| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08617165B2 |
Rod reducing instrument and methods of use thereof
The invention encompasses instrumentation for rod reduction for use in orthopedic surgery that is ergonomic and intuitive to use. In certain embodiments, the invention encompasses a rod reducing instrument including a series of ratcheting mechanisms that reduces the need for large applications of manual force for rod positioning necessary during surgical procedures. The internalized mechanism also allows for a reduction in fine increments without an increase in surgical instrument profile or necessary force input. In certain embodiments, the instrument includes one or more channels to accept the locking delivery instrument further streamlining the surgical process. The rod reducing instrument of the invention refines the reduction process allowing for faster, stronger reduction, with a quick and effective release. |
| US08617162B2 |
Device for punching out tissue areas from bone
A device for punching out tissue areas from bone has a blade whose circumferential cutting edge corresponds to the contour of a tissue area that is to be punched out. The blade is composed of a plurality of blade segments that are each movable in an axial direction counter to the force of a spring. |
| US08617155B2 |
System and method for determining proximity relative to a critical structure
A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to an anatomical structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit. The sensor assembly is configured to transmit at least one electrical signal through the target anatomical structure to elicit a measurable response from the target anatomical structure. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of the target anatomical structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the at least one surgical device relative to the target anatomical structure based on a comparison between the signature property value and at least one other signature property. An indicator is operably coupled to the processing unit and is configured to alert a user of the identified target anatomical structure based on the determined proximity. |
| US08617149B2 |
Common bond, double-balloon catheter
A method of manufacturing a catheter can include assembling an inner balloon within a separate outer balloon. The inner and outer balloons can each be open on opposing longitudinal ends and have a central radially expandable portion, and proximal and distal reduced diameter portions on opposite longitudinal end portions of the balloon. The method can further include bonding a portion of an inner surface of the outer balloon proximal reduced diameter portion to a portion of an outer surface of the inner balloon proximal reduced diameter portion and bonding a distal end portion of an elongate catheter shaft to a proximal portion of the bonded inner and outer balloons. |
| US08617146B2 |
Laser system and method for correction of induced astigmatism
There is provided a system, apparatus and methods for developing laser systems that can create precise predetermined clear corneal incisions that are capable of reducing induced astigmatism. The systems, apparatus and methods further provide laser systems that can provide these incisions at or below Bowman's membrane. |
| US08617144B2 |
Venous closure catheter and method for sclerotherapy
A venous closure catheter is disclosed for performing sclerotherapy which includes an elongated catheter body having opposed proximal and distal end portions, a fluid delivery lumen and a guidewire lumen. A plurality of discharge apertures are associated with the distal end portion of the catheter body and communicate with the fluid delivery lumen for delivering a sclerosing solution into the saphenous vein. A circumferential flange is positioned on an exterior surface of the catheter body proximal to the discharge apertures, which has a plurality of projections formed thereon for traumatizing the inner wall of the saphenous vein upon removal of the catheter body therefrom to promote closure of saphenous vein after sclerotherapy. A compression apparatus is disclosed for providing therapeutic pressure subsequent to sclerotherapy. The compression apparatus includes first and second wraps for providing compression of an upper leg, and the lower leg and foot, respectively. |
| US08617139B2 |
Ocular implant with shape change capabilities
Disclosed are devices, methods and systems for treatment of eye disease such as glaucoma. Implants are described herein that enhance aqueous flow through the normal outflow system of the eye with minimal to no complications. The implant can be reversibly deformed to a first shape, such as a generally linear shape conducive to insertion. Upon insertion, the implant can deform to a second shape, such as a generally non-linear shape conducive to retention within the eye. The shape also improves fluid flow from the anterior chamber and prevents or reduces clogging. |
| US08617132B2 |
Bioresorbable embolization microspheres
The present disclosure is generally directed to an embolic material which, in some embodiments, may be in the form of a microsphere or a plurality of microspheres. The embolic material generally comprises carboxymethyl chitosan (CCN) crosslinked with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). In some embodiments, the embolic material may further comprise a therapeutic agent, such as doxorubicin. |
| US08617130B2 |
Insulated disposable surgical fluid container
An insulated disposable surgical fluid container. The container is doubled walled and includes an outer surface including an insulating material for reducing heat transfer from the outer surface to a surrounding area an insulating component separating the outer surface from an inner surface for reducing heat transfer from the inner surface to the outer surface and an inner surface comprising a fluid container portion for holding a fluid. The inner surface includes a thermally conductive material for spreading heat energy evenly over the inner surface and maintaining an isothermal temperature distribution on the inner surface, thereby maintaining an isothermal temperature of any fluid included in the fluid container portion. The fluid container portion includes a keel shaped bottom portion for accurately dispending and pouring irrigating fluids from the fluid container portion into a wound during a surgery. The container helps prevent perioperative hypothermia from irrigations fluids used during a surgery. |
| US08617119B2 |
Medical needle safety device
A safety device having a tubular support for a needle mount end and a protective shield slidably mounted on the support from a set position, a retracted position and then to a locked position to covers the needle. A locking member mounted on the support, within the shield and a cam follower is engaged with a cam profile on the locking member. Forward axial movement of the support relative to the locking member causes the locking member to rotate relative to the support. The shield has a guide defining a shoulder towards its rearward end and an abutment on the locking member is receivable behind the shoulder when the shield is in its locked position. A spring acts such that when the locking member is turned to engage its abutment with the shoulder of the shield when the latter is in its locked position, so preventing subsequent rearward movement thereof. |
| US08617115B2 |
Apparatus for umbilical catheter
A medical catheter or tube clamp or support structure that is secured to an infant and holds a medical tube in place to prevent the tube from pistoning (axially moving within the infant relative to the entry point). In one embodiment, the medical tube claim comprises a catheter securing system that further includes a base that further includes at least one base member, a tube support member integrally formed with at least one base member that allows the tube to be inserted into an umbilical cord or stub in a relationally secure manner to prevent the tube from pistoning within an infant, and at one least channel for receiving a tube or catheter of a specified size and for securely holding the tube or catheter. |
| US08617109B2 |
Device for delivering medicament
The present invention relates to a device for the delivery of predetermined doses of liquid medicament to a patient, which medicament is intended to be inhaled by the patient or intended to be injected into the body of the patient. The device is adapted to be in a medicament delivery state and in a medicament non-delivery state. When the device is in a medicament delivery state, said device is adapted to drive a piston into a cartridge containing the liquid medicament to be delivered, with a force that is above or equal to a predetermined minimum force value and below a predetermined maximum force value. The minimum force value is the lowest force value needed to deliver the predetermined dose and the maximum force value is the first force value at which it exists a risk of damaging the cartridge or the components of the device. Further, more of the spring force is brought to an efficient output torque ensuring that a predetermined volume of medicament is expelled from a cartridge. |
| US08617108B2 |
Lifter assembly
A lifter assembly for actuating a needle of an automatic medication delivery device, includes a motor, a speed reduction device driven by the motor, an output shaft driven by the speed reduction device via a rigid transmission device, a driving lever configured to move the needle, the driving lever being connected to and driven by the output shaft, and a sensing device configured to sense the rotation position of the output shaft. The speed reduction device comprises a worm in mesh with a worm gear. The output shaft, the worm gear and the rigid transmission device cooperatively constitute a four-bar linkage mechanism. |
| US08617107B2 |
Patch-sized fluid delivery systems and methods
A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device. |
| US08617106B2 |
Post-occlusion chamber collapse canceling system for a surgical apparatus and method of use
A post-occlusion chamber collapse canceling system for a surgical apparatus that detects the breaking of occlusions by tissue fragments in the distal end of the aspiration path and produces a response comprising a transitory blockage of the distal end the aspiration path to terminate the chamber collapse and a simultaneous transitory venting of the aspiration line to relieve the vacuum, in a way that post-occlusion chamber collapses are cancelled. |
| US08617105B2 |
Safety assembly for a syringe
A safety support device for a syringe comprises a support sheath for the body of the syringe and an inner sheath suitable for sliding relative to the support sheath between a waiting, retracted position and the extended position for protecting the needle of the syringe. The device has means for holding the syringe body relative to the support sheath and retaining means suitable for being activated to retain g the inner sheath in the waiting, retracted position inside the support sheath and for being deactivated by the piston of the syringe to allow the inner sheath to extend into its protective, extended position. |
| US08617101B2 |
Flexible drive for breast pump
A drive mechanism for generating a negative pressure in a vacuum chamber (32/132) of a breast pump (10/110), the drive mechanism comprising a housing (12/112), a motor (14/114) coupled to a rotatable drive element within the housing, a resilient membrane (28/128) coupled to the housing and, a flexible strap (50/150) coupled between the drive element and the resilient membrane. Rotation of the drive element causes the flexible strap to pull and resiliently deform the resilient membrane to create the negative pressure in a vacuum chamber of a breast pump. Also, a breast pump including such a drive mechanism together with a vacuum chamber (32/132) coupled to the housing (12/112). The vacuum chamber comprises a receptacle and a breast-receiving funnel (40/140) in fluid communication with the receptacle, wherein when a woman's breast is placed in the breast-receiving funnel, the vacuum chamber is sealed closed such that deformation the resilient membrane (28/128) creates a negative pressure in the vacuum chamber. |
| US08617099B2 |
Injection device plunger auto-disable
A nozzle assembly for a needle-free injection device. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle body including an injectate chamber and one or more outlet orifices and a plunger configured to move through the injectate chamber toward the one or more outlet orifices. In some embodiments, the plunger includes a first portion and a second portion removably joined by a frangible region. In some embodiments, the plunger includes extensions configured to couple the plunger to a drive assembly of a needle-free injection device. |
| US08617080B2 |
Reducing data acquisition, power and processing for hemodynamic signal sampling
Methods, systems and devices are provided for reducing the amount of data, processing and/or power required to analyze hemodynamic signals such as photoplethysmography (PPG) signals, pressure signals, and impedance signals. In response to detecting a specific event associated with a cyclical body function, a hemodynamic signal is continuously sampled during a window following the detecting of the specific event, wherein the window is shorter than a cycle associated with the cyclical body function. The hemodynamic signal is then analyzed based on the plurality of samples. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims. |
| US08617075B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic imaging method
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is disclosed for imaging 3-dimensional images by irradiating ultrasonic waves to an object and reconstructing the 3-dimensional image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe for transmitting/receiving ultrasonic waves to/from an object to be examined, an ultrasonic image construction unit for constructing a 3-dimensional ultrasonic image based on the 3-dimensional ultrasonic image data from the ultrasonic signals received from the ultrasonic probe, and a display unit for displaying the 3-dimensional ultrasonic image. A position sensor is provided for detecting the position of the ultrasonic probe. A positional information analyzing unit stores the first position of the ultrasonic probe obtained from the position sensor and analyzes the positional relationship between the first position and the second position. The ultrasonic image construction unit converts the 3-dimensional ultrasonic image data obtained at the second position into a 3-dimensional ultrasonic image at the first position according to the positional relationship, thereby constructing the 3-dimensional ultrasonic image at the first position. |
| US08617074B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating hardness and/or strain information of a tissue
The invention is related to a method for generating hardness and/or strain information of a tissue which can be subject to a varying pressure, the method comprising: —positioning at least one signal transmitter (1) outside the tissue (10); —positioning at least one signal receiver (1) outside the tissue (10); —using the signal transmitter (1) to send signals (S) at different angles towards the tissue; —using the signal receiver (1) to receive signals from the tissue (10), wherein the received signals result from the signals that have been sent by said signal transmitter. The invention is also related to an apparatus for carrying out the method. |
| US08617073B2 |
Focusing ultrasound into the brain through the skull by utilizing both longitudinal and shear waves
Systems and methods for focusing ultrasound through the skull into the brain for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes may be improved by utilizing both longitudinal and shear waves. The relative contribution of the two modes may be determined based on the angle of incidence. |
| US08617072B2 |
System for the noninvasive determination of tracer concentration in blood
The invention relates to a general composite compartmental model and a compartmental analysis procedure to extract non-invasively the concentration (Cp) of the imaging agent in plasma (301), in metabolites (304, 504) and in blood elements (303) (like red cells, platelets, plasma protein etc.) from time signal curves measured within a reference tissue region (200). This is made possible by deploying an injection function (SINJ(t)) as input which models the amount of imaging agent administered to the patient as a function of time. The invention allows the presentation of the plasma input function to the medical practitioner without the need for invasively drawing blood samples. |
| US08617071B2 |
Analyte monitoring device and methods of use
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor. |
| US08617070B2 |
Optical capsule and spectroscopic method for treating and diagnosing the intestinal tract
A device and method for mapping, diagnosing and treating disorders or other diseases, disorders or conditions (e.g., bleeding, ischemic or necrotic tissue, and presence of certain chemicals or substances) of the intestinal tract is provided using a capsule passing through the intestinal tract and sensing optical characteristics as the capsule passes through. Further, a capsule tracking system is provided for tracking a capsule's location along the length of an intestinal tract as various treatment and/or sensing modalities are employed. In one variation, an acoustic signal is used to determine the location of the capsule. A map of optical characteristics may be derived from the pass of a capsule to diagnose the disorder or disease. The capsule or subsequently passed capsules may treat, further diagnose or mark the intestinal tract at a determined location along its length. |
| US08617068B2 |
Method and apparatus for assessing sleep quality
Systems and/or methods for assessing the sleep quality of a patient in a sleep session are provided. Data is collected from the patient and/or physician including, for example, sleep session data in the form of one or more physiological parameters of the patient indicative of the patient's sleep quality during the sleep session, a subjective evaluation of sleep quality, etc.; patient profile data; etc. A sleep quality index algorithm, which optionally may be an adaptive algorithm, is applied, taking into account some or all of the collected data. Sleep quality data may be presented to at least the patient, and it may be displayed in any suitable format (e.g., a format useful for the patient to be appraised on the progress of the treatment, a format useful for a sleep clinician to monitor progress and/or assess the effectiveness of differing treatment regimens, etc). |
| US08617067B2 |
Continuous monitoring of stress using environmental data
In particular embodiments, a method includes accessing data streams from an environmental sensor, and one or more of a mood sensor, a heart-rate monitor, a blood-pressure monitor, a pulse oximeter, or an accelerometer monitoring a person, analyzing data sets collected from the person when the person is exposed to various environmental states, and determining a current stress index of the person based on the analysis. |
| US08617066B2 |
Automated interactive drug testing system
An automated interactive drug testing system designed for testing for substance abuse that provides an immediate test result by visual analysis. The system includes at least one remote device and a central computer. Each remote device as well as the central computer include means for receiving a video feed over a network connection such that a testing subject located at a remote device can use its video camera to bi-directionally communicate with a person located at the central computer. In application, the testing subject faces the video camera so that the operator at the central computer can witness the testing and testing results. Preferably, the testing can include an eye scan and a saliva swab drug test. It is important for purposes of testing integrity, that during the entire testing process, the test specimen is never removed from view of the camera and the operator stationed at the central computer such that the operator at the central computer can view the testing samples to determine whether the test is negative or non-negative. |
| US08617062B2 |
Over dilation
A device, system and method for dilating a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure is disclosed. A surgical dilation system includes a dilator having an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member sized to be movably received within an inside diameter of the outer tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a vertical slot running through a side of the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member has an upper portion and a lower portion. The retractor has a proximal end including at least one mounting member protruding outwardly from a side surface of the retractor and a distal end including at least one fanned blade protruding outwardly from the side surface. When the inner tubular member is oriented in a first position the vertical slot is in a closed state, when the inner tubular member is oriented in a second position the mounting member is permitted to travel downwardly a predetermined distance in the vertical slot, and when the inner tubular member is positioned in a third state the mounting member is permitted to freely travel through the vertical slot. |
| US08617054B2 |
Medical treatment endoscope
The medical treatment endoscope according to the present invention includes a sheath having a flexibility; at least one arm member having a bending part that projects out from a front end of the sheath and performs bending actions; an open/close mechanism which directs the arm member from a direction along a central axis of the sheath to a direction deviated from the central axis of the sheath, and from a direction deviated from the central axis of the sheath to a direction along the central axis of the sheath; and a viewing device and an illuminating member that are disposed to the front end side of the sheath. |
| US08617049B2 |
Symmetrical drive system for an implantable restriction device
An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A symmetrical drive system including a drive element associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct is further provided. In accordance with an alternate embodiment an apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct including an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. The tension element is composed of a flexible first member and a flexible second member, wherein the flexible first member is movable relative to the flexible second member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. |
| US08617045B2 |
Urinary incontinence device
A urinary control device for sealing off at a neck and along the inside wall of a bladder to prevent leaking and dislodging of the device from within the bladder is disclosed. The device includes an inner tubular member. The device also includes an expandable sealing member. A deployable stiffening member is positioned within the expandable sealing member. The stiffening member expands within the expandable sealing member to erect and shape the expandable sealing member. The deployable stiffening member strengthens the expandable sealing member, retaining the device within the bladder and sealing off the bladder against leaking. |
| US08617044B2 |
Stress reduction
A method and system for reducing stress in a working environment. In a conditioning phase a positive association of a sensory stimulus, such as a scent, image and/or sound with a relaxed feeling is created. Following the creation of this positive association the “relaxing” stimulus will be used as a de-stressor in the usage phase. That is, when it is detected that the user is stressed, the “relaxing” stimulus is released to reduce stress. |
| US08617043B2 |
System and method of monitoring the physiological condition of an infant
A system for monitoring the physiological conditions of an infant includes an infant microenvironment. A motion sensor is disposed about the microenvironment. A processor is communicatively connected to the motion sensor. The processor receives motion signals from the motion sensors and processes the motion signals to derive an indication of a stress level of the infant. A method of monitoring the physiological condition of an infant includes detecting motion of the infant with motion sensors. A baseline motion for the infant is derived from the detected motion with a processor. An onset or change in at least one auxiliary parameter is monitored with an auxiliary sensor. Motion of the infant is monitored with the motion sensor after the onset or change in the at least one auxiliary parameter. A stress level of the infant is derived with the processor from the monitored motion of the infant. |
| US08617038B2 |
Portable exercise apparatus and method
The improved exercise apparatus comprises a housing assembly having first and second arm members. The apparatus may be used to perform a variety of full body exercises generally by moving the first and second arms about an axial stem of the housing assembly. In one embodiment, the arm members rotate or pivot about the axial stem. A tension assembly provides resistance to the movement of the arm members while a positioning assembly allows the arm members to be positioned and secured in various positions relative to one another. One or more handle attachments may be provided to allow the apparatus to be grasped or used in various ways. A method of training various portions of the body with the apparatus is also provided herein. |
| US08617032B2 |
Methods and apparatus for monitoring and encouraging health and fitness
Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring and encouraging health and fitness. In accordance with a first aspect, an apparatus is provided that is adapted to assist in weight loss and exercise. The apparatus comprises a personal digital assistant (PDA) having computer program code adapted to assist in at least one of calorie counting, meal selection, meal suggestion, weight monitoring, weight loss or gain monitoring, fat consumption monitoring, sugar consumption monitoring and salt consumption monitoring. The PDA also includes computer program code adapted to display historical data regarding at least one of calorie counting, meal selection, meal suggestion, weight monitoring, weight loss or gain monitoring, fat consumption monitoring, sugar consumption monitoring and salt consumption monitoring. Numerous other embodiments are provided, as are methods, systems and computer program products. |
| US08617030B2 |
Vehicle speed control system
A method of controlling an engine and a transmission coupled to the engine. The method including the steps of receiving and proceeding. The receiving step receives a signal value from a sensor. The signal value is representative of a desired ground engaging device speed of a vehicle. The proceeding step proceeds along a shift path defined by a one-to-one correspondence between the signal value and the ground engaging device speed. The proceeding step includes the steps of controlling a speed of the engine and selecting of a gear of the transmission along the shift path dependent upon the signal value. |
| US08617029B2 |
Shift control apparatus for continuously variable transmission
A shift control apparatus for continuously variable transmission includes: a pseudo accelerator opening degree generating section configured to generate a pseudo accelerator opening degree larger than the actual accelerator opening degree when the actual accelerator opening degree is decreased when the judging section judges that the vehicle runs the uphill; the target transmission gear ratio setting section being configured to set the target transmission gear ratio by the pseudo accelerator opening degree when the pseudo accelerator opening degree is inputted, and the shift control section being configured to control the shift toward the target transmission gear ratio set based on the pseudo accelerator opening degree and the vehicle speed when the pseudo accelerator opening degree is generated, and to control the shift toward the target transmission gear ratio set based on the actual accelerator opening degree and the vehicle speed when the pseudo accelerator opening degree is not generated. |
| US08617027B2 |
Control strategy for multi-mode vehicle propulsion system
A method for controlling a propulsion system for a vehicle including a transmission coupling an output shaft of the internal combustion engine to a drive wheel of the vehicle, wherein said transmission includes a lash region, the method comprising of adjusting an operating parameter of the engine so that at least one cylinder of the engine is transitioned between a first combustion mode and a second combustion mode, and varying a timing of said transition responsive to whether the transmission is operating within the lash region of the transmission. |
| US08617019B2 |
Aircraft electric taxi system with friction actuated, bi-directional clutch
An electric taxi system (ETS) for an aircraft may comprise drive motors mounted coaxially with wheels of the aircraft. A clutch assembly may be interposed between the drive motor the wheel. The clutch assembly may transmit torque from the motor to the wheel when the wheel and a rotor of the motor rotate at the same rotational speed. The clutch assembly may self-disengage a rotor of the motor from the wheel when the wheel rotates faster than the rotor. |
| US08617017B2 |
Power transmission chain
The invention provides a power transmission chain in which abnormal noise can be reduced.In a link, a front through hole 7 and a rear through hole 8 aligned in a chain traveling direction X are provided. A pillar portion 9 is provided between the front through hole 7 and the rear through hole 8. Projecting portions 26, 29 are provided at a central portion in a height direction V of the pillar portion 9, and concave curve portions 27, 28, 30, 31 are provided at both end portions. A pair of flat portions (33,34 and 38,39) are provided on each projection portion 26,29 for restricting an overshoot of the chain. A not-shown pin that is loosely fitted to each of the front through hole 7 and the rear through hole 8 is brought into abutment with corresponding flat portions 27,28,30,31 to restrict an overshoot of the chain 1. |
| US08617012B2 |
Blade tensioner with captured spring
A chain tensioner assembly includes a bracket with a main wall and a ramp surface. A blade assembly is connected to the bracket and includes a blade located adjacent the main wall of the bracket. The blade includes: (i) a first blade end with a pivot aperture; (ii) a second blade end contacting the ramp surface; and, (iii) a central blade portion that extends between the first and second blade ends. The central blade portion includes a chain engaging surface. A first spring-retaining slot is located in the first blade end and includes inner and outer open sides that open respectively through inner and outer faces of the blade. A second spring-retaining slot is located in the second blade end. A spring includes a first end located in the first spring-retaining slot, a second end located in the second spring-retaining slot; and, a central portion that abuts the central blade portion. A pivot fastener extends through the pivot aperture and obstructs the outer open side of the first spring-retaining slot such that the pivot fastener captures the first end of the spring in the first spring-retaining slot. |
| US08617009B2 |
Baseball swing training device
A baseball swing training device includes a rear foot pivot limiting mechanism, wherein the rear foot pivoting mechanism includes a rotating element and a rotation limiting element. The rear foot pivot limiting mechanism may be adapted to limit the rotation of a user's pivot foot to a prescribed degree of rotation and communicate to the user when the prescribed degree of rotation has been completed. The baseball swing device may further include a foldable base including two positions at which the adjustable rear foot pivot limiting mechanism may be implemented, wherein the first position is adapted for use by a right handed hitter and the second position is adapted for use by a left handed hitter. |
| US08617007B2 |
Skis and handlebar accessories for athletic training sleds
A training sled including a pair of nonlinear runners of tubular construction arranged in parallel relative to a center axis and a plane. A head crossbar of tubular construction may extend between first ends of the runners and may be joined thereto so as to form a continuous tubular U-shaped member with the runners. A weight bearing member may be affixed to and extend between the pair of nonlinear runners near mid-sections thereof. A rear crossbar of tubular construction may extend between and may be disposed above the plane of the runners proximate second ends thereof and may be joined thereto opposite the head crossbar, so as to present a rearward facing surface against which force may be applied. The training sled may include a removable handlebar in a variety of configurations. A ski accessory may be configured to removably attach to the training sled. The ski accessory may include a pair of nonlinear skis arranged in parallel relative to a center axis and a plane. A friction-reducing layer may be disposed on a bottom portion of each of the pair of skis. A ski head crossbar may extend between head ends of the pair of skis. A ski rear crossbar may extend between rear ends of the pair of skis. Attachment arms may be disposed on an inner portion of each of the pair of skis and may be configured to removably attach to the athletic training sled. |
| US08617006B2 |
Adaptive golf ball
The present invention relates to a smart golf ball comprised of one or more mantle layers juxtaposed between an inner core and outer cover, where the core, the mantle layer(s), and/or the cover are further comprised of a ferrofluid, a magnetorheological fluid, an inverse magnetorheological fluid, and/or a magnetorheological elastomer, in any of its construction. These nano-engineered materials make possible a golf ball with heretofore-unprecedented levels of adaptive play. |
| US08617005B2 |
Golf data collection
A system for golf data collection comprises an apparatus arranged to be worn about the body of a golfer during a game of golf. The apparatus includes a positioning system for determining various locations of a golfer during the game, a tag reader for reading a club held in close proximity to the apparatus around the time of striking a golf ball, and a processor for correlating the location of the golfer with the time at which a tag is read to enable the path of a golf ball throughout the game of golf to be determined. |
| US08617004B2 |
Golf ball with translucent cover
The present invention is directed a golf ball having at least a transparent or translucent cover and a core. The golf ball may also comprise an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover. The transparent or translucent cover may comprise a plurality of dimples on its surface as well as depressions other than dimples, such as stripes, text, or logos. Both the cover and the core may comprise an amount of dye or dyes. The cover may additionally comprise an amount of reflective particulates. The core may include a plurality of projections and/or depressions on its surface to provide more surface area for the adhesion of the cover to the core. |
| US08616996B2 |
Golf club with adjustable hosel angle
A golf club head with an adjustable hosel that sits within a cavity loaded with filler material. The cavity may generally extend from crown to sole or, in the alternative, extend only a partial amount of the distance from the crown to the sole. |
| US08616991B2 |
Modular hosel, weight-adjustable golf club head assembly
A golf putter head with a front portion comprising traditional shape and appearance, with an integral face insert extending through the head to an alignment and weighting portion extending beyond the main body of the putter, adding improved alignment, increased moment of inertia (MOI) and adjustable weighting and adjustable balance and optimizable center of percussion. The putter head comprises a central face insert portion extending through the body and above the traditional weight flange, with mass relieved portions below the top of the alignment piece in order to receive one or more optional weights, and the upper side of the rearwardly extending portion being engraved or marked with various alignment indicia, and the whole through-head insert face portion and rearwardly extending portion being affixed to the base portion of the head at least in part with threaded fasteners. |
| US08616989B2 |
Method and system for athletic motion analysis and instruction
A system and method for analyzing and improving the performance of a body motion of an animal or human subject requires instrumenting a subject with inertial sensors, monitoring a body motion of interest, converting sensor data into motion data and animation, comparing the motion data with existing data for motion related performance parameters, providing a real-time, information rich, animation and data display of the results in color coded displays; and based on the results prescribing a training regime with exercises selected from a library of standardized exercises using standardized tools and training aids. |
| US08616986B2 |
Shaft coupling mechanism
A shaft coupling mechanism 1 for an electric power steering apparatus includes a coupling base body 3 coupled to a rotating shaft 2 on a side of an electric motor; a coupling base body 5 coupled to a steering shaft 4; rotation transmitting members 6 and 7 interposed between both coupling base bodies 3 and 5 and adapted to transmit the rotation of the rotating shaft 2 in an R direction to the steering shaft 4 through both coupling base bodies 3 and 5; an intermediate interposed member 8 interposed between the coupling base bodies 3 and 5; and a coupling means 9 for coupling the rotation transmitting members 6 and 7 to each other. |
| US08616984B2 |
Intelligent player tracking card and wagering token tracking techniques
Wireless communications among devices in a wager-based gaming environment are provided, including between an RFID-enabled player tracking card (or “smart card”) and an electronic wagering token. Wireless communications between the smart card and a plurality of electronic wagering tokens may be periodically initiated. Electronic wagering tokens which are detected as being within possession or control of a patron in possession of the smart card may be tracked during various events. Electronic wagering tokens which are within possession or control of the patron of the may be detected and identified. Token-owner association information which includes information relating to an ownership association between the patron and the electronic wagering token may be generated. |
| US08616983B2 |
Gaming machine adapted to receive bill and ticket data
A controller for a gaming machine, the controller adapted to receive data from a bill acceptor that may represent bill data or ticket data, the controller arranged to process the data and to output bill data to a game controller, and output ticket data to a ticket processing mechanism. |
| US08616980B2 |
Method and device for generating a game directory on an electronic gaming device
A method and a device for simplifying the forming of game parties in wireless communication networks is provided. A game directory is generated comprising all available (multi-player) games on a mobile device and exchanging said information between different gaming devices. Said game directory is generated by querying a memory accessible by said electronic gaming device for electronic games available for execution on, and generating a game directory having entries for each electronic game which is determined. Said game directory is then exchanged to visualize all available games to all potential game partners. |
| US08616976B2 |
Gaming via peer-to-peer networks
Providing a gaming service via an ad hoc peer-to-peer network involves configuring a device to offer a generic peer-to-peer gaming service that facilitates access to a plurality of specific networked games of the device. The device advertises the gaming service using a service discovery protocol of the network. Game play is facilitated via the gaming service. Accessing a gaming service via an ad hoc peer-to-peer network involves coupling a device to the network. The device discovers a generic peer-to-peer gaming service using a service discovery protocol of the network. The generic gaming service is offered by a peer device and facilitates access to a plurality of specific networked games of the peer device. The device selects a networked game from the plurality of specific networked games of the peer device, and play of the networked game occurs at least between the device and a peer device of the network. |
| US08616975B1 |
Proximity based games for mobile communication devices
A first wireless device including a communication module and a processor. The communication module is configured to detect a wireless signal from a target device. The processor is configured to determine a radial proximity of the first wireless devices to the target device based on a strength of the wireless signal. The processor is configured to execute a program. The program allows a user of the first wireless device to play a game with a second wireless device executing the program. The program is configured to generate a pictorial representation of the game on the first wireless device and the second wireless device. The processor is configured to alter the pictorial representation of the game on the first wireless device and the second wireless device based on the radial proximity of the first wireless device to the target device. |
| US08616974B2 |
Passive and active video game controllers with magnetic position sensing
Separate active and passive controllers each detect a generated magnetic field. The active controller phase corrects the detected magnetic field information transmitted from the passive controller and uses that to calculate the position and orientation of the passive controller. The active controller also phase corrects its own detected magnetic field information and uses that to calculate its position and orientation. The active controller transmits each of these calculated positions and orientations to a video game system directly or indirectly through the source of the generated magnetic field. The video game system is thus informed of the position and orientation of each of the active and passive controllers. Alternatively, the active controller creates a signal matrix using the phase corrected information and the position and orientation of a controller is calculated by either the source of the generated magnetic field or the video game system using the signal matrix. |
| US08616973B2 |
System and method for control by audible device
A system and method is provided for controlling a device through air pressure waves, or “sound”. The system and method involve receiving a sound and analyzing the sound to determine whether or not it has one or more predetermined characteristics. If it is determined that the sound does have one or more predetermined characteristics, at least one control signal is generated for the purpose of controlling at least one aspect of the device. |
| US08616967B2 |
System and method for convenience gaming
A convenience gaming system is provided. The convenience gaming system allows users to access applications via gaming communication devices coupled to a communication network. At least a portion of the network may be wireless. The gaming applications include gambling, financial, entertainment service, and other types of transactions. The system may include a user location determination feature to prevent users from conducting transactions from unauthorized areas. |
| US08616963B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device, and method for enabling a current bet to be placed on a future play of a wagering game
The gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein provide an opportunity for a player to place a replay wager for a group or set of a plurality of plays of a wagering game. In one embodiment, the replay wager activates a replay feature which the player can use a designated number of times (such as one time) over the plurality of plays of the wagering game. The player's use of the replay feature causes the gaming system to redisplay the previous play of the wagering game, and provide any awards associated with the previous play of the wagering game. After the player uses the replay feature over each of the designated number (such as one) of the plurality of plays of the wagering game, the player cannot use the replay feature for any of the remaining plays of the plurality of plays of the wagering game. |
| US08616962B2 |
Gaming system having wagering features funded by extra-casino activities
A method of funding features of a wagering game, comprises receiving a first sum of money generated from extra-casino activity associated with at least one person and depositing the first sum into a feature fund. The method further comprises allocating the first sum to at least one account of the feature fund in accordance with a first rule set. The method further comprises, in response to a triggering event, withdrawing a second sum of money from the at least one account. The method further comprises funding at least one feature associated with the wagering game from the second sum of money and activating the funded feature. |
| US08616961B2 |
Apparatus and methods for implementing bonuses in gaming machine networks using weighted pay tables
Disclosed is a gaming system for awarding a bonus to a player of a wager-based game of chance. The gaming system includes one or more gaming devices in communication with one or more host devices over a network. The host device(s) are configured to: i) receive an indication of a bonus award to be provided to a player of the gaming device, ii) receive a selection parameter, and iii) select one of a plurality of weighted pay tables stored in a storage medium using the selection parameter. Each weighted pay table includes a plurality of awards and a plurality of probabilities. The host device(s) are further configured to: iv) randomly determine one of the plurality of awards in the selected weighted pay table in accordance with the plurality of probabilities, and v) provide the randomly determined award as the bonus award for the player. |
| US08616958B2 |
Discovery method and system for dynamically locating networked gaming components and resources
A slot management system including a download and configuration server-based sub-system and method is disclosed for use with game devices, systems, and methods is provided to enable users to monitor, control, and modify game devices and other related activities. A services discovery system and method is provided for providing dynamic access to gaming resources, services, and other components. |
| US08616954B2 |
Method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller
A gaming system, game controller and method of gaming implementing a game wherein one or more symbols are selected to be retained from a previous game outcome based on symbols which contribute to a winning symbol combination in the game outcome. One or more subsequent game outcomes can be generated including the retained symbols. The retained symbols from a previous game outcome can be selected from symbols which contribute to a winning symbols combination in the previous game outcome. In the subsequent game outcome, the retained symbols can contribute to further winning symbol combinations. |
| US08616952B1 |
Electronic gaming device with bingo poker
Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may utilize bingo mapping gaming options. The systems and methods may include bingo mapping functionality in a Class II environment. |
| US08616951B2 |
Gaming system and a method of gaming
A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a game implementer arranged to implement a game and to produce a game outcome, an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the game outcome corresponds to a winning outcome, and a win modification selector. The win modification selector is arranged to select a win modification identifier when a winning outcome exists from a plurality of win modification identifiers including a plurality of win multiply identifiers and at least one win reduce identifier. The gaming system also comprises a prize allocator arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a winning outcome exists and to modify the allocated prize using the selected win modification identifier. A corresponding method is also disclosed. |
| US08616949B2 |
Gaming machine accepting side bet and playing method thereof
In the gaming machine according to the present invention, an attribute of a card to be compared with an attribute of a player additional card is determined. In a case where a side bet is placed, a result of the side game is determined by determining whether or not the attribute of the player additional card is same as the determined attribute. The additional payout is offered based on the determined result of the side game. |
| US08616948B2 |
Multi-layered electronic puzzle
A system for generating an electronic puzzle for a user that includes a user interface; a processor in communication with the user interface; and a memory in communication with the processor. The processor is effective to receive a first image and a second set of images; break the first image into a plurality of first pieces; create a plurality of partitions corresponding to the first image and the second set of images, each partition defining an area. |
| US08616947B1 |
Method and system for conducting concurrent multi-venue multi-race multi-outcome progressive pari-mutuel wagering
A method and system for conducting concurrent multi-venue multi-race, multi-outcome, progressive pari-mutuel wagering allows players to pick the favorite in a prespecified number of races to win, place, and/or show. Players can pick manually, pick specific rows or columns, or utilize quick picks. Pools are seeded, wagers are pooled, and pool winners split pools. When pools aren't won, the amount in the pools transfer to the next pool. An operator interface allows specification of pool and pick types, pool size, ticket price, and pool distribution, including allocation of pool seed, progressive, and operator take. |
| US08616946B2 |
Game device, control method for game device, and information storage medium
A game situation information storage section (71) stores game situation information. A moving destination acquiring section (72) acquires one of a plurality of positions and a plurality of regions in a game space as a plurality of moving destinations to which a game character should be headed. A priority information acquiring section (74) acquires priority information about priorities of the plurality of moving destinations. A determining section (76) determines, while selecting in turn one of the plurality of moving destinations in an order determined based on the priority information, a game character to be moved to the selected one of the plurality of moving destinations from among the plurality of game characters based on a content stored in the game situation information storage section (71). A game character control section (78) controls movements of the plurality of game characters. |
| US08616945B2 |
Corn MOG separator
A corn MOG separator for an agricultural combine having a chopper for chopping MOG, the corn MOG separator being located after the chopper in the MOG flow stream and having a separating chamber for receiving the MOG and separating the lighter from the heavier components, the chamber having a mechanical decelerator for mechanically decelerating the corn MOG. |
| US08616944B2 |
Pressure relief valve for a vehicle body
A pressure relief valve for relieving air pressure from an automotive vehicle interior. The pressure relief valve mounts on a valve mounting location that surrounds a body opening and includes flexible interleaved flaps and a securing mechanism. The flaps cover the body opening, with each of the flaps being generally triangular in shape and having an outer end adjacent to the valve mounting location and a pair of sides extending from the outer end inward to an inner corner, with the inner corners meeting to form a peak. The interleaved flaps form a generally pyramidal-shape that angles away from the automotive vehicle interior as the interleaved flaps extend inward from the outer ends toward the peak. The securing mechanism is secured to the radially outer ends of the flaps and to the valve mounting location. |
| US08616939B2 |
Detachable hand sander with replaceable abrasive sheet
The present invention refers to a constructive disposal in hand sander, more specifically, a hand sander with refill system for exchange of sandpaper sheet suitable for finishing operations and removal of excess material, for thinning of wall surfaces, wood, metal, etc. |
| US08616937B2 |
Running bases
The invention relates to running bases with improved speed and gliding characteristics when they run over water, snow or ice surfaces or artificial materials that mimic these surfaces. In particular the invention relates to a method comprising sequentially treating at least a portion of the running base with one or more abrasive materials having a progressively smaller particle size. |
| US08616936B2 |
Abrasive, method of polishing target member and process for producing semiconductor device
To polish polishing target surfaces of SiO2 insulating films or the like at a high rate without scratching the surface, the present invention provides an abrasive comprising a slurry comprising a medium and dispersed therein at least one of i) cerium oxide particles constituted of at least two crystallites and having crystal grain boundaries or having a bulk density of not higher than 6.5 g/cm3 and ii) abrasive grains having pores. Also provided are a method of polishing a target member and a process for producing a semiconductor which make use of this abrasive. |
| US08616935B2 |
Control of overpolishing of multiple substrates on the same platen in chemical mechanical polishing
A polishing method includes simultaneously polishing two substrates, a first substrate and a second substrate, on the same polishing pad. A default overpolishing time is stored and an in-situ monitoring system monitors the two substrates. The in-situ monitoring system further determines a first polishing endpoint time and a second polishing endpoint time of the first and second substrates, respectively. The polishing method further includes calculating an overpolishing stop time where the overpolishing stop time is between the first polishing endpoint time plus the default overpolishing time and the second polishing endpoint time plus the default overpolishing time. Polishing of the first substrate is continued past the first polishing endpoint time and polishing of the second substrate is continued past the second polishing endpoint time. Polishing of both the first substrate and the second substrate is halted simultaneously at the overpolishing stop time. |
| US08616932B2 |
Collapsible umbrella gym
A collapsible umbrella gym for an infant or toddler which is highly portable, and combines the desirable attributes of an activity arch and support mat such as an activity mat. The gym comprises a frame assembly which is selectively movable between collapsed and uncollapsed states. When in its fully deployed, uncollapsed state, the frame assembly assumes a configuration which provides the functional attributes of an activity gym or activity arch, with multiple toys or mobiles being suspended from the frame assembly at locations which are easily accessible to an infant or toddler lying underneath the frame assembly. |
| US08616931B2 |
Electron emitting element, electron emitting device, light emitting device, image display device, air blowing device, cooling device, charging device, image forming apparatus, electron-beam curing device, and method for producing electron emitting element
An electron emitting element of the present invention includes an electron acceleration layer between an electrode substrate and a thin-film electrode. The electron acceleration layer includes a binder component in which insulating fine particles and conductive fine particles are dispersed. Therefore, the electron emitting element of the present invention is capable of preventing degradation of the electron acceleration layer and can efficiently and steadily emit electrons not only in vacuum but also under the atmospheric pressure. Further, the electron emitting element of the present invention can be formed so as to have an improved mechanical strength. |
| US08616930B1 |
Depositing apparatus and method for manufacturing organic light emitting diode display using the same
A deposition apparatus includes a deposition source emitting a deposition material and an angle control member disposed on both sides of the deposition source and controlling an emission direction angle of the deposition material. The angle control member includes a housing having an internal space opened in an emission direction of the deposition material and a sliding member having a first end which is inserted into the internal space and a second end disposed on an emission path of the deposition material. The sliding member is movable forward and backward in the emission direction of the deposition material along the internal space. A method of manufacturing an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display which uses the deposition apparatus is also disclosed. |
| US08616925B2 |
Multi-contact terminal fitting
A multi-contact terminal fitting (T) has a plurality of resilient contact pieces (40) that extend from a rectangular tubular base (25) and can be brought into contact with an outer peripheral surface of a flat plate-shaped tab (11). The resilient contact pieces (40) extending from parts of the base (25) that have relatively high rigidity are narrow and those extending from less rigid parts of the base (25) are wider. |
| US08616924B2 |
Female terminal for connector
A female terminal includes an electric contact portion that has a cylindrical box portion and an elastic contact spring disposed in the inner part of the box portion. An abutment portion of the metal plate is disposed on the upper wall portion of the box portion, and an indent is formed, from the outside of the box portion, at the upper wall portion having the abutment portion disposed thereon. A projection portion is provided at the inside of the box portion, and an apex of the projection portion is made to be a contact portion with respect to the male terminal. |
| US08616920B2 |
Method and apparatus pertaining to movement of a SIM-card tray
An apparatus comprises an assembly and a SIM-card tray configured to move, at least partially, into and out of the assembly to thereby selectively electrically connect and disconnect a SIM card that is disposed in the SIM-card tray to and from at least one electrical connector. A biasing member automatically urges movement of the SIM-card tray with respect to at least one of moving the SIM-card tray into the assembly and out of the assembly. By one approach this biasing member comprises a spring. By one approach this spring can serve to both automatically urge movement of the SIM-card tray into the assembly and out of the assembly. These teachings will accommodate a SIM-card tray configured to accommodate a micro-SIM card. These teachings will also accommodate a personal communication device having the aforementioned components. |
| US08616918B2 |
Method of manufacturing electrical cable, and resulting product, with reduced required installation pulling force
Disclosed is type THHN cable having a reduced surface coefficient of friction, and the method of manufacture thereof, in which the central conductor core and insulating layer are surrounded by a nylon sheath. A high viscosity, high molecular weight silicone based pulling lubricant for THHN cable, or alternatively, erucamide or stearyl erucamide for small THHN gauge wire, is incorporated, by alternate methods, with the nylon material from which the outer sheath is extruded, and is effective to reduce the required pulling force on the cable during installation. |
| US08616914B2 |
Checkable plug-in connection and method for checking the connection state of a plug-in connection
The present application relates to a checkable plug-in connection comprising a plug having at least one latching element, a verification element which is secured to the plug via a connection element so as to be prevented from being removed, and a mating plug which can be connected to the plug and comprises at least one counter-latching element. The plug-in connection is configured so as to be able to pass from a pre-connection configuration, in which the verification element is prevented from being removed from the plug by the connection element and in which the plug and mating plug are separate from one another, into an end connection configuration, in which the counter-latching element is engaged with the at least one latching element and in which the plug and mating plug are prevented from being pulled apart. |
| US08616907B2 |
Test socket for testing electrical characteristics of a memory module
A test socket may include a socket frame, a plate, a socket pin and a link. The socket frame may have a slot configured to accept an object. The plate may be free to move in the slot along an inserting direction of the object to support a lower surface of the object. The socket pin may be movably arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the inserting direction of the object. The socket pin may selectively make contact with a tab of the object. A link may be pivotally connected to the socket pin and the plate. Thus, the socket pin of the test socket may avoid dragging along the tab of the object during insertion, and accordingly, the tab of the object may avoid damage. |
| US08616906B2 |
Flexible printed circuit connector
An engaged protrusion is formed in a flat cable connected to a connector. The housing of the connector has an engaging protrusion rising in front of the position in which the engaged protruding portion is arranged when the flat cable is connected. A reinforced metal fitting has a reinforced protrusion raised along the engaging protrusion. The rear surface of the engaging protrusion is positioned to the rear of the rear surface of the reinforced protrusion. The rear surface of the reinforced protrusion is formed so as to extend upward and forward. |
| US08616905B2 |
Connector having a top cap to create an electrical connection between an electrical cable and an electrical contact
A connector includes a cable tray configured to receive and retain a cable in a stable position and couple with a top cap configured to create an electrical connection with the cable as the top cap is manipulated in a predetermined manner while coupled with the cable tray. An upper surface of the cable tray is configured to receive the cable (e.g., while the cable is generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cable tray). The cable tray also includes a finger extending beyond the first end for some distance longitudinally. The finger includes a protrusion that protrudes to some extent in a transverse direction so that a cable-accommodating gap is defined between the protrusion and the first end. The protrusion is configured to bear against the cable and retain the cable in the stable position when the cable is inserted between the protrusion and the first end. |
| US08616902B2 |
Power supply device and power supply system for server rack
The power supply device includes a main bus-bar assembly, an assistant bus-bar assembly, and a plurality of connectors being electronically connected to the assistant bus-bar assembly. The main bus-bar assembly includes a first main bus-bar and a second main bus-bar attached to the first main bus-bar. The assistant bus-bar assembly includes a first assistant bus-bar and a second assistant bus-bar attached to the first assistant bus-bar. The first assistant bus-bar is electronically connected to the first main bus-bar, and the second assistant bus-bar is connected to the second main bus-bar. Each of the plurality of connector includes a first pin and a second pin. The first pin is engaged with the first assistant bus-bar, and the second pin is engaged with the second assistant bus-bar. |
| US08616896B2 |
Method and system for collection, aggregation and distribution of free-text information
An interactive computer system and method collects, aggregates and distributes information derived from free-text responses to questions. The system and method collect free-text responses from a subject user and aggregates them with free-text responses from other users. The system and method then uses these free-text responses in learning methodologies (such as temporal spacing) and styles to facilitate long-term learning and knowledge retention. |
| US08616893B2 |
Apparatus and method to improve toddler's steps and mobility
An apparatus is described that allows a table to be turned upside down so that a toddler can use the upright legs as grips and the horizontal cross support beams as obstacles to master the art of stepping over this obstacle height of the cross support beams. Once the art of stepping is mastered, the table is flipped upright to function as a table again. Several adjustments are added to a table so that the height of the cross support beams and length of the legs can be adjusted to provide a range of mastering possibilities when in the upside down position. When flipped upright, the surface of the table can have adjustable to have uniform height or a top that slants. |
| US08616886B2 |
Display for viewing colorswatches
Described herein is a color display for cosmetics. The color display has a partially transparent flap with color swatches placed thereon, which allows the user to view a color as it may appear on their body. |
| US08616885B2 |
System and method for creating ink art
A system, method and apparatus is disclosed for coloring a substantially wicking substrate comprising applying to a substantially wicking substrate an ink comprising a first dye and a second dye to define a region of reference; applying a first solvent to the substantially wicking substrate to move the first dye and the second dye within the body of the substantially wicking substrate; moving the two dyes in a defined direction to carry the two dyes outside of the defined region to color an area of the wicking substrate to color at least a portion of the substantially wicking substrate. |
| US08616880B2 |
Compressible composite shaping instrument
A compressible dental instrument to non-impressively adapt restorative material through compression comprises a handle portion (2), having a docking aperture (4) to interface with a highly compressible foam insert (10) with a docking extrusion and a tip holder (14) having highly compressible tip (16). A user can dock both to compressively adapt composite resin to a tooth's surface by first applying a restorative to a tooth and second applying the compressible portion to the restorative. Applied pressure compresses the tip to non-impressively micro manipulate composite resin. |
| US08616878B2 |
Adhesive label manufacturing device and adhesive label manufacturing method
A heat-sensitive adhesive label manufacturing device has a thermal head for heating and thermally activating the heat-sensitive adhesive layer of a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet, and a platen roller for conveying the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet between the platen roller and the thermal head to transport the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in a transport direction. At least one discharge roller is disposed on a downstream side of the thermal activation section and is configured to undergo rotation at a peripheral speed different from a peripheral speed of the platen roller to convey the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet in the transport direction. A guide member is disposed opposite and spaced apart from the at least one discharge roller to provide a space therebetween along which the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is conveyed by the at least one discharge roller without being sandwiched between the at least one discharge roller and the guide member. |
| US08616877B2 |
Method for preheating cement raw meal, and device for carrying out said method
In a method for the preheating of cement raw meal for the production of cement-clinker, in which the cement raw meal is conveyed towards the feed side of a cement clinker kiln (1) in at least one heat exchanger-line in counter flow to hot gases, the hot gases are drawn off via at least a first heat exchanger (2) connected with the feed end of the cement clinker kiln (1) and via heat exchanger-lines (3,4) following this first heat exchanger (2) and being parallel to each other. The device for carrying out said method is characterized in that heat exchanger-lines (3,4) arranged in parallel to each other are connected to at least a first heat exchanger (2) joined to the feed end of the cement clinker kiln. |
| US08616876B2 |
Kit for a machine for injection-moulding moulded parts
The invention concerns a kit for a machine for the injection moulding of moulded parts, the moulding machine comprising a first platen and a second platen, the kit comprising: a first support plate intended to be fixed to the said first platen; a second support plate intended to be fixed to the said second platen, the two platens being designed to be able to move with respect to each other by sliding so as to adopt successively an open position and a closed position; for the first support plate, at least one barrel of a first type, mounted so as to able to move in rotation on the said first support plate about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the said first support plate, and carrying at least two cavities; for the second support plate, at least one barrel of a second type, mounted so as to be able to move in rotation on said second support plate about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the said second support plate, and carrying at least two cavities. |
| US08616870B2 |
Optical media production system and method for controlling same
A nano-imprinting system may be configured to at least one of transport, emboss, coat and slit an optical media according to operational parameters. A control system may be configured to detect one or more attributes of the optical media that result from at least one of the embossing and coating of the optical media, and to adjust at least one of the operational parameters based on the detected one or more attributes. |
| US08616865B2 |
Chemical liquid feeding device
A chemical liquid feeding device for feeding chemical liquid used in a semiconductor fabrication process. The device includes three or more pumps arranged in a line. Each pump has different time points of suction stroke and discharge stroke so that the chemical liquid can be fed uniformly without pulsation. |
| US08616861B2 |
Super efficient regulator
A system for producing mechanical energy. In some embodiments, the system includes a first source providing a first fluid, a fluid pressurization device, a second source supplying a second fluid, a first motor, and a second motor. The fluid pressurization device draws in the first fluid from the first source and increases the pressure of the first fluid. The first motor is driven by the second fluid, the second fluid decreasing in pressure and the first motor powering the fluid pressurization device as the second fluid passes through the first motor. The second motor receives a mixture of the first fluid from the first motor and the second fluid from the fluid pressurization device, whereby the second motor produces the mechanical energy. |
| US08616860B2 |
System and method for reducing compressor noise
A noise reduced compressor has a body, an energy dissipation element, and a structural element configured to retain the energy dissipation element relative to the body. A noise reducer for an HVAC system compressor has an energy dissipation element and a structural element connected to the energy dissipation element. A method of reducing compressor noise includes disposing an energy dissipation element between a body of the compressor and a structural element and compressing the energy dissipation element against between the body of the compressor using the structural element. |
| US08616856B2 |
Air compressor of water injection type
In a water injection air compressor including a compressor main body for compressing air, a water-feed line for feeding water to an actuation chamber in the compressor main body, an air release valve for releasing the compressed air from the compressor main body, and a control panel for executing an on-load operation mode in which water is fed into the actuation chamber and an air release valve is closed and a no-load operation mode in which the water is fed into the actuation chamber and the air release valve is opened, wherein the control panel further executes a dry operation mode in which the water is prevented from being fed into the actuation chamber and with the air release valve is opened. |
| US08616853B2 |
Stator vane for 3D composite blower
A method of fabricating a guide vane. The method produces a fiber preform by 3D weaving a single piece, the preform including a first portion extending along the longitudinal axis and constituting the preform for an airfoil of the vane, and at a longitudinal end of the first portion, a second portion constituting the preform for the platform of the vane, the second portion being produced as a first layer and a second layer facing the first layer and separated from the first layer by unlinking without cutting while producing the preform; folding the first and second layers such that each of them lies in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, substantially symmetrically to each other relative to the first portion, and such that a first region of the first layer covers a second region of the second layer in front of a front edge of the first portion; conforming the preform in a mold; and densifying the preform with a polymer matrix. |
| US08616851B2 |
Multi-alloy article, and method of manufacturing thereof
An article includes a first section extending from an outer periphery to a predetermined surface located inward from the outer periphery. The first section comprises a nanostructured ferritic alloy. The article includes a second section extending from an inner periphery to the predetermined surface located outward from the inner periphery. The second section comprises at least one other alloy different from the nanostructured ferritic alloy. |
| US08616850B2 |
Gas turbine engine blade mounting arrangement
A mounting arrangement for a gas turbine engine blade having a root employs a lightweight, simple and economical leaf spring spacer which biases the blade root in a radially outward direction to minimize unwanted movement of the root within a conforming slot in a blade hub under conditions such as windmilling when centrifugal force alone is inadequate to tightly seal the root within the slot. |
| US08616848B2 |
Turbine blade damping device with controlled loading
A damping structure for a turbomachine rotor. The damping structure includes an elongated snubber element including a first snubber end rigidly attached to a first blade and extending toward an adjacent second blade, and an opposite second snubber end defining a first engagement surface positioned adjacent to a second engagement surface associated with the second blade. The snubber element has a centerline extending radially inwardly in a direction from the first blade toward the second blade along at least a portion of the snubber element between the first and second snubber ends. Rotational movement of the rotor effects relative movement between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface to position the first engagement surface in frictional engagement with the second engagement surface with a predetermined damping force determined by a centrifugal force on the snubber element. |
| US08616842B2 |
Columnar air moving devices, systems and method
A columnar air moving device can comprise separately formed modular stator vanes in a stator vane assembly. The stator vanes can be arranged in a radial pattern, and can direct air in an axial direction. The modular stator vanes, as well as other components of the stator vane assembly, can be replaced, adjusted, and/or removed from the columnar air moving device. |
| US08616839B2 |
Turbine shell with pin support
A turbine is provided and includes a turbine shell including shrouds at multiple stages thereof, and constraining elements, disposed at least at first through fourth substantially regularly spaced perimetrical locations around the turbine shell, which are configured to concentrically constrain the shrouds of the turbine shell. |
| US08616834B2 |
Gas turbine engine airfoil integrated heat exchanger
A heat exchanger apparatus includes: (a) an airfoil having opposed pressure and suction sides, a root, a tip, and spaced-apart leading and trailing edges; and (b) a plenum integrally formed within the airfoil which is configured to receive a flow of circulating working fluid; and (c) inlet and outlet ports communicating with the plenum and an exterior of the airfoil. |
| US08616831B2 |
Simplified housing for a fuel cell compressor
A compressor includes a shaft assembly including a thrust disk disposed on a main shaft and a housing having a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions adapted to receive the shaft assembly and enclose the shaft assembly therebetween, wherein the shaft assembly is rotatably disposed within the housing, and wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion includes a shaft assembly retention feature for receiving the thrust disk to regulate a motion of the shaft assembly. |
| US08616828B2 |
Adjustable loop rotor air cooler and fuel gas heater
A cooling system for turbine engines for controlling cooling of rotor cooling air and heating of fuel gas is disclosed. The cooling system may be formed from a housing formed from a main plenum, a rotor air cooler positioned at least partially in the main plenum and a fuel gas heater positioned at least partially in the main plenum downstream from rotor air cooler. The cooling system may include a by-pass plenum for returning used cooling air back to a region upstream of the rotor air cooler. An exhaust fluid control device may control fluid flow out of the first exhaust opening at the second end of the main plenum, and a by-pass fluid control device may control fluid flow into the by-pass inlet opening of the by-pass plenum. The control devices and a fan may control circulation of cooling fluids through the main plenum. |
| US08616820B2 |
Double dual slot load lock chamber
Provided herein is a double dual slot load lock chamber. The double dual slot load lock chamber includes two isolated load lock regions that are vertically stacked and share a common wall, wherein each isolated load lock region comprises two substrate slots. |
| US08616818B2 |
Gripping washer having one or more deformable gripping tabs and method for reducing foreign object debris
A gripping washer includes a washer body having first and second rigid support surfaces. A fastener hole extends between the first and second rigid support surfaces. An inner washer perimeter extends around the fastener hole. One or more elastomeric gripping tabs are coupled with the inner washer perimeter. The one or more elastomeric gripping tabs extend inwardly into the fastener hole from the inner washer perimeter. The elastomeric gripping tabs are pliable relative to the first and second rigid support surfaces of the washer body and deform and grip the washer with a fastener passed through the fastener hole. By gripping a fastener with the elastomeric gripping tabs the gripping washer is anchored to the fastener and substantially prevents decoupling of the gripping washer from the fastener prior to installation (e.g., fastening with a work piece). Gripping of the fastener with the gripping washer thereby minimizes foreign object debris. |
| US08616817B2 |
Screw nail
The present invention relates to a screw nail (1) for connecting plane components in dry construction by means of an automatic nailer, in particular for fixing surface elements onto a metallic substructure, the screw nail having a shaft (2) on one end region of which a head (3), and on the other end of which a hole formation region (5) extending to a point (4) or to a shape similar to a point (5) are formed, the shaft (2) being provided with a knurling (6), wherein the shaft (2) has a first knurling section (6a), in particular in a region of the shaft (2) adjacent to the hole formation region (5) in which the knurling (6) extends substantially parallel to a central axis of the shaft (2), and at least one second knurling section (6a) adjacent to the latter, in which an angle of elevation (5) of the knurling (6) formed between the central axis of the shaft (2) and the knurling (6) increasing constantly towards the head (3). |
| US08616815B2 |
Fastener
A fastener (2) comprising an elongate core (4) and made of titanium or titanium alloy, and a sleeve (6) made of a different material and having an external thread (26), the core (4) being disposed within the sleeve (6) and fixed with respect to the sleeve (6). |
| US08616811B2 |
Articulating drill method and apparatus for cutting openings in nested strings of underwater piping and/or tubing for overturned wells or platforms
A method and apparatus for angularly drilling during a tapping procedure into a pressurized multiple strings of coaxially situated tubulars for wells and/or platforms which have overturned wherein the tapping occurs underwater via a diver or remotely operated vehicle. |
| US08616810B2 |
Indexable insert
An indexable insert having two main faces (1) that face away from one another and that each have a full-perimeter cutting edge (3) at the face periphery, and having a chip step (6) adjoining the cutting edge (3), having a continuously curved surface. |
| US08616808B2 |
Machine tool having adjustable plate element
The main body (12) of a machine tool (10) comprises a plate seat (18) having a plate element (16) arranged thereon. The plate element (16) has at least one plate edge (38), which protrudes freely to the outside over the plate seat (18) and rests against a bottom support surface of the plate seat (18). The plate element (16) can be fixed to the plate seat (18) by way of a bolt (20) extending through a bore hole in the plate element (16). A first brace (22) for the plate element (16) is provided on the plate seat (18), said brace having a support surface (34) against which the plate element (16) rests non-positively with a lateral plate surface. A further brace (24) is designed on the plate seat (18) for a lateral plate surface of the plate element (16) to rest against non-positively. In order to adjust the plate edge (38) of the plate element (16), an adjustment device (30) is associated with at least one brace (22) and enables the brace (22) to be raised and lowered with respect to the bottom support surface of the plate seat (18). A linear guide (50) is provided for said at least one brace (22), said guide absorbing the forces and torque occurring during the adjustment of the plate element (16) and introducing them into the main body (12) of the machine tool (10). |
| US08616800B2 |
Ball joint, and ball joint production method
A ball joint and production method thereof that ensure that grease retainers are provided on the entire contact surface of a resin sheet between an outer surface of a round head of a ball stud and the contact surface to properly maintain lubrication between the round head and the resin sheet. Graphite particles are dispersed over an inner surface of the resin sheet, and the resin sheet and the round head of the ball stud are inserted in a housing. An open end portion of a housing body is swaged to be reduced in diameter. The graphite particles are pressed against the inner surface of the resin sheet, whereby portions of the inner surface of the resin sheet against which the graphite particles abut are depressed. Thus, gaps are formed around the respective graphite particles. Grease enters the gaps, which each function as a grease retainer. |
| US08616799B2 |
Ball and socket joint for a vehicle
A ball and socket joint which comprises a joint ball which is enclosed and rotationally supported by a ball socket. The ball socket has two socket parts that move axially relative to one another, and the socket parts act on opposite sides of the joint ball in the axial direction. An adjusting device has a transmission and drive by which the socket parts can be moved toward one another in the axial direction and exert pressure on the joint ball. The transmission comprises a first part which has tracks that rise in the axial direction and curve around a rotational axis oriented in the axial direction and in which a ball is guided. A second part, which contacts the balls, is disposed between the transmission parts in the axial direction. The balls and the first part can be rotated relative to one another about the rotational axis by the drive. |
| US08616794B2 |
Recording media transportation control method and printer
In a printer that prints to continuous paper, starting to backfeed the recording paper for printing the next print job before the user cuts the previously printed page can be prevented. The printer prints while conveying recording paper delivered from fanfold paper through a transportation path, and after printing cuts the recording paper using a cutter disposed near the paper exit. When printing ends, the control unit positions the perforation at the trailing end of the printed page to a cutting position, and sets a tear-off state holding the recording paper where positioning was completed. When new print data is received while in the tear-off state, the recording paper transportation operation is prohibited and the tear-off state is continued until a preset delay time passes. When the delay time has passed, the recording paper is immediately fed back and indexed for the next print job. |
| US08616792B2 |
Printing apparatus including plural printheads and a pinch roller arrangement
A thermal printer includes a first thermal head, a first platen roller, first biasing means, a second thermal head, a second platen roller, and second biasing means. The first thermal head, the first platen roller, the first biasing means are in contact with a heat-sensitive layer of thermal recording paper. The second thermal head, the second platen roller, and the second biasing means are in contact with a heat-sensitive layer of the thermal recording paper. The second thermal head is arranged on the upstream side of the first thermal head in a paper feed direction. A paper feed speed of the first platen roller to the thermal recording paper is larger than a paper feed speed of the second platen roller. The first platen roller is in contact with the thermal recording paper while being more slippery compared with the second platen roller. |
| US08616788B2 |
Optical transceiver with a shield member between two OSAS
An optical transceiver provides a TOSA, a ROSA, a base member, a circuit board and a shield member. The shield member is formed by cutting and bending a metal sheet without welding or soldering. The shield member includes a center partition and a pair of sides, which forms two spaces each receiving the TOSA or the ROSA. The center partition has a V-shaped cross section which is able to be inserted into a cut of the circuit board so as to shield the ROSA from the TOSA. The shield member provides a frame ground by being in the bottom of the center partition in contact with the base member and also in contact with the cover. |
| US08616786B2 |
Device, system and method for optical fiber networks
The present invention relates to a device, system and method for construction of and use in optical fiber networks, such as an Air Blown Fiber (ABF) system. An optical device comprising a housing having arranged therein an optical fiber attachment is provided. Further, an optical transceiver having a port adapted for coupling light to/from an optical fiber attached to the optical fiber attachment, and an electrical interface connected to the optical transceiver are arranged in the housing, and the housing has a form factor adapted for air blown fiber systems. Further a method for constructing a fiber network is provided by blowing an optical device through a duct and connecting the optical device to a docking station. |
| US08616784B2 |
Optical connector with a screw portion and method of assembling the optical connector
An optical connector that is assembled onto a terminal of an optical fiber cable including tension bodies. The optical connector includes a housing, a ferrule that is provided in the housing, and a fixing cap that is mounted on the housing. The housing includes a fixing portion of which an outer peripheral surface is provided with a screw portion. While the tension bodies leading from the terminal of the optical fiber cable are interposed between the housing and the fixing cap, the fixing cap is screwed onto and fixed to the fixing portion. |
| US08616779B2 |
Shortened driveshaft stem
A wheel assembly for a motor vehicle, which includes a driveshaft member with a shortened stem portion. The wheel assembly also includes a bearing arrangement with an asymmetric configuration. An outboard bearing row may be disposed radially further from a central axis of a hub member than an inboard bearing row, and may have a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the inboard bearing row. An outboard end of the stem portion may be generally aligned in the axial direction with the outboard bearing row. The stem portion length may approximately correspond to the bearing assembly length. Contact angles of a bearing assembly may be configured to distribute force over the wheel assembly. A fastening member may engage an outboard end of the stem portion and apply force to the hub member at a location inboard of the outboard bearing row. |
| US08616773B2 |
Hybrid cross axis ball joint bushing
An elastomeric bushing includes an inner component, first, second and third elastomeric or plastic members and an outer component. The first elastomeric or plastic member is disposed over the inner component. The second elastomeric or plastic member is disposed over the first elastomeric or plastic member. The third elastomeric or plastic member is disposed over the second elastomeric or plastic member. The outer component is disposed over the third elastomeric or plastic member. |
| US08616772B1 |
Conformal wear-resistant bearing assembly
Bearing apparatus includes: (a) a first member comprising rigid material and having a bore defining a first contact surface; (b) a second member disposed in the bore, the second member comprising rigid material and having a cylindrical surface defining a second contact surface; (c) wherein both contact surfaces are wear-resistant, and wherein the first and second members are positioned relative to each other by a plurality of protruding bearing elements contacting at least one of the first and second contact surfaces, so as to transfer mechanical loads between the members, each bearing element including a raised central portion flanked by a pair of beam portions, while allowing relative translation and/or rotation between the members; and (e) wherein the bearing elements are shaped and sized so as to deform elastically and conform in an irregular shape to the at least one contact surface. |
| US08616768B2 |
Pleated stand-up packaging pouch, pleated stand-up packaging body, feed roll for pleated stand-up packaging body, and method of manufacturing pleated stand-up packaging body
A pleated stand-up packaging pouch has a rib in a pinch form which is formed by adhering inner faces of end edges of the packaging material and at least one pleat which is formed by folding the pleated stand-up packaging material in a three-ply strip form in the orthogonal direction to its longitudinal direction and adhering inner faces of the folded portions, and is characterized in that the pleat formed on an edge between a folded bottom face portion and a peripheral portion extends from the peripheral portion in the same plane as the peripheral portion, and the bottom face portion and an upper end of an underside face of the pleat form a substantially right angle, and the pleat has a cut-off portion at the portion where the pleat and the rib cross. |
| US08616767B2 |
Equine foot imaging platform and method
An imaging platform assembly is used to support a hoofed animal, especially horses, during a foot imaging process. The platform assembly includes a platform and flush mounted turntables that allow the animal's feet to rotate under the animal's power, thereby allowing the animal to assume a more natural stance. By allowing this rotation, the animal less likely to cause trouble during the imaging process. One or more of the turntables include a slot that is configured to support an image capturing device, such as an x-ray cartridge. One to all of the animal's feet may be on turntables, depending on the platform configuration. |
| US08616765B2 |
Thermocouple
A thermocouple for use in a semiconductor processing reaction is described. The thermocouple includes a sheath having a measuring tip and an opening at the opposing end. A support member that receives a portion of a first wire and a second wire is received within the sheath. The first and second wires form a junction that contacts the inner surface of the sheath at the measuring tip. A spacing member is secured at the opening of the sheath and receives the support member. The spacing member allows the support member, first wire, and second wire to freely thermally expand relative to each other without introducing compression or tension stresses therein. |
| US08616764B2 |
Method for testing a thermography apparatus, designed for carrying out a thermography method, for its correct operation, test component therefor and method for its production
A test component coated with a coating system is provided. In at least one defined region of the test component, there is a delamination having defined properties deliberately introduced into the coating system. The test component may be employed in a method for testing a thermography apparatus that is designed for carrying out a thermography method, for its correct operation with a view to the detection of delaminations. In order to test the thermography apparatus, the at least one defined delamination of the coating system is detected on the test component by using the thermography method employed in the thermography apparatus. |
| US08616763B2 |
Stand mixer wiping beater with additional features
A mixing beater for a stand mixer includes a metallic frame having an arm, a plastic shell extending over the arm, and a scraper that extends over the plastic shell. The scraper has a wiping blade configured to contact an inner surface of a mixing bowl of the stand mixer. |
| US08616762B2 |
Automatic pot stirrer
An automatic pot stirrer is provided that has a mount assembly. The mount assembly is mounted on a pot plate having slider clamps. The slider clamps engage the rim of the pot and are designed to accommodate differently dimensioned pots. The mount assembly supports a shaft that is operatively coupled to a motor at one end and threaded to a block at the other end. The block has opposed first and second block end walls and opposed first and second block paddle walls to which are connected paddles. The first and second block paddle walls may be disposed at about a forty-five degree angle to a second block end wall. The paddles are disposed at about a forty-five degree angle to the second block end wall such that the paddles lift food product from the bottom of the pot during operation of the automatic pot stirrer. |
| US08616758B2 |
Mixer drum driving device
A mixer drum driving device includes a hydraulic motor that rotates a mixer drum, a first hydraulic pump that is driven by an engine to be capable of supplying working oil to the hydraulic motor, an electric motor, a power supply connected to the electric motor, a second hydraulic pump capable of supplying the working oil to the hydraulic motor on the basis of a driving force of the motor, and a flow dividing valve that divides the working oil discharged from the first hydraulic pump and supplies the working oil to the hydraulic motor and the second hydraulic pump. The second hydraulic pump is configured to rotate the electric motor using the working oil. The electric motor is configured to generate electric power so as to charge the power supply when driven to rotate by the second hydraulic pump. |
| US08616757B2 |
Slidable luminaire connectors
Embodiments of the invention provide for a linear lighting system with a plurality of discrete light sources. Other embodiments of the invention include heat dissipation techniques and apparatus for a linear light system. Other embodiments of the invention include a two component lighting system that includes rails and nodes. In some embodiments, the lighting and control aspects can be divided between the rail and node. In yet other embodiments a linear lens providing a unique photometric distribution is provided. |
| US08616752B2 |
Backlight unit and display device therewith
A backlight unit includes a bottom cover, a first heat sink portion disposed on the bottom cover, a second heat sink portion extended upward with respect to the first heat sink portion, and at least a portion of a light emission module placed in at least one recess or at least one hole of the first heat sink portion, and the light emission module disposed on the second heat sink portion. |
| US08616750B2 |
Backlight module and display device using the same
A backlight module including a first casing, a light guiding member, a light source and a limiting structure is provided. The first casing has a top portion and a first side portion connected to the top portion. The light guiding member is located at an inner side of the first side portion and has a light incident surface and a top surface. The light source is located at the inner side of the first side portion and is disposed adjacent to the light guiding member. The light source has a light emitting surface facing the light incident surface. The limiting structure is protruded from a wall below the top portion and located above at least part of the light source and at least part of the top surface of the light guiding member. |
| US08616747B2 |
Light source apparatus
A light source apparatus includes: a white LED that emits light including a first wavelength band and a second wavelength band; a violet LED that emits light in a third wavelength band, and a rotating disk including a filter that transmits light in the first wavelength band. The light source apparatus also includes a rotating disk drive section that changes a position of the rotating disk so that if a normal observation mode is selected, the filter is retracted from an optical path of the light emitted from the white LED, if a narrow band observation mode is selected, a filter is continuously inserted in the optical path of the light emitted from the white LED, and if a twin mode is selected, the filter is intermittently inserted in the optical path of the light emitted from the white LED. |
| US08616746B2 |
Optical element and light-emitting device
Provided are an optical element and a light-emitting device with which the illuminated area can be expanded in spite of a small light-emitting area, and that also enable the device to be downsize. The light-emitting device is equipped with sheet-like light-guide sections (a first light-guide section and a second light-guiding section) for guiding light, and a light-emitting member for emitting light. The second light-guide section has a prism section with a saw tooth-like cross-section for changing the direction of the light guided to one of its surfaces. In the prism section, the angle of incidence at which parallel light guided to the second light guide section enters reflective surface of saw teeth at positions away from the LED is set to be greater than the angle of incidence (δ) at which the light enters the reflective surface of the saw teeth at the side toward the LED. In addition, in the prism section, the angle of protrusion of the saw teeth at positions away from the LED is set to be greater than the angle of protrusion of the saw teeth at the side toward the LED. |
| US08616745B2 |
Electronic device for positioning light guiding element
The electronic device includes a first cover, a second cover, a light guiding element, and a PCB. A first blocking rib is formed on a bottom of the first cover. A retaining panel extends from the bottom and includes a hook at a distal end thereof. The second cover includes a second blocking rib. The PCB is positioned between the two covers. A light source is mounted on the PCB. A light guiding element includes a flat panel and two sidewalls extending from the flat panel. The hook engages with the end surface of the first sidewall. The first blocking rib and the retaining panel abut against opposite sides of the light guiding element. The second blocking rib abuts against the end surface of the second sidewall. The light guiding element is coupled to the light source and configured to transmit the light from the light source. |
| US08616741B2 |
Vehicle headlamp
A vehicle headlamp is provided with: a reflector having reflecting surfaces made of a parabola-based free curved face; and semiconductor-type light sources having a light emitting chip shaped like a planar rectangle. The reflecting surfaces 2U, 2D are made up of: a first reflecting surface forming a high luminous intensity zone; a second reflecting surface forming a middle luminous intensity zone; and a third reflecting surface forming a low luminous intensity zone. As a result, the vehicle headlamp allows downsizing, weight reduction, and cost reduction. In addition, precision of assembling optical elements can be improved. |
| US08616737B2 |
Backlight assembly and display apparatus having the same
A backlight assembly includes a light guiding plate, a light source and a bottom receiving plate. The light source is disposed at a first side of the light guiding plate. The bottom receiving plate includes a bottom surface and a side wall to form a receiving space in which at least a portion of the light guiding plate is placed. The bottom surface is smaller than a lower surface of the light guiding plate and has a plurality of openings formed through the bottom surface. The side wall extends from the bottom surface. |
| US08616735B2 |
Light surround
A light emitter has a light surround about the emitter formed from silicone having internally encapsulated plant materials. |
| US08616732B2 |
Light-emitting device and illumination device
According to one embodiment, a light-emitting device comprises a substrate on a surface of which a light-emitting element is mounted, a light reflection layer formed on a second area of the surface of the substrate other than a first area on which the light-emitting element is mounted, and a sealing member sealing the light-emitting element. An engagement protrusion part protruding toward the sealing member is provided at an edge part of the light reflection layer at which the light reflection layer is in contact with the area on which the light-emitting element is mounted. The engagement protrusion part juts out into the sealing member to prevent exfoliation of the sealing member. |
| US08616723B2 |
Fluorescence-like LED illumination unit and applications thereof
A fluorescence-like light emitting diode (LED) illumination unit is provided, which includes a radiator, an LED substrate fixed on the radiator, and multiple LED illuminants encapsulated on the LED substrate. A first surface of the radiator is in the shape of a paraboloid with reflective effect. A bar-shaped convex lens with radial converging effect is disposed in the space surrounded by the paraboloid. The bar-shaped convex lens is located in front of the multiple LED illuminants and radially converges part of light rays emitted by the multiple LED illuminants but axially diffuses them. The illumination unit completely solves the problems such as exposure of spotted light sources, small irradiation angle of a light path, beaded light spots of the LED light sources as the lamp illuminant, visual dizziness caused by multiple projections formed by irradiating an irradiated object with a multi-point light source, dazzling light rays, and the like in an existing LED illumination lamp. The illumination unit emits more uniform and soft light rays, with a higher brightness in an irradiated region and a light emitting mode which is basically not different from that of a conventional daylight lamp, and meets the long-term using habit and approval of people. Various applications of the fluorescence-like LED illumination unit are further provided. |
| US08616721B1 |
Solar awning and method
A solar awning system is provided with a spool housing containing a sheet of flexible solar light array material rolled into a spool within the spool housing. The spool is rotatably mounted for spooling and unspooling the flexible sheet to and from the spool housing. The spool housing may be attached to a wall or other object or mounted on supports to quickly provide a shaded and lighted region at a desired location. The flexible sheet is quickly retracted into the spool housing to pack up, whereupon the spool housing protects the flexible solar light array material for subsequent use. |
| US08616720B2 |
Linkable linear light emitting diode system
A linkable linear light emitting diode (LED) system provides apparatus and method for mechanically, optically, and electrically linking multiple LED modules disposed over a wide and separated area of a ceiling system. Openings can be cut in ceiling tiles of a drop ceiling system and the LED lighting modules are coupled to the tile through the opening, with the tile being sandwiched between different portions of the module. A remote driver system is placed within the drop ceiling above the tiles and provide multiple connectors for powering a multitude of lighting modules. Certain of the LED lighting modules include both input and output connectors for both receiving power or data and providing power or data to other modules. In this manner, some of the modules act as master LED lighting modules and those receiving power and/or data therefrom are act as slave modules. |
| US08616717B2 |
Illuminating apparatus with reduced glare
An illuminating apparatus includes a light source unit including a plurality of LED packages, a first prism plate arranged on the plurality of LED packages and having a prism pattern formed thereon, and a second prism plate provided on the first prism plate, and arranged such that a lengthwise direction of a prism pattern formed on the second prism plate crosses a lengthwise direction of the prism pattern of the first prism plate. A triangular shape in a cross-section of the prism pattern of each of the first and second prism plates is an isosceles triangle, and a height H and a bottom side length L of the isosceles triangle satisfy the following conditions that 0.1L≦H≦0.2L. |
| US08616713B2 |
Drive unit for mirror adjustment mechanism
A drive unit for a mirror adjustment mechanism includes a housing and a drive motor mounted in the housing for driving a drive train. In an embodiment, the drive train comprises a planetary gear system. The drive train may include a coupling to the housing and, in an embodiment, the coupling may comprise a ratchet coupling. Further, in an embodiment, the housing and the drive train may be provided with a ratchet element. |
| US08616706B2 |
Illumination device, projection display, and direct-view display
An illumination device includes: a first light source; a first beam spread angle changing element; an integrator; and a first small-amplitude oscillation element, in which the integrator is configured of a first fly-eye lens and a second fly-eye lens, optical magnification of an optical system configured of the first beam spread angle changing element and the first and second fly-eye lenses, and a shape of the first small-amplitude oscillation element are determined to allow a size of each light source image formed on the second fly-eye lens by each cell of the first fly-eye lens not to exceed a size of one cell of the second fly-eye lens, an amount of displacement of each light source image by oscillation amplitude of the first small-amplitude oscillation element is determined not to form the light source image over a plurality of cells of the second fly-eye lens. |
| US08616705B2 |
Light source device and projection display method
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for a projection system using a solid-state light source and a color wheel. A set of primary light sources (such as RGB light source) with a light source controller is utilized to replace the UHP lamp. The color wheel has multiple color filter segments that are sequentially disposed on the path of the light when the wheel rotates. Based on a sync signal received from the rotating color wheel, the light source controller sequentially turns the primary light sources on and off in accordance with the sequence of the color filter segments of the color wheel. During each of the spoke periods, to generate a varying mixture of the two color lights, at least two primary color light sources are turned on simultaneously. |
| US08616702B2 |
Hybrid laser ophthalmoscope
Provided is a hybrid laser ophthalmoscope comprising a laser light source, a LED light source, and a holographic diffuser, wherein the holographic diffuser is configured to shape a beam of light into a Maxwellian ring. |
| US08616697B2 |
Electromagnetic wave irradiation device and image formation apparatus
An electromagnetic wave irradiation device includes an irradiator which irradiates electromagnetic waves onto a liquid droplet which has been adhered to a recording medium, an irradiation controller which causes the irradiator to irradiate the electromagnetic waves periodically such that a frequency of an irradiation period in which the electromagnetic waves are irradiated is a predetermined frequency, and a time setting unit which sets a time ratio obtained by dividing a length of an irradiation time by the irradiator in the irradiation period by a length of a termination time during which the electromagnetic waves are not irradiated by the irradiator in the irradiation period to be a value of greater than or equal to 0.2 and less than or equal to 2. |
| US08616696B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes: a recording head that ejects liquid onto a recording medium; a transporting device that transports the recording medium along a supporting surface; and a preheating device that preheats the recording medium to the upstream side of the recording head in a transporting direction of the recording medium, in which the preheating device includes a preheating unit that increases the amount of heat per unit time which is applied to the recording medium, as the recording medium is moved toward the downstream side in the transporting direction. |
| US08616691B2 |
Gas removal from a fluid delivery system
Systems and methods of automatically bleeding air from a primary ink delivery system, so little or no air is mixed with the ink once it reaches a secondary ink system containing print heads. An air bleeder return assembly with a flow restrictor orifice that is configured to remove air from ink pumped to the carriage of print heads, thereby minimizing jet dropouts. Additionally, this setup provides the added advantage of the ability to run the bulk bags dry without ingesting large quantities of air to the ink delivery system. |
| US08616679B2 |
Inkjet printer
An inkjet printer is provided. The inkjet printer includes: an inkjet head which ejects ink toward a surface of a recording medium; a platen provided opposed to the inkjet head to support the recording medium from an opposite side of the inkjet head; and an absorber provided opposed to the inkjet head at the same side as the platen with respect to the recording medium supported by the platen. The absorber includes a plurality of regions different in absorption rate from one another in a plan view observed from a normal direction of the recording medium supported by the platen. |
| US08616671B2 |
Printing multi-channel image on web receiver
A multi-channel image is printed on a web receiver by a plurality of printing modules. The receiver is entrained around a take-up roll on a movable transport. During printing, the transport moves past the printing modules while the take-up roll holds the receiver in position with respect to the transport, and then the transport comes to a stop and the take-up roll draws the receiver across the transport. A cutter downstream of the take-up roll cuts off the printed portion of the web receiver to provide a printed sheet. |
| US08616667B2 |
Recording apparatus and recording method in recording apparatus
In a feeding course, a first design side end position Xsn of a paper is calculated. A first side end position of the paper is detected by a paper width detector, and the detected position is set to a first side end position Xd1. When the paper is fed from an additional cassette and a paper end detection flag F1=1, an ejection starting position adjustment amount ΔX=Xd1−Xsn is set. However, when the deviation amount is not |Xd1−Xsn|≦L, the ejection starting position adjustment amount ΔX is limited to a limit value L. |
| US08616664B2 |
Inset undermounted bracket for drawer and tray slides in cabinetry
A bracket for mounting a sliding drawer or tray to a frame includes: a main panel; a front panel connected and generally normal to the main panel; a floor panel connected and generally normal to the main panel; a front lip connected to the front panel and extending generally parallel to the main panel; and a floor lip connected to the front panel and extending generally parallel to the main panel. In this configuration, the bracket can facilitate precise but simple mounting of the drawer. |
| US08616662B2 |
Electronic device enclosure
An electronic device enclosure includes a chassis, a bracket received in the chassis, and a mounting assembly. The chassis includes a limiting protrusion and defines a sliding slot. The mounting assembly includes a resisting member, a rotating member and an operating member. The resisting member is secured to the bracket and includes an elastic deformable resisting portion. The rotating member is rotatably attached to the bracket and includes a first blocking portion and a blocking piece. The operating member is rotatably attached to the bracket and includes an installation portion and a second blocking portion. The installation portion is received between the blocking piece and the first blocking portion. The blocking piece is located between the resisting portion and the installation portion. The first and second blocking portions are received in the sliding slot. The limiting protrusion is blocked between the first and second blocking portions. |
| US08616660B2 |
Regenerative brake control method
Disclosed herein is a regenerative brake control method of a regenerative brake system using an electronic control brake, which is devised to increase a regenerative brake energy recovery rate of a vehicle via brake hydraulic pressure control under low brake pressure conditions. The regenerative brake control method includes determining whether or not regenerative brake cooperative control of non-drive wheels is necessary based on a vehicle speed and driver requested brake force, and selecting whether or not to perform the regenerative brake cooperative control, thereby achieving vehicle braking stability. If the regenerative brake cooperative control is necessary, brake hydraulic pressure of non-drive wheels are controlled to increase regenerative brake force of drive wheels, which increases a regenerative brake energy recovery rate. |
| US08616653B2 |
Frame structure of seat cushion for vehicle seat
A frame structure of a seat cushion can include a right and left plate-like side panel having side portions of the seat cushion, and a tubular front pipe reinforcing front side portions of the right and left side panels. The front pipe can include right and left erect portions extending over the length of front sides of the side panels, right and left extending portions extending forward from upper end portions of the right and left erect portions, and a bridge portion bridging across front end portions of the right and left extending portions. |
| US08616652B1 |
Articulating foot-elevating support
The articulating foot-elevating support includes a base into which a hydraulically actuated cylinder of telescoping sections arises therefrom to support a foot-shaped footrest thereon. The articulating foot-elevating support is designed for a specific use of aiding an end user in tying shoes onto his/her feet. The footrest can articulate about a pivot point atop the topmost telescoping section in a manner consistent with that of an ankle of a foot. The footrest includes an imprint of a foot thereon, which is a visual aid to an end user as to placement and orientation of a foot to be placed thereon. The hydraulically actuated cylinder includes multiple telescoping sections that enable the footrest elevation to be raised and lowered. The foot-shaped footrest may include a heel stop that prevents a foot from sliding off of the foot-shaped footrest when in use. |
| US08616651B2 |
Ergonomic chair
An ergonomic chair for promoting hip flexibility and strength and reducing lower back pain. The ergonomic chair includes a base, a first, lower platform, and a second, upper platform spaced above the first, lower platform. The user sits on the second platform and rests their legs on the first platform in various positions. Use of the ergonomic chair results in the user rotating their pelvis to a position that is comfortable and properly aligned. |
| US08616650B2 |
Head support
A head support for a backrest of a motor vehicle seat, which can be folded out of an upright use position into a cargo position directed in driving direction. The head support is mounted to be foldable toward the front side of the backrest between an upright operative position is in the use position, and a folded down inoperative position when the backrest is in the cargo position, around a horizontal head support spindle of a holder arranged at the backrest and carries the head support the head support spindle extends transverse to the driving direction. The holder is lowered completely or partially into a lowered position in the backrest in the inoperative position of the head support and can be raised from the lowered position into the raised position of the operative position. |
| US08616649B2 |
Pivotal device of vehicle seat
A pivotal device of a vehicle seat includes ratchet and guide mounted together to be rotatable relative to each other, and pawls supported by the guide in its circumferential direction and having external teeth adapted to mesh with internal teeth of the ratchet when an operating cam pushes the pawls radially outward, so as to inhibit relative rotation of the ratchet and the guide. One of the pawls is divided obliquely into two parts in the circumferential direction, and is pushed radially outward to mesh with the ratchet while increasing its width and eliminating clearances between the pawl and the guide. The rotating cam rides on a protrusion formed on the guide during rotation thereof, so as to largely push the pawls and press the ratchet radially against the guide. |
| US08616647B2 |
Infant carrying apparatus provided with a release actuator having a safety lock
A release actuator can comprise a support element, a latch mechanism, a release button movably assembled with the support element, a transmission element connecting the latch mechanism with the release button, and a safety latch key disposed adjacent to the release button. The release button can be movable parallel to a first axis for driving unlocking operation of the latch mechanism. The safety latch key and the release button are assembled so as to be movable relative to each other parallel to a second axis for either blocking or unblocking movements of the release button parallel to the first axis. Moreover, one embodiment of an infant carrying apparatus is also described. |
| US08616643B2 |
Aircraft passenger seat
An aircraft passenger seat having a primary seat (1) having a seat back (3) and a seat pan (4), and a secondary support surface (5) located or locatable opposite the primary seat (1), the passenger seat being able to adopt each of an upright configuration, a reclined configuration and a substantially flat configuration, such that in the reclined configuration, the primary seat (1) is reclined relative to the upright configuration and the secondary support surface (5) is angled upwardly towards the primary seat (1) to support the lower leg(s) of a passenger seated in the primary seat (1); and in the substantially flat configuration, the secondary support surface (5) is substantially horizontal and the seat back (3), the seat pan (4), and the secondary support surface (5) form a substantially flat and continuous surface where the secondary support surface (5) is rotatable about an axis between the reclined and substantially flat configurations, the axis being translated between the reclined and substantially flat configurations. |
| US08616639B2 |
Multi-swing chair apparatus
A multi-swing chair apparatus comprising a top frame member, one or more frame leg members, and one or more suspension assemblies is provided. The top frame member is, for example, a generally circular top frame member. The frame leg members are rigidly connected to and extend from the top frame member. Each of the frame leg members defines a space for suspending one or more swingable chairs from the top frame member. The suspension assemblies are pivotally attached to the top frame member. Each of the suspension assemblies connects to one of the swingable chairs for suspending each swingable chair from the top frame member. The suspension assemblies facilitate one or more of swinging movements and swivel movements of the swingable chairs. In an embodiment, the multi-swing chair apparatus further comprises support members extending upwardly from the top frame member for supporting a canopy. |
| US08616635B2 |
Anti-crash seat for a vehicle
An anti-crash seat (1) for a vehicle, the seat comprising a bucket (2) and a frame (6), said bucket (2) being provided with a seat proper (3) and with a back (4) for receiving a person. Said seat (1) includes crash energy absorber means (10) and antivibration means (20). The seat also includes inhibitor means (30) for inhibiting said antivibration means (20) so as to neutralize the antivibration means (20) when the seat (1) is subjected to acceleration towards the floor that is greater than a predetermined threshold. |
| US08616634B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat has a mechanism for moving a headrest upon rear-end collision, comprising: a pressure receiving member for receiving a load of a rearward movement of an occupant; a transmitting element for transmitting the load received by the pressure receiving member to a headrest side; right and left headrest supporting members for supporting right and left pillars of the headrest; and a biasing member that biases the headrest; wherein the biasing member is disposed between the right and left pillars. |
| US08616633B2 |
Headrest for a vehicle
A headrest (10) for a vehicle seat has at least one base (11), such as a support rod or the like. A main body (12) is held on the base (11). A support part (13) having a head support surface (44) can move relative to the main body (12) forward in the forward direction (x) toward the back of the head of the vehicle occupant and back in the rearward direction (z).The main body (12) is movable on the base (11) and can be shifted by at least one rotatable transmission element (K1; 28, 30) in the forward direction (x) and in the rearward direction (z). At the same time, the support part, which moveable in the same direction with the main body (12) in the forward direction (x) and the rearward direction (z), is pivoted on the same rotatable transmission element (K1; 28, 30). |
| US08616630B1 |
Tailgating picnic bench and table combination
A tailgating bench and table combination, including a bench portion, having a bench frame supporting a bench cushion, and further comprising a member insertable into a trailer hitch of a vehicle; a pair of leg members on the bench frame, supporting the bench portion; a flat table portion, having a pair of legs on the front end supporting the table portion; a second member extending from the bench frame to support the rear end of the table in a horizontal position adjacent the bench portion; wherein the first member extends rearward from the bench to be inserted into the trailer hitch opening; and wherein the second member extends forward from the bench, and further includes an upright portion which is secured to an underside of the table portion. The pair of legs on the front end of the table and on the bench frame are height adjustable. |
| US08616627B2 |
Gliding-reclining seating unit
A gliding-reclining seating unit includes: a base configured to rest on an underlying surface; an arm frame; a gliding mechanism attached to the base and to the arm frame, the gliding mechanism configured to enable the arm frame to reciprocate in a longitudinal direction relative to the base; a generally horizontally-disposed seat; a generally upright backrest positioned rearwardly of the seat; a footrest unit; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects and controls movement of the seat and the backrest relative to the frame between an upright position and a reclined position. In the upright position, the backrest is generally upright and positioned above the frame, and the seat has a first rearward position relative to the frame. In the reclined position, the backrest is reclined relative to the underlying surface as compared to its disposition in the upright position and the seat has a second forward position relative to the frame that is forward of the first rearward position. The footrest unit comprises at least one footrest and a footrest mechanism that interconnects the footrest with the seat. The footrest mechanism is configured to move the footrest between a retracted position, in which the footrest is positioned beneath the seat, and an extended position, in which the footrest is generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat, the footrest mechanism operating independently of the backrest mechanism. When the backrest moves between the upright and reclined positions, the footrest unit moves in concert with the seat relative to the frame. The arm frame is free to reciprocate relative to the base when the backrest is in either of the upright position and the reclined position. |
| US08616625B2 |
Seat headrest
A seat assembly having headrest that includes an expansion assembly that operates to expand the cushion when the headrest is in the lower position. As the headrest is raised, the expansion assembly retracts, removing the bulge and creating a more planar surface for comfortably resting the head of a seat occupant. The headrest is also configured to reduce expansion of flatten as the seatback is folded flat. |
| US08616618B2 |
Methods absorbing energy using plastically deformable coil energy absorber
In an embodiment, a method of absorbing energy comprises: impacting a portion of a vehicle comprising a coil energy absorber, and compressing and plastically deforming the coil energy absorber. The coil energy absorber has an initial height and is located between the support structure and the covering, and wherein the coil energy absorber absorbs energy upon impact such that, after the impact, the coil energy absorber has a final height that is less than or equal to 90% of the initial height. The coil energy absorber is made of plastic. The coil energy absorber is located between a fascia and a support structure of the vehicle. |
| US08616617B2 |
Lightweight blast resistant armored cab for vehicles
An armored cab comprises a top wall, two side walls, a front wall, a back wall, and a bottom wall. The cab has a longitudinal axis extending from the back wall to the front wall. The bottom wall includes a first downwardly facing convex wall, at least a second downwardly facing convex wall above the first convex wall, and a plurality of connecting members interconnecting the first convex wall and the at least a second convex wall. |
| US08616613B2 |
Active material based seam concealment devices and methods of use thereof
A device for concealing a seam between a first abutting surface of a first article and a second abutting surface of a second article, the device includes a seam concealment body fixedly attached to a selected one or both of the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface, wherein the seam concealment body comprises an active material, wherein the active material is configured to transition between a first stiffness and a second stiffness upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the transition permits movement of a selected one or both of the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface such that the seam concealment body deforms with the movement of the surface to maintain concealment of the seam. |
| US08616606B2 |
Glove and storage box assembly
The present invention relates to a glove and storage box assembly (1) which is located in vehicles, into which articles are placed, opened slowly and prevented from vibrating after being opened, has low production cost, does not resist while being dosed and does not make a sound during opening and closing. The inventive glove and storage box assembly (1) essentially comprises at least one shell (2) which has at least one clearance (3) providing access to the chamber formed in the vehicle cockpit in order that articles are placed on thereof and at least one cover (4) which is disposed on the shell (2) and ensures to access the clearance (3) from out-side by opening and closing. |
| US08616605B2 |
Vehicle floor console
In one embodiment, a vehicle floor console is provided that includes a support structure and a retaining feature pivotally biased toward the support structure. The retaining feature is configured to secure cargo between the support structure and the retaining feature. |
| US08616603B2 |
Operator ride enhancement system
An operator ride enhancement system that is coupleable to the frame of a vehicle includes a counterweight platform moveably coupled to the frame, and a resilient member engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform. The mass of the counterweight platform is configured to be approximately at least equal to a total mass supported by the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle. The operator ride enhancement system attenuates and/or inhibits movement of the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle. |
| US08616601B1 |
Animal carcass mover
An animal carcass mover enables a user to drag an animal carcass without losing control of the animal carcass. The animal carcass mover comprises an expandable tube assembly mechanically coupled to strap assembly. The expandable tube assembly comprises a left large diameter tube expendably adjacent to a left medium diameter tube section, which is expendably adjacent to a center small tube section. The center small tube section is expendably adjacent to a right medium diameter tube section, which is expendably adjacent to a right large diameter tube section. The strap assembly further comprises a fixed loop end can wrap around the expandable tube assembly and a hook and loop fastener that can wrap around the expandable tube assembly and adjust for the animals of different sizes. In this manner, a user can wrap the strap assembly around an animal in order to drag the animal to a desired destination. |
| US08616596B2 |
Fastening structure for a bumper of a motor vehicle
A bumper fastening structure is provided for a motor vehicle with a bumper and a fastening for the bumper, which has a screw and a screw cover. The bumper has at a fastening point a depression to receive a head of the screw and a recess for the mounting of the screw cover. |
| US08616593B2 |
Vehicle tie-down device for hauling a load
The invention provides tie-down devices and related methods for securing oversized items in a vehicle trunk or rear storage compartment in preparation for transport. The tie-down devices include sections connected by a releasable buckle that allows for separately cinching the strap sections to desired lengths. The tie-down devices incorporate specialized connectors at each end in the form of at least one grip that is curved to attach to the edge of a panel on the vehicle and a latch that attaches to a fixed attachment mechanism at the opposite end. |
| US08616592B2 |
Latch device of a door
A simply structured and smoothly operable latch device of a door in which a latch can be infallibly released by operating a handle from any of upper, lower, right, and left sides. The handle (1) having operation parts (1e) at the upper, lower, left, and right inner edges of the front opening part thereof is received in a handle receiving part (14) formed in a door (3) and having an opening in its front surface. The handle (1) can be moved to a non-operating position where the rear surface of the handle abuts on the rear end surface of the handle receiving part (14) or to an operating position where the handle (1) is tilted so that one of the upper and lower edges or one of the left and right edges is nearer to the person operating the handle (1) than the other. The handle (1) is biased toward the non-operating position by a spring (17), and the handle (1) and the latch are linked with each other by a linkage means (34) so that the latch can be moved to the non-engaging position when the handle (1) is moved to the operating position. |
| US08616587B2 |
Cryo-rotary joint
A joint includes a housing and a refrigerant tube connected to a refrigerant source and communicated with a target part in a rotating machine. A rotating member is loosely fitted inside with the refrigerant tube and fixed to a rotary part of the rotating machine. A relatively rotating member has a fixed-side member and rotating-side member. The fixed-side member is connected to the refrigerant tube via a refrigerant tube extension section. The rotating-side member is connected to the rotating member via a rotating member extension section. A refrigerant zone is formed by spaces defined between the refrigerant tube and the rotating member, and between the refrigerant tube and rotating member extension sections. A sealing member is installed between the fixed-side and rotating-side members. A vacuum chamber and pressure chamber are defined within the housing. |
| US08616586B2 |
Valve device provided with a sealing element
A sealing element that includes a hollow body of metallic material and first and second male sealing members formed at a respective end of the body. The respective male sealing member has an external spherical contact surface designed for mating with a corresponding internal conical contact surface of a female sealing member so as to form a fluid-tight seal between the male sealing member and the female sealing member when their contact surfaces are pressed against each other. Also, a coupling device and a valve device provided with the sealing element. |
| US08616585B2 |
Pipe coupling
A pipe joint includes a first pipe that includes a first flange and a second pipe that includes a second flange. A first sleeve is installed within the first pipe and a second sleeve is installed within the second pipe. Further, an annular ring is positioned between the flange of the first pipe and the flange of the second pipe. The annular ring includes a first hub that extends into the first pipe and a second hub that extends into the second pipe. Moreover, a first complementary engagement structure is formed between the first sleeve and the first hub of the annular ring. The first complementary engagement structure provides a first seal interface within the pipe joint. A second complementary engagement structure is formed between the second sleeve and the second hub of the annular ring. The second complementary engagement structure provides a second seal interface within the pipe joint. |
| US08616583B2 |
Reusable notecard and methods of use thereof
Embodiments of the invention are directed to reusable notecard. In one embodiment, the reusable notecard is comprised of a trifold panel having a left panel, a center panel and a right panel and a reclosable closing mechanism, connected to the trifold panel, to releasably secure the left panel to the right panel when folded over one another. In one embodiment, the adjustable left panel is comprised of a plurality of left panel fold lines and the right panel is comprised of a plurality of right panel fold lines, the plurality of left panel fold lines and the plurality of right panel fold lines for adapting to dimensions of contents inside the notecard. In one embodiment, the trifold panel is made of a material allowing for non-permanent markings. |
| US08616581B2 |
Mounting arrangement for protector mounted to fuel tank
A mounting arrangement for mounting a vertical wall of a fuel tank protector to a vertical wall of a fuel tank includes a protector tab received in a fuel tank slot and a dog-house fastener received through a protector aperture and anchored in a fuel tank dog-house recess. |
| US08616577B1 |
Steering wheel vibration damping system
A steering wheel unit includes a steering wheel body and an airbag module mounted thereto. The airbag module includes positioning means for maintaining the axial positioning of the airbag module relative to the steering wheel and positioning means for maintaining the radial positioning of the airbag module relative to the steering wheel. The steering wheel unit also includes damping elements that are disposed between the insertion elements and receiving elements of the radial positioning means. The radial positioning means can be in the form of a post within a cylindrical receptacle, where the damping element is therebetween. The radial positioning means can be in the form of a plate received within a u-shaped receiving element, where the damping element is within the u-shaped receiving element. |
| US08616575B2 |
Fifth-wheel coupling
A fifth-wheel coupling (1) having a coupling plate (2) with an entry opening (4) for a king pin (5) includes an at least single-part locking device (100) for fastening the king pin (5) and a fixing element which engages on the locking device, which fixing element can be moved from a locking position into an open position and vice versa. A securing device (15) with a blocking element (40, 400) is provided, which blocking element (40, 400) can be moved from a rest position into a blocking position and vice versa, wherein the blocking element (40, 400) projects into the entry opening (4) at least in the blocking position. |
| US08616572B2 |
Mono-fork for a front caster of a wheelchair
A mono-fork assembly for a front wheel of a wheelchair. The assembly includes a mono-fork member, an axle, and a retaining member. The mono-fork member has a single tine with a threaded aperture formed therein. The front wheel is rotatable on the axle. The axle has a distal end and a threaded proximal end. The proximal end is configured to be threaded into the threaded aperture of the tine and may be permanently bonded therein. A retaining member is coupled to the distal end of the axle to retain the front wheel on the distal end as the front wheel rotates about the axle. The mono-fork member may include a collar portion aligned along a steering axis for rotation thereabout. The mono-fork assembly may include a bumper configured to extend circumferentially about the collar portion within a circumferential groove formed in the collar portion. |
| US08616571B2 |
Vehicle splash guards and adaptors therefor
The vehicle splash guards and adaptors described herein aim to reduce drag forces caused by the splash guards thereby improving air flow characteristics around the splash guard. In that regard, the splash guards and adaptors may increase the overall fuel efficiency of the vehicle. |
| US08616570B2 |
Method for producing a control arm, and a control arm
In a method for producing a control arm for arrangement on an automobile axle formed as one-piece part from a light-metal extruded profile, a semi-finished product made from a light-metal extruded profile having a Pi-shaped cross-sectional configuration with a bottom web, side webs extending from the bottom web, and legs projecting from the webs is processed by cutting, whereafter bearing seat openings are introduced and sections of the processed semi-finished product are expanded. A control arm produced with the method of the invention for arrangement on an automobile axle is also disclosed. |
| US08616565B1 |
Self-steer lift axle suspension system having a steering return, damper and lock integrated with a steering knuckle assembly
A vehicle suspension system can include a steering knuckle assembly with a steer return device, and a biasing device comprising an elastomeric toroid which is deformed by the steer return device. Another suspension system can include a king pin having opposite ends, and a steering knuckle assembly including a steer return device, a steer lock, and a biasing device which is deformed by the steer return device. The steer return device, steer lock and biasing device can be positioned at a same opposite end of the king pin. Another suspension system can include a king pin, and a steering knuckle assembly including a steer return device which encircles the king pin. The steering knuckle assembly can be rotated relative to the king pin, without axial displacement relative to the king pin, by a biasing force which results from deformation of a biasing device by the steer return device. |
| US08616564B2 |
Cargo container handling cart and system using same
A cargo container handling cart and system comprises a plurality of cargo container handling carts 10, each cart comprising a frame 12 supported on wheels 16, the frame having two support surfaces 26 and at least one centrally disposed container guide 20, each support surface having two cart pins 32, and a cart end edge 28, the support surface 26 bounded by the container guide 20 and the cart end edge 28 for supporting the end of a cargo container, wherein the support surface 26 has a width substantially equivalent to a standard cargo container, the container guide 20 abuts a container end resting on one of the support surfaces 26, and the cart pins 32 extend upwardly from the support surface 26 between the container guide 20 and the cart end edge 28 for engaging with the corner casting holes of the corner fittings of the container end for holding the container end on the support surface 26 against the container guide 20. |
| US08616561B2 |
Locking chuck
A chuck including a body having a nose section, a tail section and a center axis, the nose section defining an axial bore and a plurality of passageways. A plurality of jaws is disposed in the passageways, a nut is rotatably mounted about the body so that rotation of the nut either moves the jaws toward or away from the center axis, and a sleeve that is rotatably mounted about the body, the sleeve being rotatable with respect to the nut between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. An annular array of locking teeth is non-rotatable with respect to one of the body and the nut. A lock ring includes a projection and is axially movable so that, when engaged, the projection and the locking teeth prevent the lock ring from rotating in the opening direction with respect to the body. |
| US08616551B2 |
Tabletop sports
The present invention implements the use of tension in interacting cables to maintain control of a table-top. By creating an apparatus designed to replicate an actual sports field, the table-top sports game allows for indoor playing of a popular sport. Also, since the game makes use of hand-eye coordination rather than placing an emphasis on foot-eye coordination, it allows various people, especially those with lower appendage disabilities, to enjoy the sport as well. |
| US08616549B2 |
Storage medium and image forming apparatus
A computer readable storage medium stores a feeding and conveyance control program. The feeding and conveyance control program causes a computer to perform executing sequence control of a feeding sequence module with respect to a feeding mechanism that feeds the recording medium. The sequence control includes two kinds of sequence control executed in accordance with an identifier indicating whether the vertical conveyance mechanism exists. Sequence control of a vertical conveyance sequence module is executed with respect to a vertical conveyance mechanism that relays conveyance of the recording medium. Sequence control of a resist conveyance sequence module is executed with respect to a resist conveyance mechanism that conveys the recording medium to the transfer position at a predetermined timing. Overall management of the above-described modules is executed. The overall management includes determining, based on the identifier, whether to execute the sequence control of the vertical conveyance sequence module. |
| US08616547B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus including same
A sheet processing apparatus capable of improving sheet processing performance and productivity is provided. While sheets are conveyed in a piled state toward a rear-end stopper, displacement is produced between the sheets by a pair of discharge rollers. Even if adhesion occurs between the sheets during conveyance thereof, the adhesion between the sheets can be removed before the sheets come into contact with the rear-end stopper. |
| US08616543B2 |
Guide device and image forming apparatus
A guide device includes a plate on which a first medium is to be placed, and provided above a space in which a container is to be inserted, a moving member that moves along a surface of the plate in a supply direction of the first medium or in an opposite direction, a substantially sheetlike guide member that guides the first medium in the supply direction, and a drawing member that draws the moving member toward the plate. When the container is taken out of the space, the moving member is drawn toward the plate in the opposite direction by the drawing member, and the guide member withdraws to a position superposed on the plate. When the container is inserted in the space, the moving member is pushed in the supply direction by the container, and the guide member protrudes from the position in the supply direction. |
| US08616541B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus that can process a folded sheet bundle, comprising: deforming processing means configured to perform deforming processing by deforming a folded spinal portion of the folded sheet bundle to form a substantially flat portion along the folded spinal portion; and cutting means configured to cut an edge portion, opposite to the folded spinal portion, of the folded sheet bundle, wherein the distance from the folded spinal portion of a folded sheet bundle to a position to be cut by the cutting means is shorter for a folded sheet bundle A having a particular thickness and having been subjected to the deforming processing than the distance from the folded spinal portion of the folded sheet bundle to a position to be cut by the cutting means for a folded sheet bundle B not subjected to the deforming processing but having the same thickness as folded sheet bundle A. |
| US08616539B2 |
Track spin wafer chuck
The present disclosure relates to a wafer chuck configured to provide a uniform photoresist layer on a workpiece. In some embodiments, the wafer chuck comprises a plurality of vacuum holes. The plurality of vacuum holes (i.e., more than one) are in fluid communication with a cavity that continuously extends along the top surface between the vacuum holes. A vacuum source, connected to each vacuum hole, is configured to remove gas molecules from the cavity located below the workpiece leaving behind a low pressure vacuum. The use of a plurality of vacuum holes increase the uniformity of the vacuum, thereby preventing the formation of high vacuum areas in close proximity to any specific vacuum hole. The reduction of high vacuum areas reduces wafer bending associated with the high vacuum areas. |
| US08616538B2 |
Spring seat assembly
A vehicle suspension system including a pair of spring seat retainers. One of the spring seat retainers includes a flange and a pocket portion extending from the flange to a distal rim. A jounce bumper is mounted to the pocket portion of the spring seat retainer and extends from the rim. A band encircles the rim for preventing deformation of the rim upon compression of the jounce bumper. |
| US08616534B2 |
Diffuser tube
A diffuser tube is capable of preventing sludge from entering the tube when a diffusion operation is not performed, thereby preventing clogging of diffusion holes and inside of the tube and reducing a pressure loss during the diffusion operation. The diffuser tube is formed of an elastic tubular body, and slit cutting surfaces of a diffusion slit are slanted with respect to a radial direction of a membrane member in a slanted surface portion. |
| US08616533B2 |
Configurations and methods of gas-assisted spray nozzles
Contemplated configurations and methods are drawn to systems in which gas assisted spray nozzles are used to distribute a liquid phase in micron-sized droplets in a device effluent at a position upstream of a second device having multiple parallel flow paths for the effluent. Most preferably, the assist gas is a high-pressure gas phase that is generated in a process upstream of the device effluent, the first device is a hydrotreating or hydrocracking reactor or distillation column, and the second device is an air cooler or heat exchanger. |
| US08616530B2 |
Method and apparatus for reeving a hoisting cable
The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for reeving a hoisting cable of a crane, wherein the load to be transported can be suspended from a lower hook block (3), which is held by the hoisting cable (12), from single-loom to double-loom and from double-loom to triple-loom mode, in which an auxiliary cable and/or a chain are utilized such that the weight of the lower hook block causes the hoisting cable to be pulled around the respective roller. |
| US08616526B2 |
Insertion device for a cable in an existing pipe network
An insertion device for a cable in an existing pipe network includes a longitudinally stable flexible element that can be inserted into a pipe region of the pipe network, and on which a head part can be placed. The head part can be diverted to pass through regions of bends of the pipe. Placed on the flexible element is a coupling part to which coupling part the cable to be pulled can be coupled. The head part includes a base body having an elongated shape, which can be led from a stretched position into a bent position. The base body includes guide elements by which at least one pulling element is guided that is spaced apart from the bending axis of the base body. One end of the pulling element is held at one end region of the base body, whereas the other end is held at a drivable linear drive that is attached at the other end region of the base body. Disposed at the end region, remote from the flexible element, of the head part are a light source and a camera. With this device, bends, elbows, and branches in an existing pipe network can be passed through in the desired direction without a problem. |
| US08616523B2 |
Low-pressure valve with an inner and outer throughflow cross section
An electromagnetically actuated valve with a valve body which is assigned to a valve seat, is mechanically prestressed in a first direction toward a first switching position and can be adjusted by means of a magnetic actuator in a second, opposite direction into a second switching position is disclosed. The valve body has a planar contact surface which can be brought into sealing contact with a surface of the valve seat, which surface is planar at least in sections. |
| US08616522B2 |
Idle air control valve
An idle air control valve includes a sleeve that defines an internal space and an electrical connector including terminals attached to the sleeve. The connector is joined to the sleeve to enclose the actuator. |
| US08616521B2 |
Fail safe retaining plug assembly for a slam-shut safety device
A fail safe retaining plug assembly for a slam-shut safety device includes a reset pin, a retaining plug attached to the reset pin at a proximal portion, and a safety disk attached to the reset pin at a distal portion. The retaining plug assembly is sufficiently long to prevent the safety disk from falling off of the distal portion before the safety disk contacts a valve seat. The retaining plug assembly is also sufficiently long to prevent the retaining plug from falling off of the reset pin before the safety disk contacts the valve seat. |
| US08616520B2 |
Full wall height concrete form strapping and interconnect system
A building element includes a first and second panel each having an outer surface and an inner surface. There is more than one spacer positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the first panel and the inner surface of the second panel to form a cavity for receiving a structural component. Each end of each spacer has a first part of a two-part connector. A connector strap extends longitudinally along each of the outer surfaces of the first and second panels. The connector straps carry more than one second part of the two-part connectors that connects to the first part of the two part connector such that the connector strap attaches to the spacer. |
| US08616519B2 |
Shoring post with supplemental beam support
A shoring post having an elongate body with a lengthwise axis, a top and a bottom. A first beam support assembly is at one vertical location on the elongate body, with a second beam support assembly at a second vertical location on the elongate body. The second vertical location is spaced along the lengthwise axis from the first vertical location. The first and second beam support assemblies are configured to support separate load bearing beams. |
| US08616517B2 |
Turbomachine foot unit
A turbomachine foot unit with a plurality of feet is provided. The plurality of feet is fastened to a turbomachine. The turbomachine stands upright on a horizontal base. The turbomachine foot includes fastening devices for fastening the feet to the base. At least one of the feet is mounted in a horizontally moveable manner relative to one of the fastening devices fastening the foot to the base. |
| US08616516B2 |
Assembling device for cabin interior components
Embodiments of the present invention provide a mounting bracket for use in connection with a rail, for assembling cabin interior components into an aircraft. |
| US08616514B1 |
Off-road motorcycle stand, adaptor and associated method
An off-road motorcycle stand is selectively adjustable between vertically-aligned and vertically-offset positions such that a user can drive a variety of motorcycles to the stand, lean the motorcycle onto the top plate and quickly park the motorcycle. Such a motorcycle stand preferably includes a base, a first support member connected to the base, and a second support member statically attached to the first support member such that the second support member is capable of engaging a portion of an existing motorcycle thereon. In this manner, the first support member may be selectively pivotal between vertically-aligned and vertically-offset positions relative to a centrally registered longitudinal axis of the base. |
| US08616513B2 |
Bracket having overhanging support elements for supporting an electrical box
A bracket for supporting a load from a mounting assembly. The bracket includes an upper portion having a support element and a lower portion having a mount for coupling the load to the bracket. The bracket also includes at least two side supports coupled to the support element and the mount located on sides of the mounting assembly. The upper portion, lower portion and side supports of the bracket are sized and shaped to fit over a perimeter of the support element. In one embodiment, the support arms are two support arms spaced across a length of the bracket to spread a load on the bracket. |
| US08616509B2 |
Support for direct light displays
The present invention relates to supports for stacking multiple display elements. The supports are connected in a firm way to one another by a hinge which can, if required, be easily disconnected. |
| US08616506B2 |
Cable lead-through device
A cable lead-through is disclosed for a switch cabinet, electric cabinet or the like. In at least one embodiment, the cable lead-through is formed of two substantially identical lead-through halves. The lead-through halves are held together by way of two clamping devices. By placing the clamping devices in grooves of the lead-through halves, the cable lead-through is held together. |
| US08616504B2 |
Active gurney flap
A gurney flap assembly has an actuator and a body. The body has a leading edge and a trailing edge and includes a first panel attaching to the actuator proximate the leading edge, and a second panel attaching to a first hinge at the trailing edge. A second hinge attaches the first and second panel. Linear motion of an actuator output is transposed to the gurney flap, thereby causing the gurney flap to expand and deploy into the airstream on the pressure side of the wing. |
| US08616499B2 |
Wing structure
A wing structure is provided, wherein the wing structure comprises; an upper covering, a lower covering, and a spar, the spar comprising; a spar web, an upper spar cap attached to the upper covering, and a lower spar cap attached to the lower covering, the wing structure also comprising a face spaced apart from the spar web extending between the upper and lower spar caps. The wing structure is arranged to contain fuel in a fuel containment area between the upper and lower coverings on one side of the spar web. The upper and lower spar caps extend from the spar web only on the other side of the spar web to the fuel containment area. |
| US08616493B2 |
Device and method for a rotation of the wheels of the landing gear of aircraft
The invention concerns a device and a method to cause the rotation of at least one wheel of the landing gear of aircraft, according to which between the supporting structure (12) of the landing gear and the brake group of the wheel is placed at least an actuator element with variable geometry (35) controlled and managed to develop such a force in order to impose an intermittent angular rotation of the wheel (15) when the brake group is operated. |
| US08616491B2 |
Paper roll holder
A paper roll holder formed of a base plate for mounting to a vertical or horizontal surface; two-spaced apart side plates mounted perpendicularly to the base plate; each comprising a slot for mounting a pivoting peg therein and two mounting holes penetrating by a dowel pin; the pivoting peg further comprising a sloped, elongated groove formed in a top surface of the peg to allow the mounting of a torsion spring therein, and a mounting hole in the end with the deep groove, and a dowel pin penetration the two mounting holes in the side plate, the mounting in the pivoting peg and an aperture through a center of the torsion spring. |
| US08616487B2 |
Apparatus and method for winding and terminating cores of dynamoelectric machines
Apparatus and method for winding coils C of at least one electrical conductor W for at least one core (11) of a dynamoelectric machine and for forming termination leads of the coils, the core having a longitudinal axis (H′), the apparatus and method using a dispensing member (20) and rotation of the dispensing member (20) around a rotation axis (25′) to re-orient the dispensing member between an orientation for winding the coils and an orientation for forming the termination leads. An axis of reference (21′) for the relative translation of the dispensing member (20) is positioned parallel and shifted with respect to the longitudinal axis (H′) of the core or coincident with the longitudinal axis (H′) of the core. The rotation axis (25′) is inclined with an angle that is not at 90° with respect to the dispensing member. In particular the rotation axis (25′) is inclined by an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the dispensing member (20) and the rotation axis (25′) intersects the exit of the conductor during the rotation. |
| US08616485B2 |
Apparatus for moving and dispensing spooled material
The present invention is a unique cart for transporting and dispensing spooled or reeled materials such as carpet or cable. The apparatus allows a user to elevate a spool of material off the ground into a suspended position where the material can be unreeled, without the user having to manually lift the spool. The apparatus also allows the user to transport or move the elevated material from place to place while still in the cart. |
| US08616480B2 |
Shredder for producing particles from a sheet material
A shredder for producing particles from a sheet material is disclosed herein. The shredder can have a longitudinal cutting device with a first cutting roller and a second cutting roller. A transverse cutting device can be positioned after the longitudinal cutting device. The first cutting roller and the second cutting roller can each have special profiles. |
| US08616478B2 |
Process and apparatus for treatment of a material
The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the treatment of a material in the form of fragments or particles which is moved and/or rotated, mixed, heated and, if appropriate, comminuted by at least one mixing element (12, 21) in a receiver or cutter-compactor (1), where, in the course of the process, undesired substances which impair the treatment of and/or further operations on the material are removed from the material by introducing a gas, in particular air or an inert gas, in a region below the level of the material located in the receiver (1) during its operation, or below the level of material of the mixing vortex which forms within the receiver (1), where the gas is forced to flow through at least a subregion of the material, and where the gas then saturated with, or with an increased concentration of, undesired substances is discharged from the receiver (1) in a region above the level of the material located in the receiver (1) during its operation or above the level of the material of the mixing vortex. |
| US08616477B1 |
Wood chipping apparatus, and methods of making and using same
A wood chipping apparatus having: an hydraulic belt tensioner for gearbox to chipper wheel belts; hydraulic cylinders for adjusting belts from motor to gearbox; three wear plates in chip pockets; three wear plates on chipper base forming a semi-circle; and a gear to gear chipper chute rotation device. |
| US08616474B2 |
High flow outward opening gaseous injector for automotive applications
An injector (10) includes a valve body (16) having an interior portion (18) and a seat (32). An armature tube (20) is in the interior portion. A spring (28) biases a valve member (24) into engagement with the seat. A movable armature (40) is coupled to the armature tube. A calibration member (36) is engaged with the valve member and engaged with the spring. A stator (52) is coupled to an inlet tube (41) and has an end surface spaced from an end surface of the armature in the closed position of the injector, thereby defining an air gap (54) between the end surfaces. A coil (56) is disposed about a portion of the inlet tube. A housing (64) surrounds at least a portion of the coil. Magnetic flux causes the armature and armature tube to push the valve member off the seat. |
| US08616470B2 |
Mode control valve in showerhead connector
A showerhead system includes an arm structure adapted to couple to a water pipe to receive water flow therefrom. The arm structure includes a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit, and a mode selector operatively coupled to the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit. The mode selector transitions between a first setting to direct water flow from a first chamber to a second chamber positioned below the first chamber and a second setting to direct water flow from the first chamber to a third chamber positioned below the first chamber. The second chamber is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the third chamber is in fluid communication with the second fluid conduit. The showerhead system further includes a spray head configured to distribute the water from at least one of the first and second the fluid conduits. |
| US08616468B2 |
Spray applicator
A spray assembly for dispensing a mixture is provided. The spray assembly includes a connector configured for operable engagement with a first and a second source of component and a source of pressurized fluid, and a tip operably connected to the connector. The tip includes an opening and defines a mixing chamber between the connector and the opening of the tip, and an insert member configured to be received in the mixing chamber. The insert member includes a plurality of radially extending slots on at least one end of the insert. The plurality of radially extending slots is configured to mix the first and second components prior to the mixture exiting the opening in the tip. |
| US08616461B2 |
Printed dynamic optical illusion images
A printed dynamic optical illusion printed on a printing device using a plurality of colorants, wherein one or more of the colorants are appearance mutable colorants having spectral characteristics that can be controllably switched between a first colorant state and a second colorant state by application of an appropriate external stimulus, and wherein one or more mutable portions of the optical illusion image are printed using at least one appearance mutable colorant. The mutable portions are controllable such that when they are in a first appearance state the printed optical illusion image has a first illusion state, and when they are in a second appearance state the printed optical illusion image has a second illusion state, thereby changing the optical illusion image from the first illusion state to the second illusion state so as to affect the perception of an optical illusion by a human observer. |
| US08616460B2 |
Method for providing dynamic optical illusion images
A method for providing a printed optical illusion image having first and second illusion states, comprising: receiving a specification of an optical illusion image having one or more mutable portions; and printing the optical illusion image on a printing device using a plurality of colorants, wherein one or more of the colorants are appearance mutable colorants having spectral characteristics can be switched between a first colorant state and a second colorant state by application of an appropriate external stimulus. The printed optical illusion image can be switched between the first and second illusion states by applying the appropriate external stimulus to controllably switch the one or more appearance mutable colorants between their first and second colorant states, thereby switching the mutable portions of the printed optical illusion image between corresponding first and second appearance states. |
| US08616458B2 |
Non-contact IC tag
A non-contact IC tag of the present invention includes a first member including an IC chip and a first antenna connected to the IC chip; a second member including a second antenna; and a movement restriction unit that, when the first member is moved to a predetermined position in the second member, restricts a movement of the first member from the predetermined position. The predetermined position is a position where the first antenna and the second antenna are electromagnetically coupled to each other or a position where the first antenna and the second antenna are electrically conducted to each other. |
| US08616442B1 |
Automated banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. A card actuated automated banking machine may accept checks and dispense cash to users. The banking machine is operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be credited to a user account corresponding to card data or may be dispensed to the user from the banking machine responsive to one or more deposited checks. |
| US08616440B2 |
Alternative banking system for managing traditional and nontraditional markets
A method of exchanging a check, cash or electronic funds transfer comprises receiving a check, cash or electronic funds transfer from a presenter at a receiving entity, the check having an amount printed thereon and made by an entity other than the presenter, the electronic funds transfer made by an entity other than the presenter, establishing a card account of the receiving entity, crediting the card account of the receiving entity with an amount corresponding to the check amount, cash amount or electronic funds transfer amount, associating a card with a value corresponding to the check amount, cash amount or electronic funds transfer amount to create a stored value card, and presenting the stored value card to the presenter. |
| US08616438B2 |
Optical detector at point of care
A patient support apparatus including a barrier, an optical detector, and a control system. The optical detector secured to the barrier and configured to detect indicia having a predetermined pattern. The control system includes a processor in communication with the optical detector, a transmitter in communication with the processor, and a memory unit in communication with the processor. The memory unit stores a unique identifier associated with the patient support apparatus. The processor receiving a signal from the optical detector indicative of data detected by the optical detector and performing a set of instructions in response to the optical detector communicating the data, the set of instructions performed by the processor including (i) linking the data with the unique identifier, and (ii) communicating the linked data and unique identifier to a network. |
| US08616436B2 |
Curbside mail protection mailboxes
A mailbox system includes a mailbox housing having an interior chamber. The interior chamber has a surface area and a depth. A lockbox is securely coupled to the mailbox housing, and the lockbox is disposed in the interior chamber of the mailbox housing. A security door is hingeably attached to a wall of the lockbox. The security door has a size smaller than that of the surface area of the interior chamber of the mailbox housing. A lock assembly is coupled to the security door, and the lock assembly is configured to alternatively maintain the security door in a closed position or an opened position. |
| US08616433B2 |
Forming low stress joints using thermal compress bonding
A method of forming a bump structure includes providing a first work piece including a dielectric layer having a top surface; placing a second work piece facing the first work piece; placing a heating tool contacting the second work piece; and heating the second work piece using the heating tool to perform a reflow process. A first solder bump between the first and the second work pieces is melted to form a second solder bump. Before the second solder bump solidifies, pulling the second work piece away from the first work piece, until an angle formed between a tangent line of the second solder bump and the top surface of the dielectric layer is greater than about 50 degrees, wherein the tangent line is drawn at a point where the second solder bump joins the dielectric layer. |
| US08616429B2 |
Structure containing wound treatment material
An anvil assembly for a circular stapling apparatus, is disclosed. The anvil assembly includes an anvil head configured to support an anvil plate thereon; a shaft extending from the anvil head and configured to selectively engage a connection member of the circular stapling apparatus; an anvil plate operatively connected to the anvil head, the anvil plate defining a plurality of staple forming pockets therein; and a wound treatment material disposed in each staple forming pocket of the anvil plate. The wound treatment material is at least one of an adhesive, a sealant, a hemostat and a medicament. |
| US08616427B2 |
Tool assembly for surgical stapling device
A surgical device with a body portion defining a longitudinal axis, a tool assembly including an anvil, a cartridge assembly housing a plurality of staples, a dynamic clamping member movable relative to the tool assembly to eject the staples, and an articulation and firing actuator extending at least partially through the body portion and the tool assembly. The articulation and firing actuator and is movable in relation thereto to selectively pivot the tool assembly relative to the body portion and move the dynamic clamping member relative to the tool assembly to eject the staples. |
| US08616421B2 |
Machine and method for handling tubular manufactured items
A machine, and a related method, for automatically transferring tubular items for manufacturing men's socks, comprising a station (S1) for loading automatically the tubular items (1) arranged on a longitudinal axis thereof, a station (S2) for positioning the items in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, a station (S3) for orienting angularly the items with respect to a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, and a station (S4) for transferring along a transfer line (T) the oriented items, the transfer station comprising a first and a second leader for aligning a portion of the tubular items (1), in which the leaders are arranged one after the other along the transfer line (T) and are separated by a non-controlled section of said line, for correcting in the second leader possible errors of insertion of the item into said first leader. |
| US08616420B2 |
Bottle closure with breakaway skirt for non-refillable bottles
A closure for a non-refillable bottle is provided wherein the closure is designed to break apart into at least two portions when an attempt is made to pry the closure from the bottle. The breakage is directed across a frangible demarcation that is configured such that breakage of the closure into pieces does not compromise the seal of the closure on the bottle. |
| US08616417B2 |
Valve and discharge device
Proposed are an outlet valve and a dispensing device with an outlet valve for a cosmetic liquid. The outlet valve has a flatly resting valve element with an outlet formed therein. The outlet valve is able to open through the elastic deformation of the valve element. |
| US08616414B2 |
Bellows foam dispenser
A foam dispenser is formed by modifying a standard reciprocating piston liquid pump having a reciprocating piston that is pressed to dispense liquid at an outlet. A holding chamber membrane surrounds the reciprocating piston and the outlet to define a holding chamber such that liquid dispensed at the outlet gathers at the bottom of the holding chamber. Pressing on the holding chamber membrane actuates the reciprocating piston liquid pump to dispense liquid into the holding chamber and also forces air and a portion of the liquid gathered in the holding chamber into an through a dispensing spout communicating with the holding chamber. The air and liquid are mixed at a foam media to create a foam product dispensed at an outlet of the dispensing spout. |
| US08616408B2 |
Paper towel dispenser
A paper towel dispenser includes a housing for holding a stack of interfolded towels. The housing includes a front wall, a rear wall, two outer side walls, an upper wall and a support surface for the stack of towels, the stack of towels being located adjacent and parallel to at least the front wall. The front wall extends a predetermined distance below the support surface. A dispensing opening is located between the front wall and the support surface, and at least one guide element is arranged to support a leading panel of a first towel adjacent the front wall and a leading edge of the leading panel parallel to the lower edge of the front wall. |
| US08616402B2 |
Free-standing, stackable cereal bowl with elevated trough and method of use
A bowl includes a main bowl portion and an ancillary portion or trough integral with the side of the bowl that is shaped to receive cereal or other food as a staging location before the food is maneuvered into the main bowl portion. |
| US08616401B2 |
Closure for a container for pharmaceuticals
A closure (2) for a container for pharmaceuticals, in particular a sterile container, includes a closure body (2) that is prefabricated from a non-elastic material. The container has a crucible shape with a bottom (3) and a wall (4, 5). At least one piercable opening (8) is incorporated in the bottom (3) of the crucible-shaped closure body (2) and provided for adding or removing liquid pharmaceuticals. The piercable opening (8) is sealed by a sealing element (7). The sealing element (7) is held in a receptacle (12), which is formed by the bottom (3) and a holding element (11) protruding toward the inside in the use position of the closure (1). |
| US08616398B2 |
Vapor barrier structure
A vapor barrier for flammable liquid storage tanks provides a gas impermeable layer for covering the surface of a flammable liquid stored within a conventional flammable liquid storage tank, a tanker, a vessel, or the like. The vapor barrier is formed from a plurality of spherical buoyant members. Each spherical buoyant member has a heat-resistant core or shell, a heat-reactive intumescent or flame retardant layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-resistant core, an antistatic and oil-phobic layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-reactive intumescent layer, and an adhesive layer on an outer surface of the heat-reactive intumescent layer. The vapor barrier may further be used with liquid storage tanks in which separation between the liquid and vapor phases is beneficial to prevent oxidation or other undesirable reactions. |
| US08616386B1 |
Drawer structure
Provided is a drawer structure including a carrying device and a holding device. The carrying device has a support and two position-limiting rods. The two position-limiting rods are disposed on two opposing sides of the support. The holding device is disposed above the carrying device, slides relative to the carrying device, and has a frame and a first stopping rod. The frame is disposed on the support and between the two position-limiting rods. The two position-limiting rods are positioned above the bottom of the frame. Front and rear ends of the first stopping rod are fixed to the frame and disposed at the frame. The first stopping rod has a long straight section, concave section, and short straight section. Front and rear ends of the concave section are connected to the long straight section and the short straight section, respectively. The bottom of the concave section penetrates the support. |
| US08616383B1 |
Saddle rack assemblies
A saddle rack assembly includes a reciprocating assembly moveable between a deployed position and a collapsed position and a saddle rack coupled to a portion of the reciprocating assembly. The saddle rack is moveable by the reciprocating assembly between a lowered position and an elevated position when the reciprocating assembly is moved between the deployed and collapsed positions. |
| US08616380B2 |
Reverse osmosis composite membranes for boron removal
Improved methods for reducing boron concentration in seawater or brackish water, while simultaneously maintaining or improving the salt rejection of membrane and flow performance of polyamide reverse osmosis (RO) membranes include contacting the water with a composite membrane comprising moieties derived from an aromatic sulfonyl halide, a heteroaromatic sulfonyl halide, a sulfinyl halide; a sulfenyl halide; a sulfuryl halide; a phosphoryl halide; a phosphonyl halide; a phosphinyl halide; a thiophosphoryl halide; a thiophosphonyl halide, an isocyanate, a urea, a cyanate, an aromatic carbonyl halide, an epoxide or a mixture thereof. |
| US08616379B2 |
Removable support legs for use with gold prospecting sluice
A portable device for use in the efficient extraction of gold from other materials commonly found in placer deposits of gravel, sand and etc. This is accomplished by utilizing two sub-assemblies easily attached to existing gold recovery equipment such as the common gold sluice and etc. This is accomplished by utilizing four sub-assemblies. Two on opposite sides and also two on opposite ends of the sluice tray. Each sub-assembly consists of a side bracket 14 and leg socket 18, which are conjoined by means of leg socket retaining fasteners 32. These are in turn are attached to cross brace 20 by means of side bracket positioning screws 28. Two sub-assemblies are attached to each other on opposite sides of the sluice tray and conjoined by means of shoulder bolt 22, washer 24 and retaining nut 26. After secure attachment of the two opposite sub-assemblies the legs are inserted into leg socket 18 and held in place by locking screw 16. These same actions are then performed on the opposite end of the gold sluice. When all sub-assemblies are in place the gold sluice is placed in position and final adjustments are made to each legs so that optimum gold sluice angle is achieved. Once initial installation has been made easy removal of the embodiments is accomplished by loosening retaining nut 26 allowing each sub-assembly to rotate and move away from each other thereby allowing removal of the entire embodiment. If desired by the prospector only the legs 12 may be removed and the rest of the embodiments left in place for easy transportation and storage. |
| US08616370B2 |
Bulk material shipping container
A bulk material shipping container in one embodiment including a pallet, a bottom compartment mounted on the pallet, a top compartment mounted on the bottom compartment and movable from a retracted position relative to the bottom compartment to an expanded position relative to the bottom compartment, a plurality of top compartment supporting assemblies configured to support the top compartment in the expanded position relative to the bottom compartment, and configured to release the top compartment from the expanded position to enable the top compartment to move downwardly into the retracted position, a material unloading assembly supported by the bottom compartment and the pallet, a material loading assembly attached to the top compartment, and an extension assembly attached to the top compartment and configured to enable a loader to move the top compartment upwardly from the retracted position to the expanded position. The bulk material shipping container is configured to be used with and without a bag for holding the materials inside the top and bottom compartments. |
| US08616366B2 |
Food and drink conveying device
An object of the invention is to provide a food and drink conveying device that can allow a travel body to travel stably over a travel path. A food and drink conveying device (1) can allow a travel body (7) to travel over a travel path (1a) using a magnetic force between a first magnetic body (18) and a second magnetic body (19) by driving a conveyor driving body (15) and is provided with a lift preventing means (34) in close proximity to the second magnetic body (19), where the lift preventing means (34) makes contact with the travel path (1a) so as to prevent the second magnetic body (19) from lifting due to the magnetic force between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body (19) and moves together with the conveyor driving body (15). |
| US08616364B2 |
Harvester crop delivery system
A crop delivery system for a harvester including a vessel positioned in a harvester for securing a crop therein. A first tube has a first angled orientation and configured to receive the crop from the vessel. A second tube has a second angled orientation. A transition area is positioned between the first tube and the second tube. A continuous belt extends from the first tube to the second tube. A portion of the belt carrying the crop between the first tube and the second tube is structurally supported and substantially covered by the first tube, the second tube and the transition area. The transition area includes a roller positioned substantially transverse to the first tube and the second tube and in contact with the belt, the roller forming a substantially flat bend area in the belt for transitioning the belt from the first angled orientation to the second angled orientation. |
| US08616361B1 |
Diverter assembly
According to one aspect, there is provided a diverter assembly for diverting articles on a load bearing surface of a conveyor, the diverter assembly comprising: a base frame; a slider assembly that is movable with respect to the base frame; a deflector pivotally connected to the slider assembly, the deflector pivoting between a passive position, in which the deflector extends generally along the base frame to allow articles on the conveyor to pass freely, and an active position in which the deflector extends away from the base frame to divert articles on the conveyor; and a crank link configured to reciprocate the slider assembly while rotating in a single direction. |
| US08616358B2 |
Inflatable liner systems
An inflatable liner with vibratory function related to lining mining hoppers and other such devices. The inflatable liner has an exterior expandable layer and ceramic wear layer beneath that assists maintaining a long-use-life of the inflatable liner. Use of the air-control device to rapidly inflate and deflate exterior expandable layer vibrates in the exterior expandable layer and assist removing unwanted material/debris from the exterior lining of exterior expandable layer to further maintain a long-life use of the inflatable liner and lower maintenance of the machinery/hopper. |
| US08616344B2 |
Asymmetrical brake torque plate back leg
A brake comprising a brake disk stack including stators alternating with rotors that are rotatable relative to the stators about an axis of the disk stack, an annular torque plate at one axial end of the brake disk stack, and a circumferential arrangement of actuators at the other axial end of the brake disk stack for urging the brake disk stack against the torque plate thereby to effect a braking force on the rotors. A back leg (33) of the annular torque plate includes a plurality of apertures (110a-110f) arranged asymmetrically around the axis of the brake disk stack. |
| US08616335B1 |
Ladder securing apparatus
An apparatus to secure a ladder to a ferromagnetic work surface, such as a metal storage tank, comprises a pair of brackets removably attached near the top of the ladder. The brackets are hinged to magnet mounts, which each hold a permanent magnet that releasably holds the ladder in place against the work surface. The apparatus prevents the ladder from slipping while a worker is climbing the ladder or while working from the ladder. |
| US08616334B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for ladder step prevention device
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed to prevent a user from using the top step of a ladder. The apparatus comprises a substantially solid front face on which a first side flap and second side flap are disposed. The first and second side flaps are disposed at an angle to the front face in order to create a spring force when inserted in a “C” shaped cross section of a ladder. The apparatus is held to a ladder through the spring force and by securing the side flaps and front face to the ladder legs. |
| US08616323B1 |
Hybrid power systems
The present invention generally relates to hybrid power systems for vehicles. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to hybrid power systems for various types of transportation vehicles where the hybrid power systems is partially, or even totally, based on the use of at least one hydraulic system to provide supplemental, or even the primary, motion power for a hybrid vehicle. In another embodiment, the hybrid power systems of the present invention are capable of providing both motion power as well as cabin comfort heating and/or cooling. In still another embodiment, a hybrid vehicle according to the present invention comprises a power generating system and passenger cabin comfort system, wherein the power generating system comprises a thermodynamic working fluid (FA) in a first thermodynamic cycle (C1), a pump (P1), a motor (M1), a high pressure accumulator, a low pressure reservoir, and at least one heat exchanger, wherein the thermodynamic working fluid (FA) is concurrently operable to create either vehicle motion through the motor (M1) or electricity through a generator and is operable to create passenger cabin cooling or heating through the expansion or contraction of the thermodynamic working fluid (FA). |
| US08616320B2 |
Automated vehicle and system utilizing an optical sensing system
An automated vehicle includes a vehicle body, a power source, one or more motors housed within the vehicle body and in operable connection with the power source, running gear in operable connection with the one or more motors for facilitating movement and supporting the vehicle body upon a surface, and an optical system. The optical system includes an optical sensor for detecting light reflected from the surface and generating an output in response to the light reflected, and one or more light sources, each light source capable of projecting light on the surface. Furthermore, the optical system is configured to regulate an amount of power supplied to the one or more motors in response to the output generated by the optical sensor. |
| US08616317B2 |
Vehicle having at least one cooling circuit for cooling a fuel cell system
A vehicle includes at least one cooling circuit for cooling a fuel cell system. The cooling circuit includes at least one cooling heat exchanger, a cooling medium transportation device and a heat exchanger in a fuel cell stack of fuel cell system. Cooling heat exchanger is affected by motion-related air flow as cooling air. The cooling heat exchanger is constructed in at least two stages, which are arranged in such a way that they are serially flowed through, one after another, by motion-related airflow. |
| US08616314B2 |
Wheel driving apparatus
A wheel driving apparatus is provided. The wheel driving apparatus includes a cylindrical inner housing supported by a vehicle body via a suspension, a wheel supported by the cylindrical inner housing so that the wheel is rotatable relative to the cylindrical inner housing, a motor having a stator attached to the cylindrical inner housing and a rotor attached to the wheel. The wheel includes a main body portion and an outside portion positioned on an outer side of the vehicle body, and the rotor is attached to the main body portion. |
| US08616312B2 |
Hybrid electric vehicle battery thermal management
A method of operating a vehicle powertrain system where the powertrain system includes a fuel controlled engine, an electric motor, and a battery, the fuel, controlled engine and the electric motor capable of powering the powertrain system. The powertrain system is capable of operating in a plurality of operational modes. The method includes detecting a current value representative of a current flowing through a portion of the battery, calculating a first value representative of the current over a predetermined amount of time, and de-rating at least one of the plurality of operational modes in response to the calculated first value. |
| US08616305B2 |
Fixed bladed bit that shifts weight between an indenter and cutting elements
In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole fixed bladed bit comprises a working surface comprising a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working surface and diverging towards a gauge of the bit, at least on blade comprising a cutting element comprising a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planer interface, the cutting element being positioned at a positive rake angle, and the superhard material comprising a substantially conical geometry with an apex comprising a curvature. |
| US08616298B2 |
Mounting structure for mounting a depth control member to a row unit of an implement
A bushing is provided for mounting a pivot arm that has both a threaded portion as well as one or two smooth cylindrical portions. The threaded portion enables the pivot arm to be a laterally adjusted by rotating the bushing while the smooth portion or portions provide a bearing surface or surfaces for the pivot arm loads. This removes the load from the threads, reducing wear of both the bushing and the pivot arm, thereby reducing maintenance cost. |
| US08616294B2 |
Systems and methods for generating in-situ carbon dioxide driver gas for use in enhanced oil recovery
The present invention is an in-situ apparatus for generating carbon dioxide gas at an oil site for use in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The apparatus includes a steam generator adapted to boil and superheat water to generate a source of superheated steam, as well as a source of essentially pure oxygen. The apparatus also includes a steam reformer adapted to react a carbonaceous material with the superheated steam and the pure oxygen, in an absence of air, to generate a driver gas comprising primarily carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen gas. A separator is adapted to separate at least a portion of the carbon dioxide gas from the rest of the driver gas to generate a carbon dioxide-rich driver gas and a hydrogen-rich fuel gas. A compressor is used for compressing the carbon dioxide-rich driver gas for use in enhanced oil recovery, and the compressed carbon dioxide-rich driver gas, with substantially no oxygen, is injected to a predetermined depth in order to enhance oil recovery at the oil site. Unlike traditional CO2-EOR, which requires large power plants stationed near metropolitan areas and expensive pipeline networks, the in-situ apparatus can be placed or constructed at the site of the oil field, while a portion of the carbonaceous material may be obtained from a site outside the oil field. |
| US08616293B2 |
Tool positioning and latching system
A system and method for positioning a tool within a wellbore are described herein. The interior surface of a tubular string is provided with one or more pluralities of grooves, each defining a selected profile. A tool is lowered into the tubular string, having a blade in communication therewith. The blade includes a plurality of protruding members thereon, which define a profile complementary to at least one of the selected profiles formed by one of the pluralities of grooves. A biasing member in communication with the blade continually biases the blade toward the interior surface of the tubular string to cause the profile of the blade to engage within the corresponding complementary profile of the tubular string. Positioning a tool in this manner is especially advantageous for locating a cutting tool at a precise location to sever a tubular segment at a joint, releasing tensile forces from the joint. |
| US08616291B2 |
Fail safe regulator for deep-set safety valve having dual control lines
A hydraulic control system for a sub-surface safety valve has control lines in hydraulic communication with the valve. A first control line communicates hydraulic pressure to actuate the valve, while the other control line communicates hydraulic pressure to compensate for hydrostatic pressure associated with the first control line. A regulator regulates hydraulic communication between the two control lines. The regulator prevents fluid communication from the first to the balance control line as long as integrity of the second line is maintained. When the second line fails, the safety valve can fail in the open position. In this case, the regulator permits hydraulic pressure to bleed from the first line to the second line. This allows the safety valve to then fail in a closed condition and allows the second line to potentially be recharged if its integrity is regained. |
| US08616286B2 |
Riser pipe with adjustable auxiliary lines
The riser pipe section comprises a main tube 22 and auxiliary line elements 23 arranged parallel to tube 22. The ends of the main tube comprise connectors 20a and 20b allowing longitudinal stresses to be transmitted. The ends of auxiliary line elements 23 comprise connectors 20c and 20d. Auxiliary line elements 23 consist of two parts 23a and 23b assembled by an adjustment device 23c or 30 allowing the axial length of each auxiliary line element to be adjusted. |
| US08616284B2 |
Methods for removing residual polymer from a hydraulic fracture
Viscoelastic surfactant (VES) gelled aqueous fluids containing water, a VES in an amount effective to increase the viscosity of the water, and an internal breaker may be useful in removing a residual polymer from a hydraulic fracture. Optionally, a pseudo-crosslinker may be present to further improve the properties related to treatment fluid placement and polymer clean-up. A plurality of aliquots of VES gelled fluid may be injected into a subterranean formation. A stop-start interval may exist between the injection of each aliquot. The VES gelled fluid may contact at least some of the residual polymer in the hydraulic fracture, and a broken fluid is formed once the viscosity of the VES gelled fluid is reduced with the internal breaker. At least a portion of the residual polymer and a majority of the broken fluid may be removed. |
| US08616281B2 |
Method and apparatus for moving a high pressure fluid aperture in a well bore servicing tool
A well bore servicing apparatus comprising a housing having a longitudinal axis and a through bore, and a movable member disposed in the housing, the movable member having a through bore and a fluid aperture therein, wherein the movable member is movable between a first stop position and a second stop position relative to the housing, wherein the fluid aperture is in fluid communication with the housing through bore and the movable member through bore to provide a fluid stream to the well bore in the first and second axially spaced stop positions. |
| US08616278B2 |
Creation of a hydrate barrier during in situ hydrocarbon recovery
Certain viscous oil reservoirs are too deep to be commercially mined but lack an adequate top seal to employ in situ recovery methods such as SAGD. Without an adequate top seal, gases from the reservoir can rise into overlying aquifers and potentially to the surface. While ice-like hydrates would not normally form above the oil reservoir during in situ recovery, an additive can be added to promote hydrate formation. In this way, a hydrate barrier can be formed to act as a top seal to contain these gases. |
| US08616277B2 |
Real time formation pressure test and pressure integrity test
A system for measuring a formation parameter, the system including: a formation parameter test device having: a structure capable of segregating a discrete volume including a formation interface surface within a well, and a parameter sensor in operable communication with the volume; a high bandwidth communications system in operable communication with the parameter sensor; and a processing unit in operable communication with the high bandwidth communications system and disposed remotely from the parameter sensor, the processing unit configured to receive parameter data. |
| US08616275B2 |
Groundwater evaluation tools and methods of groundwater evaluation
This application is directed to a probe used for measuring groundwater characteristics such as temperature and conductivity, and for collecting a groundwater sample. The probe also has a shielding device that allows the probe to be driven into a hard underwater surface without damaging the probe. A deployment rig for accurately placing the probe into the underwater surface is also disclosed. The application is further directed to a method for placing a probe and measuring groundwater characteristics. An external screen membrane used with the probe allows accurate groundwater characteristic measurement by filtering particulate matter. The probe and external screen membrane allow for in situ measurement and monitoring. |
| US08616271B2 |
Thermal control device on board a spacecraft
The invention relates to a thermal control device intended to dissipate the heat generated by a payload on a spacecraft, comprising a number of surfaces and including means for circulating a refrigerant. An evaporation zone (Z1) comprises means for circulating the refrigerant, a compression zone (Z2), a condensation zone (Z3) comprising at least one radiating panel, linked to a part of the means for circulating the refrigerant, including several branches and comprising means to allow or inhibit the circulation of the refrigerant within these branches so as to vary the area of the heat exchange surface in the condensation zone, a pressure reduction zone (Z4) comprising means for circulating the refrigerant. Such a device is particularly well adapted to thermal problems encountered in telecommunications satellites. |
| US08616260B2 |
Hollow built-in window blind
A hollow built-in window blind is provided. The window blind includes an outer glass (13a), an inner glass (13b), a spacing strip (14), a curtain (12), and a fixing device for the curtain. The curtain (12) is installed in a closed space enclosed by the outer glass (13a), the inner glass (13b), and the spacing strip (14). Furthermore, the spacing strip (14) has a step part to be connected with the curtain (12), and the fixing device includes an upper beam (1) with a projection, left and right frames (10a, 10b) with a projection respectively. The upper beam (1), left and the right frames (10a, 10b) are connected to the spacing strip (14) by the projections set on the step part of the spacing strip (14). |
| US08616259B1 |
Automated labeling apparatus using labels having a fluid activatable adhesive
An apparatus and method is described herein for automatically labeling using labels having a fluid activatable adhesive along the back surface of such label. The apparatus has multiple pallets each being positionable with the lowermost label of a stack of one or more labels to releasably secure by suction the label against the pallet, and multiple pads each being positionable with respect to pallets to receive labels from the pallets and then releasably retain such labels until application onto containers. Fluid for activating adhesive is applied by an applicator onto labels retained upon the pad to change the fluid activatable adhesive along the label's back surface from a non-tacky state to a tacky state just prior to application of the label onto container. |
| US08616254B2 |
Wheel hub with air passage for tire inflation system
A wheel hub extends from an outboard end to an inboard end and has an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface spaced radially inward of the outer peripheral surface. A first air passage extends from the outboard end toward the inboard end. A second air passage extends from the inner peripheral surface to intersect the first air passage. The second air passage comprises a removed portion that extends circumferentially beyond a cross-section of the first air passage at the intersection. |
| US08616250B2 |
Blender with feature for dispensing product by weight
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for preparing frozen drinks. In one example, the apparatus includes a stationary platform configured to support a blender cup. The blender cup is displaceable via a mechanically actuated movement arm between a first position beneath an ice shaver and a second position beneath a flavoring dispenser. A weight sensor is mechanically coupled to the platform. The weight sensor is configured to produce an output indicative of a weight of an object present on the platform. |
| US08616248B2 |
Blender with feature for dispensing product by weight
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for preparing frozen drinks. In one example, the apparatus includes a platform configured to support a blender cup, the platform reversibly translatable between a first position beneath an ice shaver and a second position beneath a flavoring dispenser. A weight sensor mechanically coupled to the platform. The weight sensor is configured to produce an output signal indicative of a weight of an object present on the platform. The apparatus further includes a safety circuit configured receive a sensor input and to facilitate safe operation of the apparatus responsive to the sensor input being indicative of a safe condition of the apparatus. |
| US08616244B2 |
Tubing and method for manufacture
An apparatus for conveying fluid comprising a first tube and a second tube. The first tube has a first end and a second end, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a passage for fluid and an outer wall has at least one first receiving section for receiving an inner wail from the second tube. The second tube has a first end and a second end, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a chamber for receiving the first tube and has at least one second receiving section for receiving the outer wall of the first tube wherein at least one of the first tube and the second tube are drawn down such that the first receiving section and the second receiving section of the first tube and the second tube are in close proximity to each other and sealed. |
| US08616243B2 |
Method of lining a conduit using a scrim-reinforced pipe liner
A method for repairing a conduit using a tube-shaped liner comprising a single layer of resin-absorbent fabric having a polymeric coating attached to an outer wall of the tube and a reinforcing layer connected to an inner surface of the tube. The liner is impregnated with a resinous material capable of curing and hardening and inverted under pressure into the conduit to be repaired such that the reinforcing layer is pressed against the interior of the conduit. The resinous material is allowed to cure and harden, creating a lining to the conduit. The single layer of fabric may be a non-woven material, such as a felt. The conduit to be lined may be a sewer pipe, and the reinforcing material may be a woven scrim. The woven scrim may be capable of preventing longitudinal stretch of the liner tube while allowing radial stretch. |
| US08616242B2 |
Pipe of circular overall cross section, fitted with an airflow rate regulating device
The invention relates to a system and to a method for controlling an aircraft engine starter-generator. The system comprises a transmission box (20) with a fixed gear ratio intended to be mechanically coupled to a turbine shaft (12) of the engine to allow the latter to be started, a gearbox (40) with multiple gear ratios that is mechanically coupled to a pinion of the transmission box, a starter-generator (30) mechanically coupled to a pinion of the gearbox, and means for instigating a change in gear ratio of the gearbox according to the mode of operation of the starter-generator. |
| US08616237B2 |
Mesofluidic two stage digital valve
A mesofluidic scale digital valve system includes a first mesofluidic scale valve having a valve body including a bore, wherein the valve body is configured to cooperate with a solenoid disposed substantially adjacent to the valve body to translate a poppet carried within the bore. The mesofluidic scale digital valve system also includes a second mesofluidic scale valve disposed substantially perpendicular to the first mesofluidic scale valve. The mesofluidic scale digital valve system further includes a control element in communication with the solenoid, wherein the control element is configured to maintain the solenoid in an energized state for a fixed period of time to provide a desired flow rate through an orifice of the second mesofluidic valve. |
| US08616235B2 |
Valves
Valves, and particularly check valves, are detailed. The valves may isolate a spring or other biasing member from flowing fluid so as to reduce the possibility of damage to the spring caused, for example, by chemicals contained in the fluid. In some versions of the valves, the spring may be positioned within a cavity of a cover sealed from the fluid. |
| US08616228B1 |
Multi-stage ratio pressure regulator system
A multi-stage pressure regulator system. The system of the present invention provides for distribution of the Joules-Thomson (J-T) cooling effect between multiple stages. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressure is first reduced by a set ratio in one or more stages followed by an adjustable pressure output stage. The present invention thereby provides a system to control pressure reduction and thus prevent condensation (and associated distortion of a vapor composition sample) of a gas due to J-T cooling effect. The system of the present invention is particularly suitable for use placement (via, for example, a probe) within the source gas supply containment vessel, pipeline or the like, so that pressure reduction occurs at or near isothermal conditions, further lessening the likelihood of J-T condensation. |
| US08616225B2 |
Dishwasher having means for changing heat dissipation
A dishwasher includes a washing chamber surrounded by walls. The walls include a water-impermeable inner wall and an insulation layer. At least a first wall of the walls has in a first region on an outside thereof an emission changing device configured to change an emission of thermal radiation. The emission changing device includes a layer having a variable emissivity. |
| US08616222B2 |
Tool for separating a hair bundle
The present invention relates to a tool for separating a hair bundle of hair from the remaining hair for a hair bundle effect such as highlighting, the tools are structured to be applied to hair through a slit and into a through hole, the through hole then holds the hair bundle to receive the hair effect compared to the whole head of hair. |
| US08616216B2 |
Patterned laser treatment
Patterned laser treatment of the retina is provided. A visible alignment pattern having at least two separated spots is projected onto the retina. By triggering a laser subsystem, doses of laser energy are automatically provided to at least two treatment locations coincident with the alignment spots. All of the doses of laser energy may be delivered in less than about 1 second, which is a typical eye fixation time. A scanner can be used to sequentially move an alignment beam from spot to spot on the retina and to move a treatment laser beam from location to location on the retina. |
| US08616212B1 |
Vas deferens or fallopian tubes valve system
The Vas Deferens or Fallopian tubes valve system incorporates a small valve in line with either the Vas Deferens or the Fallopian tube in order to open or close fluid communication therein, and effectively a form of birth control. The valve is installed on either one of the Fallopian tubes or Vas Deferens, and is manually or remotely controlled. The small valve is manually controlled via an arm that can be manually rotated to open or close the valve seated there under. A magnetic version of the small valve incorporates magnets on the arm in order to induce motion of the arm upon focusing a magnetic field upon the valve. A remotely operable valve utilizes a solenoid and radio receiver to remotely operate the small valve. |
| US08616211B2 |
Cushion for patient interface
A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal. |
| US08616207B2 |
Oxygen concentrator heat management system and method
Described herein are various embodiments of an oxygen concentrator system. In some embodiments, an oxygen concentrator system includes one or more components that improve dissipation of heat formed during operation of the oxygen concentrator system. |
| US08616203B2 |
Nasal and oral patient interfaces
A patient interface for communicating fluids to and/or from a patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. In addition, a patient interface for fluid and physiological function monitoring proximate to the patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. An apnea monitor and a method for monitoring apnea are also disclosed. |
| US08616199B2 |
Inhaler and ejection head unit attachable to the inhaler
An ejection head unit is attachable to an inhaler for ejecting a medicine to cause a user to inhale the medicine and has a plurality of ejection heads having an element generating energy for ejecting the medicine, and a plurality of ejection nozzles through which the medicine is ejected by the element. An inhaler for ejecting a medicine to allow inhalation thereof by a user has an air flow path guiding a medicine that is inhaled accompanying inspiration by the user to a suction port, an ejection head unit having a plurality of ejection heads including an element generating energy for ejecting the medicine and a plurality of ejection nozzles through which the medicine is ejected by the element, and a positioning unit for positioning a single ejection head among the plurality of ejection heads at an opening provided in one portion of the air flow path. |
| US08616197B2 |
Dispensing apparatus
A dose counter system, and a dispensing apparatus having such a dose counter system, for counting activations of a pressurised dispensing container including: a hydraulic system; and a counter; the hydraulic system having a hydraulic cylinder with a primary piston, a secondary piston and a working fluid, wherein the secondary piston is coupled to, or otherwise operates the counter and the primary piston is engaged by, fixed to, coupled to, or otherwise moved by, a pressurised dispensing container. |
| US08616196B2 |
Inhalation device and a method for assembling said inhalation device
An inhalation device for delivering doses of medicament to a user comprising: —a canister (5), said canister being adapted to accommodate the medicament to be dispensed to a user, and —a counter (15) which is connected to the canister (5). According to the invention —the canister (5) is adapted to receive the counter (15) on a base end (6a), —the counter and/or the canister further having contact parts (18, 20) for their attachment having means for increasing the friction and thereby allowing the counter to fixedly be attached onto the canister in a range of different positions in the lengthwise direction, —the counter further being adapted to during the process to assemble the counter to the canister, be urged onto the canister until the length of the counter and canister together is within a predefined tolerance of a predefined length. |
| US08616195B2 |
Nebuliser for the production of aerosolized medication
A nebulizer to deliver a medicament that includes a housing having a reservoir for the medicament, an aerosol generator that can be supplied the medicament from the reservoir, where the generator aerosolizes at least a portion of the medicament into an aerosol, a gas venting inlet to permit a gas to enter the nebulizer and form a mixture with the aerosol, and a passage through which the mixture of the aerosol and the gas is delivered to an outlet port of the nebulizer. |
| US08616189B2 |
Flexible cable guard
In some embodiments, a compound archery bow comprises a riser, first and second limbs and first and second rotatable members. A bowstring extends between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member. A power cable is biased in a direction away from the riser by a cable guard comprising a mounting portion attached to the riser, a flexible portion and a cable engaging portion. In some embodiments, the cable guard comprises a roller. |
| US08616188B2 |
Engine air management system
An engine air management system is provided for an internal combustion engine generating blowby gas in a crankcase containing engine oil and oil aerosol. The system includes combinations of two or more of an air-oil separator, an air filter, and an acoustic silencer. |
| US08616187B2 |
Waste heat recovering and cooling apparatus for engine
A waste heat recovering and cooling apparatus for an engine includes a water pump that ejects cooling water of an engine; an EGR cooler that cools EGR gas introduced into an intake pipe from an exhaust pipe of the engine by using some of the cooling water ejected from the water pump; an EGR valve that opens and closes the channel of the EGR gas passing through the EGR cooler; and a transmission warmer that heats lubricating oil of a transmission by the cooling water passing through the EGR cooler. |
| US08616183B2 |
Fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine
A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine has a fuel distributor (2), in the interior space (4) of which is formed a high-pressure accumulator, wherein transverse bores (6) open into the interior space (4). The transverse bores (6) are connected by connecting pipes (8a, 8b) to pressure lines (10) for the supply and discharge of fuel. A high-pressure sensor (30) is arranged at the face-side end of the fuel distributor (2), which high-pressure sensor (30) is connected by a measurement bore (30c) to the interior space (4), and a permanent magnet ring is arranged at that face-side end of the interior space (4) which is assigned to the high-pressure sensor (3). |
| US08616179B2 |
Rotary throttle valve carburetor
The invention is a rotary throttle valve carburetor that minimizes frictional drag on the airflow through the air intake passage. This is accomplished by providing bearing shafts at both ends of the rotary throttle valve body upon which are mounted ball bearings such that upon assembly of the rotary throttle valve body to the carburetor body housing, friction free rotation is established as the rotary throttle valve body is rotated by an accelerator cable from idle to full throttle position. The rotary valve carburetor also features a rotary throttle valve body assembly which by the use of end caps mounted to the rotary throttle valve body provides the ability to vary the venturi effect within the air intake passage by exchanging the rotary throttle valve body assembly and associated end caps with a different face angle so as to create a different venturi effect by the air passing through the air intake passage of the carburetor body housing. |
| US08616177B2 |
Engine combustion control via fuel reactivity stratification
A compression ignition engine uses two or more fuel charges having two or more reactivities to control the timing and duration of combustion. In a preferred implementation, a lower-reactivity fuel charge is injected or otherwise introduced into the combustion chamber, preferably sufficiently early that it becomes at least substantially homogeneously dispersed within the chamber before a subsequent injection is made. One or more subsequent injections of higher-reactivity fuel charges are then made, and these preferably distribute the higher-reactivity matter within the lower-reactivity chamber space such that combustion begins in the higher-reactivity regions, and with the lower-reactivity regions following thereafter. By appropriately choosing the reactivities of the charges, their relative amounts, and their timing, combustion can be tailored to achieve optimal power output (and thus fuel efficiency), at controlled temperatures (and thus controlled NOx), and with controlled equivalence ratios (and thus controlled soot). |
| US08616169B2 |
Method of inhibiting the automatic stop control system of the heat engine of a vehicle in congested traffic
The invention relates to a method of controlling the stopping and starting of a heat engine (2) of a vehicle. The invention is of the type in which (i) it is necessary for the vehicle to be in an engine stop request phase, and not in pre-defined operating conditions that oppose the stopping of the engine (2), in order for the engine (2) to be stopped or (ii) it is necessary for the vehicle to be in an engine start request phase, and not in pre-defined operating conditions that oppose the starting of the engine (2), in order for the engine to be started. The invention is characterized in that the vehicle operating conditions that oppose the stopping of the engine (2) comprise slow congested traffic conditions constituting specific identification criteria. |
| US08616167B2 |
Actuator device for adjusting a sliding cam system
Actuator device of a sliding cam system, having at least one sliding cam (2) and having an engagement pin (9) which protrudes out of a housing (6), wherein the housing (6) can be fastened to a component of a cylinder head or to the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, and it is possible for contact to be made with the engagement pin (9) by at least one groove (3) of the sliding cam system, which groove (3) has at least one ejection ramp (4), and wherein, within the housing (6), the engagement pin (9) has a permanent holding magnet (11) and, adjoining it, is a controlling stationary coil core (9) which can be magnetized by an electric coil (7), and the engagement pin (9) is spring-loaded in the direction of the sliding cam (2), and wherein an actuating device is installed at least at that end region of the engagement pin (9) which faces the sliding cam (2), which actuating device is active in the region of the run-out of the ejection ramp (4) to the high circle (18) and generates an additional force on the engagement pin (9) in the direction of the housing (6). |
| US08616163B2 |
Lean combustion method for a reciprocating internal combustion engine
A lean combustion method is provided for a four-stroke reciprocating internal combustion engine having a cylinder, in which a combustion chamber is delimited by a cylinder head and a piston is movable in a reciprocating manner, the piston being able to vary the volume of the combustion chamber. A fuel can be introduced directly into the combustion chamber, and at least one gas exchange inlet valve and one gas exchange outlet valve are provided for a gas exchange. An intermediate compression can be set in the combustion chamber at a gas exchange top dead center and a main compression can be set at an ignition top dead center. |
| US08616162B2 |
Opposed free piston linear alternator
A free piston linear alternator includes a cylinder having a pair of bounce chambers, a pair of scavenging chambers, a pair of opposed pistons and a combustion chamber disposed between the opposed pistons. The pistons are axially opposed from each other and generate electric current when each of the pistons linearly translate. Each of the bounce chambers is disposed between respective ones of the pistons and a respective outer end of the cylinder and includes substantially constrained air configured to return respective ones of the pistons to a respective first position from a respective second position after combustion. |
| US08616153B2 |
High yield spray application
Method and device for ensuring high yields during spraying of a settable slurry composition. The slurry is conveyed through a length of hose to a nozzle spray-orifice, and a set accelerator is introduced into the slurry at a distance “D” from the nozzle spray-orifice. The level of accelerator is monitored using a sensor located in the slurry path at a point after the set accelerator is injected. A preferred sensor comprises two pairs of conductivity sensors each having an annular body with a bore corresponding to the diameter of the hose or nozzle bore. Voltage of the slurry can be correlated to yields obtained when a salt-based accelerator fluid is injected into the slurry, such that levels of accelerator can be finely adjusted, and consistently high yields of spray coatings can be achieved. |
| US08616151B2 |
Adhesive application apparatus and control method of the same
A paste formation pattern for odd numbers on which dot groups are arranged in an island form and a paste formation pattern for even numbers on which dot groups are arranged at opposing positions to the dot groups on the paste formation pattern for odd numbers in an island form are set. Further, a paste discharge head is controlled such that the set paste formation pattern for odd numbers is formed on an adhesion surface of an odd-numbered sheet of paper and the discharge head is controlled such that the set paste formation pattern for even numbers is formed on an adhesion surface of an even-numbered sheet of paper. |
| US08616150B2 |
Device for blocking workpieces, particularly spectacle lenses, for the processing and/or coating thereof
A device for blocking workpieces for the processing and/or coating thereof, has a support surface for positioning the workpiece to be blocked, a blocking station in which the workpiece can be blocked on a blocking piece by a temporarily deformable blocking material, and a transport device which has a retaining head for the workpiece and by which a relative movement can be created between the workpiece being retained at the retaining head, and the support surface and the blocking station. The transport device has at least four position-controlled movement axes, by which to position the workpiece in a defined manner in consideration of the orientation and geometric information relative to a blocking piece located in the blocking station, and can be retained in the defined relative position to the blocking piece during blocking while leaving a blocking material accommodation gap between the workpiece and the blocking piece. |
| US08616148B2 |
Gas wiping apparatus
In a gas wiping apparatus for blowing a gas on the front side and the back side of a strip, which exits from a hot-dip plating bath and travels upward, from wiping nozzles to adjust the amount of a plating deposit, the wiping nozzles are supported to be linearly movable beyond the width of the nozzles in the plate width direction of the strip. |
| US08616144B2 |
System, a method and a computer program product for reducing damage by birds to an airplane
A system for reducing damage by birds to an airplane, the system including: (a) a detector mounted on the airplane, operable to detect a bird in a vicinity of the airplane and to generate detection information indicative of motion of the bird; (b) a processor, connected to the detector, configured to analyze the detection information and to selectively trigger activation of a jetting system that is mounted on the airplane in response to a result of the analysis; and (c) the jetting system, operable to jet a high pressure jet onto a bird. |
| US08616141B2 |
Method for designing and creating material made from fish skins, wherein said material is made from individual fish skins and can be stretched, mechanically or automatically manipulated, sewn, and ironed to ensure that all the unions and surfaces are perfectly uniform, flat, and free of ripples in order to produce a highly-tensile, uniform cloth of variable dimensions
A method for designing and creating material made from fish skins, wherein said material is made from individual fish skins and can be stretched, mechanically or automatically manipulated, sewn, and ironed to ensure that all the unions and surfaces are perfectly uniform, flat, and free of ripples in order to produce a highly-tensile, uniform cloth of variable dimensions. A material includes a plurality of pieces of fish skin, wherein the pieces of fish skin are connected by sewing and/or adhesive. A method of manufacturing a material includes sewing or adhering pieces of fish skin to each other. |
| US08616134B2 |
Transport system powered by short block linear synchronous motors
Aspects of the invention provide a transport system powered by short block Linear Synchronous Motors (LSMs). The use of short blocks allows vehicles to move under precise control even when they are in close proximity to each other. The design allows the vehicles to be propelled and guided while negotiating sharp turns and negotiating merge and diverge switches. A coreless LSM can be used to create propulsive force without attractive force so as to allow a relatively high drag vehicle suspension, such as a vehicle sliding on a smooth surface. |
| US08616133B2 |
Tamping machine with an additional lifting device
A tamping machine for tamping a track is equipped with a track lifting unit, positioned immediately in front of a tamping unit, and an auxiliary lifting device (19) designed for lifting a branch rail (20) of a switch branching off the main track. The auxiliary lifting device (19) is fastened to a beam (21) extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the machine and has a lifting tool (27) designed to be applied to a rail head (26). Two disk-shaped thrust rollers (32), spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction of the machine and rotatable in a common plane of rotation (33), for application to a first side face (34) of the rail head (26) are connected to the auxiliary lifting device (19). A flanged roller (36) is provided for application to a second side face (35) of the rail head (26) and for resting the auxiliary lifting device (19) on the latter. The auxiliary lifting device (19) is pivotable relative to the beam (21) about an axis (42) by means of a drive (41). |
| US08616131B2 |
Rupturing devices
The invention provides rupturing devices for mitigating the explosive reaction of a casing (121), hollow tubular body or container, particularly a munition, when it is subject to an external thermal hazard threat. The devices are based on the use of shape memory alloys. The device comprises an element of shape memory alloy (123) which is joined together by a connector (122) to form an annulus, which may be located on an exterior surface of a munitions casing (121) or launch such that upon heating through its transition temperature range will cause the annulus to contract radially inwardly, thereby rupturing the munition (121), allowing any build up of pressure to be released quickly. Advantageously, the connector (122) is. reversible such that the device will be capable of being retro-fitted or removed during normal servicing of the munition (121). |
| US08616127B2 |
Methods for electro-mechanical safety and arming of a projectile
A safety and arming apparatus for use with a projectile includes a rotor pivotable between a safe position and an armed position. A biasing element holds a mass engaged with the rotor to restrain the rotor from rotation and is deformable to allow the mass to displace and disengage from the rotor in response to a setback force on the projectile. A second biasing element includes a displaceable end for engaging with the rotor to restrain the rotor from rotation and is deformable to disengage the displaceable end from the rotor in response to projectile spin. A piston actuator can rotate the rotor to the armed position if the mass is disengaged and the displaceable end is disengaged. A detonator on the rotor can be aligned with a detonation cord when the rotor is in the armed position and unaligned when the rotor is in the safe position. |
| US08616125B2 |
Compliant embosser assembly
An embossing assembly for forming an embossment pattern on a tube blank having a first roll and a second roll. The first roll includes a first shaft having a first axis of rotation and an embossing element joined to the first shaft. The second roll is configured to engage a tube blank when the tube blank at partially surrounds the first roll. The second roll includes a second shaft and a hub joined to the second shaft. The hub includes an engagement region configured to apply pressure to a tube blank adjacent to the embossing element thereby causing part of the tube blank to at least partially conform to the shape of the embossing element. The engagement region includes a compliant material which is more compliant than the second shaft thereby allowing the engagement region to compensate for variations in a wall thickness of a tube blank. |
| US08616122B2 |
Food preparation systems and methods
Food preparation systems and methods for quickly and conveniently preparing filled food items. The system may comprise a pan having at least one formed pocket, perimeter track(s), one or more dividing ribs, and dividing track(s). A dough cutting tool may be inserted into and guided along the perimeter track(s) and dividing track(s) to slice excess dough away from the filled food item. The present invention may further comprise a roller tool that simultaneously cuts through the dough as well as flutes or crimps the dough along both sides of the cutting edge. One or more tactile indicators may also be provided on the underside of the pan to allow a user to easily locate the perimeter track(s) and dividing track(s) when the pan is covered with dough. Filled food items may then either be baked within the inventive pan or moved to a conventional baking pan or sheet. |
| US08616120B2 |
Rotatable lock catch and grilling device with rotatable lock catch
A grilling device with the rotatable lock catch, has a pin module and a rotary shaft joint with two semi-shafts. The upper half shaft of the rotary shaft has a post rod, the lower half shaft of the rotary shaft has a through hole for accommodating the passing in and out of the post rod. The upper end of a supporting shelf of the pin module is disposed with a U-shaped opening for adapting the rotary shaft, two short shafts are respectively disposed by the two sides of the U-shaped opening, two arc-shaped spacing flakes with opposite openings are respectively hinged joint with the corresponding short shafts. A movable ejector pin is disposed on the supporting shelf and along the midline of the U-shaped opening. A pressing board of the middle portion of the ejector pin upward presses the lower portions of the two spacing flakes. |
| US08616119B2 |
Straining skillet
An improved cooking device to assist in preparation of meals. A self-contained straining skillet allows the food to be cooked in a concave skillet insert containing a plurality of apertures, which may then be lifted to drain the grease and fat into the lower receiving skillet. Both the lining skillet and the receiving skillet may contain pour spouts to allow for effective transfer of grease. The receiving skillet, alone or with the lining skillet insert, may be used with standard size stove burners. |
| US08616116B2 |
High speed brewing apparatus
A multi-brewer apparatus includes a plurality of brew groups that are configured to be selectively operated either in a ganged mode, wherein plurality of brew groups cooperate to rapidly produce a larger quantity of brewed beverage at a single dispensing location, or in a independent mode wherein the plurality of brew groups operate independently and dispense brewed beverage spaced apart dispensing locations. The apparatus includes a programmable controller apparatus that controls the delivery of the hot water and brewable material, and the operation of the brew groups. In an embodiment, an inline sensor array monitors a quality of the brewed beverage and reports to the programmable controller to maintain a consistent quality brewed product. |
| US08616113B2 |
Encapsulated ballistic protection system
An encapsulated ballistic protection system (EBPS). In one embodiment, an EBPS for protecting a human or an object from a projectile includes one or more ballistic protection material layers at least substantially encapsulated by encapsulation material having a tensile strength of 20,000 psi or greater. Additionally, in one embodiment, an EBPS includes one or more ballistic protection material layers that are substantially encapsulated by the encapsulation material on a first side adapted to face the human or the object and on a second side opposite the first side and adapted to face the projectile, and the EBPS further includes a compressible layer between the one or more ballistic protection material layers and the encapsulation material on the first side, the compressible layer configured to at least one of dissipate energy, reduce velocity of the projectile, and reduce backface deformation. |
| US08616106B2 |
Sheet cutting apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet cutting apparatus having a movable blade which lowers toward a sheet from above to cut the sheet; and a pushing member which lowers together with the movable blade to push a cut piece of the sheet cut by the movable blade. The pushing member has a plurality of pushing surfaces which are arranged along the tip of the movable blade at a distance from each other, and the plurality of pushing surfaces are in contact with the movable blade and are located upstream from a tip of the movable blade in a moving direction of the movable blade cutting the sheet. |
| US08616105B1 |
Slicing apparatus
A slicing apparatus for vegetables includes a slicing apparatus with a base portion, a slicing area, an actuator support portion adapted to be releasably connected to the base portion; and an actuator, attached to the actuator support portion comprising a drive rod and a slicing blade portion. Another embodiment includes a mounting plate having a base-mounting surface and a wall-mounting surface, the base-mounting surface adapted to be removably attached to the base portion, and the wall-mounting surface adapted to be permanently attached to a vertical wall surface, the base-mounting surface and the wall-mounting surface being arranged at an angle to one another such that the drive rod is maintained at an angle to the vertical wall surface. |
| US08616100B2 |
Emergency braking system for machine tools
An emergency braking system for a machine tool, for the abrupt braking of a rotating shaft, including at least one brake drum and at least one brake shoe which are brought into engagement with one another in order to brake the shaft. According to the present system, the system is configured in such a way that the braking engagement between the brake drum and the brake shoe takes place under the influence of a centrifugal force resulting from the rotation of a shaft as soon as a locking device is triggered. |
| US08616099B2 |
Portioning of food stuff
An apparatus for portioning meat includes a base unit, controlling means, first drive means mounted on the base unit, a casing mounted on the base unit, second drive means that cooperates with the first drive means to rotate the casing, and a pressing member dividing the casing into at least two chambers, an in-feed chamber and a pressing chamber. The pressing member is rotatably mounted between the base unit and a top plate, so as to be off-center with respect to the casing, substantially closer to the pressing chamber than the in-feed chamber, such that the pressing member has freedom to move in direction substantially perpendicular to the off-center direction. The apparatus also includes an ejecting device mounted on the base unit, a portioning plate receiving the meat ejected from the pressing chamber, a position adjustable bottom piece, and a cutting means, positioned between the pressing chamber and the portioning plate. |
| US08616097B2 |
Fastener systems and methods of forming fastener systems with stable engagement and stick fit
Various embodiments described herein provide a fastener system having straight walled driving surfaces that provides a reliable stick fit feature, while also improving stability of engagement between the system components. A feature of the new system is to allow engagement of existing standard straight walled drivers in the new system. |
| US08616093B1 |
Torsion spring torque assembly
A torsion spring torque assembly for applying torque to a torsion spring of a garage door system. The assembly comprises a separable housing, an adjustable support member, a gear assembly and a cooperating and movable coupling shaft assembly having a driven gear and a hub to engage the winding cone of a garage door torsion spring. The gear assembly has a driver gear which engages the driven gear of the coupling shaft to wind a garage door torsion spring. The driver gear of the gearbox assembly may be operated by means of a screw gun and is constructed to provide bi-directional rotation for winding and unwinding a garage door torsion spring. |
| US08616092B2 |
Device and method for aligning and inserting a threaded fastener
A device and method for aligning and inserting a threaded fastener into a threaded hole. The device contains a base and a rail extending up from the base. A gearbox may be attached to the rail such that the gearbox can travel along the rail between a fastener loading position, a fastener install position, and a fastener realigning position. A socket assembly is connected to or otherwise associated with the gearbox and includes a drive socket that is adapted to accept the threaded fastener and an input shaft which is adapted to translate rotational motion to the output socket. A spring mechanism is attached to the gearbox and contains a spring that will compress when the gearbox travels into the fastener realigning position. A compressible washer may be interposed between the output shaft and the drive socket of the socket assembly so that the central axes of these components may be misaligned without causing damage or disrupting the alignment process. |
| US08616084B2 |
Bicycle crank arm assembly
A bicycle crank arm assembly is provided having at least one axle portion, a crank arm mounted on the at least one axle portion, the crank arm having a coupling seat and the axle portion a coupling portion coupled to the coupling seat, the coupling seat and the coupling portion being shaped so as to make a shape coupling to ensure that the crank arm can transmit a torque to the axle portion. Between the crank arm and the axle portion adhesive material is applied. The shape coupling ensures that the crank arm and the axle portion are integral in rotation, whereas the gluing ensures the sealing of the coupling area against corrosion phenomena. The gluing also ensures a predetermined minimum force limit necessary to disassemble the crank arm assembly. The crank arm assembly has a low overall weight, a simple assembly process, and a suitable resistance to disassembling. |
| US08616083B2 |
Cam wheel assembly for refrigerant recovery machine
A high-durability cam wheel assembly mounted in a shell of a refrigerant recovery machine is disclosed to include a frame member (1) having rails (12) mounted therein, a sliding block (2) mounted inside the frame member (1) and having a plurality of sliding grooves (21) extending around the periphery thereof and kept in contact with the rails (12) of the frame member (1), and a cam wheel set (3) consisting of a first cam wheel (31) and a second cam wheel (32) arranged at two opposite sides relative to the sliding block (2) and connected to each other in an axle bearing (23) inside the sliding block (2). |
| US08616082B2 |
Control device for a gearbox, in particular for a motor-vehicle gearbox, with a system for identifying the engaged gear
The control device comprises an elongated mechanical transmission member (10; 110) interposed between the gearbox and a control member (100) for transmitting to the gearbox the commands imparted through the control member, in such a manner that the gear engaged by means of the gearbox is linked to the linear position of the transmission member (10; 110). The device is provided with a position sensor (26; 126) comprising a movable reference element (28; 128), the movement of which is univocally determined by the movement of a rigid end portion (14; 114) of the transmission member (10; 110), and a stationary detection element (30) for detecting the position of the reference element (28; 128). The reference element (28; 128) is mechanically connected to the rigid end portion (14; 114) and spaced apart from it. Preferably, the position sensor is a linear position sensor (26) arranged to detect the linear position of the reference element (28), which is drivingly connected for translation with the rigid end portion (14) of the transmission member (10). |
| US08616081B2 |
Shift lever device
A shift lever device includes: a body case configured to pivotally support a shift lever swingably; a circuit board including a electric component disposed on a board of the circuit board; a board cover including a housing part housing the circuit board in the board cover and configured to be mounted to the body case with the circuit board being housed in the housing part; a board supporting part provided to the board cover and configured to support the circuit board in the housing part; and an electric component supporting part provided to any one of the body case and the board cover and configured to support the electric component disposed on the circuit board. The circuit board is configured to be supported to the body case via the board cover. |
| US08616080B2 |
Shuttle stop force limiter
Provided is an actuator characterized by the use of a shuttle that shifts in response to an overload. The shuttle is movable axially relative to a rotary input member by continued rotation of the rotary input member so that a stop on the shuttle moves from an ambush position allowing free rotation of the rotary input member to a blocking position preventing further rotation of the rotary input member. In this way, the shuttle prevents rotation of a rotary input member during an overload of a control surface. |
| US08616079B2 |
Shift switching control device of vehicle
A shift switching control device of a vehicle including a shift switching mechanism that electrically switches a shift position of an automatic transmission with activation of a step motor based on an operation signal indicative of an operating state of an operating device for switching a shift position of the automatic transmission, wherein if a first shift switching control is provided that is determined in advance as shift position switching control giving higher priority to higher output of the step motor rather than responsiveness of switching of a shift position, the shift switching control device of a vehicle drives the step motor in a one-two-phase excitation mode and sets a rotation speed of the step motor to a predetermined first rotation speed, and wherein if a second shift switching control is provided that is determined in advance as shift position switching control giving higher priority to responsiveness of switching of a shift position rather than higher output of the step motor, the shift switching control device of a vehicle drives the step motor in a one phase excitation mode or a two phase excitation mode and sets a rotation speed of the step motor to a predetermined second rotation speed higher than the first rotation speed. |
| US08616077B2 |
Non-destructive inspection method for metallic alloys
A non-destructive inspection method for detecting the presence of a contaminant that has alloyed with a metallic alloy of a part includes exposing the metallic alloy of the part to an extraction solution. The extraction solution extracts at least a portion of any of the contaminant that has alloyed with the metallic alloy. The extraction solution can then be analyzed to determine whether the solution includes any of the contaminant element, which indicates whether the part includes any of the contaminant element. |
| US08616076B2 |
Test device for testing flexible separators
Testing the reliability of flexible separators arranged under conditions enabling the cycling rate of testing to be accelerated. According to the invention, two separators are enclosed in two rigid chambers, each defining a liquid capacity and a gas capacity. The two gas capacities communicate with each other, and each of the liquid capacities communicates with means for causing the volume of each of them to vary in alternation. |
| US08616070B1 |
Methods of testing fire fighting vehicle foam delivery systems using environmentally benign surrogate fluid
Methods of/for testing fire fighting vehicle foam delivery systems using an environmentally benign fluid. Systems and methods test the foam delivery systems' piping, valves, pump, proportioner, educator, and nozzles while minimizing the release of Aqueous Film Forming Foam to the environment. The testing system complies with the National Fire Protection Association. |
| US08616069B2 |
Fiber optic sensor based on spiral structure
A fiber optic sensor based on spiral structure is a multi-loop spiral member formed by spring wire. A plurality of deformation teeth are continuously distributed on the upper surface and the lower surface (12) of the spring wire in a longitudinal direction along the spring wire; in two adjacent loops of the spring wire, the deformation teeth on the lower surface of the upper loop of the spring wire and the deformation teeth on the upper surface of the lower loop of the spring wire correspond to each other in a staggered way. A signal optical fiber is clamped between the deformation teeth on the lower surface of the upper loop of the spring wire and the deformation teeth on the upper surface of the lower loop of the spring wire, and connected to a test unit (5) by a transmission optical fiber. |
| US08616062B2 |
Ultrasonic inspection system and ultrasonic inspection method
In an ultrasonic inspection method or ultrasonic inspection system in which an ultrasonic wave is propagated to an test object via a medium such as a liquid or a gas, an incident position of the ultrasonic wave is accurately and reliably identified. In an ultrasonic inspection method based on an immersion technique, an optical irradiator is mounted on an ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving unit, an optical marker is irradiated from the optical irradiator to the test object, and an irradiated position of the optical marker is imaged using imaging equipment in order to perform inspection. |
| US08616061B2 |
Ultrasonic sensor
An ultrasonic sensor includes a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a circuit device. The circuit device determines that the receiving device receives an ultrasonic wave reflected from an object, when an output voltage of the receiving device is equal to or greater than a first threshold. The circuit device includes a humidity detection section configured to detect an ambient humidity of the transmitting and receiving devices and a threshold adjustment section configured to calculate, based on the detected ambient humidity, a sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave that is received by the receiving device after propagating over a round-trip distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the object. The threshold adjustment section reduces the first threshold, when the output voltage corresponding to the calculated sound pressure is less than a second threshold that is greater the first threshold. |
| US08616059B2 |
Force sensor with reduced noise
A MEMS or NEMS device for detecting a force following a given direction, comprising a support and at least one seismic mass capable of moving under the effect of the force to be measured in the direction of the force, and a detector for detecting the movement of the seismic mass, the seismic mass being articulated relative to the support by at least one pivot link, and an actuator capable of varying the distance between the axis of the pivot link and the center of gravity of the exertion of the force on the seismic mass. |
| US08616057B1 |
Angular rate sensor with suppressed linear acceleration response
An angular rate sensor having two generally planar proof masses, a sense axis in the plane of the masses, and an input axis perpendicular to the sense axis. The masses are suspended from a driving frame, which is mounted for torsional movement about the input axis in drive-mode. And the masses are constrained for anti-phase movement along the sense axis in sense-mode in response to Coriolis forces produced by rotation of the masses about the input axis, with sensors responsive to the anti-phase movement of the masses along the sense axis for monitoring rate of rotation. |
| US08616056B2 |
BAW gyroscope with bottom electrode
A bulk acoustic wave gyroscope has a primary member in a member plane, and an electrode layer in an electrode plane spaced from the member plane. The electrode layer has a first portion that is electrically isolated from a second portion. The first portion, however, is mechanically coupled with the second portion and faces the primary member (e.g., to actuate or sense movement of the primary member). For support, the second portion of the electrode is directly coupled with structure in the member plane. |
| US08616047B2 |
Method for the activation of a tank venting valve of a motor vehicle during a leak test
The invention relates to a method for regulating a fuel tank venting valve of a motor vehicle during leak testing of a fuel tank venting system where the fuel tank venting valve is arranged in a recovery line that connects a retention vessel to catch fuel vapors from a fuel tank to an inlet manifold of an operating internal combustion engine, comprising sealing the tank venting system from the atmosphere outside the motor vehicle, opening the fuel tank venting valve to expose the fuel tank and the tank venting system to a relative negative pressure present in the inlet manifold of the operating internal combustion engine and regulating the degree of opening of the tank venting valve based upon the external pressure, pA. |
| US08616046B2 |
Hydrogen sensor
A hydrogen sensor includes a housing, which is closed off by a membrane that is made of palladium and selectively only pervious to hydrogen. The housing is evacuated and contains a Pirani pressure sensor. The membrane and the Pirani pressure sensor are each attached to a carrier. Both carriers are joined directly next to one another or kept at a distance by a connection piece. The hydrogen sensor has a high sensitivity and a low response time due to the relatively large membrane surface and the low housing volume. It can be produced in a small size and integrated in the handle of a sniffer-type leak indicator. |
| US08616044B2 |
Test surfaces useful for calibration of surface profilometers
The present invention provides for test surfaces and methods for calibration of surface profilometers, including interferometric and atomic force microscopes. Calibration is performed using a specially designed test surface, or the Binary Pseudo-random (BPR) grating (array). Utilizing the BPR grating (array) to measure the power spectral density (PSD) spectrum, the profilometer is calibrated by determining the instrumental modulation transfer function (IMTF). |
| US08616036B2 |
Machine for bending a profile in two bending directions and bending tool
The invention relates to a machine for bending a profile in two bending directions, that comprises a bending tool including at least two clamping forms (19) centered on the profile bending axis and having the shape of disks having planar junction surfaces (19a) extending in planes perpendicular to said bending axis, in which are formed two rectilinear grooves (20b, 21b) and a peripheral rebate (22b) extending between said grooves and profiled as a continuation thereof, the grooves and the rebate being adapted so that, in the joined position of the junction surfaces (19a) of two clamping foams, the joined grooves define two clamping ducts of a profile and the joined rebates define a profile-winding bearing surface extending between said clamping ducts. |
| US08616035B2 |
Method for controlling lateral guiding devices for a metal strip
The invention relates to a method for controlling a lateral guiding device for a metal strip (1), the lateral guiding device comprising a guide (2, 4) disposed laterally to the metal band (1) on both sides thereof, it being possible for the two guides (2, 4) to be displaced independently of each other, and both guides (2, 4) being operated in a position-controlled manner, forces of the metal strip that act on a first guide (2) of the two guides (2, 4) and on a second guide (4) of the two guides (2, 4) being measured, and the target position for the first and/or the second guide (2, 4) being controlled as a function of the forces measured at the first and at the second guide (2, 4), such that the lesser value of the forces measured at the first guide (2) and at the second guide (4) is above a selectable lower limit force and below a selectable upper limit force. |
| US08616031B2 |
Interchangeable electronic lock
An electronic lock is interchangeable with mechanical locks in retrofit applications or as an OEM lock. The lock includes interchangeable modular components. The lock housing is interchangeable with other housings of different configurations to permit replacement of existing mechanical locks. The lock may also include interchangeable drivers for compatibility with other systems. The lock includes an electronic access system such as a programmable keypad or card reader to activate a motor which powers the electronic lock. An optional manual bypass allows an operator to override the electronic access, for example when the motor is inoperative. When the lock is activated, the operator manually cranks a lock shaft to lock and unlock a storage unit. An optional modular chassis assembly includes a removable array of components for testing, maintenance and repair. |
| US08616026B2 |
Control panel assembly for laundry device and laundry device including the same
An improved control panel assembly is easy to fabricate, and easy to recognize a selected operation condition, and a laundry device with the same. The control panel assembly for a laundry device includes a button assembly having a plurality of buttons provided in correspondence to operation conditions, a control panel having a plurality of mounting holes for exposure of the plurality of buttons therethrough from a front thereof, and a frame on a rear of the control panel, the frame joining the plurality of buttons as one unit, and preventing pressing interference between adjacent buttons. |
| US08616022B2 |
Apparatus and method for manufacturing float glass
An apparatus for manufacturing a float glass includes a bottom block in which molten metal is stored and floats, a loop block which covers the bottom block and has at least one hole formed therethrough, a heater installed through the hole, and a fragment intercepting member for preventing fragments generated at the loop block from falling onto the bottom block through the hole. |
| US08616019B2 |
Refrigerator with intermediate temperature icemaking compartment
An icemaking compartment is provided in the refrigerator compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. An icemaker is within the icemaking compartment. A cold air duct supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaker. The cold air duct is formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator. A fan controls the flow of air through the cold air duct. A return air duct is provided to direct a portion of the air from the icemaker back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaker directs another portion of air into the refrigerator compartment. |
| US08616018B2 |
Ice making unit and refrigerator having the same
An ice making unit and a refrigerator having the same are discussed. The refrigerator includes an ice making unit arranged in the ice making compartment, to produce ice, and a refrigeration cycle comprising a refrigerant pipe to supply cooling energy to the ice making compartment. Air present in the ice making compartment is cooled while undergoing direct heat exchange with at least one of the ice making unit and the refrigerant pipe. |
| US08616016B2 |
Air conditioner, air conditioner manufacturing method, and compressor
At a time of a heating high-load operation, a harmonic current is flown in an armature winding to induction-heat rare-earth magnets, thus reducing a residual magnetic flux density. Thereby, the number of rotations of a radial gap type motor is improved. The rare-earth magnets are provided near a cooling medium passage extending substantially in parallel with a flow line of a cooling medium, so that the cooling medium recovers heat of the heated rare-earth magnets. At a time of a cooling high-load operation, a greater number of rotations are obtained with respect to the same torque command value, by a field weakening control by means of a current-phase advance. |
| US08616009B2 |
Magnetic regenerator, a method of making a magnetic regenerator, a method of making an active magnetic refrigerator and an active magnetic refrigerator
The invention provides a method of making a magnetic regenerator for an active magnetic refrigerator, the method comprising: forming a magnetic regenerator from a slurry or a paste containing a magnetocaloric material the magnetic regenerator being formed to have plural paths therethrough for the flow of a heat transfer fluid; and varying the composition of the magnetocaloric material so that the magnetic transition temperature of the magnetic regenerator varies along the paths. |
| US08616005B1 |
Method and apparatus for boosting gas turbine engine performance
A method and apparatus for boosting the performance of gas turbine engines, pipelines, and other applications using gas turbine engine systems. A pressurizing device or other source is preferably used to deliver an intake air stream to the gas turbine engine at at least 2% above atmospheric pressure. The pressurizing device of other source is preferably not mechanically driven by the gas turbine engine itself. |
| US08616000B2 |
System and method of capturing geothermal heat from within a drilled well to generate electricity
A closed-loop, solid-state system generates electricity from geothermal heat from a well by flow of heat, without needing large quantities of water to conduct heat from the ground. The present invention contemplates uses for depleted oil or gas wells and newly drilled wells to generate electricity in an environmentally-friendly method. Geothermal heat is conducted from the Earth to a heat exchanging element to heat the contents of pipes. The pipes are insulated between the bottom of the well and the surface to minimize heat dissipation as the heated contents of the pipes travel to the surface. |
| US08615996B2 |
Turbine assembly for a turbocharger, having two asymmetric volutes that are sequentially activated, and associated method
A turbine assembly for an exhaust gas turbocharger has separate first and second volutes that are sequentially activated via a valve that receives exhaust gases from an engine. In a first position of the valve, only the first volute receives exhaust gas; in a second position, both volutes receive exhaust gases. In a third position, a bypass passage is also opened so that some exhaust gas bypasses the turbine wheel. Unlike conventional twin-scroll turbines, each volute receives exhaust gases from all engine cylinders, and the first volute feeds gas into the B-width portion of the wheel, while the second volute feeds gas into the wheel after the contour portion. |
| US08615994B2 |
Adjustable hydraulic master cylinder assemblies
A master cylinder assembly includes a cylinder body, a piston member operably fitted therein, and a pressure valve assembly to establish a variable fluid output upon operation of the piston member. The cylinder body includes two or more pressure chambers to hold hydraulic fluid, each having a transfer port. The piston member includes two or more pistons respectively received in the pressure chambers, and is operable to move the pistons, in parallel, to transfer hydraulic fluid through the transfer ports. The pressure valve assembly includes a selector and is operable to direct fluid transferred through selected transfer ports out of the cylinder body through an outlet port by means of a movable valve member that establishes a passageway communicating the selected transfer ports with the outlet port. A pivot adjustment mechanism allows adjustment of the lever's mechanical advantage, and a stroke adjustment mechanism allows adjustment of the lever's rest position. |
| US08615991B2 |
Device for reducing corrosive constituents in an exhaust gas condensate of an internal combustion engine
A device for reducing corrosive constituents in an exhaust gas condensate of an internal combustion engine is provided, in which the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine is recirculated to the internal combustion engine via an exhaust gas recirculation system having an exhaust gas cooler and at least one exhaust gas recirculation line. To protect the exhaust gas recirculation system along with intake air components and the internal combustion engine from the corrosive effects of the exhaust gas condensate, the exhaust gas recirculation system has at least one neutralization unit for neutralizing the corrosive constituents of the exhaust gas condensate, which is connected to at least one component arranged downstream, through which the exhaust gas, which has been freed of nearly all corrosive constituents, flows. |
| US08615983B2 |
Heat exchanger method and apparatus for engine exhaust gas recirculation system
A method for operating an internal combustion engine configured to operate lean of stoichiometry includes reducing temperature of a portion of an exhaust gas feedstream recirculated to an intake system of the engine, and reducing mass flowrate of particulate matter and hydrocarbons borne in the recirculated portion of the exhaust gas feedstream upstream of the heat exchanger effective to reduce deposition of particulate matter and hydrocarbons onto and adhesion to surface areas of the heat exchanger. |
| US08615974B2 |
Bagging apparatus
An article bagging apparatus designed to reduce impacts caused by stopping at advance and retraction terminal points. The article bagging apparatus has an upper scoop (12) and a lower scoop (14) rectilinearly movable forward and backward together. The upper and lower scoops are advanced and inserted into a bag through an opening thereof, and the upper scoop is displaced upward, thereby expanding the bag vertically. In addition, the upper and lower scoops are retracted to pull the expanded bag, thereby allowing an article placed in the path of retraction to enter the bag. The article bagging apparatus includes a coupling unit (22) that allows the upper scoop to be displaced vertically and that causes the upper and lower scoops to move together forward and backward, an upper guide rail (24) supporting the upper scoop horizontally movably, and an upper drive unit (26) vertically moving the upper guide rail. |
| US08615972B2 |
Torque measuring assembly suitable for use in a container capping machine
The present invention provides a torque measuring station, comprising a cap-engaging assembly for engaging a cap that has been secured onto a container, a torque measuring assembly for obtaining a measurement indicative of the torque exerted on the cap by the cap engaging assembly and a processing entity in communication with the torque measuring assembly. The processing entity is operative for receiving the measurement indicative of the torque, and for causing the container to be handled, once released from said cap-engaging assembly, on the basis of the measurement indicative of the torque applied to the cap. |
| US08615970B2 |
Panel assemblies having controllable surface properties
An assembly comprised of at least one fixed panel and at least two moveable panels is provided. The moveable panels are capable of being controllably shifted relative both to each other and to the fixed panel such that first and second aligned and non-aligned positions can be achieved. The assembly is further comprised of two or more drive links which are, in turn, comprised of a center pivot which engages with the fixed panel and two or more outer pivots which engage with the movable panels. |
| US08615968B2 |
Shingle with reinforcement layer
A shingle, a method of making it, and a roof embodying the shingle is provided, in which an exterior surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer through which fasteners may be applied when the shingle is applied to a roof. |
| US08615966B2 |
Inflatable structure
A structure which is transformable by inflation from a collapsed condition for storage to an erect condition for use has an inflatable tubular framework and at least one flexible web attached to and extending between two or more regions of the framework. The inflatable framework is formed by at least one inner inflatable tubular element (A, B) of flexible, elastic, air-impermeable material and having an inflation valve (13,15) accommodated within an outer sleeve arrangement of a material which is flexible but substantially non-elastic and restrained therein upon inflation. The outer sleeve arrangement is configured to include at least one branch point and/or at least one abrupt bend and the configuration of the inner tubular element or elements (A, B) corresponds to that (branch points (a, b) and abrupt bends (z)) so that the inner tube or tubes will substantially fill the outer sleeve arrangement upon inflation. Each inner tube (A, B) is formed by cutting and bonding of the air-impermeable material to provide a continuous inflatable compartment of relevant configuration and is inserted through an opening in the outer sleeve arrangement and fed through so as to fill it when later inflated in use. |
| US08615963B2 |
Log wall connector system
A building structure comprises a post having a vertically extending longitudinal face. A plurality of horizontal logs extends from said longitudinal face and has an end face in abutment with said longitudinal face. The post having an undercut channel in said longitudinal face and extends along said post. At least one of said end faces has a recess aligned with said undercut channel, and a spline assembly extends between said post and said log to secure said log to said post. The spline assembly includes a key located in and extends between said channel and said recess and an insert in one of said undercut channel and said recess. The insert co operates with said key to facilitate relative sliding movement therebetween. |
| US08615962B1 |
Retention feature for automotive deco trim
A retention feature for securing a trim component to a panel of an automotive vehicle includes an elongate clip extending from the trim component and a selectively releasable locking device disposed on the panel. The clip is configured to be inserted through an opening defined by the panel. The locking device includes: a restraining portion on a first side of the panel; an actuating portion on a second side of the panel; and a biasing feature configured to compliantly bias the restraining portion into the locked state. The restraining portion of the locking device obstructs the withdrawal of the elongate clip from the panel when in a locked state, and is configured to transition from the locked state to an unlocked state in response to the application of a force to the actuating portion. |
| US08615956B2 |
Panel structure
The invention relates to a panel structure, in which structure at least two layer sheets (1,6;12,13;22,23;31,32;41,44,45) are fixed to each other with at least one connection member (2,11,21,33,42,43,46) and the connection member (2,11,21,33,42,43,46) is generated from one of the at least two layer sheets (1,6;12,13;22,23;31,32;41,44,45). At least part of the connection member (2,11,21,33,42,43,46) is diverged from the layer sheets (1,6;12,13;22,23; 31,32;41,44,45) forming at least one opening (8,17,27,35) through the layer sheet (1,6;12,13;22,23;31,32;41,44,45) wherefrom the connection (2,11,21,33, 42,43,46) is generated. |
| US08615950B1 |
Systems and methods of reducing stucco cracks at doors and windows
Various corner element embodiments, 100, 700 may comprise various concentric circle attributes useful in stopping or reducing cracks in stucco and related building materials. The corner element embodiments may be secured at widow and door corner areas and then integrated with traditional stucco applications. The concentric circle attributes and other corner element attributes dissipate stucco movement to reduce stucco heave and cracks. |
| US08615947B2 |
Two-piece modular yoke
A sheet metal yoke for supporting a pair of main runners of a suspended ceiling grid in parallel alignment with a relatively narrow spacing, the yoke having an inverted U-shape with a horizontal span and a depending leg adjacent each end of the span, a lower end of each leg having a tab extending towards the other leg, the tab being proportioned to fit in a cross runner slot of a main runner and being capable of vertically supporting the main runner at a desired elevation. |
| US08615945B2 |
Ventilated structural panels and method of construction with ventilated structural panels
A multi-plenum structural panel comprising a top sheet, a middle sheet, and a bottom sheet, all three sheets being parallel in plane; a first plurality of spacing structural elements, fixedly attaching the top sheet to the middle sheet, and a second plurality of spacing structural elements fixedly attaching the middle sheet to the bottom sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the top, the middle, and the bottom sheets; an upper plenum defined by a spacing between the top sheet and the middle sheet; a lower plenum defined by a spacing between the middle sheet and the bottom sheet; a plurality of unobstructed pathways are created in each plenum for air to move from at least one edge of the panel to at least one of an opposite and an adjacent edge of the panel. |
| US08615940B2 |
Energy integrative building with ecological environmental protection
An eco-friendly energy integrated building comprises a building frame, doors and windows, a roof and guard rails. A concrete reinforced layer is poured on the roof, a farm soil layer is arranged on the concrete reinforced layer, farm crops are planted on the farm soil layer, a power generation system is arranged on the concrete reinforced layer, and a solar energy device is arranged on the guard rails. |
| US08615939B2 |
Photovoltaic module mounting system
A photovoltaic module mounting system using clamps to attach the modules to a mounting structure, thereby providing a universal mounting structure for use with laminate or framed modules of differing shapes and sizes, from different manufacturers. |
| US08615938B2 |
Cast curtain wall unit for assembling a cast curtain wall and cast curtain wall assembled from the same
A curtain wall unit includes a frame composed of a casting material, which define at least one infill area for receiving and retaining an infill element, and a connector assembly operatively engaged to the frame for attaching the frame to a standing structure. A method of making the curtain wall unit and a curtain wall assembled from the same is also described. |
| US08615936B2 |
Modular wall system
A moveable and demountable wall panel system for defining an office space with a plurality of wall panels disposable in a substantially upright manner between a floor and a ceiling each having respectively a series of uppermost and lowermost deviations. The system includes at least one prefabricated frameless panel, the top edge of each panel being provided with a ceiling track configured for being removably insertable into a corresponding ceiling rail. The system also includes a bottom floor channel associated with each corresponding panel and being configured for operatively resting against the floor opposite to the ceiling rail. The system also includes first and second height adjustment assemblies associated with each panel and insertable into a corresponding bottom floor channel. |
| US08615934B1 |
Panelized portable shelter
A modular, panelized 12-foot wide shelter that has a standard 20-foot length. The shelter has a number of premade frame panels that are assembled over a deck floor. An outer covering of hard, 0.040″ black ABS sheeting, which can be painted, is applied to the frame. The walls, roof arches, and end panels can be insulated to reduce or eliminate condensation. The floor is insulated as a standard feature. Each wall/roof section has one 5,000 pound rated galvanized anchor ring attached for tie-downs in windy locations, if needed. Because the entire shelter fits on a single pallet, it can be transported to remote sites by various methods—trucks, barges, helicopters, or snowmobiles. The shelter can be assembled by two workers in less than a day using simple tools. The structure is designed to be transported by truck, helicopter or snowmobile. |
| US08615926B1 |
Bag constructed of weed suppression material for packaging ground cover material
A bag constructed of a weed suppression material for packaging a ground cover material. When the bag is in a closed configuration, the bag serves as a container for shipping, handling, and storage of the ground cover material. When the bag is opened and unfolded, and the ground cover material within the bag is spread over the opened and unfolded bag, the bag serves as a layer of weed suppression material on top of underlying soil and beneath the ground cover. |
| US08615923B2 |
Crop protector
A crop protection system can include a housing that houses at least one roller mechanism to carry a roll of material, a vault configured to receive the housing, and a lift mechanism configured to vertically position the housing with respect to the vault. In such a system the housing may include three roller mechanisms where each roller mechanism is configured to carry a roll of material and also include a wire roller mechanism configured to carry a roll of wire. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08615922B2 |
Electrified bird repellent track
An animal deterring device has a carrier with a first conductive trace that is separated from a second conductive trace. The carrier has a bottom with a first glue trough disposed beneath the first conductive trace. The first conductive trace is coupled to the carrier by a first fastener that extends from the first glue trough to the first conductive trace. |
| US08615919B2 |
Deep water fishing rod and electric reel
A rod and reel assembly for deep water fishing. The rod employs a structure that eliminates the need for line guides along the length of the structure by use of a swivel guide that maintains the line between two rod members. The swivel roller is placed at the distal end of the structure allowing fishing line deployed from a mounted reel to the swivel roller to pass unobstructed through the structure. Also disclosed is an electric reel that includes a cantilever spool having an enlarged interior allowing hand control of free spooling. A two stage drag system employs a first set of springs to allow hands free spooling with minimal drag and a second set of springs for proper setting for the fish hauling. |
| US08615918B2 |
Firearm assemblies and methods
Firearms are provided than can include a firearm frame having a grip attached thereto; a power source recessed within the grip; and a power coupling assembly positioned along the frame, the assembly being in electronic communication with the power source. Firearm frames are provided that can include a grip having a power source therein; and at least one power line extending from the power source to an exterior portion of the frame. Methods of powering a firearm accessory are provided that can include providing a power source within a grip of the firearm; and powering the firearm accessory with the power source. |
| US08615914B2 |
Collapsible display-arrangement
The present invention relates to a collapsible display-arrangement (A; B) having a base unit (2) for placing against a support surface (1), a sheet (4) that can be rolled up or unrolled and on which a picture and/or text appears, and also a support (3) for retaining the sheet, the upper edge (4a) of the sheet being arranged for co-operation with said support (3). At least one end part of said upper edge (4a) is designed to be able to be provided with a permanent magnet (7) or the like, and the magnetisation direction or directions is/are so chosen that an attractive force will operate between said permanent magnet (7) and a permanent magnet (7a′) pertaining to an adjacent display arrangement (B). |
| US08615905B1 |
Massaging footwear
Footwear includes an insole with integral massaging pads to aid in relaxation, relief of sore feet, and stimulation for various body parts through reflexology. A sole portion is provided with a plurality of bumps and ridges designed to impact and massage various reflex areas of the feet while walking. These bumps and ridges correspond to various areas of the foot that are linked to various points and organs in the human body such as kidneys, liver, skeletal joints, and the like. Thus, as the user walks, they experience a massaging effect resulting in increased comfort, relaxation, and overall body wellness. The beneficial features of the footwear may be incorporated various styles of footwear including sandals, shoes, boots, and the like. |
| US08615903B2 |
Support liners and arrangements including the same
Support liners and cushions which include including a plurality of compressible protrusions. An arrangement is provided for interconnecting the compressible protrusions, the interconnecting arrangement being adapted to ensure strict compression of the compressible protrusions upon acceptance of a compressive force. |
| US08615900B2 |
Footwear provided with spring means and as such spring means
The invention relates to footwear comprising a sole and an upper, which sole is attached to spring means supported on a ground surface, which spring means comprise at least one U-shaped spring element, which is connected to the sole with a first leg and which is supported on the ground surface with the other leg. A drawback of such footwear is that the spring means are constructed with a certain overmeasure in relation to the footwear so as to generate a certain useful spring effect. Adjusting the spring means of said known footwear is complex and cannot be done efficiently. The object of the invention is to provide improved footwear as referred to in the introduction, as well as improved spring means according to the invention, with on the one hand small constructional dimensions while retaining an advantageous spring effect, which is furthermore easier to adjust. According to the invention, the footwear and also the spring means are characterised in that the free end of the first leg of the U-shaped spring element, has a bent shape and can be accommodated with a proper fit in a correspondingly shaped part of the sole. |
| US08615898B2 |
Dryer
A dryer is provided. The dryer may include a main body having an inner space formed therein, a support body arranged in the main body so as to form a frame of the main body, a flexible drum rotatably installed on the support body so as to have a non-circular cross-section as it is rotated, and rotation guides arranged between the support body and the flexible drum so as to guide rotation of the flexible drum. A distance from a center of rotation of an inscribed circle contacting the inner circumferential surface of the flexible drum to one random point on the inner circumferential surface of the flexible drum is greater than a distance from the center of rotation of the inscribed circle to another point on the inscribed circle such that the drum maintains a non-circular cross section. |
| US08615897B2 |
Dryer motor and control
A drying device has been developed having a single electric motor configured to drive a drum and directly drive an air blower. The single electric motor is a non-line frequency electric motor. The drum is coupled to a support frame to enable rotation of the drum relative the support frame. The drum has an interior space for holding a load of articles, such as clothing. The motor includes a controller configured to increase gradually the angular velocity of the drum to provide a “soft start” for the dryer. |
| US08615895B2 |
Clothes dryer
A device and method for cleaning a lint filter in a clothes dryer. The clothes dryer includes an air channel connected to a drum to supply air into the drum and to guide air discharged from the drum, a dehumidification unit disposed in the air channel to condense moisture contained in the air discharged from the drum, a waterspout to collect condensed water created by the dehumidification unit, a filter to filter lint from the air discharged from the drum, a cleaning nozzle to spray water to the filter to remove the lint from the filter, a recovery water tank to receive water from the waterspout, and a cleaning water tank connected to the recovery water tank to receive water from the recovery water tank and to supply the water to the cleaning nozzle. |
| US08615893B2 |
Portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine having integrated software controls
A method for performing a diagnostic or calibration procedure on a portable articulated arm coordinate measurement machine (AACMM). The AACMM includes a manually positionable articulated arm portion having opposed first and second ends, the arm portion including a plurality of connected arm segments, each of the arm segments including at least one position transducer for producing position signals. The AACMM also includes an electronic circuit having a self-contained operating environment that includes a user interface application and a display device in communication with the user interface application. In addition, a measurement device is attached to the first end of the AACMM. The user interface application and display device are configured to facilitate performing and displaying results of a diagnostic or calibration procedure on the AACMM. |
| US08615892B1 |
Apparatus and methods for level and/or straight edge tools
The present invention is directed generally to tools that are lightweight, high quality, durable, rigid and strong. For example, various tools used to level items and/or as a straight edge for aligning or drawing lines on items may be designed in an improved or augmented I beam style so that they are lightweight, strong, durable and rigid so as to hold their shape under stress or return to their original shape after being stressed. In various exemplary embodiments, the I beam style level and/or straight edge may have a first main elongated side to which two elongated perpendicular sides are connected or coupled. At least one or more higher strength elongated sides, for example a second elongate side, may be comprised of a closed or box shaped side. For example, the second elongated side may be, for example, a box shaped construction. |
| US08615889B2 |
Attaching arrangement for hand-held motor-driven tools
The invention relates to an arrangement for attaching a bar of a hand-held motor driven tool to a body of the tool, the arrangement including: at least one bolt, having a first part, securely arranged to the body, and a second part extending from the body, the second part having an engagement portion for engaging a nut; a cover portion adapted to bear against a bar such that the bar is arranged between the cover portion and the body; and at least one nut, captively attached to the cover portion. The nut is adapted to engage the engagement portion of the bolt for securing a bar between the cover portion and the body, the nut having a rotation axis. Thereby, an attachment arrangement is achieved that facilitates changing of bars when the nut used in the attachment arrangement is captively arranged to the cover portion. |
| US08615888B2 |
Impaired grip knife
A knife has a handle with an enlarged proximate end grip portion having ribbed and unribbed surfaces. The handle has oppositely disposed thumb receiving concave unribbed surfaces at the distal end for alternate pinch-grip functions. The knife blade has a cutting edge that extends proximately below and adjacent the enlarged grip portion, and is proximately disposed with respect to the thumb receiving pinch-grip concave surfaces. The knife provides diverse impaired grip cutting functions with comfort and with fatigue. |
| US08615887B2 |
Line-type grass cutting head which can be alternatively used on machines with left or right rotation
A head including a housing (3A, 3B) for a winding spool (7) for winding the cutting line (F), provided with projections (15, 19) cooperating with teeth (17, 21) integral with the housing. The teeth and the projections are arranged in such a way so as to allow a stepped rotation of the spool with respect to the housing, when the spool is translated alternatively in opposite directions parallel to the axis of the head. The head includes a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth (21A, 21) which can be used alternatively and which are suitable each to allow the rotation of the spool (7) in one direction and to prevent the rotation in the opposite direction with respect to the housing. |
| US08615886B1 |
Shaving system with energy imparting device
A shaving implement includes a blade assembly configured for a wet shaving process wherein a user of the shaving implement grips a handle and draws the blade assembly across a surface of skin to be shaved. The shaving implement also includes an energy-imparting device, circuitry, and an activation device. The energy-imparting device is configured to impart energy to enhance the wet shaving process. The activation device is configured to impart a signal to the circuitry in response to handling of the shaving implement during the wet shaving process. In response to receiving the signal, the circuitry either extends or initiates an application of signals to the energy-imparting device that enable the energy-imparting device to impart energy that enhances the wet shaving process. |
| US08615884B2 |
Method of manufacturing rolling bearing device
A method of manufacturing a rolling bearing device which can improve operational efficiency and can enhance productivity thereof is provided. The method includes the steps of: applying an adhesive agent to fitting portions formed between inner rings of two rolling bearings which are arranged coaxially in a spaced-apart manner in an axial direction and a shaft which is fitted in the inner rings and fitting portions formed between outer rings of two rolling bearings and a sleeve which is fitted on the outer rings; bringing the inner rings and the shaft into fitting engagement and the outer rings and the sleeve into fitting engagement respectively; and welding, in a state where the inner rings to which the adhesive agent is applied in the adhesive agent applying step are brought close to each other due to pushing of the inner rings in the axial direction, the pushed inner rings to the shaft by laser welding using laser power which does not generate thermal deformation of the pushed inner rings. |
| US08615880B2 |
Jetstack plate to plate alignment
An apparatus has a first plate having a first array of holes, with a first plate alignment hole having a smaller size than the other holes in the array, a second plate having a second array of holes to be alignable to the first array of holes, a second plate alignment hole having a smaller size than the other holes in the array, and the first plate alignment hole and the second plate alignment hole having different positions. A method of aligning plates provides a first plate having a top and bottom and first array of holes including a first plate alignment hole having a size smaller than the other holes in the first array, places a second plate having a second array of holes on the top of the first plate such that the first array of holes and the second array of holes align, directs light at the bottom of the first plate, locates a profile of the first plate alignment hole in the second array of holes to verify alignment. |
| US08615878B2 |
Method for fabricating a heat pipe, and instrument of the method
The disclosure provides a method for fabricating a heat pipe, and an instrument of the method. The method for fabricating a heat pipe includes providing a hollow tube, wherein the hollow tube has an open end and a closed end; disposing a mandril into the hollow tube from the open end, wherein the inside wall of the hollow tube is separated from the mandril by a space, and wherein the mandril comprises a first portion and a second portion and the first portion has a thermal expansion coefficient larger than that of the second portion; filling up the space between the mandril and the hollow tube with a powder; performing a sintering process to the hollow tube, forming a first agglomeration region and a second agglomeration region; removing the mandril; injecting a working fluid into the hollow tube; and sealing the open end of the hollow tube. |
| US08615876B2 |
Method for manufacturing honeycomb structural body and method for manufacturing exhaust gas converting apparatus
A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structural body having a honeycomb unit includes obtaining a honeycomb molded body including a compound containing a phosphate group zeolite and an inorganic binder. The honeycomb molded body has a plurality of through holes that are defined by cell walls and arranged in a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb molded body. The honeycomb molded body is dried. The dried honeycomb molded body is fired to obtain the honeycomb unit. At least one of the honeycomb unit and the dried honeycomb molded body is stored so that a difference in moisture content is approximately 5 mass % or less between a moisture content of the cell walls at a center part of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a moisture content of the cell walls at an outer periphery part of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. |
| US08615872B2 |
Method of manufacturing a flow measurement device
A flow measurement device and a method of manufacturing a flow measurement device having a measurement tube made from plastic or at least a plastic liner are provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, the measurement tube can be fabricated from plastic in an injection molding apparatus. Thereafter, electrical components of the measurement tube, such as electrodes and a coil holder, for example, can be concomitantly injection molded in a common, separate injection molding process. The electrical components can there be installed easier and more reliably in position. |
| US08615870B1 |
Method for installing cruise control stop switch
An installation tool to install a cruise control stop switch onto a brake pedal of an automotive vehicle includes a cylindrical shaped main body, a cylindrical shaped top portion attached to an open end of the main body, a power supply enclosed within the main body and the top portion, multiple indicators attached to an outer surface of the main body, and a removable coupler located in a recess in the top portion. The coupler, which is electrically connected to the power source and the multiple indicators, is configured to receive the cruise control stop switch. |
| US08615868B2 |
Method for manufacturing a magnetic sensor using two step ion milling
A method for manufacturing a magnetic sensor that includes depositing a plurality of mask layers, then forming a stripe height defining mask over the sensor layers. A first ion milling is performed just sufficiently to remove portions of the free layer that are not protected by the stripe height defining mask, the first ion milling being terminated at the non-magnetic barrier or spacer layer. A dielectric layer is then deposited, preferably by ion beam deposition. A second ion milling is then performed to remove portions of the pinned layer structure that are not protected by the mask, the free layer being protected during the second ion milling by the dielectric layer. |
| US08615866B2 |
Method of manufacturing a rotor
A method of monitoring quality of a control circuit in a power plant is provided. The quality of the control circuit is continuously assessed by determining characteristic quantities describing the quality by applying a plurality of testing methods suitable for describing dynamic properties of the control circuit to current operating data originating from the instrumentation and control equipment of the power plant, and by evaluating the characteristic quantities. |
| US08615863B1 |
Tool for inserting plastic flexible hose to fittings
An insertion tool for inserting a fitting into a hose including a handle with a trigger parallelly disposed relative to an elongated translation rod movable in one direction including a fitting holder releasably mounted on the translation rod. A bell crank and linkage system connects the trigger to the translation rod for longitudinal movement and enhances the mechanical advantage to facilitate the insertion of the fitting into the hose. The hose holder is adjustable to accommodate different diameter hoses and the fitting holder can be changed to accommodate different shaped and sized fittings. The insertion tool can be used to insert the fitting into the hose while these units are in the ground or it can be oriented and changed to accommodate insertions at various attitudes. A knife is attached to the translation rod to allow the translation rod to be positioned to remove the hose from its fittings. A hose cutter is carried by the insertion tool and can be mounted on the translation rod to cut the length of the hose to a particular size. |
| US08615862B2 |
Roofing membrane puller and method of use
A membrane puller and related method. The puller includes a frame including a front end and a rear end, a lever assembly, a clamp assembly carried by the frame and including an elongate body slidably received by the front end of the frame and a clamp member fixed to the body, and a cable having one end attached to the lever assembly and another end attached to the clamp assembly, wherein the lever assembly is movable toward the front end of the frame to place the cable in tension to pull the clamp assembly toward the front end of the frame such that the elongate body slidably moves toward the rear end of the frame. |
| US08615858B2 |
Cylinder and piston golf shaft extractor
In one embodiment, an extraction apparatus used to pull a golf shaft out of a club head comprises a hosel engagement member, an annular cylinder bore and piston assembly, and a shaft clamping device. The assembly is positioned on the shaft by passing the shaft through an axial hole in the assembly and the hosel engagement member is placed next to the head's hosel. The shaft is clamped in the clamping device so that the hosel, the hosel engagement member, and the cylinder and piston assembly are held tightly against the clamping device. The cylinder is then pressurized, thereby applying a force to the piston and an extraction force to the head which is essentially symmetrical with the shaft. The hosel is then heated to weaken its adhesive bond to the shaft so the piston is able to move and push the head away from the shaft. |
| US08615856B1 |
Apparatus and method for forming self-retaining sutures
An apparatus and method for forming retainers on a continuous strand such as, for example, of suture material and a suture produced by the same. The apparatus may include a retainer forming member configured to rotate about a first axis. The retainer forming member may include a cutter, the cutting edge of which may directed substantially inward toward, or outward away from, the first axis to define a retainer forming zone when the retainer forming member rotates about the first axis. The apparatus may further include a support member arranged adjacent to the retainer forming member and configured to receive and support the continuous strand in the retainer forming zone. When the retainer forming member rotates about the first axis, the passing strand may be intermittently or continuously cut by the cutting edge of the cutter. |
| US08615855B2 |
Themed cemetery
An improved cemetery experience whereby the cemetery and accompanying facilities may celebrate and demonstrate the passion and hobbies of the deceased individual. The contemplated themed cemetery may be a stand-alone cemetery that celebrates a common passion of a plurality of individuals, yet still maintains the traditional burial and memorialization process. The themed cemetery may take a specific event, or commonly understood and loved location and memorialize that location in the theme of a cemetery where those with that common interest and enjoyment of the commonly understood location may desire to be buried. The cemetery would closely resemble both visually, and physically a replica of the theme being celebrated and may provide space for the deceased while still providing adequate income and revenue in the way of advertising for the operator. |
| US08615854B2 |
Fixturing apparatus
A fixturing apparatus (100), including a first fixturing surface (230), and a plurality of locking teeth (210) attached to and extending outwardly from that fixturing surface, wherein each locking tooth includes a parallelepiped comprising a rectangular base (310), a first rectangular side (320) attached to a first end of that rectangular base and extending outwardly therefrom, and a second rectangular side (330) attached to an opposing end of the rectangular base and extending outwardly therefrom, wherein a first rectangular side distal end (324) is attached to a second rectangular side distal end 336. |
| US08615853B2 |
Multipole magnet for holding items to clothing
In a magnetic holding device for attaching items such as eyeglasses, a badge, identification, jewelry, or accessories to an article of clothing, the magnet is replaced with a multipole magnet. |
| US08615852B2 |
Magnetic fastener clip
A magnetic fastener clip includes a base and an umbrella positioned on the base. A boss is attached to the umbrella and extends outwardly from the umbrella and away from the base. The magnetic fastener has a hole with a diameter to receive the boss. The boss is welded to hold the magnetic fastener against the umbrella. An optional carrier is attached to the base to provide additional height for suitable applications. The umbrella is positioned on the base or is attached to the carrier and positioned opposite the base. The boss is attached to the magnetic fastener such that the umbrella flexes to permit the magnetic fastener to pivot about the boss. The magnetic fastener clip adapts to different surface curvatures and thicknesses. The magnetic fastener clip is operative for blind attachment into a structure, such as a vehicle chassis i.e. roof. |
| US08615851B2 |
Net patching devices
A patching system for a net in a frame with hard points at select nodes of the net includes a patching device with a pair of spaced sockets each configured to receive a hard point therein. A member interconnects the pair of spaced sockets and is configured to properly space the hard points. Another patching device is for reconnecting hard points to the net frame. |
| US08615849B2 |
Cord management system
A cord management system includes a case and a strap. The strap has a first attachment point at a first location on the strap and a second attachment point a second location on the strap. The strap also includes at least two modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the first attachment point is attached to the second attachment point so that a first segment of the strap located between the first attachment point and the second attachment point forms a loop configured to secure a cord that is wrapped around the case. In a second mode of operation, the first attachment point is detached from the second attachment point so that the first segment no longer forms the loop. In some embodiments, the strap is permanently attached to the case, while in other embodiments the strap is semi-permanently attached to the case. |
| US08615848B2 |
Hinge apparatus for electronic device
A hinge apparatus for an electronic device includes a cam unit and a gear unit provided at a connecting position of an upper plate and a lower plate. The cam unit includes a first cam mechanism for causing a first cam shaft connected to an upper plate to generate a torque and a second cam mechanism for causing a second cam shaft connected to a lower plate to generate a torque. Further, the gear unit includes a first gear shaft connected to the upper plate and a second gear shaft connected to the lower plate, a first gear provided in the first gear shaft, a first gear provided in the second gear shaft, and a gear mechanism that synchronizes and rotates the first gear shaft and the second gear shaft. |
| US08615847B2 |
Direct acting clock spring counterbalanced hinge assembly
A counterbalanced hinge assembly for rotatably supporting a decklid of a vehicle includes a hinge box and a support member rotatably attached to the hinge box. A linkage system interconnects the hinge box and the support member, and includes a wind-up link rotatably attached to the hinge box for rotation about a spring axis, and a driven link interconnecting the wind-up link and the support member. A planar coil spring is coiled about the spring axis and is coupled to both the hinge box and the wind-up link. The planar coil spring applies a torque to the wind-up link to rotate the wind-up link about the spring axis to assist movement of the support member from the closed position into the open position. |
| US08615841B2 |
Connecting unit for hook wiper arm and flat wiper blade with the same
A connecting unit for separably connecting a flat wiper blade to a hook wiper arm is provided. The connecting unit has a bracket fixed to a frame of a flat wiper blade, an adaptor pivotally mounted on the bracket and a cover pivotally attached to the adaptor. The adaptor and a linear section of a hook wiper arm are fixed via a first fixing element of the adaptor in a lateral direction of the linear section. The adaptor and a curved section of the hook wiper are fixed via a second fixing element of the adaptor and a third fixing element of the cover in a longitudinal direction of the linear section. When a first locking element of the adaptor and a second locking element of the cover engage each other, the third fixing element fixes the curved section relative to the second fixing element. |
| US08615840B1 |
Surface cleaning system
A wiper system for flat or nearly flat surfaces utilizing a track system whereby a substantially vertical blade is disposed across a primarily planar surface to remove obstructing matter in a non stop horizontal reciprocation that may be set to do so in a plurality of differentiating track configurations. Additionally the present invention may be utilized and best suited for windshields, residential windows, metal paneling or headlights. |
| US08615839B1 |
Paint roller guide
A roller guide assembly is attached to a paint roller frame to maintain a consistent space between a surface adjacent to the surface being painted and a roller cover carried by the roller frame. The roller guide assembly includes a guide arm attached to a vertical portion of the roller frame and a mounting clamp that that fits on the roller frame. The mounting clamp uses an adjustable locking screw and tightening knob to secure the mounting clamp to the roller frame. The mounting clamp has a cavity configured to receive the guide arm such that the guide arm extends past the roller cover. The roller guide assembly has a storage clip mounted on the roller frame for temporarily storing the guide arm while the roller cover is being reloaded with paint. |
| US08615838B1 |
Barbeque grill brush
A barbeque grill brush including a handle with the head portion attached thereto, multiple metal bristles embedded in the bottom of the head portion, a pair of spaced L-shaped arms attached to the bottom of the head portion, and an elongated bumper spaced from the head portion and end being interconnected to the L-shaped arms. |
| US08615835B2 |
Article of footwear with a perforated midsole
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a midsole element, an upper sheet, and a lower sheet. The midsole element has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. In addition, the midsole element defines a plurality of bores extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The upper sheet is secured to the upper surface and extends over at least a portion of the bores. The lower sheet is secured to the lower surface, and the lower sheet is positioned to correspond in location with the upper sheet and extend under the portion of the bores. |
| US08615833B2 |
Method and washing machine provided with recirculation with controlled flow
A washing machine provided with recirculation with controlled flow. It further presents a method to control the level of the washing liquid, associated to the said machine, providing economy of resources such as water and cleaning products, guaranteeing an effective washing of clothes and similar articles, still associated with a decreases foam formation and lower nose emissions during the process, thus improving the operation of the equipment. The washing machine is provided with a washing tub (2), a basket (3), a two-way pump (7), level sensor (5), pool (6), recirculation hose (9), drainage hose (8) and control circuit. |
| US08615832B2 |
Nursing bed
A nursing bed, including at least a net-shaped fabric with a mesh opening, and a bearing frame. The net-shaped fabric includes a warp and a weft interwoven in a vertical direction. An interweaving point of the warp and the weft is fastened by a fixed connection. The diameter or inscribed circle diameter of the mesh opening is 2-6 times the diameter of the warp and the weft. The ratio of the area of an opening of the mesh opening to the area of the mesh opening is 35% to 78%. The diameter or inscribed circle diameter of the mesh opening is less than 1.5 mm. The diameter of the warp and the weft is less than 0.55 mm. The thickness of the net-shaped fabric is less than 1.1 mm. At least two edges of the net-shaped fabric are hanging between two opposite edges of the bearing frame. |
| US08615828B2 |
Multi-position reclining bed
a reclining bed that raises the upper body and legs above horizontal, but also allows the legs to recline below, the horizontal position. The resulting ergonomic benefits of sitting up for extended periods of time makes the desk specifically designed for such a bed a necessity. |
| US08615827B2 |
Person-support apparatus with movable portions
A person-support apparatus comprises a lower frame, a support, and an upper frame. The support is coupled to the lower frame. The upper frame is supported on the support above the lower frame. The upper frame includes a head support section and a foot support section including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion are configured to support at least a portion of the lower extremities of a person supported on the person-support apparatus. No components of the first portion and the second portion are removed from the first portion and the second portion when the first portion and the second portion are moved from a first position to a second position. The person-support apparatus can be configured to support any one of the posterior pelvic region and the feet, calf region, upper torso, or feet of a person on the foot section. |
| US08615826B2 |
Encasement
An encasement for a bedding item includes a cover comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side wall attaching the top portion to the bottom portion, an opening in the encasement is sized to permit an item to be removably placed therein. A zipper disposed in the opening is configured to reversibly seal the encasement. The zipper includes an open end, a closed end, a zipper pull, and opposing complementary zipper tracks, and a zipper end stop disposed at the closed end of the zipper. The zipper end stop includes an interior support panel, a first securement member affixed to the interior support panel, and a second securement member associated with the opposing complementary zipper tracks. Closing the zipper forms a beg bug impervious seal. The encasement may further include a removable cover. |
| US08615820B2 |
Dispensing devices
The present invention relates to a cageless lavatory dispensing device comprising a hanger (10) and a compressed solid block (50). The hanger (10) has a hook end (20) for suspending the dispensing device to a sanitary-appliance, and the compressed solid block (50) comprises at least one chemical agent. A process for delivering a treatment composition to a sanitary appliance is also disclosed. Said process comprises the steps of: providing and suspending a cageless lavatory dispensing device within the sanitary appliance; periodically flushing water about the exterior of the compressed block to elute at least one chemical constituent to form a treatment composition with said water, which treatment composition provides cleaning and/or sanitizing and/or disinfecting benefit to the sanitary appliance. |
| US08615819B2 |
Cervical spine protection device
A cervical spine protection device including a lower portion engaged with a user's shoulders, and an upper portion designed for engagement with a user's helmet when an axial force is applied to a portion of the user's helmet, where the upper portion has an opening at the rearward facing side of a user's body. The device further includes a middle portion disposed between the lower portion and the upper portion, and an inside portion shaped to fit around a user's neck. The axial force applied to the top portion of the user's helmet is at least partially absorbed by the cervical spine protection device and at least partially directed away from a cervical spinal column of the user by the cervical spine protection device. The cervical spine protection device allows extension of the head and neck during athletic movement. |
| US08615818B2 |
Cover for an eyewear strap
A cover for an eyewear strap is provided. The cover may include a first member, a second member associated with the first member and movable toward and away from the first member, and a fastener connected to the first member and the second member for removably connecting the first member to the second member. The cover may be adapted to receive an eyewear strap between the first and second members when the first and second members are disconnected, and the cover may be securable to the eyewear strap when the first and second members are connected together. |
| US08615816B2 |
Shorts for male
A shorts S for a male, the shorts having a front opening portion 100 where a pair of cloth members 4, 4′ are overlapped, the front opening portion being capable of forming an opening 101 allowing insertion of a penis P for urination. Of respective edge portions 1X, 1Y of the two cloth members 4, 4′ forming the opening 101, an upper end of one of the edge portions is joined in an overlapped manner to the other cloth member; and lower ends 1B, 1D of the two edge portions 1X, 1Y are jointed to each other at a width-wise center 16 of the front opening portion 100. |
| US08615815B2 |
Undergarment for hernia relief and other purposes
A brief style elastic undergarment designed for the particular needs of a portly person having an enlarged abdomen. The undergarment is constructed of elastic spandex material and has a high cut back and a low cut front so the waistband traverses the torso passing across the small of the back thence under the abdomen. The undergarment further comprising an auxiliary elastic waistband specifically intended to hold abdominal hernias in, and an attached supporting undershirt. Thus the elastic in the briefs and the auxiliary band press small hernias back into the abdominal cavity. For use by males, there is a hole through which the penis and scrotum project to avoid being compressed and allowing a snug, pressure fit across the front. The garment may be used as sleepwear and athletic wear. |
| US08615813B1 |
Apparatus for preventing sun damage of a car occupant
An apparatus prevents sun damage of a car occupant while keeping the occupant cool. The apparatus comprises a material mechanically coupled to a pocket and a safety belt attachment device. The material is sufficiently large to cover the occupant's fingers, hand, arm and shoulder. The occupant can place the safety belt attachment device over a safety belt and can insert fingers into the pocket allowing an air conditioner vent or natural air to cool the occupant while the material protects the occupant from ultraviolet light. |
| US08621655B2 |
Enforcing single stream per sign-on from a content delivery network (CDN) media server
An apparatus for enforcing a media stream delivery restriction uses a stream control service (SCS). The SCS is implemented in a distributed network, such as a CDN, in which a given media stream is delivered to authorized end users from multiple delivery servers, but where an authorized end user is associated with a single log-in identifier that is not intended to be shared with other end users. According to the method, an enforcement server of the SCS identifies first and second copies of the given media stream associated with the single log-in identifier being delivered from multiple delivery servers. It then issues message to terminate delivery of the given media stream from at least one of the multiple delivery servers. |
| US08621643B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a nonvolatile memory, and an interface configured to transfer data to and from the nonvolatile memory. The interface includes a security logic unit which controls a security level for the data written to the nonvolatile memory, in accordance with a plurality of preset security codes and a lock code that is written to a specific area in the nonvolatile memory. |
| US08621639B1 |
Using fuzzy classification models to perform matching operations in a web application security scanner
A system provides for fuzzy classification in comparisons of scanner responses. A web application test suite performs tests against a web application by sending client requests from a testing computer to the server running the web application and checking how the web application responds. A thorough web application security scan might involve thousands of checks and responses. As a result, some sort of programmatic analysis is needed. One such evaluation involves comparing one response against another. Response matching that compares two HTTP responses might use fuzzy classification processes. |
| US08621637B2 |
Systems, program product and methods for performing a risk assessment workflow process for plant networks and systems
Systems, methods, and program product to perform a cyber security risk assessment on a plurality of process control networks and systems comprising a plurality of primary network assets at an industrial process facility, are provided. An example of a system and program product can include an industrial and process control systems scanning module configured to identify networks and systems topology and to execute system and network security, vulnerability, virus, link congestion, node congestion analysis to thereby detect susceptibility to know threats to define potential vulnerabilities; a threats to vulnerabilities likelihood and consequences data repository module configured to determine a likelihood of each of a plurality of known threats exploiting identified vulnerabilities and to identify consequences of the exploitation to individual impacted systems and to overall plant operation; and a risk level evaluator module configured to determine a risk level rating for any identified vulnerabilities and provide recommended corrective actions. |
| US08621631B2 |
Method for evolving detectors to detect malign behavior in an artificial immune system
A system, apparatus, and method are directed to evolving detectors in an Artificial Immune System for use in detecting unauthorized computing activities. In one embodiment, a population of detectors is generated with a matching value and expectation value of zero. The detectors are then compared to logged fragments of system calls within a computing device to modify the matching value. When the matching value for a given detector is equal to or greater than an expectation value, the detector's expectation value may be set to the matching value. The detectors may then evolve and/or generate other detectors using mutation, and/or recombination, or the like. Detectors continue to generate and/or to evolve until a detector's matching value reaches a determined value, in which case, the detector may be evaluated to determine if an unauthorized activity is detected. If an unauthorized activity is detected, a detection response may be performed. |
| US08621608B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for dynamically adjusting a level of security applied to a system
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for dynamically adjusting a level of security applied to a system. In use, predetermined activity that is at least potentially associated with unwanted activity is identified on a system. Further, a level of security applied to the system is dynamically adjusted, in response to the identification of the predetermined activity. |
| US08621605B2 |
Method for reducing the time to diagnose the cause of unexpected changes to system files
A method for monitoring access to a file within a file system includes steps or acts of: monitoring a plurality of requests for access to files; intercepting the requests; and analyzing metadata located in the file. If the metadata includes a directive entry, the method includes these additional steps: identifying information about any application requesting access to the file, including a sequence of function calls that preceded the file access request; and logging the information to generate an action trail of the application. A mechanism for monitoring file access includes the following: a file system configured for monitoring accesses to any file residing within it; an access control mechanism which can execute pre-defined actions when an unauthorized file access occurs; and a tool to specify the list of files to be monitored. |
| US08621604B2 |
Evaluating a questionable network communication
Identifying a questionable network address from a network communication. In an embodiment, a network device receives an incoming or outgoing connection request, a web page, an email, or other network communication. An evaluation module evaluates the network communication for a corresponding network address, which may be for the source or destination of the network communication. The network address generally includes an IP address and a port number. The evaluation module checks a predefined white list for the network address to determine whether the network address is valid. Depending on the result, the evaluation module sets an indicator for preventing, allowing, or warning about the network communication. A category code, security code, organization code, or function code, may also be checked against the white list to ensure a valid network node is not compromised. A domain name may also be determined from the network address to further validate the network communication. |
| US08621600B2 |
Non-intrusive background synchronization when authentication is required
A non-modal notification user interface element is displayed persistently but unobtrusively such that a user may easily determine that authentication credentials are required by a background synchronization process. The non-modal notification is configured such that it may be ignored by the user such that their workflow is not interrupted. The background synchronization continues to synchronize the data it can even though the background synchronization may require authentication credentials for a subset of the data to be synchronized. The user may select the non-modal notification user interface element at any point in time in order to supply the required authentication credentials. The non-modal notification is removed from the display when there are no further authentication credentials required. |
| US08621596B2 |
Method and apparatus for best effort propagation of security group information
A method and system for best effort propagation of security group information is disclosed. The method includes determining if a reserved group identifier is associated with a destination and, if the reserved group identifier is associated with the destination, indicating that a packet received at a network node can be sent to another network node. The packet includes destination information that identifies the destination as a destination of the packet. |
| US08621593B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method, recording medium and program
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus allowing proper communication with a communication partner in accordance with a communication time of the communication partner. |
| US08621592B2 |
Authentication ticket validation
An authentication ticket is validated to ensure authenticated communications between a client and an online service provider. In an embodiment an authentication request is received from a user agent associated with the client and the authentication request includes a set of identification information and a set of authentication information. Additionally, it is determined that the set of identification information and the set of authentication information are associated with a user and an authentication ticket is created including a user identification and an authentication, indicating to the online service provider that the user is authenticated to access one or more online services. Further, a validation token is embedded into the authentication ticket that provides enhanced verification that the access provided by the online service provider is authenticated. |
| US08621590B2 |
Multiple access point zero sign-on
The ability to connect a device to the Internet or another type of network from various network access points in a convenient manner is contemplated. The device may be conveniently connected to the desired network without requiring user input of a username and password when connecting to the various network access points. |
| US08621589B2 |
Cross domain single sign on
The present application provides a method and system for Cross Domain Single Sign On. The method comprises: receiving a request from a user to a service provider; processing the user request prior to relaying the request to the service provider; forwarding the processed request to the corresponding service provider according to the type of request; in response to receiving a response to the request from the service provider, processing the response, and forwarding the processed response to the user. By adopting the method and system of the present application, a Single Sign On management proxy is introduced as a united management system for a session lifetime of the user. The SSO management proxy manages operations of logging in, checking a session expiration and recovering, logging out, URL mapping, error processing, and access control, and effectively improves the availability, security, functional continuity of the service as well as the user's experience. |
| US08621586B1 |
Using baseline profiles in adaptive authentication
An improved technique of processing an authentication request from an authentication requestor involves an adaptive authentication device comparing a behavioral history of fact values associated with a user over a current time window with a user's baseline profile that includes a behavioral history of the fact values. The adaptive authentication device accesses such a behavioral history over several previous time windows from a database whose entries include a user identifier, a time interval and user data which represents fact value behavioral history over the time interval. When the device receives an authentication request from an authentication requestor, the adaptive authentication device matches a username of the request with a user identifier of an entry of the database whose time period is the current time period. The adaptive authentication device then updates fact values representing the user's current behavioral history and compares the current behavioral history to the user's baseline profile. |
| US08621582B2 |
Authentication system
Methods, interface, and a communication network in a 3GPP network are presented. A user is authenticated and application service rules are binded to the user in GGSN filters ensuring that the correct charging, QoS level or similar function rules apply to the user for specific application services available from both external application service providers and network operator supplied specific services. |
| US08621581B2 |
Protecting authentication information of user applications when access to a users email account is compromised
An email server provided according to an aspect of the present invention protects authentication information of user applications when access user's email account is compromised. In an embodiment, when an email message directed to a user contains content which provides access to authentication information for accessing a user application implemented external to said email server, the email server requires authentication credentials from the user before providing access to the content. As a result, even if the user's email account is compromised, additional controls are provided to reduce the probability of compromise of access to user applications implemented external to the email server. |
| US08621579B2 |
Communication apparatus, electronic mail transmitting method, and electronic mail transmitting program
A communication apparatus enhances security in transmitting electronic mail to a destination mail address without degrading operability. An MFP is connected to an authentication server and a mail server via a network. A user name and a password are entered in a user name entry screen. The MFP requests the authentication server to authenticate the entered user name and password. When the user name and the password are authenticated, the MFP is operable to acquire an e-mail address, a SMTP authentication user name, and a SMTP authentication password according to SMTP associated with the authenticated user name and password from the authentication server. The MFP requests the mail server to authenticate the acquired SMTP authentication user name and SMTP authentication password according to SMTP. When the SMTP authentication user name and the SMTP authentication password are authenticated, the MFP is operable to transmit an e-mail to the mail server. |
| US08621575B2 |
Secure web based transactions
Methods of securely performing online transactions are described which involve two independently controlled web servers. In order to complete a transaction, a user interacts concurrently with each of the two web servers and authentication may occur between the user and each web server and between web servers. Each of the two web servers provide data which is used to complete the transaction and the data provided by the first web server is communicated directly to the second web server for use in the transaction. In an embodiment, the first web server provides a web page which enables a user to specify a variable which is used in the transaction. This is communicated to the second web server which processes the transaction along with an identifier for the message. The identifier may be used in validating the variable before it is used in processing the transaction. Following completion of a transaction this may be reported in real time to the first web server. |
| US08621572B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for updating authentication, authorization and accounting session
The present disclosure relates to a method, an apparatus and a system for updating an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting AAA session. The method includes: receiving an AAA session request sent by a second network access server, where the AAA session request includes a second session identifier and an ERP message; and updating a session according to the second session identifier and a stored first session identifier after successful user authentication that is performed according to the ERP message, where the first session identifier and the second session identifier correspond to the same user. As the session is updated according to the second session identifier and the stored first session identifier, synchronization of session information is ensured, thereby resolving an abnormal session problem that occurs when a home AAA server initiates a session or the network access server uses a session after re-authentication. |
| US08621567B2 |
Network security and applications to the fabric environment
A method and apparatus for securing networks, focusing on application in Fibre Channel networks. A combination of unique security techniques are combined to provide overall network security. Responsibility for security in the network is assigned to one or more designated entities. The designated entities deploy management information throughout the network to enhance security by modifying the capabilities and operational permissions of the devices participating in the network. For example, through network control: logical management access or physical I/O access may be limited on a per device or per I/O basis; and all devices and ports in the network operate only with other approved devices and ports. These designated entities can better manage network security by exploiting a unique link authentication system as well as a unique push-model secure distributed time service. The link authentication involves a multi-phase nonce exchange exploiting various derivations of the nonce and other information such as hashes and encryptions. The push-model secure time distribution departs from the traditional Fibre Channel pull mode time distribution and provides for secure and reliable distributed time so that various security attacks may be defeated. |
| US08621563B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing recommendation channels
An approach is presented for providing recommendation channels. A recommendation platform receives an input for creating at least one recommendation channel, the input specifying at least one category. Next, the recommendation platform determines one or more tokens based, at least in part, on the at least one category, wherein at least one of the one or more tokens represents context information. Then, the recommendation platform determines to create the at least one recommendation channel based, at least in part, on the one or more tokens. |
| US08621561B2 |
Selective authorization based on authentication input attributes
Embodiments for providing differentiated access based on authentication input attributes are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, a method includes receiving an authentication input at an authentication authority using an authentication protocol. The authentication input being associated with a client. The method also includes providing one or more representations for the authentication input, wherein each of the representations represents an attribute of the authentication input. |
| US08621560B2 |
User authentication using personal objects
A method and system of authentication for accessing one or more applications by a user by using a personal object belonging to the user. Such a personal object is one that is already in use by the user for purposes other than accessing the one or more applications. |
| US08621558B2 |
Method and apparatus for digital rights management policies
Method and apparatus are described wherein, in one example embodiment, there is provided one or more policy templates that may define a set of policy permissions or other attributes that may be desirable to specify in a policy. One or more policy templates may be specified in a user interface of a policy creation and maintenance program that may run on the policy server and/or run on a workstation computer. Each policy template specified by a user may include permissions for how a user may access and use a document. The maintenance program may, in one embodiment, associate both templates to a policy used for a specific unit of digital content, or, for example, an electronic document. The permissions for the policy are determined by aggregating the permissions associated with each respective templates chosen by the user. According to another example embodiment, a user selects a policy template and defines one or more additional permissions to form an augmented policy. |
| US08621554B1 |
User privacy framework
A computer program product has a computer-readable storage medium having computer program instructions embodied therein for performing a method for implementing a privacy policy for a user. The method may include the user developing rules that determine whether another user (requester) can access information related to the user. The rules may be stored in a database coupled to a server and evaluated when a request is received from the requester to access the information. If a rule is satisfied by the requester, the server can return the information to the requester. The information can be returned at a level of granularity specified by the user in the satisfied rule. A privacy level can be set by the user to allow access to requesters based on the rules or to deny access to any requesters. |
| US08621551B2 |
Safety and management of computing environments that may support unsafe components
Techniques for managing and protecting computing environments are disclosed. A safe computing environment can be provided for ensuring the safety and/or management of a device. The safe computing environment can be secured by a safe component that isolates and protects it from unsafe computing environments which may also be operating. As a result, various security and management activities can be securely performed from a safe computing environment. A safe computing environment can, for example, be provided on a device as a safe virtual computing environment (e.g., a safe virtual machine) protected by a safe virtual computing monitor (e.g., a safe virtual machine monitor) from one or more other virtual computing environments that are not known or not believed to be safe for the device. It will also be appreciated that the safe components can, for example, be provided as trusted components for a device. As such, various trusted components (or agent) can operate in a trusted computing environment secured from interference by components that many not be trusted and perform various security and/or management tasks alone or in connection, for example, with other trusted components (e.g., trusted serves). |
| US08621550B1 |
Information technology resource compliance templates
A compliance manager presents a set of selectable compliance tests (e.g., templates) in a graphical user interface. For example, each compliance test has a unique configuration operable for evaluating data associated with Information Technology “IT” resources. In particular, the compliance tests can include policy and/or rule templates for use in creating targeted compliance testing of IT resources. During operation, the compliance manager receives a selection of a compliance test (e.g., from a network administrator). The compliance manager additionally enables modification of a configuration associated with the compliance test. In turn, the compliance manager applies the compliance test (along with any modifications) to the data associated with the IT resources. |
| US08621549B2 |
Enforcing control policies in an information management system
A method and apparatus for controlling document access and application usage using centrally managed rules. The rules are stored and manipulated in a central rule database via a rule server. Policy enforcers are installed on client systems and/or on servers and perform document access and application usage control for both direct user document accesses and application usage, and application program document accesses by evaluating the rules sent to the policy enforcer. The rule server decides which rules are required by each policy enforcer. A policy enforcer can also perform obligation and remediation operations as a part of rule evaluation. Policy enforcers on client systems and servers can operate autonomously, evaluating policies that have been received, when communications have been discontinued with the rule server. |
| US08621547B1 |
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. |
| US08621544B2 |
Mitigatation of video artifacts
Methods, systems and computer-readable storage media are disclosed to mitigate video artifacts in video content transmission. A method to mitigate video artifacts in a video content transmission includes analyzing one or more video quality metrics received from each of a first plurality of video content receivers to determine a representative set of one or more video quality metrics. At least one of the video quality metrics of the representative set is associated with artifacts of a first portion of the video content transmission. The method further includes setting one or more encoder parameters based on the at least one of the video quality metrics of the representative set, encoding a second portion of the video content transmission using the one or more encoder parameters, and transmitting the encoded second portion to a second plurality of video content receivers. |
| US08621542B2 |
Digital media distribution device
A digital media distribution device that includes an encoder, a decoder coupled to the encoder, and a transcoder coupled to the decoder. The encoder is configured to encode input data that is received by the digital media distribution device into a first data format. The decoder is configured to decode output data to be output by the digital media distribution device. The transcoder is configured to convert the encoded input data from the first data format into a second data format. The digital media distribution device is configured to be coupled to a computer network. |
| US08621539B1 |
Physical layer transmitter for use in a broadband local area network
A physical layer transmitter that communicates between nodes in a broadband cable network by transmitting and receiving packets containing data and control information. Packets are constructed by the physical layer transmitter and transmitted to one or more receiving nodes that are capable of processing the packets. Packets are directed to specific nodes utilizing link layer control data. The packets may also contain control information that may include formatting, encoding and modulation parameters that are capable of being processed by the appropriate receiving nodes. The physical layer transmitter allows node-to-node communication within a broadband cable network and each node in the network is capable of communicating with every other node in the network. |
| US08621538B2 |
Method and system for providing subscription data
Methods and systems for providing subscription data are described. Subscription data may be received from a subscription data source. The video content may be provided for presentation. A determination may be made of whether the subscription data is contextually relevant to the video content. The subscription data may be provided for presentation in accordance with the determination and the providing of the video content. |
| US08621531B2 |
Real-time on demand server
Various embodiments of the invention provide novel solutions for providing real-time content in an on-demand environment. In a novel aspect of some embodiments, a real-time on demand server may be configured to integrate real-time content with on-demand content. This can allow a subscriber to enjoy the benefits of on-demand programming without having to forego access to real-time news, sports, weather information and/or the like. |
| US08621523B2 |
Remote DVR manager
A system and method for programming a digital video recorder (DVR) over a scheduling network. Program schedule information is provided to a user of a DVR via the scheduling network. A program selection is received from the scheduling client associated with a subscriber via the scheduling network. State information indicative of a state of a program provisioning system is used to determine whether the program selection is deliverable to the DVR via the program provisioning system. If the program selection is deliverable to the DVR via the program provisioning system, then the program is scheduled for recording by the DVR. The subscriber is notified if the program selection is deliverable or undeliverable. |
| US08621521B2 |
Video and digital multimedia aggregator
The present invention utilizes an aggregator for searching, packaging and delivering content. The aggregator processes requests, searches, provides search results and acquires content. The aggregator, operating in a communications network, includes a request and results processing server, a search engine server coupled to the request and results processing server and a content acquisition server coupled to the request and results processing server. A request and results processing server receives a request for content, the search engine server searches for the content and the content acquisition program acquires content for delivery to the user. The request and results processing server includes a search request processor that receives information related to a user's search request and provides the information to a search results form builder that creates an electronic search request. |
| US08621518B2 |
Media recommendations based on negative feedback
A media recommendation system gathers negative user feedback associated with media content. Based on the gathered feedback, the media recommendation system extracts a list of recommended media content from program data describing available media content. |
| US08621517B2 |
Method and apparatus for channel surfing through multiple sources based on user-definable preferences
A method and apparatus for channel surfing through multiple sources based on user-definable preferences includes accessing a user-definable preferences list that identifies a plurality of channels from a plurality of different sources. One of the plurality of identified channels is selected for provision to a user. |
| US08621512B2 |
Interactive television program guide with simultaneous watch and record capabilities
An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may use the program guide to watch one program while simultaneously recording another program without interrupting the recording or viewing process. This interactive television program guide system also allows a user the to utilize all or some of the program guide features while in the watch and record mode depending on the embodiment that is being implemented. Further, this watch and record system may be implemented using a multiple tuner set-top box or a single tuner set-top box with a RF bypass or digital switch. In addition to a set-top box, the system may be implemented using a satellite receiver, an advanced television with a processor and memory, or a computer. The various implementations provide a very versatile watch and record environment for the user. |
| US08621507B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying available IPTV devices on a network
An apparatus and a method for determining reachability of a device in a network. The method includes accessing an account from a secondary device and requesting device information of each device associated with the account. Address information of each device is obtained from the device information and a message is transmitted, to each device, requesting an indication of reachability from each device. The message is transmitted according to the address information of the device and the indication of reachability is based on device communication availability. An indication of reachability is received from each device. |
| US08621504B2 |
Location based user aware video on demand sessions
A system and a method are described herein for enabling a user with a location-aware mobile device to have at least partial control of a closest set top box associated with a closest television. The closest set top box does not need to be associated with the user's home television but instead can be any set top box that is associated with a television located for instance at a stranger's house, an airport, a bar, or wherever. |
| US08621498B2 |
Obtaining metadata program information during channel changes
An apparatus including a remote command receiver, a decode logic, and a database is described herein. The remote command receiver may detect a remote control command that selects a program. The decode logic may receive a video signal from an access device that is the target of the detected remote control command and separate from the apparatus. The decode logic may capture a video frame that is rendered by the apparatus based on the video signal from the access device, and may decode the captured video frame to generate metadata regarding the selected program. The apparatus may generate a user interface using the metadata stored in the database that is different from the user interface generated by the access device. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08621497B2 |
Optical disc drive having a tray with a main circuit board and spoke sensor
An optical disc drive including a housing, a tray that is installed in the housing and that is configured to receive an optical disc, which has a spoke region on a surface thereof, an optical pickup unit which is attached to the tray, a main circuit board which is installed on the tray and is operatively connected to the optical pickup unit, and a spoke sensor which is arranged on the main circuit board and corresponds to the spoke region of the optical disk. |
| US08621493B2 |
Multi-threaded business programming library
A business programming library for use by an enterprise resource planning system provides a run-time environment and a library of API services for accessing common data types and business methods, accessing table and form meta-data, and database administration and retrieval/modification. The library provides the ability to safely call into exposed services using multiple threads, and also provides indirect and executable permission checking for increasing system security. |
| US08621489B2 |
Universal medical device driver adapter
A universal medical device driver adapter that enables the creation of medical device drivers without the need to write custom software for typical medical devices, thereby reducing development time for individual drivers and reducing training time and skill sets requirements of driver developers. Various format parameters are defined, such as baud rate, parity, buffer size, time stamps, tokens, message link, and the like, in an XML device driver file. When a recognized medical device is specified, the corresponding XML file is retrieved and an interface uses the parameters described therein for bidirectional communication with the monitor. |
| US08621478B2 |
Multiprocessor system with multiple concurrent modes of execution
A multiprocessor system supports multiple concurrent modes of speculative execution. Speculation identification numbers (IDs) are allocated to speculative threads from a pool of available numbers. The pool is divided into domains, with each domain being assigned to a mode of speculation. Modes of speculation include TM, TLS, and rollback. Allocation of the IDs is carried out with respect to a central state table and using hardware pointers. The IDs are used for writing different versions of speculative results in different ways of a set in a cache memory. |
| US08621468B2 |
Multi core optimizations on a binary using static and run time analysis
An apparatus and method provide for profile optimizations at a binary level. Thread specific data may be used to lay out a procedure in a binary. In one example, a hot thread may be identified and a layout may be generated based on the identified hot thread. Also, threads of an application may be ranked according to frequency of execution of the corresponding threads. The layout may be created based on the different threads of differing frequency of execution and conflicts between a hottest thread and each of the other threads of the application. In another example, different threads of the application may conflict. For example, two threads may contain operations that overlap temporally to create a race condition. A layout of the application threads may be created based on conflicting threads. |
| US08621465B2 |
Method and apparatus for decomposing I/O tasks in a RAID system
A data access request to a file system is decomposed into a plurality of lower-level I/O tasks. A logical combination of physical storage components is represented as a hierarchical set of objects. A parent I/O task is generated from a first object in response to the data access request. A child I/O task is generated from a second object to implement a portion of the parent I/O task. The parent I/O task is suspended until the child I/O task completes. The child I/O task is executed in response to an occurrence of an event that a resource required by the child I/O task is available. The parent I/O task is resumed upon an event indicating completion of the child I/O task. Scheduling of any child I/O task is not conditional on execution of the parent I/O task, and a state diagram regulates the child I/O tasks. |
| US08621464B2 |
Adaptive spinning of computer program threads acquiring locks on resource objects by selective sampling of the locks
In the dynamic sampling or collection of data relative to locks for which threads attempting to acquire the lock may be spinning so as to adaptively adjust the spinning of threads for a lock, an implementation for monitoring a set of parameters relative to the sampling of data of particular locks and selectively terminating the sampling when certain parameter values or conditions are met. |
| US08621462B2 |
Autonomic customization of properties of a virtual appliance in a computer system
A customizer autonomically customizes a virtual appliance by retrieving customization values for various customizable properties of a virtual machine from various providers to customize the virtual appliance in order to simplify deployment of the virtual appliance. The customization properties may include CPU properties, memory properties, storage properties, network properties and properties specific to the software in the virtual appliance. The customizer allows an end user to initiate autonomic customization of the virtual appliance at various times prior to deployment of the virtual appliance. The customizer also allows the user to provide additional customization upon execution. |
| US08621459B2 |
Method and apparatus for multithreaded guest operating system execution through a multithreaded host virtual machine monitor
Methods and apparatus for virtualization of guest operating systems (OSs) include allocating virtual machines (VMs). The VMs are assigned to each of the available hardware threads and resumed or launched for the first time. If scheduling of additional VMs is required upon exiting the VM context, another VM is selected and assigned to the hardware thread to be resumed or launched. A VM monitor is used to resume or launch a VM while the host operating system is prevented from controlling the hardware thread. A VM context structure is loaded. The thread is set to the state of the guest OS and the VM context is resumed or launched. The state of the guest OS is saved locally during a context switch to the context of the VM monitor. The VM context structure is then cleared and the host OS is allowed to control the hardware thread again. |
| US08621458B2 |
Systems and methods for exposing processor topology for virtual machines
The present invention is directed to making a guest operating system aware of the topology of the subset of host resources currently assigned to it. At virtual machine boot time a Static Resource Affinity Table (SRAT) will be used by the virtualizer to group guest physical memory and guest virtual processors into virtual nodes. Thereafter, in one embodiment, the host physical memory behind a virtual node can be changed by the virtualizer as necessary, and the virtualizer will provide physical processors appropriate for the virtual processors in that node. |
| US08621454B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating a software dependency map
A virtual installation map, and method involving installing a software functionality using the same, the virtual installation map including a first software installation map including a plurality of software elements representative of a related software file, the software elements also including at least one dependency to another software element. The virtual installation map further including a second software installation map also including a second plurality of software elements representative of related software file along with related dependencies. The first and second software installation maps may be hosted in separate databases and may relate to software products provided by different vendors. One or both software installation maps may include a pointer or other reference to the other installation map thereby providing a virtual installation map, in one example. |
| US08621452B2 |
Device driver rollback
Techniques for device driver management/installation are provided. In at least some embodiments, a device driver management system can be employed by a user to selectively rollback a currently installed device driver to one or a plurality of previously installed device driver(s). Additionally, the system can be employed by the user to revert to a pristine state of not having the device driver installed at all, for example, the NULL driver (e.g., in the situation in which the first driver installed on the device causes machine instability). The system stores information associated with driver(s) running on a specific device and allows a user to selectively revert to any one of a plurality of previously installed device driver(s), for example, if they experience a problem with a newer driver. Rollback point(s) can be stored, for example, in the system registry. |
| US08621446B2 |
Compiling software for a hierarchical distributed processing system
Compiling software for a hierarchical distributed processing system including providing to one or more compiling nodes software to be compiled, wherein at least a portion of the software to be compiled is to be executed by one or more other nodes; compiling, by the compiling node, the software; maintaining, by the compiling node, any compiled software to be executed on the compiling node; selecting, by the compiling node, one or more nodes in a next tier of the hierarchy of the distributed processing system in dependence upon whether any compiled software is for the selected node or the selected node's descendants; sending to the selected node only the compiled software to be executed by the selected node or selected node's descendant. |
| US08621445B2 |
Wrapper for porting a media framework and components to operate with another media framework
A system comprises a media framework component graph, a first media framework, a second media framework, and a media framework translator. The media framework component graph comprises one or more components. The one or more components are coupled with the first media framework. The first media framework is designed to run the media framework component graph. The media framework translator enables the first media framework and the media framework component graph to both function as a component for the second media framework. |
| US08621444B2 |
Retargetable instruction set simulators
Methods for simulating an instruction set architecture (ISA) with a instruction set simulator (ISS) are provided. One exemplary embodiment of the methods includes fetching a first decoded instruction during a run time, where the decoded instruction is decoded from an original instruction in a target application program during a compile time preceding the run time. The decoded instruction can designate a template configured to implement the functionality of the original instruction. The method also preferably includes determining whether the fetched instruction is modified from the original instruction and then executing the designated template if the instruction was not modified. The method can also include decoding the original instruction during the compile time by selecting a template corresponding to the original instruction and then customizing the template based on the data in original instruction. The method can also include optimizing the customized template during the compile time. |
| US08621438B2 |
Generating debug information on demand
An introspection tool monitors the execution of software. The operating system is being executed using an executable of a software source code file. The software source code file is associated with one or more additional source files. The introspection tool detects a trigger in a user script pertaining to monitoring of the execution of the software. The introspection tool identifies an additional source file that corresponds to the trigger in the user script and causes the additional source file to be compiled. The compiling of the additional source file generates debug information that pertains to the trigger and the introspection tool analyzes the debug information to respond to the trigger in the user script. |
| US08621434B2 |
System and method for distributed software testing
In general, in one aspect, a method for distributed testing includes providing a testing framework for the distributed testing of software to a number of clients at least some of which have a different operating environment than other of the clients, transmitting to each testing framework a component for testing, receiving client environment data and testing results from each testing framework, storing the testing results and environment data in a database; and reporting the results of running the tests on the clients. |
| US08621430B2 |
Method for code transformation supporting temporal abstraction of parameters
A method of code transformation supporting temporal abstraction of parameters is provided herein. The method includes the following stages: extracting a set of statements from an original code and further creating a residual code being the original code without the statements, wherein two or more of the extracted statements are not on a same loop in the original code; adding conditions from the original code to the extracted set of statements, such that the added conditions are sufficient to render the set of statements executable; adding statements from the original code to the residual code, such that the added statements are sufficient to render the residual code executable; and adding code portions and variables to the set of statements and the residual code, such that a passing of values between the enhanced set of statements and the residual code maintains a respective passing of values in the original code. |
| US08621429B2 |
Software development support apparatus, function extension method and storage medium for storing function extension program
A software development support apparatus includes: a class memory unit which stores a class for generating a unit object which carries out predetermined processing; an object generating unit which reads the class and generates the unit object; an annotation analysis unit which determine whether the class includes annotation information; and an extended-function execution unit which carries out an extended-function object corresponding to the class. When the annotation analysis unit determines that the class includes the annotation information, the object generating unit generates the extended-function object based on the annotation information, and when the unit object to the class is called from a predetermined application and carried out, the extended-function execution unit carries out the extended-function object to the class. |
| US08621427B2 |
Code modification of rule-based implementations
Code compatibility provisions are provided. These may include identifying coding that is incompatible with a rule-based environment, searching replacement code solutions for compatible code and identifying a replacement code solution, manipulating the identified incompatible code using the identified replacement code solution, and, after manipulating the incompatible code with the replacement code solution, loading the services across a rule-based environment. |