC in the frequency converter circuit, wherein the swing speed, frequency and amplitude of the swing arms vary with the oscillation frequency of the oscillator circuit, such that the suction pressure and the suction flow of the electromagnetic pump could further be changed to obtain the most appropriate pressure and flow of the mucus suction device. |
| US08579604B2 |
Floating apparatus for scroll compressors
An improved floating apparatus for scroll compressors is disclosed, which is a multi-function device integrating a temperature protection mechanism, a pressure protection mechanism and a backflow-proof mechanism and therefore substantially is a floating seal member with overheating protection, high pressure protection and backflow-proof capabilities. In detail, the present disclosure provides a floating apparatus for scroll compressors that not only can be manufactured easily, but also capable of distributing the acting force resulting from the gliding block for providing better sealing effect while preventing the scroll compressors from being damaged by high temperature and high pressure. |
| US08579598B2 |
Variable capacity vane pump
A variable capacity vane pump has a plurality of vanes radially extendably installed in their respective slots that are arranged in a circumferential direction in a rotor, a cam ring rockably provided on a supporting surface in a pump body and forming a plurality of pump chambers at an inner circumference side of the cam ring in cooperation with the rotor and the vanes, and a seal member provided at an outer circumference side of the cam ring and defining a first hydraulic pressure chamber located at a side where a pump discharge amount increases and a second hydraulic pressure chamber located at a side where the pump discharge amount decreases in a space outside the outer circumference of the cam ring. A center of the cam ring is offset to an inlet port side from a center of a driving shaft. |
| US08579593B2 |
Damping element for reducing the vibration of an airfoil
An airfoil (10) is provided with a tip (12) having an opening (14) to a center channel (24). A damping element (16) is inserted within the opening of the center channel, to reduce an induced vibration of the airfoil. The mass of the damping element, a spring constant of the damping element within the center channel, and/or a mounting location (58) of the damping element within the center channel may be adjustably varied, to shift a resonance frequency of the airfoil outside a natural operating frequency of the airfoil. |
| US08579592B2 |
Turbofan engine
A hub-side leading edge part of a fan first-stage rotating blade 10 for taking an air thereinto more extends in a forward direction of an engine than a tip-side leading edge part and a mid-span leading edge part. The hub side of the fan first-stage rotating blade 10 is integrally connected as one with the tip side and the mid span while having a longer chord length than those of the tip side and the mid span. A radius at a root of the hub-side leading edge part is set in a boss ratio of 0 to 0.4. |
| US08579591B2 |
Centrifugal compressor impeller
A compressor impeller includes a hub, main blades and splitter blades. The main blades are equally spaced around the circumference of the hub. Each splitter blade is equally spaced between two adjacent main blades. Each main blade and splitter blade has suction and pressure surfaces formed in substantial compliance with normalized Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, and Z set forth in Tables 1-4. When connected by smooth, continuing arcs, the normalized Cartesian coordinates form complete main blade and splitter blade shapes that are substantially matched by the main blade and splitter blade shapes of the compressor impeller. |
| US08579587B2 |
Method of reducing or even eliminating the vibration of a rotorcraft lift and propulsion rotor, and an airfoil assembly and a rotor implementing said method
The present invention relates to a method of reducing the vibration of a lift and propulsion rotor (5) of a rotorcraft (1), the rotor having a plurality of airfoil assemblies (10) that perform rotary movement around a drive axis (AX) of the rotor (5), each airfoil assembly (10) comprising a blade (20) extending longitudinally from a root (22) suitable for being fastened to hinge means (4) of a hub (6) of said rotor (5) to a free end (21), a first distance (D1) extending between said free end (21) and said hinge means (4). In the method, said first distance (D1) is caused to vary cyclically so that the projection (TR) of the center of gravity (Cg) of a blade (20) on a horizontal plane (P) perpendicular to said drive axis (AX) and containing said hinge means (4) describes a circle. |
| US08579584B2 |
Turbofan jet engine
There is a turbofan jet engine including an engine core. The engine core includes a fan and a compressor. The engine core includes a combustion chamber and a turbine functionally coupled to the compressor. The engine core includes a nozzle in fluid communication with the turbine. The turbofan jet engine includes a nacelle. The nacelle includes a forward extension proximate the fan and extending forward therefrom. The forward extension is funnel shaped to impart radial momentum to intake air during operation. The nacelle includes a vortex device disposed inside the forward extension and shaped to impart angular momentum to intake air. The vortex device includes a fixed blade extending from the interior of the forward extension and set at a rotational angle. The vortex device is shaped and positioned to direct intake air substantially perpendicular to the blades of the fan. |
| US08579578B2 |
Fan biasing transmission mechanism
A fan biasing transmission mechanism includes gearbox affixed to the rear side of the housing of an electric fan's fan motor, a control rod pivotally and axially movably mounted in the gearbox. a power gear fixedly mounted on the control rod and meshed with a motor shaft worm wheel of the fan motor, a driving gear pivotally mounted in the gearbox, a gear-clutch gear fixedly mounted on the control rod and movable with the control rod into mesh with the gear-clutch gear, a first bevel gear fixedly mounted on the driving gear, a second bevel gear meshed with the first bevel gear, a bracket, a crank arm pivotally coupled between the gear shaft and the bracket, and an elastic member connected between the gear shaft and the gearbox. |
| US08579570B2 |
Fastener attaching a component to a panel
A fastener includes an insert mounted in an oversized elongated aperture of a metal panel. The insert has a tubular body of lesser outside dimension than the aperture, and a hollow interior receiving a threaded stud projecting from the component. The tubular body has a flexible lip engaging the panel and first and second retaining fingers having first shoulders engaging the bottom surface of the panel and second shoulders engaging with opposed parallel extending sidewalls of the aperture to prevent rotation of the tubular body. First and second biasing fingers project from the tubular body to engage opposed curved end walls of the aperture to a bias the tubular body within the aperture as allowed by sliding of the second shoulders along the opposed parallel extending sidewalls. A plurality of ratchet fingers extends into the hollow interior to engage the stud when the stud is installed into the insert. |
| US08579569B2 |
Retaining cam for a rotary fastener
A retaining cam (20) for a rotatable fastener for connecting components (16, 17) is provided. The retaining cam (20) has a housing (22) pivotally supported on a base plate (24), by which the retaining cam (20) can be fixedly connected to one (17) of the components (16, 17). A screw (30) is secured rotationally fixed in the housing (22). A fastener bolt (40) rotatably connected to another (16) of the components (16, 17) can be screwed onto the screw (30). Spring elements are associated with the screw (30) for generating an elastic pretension for securing the fastener bolt (40) against rotation. The housing (22) is pivotally supported on the base plate (24) by a spherical washer (50). An angle deviation between the center axes of the retaining cam (20) and the fastener bolt (40) can be compensated for by pivoting the retaining cam on the spherical washer (50) while maintaining full-surface contact of the retaining cam (20). |
| US08579566B2 |
Blind fastener and production method thereof
This invention relates to a blind fastener having a hollow sleeve with high surface hardness and sufficient elongation, and to a novel heat treatment method therefor. The method for the heat treatment of the blind fastener includes austempering. The austempering includes a step in which a hollow sleeve of cold-rolled low carbon steel with a carbon percentage of 0.08 to 0.13% is heated and maintained from 800° C. to 950° C. during carburization, and a subsequent step in which isothermal maintenance is performed from 320° C. to 500° C. The resulting carbon percentage (CP) value is from 0.3 to 0.5%. Even in the case of a low carbon steel blind fastener, the austempering can harden the surface of the sleeve and soften the inner portion other than the surface for suitable elongation in order to provide a blind fastener having a sleeve with high surface hardness and sufficient elongation. |
| US08579565B2 |
Padded surface transportation apparatus for construction equipment
A transportation rack for construction equipment is provided. The transportation rack includes a pad for supporting a hard, smooth wheel of the concrete equipment. The pad absorbs dynamic loads on the construction equipment during transportation to avoid flat spots developing on the hard, smooth wheel. The transportation rack also includes a rigid guard to protect a precisely aligned element of the equipment, and a rigid bar extending across a portion of the construction equipment to hold it down or apply a containment load to hold the equipment against the pad. |
| US08579563B2 |
Microscopic geometry cutting device including an arrival time calculator
A microscopic geometry cutting device includes: a controller that outputs a timer count start command in starting a driving program which controls a drive of an X-axis or a Y-axis moving mechanism; an arrival time calculator that calculates an arrival time from when the timer count start command is output till when the cutter arrives at a machining start position in accordance with relative moving speed information of the moving mechanisms and machining start position information of a workpiece W; an elapsed time determiner that determines whether an elapsed time from when the timer count start command is output is coincident with the arrival time and outputs a trigger signal when the elapsed time is coincident with the arrival time; and a reciprocating stage driver that drives the reciprocating stage in a manner that the cutter advances and retracts in a predetermined cutting depth in response to the trigger signal. |
| US08579557B2 |
Drill
[Problem] To provide a drill which enables a great reduction in cutting resistance and easy performance of a drilling operation by human power using a hand drill, a drilling machine, or the like.[Solution] A drill has two cutting edges formed symmetrically with respect to a rotation axis, and is subjected to thinning at the tip thereof. The cutting edge is configured from a thinned cutting edge (1) which extends in a shape including a curved line from a chisel edge to the outer peripheral side of the drill, and a main cutting edge (2) which extends from the end of the thinned cutting edge to the outer peripheral end of the drill when viewed from the tip side of the drill, and a thinned surface formed by the thinned cutting edge is formed into an approximately parabolic shape inclined in a drill axis direction when viewed from the front side of the drill. |
| US08579555B2 |
Hole cutter with axially-elongated aperture defining multiple fulcrums
A hole cutter has a cylindrical blade body including a cutting edge and one or more axially-elongated apertures formed within a side wall of the blade body. The axially-elongated aperture is configured to receive a lever, such as a screwdriver, therethrough. Each axially-elongated aperture includes a first fulcrum axially spaced adjacent to the cutting edge, a second fulcrum axially spaced further away from the cutting edge than the first fulcrum, and optionally a third fulcrum axially spaced between the first and second fulcrums. A lever, such as a screwdriver, can be inserted into the aperture and placed against each of the fulcrums to lever slugs out of the interior of the blade body. |
| US08579553B2 |
Method and apparatus for installing cable
A method of installing cable through material, for example, concrete, wood, masonry, plastic steel, or the like comprising a drill bit with a distal end having a hollow tip with an attachment mechanism for receiving the cable. The drill bit is drilled through the material, and left in place while the cable is attached to the proximal end of the drill bit. There is no need to remove the drill bit from the aperture or material to attach the cable thereto. After attachment to the drill bit, the cable is inserted through the aperture with the drill bit and removed from the drill bit after it passes through the material so it can be attached to a receiver device. |
| US08579549B2 |
Reinforced ground structure, and siding elements for constructing same
The invention relates to a structure including a fill (1), reinforcing strips (2), and facing (3), the reinforcement strips (2) being anchored to the facing (3). The facing incorporates a path formed for a reinforcement strip (2) between two emergence points (PE1, PE2) that are located at the back surface (7) of the facing, wherein the path comprises: two adjacent portions (21, 22) that are placed so as to position each strip within an emergence plane (P1, P2); two curved portions (23, 24) provided as extensions of the two adjacent portions (21, 22) and arranged so as to deviate the strip out from the emergence planes (P1, P2); and a connecting portion connecting together the two curved portions (23, 24). In the structure, both emergence planes (P1, P2) are distinct and separated by a physical separator, and the connecting portion includes at least one loop (25) located outside the emergence planes (P1, P2) and outside the space between said emergence planes. The invention also relates to a related facing element. |
| US08579539B2 |
Dairy freestall cross clamp assembly
A dairy animal freestall cross clamp assembly including a first clamp portion defining a first recess, the first recess having a first axis; a second clamp portion releasably joined to the first clamp portion and defining a second recess, the second recess having a second axis that is not parallel to and intersects with the first axis; and an insert disposed between and joined to the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion, the insert defining a first pocket opposing the first recess, and a second pocket for opposing the second recess. The insert can be resilient to avoid crushing of rail members and resist impact loads. |
| US08579534B2 |
Page alignment device for scrapbooking
A scrapbooking page alignment device for temporarily aligning at least two adjacent scrapbook pages having retention receivers extending from their respective spine edges, the device comprising (i) a base; and (ii) two or more spaced retention posts extending from said base; where said retention posts are dimensioned to temporarily receive the retention receivers of the two adjacent scrapbook pages. |
| US08579532B2 |
Dosing device comprising a monolithic, resilient roll
A dosing device with a monolithic, resilient roll meters liquid detergent, softener, concentrates, cleaning agents, and other medium-viscosity liquids. The rolling application element is used for applying detergent to very dirty fabric areas. The monolithic roll (3) encompassing a shaft (5) and an outer jacket (6) with plastic recesses is inserted into a mount (1) of a dosing receptacle (2). Radially extending spring lamellae are molded between the shaft (5) and the outer jacket (6). |
| US08579529B2 |
Multi-unit cosmetic applicator
A multi-unit cosmetic applicator comprising: a housing body, a first cosmetic unit housed in the housing body, a second cosmetic unit housed in the housing body, an opening in the housing, wherein each cosmetic unit has a means for being independently movable relative to each other from a stored position to an advanced position and back to its stored position. |
| US08579521B2 |
Pluggable optical transceiver having electrically shielded receptacle, and optical connector installed therein
A pluggable optical transceiver is disclosed. The optical transceiver includes a resin made optical receptacle to receive an external connector, a housing that provides an area for setting the optical receptacle, and an electrically conductive sheet put between the rear of the optical receptacle and the wall forming the area. The rear wall of the optical receptacle provides a step for receiving a flange of a sleeve assembly set in the optical receptacle. |
| US08579518B2 |
Optical receptacles and systems and devices including optical receptacles
According to one embodiment, an optical receptacle for receiving a corresponding optical connector may include a receptacle housing, a receptacle optical path and a positionable shutter assembly. The receptacle housing includes a connector port disposed at an end of the receptacle housing and a receptacle pathway. The connector port may receive the corresponding optical connector. The receptacle optical path may terminate within the receptacle housing and includes an optical waveguide. The positionable shutter assembly includes a cleaning member positioned on a support surface of the positionable shutter assembly. The positionable shutter assembly may be biased to the closed position such that the cleaning member contacts or is proximate to the optical waveguide and the positionable shutter assembly is disposed in the receptacle pathway. The positionable shutter assembly may be biased to the open position such that the cleaning member is not positioned over the receptacle optical path. |
| US08579516B2 |
Roller cage for a rolling bearing, particularly a double roller cage for a cylinder rolling bearing, rolling bearing, and method for producing a roller cage for a rolling bearing
A roller cage for a rolling bearing, particularly a double roller cage for a cylinder rolling bearing, which has a ring web with axially extending webs. Every two adjacent webs delimit a receptacle pocket for a rolling element with a floor thereof being formed by the ring web. Each web has a radial outer and inner base side connected to each other by an axial outer face side. The face side of the radial outer base side is tapered toward the radial inner base side. To increase the rigidity of the webs with regard to trouble-free removal and installation of the rolling bearing, the radial inner base side is trapezoidal such that a web width of the radial inner base side increases from the face side to the floor of the receptacle pocket. |
| US08579515B2 |
Form-coupling arrangement in a bearing ring for a motor vehicle wheel
A bearing ring (10) has a tubular steel core (15) around which is formed an outer body (16) of lightweight material. The outer surface of the core forms a circumferential shoulder (26), a first side of which is subjected to a turning finishing process and provides an undercut surface (23) defining part of an annular groove (22). An axially opposite, second side of the shoulder (26), not subjected to a turning finishing process, has a non-circular portion (29) with radial recesses (28) that act as anti-rotation means cooperating with complementary portions formed by the outer body (16). |
| US08579514B2 |
Press fitting a cartridge bearing
An apparatus and associated method involving an actuator assembly having an actuator body defining a bore and a bearing assembly in the bore. The bearing assembly has a shaft, and further has a bearing having an inner race that is affixed to the shaft and an outer race that is rotatable relative to the inner race. The bearing also has a sleeve defining an annular rigid portion circumscribing the outer race and affixed thereto. The sleeve further defines an annular predictably deformable portion depending from the rigid portion that is entirely disposed longitudinally distant from the outer race and sized to deform when press fit into the bore to operably align the shaft in the bore. |
| US08579512B2 |
Drive unit for motor vehicles having an electrical motor
A drive unit for motor vehicles which has at least one electrical motor and at least one transmission assembly. The electrical motor and the transmission assembly are operatively connected to one another by at least one shaft and the shaft is rotatably mounted by at least one first rolling bearing which sits in a rotary union for the shaft in the transmission assembly. |
| US08579505B2 |
Temperature indication structure of a non-mercury non-electronic clinical thermometer
A temperature indication structure for a thermometer includes a temperature indication portion made of a heat conductive layer to receive a heat flow. A structure with temperature indication markings is disposed on or above the temperature indication portion. A reversible temperature-sensitive color changing layer is formed on the temperature indication portion to overlap the structure of the temperature indication markings. The heat conductive layer is adapted to conduct the heat flow to the reversible temperature-sensitive color changing layer, producing a sensed temperature and a color changing zone of the reversible temperature-sensitive color changing layer in response to the sensed temperature thereby exhibiting a corresponding temperature value. |
| US08579504B2 |
Subsea and landing string distributed temperature sensor system
A line is deployed along a landing string or along a marine riser of a subsea well. The line has sensors, such as temperature sensors, distributed along its length. In one embodiment, the line comprises a fiber optic line that includes fiber optic temperature sensors distributed along its length. In another embodiment, the line comprises a fiber optic line used to transmit light, wherein the returned back-scatter light is analyzed to provide a temperature profile along the length of the fiber line. The fiber optic line can be deployed by connecting it to the landing string, pumping it down a pre-existing conduit (such as a hydraulic or chemical injection conduit), or pumping it down a dedicated fiber optic specific conduit. |
| US08579498B2 |
High efficiency escapement
A mechanical device for horology, comprising angular reduction means apt to decrease the oscillation of the width of the lever pacing the motion of the gear. |
| US08579496B2 |
Stand mixer wiping beater
A mixing beater for a small appliance includes a metallic frame including an arm; a rigid plastic shell extending over the arm; and only one scraper. The scraper extends over the rigid plastic shell and has a flexible blade configured to contact an inner surface of a mixing bowl when viewed in a first plane. |
| US08579494B2 |
System and method for dough extrusion
A system and method for extrusion of dough is disclosed. The system includes an auger for moving the dough; a metering pump comprising an input; a first motor for actuating the auger to transfer dough to the input of the metering pump; a first encoder for reading a position or speed of the first motor and for transmitting a signal associated with the position or speed of the first motor; and a controller configured to receive the signal from the first encoder to control operation of the first motor. The controller operates the first motor to at least partially counteract a variance in a pressure of dough at the metering pump based signals from the encoder and/or the pressure sensor. |
| US08579492B2 |
Optical film having microreplicated structures and methods
An optical film for use in transparent displays, such as reflective LCDs. The optical film has three-dimensional, prismatic structures that reflect incoming light. The prismatic structures are configured so that the reflecting facets orient the reflected light in desired reflective light pattern. The pattern shape and intensity can be controlled by the shape and dimensions of the various reflecting facets. In one embodiment, the height of the prismatic structure varies along two dimensions of the structure. |
| US08579491B2 |
Backlight unit and display apparatus having the same
A display apparatus includes a light guide plate, a light source unit and a display panel. The light guide plate includes an incident surface, an exit surface and an opposite surface opposite to the exit surface and guides a light incident into the incident surface toward the exit surface. The light source unit includes a light source which generates light and is disposed adjacent to the incident and has an emitting surface inclined with respect to the incident surface. An extension line of a normal line of the emitting surface passes through the opposite surface, and the light is incident into the incident surface while being inclined toward the opposite surface. The display panel displays an image by receiving the light emitted from the exit surface. |
| US08579490B2 |
Backlight device and display device provided with the same
Provided is a backlight device which can suppress deterioration of uniformity. The backlight device (10) is provided with an LED (11), and a light guide plate (12) which includes a light incoming surface (12a) and a light outgoing surface (12b). An inclined surface (12c) which is inclined from the light outgoing surface is formed between the light incoming surface and the light outgoing surface of the light guide plate, and the light guide plate is formed such that the thickness of a portion on the light incoming surface side is more than that of a portion on the light outgoing surface side. At the front of the portion on the light incoming surface side of the light outgoing surface of the light guide plate, a regulating member (13), which has a light blocking characteristic and regulates shift of the light guide plate in the thickness direction of the light guide plate, is arranged. |
| US08579487B2 |
Lighting module
A lighting module is provided. The lighting module comprises a circuit board, a first light source array, a second light source array, and a plurality of first light guides. The first light source array is disposed on the circuit board and comprises a plurality of first solid light emitting semiconductors providing a first light with a first wavelength. The second light source array is disposed on the circuit board and comprises a plurality of second solid light emitting semiconductors providing a second light with a second wavelength. The first light guides are disposed on the circuit board and between the second solid light emitting semiconductors. The second solid light emitting semiconductors are located on a side of each of the first light guides, respectively, so that the second light emitted by the second solid light emitting semiconductors enters the first light guides to be uniformly emitted. |
| US08579486B2 |
Vehicular headlamp apparatus including a semiconductor light-emitting element and a reflector
A vehicular headlamp apparatus includes: a lamp body; a translucent cover having a slanted portion; and a lamp unit. A semiconductor light-emitting element is mounted on a mounting surface so that its irradiation axis intersects with lamp unit's optical axis. Reflector's reflective surface reflects light from the semiconductor light-emitting element toward a vehicle front. One end of the reflective surface is located on a vehicle rear side of the light-emitting element. The other end protrudes toward a vehicle front from a front side end of the mounting portion. The reflective surface has a portion protruding toward the vehicle front from the front side end to face the slanted portion. Within a light distribution pattern, rays of light reflected by first area, second area adjacent to the first area and third area on the reflective surface respectively form a horizontal cut-off line, an oblique cut-off line and a diffusion portion. |
| US08579485B2 |
Vehicular lamp
A vehicular lamp includes a light source disposed on an optical axis extending in a front-back direction of the vehicular lamp; and a reflector that reflects forward light from the light source. The reflector is formed by a translucent member including a plurality of optical elements disposed continuously in a radial direction of the optical axis. Each of the optical elements includes: a surface of incidence through which light from a light emission reference point in the light source is incident into the optical element and which refracts the light into a direction away from the optical axis, a reflective surface which internally reflects forward the light which is incident into the optical element through the surface of incidence, and a surface of emission through which the light internally reflected by the reflective surface is emitted forward from the optical element. The reflective surface of each of the optical elements is formed by a curved surface formed to allow generally an entirety of the light internally reflected by the reflective surface to reach the surface of emission of the optical element as substantially parallel light. |
| US08579480B2 |
LED landing light arrangement for an aircraft
An LED landing light arrangement for an aircraft comprises a plurality of LED light sources (12,14,16) for arrangement on an aircraft (24), primarily on the wing roots (20), on the front edges of the wings (22) and/or on the landing gears (18). The LED light sources (12,14,16) are operative to generate, relative to the central axis of the aircraft (24), a light distribution (10) ahead of the aircraft (24) that is spread substantially in a Y-shaped configuration in an obliquely downward direction. The light distribution (10) comprises two converging lateral regions (34,36) arranged laterally ahead of the aircraft (24), and a central region (40) running from said converging lateral regions (34,36) along an extension of said central axis and oriented in a direction away from the aircraft (24). |
| US08579477B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a body, a light source, a light shutter, and a light transmissive net structure. The body has a cavity therein. The light source is disposed in the cavity. The light shutter is disposed over the light source, wherein the light shutter includes a light transmissive pattern therein. The light transmissive net structure is disposed over the cavity and covers the light shutter. In use, light emitted from the light source would pass through the light transmissive pattern to the light transmissive net structure, thereby displaying an image corresponding to the light transmissive pattern onto the light transmissive net structure. |
| US08579474B2 |
Bézier curve reflector, light source arrangement and projector apparatus
A reflector may have a reflective surface, wherein the contour of the reflective surface is traversed by a Bézier curve. |
| US08579473B2 |
Luminaire for indirect illumination
The invention relates to a luminaire (2) and an illumination system (12). The luminaire according to the invention comprises a light exit window (30) for emitting light from the luminaire, and a reflective screen (40) arranged opposite the light exit window. The luminaire further comprises a light source (20) which is arranged for indirect illumination of the light exit window via the reflective screen. The light source is arranged near the light exit window on an imaginary plane P substantially parallel to the light exit window and emits light away from the light exit window. The luminaire further comprises a specularly reflective part (43) as part of the reflective screen, which specularly reflective part is concavely shaped for reflecting at least part of the light emitted by the light source towards a diffusely reflective part (42) of the reflective screen.The luminaire according to the invention has the effect that use of the specularly reflective part allows an improved controlled reflection of the portion of the light emitted by the light source towards the diffusely reflective part. |
| US08579470B1 |
LED illumination source with improved visual characteristics
An illumination source is disclosed that features, in one embodiment, an at least generally conical body extending outward along an axis of illumination, a socket supported with respect to the body having a pair of connector surfaces for receiving power and having an axis of insertion at least generally parallel to the axis of illumination, and one or more LED illumination elements supported with respect to the body such that at least a portion of their illumination axes are at least generally parallel to the axis of illumination of the source. A power supply has electrical inputs operatively connected to the socket and electrical outputs operatively connected to the LED illumination elements, and a front face is positioned opposite the socket along the illumination axis. An optical light-directing element is provided separate from any optical process or packaging surfaces built onto the LEDs, is disposed between the LED illumination elements and the front face, and has medial and distal ends, with the distal end being spaced away from the front face. |
| US08579468B2 |
Semiconductor light-emitting element mounting module, semiconductor light-emitting element module, semiconductor light-emitting element light fixture, and manufacturing method of semiconductor light-emitting element mounting module
A semiconductor light-emitting element mounting module includes a conductive plate including semiconductor light-emitting fixing portions and first and second electrical-supply segments, wherein the semiconductor light-emitting fixing portions includes first and second conductive sections in contact with one end of first and second contacts, the other end of the first and second contacts is conductive with an anode and a cathode of an light-emitting element, a pair of the first and second electrical-supply segments are electrically conductive with the first and second conductive sections at one end of the conductive plate, and the other pair of the first and second electrical-supply segments are conductive with the first and second conductive sections at other end of the conductive plate; and a resin surface-insulation portion covering the conductive plate with the other end of the first and second contacts exposed, and with the first and second electrical-supply segments exposed. |
| US08579466B2 |
Illumination apparatus and methods of forming the same
In one aspect, an illumination apparatus includes a waveguide, embedded in which are a light-emitting source and a photoluminescent material. Output light is emitted from at least a portion of a first surface of the waveguide. The photoluminescent material includes nano-size phosphor particles and/or quantum dots. |
| US08579465B2 |
Plant growing system
A plant growing system of the present invention includes: a first light source for irradiating red light to a plant; a second light source for irradiating far-red light to the plant; a control part that controls irradiation operations of the first light source and the second light source; and a time setting part that sets a time zone in which the control part operates the irradiation of the first light source and the second light source. The time setting part is designed such that the first light source starts red light irradiation before sunset; and the second light source starts far-red light irradiation after the red light irradiation. |
| US08579464B2 |
Illumination arrangement, multiple light module, luminaire and use thereof
An illumination arrangement comprising a plurality of light-emitting semiconductor components (1), arranged in a row, a diffuser (2), which is illuminated by the light-emitting semiconductor components during operation of the illumination arrangement, intermixes light emitted by the semiconductor components during operation and has a light coupling-out area (200) remote from the semiconductor components, and two mutually opposite, reflective longitudinal side faces (3), between which the row of light-emitting semiconductor components is arranged, which run perpendicular or obliquely with respect to the light coupling-out area, and which reflect at least part of the light emitted by the light-emitting semiconductor components during operation in the direction toward the light coupling-out area. |
| US08579463B2 |
Modular lighting system
An LED tube is provided for providing general illumination. The LED tube includes a tubular housing having a clear shield and a heat sink opposite the clear shield. A strip including LED lights, circuitry, and electrical hubs are positioned on the backside of the heat sink under the shield. The housing also includes first and second ends that include portions of a quarter turn locking system to allow multiple housings to be attached to one another for a longer string of lighting. A power source for powering the LED lights, and an end cap may also be attached to the first and second ends of the housing by the quarter turn locking system. The housing or housings may be connected to a wall or the like by the use of one or more clip mounts. |
| US08579461B2 |
Rechargeable flameless candle systems and methods
According to embodiments of the present invention, a recharging device includes a recharging port that receives a flameless candle and recharges a battery in the candle. The recharging device includes a first stacking structure that has a top portion and a bottom portion. There is a top stacking contact on the top portion. The electrical power bus is connected with the top stacking contact. The top portion of the first stacking structure is configured to mate with a bottom portion of a first stacking structure of another recharging device. In an embodiment, the bottom portion of the first stacking structure has a bottom stacking contact electrically connected with the electrical power bus. The bottom stacking contact may have a pogo spring. The recharging device may also have a second stacking structure having a top portion without an electrical contact. The second stacking structure is configured to mate with a bottom portion of another second stacking structure. In an embodiment, the device has two first stacking structures and two second stacking structures. |
| US08579460B2 |
LED flare and system
A LED flare and system for use to provide greater visibility in any light conditions, particularly in low light. The flare comprises an elongated housing that is generally cylindrical with a flat side. It has a handle at one end and a plurality of LEDs positioned along the outer periphery. A switch located on the elongated housing operates the flare. The flare also includes a re-chargeable battery encased in the housing for powering the flare and a circuit for delivering power and operational control from the battery to the LEDs upon activation by the switch. A set of contacts positioned on the outside of the housing deliver a charge to the battery. The flare includes an attachment device for holding an external charger in place against the contacts during charging operation. An individual flare may be part of a system that also includes other flares and a carrying case with an integrated charger, one or more flare stands and charger accessories. |
| US08579458B2 |
Fitting member, leaf spring and lighting apparatus
A V-shaped leaf spring is provided, at one side of the leaf spring, with a plurality of pressing parts curved convexly toward the other side thereof and arc-shaped in cross section along a longitudinal direction of the leaf spring. The leaf spring is appropriately attached to a lighting apparatus main body so that a region of the leaf spring at a bent part thereof is located downward. Thus, upon installation of the lighting apparatus main body into an attachment hole provided in a ceiling, either one of the plurality of pressing parts abuts against the ceiling having different thicknesses from above, and a sufficient downward pressing force can be exerted on the ceiling having different thicknesses, thereby allowing the component to be fixed to the ceiling with a sufficient holding force. |
| US08579456B2 |
Backlight unit
In order to accurately illuminate an object to be illuminated with planar light having little unevenness in intensity, a backlight unit (2) having a simple structure and simple assembly is provided with a reflection sheet (8) which covers a chassis (5) and a substrate (6) and which has through-holes (81) penetrated by light sources (7), wherein the through-holes (811) formed in the center become larger than the through-holes (814) formed at the edges. |
| US08579452B2 |
User interface and method for control of light systems
An interface device (100) for controlling light sources (110) includes a target region (205); and a controller (120) that associates a preset with an illumination region, and controls a light source (110) in the illumination region when an indicator (215) associated with the preset and illumination region is moved into the target region (205). The controller (120) associates the preset with the illumination region when the preset is moved to an area of the interface device (100) associated with the illumination region. The controller (120) is further configured to change light attributes of light emitted from the light source (110) when the indicator (215) is moved across the target region (205), such as providing maximum intensity when the indicator (215) is at the center of the target region (205). The light attributes include intensity, color, hue, saturation, beam direction and/or beam width of the light. |
| US08579449B2 |
Pointer type measuring instrument
Disclosed is a pointer type measuring instrument of a novel look, in which an indication portion detours the outer circumference of a display portion and can be visually confirmed as if the indication portion is floating above the display portion. The pointer type measuring instrument (M) comprises a display means (1), a drive body (2) mounted on the back side of the display means (1), an arm portion (3) mounted on the output shaft (26) of the drive body (2) and detouring the outer circumference of the display means (1), an indicating portion (5) extending from the arm portion (3) toward the center of the display means (1) and indicating an indicator portion (4) disposed on the display means (1), and a first light source (7) mounted on the arm portion (3) or the indicating portion (5) and causing the indicating portion (5) to glow. |
| US08579447B2 |
Light control grid for close work
When placing a photographic subject close to a large light source equipped with a light control grid, the problem of occluded light channels is solved by variably converging the channels, such that the soft light is directed at a focal point that can be as close as one-half the diagonal dimension of the light source. The light channels are formed by generally planar intersection of strips, the strips preferably made of a flexible fabric material and having slots with corresponding slots on other strips. Optionally, a deployable frame may be provided to help support the grid. |
| US08579445B2 |
Plastic glass mounting and retention device
A plastic mirror mounting system is proposed with a substrate made of plastic material coated with at least one reflective layer on a first surface. The plastic material has means to be connected to a mounting structure on the second surface of the plastic glass mirror. The plastic substrate includes at least three plastic mirror clips having at least one shoulder of plastic mirror clip that has a distance from the second surface so that no or almost no stress disturbs the reflective surface. |
| US08579444B2 |
Modular rear view mirror and method to assemble it
The invention is related to a rear view mirror assembly with a least two parts out of the group of part as: mirror frame, mirror base, mirror housing, mirror bezel, mirror glass, mirror lighting means, actuator, that must be connected during assembly process with at least one retention latch. This retention latch comprises a circular hood and a rectangular arm formed in a first part and to be inserted into an opening and shifted along a slot in a second part. |
| US08579443B2 |
Scanned beam display having a redirected exit cone using a diffraction grating
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanned beam display, comprises a light source to generate a beam to be scanned and a scanning platform to scan the beam into an exit cone. The scanning platform receives the beam at a selected feed angle, and the scanning platform has a surface structure to redirect the exit cone at an exit angle that is less than the feed angle. |
| US08579442B2 |
Advertisement content selection and presentation
Systems, devices and methods that enable advertisement on mobile computing applications are provided. More specifically, described herein are devices and methods that are capable of delivering relatively more friendly advertising information to a user while causing less interference on graphics-based user interfaces of such devices. Integral projector modules which may be embedded in mobile computing devices are also provided. These modules may be capable of externally projecting advertising content upon most any surface. |
| US08579434B2 |
Free-standing two-sided device fabrication
Solar cells attached to a contact lens are provided, as well as methods for making the solar cells and contact lenses. The solar cells have electrodes on only one side of the device, which facilitates attachment of the solar cell to a contact lens. In one embodiment, the solar cells are made using a “two sided” process. By using the two-sided process, solar cells of only a few microns in thickness can be fabricated. Such relatively thin solar cells can be incorporated into a contact lens without discomfort to the wearer. By providing an infinitely renewable power source on a contact lens, the solar cells enable the use of electronic components on the contact lens while eliminating the recharging or replacing issues that arise with batteries. |
| US08579430B2 |
Wide format printer with aerosol collection from both sides of media path
A wide format printer that has an inkjet printhead assembly for printing media fed along a media path that is more than 432 mm (17 inches) wide, and an aerosol collection system for collecting ink aerosol generated by the printhead assembly. The printhead assembly is positioned on a first side of the media path and the aerosol collection system has a first aerosol collection opening positioned on the first side of the media path and a second aerosol collection opening positioned on a second side of the media path. |
| US08579428B2 |
Colorants
Disclosed are colorants comprising a colored laked complex of (a) a chromogen molecule having at least one (i) carboxylic acid group, (ii) carboxylate group, (iii) sulfonic acid group, (iv) sulfonate group, or (v) combination thereof, and (b) a polymer, said chromogen molecule and said polymer each being complexed to (c) a metal. Also disclosed are phase change inks containing the colorants. |
| US08579426B2 |
Method and system for delivering solid-ink pellets
The present disclosure provides apparatus and method for maintaining the flowability of solid-ink pellets in a system for delivering the pellets to an image-forming device. The apparatus includes a container storing the solid-ink pellets, and an extraction assembly for extracting the solid-ink pellets. The extraction assembly includes a tubular housing, extending from the bottom portion of the container, and an auger member rotatably placed within the tubular housing. The tubular housing receives the solid-ink pellets from the container and the auger member rotates to break up the obstructions to pellet flow. |
| US08579425B2 |
Seal and secondary film for ink tank
An ink tank that is mountable to a printhead, the ink tank includes a wall including an ink outlet configured to supply ink to the printhead; a first film including a sealing portion that is adhered to a sealing area surrounding the ink outlet; and a second film adhered to the first film, the second film configured to capture ink residue when the first film is removed from the sealing area. |
| US08579424B2 |
Image forming liquid cartridge and image forming apparatus
The invention provides an image forming liquid cartridge including a container having an opening portion from which an image forming liquid is fed or discharged; a cap portion connected to the opening portion; and an image forming liquid contained in the container, the image forming liquid including a colorant, urea and water, and having a pH of 7.5 or more, wherein the cap portion includes a sealing portion that seals the opening portion, a contact portion provided at the center of the sealing portion, and at least one first breakage portion that extends from the contact portion to an outer periphery of the sealing portion, and has a thickness of from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, the thickness of the at least one first breakage portion being smaller than a thickness of the sealing portion. |
| US08579422B2 |
Flow path unit and image forming apparatus that includes flow path unit
A flow path unit includes: a tank that accumulates a discharge fluid; a main flow path pipe that is connected to the tank and that includes a horizontal section that transfers the discharge fluid in the horizontal direction; a diverging flow path pipe that diverges in plurality from the main flow path pipe and in which each is respectively connected to a plurality of discharge units that discharge the discharge fluid; a pump; a bypass flow path pipe that is connected to the main flow path pipe; a valve that switches the flow or otherwise of the discharge fluid in the bypass flow path pipe by opening and closing; and a control unit that switches between a first control state of recycling the discharge fluid in a flow path that passes through the horizontal section. |
| US08579420B2 |
Ink-jet apparatus
An ink-jet apparatus comprising: an ink supply channel through which ink flows; an ink chamber that communicates with the ink supply channel via an ink inlet channel, holds the ink supplied from the ink supply channel, and has a nozzle that discharges the ink; an ink evacuation channel that communicates with the ink chamber via an ink outlet channel, and through which the ink evacuated from the ink chamber flows; an ink circulating section that applies pressure to the ink so that the ink flows into the ink evacuation channel from the ink supply channel via the ink chamber; a first actuator that vibrates a wall of the ink chamber; and a second actuator that changes an area of a cross-section of the ink outlet channel. |
| US08579417B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, actuator device, and manufacturing method of liquid ejecting head
A liquid ejecting head includes: a piezoelectric element having a first electrode provided above a flow path forming substrate in which pressure generation chambers are formed, a piezoelectric body layer provided so as to correspond to each pressure generation chamber, and a second electrode provided above the piezoelectric body layer, wherein the first electrode, which is formed in the region facing the region where the piezoelectric body layer is formed, includes a first electrically-conductive layer, and a second electrically-conductive layer, which is made of a material having a smaller Young's modulus than that of the first electrically-conductive layer and is formed closer to the flow path forming substrate than the first electrically-conductive layer; and the first electrode, which is formed in the region facing the region where the piezoelectric body layer is not formed, has a surface constituted of the second electrically-conductive layer. |
| US08579416B2 |
Droplet discharging head, manufacturing method thereof, and droplet discharging device
A droplet discharging head, includes: a discharging chamber; a plurality of nozzle orifices discharging droplets and each of the plurality of nozzle orifices is communicated with the discharging chamber; an actuator; a vibrating plate provided using a bottom wall of the discharging chamber and displaceably driven by the actuator; and a reservoir commonly communicated with each discharging chamber. The discharging chamber, the actuator, and the reservoir are each segmented on separate planes and stacked in this order in a manner that a projection plane in a direction perpendicular to a formation plane of the reservoir is contained in formation planes of the actuator and the discharging chamber. |
| US08579415B2 |
Inkjet printing of nanoparticulate functional inks
Apparatus for depositing ink on a substrate includes a nozzle defining an outlet for the ink, with at least a portion of the nozzle being electrically conductive. A first voltage source applies a first potential to the outlet nozzle. One or more auxiliary electrodes are located adjacent the outlet nozzle, and a second voltage source applies a second potential to the auxiliary electrodes. The apparatus includes a piezo-electric or thermal actuator for expelling ink from the nozzle towards a target zone on a substrate, the ink comprising a liquid vehicle and pigment particles dispersed in the vehicle. At least the pigment particles are electrically charged, typically due to the applied potentials. In one embodiment, an auxiliary electrode is disposed coaxially around the electrode formed by the nozzle. In another embodiment, an auxiliary electrode located beyond the nozzle, on a common axis with the electrode formed by the nozzle. The configuration of the nozzle, the auxiliary electrodes, and the values of the first and second potentials are selected to cause pigment particles to be concentrated in the target zone, so that a quantity of the pigment particles is deposited in the target zone having a higher concentration than the concentration of the pigment particles in the ink. The invention extends to a method of depositing ink on a substrate. |
| US08579411B2 |
Discharging nozzle and electrostatic field induction ink-jet nozzle
A nozzle and an electrostatic field induction ink-jet nozzle are disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle includes a concave part, which is formed along an outer circumference of the nozzle and in which the outer circumference is adjacent to a liquid discharging surface. The discharging nozzle can minimize the overflow and damping by a liquid during a process of discharging the liquid and thus maintain the discharging performance constant despite an extended operation of the nozzle. |
| US08579410B1 |
Cap design for an inkjet print head with hand-held imaging element arrangement with integrated cleaning mechanism
The hand-held printer includes a print module configured for multidirectional printing, a print head in communication with the print module. The print head includes a plurality of nozzle arrays and wherein the nozzles in each of the plurality of nozzle are disposed substantially equidistant from a reference point. The hand-held printer further includes a circular cap configured to rotatably cooperate with the print head, wherein the circular cap cooperates with the print head to define a seal when the circular cap is disposed in a closed position. |
| US08579409B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus that enables a cap and a recording head stuck together to be easily separated is provided. The inkjet recording apparatus has a rotatably supported cap holder retaining a cap for covering ejection orifices in a recording head, and an actuator that moves the cap holder to bring the cap into contact with and away from the recording head. A first contact portion configured to seal an ejection orifice row and a second contact portion connected to the outer surface of the first contact portion and configured to be pressed against the ejection orifice surface are provided on a surface of the cap to be brought into contact with the ejection orifice surface. The actuator acts on the cap holder at a position to the second contact portion side of the rotational axis of the cap holder. |
| US08579408B2 |
System and method for measuring fluid drop mass with reference to test pattern image data
A method measures distances between two printed lines on a rotating image receiving member to identify fluid drop mass or fluid drop velocity changes in inkjet ejectors in an inkjet printing system. An initial distance between the two lines is measured at the start of the operational life of the system. During the line of the printing system, the lines are reprinted and the distance between the two lines compared to the initial distance. If the distance has changed by more than a predetermined amount, a firing signal for the printheads that printed the lines is adjusted. |
| US08579407B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus and abnormality detection method for liquid discharge head
An inkjet recording apparatus may include a liquid discharge head and a control unit. The liquid discharge head includes a heat generation resistor to generate thermal energy used for discharging liquid and a protection film disposed in at least one of an upper portion and a lower portion of the heat generation resistor. The control unit measures a minimum energy value required by the heat generation resistor to discharge liquid. In addition, the control unit stops discharge operation of the liquid discharge head when at least one of the energy value and a statistical value of the energy value is less than a threshold. |
| US08579400B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information processing method
An information processing apparatus is provided for a recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium using a recording head. The recording head includes recording element arrays arranged in parallel, and in which recording elements that discharge recording material are aligned. The information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit and a setting unit. The acquisition unit acquires displacement information of an impact position of the recording material recorded by at least one of the recording element arrays. The setting unit sets a distribution rate of the recording material for each recording element array according to the displacement information. |
| US08579399B2 |
Reception device and apparatus having the same
Data transfer is realized to support a high-speed and complex driving control of the driving element. A driving device includes a driving unit configured to supply a driving element with a pulse signal that determines a driving period to drive the driving element, an input unit configured to receive, in synchronization with a trigger signal, a data signal containing first information, second information, a first flag and a second flag that determine a waveform of the pulse signal, a first setting unit configured to set in the driving unit the first information that is input to the input unit, a retaining unit configured to read and retain the second information on the basis of the first flag, and a second setting unit configured to set in the driving unit the second information that is retained in the retaining unit on the basis of the second flag. |
| US08579398B2 |
Droplet discharge head, droplet discharge apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A droplet discharge head includes circuit boards each mounted with one or more nonvolatile memories. The nonvolatile memories are configured in a data-rewritable manner and are used to store written data even when power is turned off. The nonvolatile memories have a write-protect function. One or more of the nonvolatile memories are set to write inhibition state and the write inhibition state is fixed. One or more of the remaining nonvolatile memories are set to rewritable state. |
| US08579394B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator that includes a storage room and a door configured to provide or prevent access to the storage room is described. In the refrigerator, a hinge assembly connects the door to the storage room at a height relative that can be adjusted by operating the hinge assembly. To do so, the hinge assembly includes a hinge shaft having a screw thread and an adjustment member movable along the hinge shaft. Thus, the hinge assembly supports the door and allows adjustment to the height of the door relative to the storage room. |
| US08579392B2 |
Ejection device for a movable furniture part
An ejection device is provided for a moveable part of a piece of furniture. The ejection device includes a lever for transmitting force to the moveable part of the piece of furniture. The lever has a lever member which is mounted so as to be rotatable by a limited degree about an axis of rotation while having a free lever end. The lever member is provided with a curved section that is spaced apart from the axis of rotation and the free lever end. |
| US08579391B2 |
Article handling machine equipped with a tiltable electrical cabinet
Article handling machine (1) having a frame (3) for receiving article handling elements, a roof (7) covering said frame (3), and an electrical cabinet (12) for receiving devices for controlling electrical power supplied to said handling elements, characterized in that the electrical cabinet (12) is pivotally mounted on the roof (7) between an erected position in which the cabinet (12) is substantially perpendicular to the roof (7) for allowing an operator to access inside the cabinet (12) in standing posture, and a lying position in which the cabinet (12) extends substantially parallel to the roof (7). |
| US08579390B2 |
Supporting structure for a furniture body to be installed on the wall
A supporting structure includes an outer body and an inner body that can be lowered. The supporting structure includes two side elements to be installed on the wall at a distance from each other, and at least one cross member detachably connecting the side elements to each other. The supporting structure also has separate fastening points for independently installing the outer body and the inner body on the supporting structure. Each side element has a preferably preinstalled, vertically movable supporting element on the inside facing the inner body, and the supporting elements have the fastening points for the inner body. |
| US08579381B2 |
Wheel centering apparatus
An annular centering ring centers a wheel on a hub. The hub has a circular outer surface and an outer end face. The wheel has a central opening defined by a circular wall. The annular centering ring has an annular mounting flange structure that seats upon the circular outer surface and the outer end face of the hub, and a centering skirt structure that is engaged by the circular wall of the wheel when the wheel is installed onto the hub so that the centering skirt structure is flexed and occupies the annular space between the circular outer surface of the hub and the central opening of the wheel to thereby center the wheel upon the hub in readiness for installation of a plurality of lug nuts. The centering skirt structure is captured in a press-fit relationship between the wheel and hub, or can be extruded away during the installation of the wheel onto the hub. |
| US08579380B2 |
Water spray assembly etc
A water spray assembly for replaceable location in a receiving bore of a pick box, which pick box is also adapted to receive a replaceable mineral cutter pick, is constructed from two components. One component is a spray body and the other component is a co-axial spray nozzle. The two components are releasably connected together by screw threads, whereby the spray assembly may either be removed from or inserted into, its receiving bore as a whole, or alternatively as individual components. |
| US08579377B2 |
Device for a motor vehicle seat
A drive device for a motor vehicle seat (1) has a mount (22), a drive (24) which is mounted to the mount (22), so as to be pivoted about a first axis (A), an output (25) which is mounted to the mount (22), so as to be rotated about a second axis (B), and a transmission. The transmission transmits a driving pivot movement of the drive (24), which moves the drive (24) from an initial position into a deflected position, to the output (25) and causes a rotating movement of the output (25). At least one rolling body (26) is provided as the transmission. The rolling body (26), in the initial position and during the driving pivot movement of the drive (24), is in friction contact both with the drive (24) and simultaneously with the output (25) and rolls along same, and releases during the pivot movement back into the initial position. |
| US08579373B2 |
Device for adjusting the length of the seat base for a motor vehicle seat and seat comprising such a device
A seat base length adjustment device including a seat nose plate assembled on a carriage movable with respect to the seating frame, means for slidably guiding the carriage, and means for maintaining the carriage in position with respect to said frame. The sliding guide means comprises a guide rail located in a middle portion of the carriage, the carriage supports a toothed wheel, rotatably assembled on the carriage along an axis perpendicular to the seating frame and to the sliding direction, and meshing with a rack arranged close to the guide rail, and the means for maintaining the carriage in position comprises a lock acting on the rotation of the toothed wheel. |
| US08579370B2 |
Structure of seat back with headrest
A seat back of vehicle seat, on which a headrest unmovable in fore-and-aft direction is mounted, is constructed such that a resilient support member for supporting a back portion of seat occupant is provided therein, and the upper region of that resilient support member is operatively connected, via movable connecting element, with a biasing element. When a rear-end collision occurs, the resilient support member is displaced far backwardly by excessive great load applied thereto from the seat occupant, overcoming a biasing force of the biasing element, thereby causing the biasing element to stretch long, so that the resilient support member with the seat occupant's back portion thereon is displaced backwardly and upwardly under guidance of the movable connecting element so as to quickly bring a head of the seat occupant to a point close to the headrest, prior to the head being directly pressed against the headrest. |
| US08579368B2 |
Seat for vehicle
A seat for a vehicle includes a seat cushion frame reciprocating between seating and retracted positions, a seat back frame rotatable between standing and forward-tilted positions, a head rest movable between stationary and retracted positions, a pair of links provided at both end portions of the seat cushion frame on a floor in a lateral direction of the vehicle, a guide member including a guide groove extending between the seating and retracted positions, a slide member arranged at the seat cushion frame and sliding along the guide groove, a head rest retaining device retaining the head rest in the stationary position, a rotary member supported by the seat back frame and rotated by the slide member, and an interlocking device arranged between the rotary member and the head rest retaining device and releasing the head rest from the stationary position in accordance with a rotation of the rotary member. |
| US08579367B2 |
Anti-ballistic chairs
The present invention is directed to Anti-ballistic Chairs with the preferred embodiment consisting of a conventionally appearing stacking chair with padded seat cushion and back rest, having a tubular framework with arm rests, having the addition of a skirt section below the seat extending to the floor level. The core of the chair will consist of layers of flexible anti-ballistic fabric, also known as soft armor, wrapped in two directions around the tubular members of the back rest, seat and skirt section. Alternatively, the stacking chair will be constructed of pre-manufactured hard anti-ballistic armor components, also known as hard armor. Two additional embodiments will be folding chairs with tubular frameworks, the first having hard armor anti-ballistic surfaces and the second being able to have hard armor or soft armor anti-ballistic surfaces. |
| US08579365B2 |
Cowl louver support structure for automobile
In an automotive cowl louver support structure, vehicle-widthwise both sides of a cowl louver disposed between a windshield and a hood can be supported by lower portions of right and left rain gutters, and ornamental surfaces of the rain gutters can be continuous with a ornamental surface of the cowl louver. Engaged portions are provided to lower portions of the right and left rain gutters. Engagement portions configured to engage the respective engaged portions are provided to vehicle-widthwise both sides of the cowl louver. Further, the engagement portions of the cowl louver are engaged with the engaged portions of the right and left rain gutters. |
| US08579364B2 |
Work vehicle
A work vehicle includes a front loader mounted at a front portion of the work vehicle to be vertically pivotable, a driving control device, and a canopy device for covering the driving control device from above, the canopy device including a roof disposed upwardly of the driving control device and a support body for supporting the roof. The roof includes a front visor portion which projects, in a plan view thereof, to a position same as or more forwardly of a front end portion of the driving control device. To a lower face of said front visor portion, there are attached a pair of right and left front illumination lamps, and there is provided an upper concave portion at the right/left center thereof. A lower face of the upper concave portion is formed as an inclined face which is inclined upward from a rear portion to a front edge of the front visor portion so as to be located at a higher position than the attaching position of the front illumination lamps. |
| US08579359B2 |
Side skirt system for a trailer
A side skirt system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a side skirt wall configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend below a side wall of the trailer along a length of the trailer. A mounting bracket assembly of the system is coupled to the side skirt wall and is configured to be coupled to a floor assembly of the trailer. The mounting bracket assembly is configured to tilt laterally outwardly and laterally inwardly with respect to a generally vertical axis parallel to the side wall of the trailer. |
| US08579353B1 |
Retractable tarp cover system
A retractable tarp cover for a truck, trailer body or other equipment is adapted to be moved from a retracted position at the front of the truck, trailer body or other equipment to an extended position at the rear of the truck, trailer body or other equipment by means of a rodless cylinder at each side thereof. The tarp is also movable from its extended position to a retracted position. |
| US08579351B2 |
Vehicle seat device
A vehicle seat device capable of providing a space in which a large sized load can be disposed. A seat device is provided with a left rear seat and a right rear seat arranged next to each other in the vehicle width direction, and also with a left front movement device for moving the left rear seat to a left foot space located in front of the left rear seat. The left rear seat having been moved to the left foot space is moved through a lateral slide rail up to a right foot space located in front of the right rear seat. |
| US08579346B2 |
Motor vehicle handle
A handle, preferably for a motor vehicle, includes, but is not limited to a frame surrounding an upper part. At least one engagement hook is arranged on the frame, which can be hooked into at least one corresponding counterpart provided on the upper part, and with a lower part that can be arranged on the upper part, on which lower part at least one projection that can be placed against the engagement hook is provided. |
| US08579343B2 |
Robot actuator and humanoid robot having the same
Disclosed herein are a robot actuator and a humanoid robot having the same. The robot actuator includes a rotation driving source, a ball screw member including a ball screw part connected to the rotation driving source and a nut part connected to the ball screw part, a guide member separated in parallel from the ball screw part, a slider member movably supported by the guide member, and a connection member connecting the slider member and the nut part to move the slider member in connection with movement of the nut part, and the connection member is relatively movably connected to at least one of the nut part and the slider member. Therefore, efficiency in force reflection and back-drivability of the actuator is improved. |
| US08579336B2 |
Fastening structure for portable electronic device
A fastening structure for portable electronic device includes a cover, a main body and a latching member. The cover includes a hook. The main body defines a receiving cavity. The latching member is attached to the main body. The latching member includes a locking portion received in the receiving cavity. The cover is locked on the main body by engagement between the hook and the locking portion. |
| US08579335B2 |
Coupling structure for absorption refrigeration circuit
A coupling structure for an absorption refrigeration circuit includes a gasket held between two coupling members. The gasket has a protruding part that elastically deforms when clamped between adjoining faces of the two coupling members. |
| US08579333B2 |
Confidential postcards
Confidential postcards are described herein. An example postcard mailer includes a substrate having a first panel and a second panel adjacent the first panel, wherein each of the first panel and the second panel includes a first face and a second face. The example mailer also includes a first line of weakness separating the first panel and the second panel and a first fastener pattern included on at least one of the first face of the first panel or the first face of the second panel to releasably adhere a first portion of the first face of the first panel to a first portion the first face of the second panel when the substrate is folded about the first line of weakness. In addition, the example mailer includes a second fastener pattern included on at least one of the first face of the first panel or the first face of the second panel to releasably adhere a second portion of the first face of the first panel to a second portion of the first face of the second panel. The second fastener pattern and at least a portion of the first fastener pattern define an area that is not visible when the first face of the first panel is releasably adhered to the first face of the second panel and a third portion of the first face of the first panel and a third portion of the second face of the second panel are separated from each other. |
| US08579327B2 |
Steering column for a motor vehicle
A steering column is provided for a motor vehicle, which can be moved within a predetermined adjustment range, and in the event of a crash can be shifted beyond the predetermined adjustment range into a crash position, with a steering column cladding and a latching device for locking the steering column into the respective position. The latching device has a manually activatable actuating element, and the steering column cladding and actuating element can be positioned relative to each other in such a way by moving the steering column into the crash position that the actuating element is or can be supported against the steering column cladding as it is being fixed in place with the steering column locked. |
| US08579323B2 |
Curtain airbag system
A curtain air bag of a curtain airbag system includes a main chamber stored in a folded condition in a roof side portion that extends rearward from a front pillar, and a front auxiliary chamber formed integrally with the main chamber and stored in a folded condition in the roof side portion together with the main chamber. The main chamber is inflated with gas supplied thereto in the event of a side impact of a vehicle and rollover of the vehicle, to be deployed like a curtain downwardly of the vehicle. The front auxiliary chamber is inflated with gas supplied thereto at least in the event of rollover of the vehicle, to be deployed in front of the main chamber such that an upper portion of the front auxiliary chamber as seen in a side view overlaps the front pillar, and a lower portion thereof overlaps a front side door. |
| US08579320B2 |
Folding tool stand
A folding tool stand includes a platform connected to a base frame. The platform is pivotally and slidingly connected at a first side thereof to the base frame and is pivotally connected at a second side thereof to links that are pivotally connected to the base frame. A leg support is pivotally connected to the base frame. A locking device is provided to maintain the platform in an extended position. In the collapsed position, the platform is guided by the links to be positioned along the base frame. In the extended position, the links guide and support the platform in a position spaced from the base frame. In an alternate embodiment, a driving device is used to provide support to the second side of the platform during expanding and collapsing of the folding tool stand. |
| US08579319B2 |
Baby carriage
A baby buggy having a frame structure that can be folded quickly, easily, and in a small frame volume. |
| US08579317B2 |
Binding for a boot on a gliding board
The invention is directed to a binding for retaining a boot on a gliding board, such as a ski, which includes a retaining device, a lower abutment surface, and a vertical spacer. The retaining device supports an upper abutment surface adapted to be in contact with at least one upper surface of a front portion of the boot. The lower abutment surface is adapted to be in contact with at least a portion of the sole of the boot. The lower abutment surface is connected to the retaining device so as to define an engagement height for the boot corresponding to the difference in height between the upper abutment surface and the lower abutment surface. The vertical spacer is rigid and includes a predetermined adjustment height. The vertical spacer is arranged relative to the retaining device and the lower abutment surface, so that the adjustment height of the vertical spacer makes it possible to adjust the engagement height. The vertical spacer is affixed directly to the retaining device in order to modify the vertical position of the upper abutment surface. |
| US08579315B2 |
Reconfigurable tilt wheelchair
A modular wheelchair assembly is adapted to be reconfigured between a fixed angle of tilt, a dynamically adjustable tilt-in-space configuration with the tilt axis being near the user's knees and a dynamically adjustable tilt-in-space configuration with the tilt axis being near the user's center of gravity. The reconfiguration is achieved by modifying a limited number of selectively removable components of the support assembly or the pivot assembly of the wheelchair. |
| US08579314B2 |
Removable mud flap assembly and methods of use
A removable mud flap assembly adapted to rapid and facile removal of a flap member from a wheeled vehicle or trailer is described. The removable mud flap assembly includes a bracket assembly having a fixed structure affixed to the vehicle or trailer, and a removable structure affixed to the flap member. The removable structure securely engages the fixed structure to form an intact bracket assembly, and is adapted to readily disengage from the fixed structure, thereby enabling the flap member to be quickly and easily removed from the vehicle. The flap member is typically, but not necessarily, removed from the vehicle by one person in a few seconds, without the use of tools. |
| US08579313B2 |
Active roll control system
An active roll control device varies a position of a stabilizer link connecting a stabilizer bar with a suspension arm such that torsion rigidity of the stabilizer bar is varied to actively control the roll. A penetrating slot is formed in the suspension arm and may include a sliding unit that includes a rail plate disposed in a housing disposed at a lower side of the penetrating slot along a vehicle width direction and connects a connector that is movably disposed on the rail plate with a lower end of the stabilizer link to guide the stabilizer link along a width direction of the vehicle, and a drive unit having a lead screw as a rotation shaft through a three joint mounting portion that engages a screw connector connected to a hinge portion of the stabilizer link to transfer a driving torque to the stabilizer link. |
| US08579310B2 |
Vehicle suspension apparatus
It is an object to obtain excellent suspension performance and effectively enhance steering stability during vehicle turning, with a simple configuration. A vehicle suspension apparatus comprises an upper lateral link (5) and a lower lateral link (6) each having one end (5a, 6a) swingably mounted to a wheel carrying member (1) and the other end (5b, 6b) swingably supported by a vehicle body, while being installed to extend in a vehicle widthwise direction, and a lower link (7) having one end mounted to a lower portion of the wheel carrying member (1) at a position rearward of a rotary shaft of a wheel, and the other end swingably supported by the vehicle body. The one ends (5a, 6a) of the upper and lower lateral links (5, 6) are mounted, respectively, to an upper portion and a lower portion of the wheel carrying member (1) at positions frontward of the rotary shaft of the wheel. The upper and lower mounting portions each mounting a respective one of the upper and lower lateral links (5, 6) to the wheel carrying member (1) are disposed at approximately same positions in a vehicle longitudinal direction in side view. Further, the other ends (5b, 5b) of the upper and lower lateral links (5, 6) are supported, respectively, by an upper portion and a lower portion of a frame member 3 installed to extend in an upward-downward direction in side view. |
| US08579309B1 |
Vehicle frame mounting
A vehicle frame assembly includes a structural member configured to support a vehicle body and a subframe member configured to support at least one of a vehicle suspension and an engine. The structural member includes a cavity and the subframe member includes a support section and an extension that extends transversely from the support section. The extension is received in the cavity to connect the subframe member with the structural member. |
| US08579307B2 |
Axle support, especially front axle support for motor vehicles
The invention relates to a monolithically cast axle support (12) for motor vehicles. A steering box (10) is provided which is monolithically produced as a whole or in part along with the axle support or which is integrally bonded to the axle support as a whole or in part. |
| US08579306B2 |
In-line off-road skateboard
An in-line off-road skateboard includes a front wheel and a rear wheel in tandem, one foot platform mounted between the front and rear wheels and one foot platform mounted aft of the rear wheel, an articulating front wheel which is steered by tilting the board in the desired direction of travel, a steering assembly which is adjusted to control the radius of a turn and the level by which the steering assembly is able to respond when the board is leaned from side to side at various degrees, independent suspension for both wheels that can be adjusted for various lengths of wheel travel and for various types of terrains, and a rear disc brake that does not interfere with the ability of the rear suspension to respond to uneven surfaces. |
| US08579303B2 |
Portable chair carrier on rollers
A Portable Chair Carrier on Rollers device for use with sporting goods and outdoor accessories. Particularly this device mounts a wheel assembly to a soft carrying case. The mounting may be as an original equipment feature with the case or as an add-on feature to existing cases. It is comprised essentially of a case that has several features, a wheel support structure to support wheels, a means for securing the wheels to the case and a support stand permits the device to maintain an upright position a support. |
| US08579301B2 |
Articulated two-piece snowboard with rigid, flexible connector
A two-piece snowboard includes an improved bottom shape and connector. The bottom surface of each snowboard section facilitates three primary functions: riding in a straight line, turning, and stopping. The bottom surfaces are concave or substantially flat, and grooves or ribs are provided along bottom edges of the sections to provide for turning and/or braking. Thus placed, the grooves and/or ribs do not interfere with straight line riding. The connector is somewhat stiff, and resists twisting. An example of a suitable connector is a length of reinforced hydraulic hose. The connector allows both vertical and horizontal flexing to facilitate riding over irregular terrain, while resisting twisting between sections to facilitate control. In one embodiment, the two-piece snowboard is constructed from sandwiching upper platforms provided by a donor snowboard between a connector assembly and bottom platforms according to the present invention. |
| US08579300B2 |
Spring-based skateboard truck with swingable kingpin
A truck assembly comprises a baseplate including a pivot arm hole, a first kingpin hole and a spring holder. A wheel axle is couplable to a wheel on each end of the wheel axle. A pivot arm is inserted into the pivot arm hole of the baseplate. An axle housing has a first end, a second end and a second kingpin hole. The first end includes the wheel axle and the second kingpin hole, and the second end includes the pivot arm. A swingable kingpin includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion swings relative to the second portion. A spring member is provided substantially parallel to the kingpin and is coupled to the spring holder of the baseplate and the first end of the axle housing. |
| US08579299B2 |
Gasket having adhesive element
A gasket has an upper face and a lower face. The gasket comprises an adhesive element that can have a combination of adhesion strength and compression set resistance. The adhesive element can be carried by a carrier sheet or may be directly applied to sealing surfaces in contact with the gasket. |
| US08579298B2 |
Sealing device
In a section passing through a central axis of the annular sealing device 100, if a radius of curvature of a curved face between a first inclined face 110X and a second inclined face 110Y is R0, a radius of curvature of a curved face between a side face on a sealed fluid side (O) and the first inclined face 110X in an annular groove is R1a, R2a, R3a, and R4a for respective annular grooves, and a radius of curvature of a curved face between a side face on an atmosphere side (A) and the first inclined face 110X in an annular groove is R1b, R2b, R3b, and R4b for the respective annular grooves, R1b, R2b, R3b, R4b |
| US08579297B2 |
Shaft seal device
A shaft seal device is provided in which movement of the seal lip is prevented and the sealing function can be reliably maintained by shaping the adapter so that the adapter is more readily pressed into and less liable to be dislodged from the cartridge, and by increasing the width in the radial direction. An external peripheral-side flange of the adapter fitted into the cartridge on the sealing fluid side of the first lip seal member is formed in a small-diameter tapered shape toward the web side, and the web is composed of an external-periphery-side portion having an orthogonal planar shape that is orthogonal to the center of the shaft, and a tapered internal-periphery-side portion that slopes to the sealing fluid side. |
| US08579290B2 |
Interchangeable three dimensional (3D) glasses and three dimensional connect-the-dots drawings
Interchangeable glasses in accordance with one embodiment include a glasses frame; a first pair of lenses that are interchangeable with the glasses frame and have a first set of lenses that are a first color; a second pair of lenses that are interchangeable with the glasses frame and have a second set of lenses that are a second color; and a third pair of lenses that are interchangeable with the glasses frame and have a third set of lenses, where the third set of lenses includes a first lens that is the first color and a second lens that is the second color. |
| US08579280B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus can include an image forming member that forms an image on a sheet, an ejecting transport member that can transport the sheet in first and second directions, and a switching unit. The guide member can move to a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position. At the first predetermined position, the guide member can apply a pushing force to the sheet. At the second predetermined position, the guide member can either apply a smaller pushing force to the sheet than at the first predetermined position, or provide a clearance between the guide member and the sheet. The switching unit can switch the guide member into the first and second predetermined positions based on the sheet transporting direction of the ejecting transport member. |
| US08579279B2 |
Conveying direction-switching device for paper leaves with direction-changing drum
A conveying direction-switching device is formed by direction-changing drums each having the same hollow cylindrical shape having a length corresponding to a lateral width of paper money bills to be conveyed. The direction-changing drum has first to fourth openings arranged in the outer periphery thereof, in a manner spaced from each other by a rotational angle of 90 degrees, and the rotational angle position thereof is controlled to be a predetermined phase angle. Inside the direction-changing drum, the first opening and the fourth opening are connected by a paper money guide forming a first curved passage, the second opening and the fourth opening are connected by a paper money guide forming a straight passage, and the third opening and the fourth opening are connected by a paper money guide forming a second curved passage. |
| US08579278B2 |
Paper sheet handling apparatus with first and second transport surfaces
A paper sheet handling apparatus includes: a transport path including a pair of a first transport surface and a second transport surface; at least one storage module configured to store the paper sheets transported through the transport path; and a body including the transport path and the storage module. The storage module is attachable and detachable to and from the body by moving the storage module in a predetermined direction, a part of an outer surface of the storage module attached to the body forms the first transport surface, and the second transport surface is exposed when the storage module is detached from the body so that the second transport surface is visible from the predetermined direction. |
| US08579272B2 |
Clamping apparatus
A clamping apparatus for securing a workpiece is provided. The clamping apparatus includes a fixing base and a first and a second clamping device mounted on opposing sides of the fixing base. The first clamping device includes stacked clamping sheets, each of which is moveable and comprises an inclined clamping edge for contacting the workpiece. A support assembly supports the plurality of stacked clamping sheets; and an operating member is slidable relative to the support assembly and contacting the plurality of staked clamping sheets. The operation member is capable of moving at least one of the plurality of stacked clamping sheets relative to another one when the operation member slides relative to the support assembly, and moving at least one of the inclined clamping edge toward or away from the second clamping device to accommodate workpieces of varying sizes. |
| US08579271B2 |
Machine tool with a workpiece mounting block
A machine tool with a workpiece mounting block is provided that permit a plurality of workpieces to be mounted and machined without giving rise to interference between the workpiece or a table and a main spindle. Work mounting section (27) in a shape of square pyramid with four sides serving as workpiece mounting surfaces is fixed to table (17). Main spindle (19) with tool (23) mounted thereon can be moved relative to table (17) in three mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z-directions, and table (17) can be moved in rotation feed in A and C-directions. Positions of rotation angle of A-axis and C-axis when the workpiece mounting surface is perpendicular to the axis of main spindle (19) are stored in advance in storage mechanisms. When workpieces (33) mounted on the workpiece mounting surfaces are to be machined, a workpiece coordinate system is set based on the stored positions of the rotation angle and NC machining is carried out. |
| US08579270B1 |
Body jewelry tool
A body jewelry tool to aid in the application and removal of body piercing retaining fasteners comprises a tubular body of non-corroding stainless steel for a long life and ease of cleaning for sanitary use. The outer surface comprises a rubberized grip. An operational end of the device comprises an internal grasping mechanism that readily adapts to all sizes of threaded ball fasteners used as retainers on body piercings. In such a manner, the user or wearer can hold the jewelry in one hand while the tool is used to grasp and hold the retaining ball with the other hand. The device is then easily turned to remove or install the ball as necessary. |
| US08579267B2 |
Vehicle oscillation device
The invention concerns a vehicle oscillation device with a lower part (1) and an upper part (2, 2a, 2b) positioned higher and spring-mounted in relation to the lower part (1) in the vehicle longitudinal direction (21) and/or vehicle width direction (22) by a spring device (7, 7a, 7b, 8; 18), wherein the vehicle longitudinal direction (21) and/or the vehicle width direction (22) constitute spring travel directions (9, 11), wherein at least one damper (3, 3a; 4, 4a) is arranged which extends with its longitudinal extension in a plane defined by the vehicle longitudinal direction (21) and the vehicle width direction (22), is mounted on the lower part (1) pivotably about an axis (17, 24) oriented perpendicular to the plane, and is connected with a first end (5, 5a; 6, 6a; 16) to the upper part (2). |
| US08579266B2 |
Microbubble therapy method and generating apparatus
A micro bubble generating system includes a shell having a well for retaining a first liquid to immerse an object. A micro bubble apparatus is provide to the shell for providing a pressurized mixture of a second liquid and a dissolved gas into the well so as to create a plurality of micro bubbles within the first liquid for engaging the object. A micro bubble generating apparatus may include a housing body having a first fluid passage for a pressurized mixture of a liquid and a dissolved gas in a direction towards a fluid flow. An orifice member can be releasably engaged with the housing body and the orifice member may have a second fluid passage being disposed therein; and the second fluid passage being disposed at an angle with respect to the first fluid passage for generating a plurality of micro bubbles from the mixture; and an opening in the housing body for releasing the plurality of micro bubbles. |
| US08579265B1 |
Simple start ratchet-type carburetor
A simple start ratchet-type carburetor includes a carburetor body, an inlet tube communicated with the carburetor body for forming a fuel passage, a fuel passage of a measuring room, a main fuel supply cavity molded integrally with the carburetor body comprising a choke subassembly, a venturi, and a throttle subassembly. The end of the throttle shaft protruding from the carburetor body provides a first pawl, a second pawl and a hand cranking block, the two pawls are mounted on one end of the throttle shaft by a fastener, the hand cranking block is mounted on the other end, the end of the choke shaft protruding from the carburetor body provides a first ratchet and a second ratchet. An air removing device drives the ratchets to rotate the choke shaft which controls the opening or closing of a shut-off valve device. The carburetor can control precisely the fuel amount. |
| US08579261B1 |
Pully seat
A pulley seat includes a housing including a cover including a slot on an intermediate portion, and a casing including first and second stepped diameter holes on both sides respectively wherein the housing is integrally formed by hot forging; a pulley including an axial channel; a bearing having an axial hole and being rotatably disposed in the axial channel; a stepped-diameter first sleeve disposed in the first stepped diameter hole; a stepped-diameter second sleeve disposed in the second stepped diameter hole; and a pivot pin rotatably disposed in the first sleeve, the axial hole, and the second sleeve. |
| US08579256B2 |
Valve
A valve includes a housing, a rotational body, two seat rings, a shaft integrally linked to the rotational body, and a sealing element. The rotational body is arranged rotatably in the housing and has a through-opening. The seat rings are spaced apart in the housing, each positioned against an outer surface of the rotational body to seal against leakage. The shaft extends outwardly through a housing opening. Part of the shaft has a spherical outer surface. The sealing element is positioned against the spherical outer surface, and includes a sealing lip and a support ring. The support ring has a spherical inner surface with a curvature corresponding to the spherical outer surface. The shaft is supported on the support ring at the shaft part's spherical outer surface. A flow path is defined by a housing through-opening and a rotational body through-opening, and is closed or at least partially open as determined by a rotational angle position of the rotational body about a rotational axis. The rotational body and shaft move together pivoting about a pivot axis that is orthogonal to the rotational axis. The pivot axis is determined by the shaft part's spherical outer surface. |
| US08579249B2 |
Biasing device for use with actuators of fluid valves
A biasing device for use with a piston actuator of a fluid valve includes a tubular seat member, a tubular retention member, a tubular seat bracket, and a biasing element disposed between an external annular flange of the tubular seat member and an external annular flange of the tubular seat bracket. The tubular retention member is partially disposed within the tubular seat member, the tubular retention member passing through an opening in the inner flange of the tubular seat member. The tubular retention member is partially disposed within the tubular seat bracket, the tubular retention member passing through an opening in the inner flange of the tubular seat bracket. The basing member is seated against the exterior annular flange of the tubular seat member and against the exterior annular flange of the tubular seat bracket. |
| US08579248B2 |
Concrete form system and method
A concrete structure kit comprising a dry powdered concrete mixture contained within a shaped container or packaging is provided. In use, the packaged dry concrete mixture is placed in a desired location, water is added to the dry mixture in an appropriate amount, and the concrete is allowed to set in the shape of the container. After the concrete has hardened, the container may be removed from the outside of the concrete structure and discarded. In a second embodiment, a modular concrete mold system is provided, which includes a series of interlocking pieces having various shapes, such as straight sides, curved sides, corners, acute and obtuse angles, and the like. This arrangement allows a user to form a concrete mold into a variety of different shapes, as desired. |
| US08579246B2 |
Angle adjusting stand
An angle adjusting stand contains two bases, each including a hole, at least one limiting aperture, an engaging portion, and plural first locking faces; two adjusting devices, each including a holder, a spring, a bolt, and a nut; two supporting posts, each including a first contacting portion, a second contacting portion, and a connecting portion coupled; at lease one middle post including a top and a bottom horizontal sections, wherein the top horizontal section includes two sides, one of which includes a first extension to retain with the first slot and another of which includes a first recess to retain with the first pillar, the bottom horizontal section includes two sides, one of which includes a second extension to retain with the second slot and another of which includes a second recess to retain with the second pillar so that the middle post is connected between the two supporting posts. |
| US08579245B2 |
Retail product assembly with hanger
A hanger, for supporting a retail item from a separate support structure, includes a support interface portion, a transverse section, an intermediate section, and a base section. The support interface portion is configured to selectively receive the separate support structure. The transverse section extends from the support interface portion and defines a bottom edge of the transverse section. The intermediate section extends from the transverse section. The base section extends downwardly from the intermediate section. The base section defines two side edges tapered toward one another such that a width of the base section gradually decreases as the base section extends away from the intermediate section. The base section is configured to partially deflect to slide through an elongated opening of the retail item such that during use the intermediate section and the base section are positioned on opposite sides of the elongated opening and the intermediate section extends through the elongated opening. |
| US08579241B2 |
Footwear customization kit
A footwear customization kit is disclosed. The kit comprises a container including an article of footwear, a stand, a steaming bag and a set of instructions. The article of footwear includes a customizable portion that can be deformed when heated. The stand and the steaming bag can be used to heat the article of footwear in a steam environment. |
| US08579237B2 |
System for setting the span load distribution of a wing
A system for setting a span load distribution of a wing of an aircraft with a base flap system comprises at least one inboard flap element and one outboard flap element, which elements in the direction of the span are arranged on the trailing edge of the wing, and can be positioned relative to the span direction of the wing. The flap elements are not mechanically coupled with each other and are controlled independently of each other for the purpose of setting the span load distribution. |
| US08579236B2 |
Aircraft slat assembly with anti-icing system
An aircraft slat assembly comprising a pair of slats separated by a gap. A weather seal seals the gap between the slats and forms part of an outer aerodynamic surface of the slat assembly. An anti-icing system is provided with a pair of piccolo tubes, each tube being housed within a respective one of the slats and having spray holes for delivering hot gas to a leading edge of the slat in which it is housed. A flexible duct delivers hot gas between the piccolo tubes, the flexible duct passing across the gap between the slats. A vent in the weather seal can open to permit hot gas from the anti-icing system to exit the gap between the slats. |
| US08579235B2 |
Technique for de-orbiting small debris from the near-earth space environment
System and method for inducing rapid reentry of orbital debris including determining a spatial extent of the orbital debris, and deploying dust to the orbital debris to enhance the drag on the orbital debris. Small objects with perigee above about 900 km where the debris lifetime can be centuries can be targeted for de-orbiting. |
| US08579230B2 |
Attachment pylon for aircraft turboshaft engine, comprising rear flaps with mobile incidence
An aircraft engine assembly including a turboshaft engine with a propeller and an attachment pylon intended to be laterally attached on a rear portion of the structure of the aircraft is disclosed. The pylon has an outer surface forming an aerodynamic profile incorporating a trailing edge which is arranged upstream of the propeller of the turboshaft engine. The pylon includes a mobile rear flap at least partially defining the trailing edge and a controller which steers the incidence of the flap according to a law depending on the incidence of the aircraft. |
| US08579229B2 |
Device for braking/driving an aircraft wheel
The invention relates to a device for braking/driving an aircraft wheel mounted to rotate on an undercarriage axle, the device comprising: a stack of disks comprising disks that are constrained in rotation with the wheel and that alternate with disks that are constrained in rotation with a torsion tube; a support member mounted to rotate on the axle and constrained in rotation with the torsion tube; braking actuators carried by the support member for selectively pressing the disks together; and a drive member for selectively driving the support member in rotation; the support member carrying a secondary of a transformer having a primary arranged facing the support member while being stationary in rotation, the secondary being electrically connected to the actuators and the primary being adapted to being connected to a non-DC voltage source. |
| US08579225B2 |
Device for acoustic treatment of the noise emitted by a turbojet
The invention provides a device for acoustical treatment of the noise emitted by a bypass turbojet comprising a primary cowl having in an outer surface an inner annular acoustic treatment panel and a secondary cowl including in an inner surface an outer annular acoustic treatment panel arranged facing the inner panel. The inner and outer panels include respective central panel portions facing each other and extending axially over a common predetermined length, the length of the central panel portions lying in the range one-fifth to four-fifths of the total length of the panels, and the ratio between the acoustic resistances of the central panel portions being not less than 2. |
| US08579222B1 |
Motorized fishing reel device
A motorized fishing reel device with a selectively actuated rotably mounted and motorized spool with a fishing line wound thereon. A mechanism for guiding the winding and unwinding of the line wound in a spool. The mechanism ensures that the line is properly wound when the spool is substantially coaxially aligned with the line in order to provide an ergonomically compatible handling of the device. A motor assembly with step-down and step-up gear assemblies that provide the rotational energy to the spool assembly and the reciprocating movement to a traveling pin with a line guiding roller at its distal end. A leg assembly that doubles as a storage compartment for back-up batteries is rotably mounted at one end to the housing assembly. |
| US08579216B2 |
Injection nozzle for repairing a wall element
A connection arm (31) of an injection nozzle (22) has an adhesive passage (36). A nozzle outer cylinder (32) is supported by the connection arm (31) and has an intermediate passage (48) in communication with the adhesive passage (36) and a sealing member (44). A nozzle inner cylinder (33) is elongated through the sealing member (44), is slidably supported inside the nozzle outer cylinder (32), and has a communication opening (64) communicating with the intermediate passage (48) as well as an adhesive discharge port (63). An operation member (34) moves the nozzle inner cylinder (33) between an advanced position where the adhesive discharge port (63) lies deep inside a charging hole (8) and a receded position where the adhesive discharge port (63) lies shallow inside the charging hole (8) bored into a framework (2) to a predetermined depth through a finishing material (3). |
| US08579215B2 |
Drip irrigation emitters with manually adjustable water directing structure
An emitter to be used for drip irrigation is described. It includes a base equipped with a plunger that can be inserted into a drip irrigation pipe. The base is shaped to hold a spherical rotating member. This rotating member is traversed by a conduit that direct the water flow from the plunger to a spout located on top of the rotating member. An annular cap screwed or snapped on top of the base holds the rotating member in place. The emitter can be mounted on an irrigation pipe by punching a hole in the pipe and inserting the plunger. The rotating member can be directed to the desired direction by slightly unscrewing the cap, adjusting the position of the rotating member and retightening the cap. |
| US08579211B2 |
System and method for enhancing flow in a nozzle
A nozzle includes a center body that defines an axial centerline and a shroud circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the center body to define an annular passage between the center body and the shroud. A plurality of vanes between the center body and the shroud comprise a radially outward portion separated from the shroud. A method for enhancing flow through a nozzle includes flowing a fuel through a center body and flowing a fluid stream across a vane located between the center body and a shroud surrounding at least a portion of the center body. The method further includes flowing the fluid stream between a radially outward portion of the vane and the shroud, wherein the radially outward portion of the vane is separated from the shroud. |
| US08579205B2 |
Intelligent grid-based HVAC system
An HVAC system includes a grid of intersecting ducts having one or more inlets, outlets, and intersections. Air may be received into the inlets and directed through the outlets into one or more zones of a building. One or more HVAC units may be connected to the inlets and mechanical valves may be located at the intersections to control the air flow through the grid. A control system may be provided to control the temperature of each zone by adjusting the mechanical valves (and/or turning selected HVAC units “on” or “off”). In certain embodiments, the HVAC system includes at least one reading device to read temperature preference information associated with an occupant of a zone. The control system may then align the temperature of the zone with the temperature preference information when the occupant is inside the zone. A corresponding method and apparatus are also disclosed herein. |
| US08579204B2 |
Method and device for traceability marking and packaging line provided with traceability marking device
The present invention relates to a method for visualization of non-visible information on a packaging material to provide traceability. The method comprises the steps of: reading the non-visible information from the packaging material by means of a magnetic head reader, processing the non-visible information in a central processing unit together with additional new non-visible information, and printing an optional portion of the amount of combined non-visible information onto the packaging material as a traceability marking. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method and a packaging line with a filling machine making use of the device. |
| US08579202B2 |
Smart card-based browsing system and smart card-based browsing method and smart card for the same
Disclosed are a smart card-based browsing system, a smart card-based browsing method, and smart card for the same. A browser is installed in the smart card to form a direct connection path with an SCWS installed in the smart card. The number of sockets for HTTP request/response required to be as many as the number of contents for services between the smart card and the user terminal is reduced, so that the services can be smoothly provided through a rapid and effective interface. A web service can be provided to various multimedia appliances compatible with the smart card regardless of the existence of the browser on the user terminal and the type and version of the browser. |
| US08579194B2 |
Method for optimising the firing trigger of a weapon or artillery
The invention relates to a method for determining a favourable moment for triggering the firing of a weapon on a moving target. According to said method, firing commands and expected impact points (P1-P3) of a projectile and the target (2) are calculated with the aid of an algorithm, without actually triggering a firing burst. The target (2) is selected, the algorithm is activated and hypothetical data is determined. The process is aided by a graphical display (4) of the data. In the preferred embodiments, additional information is taken into account and/or is visualised for a user (5). |
| US08579193B2 |
Barcoded indicators for quality management
A barcoded indicator operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold by at least one product quality affecting parameter, the barcoded indicator including a first barcode including a first plurality of barcode bars and at least a first colorable area, at least a second barcode including a second plurality of barcode bars and at least a second colorable area, and at least one interposed line extending between the first barcode and the second barcode, the interposed line being capable of preventing a barcode reader from reading parts of the first barcode and of the second barcode as part of a single barcode. |
| US08579191B2 |
Automated banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An automatic banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records corresponding to authorized user or financial account data. The machine includes a card reader for reading data from user cards. The automated banking machine causes financial transfers related to financial accounts that correspond to data read from user cards. The automated banking machine also includes devices that control the supply of power to included devices to avoid exceeding power supply capacity. |
| US08579190B2 |
Device for reading magnetic stripe and/or chip cards with a touch screen for pin entry
The invention relates to a device (10) for reading magnetic stripe and/or chip cards, in particular bank cards, EC cards and/or credit cards. The device (10) comprises a display unit (14) and a touch module (16) arranged in front of this display unit for determining a position of a touch of a display area. Further, the device (10) has a security module (18) for controlling the display unit (14) and the touch module (16). The security module (18) transmits first data for displaying a keypad for entry of a PIN to the display unit (14). In response to a touch of the display area, the touch module (16) generates second data with information about the position of the touch, encrypts these data and transmits the encrypted data to the security module (18). |
| US08579183B2 |
Lid assembly for shipping container
A container for storage and shipping of objects includes a lid assembly having two configurations and an open-top box. In the first configuration the container can be loaded with objects for storage or collection while limiting physical and visual access to the contents of the box and in the second configuration, the container is sealed for shipping. The lid assembly contains side flaps which may be used to stabilize the lid assembly in the first configuration, and in the second configuration, secure the lid assembly to the open-top box. Preferably, the container is formed from one contiguous blank. The blank is preferably made of corrugated cardboard but may be formed from any substantially rigid material. |
| US08579179B2 |
Septal stapler apparatus
A septal stapling apparatus includes an instrument body having proximal and distal end portions. A handle at the distal end portion enables a user to hold and manipulate the instrument body. A pair of spaced apart arms are extending from the handle and include a staple arm and a tensioning arm. The body provides a trigger that moves between resting and firing positions. An actuator link moves between first and second positions, the actuator link being moved by the trigger, wherein the actuator link includes a staple moving member that is attached to the staple arm. The staple arm has a staple bank that includes multiple staples. The trigger, actuator link, staple bank, and staple moving member are configured to move a staple to a stapling position when the trigger is pulled. The staple arm and tensioning arm move together when the trigger is pulled. |
| US08579177B2 |
Surgical instruments employing sensors
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical instrument for operating on tissue is provided. The surgical instrument includes an end effector including a first tissue engaging member and a second tissue engaging member in juxtaposed relation to the first tissue engaging member; a gap determination element operatively associated with each of the first tissue engaging member and the second tissue engaging member for measuring a gap distance between the first tissue engaging member and the second tissue engaging member; and a tissue contact determining element operatively associated with a respective tissue contacting surface of at least one of the first tissue engaging member and the second tissue engaging member. The present disclosure also relates to methods of using the surgical instrument. |
| US08579176B2 |
Surgical stapling and cutting device and method for using the device
A medical device includes a control handle having an articulation joint actuator, a surgical end effector, and a passive articulating joint connecting the end effector to the control handle. The articulation joint actuator, when unactuated, holds the passive articulation joint and, thereby, the end effector, in a substantially fixed articulation position, and, when actuated, releases the passive articulation joint into a freely articulating state to permit free articulation of the end effector with respect to the control handle dependent upon external forces acting upon the end effector. A method for operating the end effector includes retaining the passive articulation joint in a stable position with an articulation lock and actuating a release of the articulation lock to unlock the passive articulation joint and, thereby, permit articulating motion of the end effector through the passive articulation joint dependent upon the external forces acting upon the end effector. |
| US08579175B2 |
Valve cap for pneumatic nailer
A pneumatic nailer includes a tool housing enclosing a cylinder with a reciprocating drive piston, and having a trigger and a workpiece contact element both connected to a trigger valve. A valve cap is mounted to the housing and includes a cycle valve and a dump valve, each valve reciprocating in a respective valve chamber. The dump valve controls drive pressure for the drive piston, the cycle valve controls the return of the dump valve to allow piston return. The valve cap and the valves are constructed and arranged such that the piston is returned to a start position independent of positions of the trigger or the workpiece contact element. |
| US08579172B2 |
Cases and covers for electronic handheld devices
Holders for supporting portable handheld electronic devices, such as but not limited to iPhones®, IPODS®, IPADS™, cellular phones, and the like. Another embodiment has a portable handheld electronic device holder with a built on bottle opener, where the bottle opener in the outer face of a slightly raised box shape on the upper back of the case. The bottle opener can also be attached to a tab that slides in and out of the casing when needed. The bottle opener can include one or a pair of upwardly extending triangular tabs (with blunt tips) that can be used to pry open can tabs on soda and beer cans. A belt clip adapter can snapably fit into the bottle cap opener to allow the holder to attach to belts and pockets. A spring biased version also allows the belt clip adapter to be attachable detachable from the bottle cap opener holders. The belt clip adapter can include a bendable disc(s) to fit into the bottle cap opener, or into a keyhole slot on the back of a case holder. |
| US08579169B2 |
Mounting assembly for a vehicle accessory
A mounting system for removably mounting an accessory on a fender of a motorcycle includes a mounting bracket, mounting tab, and latch. The mounting bracket is configured to be mounted on the fender. The mounting bracket includes a base plate, cover plate, standoff, mounting slot, upper recess and lower recess. The base plate is disposed upon the fender. The cover plate is configured to cover a portion of the base plate. The standoff is sandwiched between the base plate and the cover plate. The mounting slot is disposed between the base plate and the cover plate. The mounting slot is generated by the standoff being disposed between the base plate and cover plate. The upper recess is disposed at an upper edge of the mounting bracket between the base plate and the cover plate. The lower recess is disposed at a lower edge of the mounting bracket between the base plate and the cover plate. The mounting tab is configured to mate with the mounting slot. The mounting tab is affixed to a first accessory. The latch is affixed to a second accessory. The latch includes an upper jaw configured to mate with the upper recess and a lower jaw configured to mate with the lower recess. |
| US08579167B2 |
Vehicle body rear part structure
A vehicle body rear part structure in which a spare tire is stored underneath a rear floor via a spare tire carrier. The vehicle body rear part structure includes a frame part and a tire cover. An embedding groove is formed in an external surface of the tire cover. The frame part is embedded in the embedding groove. Left and right front connecting parts of the frame part are rotatably connected to left and right front support parts. A rear connecting part of the frame part is vertically movably connected to rear support part. Vertical movements of the rear connecting part via the rear support part causes a spare tire to be disposed in a tire storage position and a tire accessing position. |
| US08579164B1 |
Dispensing bowl attachment for use with a bottle
In one embodiment there is provided a bowl attachment for use in connection with a bottle having a threaded opening and configured to contain a fluid. The bowl attachment includes a main bowl portion and a cover portion. The main bowl portion has a thread connection to secure to the bottle neck. A wall extends from the connection section and is shaped as a bowl. An interior spout is connected to the thread connection section and permits fluid from the bottle to squeeze into the main bowl portion. A cover portion is secured to the main bowl portion and includes an aperture with a flip top lid. |
| US08579163B2 |
Dental rack and dispenser
A dental rack and dispenser. The dental rack and dispenser can include a toothpaste compartment, the toothpaste compartment further having an openable cover and receiving a toothpaste canister through the openable cover, a toothpaste dispensing mechanism disposed inside the toothpaste compartment and operably coupling to the toothpaste canister, a plurality of openable toothbrush containers, each toothbrush container further having an interior for receiving a toothbrush therein, the interior of each toothbrush container being isolated from the interiors of the other toothbrush containers, and a wall-mountable structure coupled to the toothpaste compartment and the toothbrush containers. |
| US08579161B2 |
Low profile batter dispenser
A low profile batter dispenser, for the housing of batter on a counter top for an extended period of time while cooling the batter to resist bacterial growth therein. The batter dispenser includes a housing, a batter container, and an ice pack assembly for holding an ice pack on the bottom of and in contact with the batter container. |
| US08579160B2 |
Valve actuator
A dispensing gun has a gun body, a first component inlet, a second component inlet, a dispense head, a first valve, a second valve, a clamp, and a trigger. The component inlets are attached to the gun body for receiving components. The dispense head is for dispensing the components. The valves are attached to the gun body and there are valve stems for controlling the dispensing of the components. The clamp has an upper portion and a lower portion, with the first and second valve stems positioned in between the upper and lower portions. The two portions are attached such that the first and second valve stems move with movement of the valve actuator in a direction parallel to the axes of the valve stems. The trigger is attached to the gun body and controls movement of the clamp. |
| US08579155B2 |
Method and system for making and vending ice
A vending machine is disclosed. The vending machine has a selector for a plurality of beverage types and a selector for a plurality of ice types. The vending machine has a first store for storing a supply of the plurality of beverage types and a second store for storing a supply of the plurality of ice types. The vending machine also has a dispenser for dispensing into a container a selected beverage type and a selected ice type. |
| US08579148B2 |
Cover and straw for use with a container
A reusable straw includes a first part having a hollow elongated body that has a first end and an opposing second end and a second part having a hollow elongated body that has a first end and an opposing second end. The second part has a width that allows the first part to be received within a hollow interior of the first part. A first coupling member is formed along an inner surface of the first part proximate the first end; and a second coupling member is formed along an outer surface of the second part at the first end thereof. The first and second coupling members mate together to securely and sealingly couple the second part to the first part. The first coupling member is either a male member or a female member and the second coupling member is complementary and is the opposite member. |
| US08579145B2 |
Infant feeding bowl
There is provided an infant feeding bowl comprising a bowl container defining an inner bowl surface, an outer bowl surface and a bowl rim; and projecting away from said bowl rim, a bowl handle defining an arc form handle rim. The bowl handle includes a lamellar portion that extends from said handle rim to the bowl rim and provided to the lamellar portion, a thumbhole arranged for receipt of the user's thumb in use. The thumbhole is arranged symmetrically about a chord axis extending from the arc form handle rim to the bowl rim. |
| US08579142B2 |
Assembly of a container and a closure
An assembly of a container and a closure: the container comprising an outer shell having a neck portion defining a first access opening and a flexible inner bag having a neck finish defining second access opening; the closure being fixed to the container, said closure comprising at least two access ports positioned in front of said access openings and; the assembly comprising sealing means positioned between the closure and the container, characterized in that said sealing means comprise at least two distinct sealing members, one positioned between the closure and the neck portion, the other positioned between the closure and the neck finish. |
| US08579137B2 |
Packaging unit with a plastic bottle and a foil bag arranged therein
In the case of a packaging unit comprising a plastic bottle (2) with a flexible foil bag (3) arranged therein, wherein a hollow interspace (5) is formed at least in certain regions between the surface of the inner wall of the plastic bottle (2) and the outer surface of the foil bag (3), the foil bag (3) is designed such that it at least partially automatically elastically contracts and/or can be compressed at least in certain regions by a force effected by a means arranged in the interspace (5) and/or can be collapsed. |
| US08579136B2 |
Limited flow cup
Limited flow cups are provided which deliver a metered amount of fluid to a user during a drinking motion. |
| US08579132B2 |
Anti-colic baby feeding bottle
An anti-colic baby feeding bottle (10) includes a bottle body (16) having a bottle neck (18), a cap (14) removably fastened to the bottle neck (18), and an elastic teat (12). The teat (12) includes a nipple portion (24) having a fluid-dispensing through-hole (26) and an annular base (28), an annular flange (30) extending radially outward from the annular base (28), a plurality of apertures (32) formed 360° around the annular flange (30), and an annular skirt (40) depending from the annular base (28). The annular skirt (40) is spaced radially inward apart from an inner surface (42) of the bottle neck (18) to define an annular passage (44) having an outer end (46) in air communication with the apertures (32) and an inner end (48) which is normally closed by biasing force of a free end (50) of the annular skirt (40) that presses against the inner surface (42) of the bottle neck (18). |
| US08579128B2 |
Gripper device for transport vehicle, transport vehicle and overhead hoist transport vehicle
A gripper device for a transport vehicle includes a base plate, a guide rail provided on an upper surface of the base plate, a pair of guide blocks arranged to be movable in a substantially horizontal direction toward and away from each other along the guide rail, and a pair of gripping parts. Each of the gripping parts includes a horizontal portion fixed to an upper surface of one of the guide blocks and arranged to extend substantially parallel to the upper surface of the base plate, a vertical portion arranged to extend downward from the horizontal portion to a position lower than that of the base plate, and a claw section provided on a lower end of the vertical portion and arranged to grip an object. |
| US08579124B2 |
Product display device
A device for presenting products presenting at least two pots united by a connection region situated in their upper portions. The device includes a tray having a bottom and at least one separator wall against which the bottom face of at least one connection region comes to bear, the two above-mentioned pots being situated on either side of the separator wall. |
| US08579123B2 |
Merchandising system
A merchandising system includes an elongated mounting member that is selectively securable to a front portion of an associated shelf. A cooperating member is received on the mounting member. The cooperating member extends rearwardly over the associated shelf. The cooperating member includes an elongated body having a front end and a rear end and a nose extending from the front end. A hinge connects the nose to the front end. The nose contacts a wall of the elongated mounting member to retard relative movement between the cooperating member and the elongated mounting member. |
| US08579121B2 |
Accessory for dishwasher
An accessory for supporting crockery in a dishwasher comprises a generally U-shaped main body having a pair of legs and a connecting portion that connects the pair of legs, at least one of the legs having a free end that is adapted to be releasably attached to a crockery basket in the dishwasher when in an installation position, and a smoothly radiused portion connecting each leg to the connecting portion, wherein the legs are spaced apart in the installation position a sufficient distance to promote stability of the crockery. |
| US08579120B2 |
Crockery basket for a dishwasher
A crockery basket for a dishwasher includes a base frame having a base surface provided with an edge that is raised on at least one side. The crockery basket reduces the risk of injury caused by pointed elements and/or cutlery which project in an upward manner, in particular if the pointed end thereof if arranged towards the top, e.g. forks, steak knives, etc. As a result, the raised edge exceeds at least the height of the pointed elements of the cutlery basket which project in an upward manner and, optionally, the height of the cutlery which are pointed towards the top at least in a cutlery basket. |
| US08579117B2 |
Bump array device having asymmetric gaps for segregation of particles
The disclosure relates to obstacle array devices (also known as bump array devices) for separating populations of particles by size. Improvements over previous obstacle array devices are realized by causing the fluid velocity profile across gaps between obstacles to be asymmetrical with respect to the plane that bisects the gap and is parallel to the direction of bulk fluid flow. Such asymmetry can be achieved by selecting the shape(s) of the obstacles bounding the gap such that the portions of the obstacles upstream from, downstream from, or bridging the narrowest portion of the gap are asymmetrical with respect to that plane. Improvements are also realized by using obstacles that have sharp edges bounding the gaps. Other improvements are realized by selecting obstacle shapes such that the critical particle dimensions defined by the gaps in two different fluid flow directions differ. |
| US08579116B2 |
Tamper evident device
Tamper evident devices and methods including devices that can be used with pill bottles and other packages to provide evidence of tampering by an unauthorized user are provided. |
| US08579113B2 |
Tool case, in particular handheld power tool case
The invention is based on a tool case, in particular a handheld power tool case, having a basic case body that has at least one storage chamber which is provided at least for receiving at least one tool and/or at least one battery unit. It is proposed that the tool case has at least one air conditioner at least partially integrated with the basic case body. |
| US08579112B2 |
Holding device for phone or other electronic device
The present invention generally relates to a holding device for a phone or other electronic device. The device has an exterior housing and a generally hollow interior. The back of the exterior housing has a plurality of finger receiving finger loops which pivot from a generally parallel position with respect to the back of the device to a generally perpendicular position with respect to the back of the device. The finger loops may move independently and be independently added or removed from the device. |
| US08579111B2 |
Basketball storage system
A container for equipment, particularly basketballs, being an open box comprising a rigid frame covered by a fitted cloth cover. In one embodiment, the container is open. In another embodiment, the container has a lid that covers the top opening to the container and may be locked in that position. The frame has means for bolting the frame to a vertical wall. |
| US08579109B2 |
Combination transparent shirt box, shirt and tie
A substantially transparent box is constructed and arranged to include a collared shirt and a necktie in arrangement relative to one another and disposed such that these clothing articles are in registry with a hole in the box. The box comprises a single sheet of substantially transparent plastic having a series of first and second panels each being defined by respective folds. Selected first panels are bonded to another to define a hollow central cavity for the box, whereas selected second panels are folded to define peripheral ends for the box. The hollow cavity is sized to receive the shirt and necktie. The shirt and necktie are optionally arranged with bands that maintain a prescribed relative position to each other and to the box. |
| US08579106B2 |
Packaged-product system with multi-operational access control
The present invention relates to a child safe packaged-product system with multi-operational access control. The invention further relates to packaged-product system that facilitates interaction with the user so as to render child safe state of the package after use. The synergistic operational combination of the said package holding provision, package fixing provision, an assembly of the package and package fixing provision operably connected by the said restrictive means results in a multi-operational access control to access the package after the completion of the child resistant activity obviating the problem of package access as a part of the child resistant activity. Further provision of the said means to remind/alert user of reengaging/repositioning the package in the child-safe state after use renders child resistant state to the package after use enhancing the effectiveness of the child resistant function of the package. |
| US08579103B2 |
System and method for transporting solid feed in a solid feed pump
A system includes a solid feed pump configured to transport a solid feedstock. The solid feed pump includes at least one passage for the transport of the solid feedstock. The solid feed pump also includes at least one movable wall configured to move along the passage. The solid feed pump further includes a retractable gripping element configured to extend from the at least one movable wall into the at least one passage to grip a portion of the solid feedstock. In addition, the retractable gripping element is configured to retract away from the at least one passage. |
| US08579102B2 |
Belt cleaning system and method for laser cutting device
A belt cleaning system to clean a conveyor belt carrier surface includes a first cleaning assembly having a cleaning web sub-assembly. The cleaning web sub-assembly includes a supply roller, a take-up roller, a cleaning web and an applicator. The cleaning web extends from a supply of clean cleaning web wound on the supply roller to the take-up roller. The applicator is disposed intermediate the supply roller and the take-up roller to bias the cleaning web into contact with the conveyor belt carrier surface. The belt cleaning system may also include a second cleaning assembly positioned after the first cleaning assembly in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt. The cleaning webs of the first and second cleaning web sub-assemblies may be dry or wetted with a cleaning liquid. |
| US08579096B2 |
Switchable free-wheel device for a transmission, particularly for a crank-CVT of a motor vehicle
A switchable free-wheel device for a transmission for a crank-driven CVT of a motor vehicle. The device includes at least one free-wheel unit with a drivable outer ring, an inner ring in the form of an output shaft, and clamping bodies disposed between the rings and rotatable about their longitudinal axes. In the axial direction, each of the clamping bodies includes first and second grooves that are axially spaced from each other and offset relative to each other in the peripheral direction of the clamping body. Annular worm springs surrounding the clamping bodies are displaceable in the axial direction of the body by a switching mechanism, such that the springs engage either in the first groove or in the second groove. The clamping body rotates about its longitudinal axis such that the force applied by the worm spring runs on a side of the longitudinal axis. |
| US08579089B2 |
Method for controlling an elevator, and an elevator using starting position data of the elevator and sway data of the building
A method for controlling an elevator installed in a building that includes an elevator car arranged to travel in a hoistway between floor landings that are at different heights, one or more ropings connected to the elevator car, a hoisting machine for moving the elevator car, and a control for control the hoisting machine is provided. In the method, the sway data of the building is determined, which data describes the strength of the sway of the building, and the starting position data of the elevator car is determined, which starting position data contains data about the starting position of the elevator car and/or data about how long the elevator car has been in the starting position, and the settings for the run speed of the next run are determined on the basis of the starting position data and the sway data. An elevator is configured to perform the method. |
| US08579088B2 |
Drain plug for carrier assembly
A drain plug for a carrier assembly is used to control fluid flow from a reservoir to a sump. The carrier assembly includes a carrier housing with an internal cavity that houses a gear assembly. The sump is located within the internal cavity to lubricate the gear assembly. The reservoir is separated from the sump by a channel. The drain plug is attached to the carrier housing, and extends into the channel, to provide a fluid flow restriction between the reservoir and the sump. |
| US08579087B2 |
Lubricant grease charging-up device for automobile brake hub bearing
A lubricating grease charging device for automobile brake hub bearings include an operation spindle (10), an outer diameter of an upper body section thereof being slightly smaller than an inner diameter of an outer bearing (60) of the automobile brake hub (50), and an outer diameter of lower body section thereof being slightly smaller than an inner diameter of an inner bearing (70) of the automobile brake hub (50); the operation spindle (10) being provided in an outer bearing chamber and an inner bearing chamber of the automobile brake hub as well as in a cavity between the outer bearing chamber and the inner bearing chamber; a first closing member and a second closing member, which close a space in which the operation spindle (10) is disposed at two ends respectively; a lubricating grease charging passage, through which lubricating grease can be charged into the space in which the operation spindle (10) is disposed. |
| US08579085B2 |
Suspended access chair with rescue system
A suspended access chair with a rescue system that may be utilized to access a wind turbine blade while mounted on a tower for purposes such as inspection, maintenance, cleaning, and repair of the blade is provided. The suspended access chair generally includes a chair frame assembly. Upper frame and lower frame assembly rollers are secured to the chair frame assembly and are configured for rolling contact along an edge of the blade. The suspended access chair further includes primary dextral and primary sinistral gripping arms. The gripping arms may be adjusted to conform to the shape of the blade and include rollers configured for rolling contact along a portion of the blade. A hoist is provided to raise and lower the chair along a suspension rope. The rescue system is used to lower the suspended access chair from an elevated position to the ground during emergency situations. |
| US08579084B2 |
Founding system
A founding chair for a founding ladder system is of a lightweight fabricated design and includes a pivotally secured top leveling plate. A ladder system for the founding chair includes a slide in engagement rack for securing of the founding chair and allowing incremental adjustment. |
| US08579082B1 |
Portable hunting stand apparatus and methods
A ladder stand support apparatus is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the ladder stand support apparatus may include a base adapted to transport ladder stand sections of a ladder stand, and the base is adapted for attachment to a tree. In various aspects, the ladder stand apparatus may include a channel member rotatably connected to the base, the channel member adapted to receive a rail of a ladder stand within a channel defined therein. |
| US08579080B2 |
Anti-noise panel
It is disclosed an anti-noise panel comprising a front shell and a rear shell that are coupled together within which rubber elements of specifically designed shape and size are incorporated. Said panel can be advantageously obtained by using also recycled, injected thermoplastic material, that allows the resulting panel to be conveniently used when the wind causes strong impact, for example, along railway lines where the compression waves generated by trains traveling at high speed over time tend to disassemble the riveted aluminum/steel sound barriers currently in use. |
| US08579079B2 |
Soundproofing panel
The aim of the invention is to improve acoustic insulation panels of the prior art by proposing a rigid, light panel, the acoustical absorption performance of which is improved thanks to the use of a grid the structure of which enables the same to contribute to the noise absorption function. To this end, the present invention relates to an acoustic insulation panel including two facing panels (2, 4), separated by a solid structure (6) that is substantially planar and has two surfaces (7b, 7c) that are substantially planar and parallel, each of which are rigidly connected to a facing panel, said structure (6) including through-holes (6a) that form a mesh, such that the meshed structure contributes to the noise absorption function. |
| US08579070B2 |
Work vehicle
A speed changer lever and a lift lever are supported to a lever supporting structure that extends from the front end of an armrest disposed laterally of a driver's eat to the forward side of the vehicle body. A speed changer lever guide face portion is provided at a transversely inner portion of an upwardly oriented face of the lever supporting structure. A lift lever guide face portion is provided at a transversely outer portion of the upwardly oriented face of the ever supporting structure. The lift lever guide face portion is set at a disposing height lower than the speed changer lever guide face portion. An upper end of the lift lever is set at a disposing height lower than the upper end of the speed changer lever. A speed changer lever guide groove and a lift lever guide groove are disposed parallel to each other. |
| US08579067B2 |
Gas spring and engine hood unit with the gas spring
A gas spring with a center longitudinal axis including a cylinder includes a piston in the cylinder that divides the cylinder into a first cylinder chamber and a second cylinder chamber. A piston rod is arranged at the piston guided out of the cylinder at a second end opposite the first end. A connection element with a socket housing is arranged at each of the first end and the free end of the piston rod for receiving a ball head. At least one of the two socket housings comprises a ball socket with a longitudinal extension and a transverse dimension, the longitudinal extension is greater than the transverse dimension. A catch element having a spring tongue is arranged at the first end for insertion together with the catch element into a cover tube that locks into a recess associated with it in the cover tube. |
| US08579066B2 |
Vehicle seat belt device
This seat belt device of a vehicle includes a webbing, a belt reel, a motor, a clutch, detection unit, brake control unit and motor control unit. The motor control unit includes a waiting current control unit configured to conduct a current that can maintain the clutch to be in the connection state in the motor when the brake control unit outputs the operation signal and variable current control unit configured to proceed from current control performed by the waiting current control unit when a change in the movement state of the vehicle is detected by the detection unit during the current control performed by the waiting current control unit and adjusts the amount of conduction in the motor based on the movement state of the vehicle that is detected by the detection unit. |
| US08579065B2 |
Mower with four wheel steering and hydraulic four wheel drive
A mower having a cutting deck for cutting grass has four drive wheels arranged in a square or rectangular configuration on the mower's frame. Four wheel drive and four wheel steering are employed with the drive wheels. The four wheel drive is provided by a hydraulic drive system that employs a pair of identical serial circuits which have their own pumps with each pump serially sending its output through a rear drive motor and a front drive motor that are catty-corner to one another on the frame, i.e. are on opposite sides of the motor. Various flow crossover paths and flow recirculation paths are provided in the serial circuits to ensure the drive motors receive adequate flow in maximum turns of the mower. The flow recirculation paths around a pair of drive motors at one end of the frame are shut off during reverse and during braking so that all drive motors retain hydraulic braking in these conditions. |
| US08579064B2 |
Vehicle with electric equipment
A vehicle, such as a motorcycle, can include an engine and a head pipe provided ahead of the engine. Electrical equipment provided behind the head pipe and ahead of the engine can be partly exposed by a gap between a down frame and a radiator of the vehicle, enabling the electrical equipment to be cooled by airflow. |
| US08579059B2 |
Hybrid motor vehicle and method of controlling hybrid motor vehicle
A hybrid motor vehicle includes: an internal combustion engine that outputs motive power for vehicle traction; an engine-motoring electric motor that motors the internal combustion engine; a vehicle traction electric motor that outputs motive power for vehicle traction; a secondary battery that supplies electric power to the engine-motoring electric motor and to the vehicle traction electric motor; and a pre-engine-start control device that controls the internal combustion engine and the engine-motoring electric motor so as to motor the internal combustion engine in a reverse rotation direction without performing fuel injection or ignition when the hybrid motor vehicle is traveling on motive power from the vehicle traction electric motor without operating the internal combustion engine, after a system of the hybrid motor vehicle is started. |
| US08579056B1 |
Spiral drive and transport device using the same
A transport device includes a support base, at least two spiral drives, at least one drive device, a control device and a power source. Each one of the at least two spiral drives are preferably driven by a single drive device. However, a single drive device could drive the at least two spiral drives through some type of drive system. The at least two spiral drives are rotatably retained on the support base. The at least two spiral drives are rotated through any suitable drive system. The power source supplies power to the at least one drive device through the control device. The control device controls the rotation and the amount of power sent to the at least one drive device. An object to be transported is placed on the support base. However, multiple transport devices may be attached to multiple sides of the object. |
| US08579055B2 |
Electric zero-turn working vehicle
An electric zero-turn working vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame, right and left drive wheels, right and left first electric motors for driving the respective right and left drive wheels, a transaxle including at least one of the right and left first electric motors, a working implement, and a second electric motor for driving the working implement. The right and left first electric motors have a space therebetween. The transaxle is supported by the vehicle body frame and is disposed below the vehicle body frame. At least a part of the second electric motor is disposed in the space between the right and left first electric motors. |
| US08579051B2 |
Anti-tracking spear points for earth-boring drill bits
Described herein are roller cone drill bits and modified roller cones for use in drilling subterranean earth formations, and more specifically roller cone drill bits and roller cones having optimized spear point designs and blade orientations on at least one of the roller cones for reduced tracking and/or increased drilling performance during bit use. The roller cone drill bits include a bit body with a longitudinal axis, one or more bit legs depending from the body, and at least one roller cone attached to each of the bit legs and able to rotate with respect to the bit body, wherein at least one of the roller cones includes a spear point at the cone apex having two or more cutting blades, the cutting blades being oriented at a variety of non-equal, asymmetric angles about a central cone axis with respect to each other, such that tracking during drilling using the drill bit is minimized or eliminated. |
| US08579049B2 |
Drilling system for enhanced coring and method
A drill string assembly is required that has the capability of operating in well bores that range in hole size from seven to eight inches in diameter. The assembly is used to obtain a large core sample size that is equal to three and one-half inches in diameter and up to ninety feet in length in a single core run. This assembly will be operated with a drill string (i.e. drill pipe) that is capable of being used on standard drilling rigs, which may be used to handle API style drill pipe to conduct coring/drilling operations. The coring tool is comprised of an inner barrel for receiving the core sample. |
| US08579045B2 |
Rock drilling device and drill rig incorporating a device for measuring the location of the drilling machine
A rock drilling device comprising a feed beam (4), which has a drill end (41) from which the drill point protrudes at drilling and a rear end(42) opposite the drill end; a rock drilling machine (5) movable along the feed beam (4); a pressure cylinder (6), which is arranged in connection with the feed beam (4) with one end (622) movable relative to the feed beam (4) and one end (611) fixedly arranged relative to the feed beam (4). The pressure cylinder (6) drives a feed line (51) for feeding the drilling machine (5) to and fro along the feed beam (4). The feed line (51) is routed over two outer sheaves (52, 53) that are arranged at each end (41, 42) of the feed beam (4) and a measuring device (7) for measuring the location of the drilling machine (5) relative to the feed beam (4) is arranged to the shaft (9) of one of the sheaves (52, 53) and the sheave and the shaft (9) are arranged such that they rotate together. |
| US08579043B2 |
Battery-powered power tools
It is an object of the invention to provide a technique for bringing a center of gravity of a battery-powered power tool closer to a working axis of a tool bit in the battery-powered power tool.The battery-powered power tool performs an operation by movement of a tool bit 119 in an axial direction of the tool bit. The power tool includes a battery 110, a motor 111 that is driven by power supply from the battery 110, a mechanical arrangement 113, 115, 117 that drives the tool bit 119 by rotative power transmitted from the motor 111, and a tool body 103 that houses the motor 111 and the mechanical arrangement 113, 115, 117 and has a front end region in which the tool bit 119 is disposed. A sum of weights of the motor 111 and the battery 110 is smaller than a weight of the mechanical arrangement 113, 115, 117. |
| US08579042B2 |
Battery pack and cordless tool using the same
A battery device is constituted by connecting such cell assemblies in parallel as each includes: a first cell group having a plurality of cells connected in series; a housing container for housing the first cell group; current detector housed in the container for detecting a current to flow through the first cell group; a switching element connected with the first cell group for turning ON/OFF the current to flow through the first cell group; and a controller for controlling the ON/OFF of the switching element in response to the output signal of the current detector. |
| US08579039B2 |
Beach maintenance and cleaning vehicle
A beach maintenance and cleaning vehicle for cleaning the beach with a vehicle frame and vehicle wheels, with a receiving container for receiving contaminants, and with a conveying and separating device for raising up the underlying surface and for separating contaminants out of this underlying surface and for conveying the contaminants into the receiving container. The conveying and separating device having a pick-up which is arranged and formed in such a way that it comes into contact with the underlying surface while the beach maintenance and cleaning vehicle is driving and raises up parts of said underlying surface, and a screen belt which is moved relative to the vehicle frame. There is provision for the conveying and separating device to have a comminutor which is arranged between the pick-up and the screen belt and is configured for breaking up sand lumps of the received underlying surface. |
| US08579035B2 |
Method for recovering oil from an oil well
In a method for optimizing gas lift operations in the production of crude oil, a surfactant is injected into the an oil well such that the surface tension between a lift gas and the formation fluid being produced is reduced and/or a lift gas-formation fluid foam is formed. The reduction in surface tension and/or foam formation increases the efficiency of the lift gas for lifting the formation fluid to the surface. The surfactant is a silicone resin which may be combined with other surfactants, in some embodiments. |
| US08579034B2 |
Riser tensioner system
A riser tensioner system maintains a tensile force in a riser having an axis and extending from a subsea wellhead assembly through an opening in a floating platform deck. The tensioner includes a plurality of tensioner legs having lower ends mounted to the deck, and upper ends having slots formed therein to receive leg attachment plates having an opening therein through which a tubular support ring passes. A plurality of cylinders extend between the tubular support ring and a tensioner ring and couple to the support ring with cylinder attachment plates through which the tubular support ring passes. An upper end of each cylinder pivots about the mounting point, and a lower end of each cylinder adjustably mounts to the tensioner ring. |
| US08579030B2 |
Triggered polymer viscous pill and methods of using the same
The invention provides a method comprising providing a composition comprising a pH trigger and a polymer able to be hydrated in a defined pH zone; injecting the composition with a pH outside the defined pH zone; triggering the pH trigger to adjust the pH of the composition within the defined pH zone; and allowing viscosity of the composition to increase and form a plug. |
| US08579029B2 |
System, method and treatment fluid for controlling fines migration
A method includes providing a treatment fluid that is a viscous fluid. The viscous fluid may be greater than 0.01 Pa-s, greater than 0.1 Pa-s, and/or a cross-linked polymer based fluid. The method further includes determining a fines migration composition soluble in an aqueous phase of the treatment fluid that is compatible with the treatment fluid, and that interacts to secure fines in an earth formation intersecting a wellbore within a fines reaction time. The method further includes adding an amount of the fines migration composition to the treatment fluid, and treating the earth formation with the treatment fluid. The method includes leaking off a portion of the treatment fluid into the earth formation, and providing a residence time of the leaked off portion of the treatment fluid in the earth formation, where the residence time meets or exceeds the fines reaction time. |
| US08579028B2 |
Tackifying agent pre-coated particulates
The present invention involves methods of using particulates coated with a tackifying agent that need not be used immediately once they are prepared and that provide increased viscosity when placed into an aqueous fluid. The described methods include the steps of contacting particulates with a tackifying agent to create tackified particulates; contacting the tackified particulates with a partitioning agent to form coated particulates that are capable of being stored for a time period, wherein the partitioning agent comprises a hydratable polymeric material; and, placing the coated particulates in an aqueous treatment fluid whereby the partitioning agent hydrates and increases the viscosity of the treatment fluid. |
| US08579027B2 |
Multi-functional completion tool
A multi-functional completion tool which may be lowered into a wellbore coupled to a length of tubing, and then utilized to test various lengths of the tubing at pressure. The tool may also function as a positive plug, may be used to set a packer, and is also useable as a tubing self-filling tool. Various retention elements are disposed within the tool and configured to release at predetermined pressures, or within predetermined ranges of pressure, thereby transforming the tool from a first configuration to a second configuration depending on the desired function. The tool may use a flapper mechanism to regulate passage of fluids through the housing, and a piston and/or flow tube may also be utilized to lock the flapper in an open or closed orientation within the housing. |
| US08579025B2 |
Control screen assembly
Screen assemblies capable of being disposed in a bore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The screen assemblies can support filter mediums and reduce or eliminate plugging by swellable material. One screen assembly includes filter mediums supported by a rigid member located exterior to a portion of a base pipe. The rigid member can include openings through which the filter mediums can be in fluid communication with an inner diameter of the base pipe. Swellable material can be disposed exterior to a second portion of the base pipe adjacent to the rigid member. The filter mediums can be displaced to contact a wellbore and the rigid members can help reduce or prevent plugging of screen assembly openings. |
| US08579021B2 |
Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger, in particular for fluid cooling devices, has a package of plane-parallel plates (1) with flow regions (3, 5) for a hot medium and for a cooling medium alternatively between pairs of plates (1) lying on top of one another. Each region is laterally bordered by profile strips (7, 11) keeping the plates (1) at a distance and forming solder surfaces (25) adjoining the plates (1). The profile strips (7, 11) on the flow regions (3, 5) extend along edges of the plates (1) and abut one another at an angle. The profile strips (11) of the flow regions (5) of the cooling medium having a base body (13), two legs (17) extending from the base body along the solder surfaces (25), and a recess (15) between the legs open toward the adjacent flow region (5). The recess (15) at least in the region adjacent to its inner end segment (23) is bordered by planar wall parts (29). |
| US08579020B2 |
Heat exchanger with concentric tubes
The invention relates to an improved concentric tube heat exchanger. The exchanger comprises a cylindrical tube (1) for circulation of a product provided with a flanged inlet (11) and a flanged outlet (12) of the product; a hollow body (2) concentric internally of the tube (1), in which the exchange fluid circulates, defining internally thereof preferential pathways for an outward and a return run of the exchange fluid and having the inlet and the outlet of the exchange fluid arranged at a same end of and in proximity of an end of the tube; a flanged inlet connector (3) for introducing the product into the tube (1), a flange (3a) of which connects with an inlet flange (11a) of the inlet (11) of the tube; a flanged outlet connector (4) for extracting the product from the tube (1), a flange (4a) of which connects with a flange (12a) of the outlet (12) of the tube; an intermediate flange (5), connected to the end of the hollow body exhibiting the inlet and outlet of the fluid and projecting from the tube (1), which is provided with a passage hole (5c) for the product to be treated and with an inlet mouth (5a) and an outlet mouth (5b) for the exchange fluid connected respectively to the outward and return pathway of the exchange fluid; the passage hole (5c), inlet mouth (5a) and outlet mouth (5b) not being in reciprocal connection. |
| US08579015B2 |
Insertable dual-pass cooling coils
An insertable, removable cooling coil in a heat exchange unit includes a heat exchange housing and one or more cooling coils in a heat exchange assembly in the housing. The housing is a pre-assembled housing having one or more respective recesses for insertion or removal of each respective cooling coil of the one or more cooling coils therein. Each cooling coil is slidably insertable upon side angle profile supports within the respective recesses of the heat exchange housing. |
| US08579014B2 |
Cooling arrangement for conveyors and other applications
A conveyor for moving hot material at temperatures on this order of 1000° F. or higher along a conveyor trough receiving the material has one or more coolant liquid flow vessels extending over but spaced from the outer surface of a trough inner wall to indirectly cause cooling of the inner wall. A heat transfer path is established between a separate coolant flow vessel and the hot trough defined by a packed together mass of heat conductive beads interposed to controllably transfer heat into the coolant liquid flowing through the flow vessel to prevent boiling of the coolant while allowing heat to be transferred from the through into the coolant in the separate flow vessel. The arrangement of a mass of heat conductive beads is also used to provide a non rigid mechanical support of fluid carrying tubing, the support having a predetermined thermal conductivity. |
| US08579006B2 |
Space divider system
A space divider system having a track beam with opposed ends and parallel tracks along its length. The ends are removably mounted to opposed walls, below the ceiling without intermediate support. Light weight substantially frameless, translucent/transparent panels are provided to allow uninterrupted passage of light. The top edge of each panel is slidably mounted to a track of the track beam, sliding between the opposed walls on its own track, independently of the other panels. The planar surfaces of the panels are parallel to the track beam and the bottom edges are spaced a distance from the floor. The widths of the panels when added together are at least equal to the length of the track beam and can be positioned along the beam to permit complete closure of the space between the walls or to overlap each other to provide an opening through the space between the walls. |
| US08579002B2 |
Device for manufacture of an oriented strand board beam
The invention relates to a device for manufacturing an OSB beam with a web and at least one flange. The starting material for the beam is wood strands of OSB type. The device comprises a feeder device for advancing the strands, a metering device for metering out the strands, a nozzle, through which the metered strands pass, and a receiving surface for receiving the strands. The feeder device, the metering device and the nozzle are adapted for applying strands to the receiving surface in the form of an elongated bead. The height of the bead is at every point of the cross-section substantially adapted to the web and flange of the beam being made. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing an OSB beam and to a computer readable medium comprising a program. |
| US08578997B2 |
Tightening strap device for a heat-weldable plastic strip
The invention relates to a tightening strap device for a heat-weldable plastic strip that is used to strap a packaged item and that is joined at a welding point to form a loop. Whereas in prior art the plastic strip is held during welding by several clamping elements, in the present invention the welding plate functions simultaneously as a clamping element. |
| US08578992B2 |
Friction welding apparatus
Disclosed is a friction welding apparatus in which electricity is supplied to a servo motor to rotate a spindle to thereby impart a fixed relative rotational motion to one workpiece and another workpiece, and, while doing so, the one workpiece and the other workpiece are brought into contact with each other and imparted a frictional thrust thereto to soften a bonding interface between the two workpieces. After this, the friction welding apparatus undergoes speed reduction until the RPM of the spindle becomes a phase adjustment RPM; when the RPM of the spindle attains the phase adjustment RPM, a clutch device is engaged with the spindle, and the electricity supply to the servo motor is cut off to stop the rotation of the spindle. |
| US08578989B2 |
Motor vehicle tire
A motorcycle tire having a transverse curvature ratio f/C≧0.2 and a sidewall height ratio (H−f)/H≦0.7, has a belt structure provided with a belt layer including at least one filiform reinforcing element arranged to form a plurality of windings parallel to one another at a substantially zero angle relative to the equatorial plane of the tire. The available elongation of the belt in an intermediate zone between the equatorial plane, and the shoulder is greater than the available elongation corresponding to the equatorial plane. The aforementioned intermediate zone extends at least in a range centered on a camber angle of ±35°. |
| US08578987B2 |
Run-flat tire having an additional sidewall reinforcement
A run-flat tire (12) comprising: a crown; two sidewalls (40); two beads (50) each one comprising at least one annular reinforcing structure (60); a carcass reinforcement (71, 72) anchored in each of the beads by wrapping it around the annular reinforcing structure so as to form an incoming portion (711) extending from the crown through the sidewalls towards the bead and a wrapped-around portion (712); and at least one sidewall insert (80); at least one sidewall of the tire further comprising at least one additional sidewall reinforcement (90) positioned axially on the inside of the carcass reinforcement and extending radially at least between a radial height H1 of 30 mm, H1 being measured from the radially innermost point of the annular reinforcing structure; and a radial height H2 equal to 30% of the height H of the tire; and a layer (110) of polymeric composition positioned between the additional sidewall reinforcement and the carcass reinforcement. |
| US08578984B2 |
Non-motorized vehicle wheel replacement treads and methods
A wheel for a non-motorized vehicle (e.g., a shopping cart) can include a housing assembly and a tread assembly. The housing assembly can be configured to sealingly house electronics or other components. The tread assembly can removably mate with the housing assembly such that the electronics or other components remain closed and/or sealed within the housing assembly when the tread assembly is mated or unmated with the housing assembly. |
| US08578983B2 |
Tire with rubber component comprised of a composite of rubber and film of syndiotactic polybutadiene integral with its surface
This invention relates to a tire having at least one rubber component which contains a cast, extruded, or calendered film of syndiotactic polybutadiene polymer. The syndiotactic polybutadiene polymer film is integral with the surface of the rubber component in a sense of being co-cured therewith. Such film may be added directly to the tire during the building process or involve a separate process of producing a tire component as a composite of the film and a rubber composition (rubber component) prior to the tire building stage. Such composite can be as is or partially pre-cured before being applied in the tire building process. The syndiotactic polybutadiene polymer film is provided to promote both stability and age durability for the tire component. |
| US08578977B2 |
Gas filling and dispensing device, and filling method
The invention relates to a gas filling and dispensing device that includes a body to be provided in the opening of a pressurized gas storage tank, a gas tapping circuit extending between a first upstream end to be connected to the inside of the tank and a second downstream end to be connected to a gas user, a filling duct having a first upstream end to be connected to the inside of the tank and a second downstream end to be connected to a filling member, said filling duct including at least one portion distinct from the tapping circuit, and the filling duct including a first valve, characterized in that the filling duct includes a second isolation valve arranged in series with the first valve. |
| US08578974B2 |
Portable fluid exchange system for concurrently pumping liquid from a source container to a destination container and pumping vapor from the destination container to the source container
A portable fluid exchange system comprises a source container, a liquid and vapor pump for pumping liquid from the source container to the destination container and for pumping vapor from the destination container to the source container. The liquid inlet and vapor outlets of the liquid and vapor pump are connected in fluid communication with the source container. A liquid delivery hose delivers liquid from the pump to the destination container. A vapor delivery hose delivers vapor from the destination container to the pump. A selectively controllable actuation mechanism actuates the liquid and vapor pump to thereby concurrently pump liquid from the liquid and vapor pump through the liquid outlet and vapor into the liquid and vapor pump through the vapor inlet, and concurrently pump vapor from the liquid and vapor pump through the vapor outlet and liquid into the liquid and vapor pump through the liquid inlet. |
| US08578973B2 |
Apparatus and method of filling down-filled articles
The apparatus and method of the subject invention facilitates the filling of an air-permeable casement or shell with feather down material. The apparatus of the subject invention includes two chambers which are selectively connected to one another by means of a passageway. The subject invention further includes a mechanism for selectively inducing a partial vacuum in either chamber to facilitate the filling of article casements with feather down. By inducing a partial vacuum in the first chamber and connecting a supply hose to its access port, feather down may be conveyed from a supply container into the first chamber. By selectively opening the passageway and inducing a partial vacuum in the second chamber, the feather down is conveyed from the first chamber to the second chamber in a clean, efficient and controlled manner where it is contained within an air permeable casement formed over the passageway. |
| US08578969B1 |
Non-return structure of water valve
A non-return structure of water valve includes a valve body, two limiting elements, and two non-return elements. The valve body forms two inlets and two annular protrusions around the two inlets respectively. Each annular protrusion encloses a receiving room receiving one of the limiting elements. The limiting element defines a widened hole and a reduced hole, and a stepped portion is formed therebetween. The non-return element includes a blocking portion disposed in the widened hole and having an external diameter larger than the one of the reduced hole, and the blocking portion is resilient. Thereby, returning water is unable to separate the circumference of the blocking portion from the stepped portion to form gaps. Thus, the non-return structure of water valve is able to prevent water from flowing back. |
| US08578967B2 |
Pressure regulating valve for aircraft engine
The fluid pressure regulating valve is for use in an aircraft engine. The valve has at least a first fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet. The valve comprises: a valve housing having a first valve spool interior cavity; a first fluid path within the valve housing from the fluid inlet to the first fluid outlet; a second fluid path within the valve housing from the fluid inlet to the second fluid outlet; a first valve spool mounted for reciprocal motion within the first valve spool cavity between a first position and a second position, the first valve spool having a second valve spool interior cavity and being spring-biased to its first position; and a second valve spool mounted for reciprocal motion within the second valve spool cavity between a first position and a second position, the second valve spool being spring-biased to its first position, the second valve spool closing the first fluid path at its second position when the first valve spool is substantially at its first position. |
| US08578966B2 |
Mixing valve
The present invention relates generally to fluid control valves and, more particularly, to a mixing valve for use within a faucet. |
| US08578964B2 |
Bleeding screw having a kick-back valve
The invention relates to a device for bleeding a hydraulic system. The bleeding device comprises a venting passage which can be closed by means of a valve arrangement. In order to simplify such a bleeding device regarding the operation thereof while preventing air from being delivered in an uncontrolled manner during the bleeding process, the valve arrangement is provided with a valve member (S) which can be lifted from a valve seat (8) of the valve arrangement counter to the force of a spring element (7) in an open position of the bleeding device while being fixed to the valve seat (8) in a closed position of the bleeding device. The invention further relates to a venting screw which encompasses such a valve arrangement according to the principle of a check valve and is to be mounted in a caliper (18). |
| US08578960B2 |
Gas supply system
A gas supply system in the form of a winding device that includes a housing with an aperture, a spool, a one way bearing, an interval locking device, a universal shaft, a spring housing, a spring torque spool and a pair of spring grounding tabs, a main base that stabilizes the housing, a rotating shaft where the main base is disposed on the distal end of the rotating shaft, a rotational bearing that is disposed on the proximal end of the rotating shaft and connects the rotating shaft to the base clamp. The base clamp has a pair of corresponding apertures and secures the gas supply system to a tubular shaped object, and includes an adjustable clamp screw that has a handle and a threaded bolt wherein the proximal end of the threaded bolt is attached to and perpendicularly extends from the handle and the adjustable clamp screw. |
| US08578958B2 |
Leak mitigation for pressurized bi-directional systems
A bi-directional pressurized system with devices for and configured to mitigate issues associated with leak and creep phenomena at various stages throughout the system, including valves and controls to distribute a leaked amount of fluid prior to delivery to a pressure-sensitive destination and a pressure relief valve to bring an initial pressure within an acceptable range for distribution to reach a target pressure is disclosed. A startup method for mitigating leakage of the system during a rest phase, including selectively reducing the initial pressure upstream of a pressure-sensitive destination, is disclosed. |
| US08578956B2 |
Roof support assembly for collapsible shelter
A supplemental support assembly is provided for supporting a collapsible shelter structure, such as a ground blind for hunting. The support assembly includes a pole having a coupler at one end for coupling with a framework of the shelter structure, and a ground engaging point at the other end. The coupler has a generally cylindrical structure with a plurality of slots formed in a sidewall thereof. Each of the slots have an axial portion open at the top and a circumferential portion extending circumferentially from the axial portion. The axial portions of the slots are arranged to allow the coupler to be pushed over a central hub with spokes of the framework passing through the slots, and the circumferential portions of the slots are arranged to allow the coupler to be rotated into locking engagement with the spokes. The support assembly prevents the shelter structure from collapsing under heavy loads. |
| US08578955B1 |
Canopy system
The present application is directed towards a canopy system. The canopy system includes a canopy that is operably connected to a post and a base that is also operably connected to the same post. |
| US08578953B2 |
Substrate cleaning apparatus, substrate cleaning method, and computer-readable storage medium
A disclosed substrate cleaning apparatus for cleaning a back surface of a substrate includes a first substrate supporting portion configured to support the substrate at a first area of a back surface of the substrate, the back surface facing down; a second substrate supporting portion configured to support the substrate at a second area of the back surface of the substrate, the second area being separated from the first area; a cleaning liquid supplying portion configured to supply cleaning liquid to the back surface of the substrate; a drying portion configured to dry the second area of the back surface of the substrate; and a cleaning portion configured to clean a third area of the back surface of the substrate when the substrate is supported by the first substrate supporting portion, the third area including the second area, and a fourth area of the back surface of the substrate when the substrate is supported by the second substrate supporting portion, the fourth area excluding the second area of the back surface. |
| US08578952B2 |
Substrate processing system, substrate surface processing apparatus, substrate surface inspecting apparatus, substrate surface inspecting method, and storage medium storing program for implementing the method
A substrate processing system which enables a minute piece of foreign matter attached to a substrate surface to be detected and are suitable for mass production of substrates. The substrate processing system has a substrate processing apparatus that carries out predetermined processing on a substrate. The substrate processing system comprises a substrate surface processing apparatus having a fluid supply unit that supplies onto a surface of the substrate a fluid containing an altering substance that alters a substance exposed at the surface of the substrate, and a substrate surface inspecting apparatus that inspects the surface of the substrate onto which the fluid has been supplied. |
| US08578949B2 |
Multi-texture floss and methods of manufacturing multi-texture floss
A multi-texture dental floss includes distinct and alternating segments having varying textures, including smooth segments and textured segments. The smooth segments are more easily inserted into the spaces between teeth, while the textured segments more effectively remove plaque and other debris therefrom. Methods of making the multi-texture floss are also disclosed, including methods that allow the floss to be made as a continuous thread having a plurality of alternating segments, such that the floss can be wound onto a spool for storage and dispensing. |
| US08578947B2 |
Cosmetic case with sterilizer and puff
The present invention relates to a cosmetic case with a sterilizer and a puff, and more particularly, a cosmetic case including a puff and a sterilizer for sterilizing the puff. The cosmetic case with the sterilizer and the puff according to the present invention is capable of sterilizing the puff combined to the case body with the ultraviolet ray from the sterilizer to prevent bacterial contamination and proliferation of the puff, thereby improving sanitation and storage quality, and is capable of frequent sterilization before and after use of cosmetics, thereby improving user's convenience for sterilization of the puff. |
| US08578942B2 |
Aerosol generator
An aerosol generator device has an elongate body with an interior passageway extending longitudinally to its mouth end. The device receives an interchangeable, pressurized canister charged with a nicotine containing liquid that is discharged in a metered dose on manual actuation of a button member that causes a valve in the canister to open and discharge through a discharge tube. A sleeve releasably couples the canister to the body. The button member is slidably mounted on the body for reciprocal movement along a trigger axis Y-Y′ extending transversely of the longitudinal axis X-X′ of the device, and has a manually depressible surface portion and a camming surface portion that drives a slidable nozzle member to press the discharge tube inwardly of the canister to open its valve and release liquid into the nozzle member. Nozzle forms an aerosol from the liquid, which is delivered to the consumer through outlets in the mouth end of the device. |
| US08578941B2 |
Slipper-like device to prevent or help heal pressure ulcers of the foot
A foot garment device to prevent or help prevent or heal pressure ulcers of the foot includes a bumper for positioning around and below an ankle of an individual, and one or more upper adjustable flaps and one or more lower adjustable flaps for removably securing the foot garment to a foot of the individual, wherein the bumper includes a hollow sleeve for receiving padding therein. Also described is a method for securing such a foot garment device to the foot of an the individual. |
| US08578940B1 |
Athletic mouth guard
An athletic mouth guard comprising an upper component a lower component and first and second joining components. The upper component has a central region and first and second opposing wing regions. These cooperate to define a channel-like configuration which is structurally configured to receive a plurality of teeth of an upper jaw. The lower component has similar structures which are configured to receive a plurality of teeth of a lower jaw. The first joining component is attached to the upper component and to the lower component along corresponding first opposing wing regions and the second joining component is attached to the upper component and to the lower component along corresponding second opposing wing regions. The joining components fix the portions of the wing regions to the respective first and second joining component, and to each other, in a spaced apart orientation, such that placement of the same in a mouth of a user directs a lower jaw of a mouth of a user to move forward relative to a position thereof in a habitual closure. |
| US08578937B2 |
Smart mandibular repositioning system
Systems and methods for detecting an obstructive sleep apnea event are disclosed herein. The systems and methods may use an electrical output generating ionic polymer metal composite sensor attached to a region in an airway passage in an oral cavity. The electrical output may be wirelessly transmitted as a signal for indication of an obstructive sleep apnea event. The signal may be further processed by a smart mandibular repositioning system for treatment of the obstructive sleep apnea event. |
| US08578934B2 |
Indicating device with warning dosage indicator
An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of dosages of a substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container includes at least one first indicator member incrementally moveable to a plurality of positions and a second indicator member moveable in response to a predetermined number of movements of the at least one first indicator member. The at least one first indicator member includes primary dosage indicia adapted to indicate the number of dosages of substance that have been dispensed from or remain in the container. The second indicator member includes secondary dosage indicia adapted to indicate that less than a minimum predetermined number of dosages of substance remain in the container. In one preferred embodiment, the primary dosage indicia are configured as numerical indicia and the secondary dosage indicia are configured as color indicia. In another aspect, a device for dispensing dosages of a substance includes a dispenser housing and a container disposed in the dispenser housing. The indicating device is located adjacent to and is actuated by one or the other of the top or bottom of the container. A method for indicating the number of metered dosages of medicaments dispensed from or remaining in the container is also provided. |
| US08578932B2 |
Inhaler and a method of operating it
A Breath Actuated Inhaler having a canister with a medication dispensed when compressing the canister. Compression of the canister is prevented by a mechanism only allowing compression when an air flow is sufficient to ensure dispensing of the medication in the lungs/throat of the person. No latch or blocking mechanism is provided so that any force exerted by the person is, at all times, directed to the canister or preventing mechanism so that when no force is exerted by the user, no force is exerted in the inhaler. Prolonged exertion of such force could otherwise cause dimension changes and subsequent uncertainty of the dose size. |
| US08578929B2 |
Modular pivotable solar collector arrangement
Modular solar collector, comprising a first supporting stand, the first supporting stand having at its upper end a first pivot bearing point defining a pivotal axis, a second supporting stand, having at its upper end a second pivot bearing point of the pivotal axis, an intermediate supporting stand having at its upper end an intermediate pivot bearing point of the pivotal axis, a first solar collector unit comprising at least one solar collector panel and a first unit frame being pivotally mounted to the first pivot bearing point and an intermediate pivot bearing point, and a second solar collector unit comprising at least one solar collector panel and a second unit frame being pivotally mounted to the second pivot bearing point and an intermediate pivot bearing point, a pivotal drive assembly comprising an x-drive unit and an x-coupling wherein each unit frame is, mechanically coupled to its adjacent unit frame. |
| US08578925B2 |
Oven door assembly incorporating overlay member
A cooking appliance includes a door assembly having a main frame provided with an inner, central opening. A glass panel is secured to the main frame portion across the inner, central opening and an overlay member is adhesively secured to the glass panel through a plurality of adhesive elements. The overlay member includes top, bottom and opposing side sections that collectively define an outer, central opening. The adhesive elements establish airflow passages that extends longitudinally across the door assembly between the glass panel and the overlay member. The overlay member also includes first and second flanges that are arranged along the top and bottom edge sections respectively. Third and fourth flanges are provided on respective upper and lower edges of the outer central opening. The flanges, together with the adhesive elements, ensure the presence of the airflow passages. |
| US08578923B2 |
Base for supporting tiles to be cut, a kit and a method for adapting a manual tile-cutting machine
The invention relates to a base (2) for restingly receiving tiles to be cut, comprising: a surface (13) for restingly receiving a tile; and a blade (4) for encountering a lower surface of the tile during a stage of scoring the tile. The rest surface (13) is provided with a depression or slit (12) of such dimensions as to contain a portion of a rotary cutting disc (14) of the tile when the tile is resting on the rest surface (13). The invention also relates to a tile-cutting machine (1), comprising the base (2). The invention further relates to a kit and a method for adapting a manual tile-cutting machine to use with a group comprising a rotary cutting disc (14). |
| US08578922B1 |
Automatic airgun method and apparatus
Example embodiments of an automatic airgun method and apparatus which enable automatic and/or semi-automatic projectile propulsion. Embodiments may be implemented with selective-fire, variable rate-of-fire, and/or variable velocity projectiles. Embodiments may employ any suitable propellant that can achieve or be caused to achieve a fluid state above ambient pressure. Some variations and alternatives are described. |
| US08578915B2 |
Toy
A toy having a housing and a projectile launcher capable of moving between a first stowed position within the housing and a second deployed position extending from the housing. The toy further including a trigger mechanism for launching at least one projectile from the projectile launcher; and a selector mechanism for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein the trigger mechanism will launch only a single projectile from the projectile launcher when the selector mechanism is in the first position and the trigger mechanism is actuated and wherein the trigger mechanism will launch at least two projectiles from the projectile launcher when the selector mechanism is in the second position and the trigger mechanism is actuated. |
| US08578914B2 |
Fuel tank valve structure controlling emission gas in hybrid vehicle
A fuel tank valve structure controlling emission gas in a hybrid vehicle may include a housing having one side connected with a fuel tank and the other side connected to a canister, a check valve mounted to the housing and opening or closing a first fluid passage connected between the canister and the fuel tank, a solenoid valve apparatus selectively connected with the check valve to open or close the first fluid passage to adjust an internal pressure of the fuel tank, a fuel limit vent valve apparatus mounted to the housing and selectively fluid-connecting to a space formed between the check valve and the fuel limit vent valve apparatus in the housing, and a relief valve mounted to the housing and selectively fluid-connecting the fuel tank with the canister through a second fluid passage. |
| US08578912B2 |
Method and device for controlling an afterglow temperature in a diesel combustion engine
A method and a device for setting an afterglow temperature in a self-igniting internal combustion engine, the afterglow temperature being reduced in a defined operating state of the internal combustion engine until a modification of an operating parameter as a result of the reduction of the afterglow temperature is required in order to maintain the defined operating state, in particular in order to maintain the injected fuel quantity. |
| US08578909B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
A control device for an internal combustion engine. An object of the present invention is to provide a control device for an international combustion engine for highly accurate absolute pressure correction irrespective of the length of an adiabatic compression stroke period. When the number of cylinders in an engine is n (n is an integer of 2 or more), an adiabatic compression stroke period of one cylinder preceding another cylinder to be corrected into its absolute pressure by a 1/n cycle (ignition timing —IVC) is compared with a threshold CATH (step 100). In the step 100, the absolute pressure correction is carried out based on PVκ=constant when the adiabatic compression stroke period is longer than the threshold CATH (step 110). On the other hand, the absolute pressure correction is carried out based on a value PIP detected by an intake pipe pressure sensor when the adiabatic compression stroke period is shorter than the threshold CATH. |
| US08578908B2 |
Dual-rotor engine
A dual-rotor engine comprises a cylinder assembly, a transmission output mechanism, a rotor control mechanism and a lubrication system. The cylinder assembly comprises a tubular cylinder (6) and two rotors (1a, 1b). Each of the rotors (1a, 1b) comprises an inner cylindrical cylinder (99a, 99b), a rotor journal (20a, 20b) integrated with the inner cylindrical cylinder (99a, 99b) and two sector pistons (17a, 17b) symmetrically secured to the inner cylindrical cylinder (99a, 99b); four sector pistons (17a, 17b) of two rotors (1a, 1b) are arranged crosswise to each other, and two adjacent sector pistons (17a, 17b) form a combustion chamber. The transmission output mechanism comprises two rotor gears (2a, 2b) and two driving gears (3a, 3b) which engaged with each other respectively. Each rotor gear (2a, 2b) has two symmetrical toothless portions (24) on its periphery; the length and the shape of the toothless portions (24) are the same with those of the portions where the rotor gears (2a, 2b) engage with the driving gears (3a, 3b); the teeth numbers of two toothed segments of the rotor gears (2a, 2b) are equal and the teeth profiles at the start positions of two toothed segments are the same. The rotor control mechanism controls the interval rotation, the stop rotation, the rotating time and the stopping time of two rotors (1a, 1b) to ensure a uniform and smooth power output. |
| US08578907B2 |
Internal combustion engine with variable flow rate oil pump apparatus, and motorcycle incorporating same
An internal combustion engine includes a crankshaft, a variable flow rate oil pump apparatus including oil pumps having a drive shaft thereof operatively connected with the crankshaft, and a rod-shaped oil passage switching valve operatively connected with the oil pumps. The oil passage switching valve and the drive shaft of the oil pumps are arranged such that axial directions thereof are parallel to an axial direction of the crankshaft. Also, the oil pumps and the oil passage switching valve are disposed so as to overlap each other in the axial direction of the crankshaft. With such configuration of the engine, the effect on various components around the pump can be reduced, while downsizing the oil pump and the engine. |
| US08578905B2 |
Engine having variation volume crank case
An engine having a crank case of a variable volume may include a crankshaft that may be disposed in a crank case and may be connected to a piston through a connecting rod, which reciprocate in a cylinder, a balance shaft that may be disposed in the crank case and may be operated by the crankshaft, a chamber that may be extended from the crank case, and a balance weight that may be formed on the balance shaft and selectively opens or closes a fluid communication between the chamber and the crank case according to a position of the piston. |
| US08578897B2 |
Valve system
A valve system for providing closing force to one or more valves of an engine is provided. In one example, the system comprises a first tappet bore in fluid communication with a second tappet bore via a bidirectional oil passage. The system may provide valve closing forces to assist in the closing of valves coupled to the tappet bores, lowering required valve spring forces. |
| US08578896B2 |
Method for bounce suppression of a valve switched by a piezo actuator
A method for bounce suppression of a valve member operated by a piezo actuator during the closing phase of a valve in an internal combustion engine, having the following steps: partial discharging of the piezo actuator, whereby the valve member is braked even before reaching the valve seat, interruption of the discharge of the piezo actuator, whereby the piezo actuator is upset by the valve member and builds up an electric charge, renewed discharging of the piezo actuator, the residual charge after partial discharge and the charge built up during the charge interruption being at least partially dissipated. It is provided, according to the present invention, briefly to interrupt the discharge process, whereby the piezo actuator absorbs the energy of the valve member and, even before an elastic rebound takes place, the piezo actuator is discharged again, in order to dissipate the energy absorbed by the piezo actuator. |
| US08578894B2 |
Reciprocating combustion engine
Methods and apparatus are described for a reciprocating combustion engine. A method includes operating a dual-piston engine including introducing a gas into a pair of combustion chambers; introducing a fuel into the pair of combustion chambers; compressing the gas; combusting the gas and the fuel; and exhausting combusted gases. Each of the pistons drives a reciprocating crankshaft that protrudes through a cylinder wall and cooperatively rotate a pair of rotors by engaging substantially sinusoidal cam tracks on the rotors. An apparatus includes a cam driven, concentric drive rotary-valve dual-piston engine. |
| US08578890B1 |
Cat scratching device
A cat scratching device having a body portion composed of molded pulp and catnip. When molded, its exterior surface is convex and ideally includes a rope handle enabling the device to hang from a doorknob or similar support. |
| US08578888B2 |
Animal excrement disposal sheet and manufacturing method thereof
An animal excrement disposal sheet that can reduce an area of excrement diffusing on a surface of the sheet. The animal excretion disposal sheet includes a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent layer disposed between the top sheet and the back surface sheet that includes a water absorbent resin and a hydrophilic fiber, in which the absorbent layer further includes a hydrophobizing agent having a higher affinity to the hydrophilic fiber than to the water absorbent resin. |
| US08578886B1 |
Pivot lid litter box assembly
A pivoting lid litter box assembly provides a litter box having a pan and a pivoted lid to facilitate access to contents of a pan. The assembly includes a pan having a bottom and a perimeter wall extending upwardly from a perimeter edge of the bottom. A lid is pivotally coupled to the pan. The lid has a top and a sidewall extending down from the top. The sidewall of the lid rests on the perimeter wall of the pan defining an interior space. The sidewall has an opening providing access to the interior space through the opening in the sidewall. A pedal is coupled to the pan and operationally coupled to the lid for selectively pivoting the lid between an open position and a closed position. A scoop having an extended handle and storage compartment may be provided to facilitate removing waste from the pan. |
| US08578882B2 |
System and method for cognitive enrichment of an animal
A system and method for cognitive enrichment of an animal. At least one display device is configured to display stimuli to an animal. At least one input device is configured to accept input from the animal. At least one reward dispenser is configured to dispense a reward to the animal. At least one processor is communicatively coupled with the at least one display device, the at least one input device, and the at least one reward dispenser. Execution of computer-readable instructions causes the at least one processor to carry out steps including displaying one or more stimuli to the animal using the at least one display device, accepting an input from the animal corresponding to at least one of the one or more stimuli, making a dispensing decision based on the input, and dispensing a reward using the at least one reward dispenser based on the dispensing decision. |
| US08578881B2 |
Arrangement for gripping at least one teat cup
A gripping arrangement is provided including a storing device (10) adapted to hold a teat cup (1) in a parked position and a gripping device (2) adapted to grip the parked teat cup (1) in the storing device (10). The gripping device (2) includes a contact surface (6a) which is adapted to be moved to a position in which it comes in contact with a contact surface (1d) of the teat cup (1) during a gripping operation of the teat cup (1). The arrangement includes an adjusting part which is able to adjust the position of at least one of the contact surfaces (1d, 6a) in relation to the other contact surface (1d, 6a) from an initial contact position to a grip position in which the gripping device is able to grip the teat cup in the storing device. |
| US08578880B2 |
Method of dynamic milking
In a method of dynamic milking, is performed a given modulating of values of airflow-forming pressures in a first working zone in a negative drive cycle and in a second working zone in a positive drive cycle of a cyclic drive unit, for providing and energy-physiological optimization of given periodic dynamic in-phase vacuum and mechanical actions on a surface of a milking teat in a two-chamber teat cap with a hermetic chamber connected with a source of a chamber pressure, whose movable part of a wall realizes the mechanical actions only on a lateral surface of the teat without interrupting of a spatial channel for movement of milking milk between an open output of the milking channel of the teat and a constantly open milk output of the teat cup during a dynamic milking process. |
| US08578879B2 |
Apparatus for VHF impedance match tuning
Embodiments of impedance matching networks are provided herein. In some embodiments, an impedance matching network may include a coaxial resonator having an inner and an outer conductor. A tuning capacitor may be provided for variably controlling a resonance frequency of the coaxial resonator. The tuning capacitor may be formed by a first tuning electrode and a second tuning electrode and an intervening dielectric, wherein the first tuning electrode is formed by a portion of the inner conductor. A load capacitor may be provided for variably coupling energy from the inner conductor to a load. The load capacitor may be formed by the inner conductor, an adjustable load electrode, and an intervening dielectric. |
| US08578877B2 |
Spin coater, temperature controlling method of the same, optical disc production apparatus, and optical disc production method
The present invention provides a spin coater including a rotation table that rotatably holds the disc substrate, a spin-cup that surrounds the outer circumference of a disc substrate held on the rotation table, a dripping unit configured to drip an ultraviolet-curable resin composition onto the surface of the disc substrate, a rotating unit configured to rotate the disc substrate via the rotation table to spread the ultraviolet-curable resin composition over the surface of the disc substrate, a heating unit configured to heat the ultraviolet-curable resin composition on the disc substrate, and a temperature controlling unit configured to control a reaching temperature of the spin cup which is increased by the heating unit each time the ultraviolet-curable resin composition is spread, so as to be constant over multiple spin coating processes. |
| US08578875B1 |
Portable score indicator
A scorekeeping device is disclosed for use with a sports court that has a net in order to keep score in a match between players. The scorekeeping device comprises three elongated members, each mutually connected at top ends thereof with a pivot to define a center member and two outer members. A score indicia is fixed to both sides of the center member. The score indicia may indicate the numbers 1 through 7, representing games in a set of tennis, for example. A pair of contrasting score indicators, such as differently-colored spring-biased clips, are selectively fixable with the center member. Preferably, in an extended position the height of the device is three feet, such that the device may be used to adjust or otherwise measure the height of a tennis net, for example. |
| US08578873B2 |
Surf wake system for a watercraft
An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake. |
| US08578869B2 |
Bottle furnace
A method and apparatus to batch de-coat the organics in metal scrap, and/or gasify the organics from certain types of waste material (including biomass, municipal solid waste, industrial waste, and sludge). The apparatus is suited for use on a batch tilting single entry rotary furnace of the type used to melt the metal scrap in the aluminum industry. The apparatus uses a burner in the tilting rotary furnace but does not necessarily melt the metal scrap. It preferably operates below the melting temperature of the metal scrap (<1400 F) and below the stoichiometric level (more specifically <12% oxygen) to partially combust the organic in the tilting rotary furnace. The gasified organics depart the furnace in a complete closed circuit where no air is allowed to entrain into the flue gases. These organic filled gases (synthetic gases) are fully incinerated in a separate thermal oxidizer where a stoichiometric burner uses either natural gas or liquid fuel to ignite the synthetic gas. The system can identify when the organics are fully gasified, and the metal scrap is fully clean. |
| US08578861B2 |
Carriage traction vehicle
The invention is a carriage traction vehicle for use with a monorail. The vehicle is self-propelled along the monorail by one or more motors engaging a fixed rack attached to the monorail. The carriage traction vehicle may include one or more of the following features: a cabin, a counterwheel assembly, a platform assembly, a leveling control system, a motor system, a tilt mechanism, and a safety assembly. |
| US08578860B2 |
Inductrack III configuration—a maglev system for high loads
Inductrack III configurations are suited for use in transporting heavy freight loads. Inductrack III addresses a problem associated with the cantilevered track of the Inductrack II configuration. The use of a cantilevered track could present mechanical design problems in attempting to achieve a strong enough track system such that it would be capable of supporting very heavy loads. In Inductrack III, the levitating portion of the track can be supported uniformly from below, as the levitating Halbach array used on the moving vehicle is a single-sided one, thus does not require the cantilevered track as employed in Inductrack II. |
| US08578857B2 |
Amusement park ride with passenger loading separated from vehicle insertion into simulators
A ride system for efficiently utilizing a simulator(s) or immersive environment assembly. The ride system includes a closed-loop track and a plurality of passenger vehicles each configured for traveling along a ride path defined by the closed-loop track. The ride system includes a simulator positioned adjacent to the closed-loop track. The ride system also includes a vehicle transfer mechanism. This mechanism is typically positioned along the track (or to provide part of the track) near the simulator. In operation, the transfer mechanism receives or captures a first one of the vehicles and transfers the first vehicle a distance away from the ride path and into the simulator and its immersive entertainment environment. The transfer mechanism is configured such that a second one of the vehicles trailing the first vehicle travels along the ride path past the simulator while the first vehicle is positioned within the simulator. |
| US08578855B2 |
Rocket motor tube with safety features
A vessel, such as a rocket motor tube, comprised of an insert, and a joint that allows the insert to decouple from the vessel to relieve pressure when subjected to excessive temperatures and/or a predetermined temperature or temperature range. |
| US08578854B2 |
Curing of photo-curable printing plates using a light tunnel of mirrored walls and having a polygonal cross-section like a kaleidoscope
An apparatus, a method, and a plate made by the method, e.g., using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a light tunnel of light reflective walls with polygonal cross-section like a kaleidoscope, and a light source, located at one end to produce light radiation to the inside of the light tunnel towards the other end. Light entering the light tunnel towards an inner reflective surface of a wall is reflected off the inner reflective surface so that it can emerge from the other end to cure a plate having photo-curable material thereon. |
| US08578851B2 |
Method of preparing printing forms for flexographic printing and a system used in the method
A method and a system of preparing a flexographic printing form, and a preparation table used in the method and system, involves placing printing plates in a plate magazine and delivering the printing plates in a predetermined order from the plate magazine to the preparation table. The printing plates are transported by a transporter, such as a conveyor belt, on the preparation table and further to a printing sleeve or a printing cylinder. During transportation, the printing plates are exposed on the backsides to a light source. The printing sleeve is rotated with a speed adapted to the speed of the transporter in such a way that the printing plates are placed staggered in two or more lanes on the printing sleeve. The printing plates placed on the printing sleeve are then imaged, e.g. by laser ablation. |
| US08578850B2 |
Device and method for setting at least two cylinders of a printing machine against each other
A printing machine with at least one inking unit which has at least two cylinders which are set against each other during the printing operation and can be rotated by at least one drive. The printing machine is provided with sensors for recording parameters of the rotary motion of the cylinders such as the torque and speed. A setting mechanism is provided for setting the at least two cylinders against each other in radial direction. The control unit is configured to trigger the setting mechanism to set the at least two cylinders against each other. The at least two cylinders are brought to different circumferential velocities and set against each other. The relative position of the two cylinders is recorded or maintained when at least one parameter of the rotary motion of the at least two cylinders exceeds a threshold value. |
| US08578849B2 |
Liquid supply apparatus and method of manufacturing plate therefor
A screen printing unit equipped with a rotary screen apparatus comprises a cylindrical screen rotatably supported so as to be brought into contact with a rotatable impression cylinder. Multiple small holes are formed in the circumferential surface of the screen, and are filled up with a coating material. Some of the holes corresponding to a pattern not being filled with the coating material, and a special ink stored inside the screen can be supplied to a sheet held on the outer circumferential surface of the impression cylinder so as to form a shape corresponding to the pattern. The small holes are formed only in an area of the screen in the circumferential direction thereof extending from a position corresponding to the downstream-side end of the sheet in the sheet-conveying direction to a position corresponding to the upstream-side end of the sheet in the sheet-conveying direction. |
| US08578845B2 |
Cherry pitter having safety and convenience
A safe and convenient cherry pitting device that includes a freestanding detachable base, a fruit support and pitter passthrough unit and a pitter containment cone. The unit is adapted for vertical mounting on the base. Further, the unit defines axially aligned top and bottom openings and one or more side openings. The pitter containment cone generally has a cone shaped outer surface including one or more walls defining a central cavity with a top closed end and a bottom open end for placement over the unit. The cone also includes a pitter bit that projects vertically downward within the top closed end of the cone in axial alignment with the top and bottom openings of the unit. |
| US08578843B2 |
Domestic appliance including a treatment chamber that can be closed by a door and a filling device
A household appliance includes a treatment chamber having an opening. The opening of the treatment chamber is configured to be closed by a door. The opening of the treatment chamber is bounded by at least one frame member. An external container is configured to hold at least one of an operating fluid or an operating powder. A filling device is disposed on the at least one frame member and in fluid connection with the external container. The filling device is configured to introduce, in an operating mode of the household appliance, at least one of an operating fluid and an operating powder to the treatment chamber, either treated or untreated. The filling device includes a filling device opening. |
| US08578842B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for the production of sandwich food items
The present invention relates to apparatuses and processes for the production of sandwich food items that include filler. |
| US08578841B2 |
Encrusting machine
An encrusting machine is revealed. The encrusting machine mainly includes a power source disposed on a power unit of a machine body. A force output end of the power source is disposed with a first drive belt for driving a cut unit and a second drive belt for driving a food receiving unit. A plurality of cutting blades is mounted in a cutting opening on a middle part of a cut-off base of the cut unit. The blades are controlled by the power unit and vertical movement of the cut-off base is also controlled by the power unit. In the food receiving unit, a toggle set on a cam is used to control vertical movement of a catch basin on top of a push set. The structure is simplified so that the machine is with reduced cost, easy assembly, reduced failure rate reduced, convenient maintenance and high practicality. |
| US08578835B2 |
Storage system for artillery ammunition and associated computer program
A storage system (10) for artillery ammunition, capable of containing artillery ammunition (100) of various types and comprising a plurality of drums (11) rotating about a central axis (Y) of their own and having a plurality of cells (11a), each adapted to contain one of the ammunition (100). The storage system (10) includes a rotatable support (12), which can turn about an axis of rotation (Z) of its own, parallel to the central axis (Y), on which the plurality of rotary drums (11) are rotatably pivoted. The system further includes at least one data processing unit for the automated selection of a drum (11′) from among the plurality of rotary drums (11). |
| US08578833B2 |
Object protection from hollow charges and method for the production thereof
Lightly armored vehicles and stationary objects are often the target of attacks by means of hollow-charge projectiles. Numerous variants of armor plating have been developed to counter such attacks, which results in additional loads, and these require expensive production. A light protective layer (1) which is simple to produce contains rods (3) arranged in a matrix, which project out from the object to be protected. If a corresponding hollow-charge projectile hits such a protective layer (1), the front nose (101) thereof is damaged, so that in most cases the initiation of the hollow charge does not occur. Preferably the rods (3) are covered externally by polymer layers (9, 10) and additionally a crumple layer (8) is attached in front of the object to be protected. |
| US08578829B2 |
Punching unit
There is provided a punching unit capable of punching holes in high-performance by increasing a punching force and by rotating a punch. A guide hole that guides the punch in the vertical direction is formed to have a narrow upper part, a wider lower part and inclined surfaces between them. An actuation pin engages with a cam and the punch moves up and down to punch a hole when a cam member reciprocates. The actuation pin abuts with the inclined surface of the guide hole at the punching position, so that the punch is rotated and a cam inclined angle is reduced by an inclined angle of the guide hole, allowing a large punching force. |
| US08578826B2 |
Sheet material dispenser
Apparatus for dispensing sheet material from a sheet material dispenser are described. Dispenser embodiments include drive and tension rollers supported within a housing forming a nip therebetween. Pulling of sheet material through the nip and against the drive roller rotates the drive roller. Dispenser embodiments may include a cutting mechanism powered by drive roller rotation with an improved carrier-supported blade permitting highly-efficient dispenser operation. Dispenser embodiments may include a sheet material tail length adjuster which permits the attendant to shorten or lengthen the tail length extending away from the dispenser. Dispenser embodiments may further include a sheet material conservation feature which imposes a delay between dispense cycles encouraging use of a single sheet of material and discouraging sheet material waste. |
| US08578823B2 |
Ring lock mandrel and release mechanism
A mandrel is disclosed for securely holding a screw bit during use, but allowing easy removal of the screw bit for replacement. The mandrel includes a socket having a chamber housing a locking mechanism such as a split-ring. The mandrel further includes a release mechanism such as one or more ears for moving the locking mechanism from a first position where the screw bit is held within the socket and a second position where the screw bit may be removed from the socket. |
| US08578820B2 |
Electrical wire tool
The present invention can include an apparatus having both a wire nut receiver and a wire insulation stripper thus allowing a user to strip insulation from wires and then connect them using a wire nut with the same apparatus. The apparatus can include a wire nut receiver defining a cavity having a proximal end and a distal end and one or more stripper blades disposed adjacent to the distal end of the cavity of the wire nut receiver. The apparatus can also include a driver, such as for example a hex driver, connected to the wire nut receiver and the one or more stripper blades. Alternatively, the apparatus can be configured such that the diameter of the one or more stripper blades relative to a rotational axis is variable, which in turn allows a user to easily account for different thicknesses or gauges of wire to be stripped. |
| US08578819B2 |
Electric corkscrew
A corkscrew for removing a cork or a stopper from a bottle containing wine, or other beverage or food product is disclosed. The corkscrew has socket (19) which is provided with vertical axis that is dimensioned to receive the neck of a bottle, while corkscrew spiral (2) is arranged axially within the socket. A CPU is electrically communicated with battery pack, and is charged to determine whether the battery pack can perform sufficient work to open a cork and to provide a signal to the LED display (13) that indicates the number of corks which can be removed using the corkscrew. The corkscrew can be operated with one hand since physical force or dexterity are not required to operate the corkscrew, and prevents accidental injury or damaging of work surface since CPU is electrically communicated with battery pack. |
| US08578818B2 |
Device for saving energy during vertical and horizontal motions wherein the resisting torque can be split into two torques opposing each other
A mechanical device for reducing the energy absorbed by an electrical motor of a hoisting plant. The device includes at least one first rotating member moved by the motor of the hoisting plant. The device also includes a second rotating member connected to the first member through a gear transmission. At least one third rotating member is connected to the second rotating member through a bevel-gear transmission. The device further includes a fourth rotating member operatively connected to the rotor of the electric motor. The fourth rotating member and the third rotating member are connected through a transmission with flexible elements or through a gear transmission which develop a transmission ratio equal to unity. The transmission elements of the device are designed to enable rotation of the fourth rotating member in a direction of rotation concordant with that of the first rotating member. |
| US08578815B2 |
Switch for vehicle
A switch for a vehicle includes: a first operating member provided on a mounting surface of the vehicle, the first operating member being operable by tilting; and a plurality of projections provided on the first operating member, the projections being operable by pushing, wherein the first operating member is shaped line symmetrically so that a central part of the first operating member is dented most; and the projection projects forward with respect to the central part of the first operating member, and the projection is uplifted along an outer wall part of the first operating member. |
| US08578813B2 |
Parking brake system
In a parking brake system, a locking tooth of a ratchet plate includes a first area for contacting and retaining a locking claw of a ratchet pawl in an equilibrium state when a parking brake lever is pulled up; and a second area in which the locking claw remains in a state of halfway engagement of tooth tips when a pressing force of a release rod is released. When the locking claw comes into contact with a portion closer to a tip of the locking tooth beyond the first area, a line of force is maintained due to the pressing force of the release rod. The system is configured such that even if an occupant erroneously pulls up the parking brake lever while the release rod is pressed, it is possible to reliably prevent halfway engagement of tooth tips in a ratchet mechanism. |
| US08578806B2 |
Parallel gear unit for a gearbox for a wind turbine
A parallel gear unit (20) for a gearbox (30) for a wind turbine includes at least a low speed shaft (21) and a high speed shaft (22), each shaft (21, 22) having a gear (23, 25) with helical teeth, the gears (23, 25) of each shaft (21, 22) being adapted for meshing with each other. The low speed shaft (21) is rotatably supported by roller bearings (24a) and the high speed shaft (22) is rotatably supported by sliding bearings (24b). A gearbox (30) including the parallel gear unit (20) and a wind turbine including such a gearbox (30) are described. |
| US08578804B2 |
Synchronized gear shift system
A mechanism with an inner race, which has cams, an outer race and rollers between the cams and the outer race. The inner race has a first notch while the outer race has a second notch with a narrow portion and a wider portion. A member is disposed in the first and second notches. Positioning of the member in the first notch and the narrow portion of the second notch inhibits relative rotation between the inner and outer races and power is not transmitted between the outer race and a power transmitting member, such as a gear. Positioning of the member in the first notch and the wider portion of the second notch permits some relative rotation between the inner and outer races to cause the cams to urge the rollers outwardly so that the outer race frictionally engages the power transmitting member to facilitate transmission of rotary power therebetween. |
| US08578799B2 |
Method and system for shaft coupling
A method and system for a shaft coupling assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first coupling half coupled to a distal end of a first shaft wherein the first coupling half includes one or more projections extending away from the first coupling half. The shaft coupling assembly also includes a second coupling half coupled to a distal end of a second shaft wherein the second coupling half includes a media configured to matingly engage the one or more projections in an axial direction, the projections include a relatively large length to width ratio, the media displaces orthogonally to the insertion direction an amount sufficient to facilitate the insertion for each individual projection while substantially preventing gross movement of all of the projections in total such that a linear force or torque applied to one coupling half is transmitted through the mated projections and media. |
| US08578797B2 |
Multi-section sediment pore water sampler
The present invention discloses a multi-section sediment pore water sampler, which comprises a plurality of sampling units arranged coaxially and separated with each other; this arrangement ensures no water exchange occurred between two adjacent sampling units, collection of the sediment pore water samples from different depths of a same position is realized, whereby to facilitate organic pollutant sampling in sediment pore water at different depths according to different time resolutions. Furthermore, as the heights of the sampling units as well as the clearances between two neighboring sampling units may be various, in use users can configure the sampler according to the actual condition of the time resolution required, thus this sampler can also help improve the time resolution of water sampling. |
| US08578792B2 |
Displacement sensor formed on planar flexible base
A displacement sensor (4) for detecting relative displacement of a shaft (1) relative to a housing (3). The sensor (4) comprises four elastomeric pads (6-9) mounted on the flexible strip (5), each elastomeric pad (6-9) having an electrical resistance which varies with force applied to the pad (6-9), and an electrical connector located within the flexible strip (5) for providing electrical connections to the elastomeric pads (6-9). In use, the sensor (4) is positioned so that the region of the strip (5) which carries the pads (6-9) is wrapped around the shaft (1). |
| US08578790B2 |
Apparatus for measurement of ducted air
Apparatus for measurement of airflow in a duct is described. The apparatus combines a Pitot tube, sensing apparatus, control apparatus, a display, control switches and a handle into a unitary structure that is holdable with a single hand while performing obtaining measurement data. |
| US08578788B2 |
Device and method for continuously measuring horizontal flux of dustfall in atmosphere
A continuous atmospheric horizontal dustfall flux measurement apparatus includes: a dust sampling port that includes a ceiling plate, a side wall, and four or more partition plates; a suction pipe; a continuous dust amount measurement device that continuously measures a dust amount per unit time; a blower or a compressor; an exhaust port, wherein the side wall is a plate that has a vertical center axis and has a side surface with a substantially circular or polygonal truncated cone shape widened upward, and wherein the side wall includes a suction port which is formed at the lower end thereof so as to be connected to the suction pipe and an external air inlet which has four or more openings disposed at the same interval in the circumferential direction of the side wall at a constant height near the upper end thereof. |
| US08578787B1 |
Vortex flow meter with sampling rate control
Vortex-shedding flow meters are operated at a sampling frequency high enough to detect each vortex multiple times. Using a fixed sampling frequency high enough for a maximum rate of vortex generation oversamples the vortices generated at low flow rates. Adjusting the sampling rate to accord with the flow rate being measured significantly reduces electric power consumption. |
| US08578785B2 |
Drip monitor
A low power, low cost system and method for the detection of flow disturbances in a fluid dripping system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a light source and a light detector configured to monitor the amount of light passing through a droplet while the droplet is suspended and later falls from the tip of a tube. In another embodiment, dripping fluid is monitored from a system maintained part of the time in a sleep mode to conserve power, the system waking up at predetermined times to determine from detected light whether the monitored system is functioning properly. |
| US08578782B2 |
High temperature, high bandwidth pressure acquisition system
A system for measuring a multiplicity of pressures as those experienced by a model in a wind tunnel is depicted. The system includes individual sensor devices which are connected to an electronics module. The sensors may be connected to the electronics module via a cable in a first embodiment. In an alternate embodiment, the sensors may be connected to the electronics module via a mating connector located therebetween. A memory component which stores compensation coefficients associated with each of the sensors may also be included in the system to correct errors associated with each sensor. The advantage of the various embodiments is that each sensor does not have any compensation stored thereon and thus, the sensors can be made very small to operate at very high temperatures without any loss of accuracy. |
| US08578781B2 |
Device to indicate critical corrosion of a metallic structure
The present invention relates to a device to indicate a predetermined critical corrosion of a metallic structure located in soil, water or concrete environment. The device comprises a probe that has a closed tubular container intended to contain a pressurized medium, and that has a wall thickness t that corresponds to the predetermined critical corrosion. A protective coating is arranged essentially over the entire outside of the container with the exception of a surface that is intended to be subjected to corrosion attack. The container is allowed to corrode so that the container becomes perforated, whereupon the pressure of the pressurized medium falls. The pressure change is measured by means of a pressure gauge, and in this way, information is obtained about the fact that the corrosion has reached the predetermined critical level. |
| US08578780B2 |
Apparatus for internal inspection of a workpiece having a hollow cylindrical hole
An apparatus internally inspects a workpiece having a hollow cylindrical hole. The apparatus contains an ultrasound transducer configuration having a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements, which are arranged in at least one row, one next to the other, in an elastically deformable carrier which has the form of a segment of a hollow cylinder and has a plurality of sliding pimples which extend in the longitudinal direction of the carrier and project with a protrusion in the radial direction beyond the transmitting and/or receiving surfaces of the ultrasound transducer elements. |
| US08578775B2 |
Generation, injection and use of pilot tones for gyro system characterization
A microcontroller-based method and apparatus are described for generating one or more amplitude and frequency selectable low frequency pilot tone signals (PT) that are injected into an embedded MEMS sensor (110) and mixed signal ASIC (120) and then recovered at the microcontroller (140) to compute or measure various gyro parameters during operational use of the device with no down time or interference with normal operations. |
| US08578766B2 |
Brake wear measurement apparatus and method
A brake wear measurement apparatus for use on a brake assembly equipped with a wear pin having a plunger slidably mounted in the plunger sleeve having a first end and second end and wherein when the brake wear measurement apparatus is placed over the wear pin, the wear pin contacts the plunger first end, and moves the plunger within the plunger sleeve to a retracted position corresponding to a retraction distance delta, and wherein the retraction distance delta corresponds to a wear pin exposed height indicating an amount of brake wear. A locking mechanism for locking the plunger in the retracted position may be provided. A brake wear correlation program whereby the input of a brake part number, a plunger retraction distance delta, and a number of performed landings will result in an output of an estimated number of remaining landings may also be provided. |
| US08578764B2 |
Self-retaining target assembly
A sensor target assembly is provided for a body having an axial bore. The sensor target assembly includes a polymeric alignment positioning cylinder for insertion into the bore. Target material is provided which is mounted to the alignment positioning cylinder. The alignment cylinder can optionally have annular barbs. |
| US08578761B2 |
Concentration sensor device and concentration detecting method
A concentration sensor device includes a sensor unit, a substrate, and a sedimentation limit unit. The sensor unit detects a concentration of a specific component contained in liquid. The substrate has a face to which the sensor unit is arranged. The sedimentation limit unit is integrally arranged with the sensor unit or arranged at an upstream side of the sensor unit in a flowing direction of the liquid. The sedimentation limit unit is configured to prevent sedimentation of a foreign object on the sensor unit. The sedimentation limit unit includes a piezoelectric element to vibrate when electricity is supplied so as to promote the foreign object to be separated from the sensor unit. The substrate has a recess recessed in a thickness direction of the substrate. |
| US08578759B2 |
Undersea pipeline intrusion detection system using low-frequency guided acoustic waves and distributed optical fiber
A method and an apparatus for intrusion detection. The apparatus includes an acoustic source, a laser light source, a pressure-sensitive optical fiber including a first end and a second end. The second end is connected to the laser light source and oriented toward the acoustic source. The laser light source generates a laser pulse traveling through the pressure-sensitive optical fiber toward the acoustic source. The laser pulse includes a time-of-flight. The acoustic source generates an acoustic wave. The acoustic wave includes a plurality of evanescent wave fronts. The plurality of evanescent wave fronts, upon scattering from a non-uniform material region, radially contracts the pressure-sensitive optical fiber to alter the time-of-flight of the laser pulse along the pressure-sensitive optical fiber by increasing the fiber length. |
| US08578752B2 |
Framework with stanchions for a prover
A prover mounted upon a supporting lower framework includes a piston supporting rod extending longitudinally through a cylinder, which cylinder receives and discharges a fluid to measure the flow rate of the fluid by translation of the piston from the fluid receiving end to the fluid discharging end. Motive means supported on a frame mounted on the prover draws the rod toward the fluid receiving end of the cylinder. An upper framework is attached to the lower framework through a plurality of stanchions. Various I-beams formed as part of the upper framework enhance rigidity to the combination of lower framework and upper framework. The combination of lower framework and upper framework provides support for the prover in a horizontal or a vertical orientation without affecting the operation, repair or maintenance of the prover. |
| US08578750B2 |
Method and tool for hot forming a metal workpiece
The invention relates to a hot forming tool (1, 101, 201, 301) for hot forming a metal workpiece (4, 204), having at least two dies (2, 3; 202, 203; 202, 303) which may be moved relative to one another for forming the workpiece (4, 204), and having a cooling device (5) by means of which the workpiece (4, 204) may be cooled in the hot forming tool (1, 101, 201, 301) from a first, higher temperature to a second, lower temperature. To improve the hot forming tool (1, 101, 201, 301), it is provided that the hot forming tool (1, 101, 201, 301) is equipped with a separating device (10, 210, 310) by means of which a separating operation may be carried out on a workpiece (4, 204) present in the hot forming tool (1, 101, 201, 301). The invention further relates to a method for hot forming. |
| US08578749B2 |
Method for the flying changing of working rolls in continuous casting and rolling installations and hot strip rolling mills using a hold-down roller
The invention relates to a method of flying changing of working rolls in continuous casting and rolling installations and hot strip rolling mills, in particular in continuous hot strip rolling mills, wherein for exchange of working rolls by opening a rolling stand, those are disengaged from a to be rolled hot strip. According to the invention a regulated strip tension that can substitute the tension of the open rolling stand, is applied to the to-be-rolled hot strip with at least one hold-down roller that is introduced in a rolling line. |
| US08578745B2 |
Peening device
The invention relates to a peening device for peening a component with a part to be peened and a part not to be peened. The peening device comprises a chamber with at least one opening located therein, wherein the opening is dimensioned in such a manner that the part not to be peened of the component can be guided there through, and a fixture for retaining the component which features a section which entirely covers the opening of the chamber when the part not to be peened is at least partially guided into said opening, and said section completely encloses the part not to be peened of the component between the adjacent region of the part to be peened of the component and the opening. |
| US08578743B2 |
Cable lock
A cable lock includes a belt, a lock body, a first clamp unit, a second clamp unit, and a switch unit. The belt has a buckle unit at one end thereof. The lock body has a hole for the belt to pass therethrough and a slot for receiving the buckle unit, wherein the belt and the lock body are together capable of forming a closed loop. The first clamp unit for fixing the belt in the hole is movably disposed in the lock body while the second clamp unit for retaining the buckle unit in the slot is movably disposed in the lock body. The switch unit is rotatably disposed on the lock body and capable of enabling the cable lock to operate in a locked mode, a clinched mode, or an unlocked mode. When the cable lock operates in the locked mode, the first clamp unit fixes the belt in the hole and the second clamp unit retains the buckle unit in the slot so that the closed loop has a fixed length. When the cable lock operates in the clinched mode, the first clamp unit releases the fixing of the belt to allow the closed loop to have an adjustable length. When the cable lock operates in the unlocked mode, the second clamp unit releases the buckle unit so that the belt can be detachable from the lock unit. |
| US08578739B2 |
Shorter wavelength photo-annealing apparatus for rare-earth-doped fiber and its optical assemblies under irradiation
An optical fiber apparatus is suitable to operate under irradiation, more particularly to mitigating the damage of a rare-earth-doped optical fiber element as part of an optical fiber assembly causes by irradiation. The irradiation mitigation attributes to a photo-annealing apparatus including at least a shorter wavelength photo-annealing spectral content, which is relative to that of a pump light source, for effectively photo-annealing the rare-earth-doped fiber element. Photo-annealing by such shorter wavelength light results in a fast and nearly complete recovery of radiation induced attenuation of the rare-earth-doped optical fiber element in the wavelength range from 900 nm to 1700 nm. |
| US08578738B2 |
Method for melting a batch of raw materials by a crown burner
The invention concerns a method for melting a composition of raw materials including introducing the composition in an oven to form a layer (2) at the surface of the molten pool (4). An oxycombustion burner (10) is arranged above the pool and directed towards the composition layer (2) to produce a melting front (3). Parameters of the burner are adjusted to produce a large covering flame (12) causing an essentially radiation-based thermal transfer. Additionally, a plane containing a longitudinal section of the flame (Z-Z) and a horizontal direction perpendicular to the axis of the oven (X-X) intersects the melting front (3) at a height (h) included ranging between one third and half of the thickness of the composition (e). Such a method provides for a stable operation of the oven and is particularly adapted to a large-capacity oven. |
| US08578737B2 |
Glass flow management by thermal conditioning
This disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for controlling glass flow in, for example, a downdraw glass manufacturing process (e.g., the fusion downdraw process). The methods and apparatus are particularly well-suited for use in the manufacture of glass sheets such as the glass sheets used as substrates in display devices, e.g., liquid crystal displays (LCDs). |
| US08578734B2 |
Method and apparatus for liquefying a hydrocarbon stream
A method of liquefying a hydrocarbon stream such as natural gas from a feed stream, the method at least comprising the steps of: (a) providing a feed stream (10); (b) dividing the feed stream (10) of step (a) to provide at least a first feed stream (20) comprising at least 90 mass % of the initial feed stream (10), and a second feed stream (30); (c) liquefying the first feed stream (20) of step (b) at a pressure between 20-100 bar to provide a first liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream (40); (d) cooling the second feed stream (30) of step (b) to provide a cooled feed stream (50); (e) combining the first LNG stream (40) of step (c) with the cooled feed stream (50) of step (d) to provide a combined LNG stream (60); (f) reducing the pressure of the combined LNG stream (60) of step (e); and (g) passing the combined LNG stream (60) of step (f) through a flash vessel (12) to provide a product LNG stream (70) and a gaseous stream (80). |
| US08578733B2 |
Turbo-compressor-condenser-expander
A turbo-compressor-condenser-expander arrangement, including heat-transferring blades mounted on or surrounding individual conduits. The open framework rotates in free air to promote heat exchange. A first hub, a first set of radial conduits, axial conduits, a second set of radial conduits, and a second hub are included; a motor rotates a central axis of the turbo-compressor-condenser-expander. |
| US08578724B2 |
Heat pump and method of operation
A heat pump is provided having a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. A compressor is fluidly coupled to the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A reversing valve is fluidly coupled between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The reversing valve is adapted to flow of a refrigerant from the compressor to the first heat exchanger during heating mode and to the second heat exchanger during a cooling mode. A thermal expansion valve is positioned between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. An electronic expansion valve is positioned between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A controller is electrically coupled to operate the electronic expansion valve between a fully open, a fully closed and a modulated position depending on the operation of the compressor. |
| US08578720B2 |
Particle separator in a gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine includes a supply of cooling fluid, a rotatable shaft, blade disc structure coupled to the shaft and having at least one bore for receiving cooling fluid, and a particle separator. The particle separator includes particle deflecting structure upstream from the blade disc structure, and a particle collection chamber. The particle deflecting structure deflects solid particles from the cooling fluid prior to the cooling fluid entering the at least one bore in the blade disc structure. The particle collection chamber is upstream from the particle deflecting structure and receives the solid particles deflected from the cooling fluid by the particle deflecting structure. The solid particles deflected by the particle deflecting structure flow upstream from the particle deflecting structure to the particle collection chamber. |
| US08578719B2 |
Bleed assembly
A noise reduction device 40, for example for use in a bleed assembly 30 of a gas turbine engine, comprises partitions 50, 52 forming cells 54 having apertures 56, 58, 60 which provide contractions and sudden expansions of flow passing through the device. The apertures 56, 58, 60 are disposed relative to each other so as to force the flow to change direction within the cells 54 to break up jets of gas issuing from the apertures 56, 58, 60. Webs 62, 64, 66 may be provided adjacent the apertures 56, 58, 60 to direct flow and to assist in generating turbulence. |
| US08578718B2 |
Cartridge for the generation of hydrogen for providing mechanical power
The present invention provides a motor powered by an expandable, combustible gas. The motor includes a cartridge for the generation of hydrogen. The cartridge is configured to generate high pressure and high temperature hydrogen. The motor is configured such that hydrogen generated by the cartridge is directed into a series of expandable chambers defined by at least one flywheel. The flywheel is connected to a shaft such that power generated by the hydrogen can be transmitted out of the motor. The motor is configured such that power can be generated by expansion of the hydrogen and subsequent combustion of the hydrogen. |
| US08578717B2 |
Method for controlling the load variations in a gas turbine
A method is described for controlling load variations in a gas turbine. The method comprises reducing the flow of gaseous fuel entering the combustor to a predefined minimum value, if an increase is observed in the rotation regime of said turbine above a predefined maximum value and a total reduction in the load, activating a selective feeding sequence of the burners if the turbine is operating in normal functioning or premixed flame mode, modifying the angulation of the adjustable stator vanes, in order to reduce the speed rate of the compressor, and opening one or more anti-surge valves and one or more overboard bleeds, in order to reduce the air flow at the inlet of the combustor. |
| US08578716B2 |
Valve system for a gas turbine engine
A valve system intermediate a secondary flow path and a primary flow path to selectively communicate secondary airflow into the primary gas flow path and control airflow injected from a higher pressure plenum into a lower pressure flowpath. |
| US08578713B2 |
Hydraulic soft start system
A hydraulic soft-start system includes a first flow valve in fluid communication with a pressure source and an inlet of a motor. A first restricting orifice is disposed between the first valve and the inlet. A second flow valve is in fluid communication with the first valve and the inlet. A pilot for actuating the second valve is in fluid communication with the inlet. A second restricting orifice is disposed between the pilot and the inlet. Upon actuation of the first valve, a first flow is passed from the pressure source via the first orifice to the inlet, placing the motor in a partially-actuated state. The second valve being actuated after a threshold pressure of the pilot is reached allowing a second flow to pass from the pressure source to the inlet. The second flow being higher than the first flow, thereby placing the motor in a fully-actuated state. |
| US08578709B2 |
Over-loading prevention device of construction machinery
In an over-loading prevention device including a hydraulic pump, a control valve, and a control lever, a discharge-quantity control unit performs constant-torque control which decreases a discharge quantity in proportion to an increase in a discharge pressure in the pump to control an input torque of the pump uniformly. An operation-state detection unit detects an actuation state of the control lever. A control unit outputs a control signal that sets the pump input torque to a minimum torque according to the constant-torque control, to the discharge-quantity control unit when the control lever is operated over a predetermined speed, and subsequently changes a level of the control signal to a maximum torque according to the constant-torque control in accordance with a predetermined control pattern to raise the pump input torque. |
| US08578707B2 |
Protection valve for hydraulic drive system
A protection valve for a hydraulic drive system and a method for protecting the hydraulic drive system and pumping equipment driven by the hydraulic drive system includes a valve body, an actuator shaft movably disposed within the valve body, a thermal actuator for displacing the actuator shaft between an un-actuated position and an actuated position, and a poppet attached to the actuator shaft for movement therewith. The thermal actuator is configured to displace the actuator shaft between the un-actuated position and the actuated position in response to a hydraulic oil temperature that exceeds a predetermined maximum. A thermal actuator body is rigidly attached to the valve body at one end and a valve seat body is rigidly attached to the valve body at the other end. The thermal actuator body has openings formed therein for placing hydraulic oil in fluid communication with the thermal actuator. |
| US08578706B2 |
Exhaust line with reagent injector
An exhaust line includes a duct having an injection segment with an inner channel defined by a side wall. The exhaust gas flow includes exhaust gas central streams in a central area of the inner channel and exhaust gas peripheral streams in the vicinity of the side wall. A reagent injector injects a reagent in an injection direction. The duct (3) is conformed so that the exhaust gas central streams flow substantially parallel to the central line of the inner channel. The exhaust line includes an element that imparts, to at least some peripheral streams, a rotary movement through the inner channel; and about a rotation axis that is slightly inclined relative to the injection direction. |
| US08578698B2 |
Cascade-type thrust reverser for jet engine
A fan duct (5) is defined between an inner skin (2) and an outer skin into which the inner skin of the sliding cover (7) is incorporated in the direct-thrust configuration. The inner skin of the sliding cover (7) comprises an annular part extending radially inwards and capable, in the reverse-thrust configuration, of coming to face a larger-diameter annular part of the inner skin (2) of the fan duct (5). The annular part of the sliding cover (7) comprises at least one flap (8) mounted such that it can pivot between the retracted position and a deployed position in which a front part (8a) of the flap (8), upstream of its middle axis (9) about which it is articulated, projects into the fan duct (5). Translational stop means (11) are provided in order, in the reverse thrust position, to act on a rear part (8b) of the flap (8) in such a way as to cause the flap (8) to pivot into the deployed position to close off the fan duct (5). |
| US08578696B2 |
Turbulated arrangement of thermoelectric elements for utilizing waste heat generated from turbine engine
Disclosed is a turbulated arrangement of thermoelectric elements for utilizing waste heat generated from a turbine engine. The turbulated arrangement of thermoelectric elements is located within the turbine casing at a heat exhaust end of the turbine engine. The turbulated arrangement of thermoelectric elements convert heat exhaust generated from the turbine engine into electrical energy. In one embodiment, the electrical energy generated from the turbulated arrangement of thermoelectric elements can be used to power electrical components located about the turbine engine. |
| US08578695B1 |
Methods and designs for increasing efficiency in engines
An efficient thermal engine is disclosed. In some embodiments, a remainder of energy remaining after an expansion cycle is used to power a subsequent compression cycle. In other embodiments, novel configurations for a larger expansion volume than compression volume are provided. In addition, work of compression may be reduced in a compression cycle, and recovered in an expansion cycle. |
| US08578691B2 |
Door prop in a lawn mower
A mower for cutting grass includes a platform with a motor located thereon. A door on the platform has a first position blocking a discharge and a second door position away from the discharge. A bag has an inlet that mates to a discharge. A support is connected to the platform and a door prop is movably mounted on the support. The door prop has a first position not in engagement with the door to permit the door to be in the first position and having a second position in which a segment of the door prop engages with the door to retain the door in the second position. A handle extends up from the platform. An operable member is mounted on the handle. A connector extends between the door prop and the operable member to transmit force to move the door prop. |
| US08578690B2 |
Haymaking machine provided with a hitching device with an inclined pivoting axis
An agricultural haymaking machine intended to be hitched to the lower arms of a tractor comprises a frame supported on the ground by wheels and at least one work device connected to the frame, the frame being in its front part in pivoting connection with a hitching device configured to be connected to the two lower arms, the center of gravity of the machine being situated between the wheels and the hitching device. According to the invention, the projection of the axis of the pivoting connection, on a plane which is substantially vertical and substantially parallel to the direction of advance, has an inclination towards the direction of advance following a direction of the ground upward. |
| US08578688B2 |
Basecutter for a harvester
A harvester for harvesting stalks of stalk-like plants. The harvester includes a chassis, at least one ground contacting propulsion device connected to the chassis, and a basecutter assembly. The basecutter assembly is coupled to the chassis. The basecutter assembly includes a plurality of cutting knives and a pair of counter rotating plates. The pair of counter rotating plates include a first plate and a second plate, each of which have at least one of the plurality of cutting knives attached thereto. The first plate rotates about a first axis. The first plate has at least one portion thereof that extends in a radial direction such that the portion would interfere with the knife of the second plate except that the first plate is offset in a direction parallel to said first axis relative to said knife of said second plate. |
| US08578685B2 |
Apparatus for forming and filling a flexible package
An apparatus for forming and filling a flexible package, comprises: a film unwind station for unwinding a web of flexible film from a roll of film includes: a folding station for folding the web into a pair of opposing walls; a strip unwind station for unwinding a strip of semi-rigid material from a roll of material and positioning the strip between the pair of opposing walls of the web; a metal buffer plate insertable between the strip and one of the opposing walls of the web; sealing stations, separating stations and filling stations. |
| US08578684B2 |
Unitized package and method of making same
The invention generally relates to unitized packages and a method of manufacturing the unitized packages for containing and dispensing a product material. In particular, the unitized packages comprise a printed base card and a fluid vessel permanently bonded to the printed base card. The fluid vessel comprises a first laminate barrier layer comprising at least one layer of a biaxially oriented thermoplastic polymer, a portion of which is formed into a modified dome shape, and a planar second laminate barrier layer. The first and second laminate barrier layers are sealed together to form a fluid-tight enclosure, wherein the product material substantially fills the enclosure and the modified dome shape is resiliently sustainable. In particular, the method includes forming a portion of the first laminate barrier layer comprising the biaxially oriented polymer into the modified dome shape using a force such as pressurized gas. |
| US08578683B2 |
Method of distributing packaging material from a roll of material having a tubular core via a packaging tool
Packaging tools, which, in various embodiments, are adapted to assist a user in applying material from a roll of packaging material (e.g., packing tape, stretch wrap or shrink wrap) to an item or group of items. The packaging tool is typically adapted to move between: (1) a first orientation in which the packaging tool does not substantially restrict the rotation of the roll of packaging material adjacent the packaging tool; and (2) a second orientation in which the packaging tool does substantially restrict (e.g., prevent) the rotation of the roll of stretch wrap tool adjacent the packaging tool. A user typically maintains the packaging tool in the first orientation as the user wraps the packaging material about an item. The user may then move the packaging tool into the second orientation, which allows the user to pull the packaging material tight and separate the applied length of packaging material from the roll. |
| US08578682B2 |
Rotating multi-clipper packaging systems
Apparatus, systems, devices, methods and computer program products configured to provide one or more of the following: improved rotary table or platform packaging systems, improved adhesive (glue) based film seal systems, and/or easier loading or releasing mounting systems of horns, forming collars and/or sprockets. |
| US08578681B2 |
Tower connector
The disclosure relates to a connector assembly (20) for joining a main tower (102) to a base structure (114) where the axial alignment of the tower to the base structure needs to be adjustable, and to a method of using such a connector assembly to assemble a tower structure. |
| US08578680B2 |
Tower construction method and apparatus
A method for constructing a structure to be lifted and moved from a first location to a second location includes (a) constructing, at the first location, a framework of the structure that includes braces to withstand lifting and moving the structure; (b) constructing, at the first location, at least some internal components of the structure; (c) providing a lift platform capable of supporting, balancing and lifting the structure below the lift platform by flexible lift members attachable to the lift platform and the framework; (d) attaching the flexible lift members to the lift platform and to a plurality of spaced portions of the framework; (e) lifting the lift platform to thereby lift the structure; and (f) while lifted, moving the lift platform and the structure to the second location, where the structure is lowered. A lift platform preferably made of subassemblies of beams and braces is used in the method. |
| US08578676B2 |
Tower barrel, wind tower and wind power plant for wind electric power generation
A tower barrel for wind electric power generation includes a barrel wall for supporting a wind turbine generator system, a torsion cable direction-changing device which is placed in the tower barrel and fixed on the barrel wall for holding the cable from the wind turbine generator system and restraining the torsion of the cable, and cable clamps which are placed under the torsion cable direction-changing device and connected to the barrel wall for securing the cable. The torsion cable direction-changing device includes a beam and two supports for the beam, the supports are fixed on the barrel wall. The torsion cable direction-changing device in the tower barrel improves the safety of the cable, and so improves the safety of the wind turbine generator system. |
| US08578674B2 |
Bracer spacer
A device for spacing, bracing and leveling tiles during installation on a ceiling substrate, comprises a, spacer and a bracer having a threaded substrate penetrating screw to releasably engage with the substrate for bracing and leveling tiles. The spacer and bracer are made of rigid material to support the weight of tile. The spacer carries at least one spacer ridge that when placed between tiles will create an equal distance between adjacent tiles. When the screw is inserted through a hole defined in the spacer and screwed until a first surface of the spacer frictionally contacts an exposed surface of the tile, the spacer will secure the tile and prevent a ceiling tile from falling until an adhesive dries. |
| US08578669B2 |
Methods and devices for making a building block for mortar-free construction
The invention discloses devices and methods for making building blocks for construction that requires neither mortar nor additional internal or external finishing. A building block includes joining elements for attaching blocks from top to bottom as well as from side to side. Additionally, blocks have internal and external finishes that are complete. Thus, after construction of a structure, there is no additional need to paint, hang wallpaper or otherwise treat the outer and inner walls of the final structure. |
| US08578667B2 |
Water resistant apparatus
A water resistant apparatus includes a chassis, a door, a sealing member, and a water guiding member. The door is mounted to the chassis, and a gap is defined between the chassis and the door. The sealing member includes a mounting portion and a blocking portion. The water guiding member is secured to the chassis and defines a guiding slot communicating with the gap. The mounting portion is secured to the water guiding member. The blocking portion is located between the door and the water guiding member and abuts the door. A water path is defined by the gap and the guiding slot. |
| US08578665B2 |
Modular guy anchor
A modular guy anchor includes an anchor head and an anchor shaft. The anchor head includes a tubular region for receiving the anchor shaft. The anchor shaft has one end that extends into or through the tubular region and is retained therein. The anchor shaft is preferably galvanized steel coated over at least a portion of its length with a corrosion-resistant material. The corrosion-resistant material is preferably applied over any portion of the anchor shaft that is exposed to soil during normal use. The modularity of the guy anchor facilitates stocking, shipping, and installation, while the corrosion resistance of the anchor shaft promotes longevity. |
| US08578664B2 |
Roof to post adjustable hold down device
A connector to connect a pair of components of a building and transfer a load from one to the other. The connector comprising a pair of members, each to be connected to a respective one of the components, and an adjustable abutment acting between the members to inhibit relative movement between the members in one direction. The ratchet mechanism acting between the members to permit movement in the one direction and to inhibit relative movement in an opposite direction, whereby adjustment of the abutment to cause relative movements in the one direction is accommodated by the ratchet mechanism. |
| US08578662B1 |
Window well enclosure with attachable steps
A window well enclosure including a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall that engage each other. At least one step is attachable to the window well enclosure using a channel formed in at least one of the front wall, the first side wall and the second side wall. |
| US08578661B1 |
Collapsible housing structure system
A collapsible housing system having a floor panel, a first and a second side wall panel removably attached to the floor panel and extend upwardly, a front and a back wall panel removably attached to the floor panel and extend upwardly from the floor panel, a door in the front wall panel, a triangular first upper corner panel removably attached to a top edge of the front wall panel, and a second triangular upper corner panel removably attached to a top edge of the back wall panel, roof panels removably attached to the upper corner panels and extend over the side wall panels, and a window in the side wall panels, a door window in the door, and a window in the back wall panel, wherein the panels form an enclosure and the panels are attached via a hinge mechanism. |
| US08578660B2 |
Universal skirt board
A universal skirt board has a base, a top flange section, an overhang section, and a sealing flange attached to the top flange section. The base has at least one ridge extending away from the base in a first direction, and a projection extending in the first direction. The top flange section is attached to the base. The overhang section is also attached to the base and defines a drip edge. The sealing flange is attached to the top flange section. The at least one ridge is formed to rest on a top of a base board. The projection is formed to fit into a slot defined in the top of the base board to provide an interference connection. |
| US08578658B2 |
Gutter cover apparatus
A gutter cover apparatus configured to fit the top of a conventional roof gutter is characterized by an elongated sheet member having a longitudinal front edge portion, a longitudinal rear edge portion, and a substantially planar intermediate portion therebetween. The intermediate portion, in turn, is characterized by at least one upstanding longitudinal ridge defining multiple drainage zones each containing a pattern of staggered rows of openings. The forward longitudinal edge portion of the sheet member is raised upwardly with respect to the drainage zones and together with the ridge retards the flow of water transversely with respect to the front edge of the gutter. |
| US08578652B2 |
Modular gardening system
A system for modular gardening including a water module having a reservoir coupled to an aperture such that water in the reservoir flows out the water module via the aperture. The system also including a plant module having a housing having an aperture arranged to transfer water with another module and further having an open region on a top surface of the housing, a first conduit within the housing coupling the aperture and a regulator, a second conduit coupled to the regulator, the second conduit providing water to one or more water absorbent layers arranged atop the second conduit, and plant life at least partially embedded in at least one of the one or more water absorbent layers and receiving light through the open region. |
| US08578651B1 |
Aquaponic vertical garden using a stretchable grow media
Embodiments of a frame structure and grow media for use in vertical aquaponic gardens are described. The frame comprises a substantially rectangular tube structure with attachment points and connection means to hold a grow media in a vertical orientation. The grow media comprises a permeable or non-permeable backing layer having a defined elasticity to facilitate stretching, an activated carbon filter layer attached to the backing layer, one or more capillary biomats attached to the filter layer that physically support the growth of one or more varieties of plants and distribute water to the roots of the plants through capillary action through the area of the grow media, and an optional front panel layer attached to one of the capillary biomat layers, the front panel layer comprising a porous structure made of polypropylene or natural fibers and configured to support the plants growing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane the front panel surface. |
| US08578649B1 |
Weighted base with front wall attachment rodent bait station
A bait station is mounted to a base. The bait station has the general shape of a box with a locking hinged lid. The box has side walls with openings so that rodents can enter into the box and gain access to poison bait or a mechanical trap. The base has a lower tray for receiving a weight. The bait station is releasably mounted to the base by a locking mechanism employing resilient finger which pass between a shroud on a side wall of the box to engage with portions of the wall forming an opening which is partly covered by the shroud so the fingers can be unlocked only by gaining access to the interior of the bait station box. |
| US08578644B1 |
Light and accessory mount for a weapon system
A light and accessory mount having a mounting bracket for attaching to a weapon mount, the mounting bracket having a proximal side and a distal side, the proximal side of the mounting bracket having one or more mounting holes for connecting the mounting bracket to the weapon mount with mounting fasteners and one or more lugs to engage bosses on the weapon mount; the distal side of the mounting bracket having one or more attachment holes and one of more bosses for attaching a channel assembly to the mounting bracket; the channel assembly including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end having one or more attachment points for attaching the channel assembly to the mounting bracket with one or more attachment fasteners and one or more lugs to engage bosses on the distal end of the mounting bracket; and the distal end of the channel assembly having one or more rails for attaching devices. |
| US08578642B2 |
Drop-in handguard system
A handguard system for use with a firearm including a tubular body assembly having a rearward end and a forward end, a top handguard portion and a bottom handguard portion. The bottom handguard portion includes a forward tubular portion, a gap extending from the rearward end to the forward tubular portion, a first groove formed in an inner surface thereof and spaced forwardly from the rearward end for receiving tines of a barrel nut therein, and a second groove parallel to the first groove. A clamp assembly is carried by the bottom handguard portion for engaging the barrel nut and securing the bottom handguard portion to the receiver. The top handguard portion is receivable in the gap and including a forward end, a rearward end, and engagement elements for securing the forward end of the top handguard to the bottom handguard portion. |
| US08578638B2 |
Work machine, in particular excavator
The present invention relates to a work machine, in particular to an excavator, having a boom, an extension element and a piece of working equipment, wherein the extension element is attached to a pivotal connection axle of the boom via a first gimbal mounting and bears the piece of working equipment, wherein the piece of working equipment is attached to a pivotal connection axle of the extension element via a second gimbal mounting. |
| US08578633B2 |
Article of footwear with improved stability and balance
The stability and balance offered by an article of footwear is improved by including a rigid layer in an outsole assembly of the article of footwear. The rigid layer may include a material of at least a predefined rigidity. For example, an outsole may be fitted with a carbon fiber plate that maintains the shape and a flatness of the outsole assembly. The rigid layer may be attached to one or more other layers that may be configured for impact force attenuation and comfort. In one or more arrangements, the rigid layer may be sandwiched between two other layers. Alternatively, the rigid layer may be insertable into a layer of the outsole. A channel may cut into a layer of the outsole to distribute weight to an outside portion of the outsole. This distribution of weight to the outside portion of the outsole may improve stability and balance. |
| US08578632B2 |
Decoupled foot stabilizer system
An article of footwear includes a decoupled foot stabilizer system. The foot stabilizer system is decoupled from a midfoot region of the article of footwear. The foot stabilizer system includes a plurality of strap members. The foot stabilizer system may optionally include a bootie. The plurality of strap members extend underneath a portion of a foot of a wearer. The plurality of strap members are configured to receive a lace at one end. A lace running through the ends of the strap members pulls on the strap members when the lace is tightened and causes the foot stabilizer system to conform to the wearer's foot. |
| US08578627B2 |
Method and apparatus for moisture sensor noise immunity
A method of controlling the operation of a clothes dryer with a moisture sensor having a conductivity circuit with spaced contacts. |
| US08578625B2 |
Wood drying
A process for removing water and solutes from the lumens of green wood, while leaving the cell walls throughout the wood uniformly fully swollen, comprises subjecting the green wood to supercritical carbon dioxide. |
| US08578624B2 |
Indirect-heat thermal processing of particulate material
A method and apparatus for indirect-heat thermal processing of material, such as a dryer or evaporator for treatment of particulate material, is provided. In one embodiment, a dryer for drying particulate material comprises a plurality of heat transfer plates arranged in spaced relationship for the flow of the material to be dried therebetween. Each heat transfer plate is provided with an inlet and an outlet for the flow of the heating fluid through the plates. A purge fluid delivery system provides a flow of purge fluid, such as air, gas or steam between the plates in a direction across the direction of flow of the material to be dried. The purge fluid delivery system provides a flow path for the purge fluid which is isolated from the flow of the heating fluid through the plates. A method for the indirect-heat processing of particulate material is also provided. |
| US08578622B2 |
Alignment device
The invention relates to an alignment device for the aligned and detachable fixing of at least one functional component (10), in particular in the form of a tool holder, to a further functional component (12), in particular in the form of a tool disk, around at least one alignment axis (14), wherein the two functional components (10, 12) have in each case at least one contact face (16, 18) for mutual contact with each other. Said alignment device is characterized in that both the one and the further functional component (10, 12) have at least one alignment part (22, 24), in that the respective alignment part (22) of the one functional component (10) is a constituent part of an alignment element (30) and forms an alignment face (26), which can be brought into at least partial contact with a positioning face (28) of the associated alignment part (24) of the further functional component (12) with a predefinable alignment force, and in that the predefinable alignment force is formed by the preload which is produced by a resilient deflection of the part (36) forming the respective alignment face (26) relative to the remaining part (34) of the alignment element (30), taking place as the functional components (10, 12) are fixed to each other. |
| US08578621B2 |
Drill presses having laser alignment systems and methods therefor
A laser alignment system for a drill press includes first and second adjustable laser assemblies mountable on the drill press. Each adjustable laser assembly includes a base firmly affixed to the drill press, a rotatable element mounted on the base and being adapted to selectively rotate relative to the base, a pivotable element mounted on the rotatable element and being adapted to selectively pivot relative to the rotatable element, and a laser mounted on the pivotable element and being adapted to move simultaneously with the pivotable element. The laser alignment system includes a pivot adjusting mechanism coupled with the pivotable element for selectively pivoting the pivotable element relative to the rotatable element, and a rotation adjusting mechanism coupled with the rotatable element for selectively rotating the rotatable element relative to the base. |
| US08578620B1 |
Measurement device for measuring alignment of screen printed images
A measurement apparatus for measuring alignment of screen printed images has a body with a top surface and a bottom surface and an opening extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a measuring device for measuring an offset between the screen printed images. The measuring device is positioned adjacent the opening at the bottom of the body. An adjusting mechanism is cooperative with the measuring device for selectively adjusting the measuring device. A gauge is positioned on the body and cooperative with the adjusting mechanism so as to provide a positive numerical indication of the offset between the screen printed images. |
| US08578619B2 |
Shape measuring apparatus and shape measuring method
A contact type prove achieves a high-precision measurement of a shape of even a steeply-inclined surface in the vicinity of vertical by controlling a contact force stably. In a shape measuring method for measuring the shape of the surface of a measured object by moving a contact type probe along the surface of the measured object, a slope of the measured object surface is estimated depending on the magnitude of a component force of the contact force applied to the probe and when it is determined that the slope is in the vicinity of vertical, a probe supporting unit is moved in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the probe supporting unit. |
| US08578615B2 |
Jigsaw with deployable keel and tiltable shoe
A jigsaw may include a housing, a control member, a shoe member and a keel. The housing contains a motor and include a handle. The control member is moveable relative to the housing between at least a first position that implements a curve-cutting mode and a second position that implements a straight-cutting mode. The shoe member is connected to the housing and includes a bottom surface facing away from the housing. The keel is operable in a deployed configuration in which the keel protrudes through the bottom surface of the shoe member and a stowed configuration in which the keel does not protrude through the bottom surface of the shoe member. Relative motion between the shoe and the keel allows the keel to be in the deployed configuration when the control member is in the second position and the stowed configuration when the control member is in the first position. |
| US08578612B2 |
Reverse actuated nail clipper
A device for clipping fingernails and toenails of human beings that differs from other nail clippers by reversing the end of the clipper on which a user presses to perform nail clipping. Instead of the user pressing down on the end opposite the nail clipper's cutting edges, the current invention allows the user to press down directly above the clipper's cutting edges. This lever reversal makes the nail clipper easier to use while also giving the user greater control and accuracy, which is the object of the invention.The invention is an extension of traditional nail clippers in that it adds a second lever assembly that pivots on a hinge located at the end of a common art nail clipper, opposite the end having the cutting edges. The user presses on the free end of the second lever assembly to operate the nail clipper. |
| US08578611B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing hydro dynamic bearing device
An apparatus for manufacturing a hydro dynamic bearing device is provided for the finishing treatment of lubricating oil after lubricating the hydro dynamic bearing device, specifically for properly and effectively wiping off the lubricating oil adhering to the outside of the housing and adjusting the oil-level height of the lubricating oil filled in the housing. |
| US08578608B2 |
Manufacturing of sand screens
A rod-based well screen is formed in place on a perforated pipe base by wrapping wire around the pipe base and a plurality of rods located around the outside of the pipe. The wire is welded sequentially to each individual rod as it is wrapped around the pipe. The welding and ground electrodes engage the wire and the rods respectively. The rod engaging ground electrode is positioned a short distance ahead of the wire being wrapped around the rods and the pipe base. The ground electrode includes a plurality of contacts. Each contact is mounted to pivot toward and away from a rod. Springs urge each contact toward a rod to hold the rod against the outside surface of the pipe base and to maintain good electrical contact between the contact and the rod. Each contact has a groove to guide the rod into position for welding to the wire. |
| US08578607B2 |
Method of designing spokes of non-pneumatic tire
Disclosed herein is a method of designing spokes of a non-pneumatic tire which randomly arranges spokes around a circumference to optimize noise dispersion. The method of designing spokes of a non-pneumatic tire includes placing a plurality of spokes (2) holding and supporting a tread (1) to be radially installed around a circumference of the tire on a circular spoke support (3) under the tread (1) to be in contact with the ground, wherein the spokes (2) are arranged at three angles on the circular spoke support (3) around the circumference of the tire, the three angles being divided into a small angle (a), a medium angle (b) and a large angle (c), and the spokes (2) are arranged at irregular angles under a condition that a ratio (q) of the large angle (c) to the small angle (a) is greater than a ratio (p) of the medium angle (b) to the small angle (a). |
| US08578605B2 |
Manufacturing method of a heat dissipation device with guiding lines and soldered heat pipes
An exemplary method of manufacturing a heat dissipation device includes, firstly, providing a heat pipe including a condenser section having a planar outer surface, and providing a heat sink including a supporting surface defining a guiding line. The guiding line has a width smaller than a width of the outer surface of the condenser section. Next, an amount solder is spread on the supporting surface along the guiding line to form a solder layer on the supporting surface. The solder layer has a size not larger than a size of the outer surface of the condenser section. Then the outer surface of condenser section of the heat pipe is attached to the solder layer on the supporting surface of the heat sink. |
| US08578603B2 |
Compressor and manufacturing method thereof
A compressing device, a drive shaft and a bearing device are assembled into a tubular member. All-around welding of a cover member to the tubular member is performed to form a casing in such a manner that welding is overlapped over a welding start point, at which the all-around welding is started, to form an overlapped portion in a welding bead generated by the all-around welding. In the all-around welding, heat input is externally applied to a diametrically opposite portion of the casing, which is diametrically opposite to the overlapped portion, so that the diametrically opposite portion is deformed symmetrically with respect to a welding distortion at the overlapped portion. |
| US08578600B2 |
Process for manufacturing a circuit board
A circuit board including a circuit substrate, a dielectric layer, a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer is provided. The circuit substrate has a first surface and a first circuit layer. The dielectric layer is disposed on the circuit substrate and covers the first surface and the first circuit layer. The dielectric layer has a second surface, at least a blind via extended from the second surface to the first circuit layer and an intaglio pattern. The first conductive layer is disposed inside the blind via. The second conductive layer is disposed in the intaglio pattern and the blind via and covers the first conductive layer. The second conductive layer is electrically connected with the first circuit layer through the first conductive layer. |
| US08578599B2 |
Method of making a supported foam circuit laminate
A method of making a supported foam circuit laminate comprises fitting a dielectric foam substrate having a shape defined by edges to a support frame having a thickness, an inner rim and an outer rim, wherein the edges of the dielectric foam substrate are flush with the inner rim of the support frame, and the dielectric foam substrate has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the support frame; disposing an electrically conductive layer onto a side of the dielectric foam substrate and the support frame, wherein the edges of the electrically conductive layer overlap the inner rim of the support frame; and co-laminating the electrically conductive layer to the dielectric foam substrate and the overlapped support frame under heat and pressure to provide a supported foam circuit laminate. |
| US08578597B2 |
Feed mechanism for a terminal crimping machine
A feed mechanism is provided for a terminal crimping machine that crimps a terminal to a wire. The feed mechanism includes a feed finger configured to move along a feed stroke in a feed direction to feed the terminal into a crimping zone. The feed mechanism also includes a cam having a lift profile, and a push rod that includes a cam follower engaged with the cam. The cam follower travels along the lift profile of the cam, moving the push rod in a lift direction. The push rod is mechanically connected to the feed finger and is configured to move the feed finger along the feed stroke in the feed direction when the push rod moves in the lift direction. A biasing mechanism is operatively connected to the push rod to exert a biasing force on the push rod that biases the cam follower into engagement with the cam. |
| US08578596B2 |
Tools for seating connectors on substrates
The present invention relates to connector tools for seating connectors on a substrate such as a printed circuit board. In various embodiments, the connector tools can be made by wire electrode discharge machining (WEDM) process. In the embodiments, the connector tool includes reinforced ribbed end walls, ribbed internal walls, interconnected walls and contours that reduce tool and connector damage. In other embodiments, the connector tools include guiding structures that align the connector tool to the connector before seating the connector so that the connector tool aligns to the connector pins and body to avoid damage to the connector and/or the substrate. In another embodiment, the connector tool has guiding skirts and surfaces to capture the connector in position then seat the connector. Thus, the invention reduces connector and substrate damage during manufacturing, reduces tool damage, and lowers product costs by boosting manufacturing yields. |
| US08578593B2 |
Method of manufacturing thermal assisted magnetic write head
A method of manufacturing a thermally-assisted magnetic write head is provided. The method includes steps of: forming a laminate structure including the waveguide; the plasmon generator, and the magnetic pole in order; performing a first polishing process to planarize an end surface of the laminate structure; performing a first etching process to remove impurity attached on the end surface of the laminate structure, and to allow the plasmon generator to be recessed from the waveguide and the magnetic pole, thereby forming a recessed region on the end surface of the laminate structure; forming a protection layer on the end surface of the laminate structure such that at least the recessed region is filled; and performing a second polishing process on the end surface of the laminate structure formed with the protection layer until the plasmon generator is exposed, thereby completing the air bearing surface. |
| US08578591B2 |
Method for manufacturing a stacked device conductive path connectivity
Various embodiments include apparatus and methods having circuitry to test continuity of conductive paths coupled to dice arranged in a stack. In at least one of these embodiments, a method includes electrically coupling each of the conductive paths to at least one of a first supply node and a second supply node. One of the conductive paths includes conductive material inside a via that can extend at least partly through a die among the dice in the stack. The method also includes receiving signals from the conductive paths, and determining continuity of the conductive paths based on the signals without using a boundary scan. |
| US08578590B2 |
Wire insertion tool
The wire insertion tool includes a first division block having a first wire insertion guide ditch forming plane where a first wire insertion guide ditch has been formed, a second division block having a second wire insertion guide ditch forming plane where a second wire insertion guide ditch has been formed, and a division block positioning guide. When the first division block and the second division block form a coupling unit by fitting the first wire insertion guide ditch forming plane and the second wire insertion guide ditch forming plane, the first wire insertion guide ditch and the second wire insertion guide ditch form a wire insertion guide hole. The division block positioning guide guides one of these blocks linearly to the other such that these planes approach to each other or separate from each other. |
| US08578585B2 |
Method of manufacturing a modular range system
A modular range system and method utilizes a plurality of substantially pre-assembled range modules configured to be interconnected together, using combination kits, such that a variety of range configurations can be achieved using a relatively small number of stocked substantially pre-assembled range modules. |
| US08578581B2 |
Method of making a part and related system
A system and method of making a part, including capturing an actual tridimensional surface of each part to obtain a corresponding digitized actual surface, performing a tridimensional comparison between the digitized actual surface of each part and a nominal tridimensional surface, generating an actual location and orientation of an operation to be performed based on the tridimensional comparison, and performing the operation on the part based on the generated actual location and orientation of the element. |
| US08578579B2 |
System and method for adaptive machining
A method of repair includes removing a deformed portion of a component to define a native component portion and adding a replacement portion to the native component portion. The replacement portion is adaptively machined based on one or more parameters of the native component portion and based on one or more original design parameters of the component. |
| US08578575B2 |
Device and method for producing a UD layer
Device and method for producing a unidirectional (UD) layer from a predetermined number of filament strands. Device includes a dispenser arrangement structured and arranged for delivering the predetermined number of filament strands, and a storage arrangement, structured and arranged for temporary storage of the predetermined number of filament strands. The storage arrangement includes separate storage parts for each of the predetermined number of filament strands. Device also includes a spreading arrangement and an outlet. |
| US08578569B1 |
Couplers
A mechanical coupler that separates at a pre-determined ambient pressure. |
| US08578568B2 |
Clip for fastening a strip or rib
In a clip for fastening to a strip or rib, in particular on a motor vehicle, having a single-piece body made of plastic that has a retaining region, the retaining region has a receiving slot with an insertion opening and a locking finger. The locking finger is attached to a first guide section and extends from its fastening end in the insertion direction and in the direction of a second guide section. The locking finger has an insert that forms a tongue projecting from the free end of the locking finger. |
| US08578566B2 |
Cable gripping device
A device for gripping a cable is presented that has a retention member rotatably disposed within a cable guide such that upon entrance of the cable within an entrance port, the cable moves between the retention member and a wall, causing the retention member to simultaneously rotate and move toward the exit port and away from the wall until it abuts the exit wall and rotates in place as the cable is pushed out the exit port. When the cable is pulled toward the entrance port, the retention member simultaneously rotates and moves toward the entrance port and the wall, wedging the cable between the wall and the retention member. |
| US08578563B2 |
Tool system with replaceable heads and offset handle
A tool system is disclosed having a body including a handle extending therefrom, a detachable head including a working tool, and a multi-part connector for detachable connecting the head to the body, the connector including opposed, flexible members positioned on the body towards an end of the body and means on the head for connecting with the opposed flexible members, the opposed flexible members and the means for connecting with the flexible members working in concert to detachably secure the head to the body. The handle of the tool system can be offset with respect to the axis of the body and the detachable head. |
| US08578562B2 |
Weight assembly for a hose of a faucet
A weight assembly for a faucet being fixed on a hose and contains a body including an open groove with a first opening, a vertical height of the groove being slightly more that a diameter of the hose, a horizontal depth of the groove along a Y-axis direction being larger than the diameter of the hose; the body including a hole, an upper receiving seat, and a lower receiving seat; a first retaining member received in the hole, the upper and the lower receiving seats, and including an open locking recess with a second opening; the locking recess including a concavely arcuate defining fence; a vertical height of the second opening on the Z-axis direction being equal to or more than the vertical height of the groove; a second retaining member used to screw with a top end of the first retaining member. |
| US08578561B2 |
Dual-axis hinge and portable device with the same
A dual-axis hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of a portable device and has a connecting bracket, an upper rotating bracket, a lower rotating bracket, an upper active gear, a lower active gear and a transmission gear assembly. The connecting bracket is mounted between the upper and lower rotating brackets. The upper and lower active gears are connected respectively to the upper and lower rotating brackets. The transmission gear assembly is connected between the upper and lower active gears to adjust a velocity ratio of the upper and lower active gears. Therefore, the cover and the base align with each other without a drop whether or not the upper and lower active gears are the same in teeth number or whether or not the included angles between the upper and lower rotating brackets with the connecting bracket are the same. |
| US08578560B1 |
Locking hinge with button release
A seat positioning device includes a swingable support pad secured to a hinge, which is secured to a wheelchair seat back via a hardware assembly. The hinge includes a frame bracket with primary and secondary flanges having a rotatable barrel secured therebetween. A lock plate locking flange, sized to be receivable within a barrel locking groove formed in one end of the barrel, is spring-biased into a locking aperture in the secondary flange and toward the barrel locking groove. The barrel can rotate until the locking flange, locking aperture, and locking groove are aligned and the locking flange is allowed to lock the hinge in position by entering the locking groove through the locking aperture. The hardware assembly is configured to position the hinge so as to minimize the extent to which the pad extends beyond the side of a wheelchair when the pad is in a stowed position. |
| US08578555B2 |
Surface cleaning apparatus
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A suction motor is positioned in the air flow path. At least one cyclone is positioned in the air flow passage. An associated dirt collection chamber is exterior to the cyclone. The cyclone and the suction motor are positioned side by side and have generally parallel longitudinal axes. The dirt collection chamber may surround part of the suction motor. Alternately, or in addition, a pre-motor filter having an enhanced surface area may be provided by configuring the pre-motor filter to extend outwardly of the pre-motor filter, such as by overlie part of the cyclone or the dirt collection chamber. |
| US08578554B2 |
System and method for capturing dust from power tool operation
A system and method for capturing dust from power tool operation are disclosed. The system comprises a debris-collecting accessory that includes a body and a nose. The nose has an opening for a toolbit and at least one suction port that opens into an interior volume of the housing. The body has a second end configured to couple to a power tool. An exhaust tube attaches to the exterior surface of the body such that an interior volume of the exhaust tube connects to an interior volume of the housing. An exit passage is coupled to the exhaust tube and is configured to couple to a vacuum. |
| US08578553B2 |
Sound shield for a surface cleaning apparatus
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and includes an air treatment member. A suction motor may be provided in the air flow path. A suction motor housing sidewall may comprise a plurality of openings provided in a first side thereof. An outer housing may comprise a longitudinally extending outer housing sidewall having an outer housing air outlet. At least a portion of the suction motor housing that has the plurality of openings is located in the outer housing and spaced from the longitudinally extending outer housing sidewall to define a passage between the outer housing and the suction motor housing. The outer housing air outlet may be angularly spaced around the outer housing with respect to the first side of the suction motor housing. |
| US08578549B2 |
Cleaning sheets
Cleaning sheets are provided, which attach to known wet and/or dry cleaning devices such as a mopping device. The cleaning sheets are reusable and have material and/or a geometric configuration that provides efficient cleaning performance, while maintaining a predetermined cleaning force during use. |
| US08578548B1 |
Abrasive cleaning glove
An abrasive cleaning glove comprises a cleaning glove. The cleaning glove comprising a hand portion mechanically coupled to a cuff. The hand portion is made of a material. The material comprises a plurality of warp threads around a series of waft threads. The plurality of warp threads and the series of waft threads are in a pattern that reveals several surface heights caused by various needle pitches to enhance cleaning. |
| US08578542B2 |
Portable vehicle roof snow and ice removal apparatus
An improved apparatus for removing snow and ice from the roof top of a truck, trailer, bus or similar vehicle is mounted atop a converted flatbed trailer for ease of relocation from one site to another for use. The addition of a height adjustable scraper or plow blade that is operator controlled to remain in contact with the roof of the vehicle being cleaned is provided with a self-contained front-to-back and side-to-side stabilization mechanism to prevent damage to the tops of vehicles by gouging or tearing the roof top. |
| US08578541B2 |
Shoe cleaning device
A shoe cleaning device 10 comprises a rotatable cleaning disc 12, a housing 14 on which the cleaning disc 12 is rotatably mountable, a horizontally mounted motor 16, mounted sideways within the housing 14 to maintain an extreme low profile, and a non-centrally configured gearbox 68, non-central to a central axis of the cleaning disc 12, non-centrally configured to allow the sideways mounted motor 16 to be housed within, or substantially within a circumference of the cleaning disc 12, the device 10 thus maintaining both an extreme low profile and an extreme compact diametric profile. Preferably the housing 14 encapsulates the motor 16, forming a mounded pinchgrip 38 for gripping by a user. Preferably there is provided a pressure activated unit 62 so that pressurizing of the pinchgrip 38 activates the device 10, which is intended to provide an intuitive interface. |
| US08578540B2 |
Vibrating mop head
A mop head assembly having: a base plate member with a generally flat bottom portion adapted to receive a flexible cleaning member; and an electric motor mounted on the base plate member at a laterally centered position thereon and having a rotatable shaft with an asymmetric weight mounted thereon, the shaft projecting downwardly from the electric motor and oriented substantially perpendicular to the base plate bottom portion, wherein rotation of the asymmetric weight on the shaft causes the base plate to vibrate primarily in a plane parallel to the flat bottom portion. A cover member that covers the electric motor and which is positioned over other components mounted on the base plate is also described. |
| US08578535B2 |
Composite shoe upper and method of making same
A bonded mesh composite panel of an upper includes a substrate layer formed from a substrate material, a mesh material layer and one or more skin material layers. The mesh composite can be fabricated by first arranging panels of substrate, mesh and skin layer material into an assembly corresponding to the locations of those panels in a completed upper. The assembly may include separate layers of hot melt bonding material interposed between the substrate, mesh and skin layers. The assembly is pressed at an elevated temperature so as to melt the bonding material and the skin layers and bond the elements together. Before the pressed assembly completely cools, it is then pressed a second time in an unheated press. A heat-conductive compressible pad can be used in the pressing process to create a surface effect in the skin layers that reveals a patterns of an underlying mesh layer. |
| US08578520B2 |
Helmet
The present application provides a helmet. The helmet includes an energy absorbing layer (2) and a sliding facilitator (5). The sliding facilitator is provided on an inside surface of the energy absorbing layer (2). A method of manufacturing the helmet is further provided. The method includes the steps of: providing an energy absorbing layer in the mold, and providing a sliding facilitator contacting an inside surface of the energy absorbing layer. |
| US08578519B2 |
Surgical glove appliance device
A protective barrier, such as a medical examination glove is provided that includes a bracelet defining a plane with a cylinder attached to the bracelet at a first end. The cylinder is compressed into a compressed conformation in the plane without rolling about the bracelet. When the barrier is a glove, three fenestrated caps are provided, each such cap attached to the cylinder at different locations along the length of the cylinder when said first cylinder is in an extended conformation. Multiple finger cylinders are each attached to the cylinder at a location of a fenestrated cap, the finger cylinders each having an end cap. The first cylinder and the finger cylinders each compressed into a compressed conformation in the plane such that each of the caps forms a portion of the surface of the plane. |
| US08578517B2 |
Athletic garment
In several embodiments, an athletic garment is designed to store energy when a weight or load is lowered in order to assist the wearer to subsequently raise the load. In some embodiments, the garment provides seams which are curved in order to twist the garment fabric and thereby store energy therein. In one shirt embodiment, the sleeves extend perpendicularly forward of the torso and then converge toward a centerline of the shirt. In a second shirt embodiment, the sleeves extend perpendicularly forward of the torso for their entire length. In a weight lifter's suit embodiment, the curved seams extends from an armhole of a torso section to a location under the buttocks of the lifter. In another shirt embodiment, the arms extend forwardly of a vertical plane when the wearer is lying on the back in preparation for an arching bench press movement. |
| US08578514B2 |
Garment
A garment for a part of the body, and in particular a sport pant, includes an elasticity element, or a number of such elements, disposed on a portion of the garment, while another portion of the garment is free of elasticity elements. As a result, the garment can store energy by elastic elongation under a movement of, for example, a leg. This energy can then be released under a second movement of the leg in the opposite direction, resulting in the garment supporting the second movement of the leg. |
| US08578513B2 |
Deltoid arm protection system for ballistic body armor
A deltoid arm protection system for a ballistic vest including an asymmetrical anatomically shaped deltoid cover having fasteners for attachment to a ballistic vest. The deltoid cover is connected to the vest and prevents any gaps forming between the deltoid cover and the vest during arm movement of the wearer. The deltoid cover includes a weapon gripping pad and attachment loops on an outer surface of the deltoid cover. |
| US08584258B2 |
Control for inviting an unauthenticated user to gain access to display of content that is otherwise accessible with an authentication mechanism
Enabling an unauthenticated user to access content associated with an authenticated user as though the unauthenticated user had a selected user relationship with the authenticated user. The user relationship may comprise a relationship degree, a relationship category, a relationship rating, and/or the like. An invitation to join an electronic service, such as an online social network, is sent to the unauthenticated user at an address known to the authenticated user. The invitation includes a time-limited token, such as a URL, that includes an invitation identifier, which relates the invitation to the authenticated user content. The token may be encrypted in the invitation. The unauthenticated user returns the token as a request to preview the authenticated user content without first becoming an authenticated user of the electronic service. If the token is still valid, access is granted. The unauthenticated user may also request to establish a connection with the authenticated user. |
| US08584257B2 |
Method and interface for video content acquisition security on a set-top box
A method of providing access to downloadable protected video content includes providing parental controls. The parental controls include a parental control password. Purchase controls are also provided and include a purchase control password. The purchase control password is different from the parental control password. Further, protected video content is downloaded and stored to a memory within a set top box when both the parental controls and the purchase controls are satisfied. A number of attempts to correctly input the parental control password or the purchase control password are monitored. When the number of attempts for either password exceeds a predetermined threshold, a user is prevented from further attempts to input the respective password. Moreover, the attempt to download protected video content is canceled, and further downloads of protected video content are prevented for a predetermined time period. |
| US08584255B2 |
Networked conditional access module
A networked Conditional Access Module provided on an IEEE 1394 network, by defining a Conditional Access Module as a Conditional Access Subunit of the IEEE 1394 network. There is provided an AV/C Conditional Access Commands to allow communication between the Conditional Access Subunit and other Subunits on the network. The Conditional Access Subunit is configured to receive AV/C Conditional Access Commands over the IEEE 1394 network from another subunit, and means to is also configured to transmit AV/C responses over the IEEE 1394 network in response to the received AV/C Conditional Access Commands. |
| US08584251B2 |
Token-based payment processing system
A data-processing system, such as a payment processing system, including a tokenizer, such as a card encryption and storage system (CES) employing a tokenization feature. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a first-computer-implemented method for preventing the transmission of confidential information between a first computer and a second computer in communication with the first computer. The method includes the steps of: (a) the first computer receiving information for performing a transaction, the information including confidential information manually entered by a user; (b) the first computer sending the confidential information to a third computer; (c) the first computer receiving, from the third computer, a token having no algorithmic relationship to the confidential information; and (d) the first computer sending to the second computer (i) the information for performing the transaction, except for the confidential information, and (ii) the token. |
| US08584238B1 |
Method and apparatus for identifying data patterns in a file
A method and apparatus for identifying data patterns of a file are described herein. In one embodiment, an exemplary process includes, but is not limited to, receiving a data packet of a data stream containing a file segment of a file originated from an external host and destined to a protected host of a local area network (LAN), the file being transmitted via multiple file segments contained in multiple data packets of the data stream, and performing a data pattern analysis on the received data packet to determine whether the received data packet contains a predetermined data pattern, without waiting for a remainder of the data stream to arrive. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08584235B2 |
Fuzzy whitelisting anti-malware systems and methods
In some embodiments, an anti-malware system accounts for benign differences between non-malicious data objects, such as differences introduced by compilers and other polymorphisms. A target object is separated into a multitude of code blocks, and a hash is calculated for each code block. The obtained set of target hashes is then compared against a database of hashes corresponding to code blocks extracted from whitelisted objects. A target object may be labeled as whitelisted (trusted, non-malicious) if it has a substantial number of hashes in common with a whitelisted object. Objects which are slightly different from known whitelisted objects may still receive whitelisting status. By allowing a certain degree of mismatch between the sets of hashes of distinct objects, some embodiments of the present invention increase the efficiency of whitelisting without an unacceptable decrease in safety. |
| US08584231B2 |
Service opening method and system, and service opening server
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a service opening method and system, and a service opening server. The method includes: receiving a service request from a third-party application, where the service request carries type and parameter information of the requested service; querying, according to the type information of the service, a service directory to obtain an access address and authentication type information of the requested service; when it is determined that the invoking of the service needs an authorization of an end user, obtaining an authorization notification message of the end user according to the type information of the service and the parameter information of the service; and forwarding, the service request to a capability server, and forwarding, to the third-party application, a service response message returned by the capability server. The control of the end user on the authorized service is ensured to the greatest extent. |
| US08584230B2 |
Security authorization queries
In an example implementation, a bifurcated security scheme has a first level that does not allow usage of negations and a second level that does permit usage of negations. In another example implementation, an authorization query table maps respective resource-specific operations to respective associated authorization queries. In yet another example implementation, authorization queries are permitted to have negations, but individual assertions are not. |
| US08584226B2 |
Method and apparatus for geographically regulating inbound and outbound network communications
A system and method for regulating and analyzing inbound and outbound communications in and between computer networks on the basis of geographic security assertions are provided. Geographic information is collected, optimized, and shared between network objects to enforce network access control on the basis of configurable security assertions. Security assertions are configured and metrics displayed using maps and other geographic data in a graphical user interface. |
| US08584223B2 |
Method of protecting access to data on a network
The invention is a method of managing access to a plurality of data from a server by a client through a point-to-point link. Each of the data is reachable through a set of URIs that belongs to an index list. The method comprises the step of inserting a request to a control message in the index list. The control message applies to a data reachable through one URI belonging to the index list. |
| US08584222B2 |
Secure pin reset process
A secure password/Personal Identification Number (PIN) reset process is disclosed. The process involves replacing a transportation password/PIN of a terminal with a user-specific password/PIN. During the replacement, the user-specific password/PIN is bound with a token. The token can then be used to securely reset the password/PIN of the terminal back to the transportation password/PIN if the user-specific password/PIN is forgotten or compromised. |
| US08584218B2 |
Disconnected credential validation using pre-fetched service tickets
One or more user service tickets are obtained (i.e. pre-fetched) from an authentication server and stored in a ticket cache. The user service tickets facilitate a login device communicating with one or more users or group members associated with the login device. Login credentials for the users or group members may be subsequently authenticated against the user service tickets within the ticket cache thereby eliminating the need for immediate access to the authentication server or a previous login session by the users or group members. The user service tickets within the ticket cache may be refreshed as needed. In one embodiment, the user service tickets are refreshed daily and also in response to login attempts if the authentication service is readily accessible. |
| US08584217B2 |
Service segregation according to subscriber service association
Processing a plurality of packets through at least one service, a privilege granter monitors at least two authentication packets to obtain a source unique network identifier, one of which does not have a vendor specific attribute and detects an authentication packet among the at least two authentication packets, and the authentication packet having the vendor specific attribute. The privilege granter receives at least one response authentication packet having at least one service definition identifier, the service definition identifier corresponding to the source unique network identifier, responsive to detecting the authentication packet having the vendor specific attribute and builds an entitlement database to pair the source unique network identifier to the service definition identifier. The privilege granter receives a session packet and determines that the source unique network identifier corresponds to a user entitlement in the entitlement database. The privilege granter routes the session packet to an addressable service. |
| US08584216B1 |
Systems and methods for efficiently deploying updates within a cryptographic-key management system
A computer-implemented method for efficiently deploying cryptographic key updates may include (1) receiving a request for subscribed cryptographic key material from a client device that includes information that identifies both the client device and cryptographic key material currently possessed by the client device, (2) automatically identifying the client device's subscribed cryptographic key material, (3) determining, by comparing the information received from the client device with the client device's subscribed cryptographic key material, that the cryptographic key material currently possessed by the client device does not match the client device's subscribed cryptographic key material, and (4) deploying at least one update to the client device that causes the client device to update the cryptographic key material currently possessed by the client device to match the client device's subscribed cryptographic key material. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08584214B2 |
Secure server certificate trust list update for client devices
A method, a network element, and a client device for creating a trusted connection with a network are disclosed. A client device 104 may attempt to access a sub-network 106. The client device 104 may determine that a certificate of the sub-network 106 is issued by a certification authority absent from a device certificate trust list. The client device 104 may receive via the sub-network 106 a certificate trust list update 400 from a certificate trust list provider 108. |
| US08584213B2 |
Automated encryption and password protection for downloaded documents
A method receives a user login from a user. The method grants, to the user, access to a user account of the user maintained by a computerized document management system based on the user login. The computerized document management system is accessible to a plurality of users. The method receives a request from the user to provide a requested document and the method determines whether the requested document should be password protected. If the requested document should be password protected, the method generates a unique password for the requested document. The unique password is unique to the user and is based upon information contained within the user account by the computerized document management system. Again, if the requested document should be password protected, the method adds the unique password to the requested document to generate a password-protected document and sends the password-protected document to the first user. |
| US08584210B2 |
Multiple server access management
An access management system receives an access request for a target computer from a client computer. The access request comprises a digital certificate belonging to a user. The access management system verifies the identity of the user by validating the digital certificate. When so verified, the user receives access privileges from a policy database. The access privileges contain one or more access attributes. The access management system evaluates the access request based the one or more access attributes and grants the user access to the target computer if all the one or more access attributes are satisfied. |
| US08584207B2 |
Infrastructure-less bootstrapping: trustless bootstrapping to enable mobility for mobile devices
Methods and apparatus for supporting a session in Mobile IP are disclosed. A Mobile Node sends a first Mobile IP message identifying the Mobile Node to a Home Agent, wherein the first Mobile IP message indicates to the Home Agent that the Mobile Node is requesting dynamic configuration of a Mobile-Home authentication key to be shared between the Mobile Node and the Home Agent during the session. A Mobile-Home authentication key to be shared between the Home Agent and the Mobile Node is obtained or generated by the Mobile Node and the Home Agent, where the Mobile-Home authentication key is not valid after the session has ended or during another session. The Home Agent sends a second Mobile IP message to the Mobile Node, the second Mobile IP message including a lifetime associated with the session, wherein the lifetime indicates a lifetime of the key, thereby enabling the Mobile Node to register with the Home Agent using the Mobile-Home authentication key to be shared between the Home Agent and the Mobile Node during the session. |
| US08584205B2 |
Guard spot beams to deter satellite-based authentication system spoofing
A transmission-based authentication system and method to prevent an unauthorized claimant from tracking a signal are disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments, the method involves transmitting, from at least one transmission source, a plurality of authentication signals. The method further involves receiving, from at least one receiving source, a resultant signal that includes at least two of the authentication signals. Further, the method involves authenticating, with at least one authenticator device, at least one claimant by comparing properties of the resultant signal the claimant receives from the receiving source location(s) to expected properties of the resultant signal that the claimant should receive from the receiving source location(s). The properties that are compared are signal power, doppler shift, time of reception, and/or signal modulation. The transmission source(s) is employed in at least one satellite and/or at least one pseudo-satellite. |
| US08584202B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining environment integrity levels
According to one embodiment, an apparatus may receive a resource token indicating that access to the resource has been requested. The apparatus may determine the value of an access value associated with at least one network token. The apparatus may then determine that the value of the access value is insufficient to grant access to the resource and determine that access to the resource over the network should be denied. |
| US08584200B2 |
Multiple time outs for applications in a mobile device
A method for revoking access to a mobile device includes providing a plurality of authenticated applications accessible by the mobile device, and providing a plurality of revocation timeout intervals for revoking access by the mobile device to the plurality of authenticated applications. Access to a first authenticated application is revoked after a first timeout interval and access to a second authenticated application is revoked after a second timeout interval. |
| US08584199B1 |
System and method to apply a packet routing policy to an application session
A security gateway includes packet routing policies, each including a host network address, an application network address, and a forwarding interface. In routing data packets of an application session, the security gateway: recognizes the application session between a network and an application; determines a user identity from an application session record for the application session; determines packet routing policies applicable to the application session based on the user identity; receives a data packet for the application session, including a source network address and a destination network address; compares the source network address with the host network address, and the destination network address with the application network address; and in response to finding a match between the source network address and the host network address, and between the destination network address and the application network address, processes the data packet using the forwarding interface of the packet routing policy. |
| US08584195B2 |
Identities correlation infrastructure for passive network monitoring
User names and user groups serve as the basis of a formal policy in a network. A passive monitor examines network traffic in near real time and indicates: which network traffic is flowing on the network as before; which users or user groups were logged into workstations initiating this network traffic; and which of this traffic conforms to the formal policy definition. In one embodiment of the invention, users and user groups are determined by querying Microsoft® Active Directory and Microsoft® Windows servers, to determine who is logged onto the Microsoft® network. Other sources of identity information are also possible. The identity information is then correlated with the network traffic, so that even traffic that does not bear on the Microsoft® networking scheme is still tagged with identity |
| US08584192B2 |
Upstream bandwidth conditioning device
An upstream bandwidth conditioning device is provided that can be inserted into a signal transmission line of a CATV system on a premise of a user. The device includes a tunable low pass filter, a tunable high pass filter connected in series with the tunable low pass filter, and at least one voltage control unit. The voltage control unit is configured to adjust each of the tunable low pass filter and the tunable high pass filter between at least a first intermediate frequency range having a first width and a second intermediate frequency range having a second width. The first width differs in size from the second width. |
| US08584189B2 |
System and method for emergency communications through a set-top box
A system and method for sending an emergency communication from a set-top box. A user and location of the user is associated with the set-top box. An indicator of an emergency is received through the set-top box. The user and the location associated with the set-top box are determined in response to receiving the indicator. A database returns the user and the location utilizing an identifier of the set-top box. An emergency communication is sent indicating the location through a media network in communication with the set-top box. |
| US08584188B2 |
System and method for displaying call status on TV
Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and a method for displaying, among other things, call status information associated with one or more communication devices on a television. In one embodiment, an integrated set top box is disclosed that includes a memory component for storing computer executable instructions; a data storage unit for storing data associated with at least one monitored communication device; a communication interface in communication with a cable head end for receiving communication data associated with the monitored communication device and television media content; a decoder for decoding the television media content; and a processing unit for executing the computer executable instructions to generate a user interface using the communication data to depict a call status associated with the monitored communication device on a television couple to the set top box. |
| US08584181B2 |
Multimedia channel sharing across access network boundaries
An initiating viewer identifies a multimedia channel and submits a request to share the multimedia channel with at least one recipient viewer at another viewer premises. This request is processed by the multimedia receiver of the initiating viewer so as to generate a channel change request for submission to a service provider. In response to the channel share request, the service provider queries the recipient viewer to determine whether the recipient viewer accepts or rejects the offered multimedia channel. If the recipient viewer accepts the multimedia channel, the multimedia channel can be provided to the multimedia receiver of the recipient viewer either for storage for later playback or for immediate playback concurrent with the provision of the multimedia channel to the initiating viewer. Billing for costs associated with the shared multimedia channel is conducted based on billing feedback provided by the initiating viewer. |
| US08584172B2 |
Interactive television program guide with remote access
An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc. |
| US08584171B2 |
Local context navigation system
Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and machine-readable media for browsing, navigating and searching a context sensitive entertainment-programming guide. According to one embodiment, a method for navigating an entertainment-programming guide can comprise establishing a connection from a client device to a server computer through a public network. A first content array can be received from the server computer over the public network. The first content array can comprise information describing a plurality of entertainment programs. The first content array can be stored on the client device and entertainment-program information can be presented based on the first content array stored on the client device. |
| US08584168B2 |
Apparatus and method for automatically recording content, and recording medium and program thereof
An apparatus automatically recommends content. A preference operation history managing unit generates history information of an operation relating to a preference for a content according to a plurality of operations relating to a preference for the content and explanation information relating to the content and using preference value parameters for each kind of these operations. A preference information managing unit generates and renews preference information including preference values in which a given preference value is based on a combination of a given keyword and a preference value for that keyword. A content recommending unit calculates a preference degree for the content according to the preference information and the explanation information with respect to the content and recommends at least a portion of the content according to the preference degree. |
| US08584164B2 |
System and apparatus for managing media content
A system and apparatus for managing media content is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a terminal device can have a controller element that receives a media guide from a set-top box, and presents on a display unit of the terminal device the media guide without presentation of said media guide on a media device coupled to the set-top box. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08584162B1 |
Signal processing apparatus and methods
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming. |
| US08584159B2 |
Converting standard definition television advertisements to high definition format
A device receives a request for an advertisement from a set-top box (STB) displaying television content in a high definition format, and provides, to the STB, the advertisement in a standard definition format, where the high definition format includes a resolution higher than a resolution of the standard definition format. The device also determines whether the STB converts the advertisement from the standard definition format to the high definition format. When the STB fails to convert the advertisement from the standard definition format to the high definition format, the device generates a first error code and instructs the STB to continue to display the television content, without interruption, in the high definition format. |
| US08584152B2 |
Disc drive with heat dissipating ventilation
The electronic device pertaining to an embodiment comprises a housing that holds an optical disk. The housing comprises a holding space holding an optical disk, a first internal space being apart from the holding space and in which a first electronic component controlling a pickup is disposed, an intake channel leading from the first internal space to the holding space, and an exhaust channel leading from the holding space to a specific space being distinct from the first internal space. |
| US08584148B2 |
Terminal device and program
A terminal device in which basic information and detailed information of each a plurality of application programs are stored in a different storage area for each application program, and that prohibits access to each storage area by other application programs, is caused to execute the processes of displaying a window that includes the basic information of each application program, and, if a cursor is moved to the display position of one of the pieces of basic information, reading out, from the appropriate storage areas, the detailed information of a first application program corresponding to the basic information where the cursor is positioned and the detailed information of a second application program whose basic information is displayed adjacent to the basic information of the first application program, and displaying the detailed information of the first application program. |
| US08584144B2 |
Determining the processing order of a plurality of events
A method for operating a multi-threading computational system includes: identifying related events; allocating the related events to a first thread; allocating unrelated events to one or more second threads; wherein the events allocated to the first thread are executed in sequence and the events allocated to the one or more second threads are executed in parallel to execution of the first thread. |
| US08584143B2 |
Collection access in a parallel environment
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with collection access are described. One example system includes a data store to store a set of listener object identifiers. A listener object identifier identifies a member of a set (or collection) of listener objects. A Listener object initiates an action in response to an occurrence of an event associated with a member of a set of external logics. A member of the set of external logics invokes a notify process to trigger actions. The example system may also include storing the listener object identifiers in an array to allow instances of the notify process to operate in parallel. |
| US08584141B2 |
Data communications in a parallel active messaging interface of a parallel computer
Data communications in a parallel active messaging interface (‘PAMI’) of a parallel computer composed of compute nodes that execute a parallel application, each compute node including application processors that execute the parallel application and at least one management processor dedicated to gathering information regarding data communications. The PAMI is composed of data communications endpoints, each endpoint composed of a specification of data communications parameters for a thread of execution on a compute node, including specifications of a client, a context, and a task, the compute nodes and the endpoints coupled for data communications through the PAMI and through data communications resources. Embodiments function by gathering call site statistics describing data communications resulting from execution of data communications instructions and identifying in dependence upon the call cite statistics a data communications algorithm for use in executing a data communications instruction at a call site in the parallel application. |
| US08584140B2 |
Systems and methods for receiving and sending messages about changes to data attributes
Systems and methods for receiving and sending messages about changes to data attributes are described. A message that includes all common data attributes associated with a first reference object is received. The data attributes in the message are mapped to common data attributes in a second reference object. The type of the message is determined, where the message is either a synchronization message or a key change message. The common data attributes in the second reference object are updated to match the common data attributes in the first reference object if the message is a synchronization message. A unique data attribute in the second reference object is updated if the message is a key change message. |
| US08584136B2 |
Context-aware request dispatching in clustered environments
The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for providing context-aware request dispatching in a clustered environment. One process includes operations for receiving an event at a first computer node. The contents of the event are analyzed to determine a target process instance for handling the event. A target computer node hosting the target process instance is determined, and the event is sent to the target computer node for handling by the target process instance. |
| US08584135B2 |
Intelligent buyer's agent usage for allocation of service level characteristics
A system, method, program product and service for managing bidding in a resource management framework. A buyer's agent is provided to manage the bidding process for resources for a client. The buyer's agent includes the ability to submit a bid to a resource broker to acquire a set of resources for the client based on service level requirements of the client. Once the set of resources is obtained, they are monitored to ensure the required service level of the client is being met. If the service level requirements are not met, the buyer's agent automatically resubmits a bid to the resource broker. Finally, collaboration among a plurality of buyer's agents may be utilized to avoid bidding wars and the like. |
| US08584132B2 |
Ultra-wideband radio controller driver (URCD)-PAL interface
Various embodiments provide a two-way interface between a URC driver (URCD) and various Protocol Adaption Layer (PAL) drivers. The two-way interface can enable bandwidth to be shared and managed among multiple different PALs. The two-way interface can also be used to implement common radio functionality such as beaconing, channel selection, and address conflict resolution. In at least some embodiments, the two-way interface can be utilized for power management to place PALs in lower power states to conserve power and to support remote wake-up functionality. Further, at least some embodiments can enable vendor-specific PALs to interact with vendor-specific hardware. |
| US08584130B2 |
Allocation of resources on computer systems
A method, computer program product, and system for allocating resources on computer systems are provided. The method, computer program product, and system provide for displaying a resource allocation matrix, the resource allocation matrix including a plurality of cells, each of the plurality of cells indicating a quantity of one of a plurality of resources on one of a plurality of physical systems allocated to one of a plurality of virtual systems hosted by the one physical system, receiving an input changing the quantity indicated in a cell, the cell indicating the quantity of a resource on a physical system allocated to a virtual system hosted by the physical system, and adjusting the quantity of the resource allocated to the virtual system based on the input. |
| US08584129B1 |
Dispenser determines responses to resource requests for a single respective one of consumable resource using resource management policy
Providing an intermediate isolate, referred to as a dispenser, to handle resource requests allows for monitoring and controlling of resource consumption separate from an operating system. Resources are characterized with a set of common attributes, separate from their specific implementation. The dispenser invokes computations that provide policy decisions corresponding to a resource request. The dispenser provides the requesting isolate a response based at least in part on the policy decisions. Separating management of resources from the operating system facilitates implementation of a dispenser in a safe language and management of a broad range of resources by the dispenser. |
| US08584127B2 |
Storage medium storing job management program, information processing apparatus, and job management method
A physical machine executes a job on a virtual machine operated on the physical machine. A management apparatus manages execution of the job and a state of a computation resource of the physical machine. The management apparatus has a job execution request inputting unit for inputting or re-inputting into the physical machine a request for execution of the job without using an OS (Operating System) of the physical machine. The physical machine has a job inputting unit for inputting or re-inputting into the virtual machine the job in response to the request for execution of the job input or re-input into the physical machine by the job execution request inputting unit. |
| US08584121B2 |
Using a score-based template to provide a virtual machine
A software element database stores software element definitions according to a software element hierarchy. A score is assigned to at least one of the software element based at least in part upon the software element's hierarchy level. Further, virtual machine templates are stored in a library. The virtual machine templates include at least one software element associated with a software element from the software element database. A user enters a specification that specifies desired software elements to be included in the virtual machine via a user interface. After the specification is entered, the a score value is calculated for at least one virtual machine template from the library, based on the scores assigned to the software elements. Using the calculated score, the virtual machine template having the highest score value is selected and the selected virtual machine template is delivered as the virtual machine to a hypervisor. |
| US08584119B2 |
Multi-scenerio software deployment
A method for multi-scenario software deployment includes creating a software deployment plan that includes at least one task granulated into independently executable sub-tasks; and saving the software deployment plan on a computer readable medium. A computer program product for multi-scenario software deployment includes computer usable program code configured as a software deployment program which runs on a controlling computing device; the software deployment program being configured to: query a user for deployment parameters corresponding to software to be deployed to a target computing device(s); and create a plan for deploying software to a target computing device(s) which can be performed automatically and includes tasks that can be independently performed by separate people. The tasks deploying the software to the target computing device(s) are then performed according to the deployment parameters. |
| US08584118B2 |
Terminal, method and computer program product for validating a software application
A terminal for validating a software application includes a processor capable of operating an operating system (OS) platform (e.g., Symbian™ OS platform), and capable of operating at least one software application above the OS platform. The software application(s) are associated with a permission record that includes permissions identifying services the software application is authorized to receive from the OS platform. The OS platform is capable of receiving a request, from a software application, for a service of the OS platform. The OS platform can determine if the software application is authorized to receive the requested service based upon the associated permission record. And if the software application is authorized, the OS platform is capable of providing the requested service to the software application. |
| US08584115B2 |
Automated operating system device driver updating system
Generally speaking, systems, methods and media for updating device drivers of an operating system for a server computer system are disclosed. Embodiments may include a method for updating device drivers for a server computer system by a build server. Embodiments of the method may include determining whether device drivers for an operating system image source need to be updated, such as by crawling a vendor website. Embodiments may also include in response to determining that device driver updates need to be downloaded, scheduling a time for download of device driver updates. Embodiments of the method may also include downloading the scheduled device driver updates based on the scheduled time and storing the device driver updates in a device driver update database. Further embodiments of the method may include installing the operating system image source on a target server and installing the device driver updates on the target server. |
| US08584109B2 |
Virtualization for diversified tamper resistance
A computer-implementable method includes providing an instruction set architecture that comprises features to generate diverse copies of a program, using the instruction set architecture to generate diverse copies of a program and providing a virtual machine for execution of one of the diverse copies of the program. Various exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., use virtualization for diversifying code and/or virtual machines to thereby enhance software security. |
| US08584108B2 |
Method and apparatus for analyzing software
A computer-implemented method for evaluating a machine-executable software code specification includes using the computer to generate a system dependence graph corresponding to the software code specification. The system dependence graph includes elements including nodes and edges, wherein the computer evaluates the system dependence graph. The evaluation of the system dependence graph includes selecting a variable modified in the software code specification, traversing to selected elements of the system dependence graph, the selected elements associated with the selected variable, evaluating only the selected elements of the system dependence graph, and identifying ones of the selected elements whereat a state of the selected variable is modified. |
| US08584098B2 |
Component statistics for application profiling
Implementations of the present disclosure provide methods including executing an application using one or more processors, generating a plurality of method call stacks, each method call stack comprising a plurality of methods invoked by the application, providing a component call stack based on a method call stack of the plurality of method call stacks, the component call stack comprising a plurality of components, each component being defined by one or more methods of the plurality of methods, and generating component statistics based on the component call stack and profiling data collected during the executing. |
| US08584096B2 |
Change management methodologies for industrial automation and information systems
Systems and methods that facilitate electronic audit recording and tracking of interactions in an industrial control system via employing a differentiation engine that supplies an object-oriented presentation of an audit trail—and further present a view of a desired segment associated with a PLC program (e.g., a particular run of the PLC program), for an object that an audit is requested for. A user (e.g., a customer of the industrial process) can initially identify an object and subsequently view typically all changes to such identified object. Accordingly, a general requirement for checking every version to determine a change to the object is mitigated. |
| US08584092B2 |
Methods and systems of determining risk levels of one or more software instance defects
An exemplary method includes displaying a graphical user interface configured to facilitate identification of one or more defects within a software instance, receiving data representative of at least one instruction via the graphical user interface to assign a severity risk value, an impact risk value, and a likelihood risk value to each of the one or more defects, and generating a defect risk factor corresponding to each of the one or more defects that indicates a risk level of each of the one or more defects, the generating based on a combination of the severity risk value, the impact risk value, and the likelihood risk value corresponding to each of the one or more defects. |
| US08584090B2 |
Heuristic approach on checking service instance protection for availability management framework (AMF) configurations
A configuration including Service Instances (SIs) and a list of Service Units (SUs) is to be validated. The SIs are to be allocated to the SUs for protection of the service represented by the SIs. A set of heuristics is applied to determine whether, for each of the SI assignments, the SI can be allocated to one of the SUs whose capacities support the required capacities of the SI. The heuristic then walks the list in order, to find a first SU that supports a current SI. If none of the SUs in the list can support the current SI, the heuristic indicates that the configuration is not validated. In response to a result that at least one of the heuristics in the set indicates the SUs can support all of the SIs, a final result is generated indicating that the configuration is valid. |
| US08584089B2 |
Virtual computer system, test method, and recording medium
A method for testing an application in a virtual computer system includes transmitting a request to select one of first and second conditions of a test of the application from a first virtual machine to execute the test of the application to a second virtual machine to control the virtual computer system via a virtual computer monitor, generating, if the virtual machine monitor receives the request to select the one of the first and second conditions of the test of the application, a clone of the first virtual machine by the virtual machine monitor, and executing the test of the application based on the first condition in the first virtual machine while executing the test of the application based on the second condition in the generated clone of the first virtual machine. |
| US08584085B2 |
Identification of concepts in software
Techniques enabling an end-user to specify complex concepts consisting of code abstractions, design abstractions and architectural abstractions in rule form are disclosed. In one embodiment, a graphical user interface is provided to guide a user through the process of entering concept specification information in order to define concepts, including the provision of one or more code snippets that are subsequently analyzed to assist the user in specifying the concept. The resulting rules or concept signatures are evaluated by a rule engine to determine the degree to which the underlying concepts are reflected in a given set of code. Recommended measures that need to be taken for transforming code to satisfy a concept may be provided subsequent to the analysis of the code. In this manner, code quality may be improved through systematic analysis of targeted code to demonstrate adherence (or non-adherence, as the case may be) to user-defined concepts. |
| US08584084B2 |
System for library content creation
A method for generating a library of materials that can be applied to geometry in a graphics scene when performing rendering operations. The method includes generating a class file that includes material parameters representing rendering characteristics of a material class and generating a library root file that includes a reference to the class file. The method further includes generating a rendering implementation file for translating values of the material parameters into a format recognized by a particular rendering engine and generating a user interface file that includes at least one user interface configured to allow a user to modify the values of the material parameters. The method also includes linking the class file to the library root file, and linking the rendering implementation file and the user interface file to the class file. Advantageously, the library can be organized and updated more effectively when compared to prior art techniques. |
| US08584082B2 |
System for dynamic discovery, configuration, and development of process-bound widgets
Techniques are provided for designing a mashup. In an example embodiment, a user input is detected. The user input relates a first GUI object, which represents a first widget, to a second GUI object that represents a second widget. The first widget conforms to a first widget specification and the second widget conforms to a second widget specification that is different than the first widget specification. In response to the user input, a variable is defined, where, at run-time, a value of an output parameter of the first widget is assigned to the variable and the variable is used as an input parameter of the second widget. An event definition that defines an event is generated based on the user input, where the event, when detected at run-time, causes contents of at least one of the first widget and the second widget to be refreshed. A binding definition is stored, where the binding definition associates with each other the event definition, the variable, the output parameter of the first widget, and the input parameter of the second widget. A definition of the mashup, which includes the binding definition, is then generated. |
| US08584080B2 |
Modeling and generating computer software product line variants
A system for modeling computer software product line variants may include a model builder configured to construct a model of a plurality of variants of a computer software application. The model may include at least one common-to-variants element that may be common to a plurality of the variants, a plurality of variant-specific elements, and interface code configured to adapt any of the variant-specific elements to any of the common-to-variants elements. The model may further include an application generator configured to generate a plurality of computer software applications for a corresponding plurality of combinations of the common-to-variants elements and the variant-specific elements, where the model builder and the application generator may be implemented in at least one of computer hardware and computer software embodied in a tangible computer-readable storage medium. |
| US08584077B1 |
User-controllable connectivity engine for electronic design automation tools
A method for operating a computer system to generate a layout of a device and a computer-readable medium containing instructions that cause a computer system to carry out that method are disclosed. The computer system has a display that includes a display area. The computer system provides a list of objects and creates user selected objects from the list for inclusion in the display area. The computer assigns one of a plurality of operating modes for each connectivity object in the layout. The computer generates a Net assignment for each connectivity object that is not forced to have a specific Net assignment and for which automatic assignment of a Net is allowed. The computer generated assignment depends on the operating mode associated with that connectivity object. The operating mode of at least one of the connectivity objects can be altered by input from a user of said computer system. |
| US08584063B1 |
Assertion-based design partitioning
An approach is provided in which a computing system retrieves a design description that corresponds to an electronic circuit design. The computing system selects an assertion corresponding to the electronic circuit design, which includes one or more assertion signal identifiers corresponding to one or more description signal points included in the design description. Next, the computing system creates a partitioned region from the design description based upon the description signal points. The computing system compiles and verifies the partitioned region that, in turn, verifies the electronic circuit design. |
| US08584058B2 |
Methods for defining evaluation points for optical proximity correction and optical proximity correction methods including same
Methods are disclosed for defining evaluation points for use in optical proximity correction of a rectangular target geometry. A method for defining evaluation points for use in optical proximity correction of a rectangular target geometry may comprise predicting a contour of an image to be produced in an optical proximity correction simulation of a target geometry. The target geometry may comprise a plurality of line segments, each line segment of the plurality having one evaluation point defined thereon. The method may further comprise shifting at least one evaluation point to an associated point on the predicted contour of the image. |
| US08584057B2 |
Non-directional dithering methods
A method of data preparation in lithography processes is described. The method includes providing an integrated circuit (IC) layout design in a graphic database system (GDS) grid, converting the IC layout design GDS grid to a first exposure grid, applying a non-directional dither technique to the first exposure, coincident with applying dithering to the first expose grid, applying a grid shift to the first exposure grid to generate a grid-shifted exposure grid and applying a dither to the grid-shifted exposure grid, and adding the first exposure grid (after receiving dithering) to the grid-shifted exposure grid (after receiving dithering) to generate a second exposure grid. |
| US08584056B2 |
Fast freeform source and mask co-optimization method
The present invention relates to lithographic apparatuses and processes, and more particularly to tools for optimizing illumination sources and masks for use in lithographic apparatuses and processes. According to certain aspects, the present invention significantly speeds up the convergence of the optimization by allowing direct computation of gradient of the cost function. According to other aspects, the present invention allows for simultaneous optimization of both source and mask, thereby significantly speeding the overall convergence. According to still further aspects, the present invention allows for free-form optimization, without the constraints required by conventional optimization techniques. |
| US08584055B2 |
Non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, decision method and computer for deciding exposure condition using evaluation item of interest and auxiliary evaluation item
The present invention provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to decide an exposure condition in an exposure apparatus, the program causing the computer to execute a step of selecting an evaluation item of interest from a plurality of evaluation items to be used to evaluate an image formed on an image plane of a projection optical system in correspondence with the exposure condition, a step of selecting, as an auxiliary evaluation item, an evaluation item which is different from the evaluation item of interest and changes a value in the same direction as that of a change in a value of the evaluation item of interest upon changing parameter values included in the exposure condition, and a step of setting an evaluation function including the evaluation item of interest and the auxiliary evaluation item as values. |
| US08584054B2 |
Photomask manufacturing method and semiconductor device manufacturing method
This invention discloses a photomask manufacturing method. A pattern dimensional map is generated by preparing a photomask in which a mask pattern is formed on a transparent substrate, and measuring a mask in-plane distribution of the pattern dimensions. A transmittance correction coefficient map is generated by dividing a pattern formation region into a plurality of subregions, and determining a transmittance correction coefficient for each of the plurality of subregions. The transmittance correction value of each subregion is calculated on the basis of the pattern dimensional map and the transmittance correction coefficient map. The transmittance of the transparent substrate corresponding to each subregion is changed on the basis of the transmittance correction value. |
| US08584048B2 |
Method and system for multi-touch-based browsing of media summarizations on a handheld device
The inventive system comprises a touch screen on a mobile device and an application that defines a set of functioning components that provide the functionality for navigating media. The inventive application comprises components including event handling touches on the touch screen, presentation and layout interacting with event handling, content cache storing media and metadata, and content loading connecting to and loading the media and the metadata from a remote storage device, such that the event handling component invokes one or more of the presentation and layout component, the content cache component and the content loading component in response to various touch screen interactions. The various touch screen interactions perform setting a browser shape, setting a range, focus, zoom in and out, and/or level of detail of the media segments, moving laterally in time, resetting a view, annotating and/or viewing annotations, playing, pausing, and stopping the media summarization. |
| US08584047B2 |
Orbital representation of hierarchical navigation
Hierarchical structures are visualized and navigated using an orbital model. Sibling nodes are orbitally displayed in a generally circular arrangement along an orbital path. Choosing one of the orbitally displayed nodes opens it, moving down in the hierarchy. Nodes which were not chosen are undisplayed, and child node(s) of the chosen node are orbitally displayed. Node movements may be animated. A history displays recently chosen nodes. Choosing a parent node of the orbiting nodes undisplays the child nodes, and the parent node and its siblings are orbitally displayed, thereby moving up in the hierarchy. A user may select nodes from different parts of the hierarchy by moving them into a selection tray. Selected nodes can then be subjected to a specified batch operation. Controls are available for sorting nodes and/or for altering node appearance in the display. |
| US08584046B2 |
Visualizing differences in similarity metrics of hierarchies
A hierarchy differences visualization system and method for visualizing differences between two hierarchical structures based on similarity metrics. The two hierarchical structures are merged into a merged hierarchical structure and differences between the two hierarchical structures are computed and displayed in a user interface using node visualization metrics. In addition, at least one path is computed to a root of the merged hierarchical structure from a selected node and displayed in the user interface. The user interface uses various node visualization metrics including color, shapes, size, underlining, strikethrough, and text transparency. In some embodiments the hierarchical structures are tree structures and the similarity metric is structural uncertainty including location uncertainty and sub-tree structure uncertainty. The location uncertainty of a node is indicated by a color of the node label and sub-tree structure uncertainty of a node is shown by various levels of transparency of node labels. |