| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08622824B2 |
Method and system for viewing images of a pari-mutuel gaming activity
The invention relates generally to the field of gaming and, more particularly, to pari-mutuel gaming activities and pari-mutuel gaming systems. In one embodiment, a method of conducting a pari-mutuel gaming activity includes providing a patron an opportunity to view an event that is a subject of the pari-mutuel gaming activity and providing the patron an opportunity to select an image of the event in progress. Responsive to the patron selecting the image, the image is saved and the patron is provided with an opportunity to view the saved imaged subsequent to saving. A system and computer for providing the method of conducting the pari-mutuel gaming activity is also disclosed. In the pari-mutuel gaming activities described herein, a patron is enabled to create multiple “snapshots” of a race. |
| US08622820B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device and method for displaying multiple concurrent games using dynamic focal points
The gaming system disclosed herein changes the focal point of a display device at different points in time to assist the player in focusing on different simultaneously or concurrently played games at different points in time. Specifically, the gaming system displays a plurality of simultaneously or concurrently played games on a display device. In response to a designated event occurring in association with a specific one of the plurality of simultaneously or concurrently played games, the gaming system changes the focal point of the display device to draw the player's focus or attention to that specific one of the simultaneously or concurrently played games. Put differently, the gaming system dynamically allocates and/or indicates different portions of a display device to different simultaneously or concurrently played games at different points in time to account for different events occurring in such simultaneously or concurrently played games. |
| US08622819B2 |
System to determine casino offers
A system to determine a product to be offered to a casino player based on player data and on an approximate maximum price for which the product may be sold through a retail channel. Advantageously, a potential increase in a casino's profit due to a product offer can be determined using the player data, and an approximate maximum profit attainable through sale of the product through a retail channel can be determined based on the determined price. As a result, a product to offer can be determined in a manner which maximizes casino profit. |
| US08622816B2 |
Living wagering games
A system can invigorate wagering games with dynamic updates to reflect changes in ongoing current events. Current real-life data about at least one of a current event and a public figure are acquired. Game data for a wagering game are updated based, at least in part, on the acquired current real-life data. A plurality of wagering game machines that host instances of the wagering game are determined. The updated game data is indicated over a network to the plurality of wagering game machines that host instances of the wagering games. |
| US08622815B2 |
Authorizing and managing wagering agent accounts
Described herein are processes and devices that authorize and manage wagering agents and associated accounts. One of the devices described is a wagering game system. The wagering game system can detecting a request from a first player account to utilize a shared wagering fund to wager on a wagering game. The shared wagering fund can be funded by a second player account. The wagering game system can make the shared wagering fund available to the first player account to wager on a wagering game. The wagering game system can determine a game award produced by the wagering game. The system can then allocate a portion of the game award to the second player account. |
| US08622814B2 |
Gaming machine having a community game with side wagering
A gaming system includes at least one community display, a first gaming machine, and a second gaming machine. The at least one community display displays a communal game that includes a plurality of elements. At least some of the plurality of elements have a communal value associated therewith. The first and second gaming machines have a respective first and second video display for displaying the plurality of elements. At least some of the plurality of elements have a first and second player value associated therewith. The first and second gaming machines determine the first and second player values by applying a respective first and second value-enhancement parameter to the communal values associated with at least some of the plurality of elements. The first value-enhancement parameter is different than the second value-enhancement parameter. |
| US08622808B2 |
Three-wheel wagering device and method
A wagering game is played with three wheels having three parallel but not coincident axes of rotation. Each wheel is spun so they are spinning at the same time. Wagers are placed on any one, two or three of the spinning wheels to predict outcomes of symbol identification on each of the wheels. Each wheel may be similar to a Big 6 wheel. |
| US08622806B2 |
System gaming
A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded. |
| US08622800B2 |
System and method of providing an instant bonus for a gaming apparatus
A gaming method that includes causing a first video image to be generated, wherein the first video image represents a first game selected from the group of first games consisting of video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video keno and video bingo. The method further includes causing a second video image to be generated, wherein said second video image represents an instant bonus game. The method also includes providing said instant bonus game to a player without requiring play of said first game and evaluating a first outcome of said first game when said first game is selected by said player. The method also includes evaluating a second outcome of said instant bonus game when said instant bonus game is selected by said player and determining a first value payout associated with said first outcome of said first game when said first game is selected by said player, and determining a second value payout associated with said instant bonus game when said instant bonus game is selected by said player. |
| US08622799B2 |
Video gaming system for two players
A gaming system comprising a) two adjacent video display screen surfaces, the two adjacent video display screen surfaces sharing a common support base; b) two separate player input controls; c) a common processor in information communication link with each of the two separate screens and the common processor; d) the processor configured to execute code to receive wagers from each of the two player input controls on a single common game or separate wagering game, and to execute code so that a single common game or separate wagering game is concluded; f) the processor configured to display resolutions of each of the wagers on respective ones of the two adjacent video display screens. |
| US08622795B2 |
System and method for gathering and analyzing objective motion data
The systems and methods described herein attempt to provide data capture and analysis in a non-intrusive fashion. The captured data can be analyzed for qualitative conclusions regarding an object's actions. For example, a system for analyzing activity of an athlete to permit qualitative assessments of that activity comprises a first processor to receive activity-related data from sensors on the athlete. A first database stores the activity-related data. A second database contains pre-identified motion rules. A second processor compares the received activity-related data to the pre-identified motion rules, wherein the second processor identifies a pre-identified motion from the pre-identified motion rules that corresponds to the received activity-related data. A memory stores the identified pre-selected motion. |
| US08622792B1 |
Rack and pinion sieve adjustment mechanism
A sieve adjustment mechanism including a rack gear, a pivot handle, and an actuator, to mitigate lost motion/play in pivot link sieve assembly. The rack gear is movable between a first and a second position and connectable to a first sieve segment for moving the first sieve segment between a first sieve position and a second sieve position. The pivot handle includes a pinion gear at a first end of the pivot handle for operatively engaging the rack gear for moving the rack gear between the first and second positions and a second end opposite the first end. The pinion gear is rotatable about a first axis. The actuator is connected to the second end of the pivot handle for pivoting the pivot handle about the first axis to move the rack gear between the first and second positions. |
| US08622791B2 |
Cleaning shoe
A cleaning shoe (102) for an agricultural combine comprises a cleaning shoe frame (200); a first plurality of hangers (104) supporting the cleaning shoe frame (200) on the body; a sieve (212) disposed within the cleaning shoe frame (200); two rods (216, 218) supported on the cleaning shoe frame (200), wherein each rod is constrained to pivot about a fore-and-aft axis with respect to the cleaning shoe frame (200); and a second plurality of hangers (214) supported on the rods and coupled to the sieve (212) to support the sieve (212) and constrain the sieve (212) to reciprocate in a lateral direction with respect to the cleaning shoe frame (200). |
| US08622787B2 |
CMP pad dressers with hybridized abrasive surface and related methods
The present invention provides CMP pad dressers and methods for dressing or conditioning CMP pads. In one aspect, a method for conditioning a CMP pad can include cutting the CMP pad with superabrasive cutting elements and controlling a degree of contact between the CMP pad and the cutting elements using control elements. The degree of contact is established through placement of the control elements relative to the cutting elements. |
| US08622785B2 |
Method of making antireflective roughened surface and lens barrel with roughened surface made by the method
A method of turning the surface of a die, which is used to make a product, into an antireflective roughened one includes the steps of: a) producing a first roughness on the surface of the die; and b) producing a second roughness, which is smaller than the first roughness, on the surface of the die on which the first roughness has already been produced. |
| US08622782B2 |
Combination wildlife call
A combination wildlife call has a first call member with a first body portion having an air inlet and a second portion having an air outlet for generating a first wildlife call when air passes through the first call member. A second call member has a second body portion fixed to the first body portion at an angle thereto. The second body portion has an air inlet and a third portion having an air outlet for generating a second wildlife call when air passes through the second call member. |
| US08622779B2 |
Driveshaft sealing for a marine propulsion system
A sealing unit longitudinally comprises first and second sealing sub-units disposed around first and second portions of a driveshaft of a marine propulsion system of a watercraft. The first sealing sub-unit is sealingly connected to a front wall of the hull and the engine casing. The second sealing sub-unit is sealingly connected to the driveshaft and a crankshaft. The second sealing sub-unit is disposed at least partially inside the first sealing sub-unit. An inside of the first sealing sub-unit is in fluid communication with a water intake ramp. An inside of the second sealing sub-unit is in fluid communication with an interior of an engine. The first sealing sub-unit prevents fluid communication between the water intake ramp and a portion of an inside of the hull. The second sealing sub-unit prevents fluid communication between the engine, the inside of the hull, and the water intake ramp. |
| US08622776B2 |
Terminal fitting and electric wire equipped with the same
A terminal fitting 10 having a wire barrel 31 crimping the terminal of an exposed core wire 42 of a coated electric wire 40, an insulation barrel 32 provided in the rear of the wire barrel 31 and fixing the coated electric wire 40, and a coupling portion 33 coupling the wire barrel 31 and the insulation barrel 32 to each other. The coupling portion 33 having a surface coming in contact with the coated electric wire 40 has a lead-in groove 36 to introduce an anti-corrosive agent. The lead-in groove extends in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the coated electric wire 40 such that at least one of end portions is opened at the side edge of the coupling portion 33. |
| US08622774B2 |
Electrical contact having channel with angled sidewalls and romboid knurl pattern
An electrical contact includes at least one grooved channel defined in an interior surface of the electrical contact along at least a portion the electrical contact disposed along a longitudinal axis. The portion is configured to axially receive a lead of a wire cable for attachment thereto and thereby allow the attached lead to at least engagingly make contact against a recessed surface of the grooved channel. The grooved channel has a depth and includes at a least one sidewall extending along the depth. The sidewall includes at least one section that angularly extends from the interior surface to a point recessed from the interior surface disposed on the sidewall along the depth. |
| US08622770B2 |
Electromagnetic radiation shield for an electronic module
An electromagnetic radiation shield for an electronic module. In one example embodiment, an EMR shield for an electronic transceiver module includes a conductive carrier sized and configured to surround a shell of an electronic transceiver module. The conductive carrier defines a plurality of extended elements located on at least one edge of the conductive carrier and an orientation element. Each extended element is configured to bias against the shell in order to create a physical and electrical contact between the conductive carrier and the shell. The orientation element is configured to engage a corresponding structure in the shell in order to correctly orient the conductive carrier with respect to the shell. |
| US08622766B2 |
Connector
A connector includes a housing in which a stationary separator portion and an accommodation portion are provided. The accommodation portion receives an actuator above the separator portion and receives an end of an FPC/FFC below the separator portion. A force receiving portion and a contact portion of a contact, which together have a bifurcated shape, are disposed above and below the separator portion, respectively. When the force receiving portion is moved upward by a turning operation of the actuator above the separator portion, the contact portion is abutted with a signal layer of the FPC/FFC, and the position of a ground member which holds the FPC/FFC in conjunction with the contact portion and the position of the separator portion are not changed. Accordingly, the contact between the contact portion and the single layer is stabilized, thereby improving the reliability of the contact between the contact portion of the contact and the FPC/FFC. |
| US08622763B2 |
Card edge connector
A card edge connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) and a latch retained at one end of the insulative housing (1). The insulative housing (1) includes a mounting slot (16). The latch (3) has a resilience extending portion (311) retained in the mounting slot (16) upwardly. The mounting slot (16) defines a pressing face (112) latching with the extending portion (311) for preventing the extending portion (311) from moving downwardly, thereby the latch (3) could be stably retained on the housing. |
| US08622762B2 |
Blind mate capacitively coupled connector
A connector with a capacitively coupled connector interface for interconnection with a female portion is provided with an annular groove, with a sidewall, open to an interface end of the female portion. A male portion is provided with a male outer conductor coupling surface at an interface end, covered by an outer conductor dielectric spacer. The male portion is retained with a range of radial movement, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the male portion, by a bias web of a float plate. The male outer conductor coupling surface is dimensioned to seat, spaced apart from the sidewall by the outer conductor dielectric spacer, within the annular groove, when the male portion and the female portion are in an interlocked position. |
| US08622758B2 |
Rotatable plug and power supply device having the rotatable plug
A rotatable plug includes a casing unit having a first casing part and a second casing part with a pair of receiving spaces, a pair of conductive terminals respectively having conductive sections, and a rotatable unit including a pivot shaft, a pair of conductive prongs connected transversely to the pivot shaft, and a pair of conductive protrusions protruding out from the pivot shaft. The rotatable unit is rotatable relative to the casing unit between non-use and use positions, where the conductive prongs are accommodated in and extend out of the receiving spaces, respectively. Each conductive protrusion has at least two points of contact with the conductive section of a respective conductive terminal. |
| US08622756B2 |
Multi-function power strip
Embodiments of a multi-function power strip are shown, said strip including a first endcap and a second endcap; at least one rail, said rail being adapted to engage with at least one outlet module; the rail also being engaged with a transformer module, said transformer module in electrical connection with the at least one outlet module, and adapted to receive electrical power therefrom, said transformer module further comprising a transformer adapted to transform electrical power into a plurality of voltages suitable for powering a plurality of different models of electronic accessories, and a connector forming a circuit to provide a suitable one of the plurality of voltages to an electronic accessory; and wherein the at least one outlet module and the transformer module are releasably joined together. |
| US08622754B2 |
Flexible power connector
A flexible power connector is presented. An embodiment of a flexible power connector includes a stacked structure having one or more insulating strips alternatingly arranged with a plurality of conducting strips, wherein the one or more insulating strips are interposed between the plurality of conducting strips to insulate each conducting strip from the other conducting strip in the stacked structure, and wherein the plurality of conducting strips is disposed parallel and proximate to each other to reduce electrical losses in the stacked structure |
| US08622752B2 |
Probe-card interposer constructed using hexagonal modules
Apparatus and methods for fabricating an interposer that may be used in testing a large number of electronic circuits or devices in parallel. The interposer may be fabricated from a plurality of modules that may be assembled into a selected shape, such that the assembled modules substantially fill the selected shape, e.g., a circle approximately the size of a semiconductor wafer. The plurality of modules may be formed from a single base shape (e.g., formed from a single injection mold). A portion of the formed modules may be machined into a first machined shape, or first and second machined shapes. The assembled modules may include only the base shape and first machined shape or first and second machined shapes. The limited number of shapes can reduce fabrication costs for an interposer. |
| US08622741B2 |
Form-based artwork kits
A printable multi-purpose form is described that features detachable pieces, which may be separated and attached to a substrate to create an artwork. The detachable pieces can be connected together using separator pieces and adhesive to form stacked images for the creation of three-dimensional artworks. |
| US08622738B2 |
Orthodontic brace system and method
An orthodontic brace system includes brackets having a diamond-shaped tie-wing configuration that defines two parallel, horizontal slots, each of which is adapted to receive an archwire. Each slot is angled with respect to the base of the bracket to produce a specific, maximum torque value, and generally, the maximum torque value of the gingival slot is less than the maximum torque value of the incisal slot. The brackets provide multiple force vectors in different directions simultaneously, which decreases the amount of time required for a patient to wear braces, reduces the number of costly and time consuming visits to an orthodontist, and reduces time and effort required of an orthodontist for installation and adjustment of the braces on a per visit basis. A self-ligating bracket with a sliding door is disclosed in another embodiment. |
| US08622736B2 |
Recuperator burner having flattened heat exchanger pipes
In a highly efficient recuperator burner, which comprises at least one combustion chamber for warm-up operation and is otherwise set up for FLOX® operation, and a recuperator for preheating combustion air by means of thermal exhaust gas energy in a counter-current heat exchange mode via heat exchanger pipes, each heat exchanger pipe has, in a heat exchange section thereof, a flattened gap cross-section and, at its end facing a volume to be heated, a nozzle cross-section, which differs from the flattened gap cross-section of the heat exchanger pipe. |
| US08622735B2 |
Boost devices and methods of using them
A boost device configured to provide additional energy to an atomization source, such as a flame or plasma, is disclosed. In certain examples, a boost device may be used with a flame or plasma to provide additional energy to the flame or plasma to enhance desolvation, atomization, and/or ionization. In other examples, the boost device may be configured to provide additional energy for excitation of species. Instruments and devices including at least one boost device are also disclosed. |
| US08622732B2 |
Multi-rod mechanism for opening and closing molds
A multi-rod mechanism for opening and closing molds is provided and includes a single cam, a first side connection rod assembly located on a first side of the cam, a first mold actuated by the first side connection rod assembly, a linkage connection rod, a second side connection rod assembly located on a second side of the cam and actuated by the linkage connection rod, and a second mold actuated by the second side connection rod assembly. The multi-rod mechanism only uses the single cam to simultaneously actuate the first and second molds, so that the structure of the multi-rod mechanism can be simplified, while the vibration, loading, noise and abrasion of components during operation can be relatively reduced. |
| US08622728B2 |
Base mould lift damping
Disclosed is a device for forming containers and a method for damped closing of a mold carrier unit and a base mold carrier of a blow mold for forming containers. The device includes at least one mold carrier unit for holding blow mold parts and a base mold carrier for holding a base mold and a base mold carrier lift device for moving the base mold carrier in conjunction with the movement of the mold carrier unit. The mold carrier unit includes at least two mold carriers which surround the container to be processed at least during a molding process. The base mold carrier covers a base area of the container to be treated. The base mold carrier lift device includes at least one first damping element for damping and limiting the vertical movement of the base mold carrier in relation to the mold carrier unit. |
| US08622726B2 |
Injection molding apparatus having a rotationally controlled screw auger
A thermoplastic injection molding system and method of use is described for molding parts from heated plastics and other organic resins. The machine uses heat sources located along the barrel to heat the source material while an auger screw transports the source material in the barrel. This transport step does not shear the source material, nor does it use friction to produce the heat necessary to melt the source material. The material becomes substantially liquid or melted during the heating process, and the melted material is forced, by the auger screw, into a chamber whereupon a plunger, situated concentrically with the auger screw, injects the material from the chamber into a mold. Sensors located along the barrel and in the chamber ensure consistency between mold cycles. The controller dynamically adjusts the injection molding process to achieve more consistent and reliable molded parts. |
| US08622722B2 |
Fuel pump
A fuel pump, for an internal combustion engine, has a housing accommodating a pump and a motor. The motor is arranged to drive the pump so as to pump fuel through the housing. The motor has a wound stator having a plurality of inwardly directed teeth about which a stator winding is wound, and a radially outer surface in contact with an inner surface of the housing. One or more pathways are formed between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the stator, for the flow of fuel there through. Each pathway is formed by an axially extending recess formed in the outer surface of the stator and aligned with a selected tooth of the stator. |
| US08622718B2 |
Pump element, hydraulic block with pump element, and installation method
The invention relates to a pump element for installation in a pump bore of a hydraulic block, which includes a pump plunger, a restoring spring for the pump plunger, and an inlet valve having an inlet valve cover, in which a closing spring and a closing body are arranged. According to the invention, the inlet valve cover has a high pressure sealing section, which rests against the valve seat element in the axial direction with spring force support provided by the restoring spring. The valve seat element is positively connected to the pump plunger at least before installation of the pump element in the pump bore. Centering elements are provided for centering the inlet valve cover relative to the valve seat element. The invention further relates to a hydraulic block and to an installation method. |
| US08622717B1 |
High-performance oil pump
A high-performance oil pump for pumping oil in an internal combustion engine that eliminates or greatly reduces cavitation in the oil pump, thereby increasing the efficiency and performance of the oil pump. The present invention provides a housing having an inlet for receiving a supply of oil and an outlet for discharging the oil. At least two gears rotatably and matingly are disposed within the housing for pumping the oil from the inlet to the outlet. A pressure regulation circuit is disposed within the housing for balancing oil flow pressure between the inlet and the outlet by redirecting a portion of the oil from the outlet to the inlet when said oil flow pressure reaches a predetermined level at the outlet in order to reduce or eliminate cavitation of oil in the oil pump. |
| US08622715B1 |
Twin turbine asymmetrical nozzle and jet pump incorporating such nozzle
A nozzle for use with a diffuser has a body with a fluid passageway extending through an interior thereof and having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The body has an end surface formed at the fluid outlet. The body has an orifice formed through the end surface so as to communicate with the fluid passageway. The orifice has a first elliptical portion and a second elliptical portion. The elliptical portions are conjoined so as to communicate therebetween. The elliptical portions have major axes of equal length and minor axes of equal length. The nozzle is placed toward a mixing chamber of a jet pump. |
| US08622711B2 |
Fan control circuit
A fan control circuit of a computer includes a fan interface connected to a connector of a fan, a fan controller, a NOT gate, and an electronic switch. The fan controller outputs a PWM signal to the fan interface to control the operation of the fan, and includes a GPIO interface to output a voltage control signal to the NOT gate to switch the electronic switch on or off. A signal output of the electronic switch is connected to the fan interface. The voltage control signal is high level at the start up moment of the computer, and thus does not turn on the fan via the electronic switch. After a preset delay period, the voltage control signal is turned low by the fan controller so that the fan interface receives the PWM signal. |
| US08622708B2 |
Stator blade for a turbomachine which is exposable to axial throughflow, and also stator blade arrangement for it
A stator blade and a stator blade arrangement for a turbomachine which is exposable to axial throughflow is provided. Each stator blade is retained via a fixed clamping in a circumferential groove. For the fixed clamping, provision is made on one side of the blade root for a shaped piece with a threaded hole into which a tensioning screw, which is supported on the bottom of the circumferential groove, may be screwed. |
| US08622707B2 |
Root attachment for a rotor blade assembly
A root attachment for a wind turbine rotor blade having a blade root is disclosed. The root attachment may include a wall panel configured to be coupled to the rotor blade at or adjacent to the blade root. The wall panel may define at least a portion of an airfoil shape and may include an inner side and an outer side. In addition, the wall panel may define a non-uniform cross-section between the inner and outer sides. |
| US08622703B2 |
Blade provided with a drag damper, and a rotor provided with such a blade
The present invention relates to a rotorcraft blade (1) provided with at least one spar (3) and an outer covering (4), said blade (1) including a hollow sleeve (10) with a wall (11) that is provided at least with said outer covering (4) secured to said spar (3). The blade includes a rotary damper (20) provided with an inner tubular strength member (21) and an outer tubular strength member (22) that are coaxial and connected together by a ring (23) of viscoelastic material, said inner tubular strength member (21) being secured to said covering (4), and said outer tubular strength member (22) being provided with a fork (25) possessing first and second tines (26, 27) facing each other so as to be suitable for receiving a first ball joint (41) close to the pitch-variation axis (AX1) of said blade (1). |
| US08622699B2 |
Device adapted to be fitted with propeller blades
A device adapted to be fitted with propeller blades includes a first retention ring including over a periphery thereof a plurality of radial bores; and a second retention ring including over a periphery thereof a plurality of radial bores, the first and second retention rings being mounted one on top of the other in the radial direction, each bore in the first retention ring being positioned opposite a bore in the second retention ring, a bore in the first retention ring arranged opposite a bore in the second retention ring forming a bore pair adapted to receive a foot of a blade. |
| US08622698B2 |
Rotor-sector based control of wind turbines
Blades of a wind turbine attached to a rotor hub for rotation in a rotor plane may be adjusted by a control system for individually pitching the blades relative to the hub. The rotor planes divided into a plurality of predefined section, wherein each section has an associated pitch reference value. A light detection and ranging device may be used to determine expected properties of wind in each respective section of the rotor plane so that the pitch reference value may be adjusted accordingly. |
| US08622697B2 |
Ram air turbine bearing spacer
A ram air turbine assembly includes a spacer that controls axial movement of a bearing assembly supporting rotation of a driven shaft to limit compression of a bearing biasing member. A gearbox includes mating gears that transfer power through a strut to a generator. Bearings support rotation of the driven shaft and the biasing member generates a biasing load to maintain desired alignment between the mating gears. Axial thrust reversals generated during operation are prevented from fully compressing the biasing member by a spacer that defines a minimum compressed height and that further limits axial movement of the bearing assembly responsive to the thrust reversals of the driven shaft. |
| US08622695B2 |
Flow trim for vane-axial fans
A fan comprises a fan housing which includes a fan inlet, a motor which is connected to the fan housing, and an impeller which is removably connected to the motor. The impeller includes an impeller hub, a number of impeller blades which extend radially outwardly from the impeller hub, an impeller leading edge, an impeller trailing edge and an impeller tip. The fan housing includes an inlet shroud which is positioned over the impeller. The inlet shroud comprises an upstream end portion within which the fan inlet is formed and a downstream end portion which is removably connected to a separate portion of the fan housing. The inlet shroud further includes a first section which extends axially from the upstream end portion to approximately the impeller leading edge, a second section which extends axially from the first section to approximately the impeller trailing edge, and a third section which extends axially from the second section to approximately the downstream end portion. The second section comprises a configuration which conforms to the configuration of the impeller tip, and the third section comprises a radius which increases from approximately the upstream end of the third section to approximately the downstream end of the third section. |
| US08622692B1 |
High temperature turbine stator vane
A high temperature resistant turbine stator vane with an airfoil section made from oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) material extruded through a die, an internal cooling circuit is machined into the airfoil section after the extrusion, and then two endwalls are formed separately and then secured to the airfoil section ends to form the stator vane. Film cooling holes can be drilled into the airfoil section and the endwalls. |
| US08622682B2 |
Storage, storage set and transporting system
A storage (10) unloads and loads a load (3) with a transporting carriage (2). The storage is provided with a port capable of transferring said load from or to said transporting carriage; a plurality of rack portions (15) capable of accommodating or putting said load thereon; a driving device (19) capable of moving said load between said port and said plurality of rack portions, and mutually between said plurality of rack portions; and a controlling device (20) for controlling said driving device to (i) firstly move said load to an temporary rack portion for unloading, which is one of said plurality of rack portions, and (ii), after once accommodating or putting said load on said temporary rack portion, move said load to said port from said temporary rack portion, in case of moving said load from said plurality of rack portions to said port. |
| US08622681B2 |
Specimen carrier supply and delivery device
Provided is a specimen carrier supply and delivery device having at least one specimen carrier magazine with separate compartments for receiving interchangeably specimen carriers and a magazine lift, which is adjustable in height in a magazine carrier frame for receiving interchangeably specimen carrier magazines. Two pairs of bars, which stand vertically and parallel to one another, are arranged in the magazine carrier frame, wherein the magazine lift is guided in a height adjustable manner on the two complementary first bars of the bar pairs. An equal-sided coupling frame, which is aligned vertically to the plane formed by the first bars, with a bridge, which is arranged parallel to the plane, is mounted in a sliding manner on the two complementary second bars of the pairs of bars. A linear scale, which is aligned parallel to the direction of the bars, is fastened to the magazine lift. A sensor for reading the position of the coupling frame relative to the linear scale is disposed on the sliding mounting of the coupling frame. A carrier element, which is aligned transversely to the direction of the bars and is configured for a linear motor with a spindle for adjusting the height of the magazine lift relative to the current position of the sensor, is arranged on the magazine carrier frame. |
| US08622677B2 |
Semi-trailer support loading nut
A semi-trailer leg loading nut includes a screwed hole provided on a nut column and connecting two ends of the nut. Said nut is a two-layered structure formed of a top layer and an under layer or a three-layered structure formed of a top layer, an intermediate layer and an under layer. The outer outline of at least two layers of the nut is a square with the same cutting angle. The side length of the two layers of squares is equal. The outer outline projection of the two layers of squares overlap with each other along the column axis direction. The outer outline projection of the other layer is within the overlapped projection of the two layers along the column axis direction. A funneled oil cup or an oil groove is provided on the top layer of the nut and communicates with the screwed hole. A bottom of the under layer of the nut is plane and is pressed on a loading plate in a quadrate pipe to transfer load. |
| US08622673B2 |
Screw assembly
A screw assembly includes a screw, a spring, and a mounting panel. The screw comprises a head portion and a shaft portion extending from the head portion. The spring comprises a spring body and a securing end extending from the spring body. The spring body defines a surrounding opening. The mounting panel defines a through hole corresponding to the surrounding opening. The mounting panel comprises a positioning portion. The shaft portion is located in the surrounding opening and the through hole. The spring is located between the head portion and the mounting panel. The positioning portion is configured to resist the securing end to prevent the spring from rotating. |
| US08622672B2 |
Press-in element, component assembly consisting of a press-in element and a sheet metal part and also methods for the manufacture and attachment of a self-piercing press-in nut
A self-piercing hollow press-in element, in particular a nut element for attachment to a sheet metal part, wherein the press-in element has a flange part of a larger diameter and a shaft part of a smaller diameter. The shaft part extends away from the flange part and has a circular piercing edge at its end face remote from the flange part. The side of the flange part facing the shaft part forms a sheet metal contact surface in ring shape and features providing security against rotation are provided at the shaft part which extend approximately from the level of the sheet metal contact surface over a part of the length of the shaft part along the latter. A ring-like recess is provided radially within the ring-shaped sheet metal contact surface in the flange part and excess material for the shaft part which arises during manufacture of the ribs providing security against rotation is located within the ring recess. Further designs of the press-in element and also of a component assembly and methods for the manufacture of the press-in element and of the component assembly are described. |
| US08622671B2 |
Anti-rotation lock device for a screwed assembly, an assembly including such a device, and the use of such an assembly in aircraft manufacture
An anti-rotation lock device for preventing movement in an assembly which includes an endpiece carrying a thread screwed into a tube together with a nut suitable for being screwed on the endpiece, the lock device including a first washer provided with an anti-rotation lock component and a second washer having at least one key and wherein the first or the second washer includes a lug, and the faces of the first and second washers are configured to adjustably lock them mutually against rotation. The device further includes a third washer which includes a member for locking the nut in rotation and an outer periphery of the third washer has a tab adapted to co-operate with the lug so as to lock the first or the second washer provided with the lug against rotation relative to the third washer. |
| US08622670B2 |
Three aerogenerator blades packing system (packing method and packing system for three aerogenerator blades)
A three aerogenerator blades (1, 2, 3) packing system for transporting, handling and storing of aerogenerator blades (1, 2, 3). The prior art does not provide for cost-effective packing systems for sets of three blades. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of packing three aerogenerator blades (1, 2, 3) and other aspect is directed to a packing system comprising a root frame (4) and a binding frame (5), wherein the blades (1, 2, 3) are in a edgewise position. |
| US08622668B2 |
Machining device, particularly for the production of tooth replacement parts or models thereof
Disclosed is a machining device, particularly for producing tooth replacement parts or models thereof, comprising a workpiece holder and at least one machining tool which is disposed in a machining space for a workpiece that is mounted therein. The feeding axis for the workpiece into the machining space extends at an angle relative to the horizontal. |
| US08622667B1 |
Drill motor adapter
An adapter to convert an electric drill motor being configured with a standard drill bit into a screw gun includes a metal enclosure which slides over a drill chuck to accommodate drill bit and chuck portions. The device also provides a mechanical coupling pin which engages a chuck key aperture to communicate the rotary motion of the drill motor to the device. Once installed upon the drill motor, the device enables connection of standard bit sockets, screwdriver adapters, or similar driving tools. In such a manner, the user can drill a hole, slide the device over the drill chuck, and drive a fastener using the device. This eliminates the need to remove the drill bit and insert a separate driving tool in a repetitive manner to install fasteners. |
| US08622659B2 |
Retaining wall block system
A wall block having a block body having opposed front and back faces, opposed first and second side walls, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom faces, the top face having a receiving channel, and the receiving channel opening onto one or more pin holes. The wall block can be used in a retaining wall made of (i) a plurality of blocks including at least one lower course and at least one upper course, at least one block comprising a block body having opposed front and back faces, opposed first and second side walls, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom faces, the top face having a receiving channel, and the receiving channel opening onto one or more pin holes; (ii) a soil retaining material; and (iii) a channel bar. |
| US08622658B2 |
Pile to minimize noise transmission and method of pile driving
A pile and method for driving a pile includes a pile having a structural outer tube, and an inner member disposed generally concentrically with the outer tube. The outer tube and inner member are fixed to a driving shoe. The pile is constructed and driven such that the pile driver impacts only the inner member. The impact loads are transmitted to the driving shoe to drive the pile into the sediment, such that the outer tube is thereby pulled into the sediment. In a particular embodiment the outer tube is formed of steel, and the inner member also comprises a steel tube. In an alternative embodiment one or both of the inner member and the outer tube are formed of an alternative material, for example, concrete. In an embodiment, the outer tube has a recess that captures a flange on the inner member. In an embodiment the outer tube is attached to the inner member with an elastic spring. |
| US08622654B2 |
Geomembrane anchor system
A containment system includes a geomembrane liner positioned over a ground surface. An anchor member is provided beneath the geomembrane liner and includes a fastening plate adapted to be secured to the geomembrane liner. The geomembrane liner is positioned over the ground surface and anchor member and is secured to the fastening plate. Dirt or other covering material may then be provided in the hole and over the geomembrane, or the geomembrane may be left exposed. |
| US08622653B2 |
Apparatus and method for sterilizing seed beds in soil
An apparatus and a method are described for sterilizing seed beds in soil. The apparatus is comprised of at least one hot water injecting chamber defined by a pair of spaced-apart side walls secured to one another and defining therebetween a passage. A plurality of jet holes are provided in an inner surface of each of the side walls and facing the direction of the passage. The jet holes communicate with a manifold associated with each side wall which is connected to a supply of pressurized hot water. Each of the side walls is configured to penetrate into the soil in at least a lower region thereof whereby to inject into the soil in the passage between the pair of plates the pressurized hot water as the hot water injecting chamber is displaced in the soil. |
| US08622652B1 |
Overflow and underflow doors
Systems, devices, apparatus, and methods of moving a door, over a water conveyances. Locking the door can be by rotating bolt heads attached to cams. Rotating heads causes cams to press the door against tracks. A strip can be compressed between the door and track to prevent flow. Slidable doors can move to allow water overflow. The door can slide so water can flow underneath. A secondary door can slide within an opening in a door. A half panel can have an upper opening located in a wall, to close or allow water flow. A channel can have grooves in sides of an opening, where a door can slide to different heights to close or allow flow. |
| US08622650B2 |
Multi-purpose rotational barrier unit
The instant invention describes a multi-purpose rotational barrier unit and a system of interconnected barrier units which function in multiple environments, including aquatic environments and land-based environments. The multi-purpose rotational barrier unit has a design configuration which provides hydro-dynamic stability in strong currents and high waves and resists roll over. The multi-purpose rotational barrier unit comprises a plurality of equally sized walls interconnected to form side walls and a bottom wall. Connected to the side walls and the bottom wall are two opposing end walls which define a hollow interior portion. The opposing end walls contain one or more rotation members which are constructed and arranged to provide the barrier unit rotational movement which is independent from the movement of other barrier units directly attached to its opposing walls or units which may indirectly be attached as part of a larger barrier wall system. |
| US08622647B2 |
Curb-mounted storm sewer box and method of manufacture/repair
A storm sewer box, and a method of repairing a storm sewer box for directing water into a storm sewer conduit at a curb location, and having a housing with a front, a top and spaced sides. The housing defines a chamber and a front entry opening that communicates to the housing chamber. The housing has a first surface that at least nominally matches an adjacent curb surface at the front of the housing. The housing has: a) at least one component that defines the first surface; and b) a base to which the at least one component is connected. |
| US08622646B2 |
Electronic device with slot cover ejection mechanism
An electronic device includes a frame defining a slot and a first through hole, a slot cover moveably received in the slot, a latching member rotateably connected to the frame, and a torsion spring. The latching member includes a first arm and a second arm protruding therefrom and extending in opposite directions. When the latching member is at a locking position, the first arm faces the first through hole, and the second arm engages an elastic hook to retain the cover in the slot. The spring includes a first arm fixed to the first arm and a second arm fixed to the frame. The latching member is driven to rotate when the first arm is pushed by an elongated object passing through the first through hole, causing the second arm push the elastic hook to be deformed, thereby allowing the second arm to disengage from the elastic hook. |
| US08622645B2 |
Coupler with gravity operated safety device
A coupler for an excavator, the coupler having a body with first and second spaced-apart recesses for receiving respective pins of an excavator attachment. A first latching hook is movable into and out of a latching state in which it is capable of retaining a respective attachment pin in the first recess. A second latching hook is movable into and out of a latching state in which it is capable of retaining a respective attachment pin in the second recess. A blocking member may be provided that is movable into and out of a blocking state in which it lies in the path of the second latching member to prevent the second latching member from leaving its latching state. The blocking member may be movable into and out of the blocking state under the influence of gravity. |
| US08622642B2 |
One hand lip stick
A one hand lipstick container includes: a container main body having a cylinder standing at the center of a body and a center through-hole; a container cover rotatably connected to the upper portion of the container main body and having an open inlet; a cover holder combined by a spiral with the outer side of the cylinder of the container main body and vertically moving up/down by rotational force of the container cover; a door hinged to the cover holder to open/close the upper portion of the cover holder; a lipstick housing combined by a spiral with the inner side of the center through-hole of the container main body and vertically moved up/down by rotational force of the cover holder; and a vertical guide transmitting the rotational force of the cover holder to the lipstick housing and vertically guiding the lipstick housing to move up/down. |
| US08622638B1 |
Protection cap for protecting camera module
A protection cap for protecting a camera module slides over a lens barrel receiving at least one lens. The protection cap is made of elastic material and is hollow. The protection cap includes an enclosed end and an open end. The lens barrel is passed through the open end and the open end sleeves over the camera module. The enclosed end protects the camera module against damage and contamination. |
| US08622637B2 |
Extendable-reach imaging apparatus
Disclosed are embodiments of an image acquisition apparatus with an extendable arm on which an image sensor is located and is easily manipulated to reach hard-to-reach places and transmit captured images to the user. In one embodiment, the combination of a telescopic sensor mount and an image sensor can be an integral part of or an add-on accessory for cell phones, cameras, iPads, iPods, etc. In another embodiment the apparatus may replace car radio antennas to serve as observation beacons in crowded and congested traffic. In different embodiments the orientation of the image sensor on its mount may be manually or remotely adjustable, while the image data gathered by the image sensor may be transmitted to the user by wire, wirelessly, or optically. In various embodiments a microphone and/or a flash may also be installed on the extendable mount. |
| US08622635B2 |
Connector having floatable optical module
A connector includes an insulating seat defining a receiving cavity opening forwards, an optical module movably received in the receiving cavity and an actuating device. The optical module defines lenses at a front mating face thereof and a first touch portion at a rear face thereof. The actuating device is located behind the rear face of the optical module to urge the optical module moving forwards. The actuating device includes a spring coil and a connecting member defining a second touch portion which is urged by the spring coil to contact with the first touch portion. One of the first touch portion and the second touch portion provides a vertex and the other provides a planar so as to arrive a vertex-to-planar contact relationship between the first touch portion and the second touch portion. |
| US08622632B2 |
Small-form-factor fiber optic interface assemblies for electronic devices having a circuit board
Small-form-factor fiber optic interface assemblies (180) for electronic devices (100) are disclosed. The fiber optic interface assemblies include a receptacle (120) configured to matingly engage with a plug (20) of a fiber optic cable assembly (10). Example assemblies include a flexible mount (228) supported by a circuit board (150) and configured to absorb a mechanical force when the plug is mated to the receptacle. The receptacle aperture (223) has at least one transverse dimension (L, W) of between about 2 mm and 4 mm. The assemblies can support both optical and electrical communication and functionality. |
| US08622629B1 |
Power connector
A power and data connector includes an extension that protrudes from a planar lip surface. The extension is configured to cooperate with one or more magnetic attractors of an electronic device to hold the power and data connector to the electronic device via magnetic force. A planar connection surface at a terminal end of the extension separately surrounds openings, through which power interfaces extend. |
| US08622622B2 |
Antifriction bearing
An antifriction bearing for a turbocharger, which has an outer ring with an annular inner face and an inner ring with an outer face which is parallel to the inner face, and a rolling body cage with a single annular part arranged radially between the outer and inner ring with one cage guiding face which is parallel to the inner face of the outer ring and an inner surface which is parallel to the outer face of the inner ring, and with closed rolling body pockets which are distributed over the circumference and rolling bodies received in the pockets. To provide hydraulic damping and reduced friction, the annular part is provided in the region of the cage guiding face with at least one radial recess outside the rolling body pockets, which can be formed by apertures, cutouts or grooves in the cage guiding face. |
| US08622618B2 |
Easy open and reclosable package with discrete laminate having panel section with easy-open sealant
An easy-open and reclosable package includes a pouch including a discrete laminate including a tape including a base strip coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive, and a panel section, the inner surface of the panel section having an easy-open sealant, the panel section adhered by the PSA to the base strip; the discrete laminate anchored to a first side panel; and a product in the pouch. When the package is opened, the package can be reclosed by adhering the first or second side panel to the pressure sensitive adhesive. Methods for making the package, and a pouch, are also disclosed. |
| US08622617B2 |
Container bag for containing particulate material
Disclosed is a container bag for containing particulate materials, which is prevented from being barreled and retained in a stable erect state when contents fill the container bag, whereby the container bag can maximize the loadage of the particulate materials within a limited space with stability. The container bag includes lateral walls, the particulate materials filling an inner space defined by the lateral walls, a bottom wall formed generally in a quadrangle shape and connected to the bottom ends of the lateral walls, a cover connected to the top ends of the lateral walls, and hoops connected to the top ends of the lateral walls, the cover, the lateral walls and the bottom wall being formed from a flexible material, wherein each side of the quadrangle-shaped bottom wall is recessed at the central area thereof. |
| US08622606B2 |
Micro-channels, micro-mixers, and micro-reactors
A fluid micro-mixer and micro-reactor array is provided having at least two bonded layers of micro-channels. The micro-mixer can include at least one input port and one output port, and a mixing and/or reaction port. At least one inlet stream separator layer can isolate the inlet ports from one another. |
| US08622603B1 |
Backlight module
A backlight module includes a light source, a light guide plate and at least one optical film. The light source has a plurality of light emitting devices. The light guide plate includes a light entrance portion, a main body portion and at least one positioning structure. The light entrance portion has a top surface and a light entrance surface. The light source is disposed corresponding to the light entrance surface. The top surface is adjacently connected to the light entrance surface. The main body is connected to the light entrance portion and has a first light extraction surface connecting the top surface. The positioning structure is disposed on the top surface and corresponding to an interval between two adjacent light emitting devices, and has an accommodating space. The optical film is disposed above the light guide plate and has at least one protruding portion disposed in the accommodating space. |
| US08622599B2 |
Lighting module
A lighting module may be provided that includes a light guide plate; a first case coupled to one side of the light guide plate; a first light source which is disposed in the first case and emits light to the one side of the light guide plate; a second case coupled to the other side of the light guide plate; and a second light source which is disposed in the second case and emits light to the other side of the light guide plate. An amount of light which is emitted through a top surface of the light guide plate is equal to or not equal to an amount of light which is emitted through a bottom surface of the light guide plate. |
| US08622598B2 |
Light emitting device and luminaire
This invention relates to a light emitting device (100) having a movable collimating unit for adjusting the output direction of light being emitted from the light emitting device. The light emitting device comprises a base unit (110), and a light output unit (120) which is engaged with the base unit. The light output unit comprises at least one light source (121) for emitting light. The light emitting device further comprises a movably arranged collimating unit (130) for adjusting the direction of the emitted light, which is arranged such that it encompasses a light output portion (125), which is arranged on the light output unit. |
| US08622597B2 |
Vehicle lighting device
A vehicle lighting device includes a body, a light source and a reflecting module. The body defines an outputting opening. The light source includes an LED. The reflecting module includes a first reflector, a second reflector and a third reflector. One part of light incident to the first reflector is firstly reflected by the first reflector, secondly reflected by the second reflector, thirdly reflected by the third reflector, and finally travels out of the body via the outputting opening. Another part of the light incident to the first reflector is firstly reflected by the first reflector, secondly reflected by the third reflector, and finally travels out of the body via the outputting opening. The rest part of the light is incident to the third reflector and then is reflected by the third reflector to travel out of the body via the outputting opening. |
| US08622596B2 |
Automotive interior lamp
A lamp assembly to be attached with a reinforcement through an opening formed in a roof panel is provided. A clip to be locked with the reinforcement is provided in the lamp assembly. The clip includes a base portion connected to the housing, an inverted U-shape portion connected to the base portion, a lock connected to the inverted U-shape portion, a projecting piece projected from a lower end of the lock, an extension portion extended further downwards from the projecting piece, and a side projecting piece formed on a side surface of the extension portion at a lower portion. A front projecting piece which faces the side projecting piece with a space provided therebetween is formed on the housing. The side projecting piece comes in contact with the front projecting piece in a state where the clip is locked on a circumferential edge of an opening of the reinforcement. |
| US08622592B1 |
LED lamp with radiator and method for manufacturing the same
An LED lamp includes a radiator, two caps and a light emitting module. The radiator includes a base and a plurality of fins parallel to each other extends along a face of the base, the fins are integrally formed with the base. The two caps are aligned with two opposite ends of the radiator along a longitudinal direction. The light emitting module includes several circuit boards attaching to another face of the base and a plurality of LEDs disposed on the circuit boards. The circuit boards are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fins, the radiator is cut into pieces with different length according to the arrangement of the circuit board. The present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing the LED lamp. |
| US08622589B2 |
LED lighting device
The invention discloses a LED light source, comprising a control circuit module, a shell, an energy conversion component, a heat pipe, and a cooling component. The shell comprises a dome and a side wall, and the shell contains the control circuit module. The energy conversion component comprises a substrate, a substrate holder, and at least a LED, wherein the LED is disposed on the substrate, the substrate is connected to the substrate holder, and the substrate holder is coupled to the control circuit module to drive the energy conversion component. The heat pipe comprises a flat part, an extension part, and a contact part, wherein the substrate and the substrate holder of the energy conversion component are disposed on the flat part; the extension part, disposed inside the shell, extends toward a direction. The cooling component comprises a plurality of fins, wherein the fins contacts the contact part respectively. The control circuit module is disposed between the energy conversion component and the cooling component. |
| US08622585B2 |
Lighting device with multiple light sources and primary and secondary optics
A lighting device has multiple light sources each having a primary optics; and a secondary optics for the multiple light sources; such that at the secondary optics the radiation patterns emitted from the multiple light sources have a substantially uniform luminance; and such that the secondary optics transforms the radiation pattern from the multiple light sources into an elliptical spot of light of substantially uniform luminance. |
| US08622584B2 |
LED light fixture
An LED light fixture includes a housing forming a chamber enclosing at least one drive and an extruded portion extending therefrom. In some embodiments, the housing has a dimension in the extruded direction no less than one-third of the fixture length, and the sides of the extruded portion and of the housing have substantially congruent profiles such that enclosure and heat-dissipation functions of the fixture are facilitated without substantial discontinuity in fixture configuration therealong viewed from positions below. A plurality of substantially rectangular LED-array modules are mounted to the LED-adjacent surface which has length and width dimensions accommodating multiple modules of predetermined width and lengths. |
| US08622579B2 |
Illumination system
An illumination system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes at least one light emitting apparatus including at least one light emitting module detachably coupled to the at least one light emitting apparatus, the at least one light emitting module including an information storage unit to store characteristic information of the at least one light emitting module. The at least one light emitting apparatus also includes a controller configured to detect whether the at least one light emitting module is connected to or disconnected from the at least one light emitting apparatus, and to read out the characteristic information of the at least one light emitting module according to a detection result, wherein the characteristic information includes unique identification information or absolute lifetime information of the at least one light emitting module. |
| US08622577B2 |
Lighting device with air circulation means
A lighting device comprises at least a light source (13, 33), a light emitting surface, an air inlet aperture (8, 9, 28), an air outlet aperture (8, 9, 28) and a cooling unit (4, 24) for moving air from the air inlet aperture (8, 9, 28) through the cooling unit (4, 24) to the air outlet. The air inlet aperture (8, 9, 28) and the air outlet aperture (8, 9, 28) are both located on the same side of the lighting device as at least part of the light emitting surface. |
| US08622573B2 |
LED array beam control luminaires
The present invention provides LED array systems with which provides for a LED array luminair with reduced color fringing, light spill reduction and beam angle control and LED protection. |
| US08622568B2 |
Power tool, particularly a hand-held power tool
A power tool includes a lighting unit directed towards a detection field on a workpiece side, and a detection system that emphasizes the contrast between a marking applied to an underlying surface and the underlying surface. |
| US08622566B2 |
Lighted glove
A lighted glove includes a glove member configured to substantially cover a wearer's hand and having finger and thumb sections. A plurality of light modules is positioned in a spaced apart arrangement on a palm section and on interior surface of the finger and thumb sections. Each light module includes multiple LED's having different colors. The light modules are electrically connected to a battery. Different color LED's may be selected using a toggle switch. |
| US08622565B2 |
Backlight device for liquid crystal module
A backlight device for a liquid crystal module includes a linear light source and a light reflecting member. The light reflecting member reflects light emitted from the linear light source. The light reflecting member includes a center reflecting face, a pair of first peripheral reflecting faces and a pair of second peripheral reflecting faces. The center reflecting face and the first and second peripheral reflecting faces are integrally formed from a sheet-like member as a one-piece, unitary member. |
| US08622562B2 |
3D light extraction system with uniform emission across
Systems and methods for OLED lighting panels are provided in which a light extraction block is optically coupled to a light source. The light extraction block includes a plurality of non-parallel light emitting surface normals. At least one light diffusing layer covers a surface of the light extraction block. The light diffusing layer may be positioned, for example, on a light emitting surface of the light extraction block and/or on a mating surface of the light extraction block. The plurality of light emitting surface normals may be located on different non-parallel light emitting surfaces of the light extraction block, or on different points of a curved emitting surface. All of the light emitting surfaces and/or the mating surface, of the light extraction block may be covered by a light diffusing layer. The optical emission intensity and/or the optical emission color from the plurality of light emitting surface normals may be substantially equal. |
| US08622561B2 |
Covert security camera within a lighting fixture
A luminaire (100) includes a lamp housing (2) having an outer surface (42), and a cover (14) extends a height (1) above the outer surface (42). A camera (12) is concealed within the cover (14). |
| US08622560B2 |
Illumination device
An embodiment of an illumination device comprising a broad band artificial light source and a non-liquid chromatic diffuser transparent to visible light comprising a dispersion of elements of nanometrical dimensions of a first material with of certain refractive index in a second material with different refractive index, wherein the light is scattered producing a separation and different distribution between cold and hot components of the light originally produced by the source, according to a scattering process in “Rayleigh” regime. The device allows illumination effects similar to those of natural outdoor environments to be reproduced in indoor environments. |
| US08622558B2 |
Sectionalized and detachable side view mirror for a vehicle
Disclosed is a sectionalized and detachable side view mirror assembly for a vehicle. The sectionalized and detachable side view mirror assembly includes: a housing having a hollow section therewithin; a central mirror by which a driver sees the rear side of the vehicle from inside of the vehicle; a lateral mirror by which the driver sees a blind spot in vicinity of the rear side of the vehicle from inside of the vehicle; a lower mirror by which the driver sees a lower rear side of the vehicle from inside of the vehicle; a central mirror mounting part for securing the central mirror within the hollow section of the housing; a lateral mirror mounting part for securing the lateral mirror within the hollow section of the housing; and a lower mirror mounting part for securing the lower mirror within the hollow section of the housing. |
| US08622556B2 |
Frame-attached anti-reflection glass and method of manufacturing the same
A frame-attached anti-reflection glass (a cap for optical device) includes a plate-shaped member including an anti-reflection film formed on at least one surface of a plate-shaped glass, and a frame-shaped member made of silicon joined to a peripheral portion on one surface side of the plate-shaped member. The anti-reflection film includes two partial films having different compositions, and one partial film is a light-absorbent film. The two partial films are continuously formed on the plate-shaped glass, and respective surfaces of each partial film are on a level with each other. The plate-shaped glass and the frame-shaped member (silicon) are joined together by anodic bonding. |
| US08622552B2 |
Portable computing device with media player and projecting unit
A media player includes a display and a main body. The display includes a cover and a display panel located on the cover. The host includes a housing, a control module received in the housing, with a projecting unit also received in the housing. The housing is rotatably connected to the cover and operable to be covered by the cover. The control module is for generating video signals to display in the display panel. The projecting unit is for converting the video signals into optical signals and projecting the optical signals out of the housing. |
| US08622551B2 |
High intensity image projector using sectional mirror
Image projectors with increased light intensity and methods for providing brighter images are provided. Image projectors, described herein, can provide the brightness while still providing any or all of compactness, low power consumption, and long lifetime. To increase brightness, sectional mirrors are used to respectively compress the light from two light sources into a single pupil (e.g. an aperture) of an imaging device. The compression can be accomplished by regions (e.g. sections) of the mirror having different angles with respect to the pupil. Relatively little light may be lost in the compression since minima for a light intensity pattern from a light source may occur between the regions that reflect the light. |
| US08622549B2 |
Beam combiner for a scanned beam display
A beam combiner has a first coating on a first side capable of imparting a first polarization rotation, and a second coating on a second side capable of imparting a second polarization rotation. A first beam impinging on the first side passes through the first and second coatings as a first beam component. Second and third beams impinging on the second side partially reflect off the second coating as a second beam component, and partially transmit through the second coating to reflect off the first coating and exit through the second coating as a third beam component. The first, second and third beam components are disposed at selected positions and have respective selected polarizations as a combined beam spot. The positions and polarization of the beams components result in a projected image having increased allowable brightness and/or having reduced speckle. |
| US08622547B2 |
Fundus observation apparatus
The controller 210 changes the projection region of the Landolt ring T on the fundus Ef by changing, based on the scanning region R, the relative display position of the Landolt ring T and the fixation target V on the LCD 39, thereby overlapping the scanning region R and the projection region each other. Under this condition, the fundus observation apparatus 1 executes the eyesight measurement and OCT measurement, obtains the eyesight value at the site of interest of the fundus Ef, and forms a tomographic image of the fundus Ef in the scanning region R. The controller 210 stores in the storage 212 the eyesight value at the site of interest and the tomographic image corresponding to the scanning line closest to the measurement position of eyesight while correlating them with each other, and allows them to be displayed on the display device 3. |
| US08622542B2 |
Image display apparatus
The image display apparatus of the invention comprises a prism optical system using at least two optical surfaces, each having an optical function. At least two surfaces of the two optical surfaces are rotationally asymmetric surfaces, and one of the two surfaces which light transmits or leaves has a function of one transmission and two internal reflections. |
| US08622541B2 |
Eyeglass frames
A pair of spectacles which comprises (A) a pair of lenses, each lens having an engaging portion on its periphery, and (B) a pair of temple arms, each of which comprises (1) a side member, (2) an auxiliary member, and (3) a return member which comprises an attachment portion fitted to an engaging portion of a lens; the auxiliary member (i) being connected to the side member and to the front of the return member, and (ii) providing a front surface of the temple arm. |
| US08622538B2 |
Recording apparatus and recording method
First humidified gas is supplied from a first supply port to a sheet to be conveyed, thereby increasing the moisture content of the sheet. Simultaneously, second humidified gas is supplied to a space where nozzles of the inkjet recording head are exposed, from a second supply port provided at a position closer to the inkjet recording head than the first supply port, thereby increasing the atmosphere humidity of the space. The part of the sheet of which the moisture content has been increased is made to enter the space where the atmosphere humidity has been increased, and recording is performed by the inkjet recording head. |
| US08622532B2 |
Method and system for clog detection and mitigation in delivering solid-ink pellets to an imaging apparatus
Apparatus and methods for maintaining flowability of solid-ink pellets when delivering solid-ink pellets from a container to an image-forming apparatus. The apparatus includes an extraction tube inserted into the container and connected to a vacuum source. Suction from the vacuum source impels pellets into the extraction tube through an extraction inlet, but pellet agglomerations may clog the system. Such a clog produces an immediate pressure spike within the extraction tube, an event detected by the clog detector. An actuator, responsive to the clog detector, drives an agitating structure that breaks up agglomerations and restores smooth pellet flow. Alternative embodiments can include devices having only the clog detector or the agitating structure. Alternative implementations of the agitating structure provide means for accomplishing pellet break up. The accompanying method detects the occurrence of a clog and responds by operating the agitating structure to break up agglomerations. |
| US08622526B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A nozzle plate made of conductive ceramics is grounded. Therefore, electric charges do not easily accumulate on the nozzle plate. The migration of electric charges from nozzle orifices to a diaphragm plate through ink filled in pressure generation chambers is unlikely to occur or significantly less likely to occur. Thus, it is possible to prevent the dielectric breakdown of the diaphragm plate caused conventionally by accumulated electric charges and to provide an ink-jet recording head that is substantially free from the damage of a driving circuit. |
| US08622520B2 |
Apparatus for ejecting droplets
Disclosed herein is an ejecting apparatus including: an upper body which includes an inlet through which ejectable fluid flows in from an external source, a channel which fluidly communicates with the inlet and through which the ejectable fluid flows, and an upper mounting portion which fluidly communicates with the channel and is opened downwardly; a lower body which includes a lower mounting portion which is opened upwardly to correspond to the upper mounting portion, and a nozzle slit which fluidly communicates with the lower mounting portion to eject the ejectable fluid to an outside, the lower body being fastened to the upper body, and a nozzle chip which is interposed between the upper mounting portion and the lower mounting portion to receive the ejectable fluid from the channel and discharge the ejectable fluid into the nozzle slit by being driven by an actuator. |
| US08622517B2 |
Method of manufacturing liquid ejection head and liquid ejection head
A method of manufacturing a liquid ejection head includes: defining a first imaginary reference line along the longitudinal direction of a base member and measuring the distances between the first imaginary reference line and at least two liquid supply port portions of a liquid supply port row, including defining a second imaginary reference line passing the liquid supply port portion at the shortest distance from the first imaginary reference line and the liquid supply port portion at the longest distance from the first imaginary reference line respectively from among the at least two liquid supply port portions and defining the second imaginary reference line between two imaginary lines parallel to the first imaginary reference line. |
| US08622516B2 |
Ink jet recording head and method of producing ink jet recording head
Provided is an ink jet recording head, including multiple ejection orifices for ejecting droplets to a recording medium, in which a normal of a plane formed of the following straight lines is tilted with respect to an axis line of each of the ejection orifices: a straight line obtained by connecting points, which are positioned on peripheries of the respective ejection orifices and are at shortest distances from a face plane, in a longitudinal direction of an ejection orifice array; and a straight line obtained by connecting points, which are positioned on the peripheries of the respective ejection orifices and are at longest distances from the face plane, in the longitudinal direction of the ejection orifice array. |
| US08622513B2 |
Using low pressure assist (LPA) to enable printhead maintenance system simplification
A method of performing maintenance on printheads of an imaging device includes the detection of at least one missing or defective inkjet in a printhead. A first pressure is applied to ink in printheads in which at least one missing or defective inkjet was detected. The first pressure is configured to discharge ink from the plurality of apertures in an aperture plate of the printhead to reestablish fluid continuity through the inkjet. A second pressure is applied to all of the printheads to be wiped. The second pressure is configured to form a convex meniscus at the plurality of apertures in the aperture plate of all of the printheads to be wiped. A single actuator is then operated to move one or more wipers into engagement with the printheads to be wiped. During wiping the convex meniscus is encountered by a wiper to lubricate a printhead and prevent the printhead from being damaged by wiping. The single actuator then retracts the one or more wipers from the printheads. |
| US08622511B2 |
Image forming apparatus having carriage mounting recording head for ejecting liquid droplets
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a carriage, a first recording head, a second recording head, and a maintenance assembly. The carriage is movable in a main scanning direction. The first recording head has nozzles in a nozzle face thereof to eject liquid droplets. The second recording head has nozzles in a nozzle face thereof to eject liquid droplets. The second recording head is displaced from the first recording head in a sub scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. The maintenance assembly maintains and recovers the first recording head and the second recording head. The maintenance assembly includes a first maintenance device and a second maintenance device. The first maintenance device is held by the apparatus body. The second maintenance device is reciprocally movable between a first position to oppose the first recording head and a second position to oppose the second recording head. |
| US08622508B2 |
Printhead having variable drive pulses for fluid ejection
A printhead is provided having fluid ejection nozzles, heaters corresponding to each of the nozzles respectively, with each heater heating printing fluid to cause ejection of a drop of the printing fluid through the corresponding nozzle, and circuitry for generating electrical drive pulses having variable power and length for energizing the heaters. The drive pulses are generated to have less energy than the energy required to heat a volume of the printing fluid equivalent to the drop volume, from the temperature at which the printing fluid enters the printhead to the heterogeneous boiling point of the printing fluid. |
| US08622504B2 |
Ink jet printer and a method of computing conveyance amount of a conveyance roller of the ink jet printer
A method of computing a conveyance variance from a difference of two adjustment patterns in order to measure a variance in a conveyance amount occurring while a sheet is conveyed. By using this method, the variance that occurs during one rotation of the roller occurring because of the roller accuracy, deflection of the roller, and the attachment of a roller supporting member can be alleviated. Thus, the unevenness occurring synchronously to one rotation of the roller can be alleviated, and as a result, an ink jet printer that is capable of printing with high quality can be provided. |
| US08622502B2 |
Ink jet printing apparatus and ink jet printing method
An adverse effect of air flows occurring near the nozzle line with high print duty is reliably avoided by appropriately dividing and allocating the print data to a plurality of ink ejection nozzle lines. When the print head is scanning in a forward direction, a combination of a magenta ink nozzle line and a yellow ink nozzle line that do not adjoin each other is mainly used. When the print head is scanning in a backward direction, another combination of a magenta ink nozzle line and a yellow ink nozzle line that do not adjoin each other is mainly used. |
| US08622501B2 |
Inkjet printer and inkjet printing method
In an inkjet printer that prints an image by a forward scan and a backward scan of printing heads, it is determined whether or not a color unevenness occurrence value set on the basis of values of unit image data constituting image data is more than a predetermined threshold value. If the color unevenness occurrence value is less than the threshold value, data that enable a dot to be formed in a unit area corresponding to the unit image data by the forward scan and the backward scan of the printing heads are generated. If the color unevenness occurrence value is more than the threshold value, data that enable a dot to be formed in the unit area only by one of the forward scan and the backward scan of the printing heads are generated. |
| US08622498B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus and liquid ejecting method
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a pressure chamber that communicates with a liquid supply section and a nozzle; an element that changes a pressure of liquid within the pressure chamber; and an ejection pulse generation section that generates an ejection pulse for operating the element in order to eject the liquid from the nozzle. In the apparatus, the viscosity of the liquid is not less than 8 millipascal seconds. The nozzle has a first portion in which a liquid ejection side thereof has a smaller opening area than a pressure chamber side thereof, and a second portion which communicates with an ejection side end portion of the first portion. In addition, the ejection pulse has a depressurizing portion for depressurizing the liquid in order to attract a meniscus positioned on the second portion to the first portion, and a pressurizing portion for pressurizing the liquid in order to eject the liquid before the meniscus attracted to the first portion returns to the second portion. |
| US08622492B2 |
Positioning mechanism for quick release device of slide assembly
A positioning mechanism for a quick release device of a slide assembly includes an opening in the rail and a positioning member located corresponding to the opening. The rail has a first contact portion adjacent to the opening which has an open portion and a reception portion communicating with the open portion. The positioning member includes a base, a resilient arm, a restriction portion and a second contact portion. The base is fixed to the rail. The resilient arm is connected between the base and the restriction portion. The restriction portion has a first contact end located corresponding to the open portion. The second contact portion is connected to the restriction portion. An substantially enclosed area is defined between the first contact end and the reception portion. The second contact portion contacts the first contact portion of the rail such that the first contact end is secured. |
| US08622487B2 |
Home appliance and washing machine
A home appliance and a washing machine are provided. With a configuration in which an ornament having a patterned portion on which a predetermined image is formed and a transparent member placed on an outer surface of the ornament are closely attached to each other, it is possible to prevent water from entering a gap between the ornament and the transparent member. |
| US08622486B2 |
Hydraulic unit for regulating the brake pressure in a vehicle brake system
The invention is based on a hydraulic unit for regulating the brake pressure in a vehicle brake system. Hydraulic units of such a type are the core component of an anti-lock vehicle brake system, of a drive slip vehicle brake system or of a vehicle brake system which regulates driving stability. The invention proposes a particularly advantageous arrangement of the required recesses in a housing block of a hydraulic unit. On account of the arrangement, the housing block can be reduced in terms of its dimensions, and can be produced with a lower weight and more simply in terms of production. For this purpose, according to the invention, the pressure fluid connection from one of the ports of the master brake cylinder to the suction side of one of the pump elements extends through the valve receptacle of the switching valve. |
| US08622485B2 |
Automobile wheel
An inner peripheral end portion of an annular back peripheral portion forming a front flange portion, an opening end portion of a front bead seat portion and a back surface portion of a wheel disc are joined to each other by a first welded portion and a second welded portion. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the front flange portion from being repeatedly elastically deformed by loads generated while the automobile is running. In addition, it is possible to mitigate a stress concentration generated on the front flange portion and the first welded portion and the second welded portion. Thus, an automobile wheel can exhibit high durability. |
| US08622484B2 |
Mounting for a replaceable tool
A mounting for a replaceable tool on a ground-engaging machine, the mounting having a tool holder having an aperture extending into a body portion of the tool holder for receiving a projecting mounting portion of the tool, the tool holder having an inter-engagement structure for mechanically engaging with a base having a complementary structure, the base being adapted to be fixed to the machine, and the mounting further having retaining means for cooperating with the holder and the tool when installed to retain the holder on the base. |
| US08622480B2 |
Machine with pivotal connection between a frame and a conveyor
A machine configured to travel across a surface is disclosed. A material removal mechanism is configured to remove material from the surface. A frame supports the material removal mechanism. A conveyor is configured to receive the material and to convey the material to a location off of the machine. A pivotal connection includes connectors connected to the frame and conveyor, respectively, which are configured to mate with one another to allow pivoting of the conveyor relative to the frame. |
| US08622479B2 |
Mining methods and apparatus
A method and apparatus for horizon control in a mining operation where fresh product 3 is cut from a seam 1. The cutting exposes a fresh cut product face 25. The fresh cut product face 25 is observed at a position immediately adjacent a cutter 11. Any temperature contrast regions from an IR observation between an upper limit of observation and a lower limit of observation are noted. At least one height co-ordinate position of a temperature contrast region 33 is determined and an output signal provided of the determined height co-ordinate position so that the output signal can be used as a horizon datum for horizontal control. |
| US08622476B2 |
Child vehicle seat
According to the present disclosure, a juvenile vehicle seat includes a base providing a seat bottom, a backrest extending upwardly from the base, and a movable headrest. The headrest is mounted for up-and-down movement on the backrest. The juvenile vehicle seat also includes a headrest-height controller configured to control the height of the movable headrest relative to the backrest. |
| US08622475B2 |
Linear recliner assembly with threaded linear drive rod and rotatably engaged gear stop
A linear recliner assembly in use with a seat having a seat back pivotally engaged relative to a seat bottom. A housing exhibits a communicating interior between a first and second ends. A drive rod is supported in linearly displaceable fashion from the first end and is secured to the seat bottom. The second end pivotally engages the seatback spaced from its pivot point. A rotatable gear located at a fixed lineal position within the housing receives the drive rod in threadably inter-engaged fashion. A trigger mechanism pivotally secured to the housing exhibits a downwardly biased detent communicating through an opening in the housing to seat between succeeding teeth of the gear. A spring supported within the housing contacts the drive rod. Upon release of the detent, a reclining force applied to the seatback results in displacement of the housing against the drive rod to bias the spring. The spring influencing the drive rod in a reverse direction such that, upon release of said detent when the seatback is in the reclined position, the spring influences the seatback to reverse pivot to a returned upright position. |
| US08622470B2 |
Backrest structure for motorcycle
A backrest structure for a motorcycle that is structured to be simply movable, yet made inoperative at all times except when an occupant intends to move the backrest. A backrest is disposed on a seat rail and includes operation levers for raising and lowering the backrest. The operation levers are disposed in the seat rail disposed downwardly of an occupant's seat. |
| US08622465B2 |
Front pillar for automobile
A front pillar for an automobile includes an outer panel, an inner panel, and a hollow member disposed between the outer and inner panels. Outer flanges of the outer and inner panels are overlapped with each other to form a closed void section and a seal attachment section. The seal attachment section includes a rear section reinforcing member and a front section reinforcing member sandwiched between the outer flanges of the outer and inner panels in a rear end section and a front end section, respectively, of the front pillar, and a gap channel formed to communicate with the closed void section by partially separating the outer flanges of the outer and inner panels at a central section of the front pillar. The reinforcing members are joined to an outer wall section of the hollow member. |
| US08622462B2 |
Drag reducing apparatus for a vehicle
The disclosure comprises a pair of inflatable substantially inelastic lobes. A single lobe can be mounted on each of the rear trailer doors of a standard tractor-trailer unit. Each lobe can be inflated or deployed to provide an aerodynamic substantially planar contour extending rearwardly of the rear end of the vehicle. The aerodynamic shape of the lobes with stable and substantially planar external surfaces for air to pass over can be created by a series of internal cords and flag sets extending substantially horizontally and vertically in an array from one side of the lobe to the other side of each lobe. When the lobes are deflated, the trailer doors can be opened and latched to the side of the trailer in a conventional manner. |
| US08622461B2 |
Aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus
An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is adaptable for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus consists of a series of nesting shapes and/or frameworks that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration. |
| US08622459B2 |
Deck in a drawer
A sliding retractable deck assembly is provided for use with recreational-type vehicles. The deck is adapted for use adjacent to and below the vehicle side door and is retractable by sliding back into place under the vehicle so as to be totally out of view and allow total use of vehicle door and all other components of said vehicle. A plurality of individually-adjustable ground-engaging leg members providing at least nine points of support for the deck thus allowing placement of the deck on uneven or sloping ground, while avoiding undue stressing of either the deck assembly or structural components of the vehicle. |
| US08622458B2 |
Opening, in particular tailgate for an automobile
A vehicle door having a window glass and a support element extending the window glass, the support element includes a door fastener for fastening the door to a body-in-white of the vehicle and a window glass fastener for fastening the window glass to the support element. |
| US08622456B2 |
Carpeted, automotive vehicle, load floor including a pivotable cover having a decorative, backside, noise-management, covering
A carpeted, automotive vehicle, load floor including a compression-molded composite panel is provided. A cover of the load floor covers a storage area of the vehicle and is pivotally connected to the composite panel. A substantially continuous carpet layer is bonded to the top surface of the panel and the top surface of the cover to at least partially form the carpeted load floor having a carpeted cover. A living hinge allows the carpeted cover to pivot between different use positions including open and closed positions. A decorative, noise-management covering layer is bonded to the bottom surface of the cover to reduce the level of undesirable noise in a passenger compartment of the vehicle in the closed position and to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the bottom of the cover in the open position. |
| US08622455B2 |
Instrument panel assembly
A storage compartment configured to attach to a structure, and a method of assembling an instrument panel is provided. The storage compartment includes a base and a cover disposed above the base. The cover includes a first top portion, a second top portion, and a stop. The first top portion is fixedly mounted to the support portion of the base. The second top portion is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, in the retracted position the second top portion is substantially disposed over the first top portion, in the extended position, the second back wall of the second top portion is displaced from the first top portion. Once the second top portion of the cover is moved to the extended position, the stop engages the second top portion so as to prevent the second top portion from moving to the retracted position. |
| US08622453B1 |
Food service unit with drive through capabilities
A vehicle useful for catering, vending and food service normally has service windows on the passenger side of the vehicle to accommodate pedestrian patrons. Disclosed herein is such a vehicle fitted with an auxiliary service window on the driver's side of the vehicle to accommodate vehicular occupants. An auxiliary service platform is installed below interior floor level to place a server in closer proximity to an adjacent vehicle. Steps are provided to enable access to the auxiliary platform from the interior vehicle floor. |
| US08622452B2 |
Robot and robot hand
A recess has a proximal-end-side surface and a distal-end-side surface. When an intersection between a straight line included in the proximal-end-side surface and a straight line included in the distal-end-side surface is a base point, a line passing through the base point is a base line, a line between two claw portions, passing through an end point of the recess and orthogonal to the base line is an orthogonal line, the angle α made between the base line, and the straight line included in the distal-end-side surface is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, the angle β made between the orthogonal line, and the straight line included in the proximal-end-side surface is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and the length d from the base point to the orthogonal line is greater than 0. |
| US08622448B1 |
Connection fixture for attaching to a structure to be lifted and a method for use thereof
Disclosed is a connection fixture capable of attaching without the use of bolts to an upper portion of a structure to be lifted to facilitate the lifting thereof. In one embodiment, the connection fixture includes an outer angle iron and an inner angle iron attached in a vertically slideable relationship with respect to one another between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the connection fixture can be positioned to engage a plurality of holes in an upper horizontal lip of the structure to be lifted. In the closed position, the upper lip is securely captured between the outer angle iron and the inner angle iron. A shackle can be secured through holes in the connection fixture. In another embodiment, the connection fixture includes first and second planar elements between which can be captured an upper portion of the structure to be lifted. |
| US08622439B2 |
Compliant material
A device including a first member joined to a second member, the joining being carried out via a compliant material having an alloy with at least two materials selected from silver, gold, and palladium, the second member being a shrink ring of the first member. |
| US08622436B2 |
Chemically reactive security ink, a method of use of such ink, and security documents incorporating such ink
A document uses a chemically reactive security ink to facilitate security, making it more difficult to alter a genuine security document. The chemically reactive security ink masks a warning word or message on a security document. The hidden warning word or message is revealed when the document is subjected to chemical washing. |
| US08622435B2 |
Security element and method for producing the same
The present invention relates to a security element (30) for securing valuable articles, having a first layer (13), composed of cholesteric liquid crystal material, that is present at least in some areas, a second layer (14), composed of liquid crystal material, that is present at least in some areas, and a further layer (22), having a machine-readable feature, that is present at least in some areas and that is covered at least in some areas by the first and second layer composed of liquid crystal material. |
| US08622433B2 |
Security document
The invention relates to a value document, such as bank note, passport or the like, which has a security paper and a marking produced with the help of a laser, the security paper having at least one partial area with a coating, and the marking extending over the border area between coating and security paper. Further, the invention relates to a security paper and methods for producing an inventive value document and security paper. |
| US08622431B2 |
Seatbelt harnesses for pets such as dogs for use with a vehicle seatbelt system to restrain them for protection during their travel in a vehicle
For protection of a dog during travel in a motor vehicle, in one embodiment, a seatbelt harness may include a restraint portion coupled to an attachment portion that may have first and second connectors which are either fixedly or removably attached to the restraint portion. The first connector may be adapted to attach to a seatbelt or a first belt connector in their default positions and the second connector may be adapted to attach to a second belt connector or an anchor. The positions of first and second connectors may be selected for aligning them with the restraint portion such that the attachment portion to act in conjunction with the restraint portion to enable positioning of the pet on a vehicle seat at an intermediate point along a longitudinal path between the first belt connector and the second belt connector or between the first belt connector and the anchor. |
| US08622425B2 |
Height-adjustable support for semitrailers
A height adjustable support for semi-trailers includes a shaft tube body modable on a chassis of a semi-trailer, a slidable support inner tube arranged in the shaft tube and having a foot mounted to an end region thereof by a nut located on a spindle which is drivable by a transmission, wherein the transmission has a switchable spur gear region and beveled gear assemblies. The switching region of the transmission is formed from a lower-gear pinion and a fast-gear pinion each adapted to engage a crank drive, and a low-gear gearwheel and a fast-gear pinion each adapted to engage clutch coupling elements, wherein power is transmitted from the crank drive via the low-gear pinion to the low-gear gearwheel and alternatively from the crank drive via the fast-gear gearwheel to the fast-gear pinion. An output shaft and a tab drive unit are supported in a rotatable manner, wherein the tab drive unit comprises the fast-gear pinion and a fast-gear beveled pinion that are connected to one another in an unrotatable manner by a connecting member. |
| US08622424B2 |
Motor vehicle safety device
There is disclosed a safety device for a motor vehicle. The device comprises an inflatable (6) element formed from two opposing layers of fabric (10, 11) and the two layers of fabric are interconnected by a plurality of tether yarns (18) extending between said layers. Each said tether yarn (18) is a composite yarn comprising an outer thread (21) and a core thread (20), with the outer thread (21) being overfed on the core thread (20) and having a higher breaking strength than the core thread (23). The device is preferably configured such that the core threads (20) of the tether yarns (18) break (23) upon inflation of said inflatable element (6), thereby permitting the outer thread (21) to unravel and extend the effective length of the tether yarns (18) between said layers. |
| US08622421B2 |
Curtain bag
Disclosed is a curtain bag that can obtain a necessary inflated state in a short period of time without applying excessive localized force to a peripheral joining section or an inner joining section, and that is improved in the ability to suppress the ejection of passengers out from a vehicle specifically by a lateral collision. A portion of the curtain bag and/or the peripheral edge is shaped so as to snag the bottom sill of a window, and the inner joining section of the region that contacts the section below the bottom sill of the window is shaped with a plurality of dots and/or given an expandable form across effectively the entire surface and/or given a form that has increased bending stiffness. |
| US08622419B2 |
Vehicle component with integral inflator
A method of manufacturing a vehicle component is presented, wherein the vehicle component has at least one dimensional length, the method containing the steps of: providing an elongated perforated inflator substantially coextensive with said at least one dimensional length; fixing said elongated perforated inflator within said vehicle component along said at least one dimensional length, such that said inflator functions as a structural member of said vehicle component; providing a propellant bed substantially coextensive with said elongated perforated inflator; and providing an airbag in fluid communication with said inflator and substantially coextensive therewith, said airbag stored within said vehicle component. |
| US08622417B1 |
Airbag with low-volume structure
A frontal airbag has a first section, a second section, and a third section, the second section being in fluid communication with both the first and the third section. The first, second and third sections form a triangular structure upon inflation of the airbag. A gas generator is attached to the first section and in fluid communication with the first section. An end portion on the third section remote from the second sections attached to the first section in an area between the gas generator and the second section. Two side tethers attached to the first section and to one of the second and third sections or near transitional bend between the second and third section provide resistance against flattening of the airbag after inflation. The first section and the third section are directly attached to each other by a seam, by an adhesive, or by lamination. |
| US08622412B2 |
Wheelchair with lift
A wheelchair has a frame supported on wheels, a removable seat supported by the frame, a receptacle supported by the frame under the removable seat, a lifting tower supported by the frame and a sling carried by the lifting tower. The sling is operable by the lifting tower through a lifting range to move between positions in which a person carried in the sling is raised above the removable seat so that the removable seat may be removed and a person carried in the sling is lowered to be supported over the receptacle. |
| US08622411B1 |
Bicycle frame
A bicycle assembly can include a bicycle frame that can have a main frame, a sub-frame and a shock absorber. The sub-frame can move in relation to the main frame and the shock can be used to regulate that relationship. A extension body can be used to establish a rear pivot point of the shock absorber. In some embodiments, the extension body can also be used to adjust the length of the combined shock absorber and extension body. |
| US08622409B2 |
Structure, components and method for constructing and operating an automatically self locking manually propelled vehicle such as a wheel chair
Several new and useful concepts for a manually propelled vehicle such as a wheel chair are provided. In one concept, the vehicle is configured to be selectively placed in an automatic lock condition in which (i) the wheel chair can move in a conventional manner while an occupant is seated in the wheel chair, and (ii) the wheel chair is automatically locked against movement when an occupant begins to rise from a seated position on the wheel chair. In another concept, a particularly secure structure is provided for locking the wheel of the wheel chair against movement. In yet another concept, important components of the wheel chair are formed in a manner that facilitates assembly of those components into the wheel chair, by an internal fastening system and in a modular fashion. |
| US08622408B2 |
Step unit
A step unit comprises: a step member which is provided on the vehicle body side so as to be adjacent to a slide door of the vehicle and has a flat plate section on which an occupant's foot is placed; and a drive device which is affixed to the step member and drives the slide door to open and close the slide door. The step member is molded using a resin material and has a accommodation portion which is provided with a bottom formed below the upper surface of the flat plate section. The drive device is affixed while at least a part thereof is accommodated within the accommodation portion. |
| US08622407B1 |
Tandem power train assembly
A tandem power train assembly including an input member, a tandem output assembly, and an oscillation joint assembly drivingly coupled to the input member. The oscillation joint assembly is structured and arranged to drivably transmit rotation to the tandem output assembly through the oscillation joint. The oscillation joint includes an inboard bearing defining a first frustoconical ring having a first bearing surface disposed thereon and an outboard bearing defining a second frustoconical ring having a second bearing surface disposed thereon with the inboard bearing and outboard bearing structured and arranged to rotatably support the tandem output assembly. |
| US08622403B2 |
Transport cart for loading an aircraft galley
The invention relates to a transport cart (10) for loading an aircraft galley, comprising a base element (12) and a plurality of wheels (14) attached to the base element (12). Two frame elements (20, 24) are connected to the base element (12) and disposed at a distance from each other. A first guide device (28, 28′, 28″) is set up for engaging a complementary second guide device formed on a box that is receivable in the aircraft galley to be loaded and for transporting on the transport cart (10). The first guide device (28, 28′, 28″) is further set up for securing the box against displacement on the transport cart (10) in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (L) of the transport cart (10) when engaged with the complementary second guide device formed on the box. The transport cart (10) finally comprises a locking mechanism (40, 40′) which is set up for securing the box against displacement on the transport cart in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the transport cart (10). |
| US08622398B2 |
Annular seal
A seal assembly capable of low temperature service is disclosed. It features upper and lower metallic backup rings that are specially shaped to act as a spring to keep the sidewalls of such rings in contact with the inside and outside surfaces to be sealed to prevent extrusion of the seal material even in low temperature situations. Inner and outer grooves are provided. O-ring seals, used for the ID of the seal, are manufactured to have a slightly greater diameter than the groove into which they will be installed. The greater length provides stored energy to promote sealing functionality in cold temperature situations. The O-rings used for the OD of the seal are manufactured to have a slightly smaller diameter than the groove into which they will be installed. The shorter length provides stored energy to promote sealing functionality in cold temperature situations. |
| US08622396B2 |
Free-floating gas seal
A rotary aircraft exhaust system having an engine, an exhaust member in gaseous communication with the engine, and a longitudinally compressible bellow seal in sealing contact with both the engine and the exhaust member. The bellow seal is configured to provide a gaseous seal between the engine and the exhaust member while also allowing the exhaust member to move in the transverse, longitudinal, and pivoting directions relative to the engine. |
| US08622385B2 |
Medium receiving device and recording device
A medium receiving device includes a support shaft that extends in a width direction of the sheet that intersects with an ejection direction of the sheet at a position spaced from the apparatus body, a locking member that is fixedly provided at a position which is lower than the apparatus body in the gravity direction and on the side of the apparatus body with respect to the support shaft and extends in the width direction of the sheet, and a medium holding member that is hung between the support shaft and the locking member so as to form a receiving surface for the sheet which falls thereon and is capable of holding the sheet on the receiving surface, wherein the support shaft moves between a first position and a second position with rotative displacement about a rotation shaft that extends in the width direction of the sheet. |
| US08622384B2 |
Paper sheet processing device
A paper sheet processing apparatus that can detect in an inexpensive way that a bill housing part is full with bills. The paper sheet processing apparatus includes: a bill housing part that houses a bill in a stacked manner; a placing plate arranged in the bill housing part and moves as a bill is stacked and housed; a magnetic body magnetized and disposed on the placing plate; a magnetic sensor that detects an amount of magnetism from the magnetic body; and a control part that determines whether the amount of magnetism detected by the magnetic sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold value. |
| US08622379B2 |
Under-shingled article handling and stacking system and method
A device and process for processing flat articles such as pieces of paper by utilizing a stream of under-shingled flat articles and generating a gap at predetermined intervals. The under-shingling process incorporates an accelerating and decelerating portion wherein each flat article is accelerated and then decelerated while a tail portion of the article is lifted such that the next flat article can slide underneath to establish an under-shingled stream. |
| US08622378B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
The controller controls the folded bundle conveying portion such that, when a length in the conveying direction of the succeeding folded bundle makes the upstream edge in the conveying direction of the succeeding folded bundle, which is temporarily stopped for the folded end portion processing, remain within a stacking region of the sheet stacking portion, before the preceding folded bundle has been finally moved to the second stacking position, the succeeding folded bundle is conveyed until the upstream edge in the conveying direction of the succeeding folded bundle, to which the folded end portion processing has been applied, passes through outside the stacking region of the sheet stacking portion. |
| US08622377B2 |
Holder for CAD/CAM blanks
A holder for affixing a mill blank for the manufacture of a dental article in a housing of a milling unit of a CAD/CAM system, wherein the holder includes a joining surface for joining to the mill blank, a securing shaft having at least one securing surface for securing to a housing of a milling unit of a CAD/CAM system, wherein the securing shaft comprises an essentially polygonal shape with at least two lateral surfaces, wherein at least two of the lateral surfaces are arranged adjacent to each other and extend at right angles to each other; and wherein the securing surface, in cross-sectional view, extends substantially perpendicular to a radius of the securing shaft extending essentially through the center of the securing surface and comprises a width that is less than the width of a lateral surface. |
| US08622376B2 |
Vibration isolator
A vibration isolator for insertion into a support structure opening includes a first isolator body having a first body portion at a first body end and a first isolator wall extending from the first body portion toward a second body end. The first body portion has a larger perimeter than the second body end and defines a first fastener opening and the second body end defines a second fastener opening. The second fastener opening has a perimeter greater than the perimeter of the first fastener opening. The first body portion has a perimeter that is at least three times greater than the perimeter of the first fastener opening and at least two times greater than the perimeter of the support structure opening. |
| US08622374B2 |
Buffer for absorbing impacts
In a buffer for absorbing impacts, which comprises an elastic buffer element made of a material having a first e-module, and a force take-up axis, the buffer element being compressible at least in the direction of said force take-up axis, it is provided that at least one additional element having a second e-module is enclosed in said buffer element, the second e-module being larger than the first e-module. |
| US08622372B2 |
Fan cooling tower design and method
A hybrid cooling tower apparatus that extends along a vertical axis is provided. The cooling tower includes a first housing structure having an inlet and a first outlet located a first position along the vertical axis, wherein the housing structure includes a base and opposing side walls that extend along the vertical axis away from the base. The tower also includes a heat exchanger disposed in the housing structure, wherein the heat exchanger is positioned adjacent the first outlet and extends at least partially all the way across the first outlet. Finally the hybrid tower employs an air current generator positioned in a plane normal to the vertical axis and oriented to direct an air stream toward the base and through the heat exchanger and the first outlet. |
| US08622365B2 |
Pinch valve
A pinch valve includes a spring disposed between a movable iron core of a solenoid and an end cover thereof, and which urges the movable iron core toward the side of a tube provided in a body. An elastic force of the spring is set to be smaller than a reactive force of the tube that is applied to a valve plug. In a non-excited state of the solenoid, the valve plug is pressed toward the solenoid by the reactive force of the tube, so as to enable a fluid to flow through a flow passage of the tube. Conversely, in an excited state of the solenoid, since an attractive force of the movable iron core toward the tube is added to the elastic force of the spring, the valve plug is pressed in opposition to the reactive force of the tube for thereby blocking the flow passage. |
| US08622364B2 |
Apparatus and method for replacing a rotted portion of a support post and securing the post to a surface or pier
A post support device that enables a rotted base portion of a wooden support post to be removed in situ and the remaining end of the support post to be secured for regained structural integrity, the device having a base adapted to being attached to the surface, elevation support means in cooperation with the base for supporting the post above the base, at least two cover plates, each adapted to covering a portion of the exterior of the post, and each including an elongate flange facing inward towards the post and generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the post, said flange portion including a leading cutting edge to enable the flange portion to bite into the surface material of the post upon the application of force to the flange to provide a mechanical seal between the flange and the post, first and second fastening means for securing each cover plate to the post and the base and the elevation support means to the post or the filler block if one is used, respectively. |
| US08622363B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat having an oscillatory scissor-type stand and a damper that is articulated at two parts of the scissor-type stand which are movable relative to one another. One end of the damper is articulated at a pin that extends in transverse direction of the seat and extends between two structural parts arranged at a distance from one another in transverse direction of the seat at a part of the scissor-type stand. A bearing bushing is arranged with its axial bushing opening on a tubular component part enclosing the pin, wherein the bushing opening has a spherical longitudinal section with the greatest diameters at the two axial ends and the smallest diameter in the middle of the bushing opening. The bearing bushing is enclosed by a bearing ring of the damper having a shorter axial length than the bearing bushing and is arranged on the bearing bushing at an axial distance from the two ends of the bearing bushing so as to be secured against axial displacement. The bearing bushing is arranged between the structural parts without axial play. |
| US08622357B2 |
Luggage support arm
A luggage connector that may be used with a baby stroller or wheelchair to transport rolling luggage is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the connector includes a first arm and a second arm. Clamps are disposed at a distal end of each arm. The clamps are used to secure the connector to a handle of luggage and a portion of a frame such as a stroller or wheelchair frame. Each arm is adapted to rotate about a central axis so that each respective clamp may be rotated and positioned appropriately to secure the connector to the frame. In addition, a rotating hinge is provided to adjust to a desired angle between the two arms to accommodate the connector being secured to the frame and rolling luggage. |
| US08622349B2 |
Device for assisting the piloting of a rotorcraft
A device for assisting the piloting of a rotorcraft, the rotorcraft having a flight control (10) for controlling a rotor (20, 21) via at least one linkage (35. An additional force is generated by at least one piloting assistance means (100) mechanically linked to the linkage (35. The additional force is a function of the position of the flight control (10) and of an instantaneous force as measured on the linkage (35). |
| US08622344B2 |
Load path-optimized pivotable hatrack
The invention relates to a device for receiving baggage in a passenger cabin for aircraft, which device comprises a stowage compartment, also referred to as a “hatrack”, which stowage compartment is arranged above a seat row so as to be swivellable in longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The hatrack includes a single-part housing that forms a baggage receptacle. Starting from an open loading position, the housing is swivellable to a transport position or stowage position on a pivot axis that is arranged near the centre of gravity and that is associated with a bottom of the housing. For affixation of the hatrack the housing is connected to a structure of the aircraft fuselage, which structure is fixed to the aircraft, by means of an exterior frame. |
| US08622343B2 |
Aircraft grounding system
Liquid dispensing assemblies including adhesive anchoring assemblies configured to adhere to a support surface external to a device such as a vehicle. An air vehicle includes (a) a fluid adhesive container assembly detachably attached to the air vehicle, wherein the fluid adhesive container assembly comprises: (i) an adhesive container comprising fluid adhesive; and (ii) one or more fibers, wherein the one or more fibers are configured, or a brush of fibers, or a fabric of fibers, is configured to conduct the fluid adhesive and to structurally support an adhesive bond between the one or more fibers and a surface; and (b) means for dispensing the fluid adhesive from the fluid adhesive container, to the one or more fibers. |
| US08622341B2 |
Suspension rudder bar for an aircraft turbojet and a suspension with fan hanger provided therewith
A suspension rudder bar has the shape of a bar with a transversal axis (Y′Y), symmetrical with respect to a plane (PS) intersecting the rotation axis (X′X) of the engine, and includes links with transmission connecting rods between a rear casing for ejecting gases and a front casing hub of the fan, and a central link to a fastening fixation to an engine fastening pylon. The links of the rudder bar to the transmission connecting rods are arranged on the transversal ends of the rudder bar, and the rudder bar extends, perpendicularly to the axis of the bar (Y′Y), with spars over a sufficient portion and at a determined distance from the edges of the plate to act as an abutment to the plate in the case of a torsion around the central link or of a connecting rod breaking. |
| US08622337B2 |
Airship for transportation
An airship for facilitating transportation to and from one or more locations which are difficult to access or operate such as high above the ground level is disclosed. The airship can also be used in surface missions, The airship includes a cabin and a platform. The cabin is configured on a top portion of the airship. The platform is operatively connected to the cabin. The platform facilitates easy access to the cabin. |
| US08622335B2 |
Ducted fan VTOL vehicles
A vehicle including a fuselage having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, two Ducted Fan lift-producing propellers carried by the fuselage on each side of the transverse axis, a pilot's compartment formed in the fuselage between the lift-producing propellers and substantially aligned with one side of the fuselage, a payload bay formed in the fuselage between the lift-producing propellers and opposite the pilot's compartment, and two pusher fans located at the rear of the vehicle. Many variations are described enabling the vehicle to be used not only as a VTOL vehicle, but also as a multi-function utility vehicle for performing many diverse functions including hovercraft and ATV functions. Also described is an Unmanned version of the vehicle. Also described are unique features applicable in any single or multiple ducted fans and VTOL vehicles. |
| US08622332B2 |
Stretch film handle
An apparatus for dispensing a roll of material with one hand is disclosed that includes a shaft having a core segment for supporting a roll of material and a handle segment that is integral with the core segment. The handle segment has an annular recess with a collar received therein. The apparatus includes a gripper received over the handle segment of the shaft. The gripper has a cylindrically shaped body defining an open center that has an open upper end and a closed lower end. The gripper is positioned on the handle segment with its open upper end between the collar and the core segment. The shaft is rotatable relative to the gripper and the gripper is hand-compressible to bring the gripper into frictional contact with the shaft to slow or stop the rotation of the shaft. |
| US08622331B2 |
Gyratory cone crusher
A gyratory cone crusher 10 includes a support frame 12 having a vertical axis X and a receiving formation 14 mounted rigidly in the frame 12, a central vertical axis of the receiving formation 14 being in line with vertical axis X. A crushing head 16 is slideably engaged with the receiving formation 14 and has a first, upwardly presented conical crushing surface 18. A crushing bowl 20 having a second, downwardly presented funnel-shaped second crushing surface 22 spaced apart from the first crushing surface 18 is mounted above the crushing head 16. The crushing bowl 20 is mounted in an eccentric housing 24 so that a central axis Z of the crushing bowl 20 is positioned at an angle oblique to vertical axis X. |
| US08622328B2 |
Vertical roller mill
In a vertical roller mill in which a fixed-type cyclone sorter is provided in a casing, the fixed-type cyclone sorter includes a conical member; a fixed-blade entrance window through which a solid-gas two-phase flow is introduced into the interior of the conical member; a flat plate-like fixed blade that causes the solid-gas two-phase flow to spiral; an inner cylinder into which pulverized coal is guided from the bottom end thereof toward the top end thereof by means of spiraling of the solid-gas two-phase flow; and a pulverized-coal exit through which the pulverized coal guided to the top end of the inner cylinder is guided outside the conical member, wherein the fixed blade is provided with a tip portion where a downward flow is increased for the solid-gas two-phase flow guided into the interior of the conical member from the fixed-blade entrance window. |
| US08622326B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing an ore feed
A sizing roller screen apparatus and method for processing an ore feed that includes sized and oversize ore portions and is received at an inlet are disclosed. The apparatus includes a roller screen having a plurality of adjacent screening rollers with interstices therebetween for permitting passage of the sized ore portions, the adjacent screening rollers being rotatable to cause a first sized ore portion to pass through the interstices as while the ore feed is transported along the roller screen. The apparatus also includes a sizing roller disposed generally above an opposing one of the adjacent screening rollers, the sizing roller being rotatable to fragment at least some of the oversize ore portions passing between the sizing roller and the opposing screening roller to produce a second sized ore portion, the second sized ore portion being sized for passage between the interstices. |
| US08622322B2 |
Dispensing apparatus
A liquid dispensing apparatus includes a container having a compressible section and a tip section extending from the compressible section. The compressible section is compressible in response to actuation. The dispensing apparatus further includes a nozzle member coupled to the container that includes an orifice. Finally, the dispensing apparatus includes a fluidic channel providing fluid communication between the volume and the orifice that includes a spin chamber for imparting a spinning motion to the liquid to atomize the liquid prior to urging the liquid out of the orifice. |
| US08622319B2 |
Automatic air-assisted manifold mounted gun
A coating material dispensing device includes a first component providing a connection to a source of coating material to be dispensed and a filter for filtering coating material to be dispensed. The first component includes a housing for housing the filter and a closure for selectively closing the housing to permit removal and replacement of the filter. The coating material dispensing device further includes a second component providing a nozzle through which the coating material is dispensed. The first and second components include first and second passageways, respectively. The first and second passageways communicate when the first and second components are assembled together to provide a flow of filtered coating material from the filter to the nozzle. |
| US08622316B2 |
SCR-injection unit
An SCR-injection unit includes an injector, a sleeve element for fixing the injector to a flange of an exhaust gas pipe, and a cooling body. According to the invention, the sleeve element has an elongated thin-walled connecting section, one axial end of which is indirectly connected to the flange of the exhaust gas pipe and the other axial end of which is indirectly connected to a supporting structure for the injector. |
| US08622314B2 |
Smart-home device that self-qualifies for away-state functionality
A thermostat, includes a housing and an occupancy sensor that is disposed within the housing and configured to detect physical presences of users within a responsive area of the occupancy sensor. The thermostat may also include a processing system that is disposed within the housing and in operative communication with the occupancy sensor. The processing system may be configured to determine, after a trial period, whether to activate an away-state feature by storing indications of how often the occupancy sensor detected physical presences during the trial period, computing an occupancy level for the trial period, comparing the occupancy level to a threshold criterion, determining whether sufficiently true indications of occupancy conditions were sensed by the occupancy sensor during the trial period, and enabling the away-state feature of the thermostat if it is determined that the sufficiently true indications of occupancy conditions were sensed during the trial period. |
| US08622313B1 |
Near field communications device
The present application relates to a near field communications (NFC) device having an antenna which is coupled to a load. When in the presence of an active NFC reader or similar device, the antenna generates an electromotive force (EMF), which serves as an input signal to the load. A variable potential divider is included to vary the voltage of the input signal to the load, so that if a potentially damaging over-voltage condition exists the voltage of the input signal to the load can be reduced to a safe level. The variable potential divider may be composed of an effective source impedance and an effective impedance of the load, and the impedance of the impedance matching network may be variable by means of a variable capacitance and/or a variable resistance. |
| US08622312B2 |
Method and apparatus for interfacing with a smartcard
A device may be configured such that a smartcard may be physically mounted in, on, and/or to the device. The device may comprise one or more circuits that enable communicating over a far-field communication link and that enable communicating with a smartcard when the smartcard is physically mounted in, on, and/or to the device. The far-field communication link may be an ISO 18000-7 link. The device may communicate with a smartcard via contacts and/or via near-field communications. The device may be operable to relay data between a near-field communication link between the device and a smartcard and a far-field communication link between the device and another device. The device may be generally rectangular in shape, less than one centimeter thick, than one centimeter longer than an ISO 7816 compliant smartcard, and less than one centimeter wider than an ISO 7816 compliant smartcard. |
| US08622309B1 |
Payment cards and devices with budgets, parental controls, and virtual accounts
A payment card is provided with a display. A user may enter budget amounts and budget expiration dates into a card. Such information may be communicated via a dynamic magnetic stripe communications device such that future purchases adhere to the budget amount and budget expiration date attributes set by a user. Users may set budget information for other users. For example, a parent may set budget information for a child. |
| US08622305B2 |
Efficient multi-image bar code reader
An efficient multicamera imaging-based bar code reader for imaging a target bar code on a target object. An imaging system has a plurality of camera assemblies coupled to an image processing system. Each camera assembly includes a sensor array and an imaging lens assembly for focusing a field of view of the camera assembly onto a sensor array as well as including one or more light emitting diodes for illuminating a field of view of that camera assembly. One camera is activated or energized to detect an object and then all cameras are activated for generating images suitable to decode a bar code on the detected object. |
| US08622303B2 |
Decoding utilizing image data
The invention relates to decoding utilizing image data. The image data can be received from a source. A processor can process the image data for decoding. A processing for decoding can be responsive to determined information. |
| US08622302B2 |
Systems and methods for compensating for fixed pattern noise
This disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for estimating and, at least partially, compensating for fixed pattern noise (FPN) in an image sensor. In one configuration, an estimate of the FPN of an image sensor may be obtained by capturing a dark image (either a linear or an area image, depending on the sensor type) using a first exposure time, an illuminated image may be captured using a second exposure time, the second exposure time is greater than the first exposure time, and the dark image may be subtracted from the illuminated image to compensate, at least partially, for FPN. Certain configurations may utilize virtual scan lines. Two or more dark images may also be utilized to estimate FPN in an image sensor. |
| US08622296B2 |
Magnetic stripe card reader assembly and method
A magnetic stripe card reader assembly and method includes a panel having portions defining a card entry opening of a card entry path provided for receiving a magnetic stripe card with the magnetic stripe disposed perpendicular to the card entry path. A card swipe path in communication with the card entry path is provided for swiping the card with the magnetic stripe disposed parallel to the card swipe path, and a magnetic stripe read head is disposed proximate the card swipe path for reading only a pre-determined segment of the magnetic stripe. The panel is also provided with portions defining a card withdrawal opening of a card withdrawal path in communication with the card swipe path and partly overlapping the card entry opening for withdrawal of the card with the magnetic stripe disposed perpendicular to the card withdrawal path. |
| US08622294B1 |
Method and apparatus for electronically organizing transport documents
A system and apparatus is provided for managing the collection, preparation, and storage of shipping documentation. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes multiple sensors, a processing system and a control unit for organizing and transporting shipping documents for multiple shipments in a real-time tracking system. The shipping document management system of the present invention travels and arrives with the actual shipment and allows the user to collect information and produce documents for viewing, scanning, transmitting and/or printing. The present invention may function as a universal open architecture envelope capable of linking to existing container sensor systems. |
| US08622290B2 |
Multiple rate currency consolidator
A multiple currency rate consolidator addresses the needs of multi-national companies that do business in different currencies and tax localities. A consolidated view of financial data may be provided in real time. The multiple currency rate consolidator allows each subsidiary within a subsidiary hierarchy to enter and manage transactional data as well as budget/forecast data in a corresponding localized functional currency. The multiple currency rate consolidator allows different consolidation levels to view localized, consolidated values of subsidiary transactions. The multiple currency rate consolidator also accommodates statutory, ad hoc and management reporting consolidation using different subsidiary configurations for the same time periods, as well as the versioning of the subsidiary hierarchy to accommodate structural changes across different time periods. |
| US08622277B2 |
Apparatus for welding a flange of a guide thimble tube in nuclear fuel assembly
Disclosed therein are an apparatus for and a method of automatically welding a flange to a guide thimble tube in a nuclear fuel assembly. The automatic welding apparatus includes: a welding part located on an axially conveying line of a tube for welding a welded surface of the tube inserted thereinto and a welded surface of a flange; a flange supplying part for supplying the flange at a tube inlet of the welding part onto the axially conveying line; and a conveying part mounted on the axially conveying line in such a way as to move the tube and the flange on the axially conveying line, so that they are inserted into and drawn from the welding part. |
| US08622274B2 |
Motorized cutting and fastening instrument having control circuit for optimizing battery usage
A surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The instrument comprises an end effector and a shaft connected to the end effector. The shaft comprises a drive train for powering the end effector. The instrument also comprises a handle connected to the shaft. The handle comprises an electric, DC motor connected to the drive train for powering the drive train and a DC power source comprising one or more batteries. The handle also comprises a power regulator having an input connected to the DC power source and an output connected to an input of the motor. The power regulator comprises a power converter and a control circuit for controlling the power converter. The control circuit controls the voltage set point for the power converter so that voltage delivered from the power source is less than the voltage at which the power source delivers maximum power. |
| US08622268B2 |
Structural support member for a harness for breathing apparatus
A structural support member 10 for a harness 100 for breathing apparatus, the structural support member being generally elongate and arranged in use to support a cylinder of breathable gas, the structural support member comprising: a frame having; a lower portion 11 arranged in use to support a first end of a cylinder; an upper portion arranged in use to support a second opposed end of the cylinder; and first and second side limbs 26, 36 coupling the upper and lower portions and defining a void 14 therebetween, in a substantially central region of the frame. |
| US08622267B2 |
Vehicle receiver hitch supported lockable sporting equipment carrier
A vehicle receiver hitch supported lockable sporting equipment carrier provides a receiver hitch beam, structurally carrying an upwardly extending vertical beam. A horizontal support beam is structurally carried by the vertical beam, at an end portion opposite the receiver hitch beam. The horizontal support beam defines an axial channel extending therethrough for releasable engagement with a locking bar. The locking bar has one leg that releasably engages with the axial channel defined in the horizontal support beam, and a second leg that releasably engages with a hole defined in the vertical beam, spacedly adjacent the horizontal support beam. A lock hasp hole defined in an end portion of the locking bar provides for engagement of a lock. |
| US08622266B2 |
Load carrying system for motor vehicles
A load carrier has a flat tray-like body that attaches to a vehicle by load bars. Multiple components may be installed on the tray body in many locations on the tray body, for containing and/or supporting cargo. One component is a cargo container that is captured and locked in one of several possible positions on the tray body. Other components are cargo posts that include one or more upending towers for supporting cargo by capturing generally vertical portions of the cargo between the towers, wherein the cargo posts may be non-pivotal, pivotal, slidable and/or adjustable. Another component is a hooked or curved depending assembly that suspends cargo from the edges of the tray body. |
| US08622264B2 |
Container holder with fasteners
One design embodiment of a holder for a container comprising: one or more bands each capable of retaining a container inside the band(s), with straps attached to and extending away from the exterior of the band(s); with fasteners on the ends of each strap such that container within the band or bands are held in a stable position relative to a harness to be worn by a user. The design embodiment allows easy attachment, use and deployment of containers in a variety of environmental conditions and situational uses, including but not limited to the carrying of gas supplies for underwater divers. |
| US08622262B2 |
Hydration system
The invention is a hydration system that is worn on a user's arm. The system has a flexible sleeve that is conical or forms a conical sleeve that fits a person's forearm. A bladder, made of a pliable material, attaches to the sleeve, and has a number of expandable ribs. The bladder is for holding water or liquid for drinking. The bladder can be flat and folds with the sleeve to form a gently tapering form. A frame secures the bladder to the sleeve. A cap is detachably connected to an opening of the bladder, and a drinking straw allows a user to withdraw water from the bladder. |
| US08622260B2 |
Multi-phase oral composition dispenser with adjustable flow
A flow control device for dispensing a multi-phase oral composition. The device includes a housing, a restrictor and an insert that fits within and cooperates with the housing and restrictor to dispense the oral composition. A flowpath is formed in and around the insert, as well as in the housing such that the composition passes through one or more channels defined by the cooperative arrangement of the insert and housing. Changes in relative position between the insert and the housing facilitate selective alignment of the various channels with a discharge orifice formed in the housing such that a user can vary the way the proportions of discreet fluids making up the oral composition are dispensed through said orifice. |
| US08622259B2 |
Electrical valve control device
The electrical valve control device contains a cover member and a base member joined together. A motor is joined to the cover member's outer surface, and its axle configured with an axial gear threads through the cover member. A transmission gear having a track engages the axial gear. A valve assembly has a nozzle, a plug tube, and a channel connected to the plug tube at one end. The other end of the channel is an open end and is in the same space as the nozzle. A cover piece is positioned in front of the open end of the channel, and is joined to a first end of a shaft threading through a helical spring. A second end of the shaft is connected to an end of a lever. A pin is extended from the second end of the lever and is embedded in the transmission gear's track. |
| US08622256B2 |
Actuator for spray container with restraint structure
Actuator apparatus for spray containers and methods of manufacturing actuator apparatus for spray containers. The actuator apparatus includes a cover having a restraint structure, e.g., locatable below an aperture portion of a push button of a base, to restrict the push button from depression by a user when the actuator apparatus is in a locked position. |
| US08622252B2 |
Personal care composition foaming product and foaming dispenser
A manually-actuable, non-aerosol dispenser to be used with a personal care composition having a relatively higher viscosity that gives a desired foamed composition generated from a manually-actuable, non-aerosol dispenser. |
| US08622244B2 |
Dispensing assembly comprising a cartridge with bag
A dispensing assembly includes a double cartridge having two storage containers with bags placed therein, a mixer that is connectable to the cartridge, and an opening device acting upon the bag. The opening device is arranged on the mixer housing and rotatable with respect to the cartridge and has a cutting member including two knife-edges that acts essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bags within the cartridge. Due to the knife-edges being rotatable and arranged laterally with respect to the bags, the cutting member allows a clean and predetermined opening of the bags and a dispensing operation with minimum pressure losses and lost volumes. |
| US08622243B2 |
Photochromic optically keyed dispenser
A removable and replaceable keying component which is required for operation of a mechanism and which component includes a waveguide having a photochromic portion. A method of controlling operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser, having a removable component comprising the steps of measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a waveguide carrying at least in part on the removable component and permitting operation of the mechanism only when the measured electromagnetic radiation corresponds with one or more pre-selected parameters. Preferably, the method involves directing emitted electromagnetic radiation with pre-selected input parameters selected from a plurality of input parameters. |
| US08622242B2 |
Taggant keying system for dispensing systems
A dispensing system with an electronic keying mechanism, the dispenser including a housing and a refill unit. The refill unit includes a product reservoir, a pump mechanism and a collar adapted to secure the refill unit within the housing. An infrared sensor is provided in the housing and includes an infrared radiation source and a detector. A taggant is dispersed within at least a portion of the collar, the taggant being detectable by the detector when exposed to infrared radiation. |
| US08622241B2 |
Dispenser
For a dispenser (1) comprising the components of a reservoir (5) having a plurality of compartments (6), and a positioning disc (16) having a plurality of exit orifices (15), a solution shall be provided which allows realizing such a dispenser in a smaller sized configuration and which allows to dispense capsules or pills stored therein in a unit dose manner. This is achieved by additionally providing the component of a guiding member (56, 56a) being rotatably arranged in between the reservoir (5) and the positioning disc (16) and respectively connecting one compartment (6) with one dedicated exit orifice (15) in dispensing communication by accomplishing a rotary/rotational step. |
| US08622238B1 |
Rotatable pull-tab assembly
A rotatable pull-tab assembly for a beverage container having a handle member which is displaceable from a storage position to a seal plate opening position, a seal plate opener which causes a seal plate of a beverage container to open upon displacement of the handle member, and a cover plate member which substantially covers an opening of a beverage container when the rotatable pull-tab assembly is in a closed position. |
| US08622235B2 |
Insulated container and insert
The insulated container and insert are formed of relatively soft and flexible panels having relatively thick cores of thermal insulation captured between thin impervious sheets. The outer container has a closable top, and the insert has an open top. The insert is about half the height of the outer container, allowing ice or other cooling material, beverage cans and/or bottles, etc., to be placed in the bottom of the outer container with the insert resting thereon for the carriage of food therein. As the outer bottom surface of the insert will be moist from contact with ice or the like therebelow, the outer container includes a drop down panel that may be lowered for placement of the insert thereon to preclude contamination of the bottom of the insert with loose sand or the like. Additional carrying handles and straps are provided, as well as outer pockets on the outer container. |
| US08622229B2 |
Beverage bottle and lid with back button release and button lock
A drink bottle with a removable lid includes an inner lid attached to the mouth of the bottle and an outer lid pivotably mounted to said inner lid. A drink spout extends from the inner lid. The outer lid may be latched into a closed position covering the drink spout. A push button can be selectively actuated to release the latched outer lid, permitting the outer lid to open to access the drink spout. The push button moves a lid slide containing a catch extension that engages a catch notch in the outer lid to latch the outer lid closed. Actuating the push button moves the catch extension out of engagement with the catch notch, thereby opening the outer lid. A push button lock selectively prevents the push button from being depressed and the lid slide from being actuated, thereby locking the outer lid in a latched and closed position. |
| US08622228B2 |
Boom hoist transportation system and crane using same
A mobile lift crane includes a boom pivotally mounted on a rotating bed and a boom hoist drum mounted in a frame connected to the rotating bed. A boom hoist line is wound on the boom hoist drum and connected to an upper equalizer and a lower equalizer, with the upper equalizer connected to the top of the boom, such that rotation of the boom hoist drum changes the amount of boom hoist line between the lower equalizer and the upper equalizer, thereby changing the angle between the rotating bed and the boom. The boom hoist drum frame, the lower equalizer and the upper equalizer each include cooperating attachment structures whereby the equalizers can be detachably connected to the frame so that the boom hoist drum, the lower equalizer, the upper equalizer and the boom hoist line can be transported between job sites as a combined assembly. |
| US08622226B2 |
Guitar case rack
This application is for guitar case rack or stand that can compactly hold a plurality of guitar cases, can roll, spin, or remain stationary. Case lids can be left open or closed, but the guitars remain substantially protected even with the lids left open. The case rack can transform into a dolly, and in this configuration, it stores extremely compactly. |
| US08622225B2 |
Fluid purification using hydraulic vortex system
An assembly for water purification comprising a series of vessels which allows fluid to communicate therebetween via fluid supply lines. The assembly is arranged so as to generate a plurality of co operating vortices generated by fluid impact on formations disposed on an inner surface of the vessels to cause an ascending fluid flow to be deflected back in the direction of fluid flow thereby creating local vortices. Water exiting said vessels has higher purity than water entering the vessel. |
| US08622224B2 |
Method of making a filter media with an enriched binder
Water filtration media having a charged material affixed directly to binder material used in the fabrication of the filter media. A microbiological interception enhancing agent is added to the binder directly. The media having a charged material and a microbiological interception enhancing agent both affixed directly on a binder material is then combined with core filter media and prepared as a filtration media. A filter is prepared from the treated filter media. |
| US08622222B2 |
Membrane cleaning with pulsed airlift pump
A method of cleaning a membrane surface immersed in a liquid medium with a fluid flow, including the steps of providing a randomly generated intermittent or pulsed fluid flow along the membrane surface to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. A membrane module is also disclosed comprising a plurality of porous membranes (6) or a set of membrane modules (5) and a device (11) for providing a generally randomly generated, pulsed fluid flow such that, in use, said fluid flow moves past the surfaces of said membranes (6) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. |
| US08622221B2 |
Device for filtering polymer melts
A filtering device (100) for plastic melts exhibits at least one screen plunger (10) arranged movably between an inlet channel (5) and an outlet channel (6) of a housing (1) and containing replaceable, three-dimensional filter elements (25). The inside of the filter elements (25) is connected to at least one melt channel (11, 12) formed in the screen plunger (10). The melt channel is connected to the inlet or outlet channel (5, 6) of the housing (1) when in the production position. The screen plunger (10) exhibits at least one receiving chamber (14) that can be closed using a cover (16) on the face side. Several filter elements (25) are bundled with a central distribution element (20) to a filter cartridge (30) that can be placed in the receiving chamber (14). |
| US08622218B2 |
Method of preventing damage to miniature electronic components held by a component carrier
A miniature component carrier includes a thin, resilient mask through which are formed multiple spaced-apart apertures each of which is sized and shaped to compliantly receive and hold a miniature component in a controlled orientation during termination processing such that the side margins of the aperture primarily contact and grip the corner regions of the miniature component. At least some of the apertures have side margins that form rhomboidal or elliptical apertures. The shape and size of the multiple spaced-apart apertures confine within an operational tolerance contact between the side margins of the aperture and the side or end wall surfaces of the electronic component. This reduces mechanical damage to the side and end wall surfaces that results from their contact with the side margins during receipt and gripping of the miniature component in the aperture. |
| US08622217B2 |
Disposable cigarette butt receiving bag
The invention relates to a cigarette butt receiving bag of disposable type for receiving and extinguishing glowing cigarettes, which bag (1) comprises a forward sheet (2), a rearward sheet (4), which sheets are sealed to each other along their outer edges (6) leaving an edge portion unsealed so as to provide an opening (8) for receiving a cigarette butt (10), thereby forming a cigarette butt receiving compartment (12) between said forward and rearward sheets (2, 4), and comprising a fluid (14), which is disposed in two heat insulating volumes (16, 18) within the cigarette butt receiving compartment (12). A first heat insulating volume (16) is delimited by the forward sheet (2) and a forward inner layer material (20) which is sealed against the forward sheet (2). A second heat insulating volume (18) is delimited by the rearward sheet (4) and a rearward inner layer material (22) which is sealed against the rearward sheet (4). The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a cigarette butt receiving bag of disposable type. |
| US08622216B2 |
Composite package
A composite package having a folded paperboard card and two plastic components shaped to interfit with one another when the package is closed. The plastic components define a space for containing one or more articles. The folded paperboard card may be a dual-panel card with two panels joined to one another along a fold line or other hinge. Each paperboard panel may define an opening to seat a plastic component. The paperboard is configured to bring the two plastic components into registration when the panels are folded together along the hinge. The plastic components may be configured to releasably interlock with one another when the package is closed. One of the two plastic components may include a shoulder that is configured to be snap-fitted or otherwise frictionally into the other plastic component. The opening may include a seat shaped to closely receive the shoulder and provide a stop against which the shoulder abuts when the package is closed. |
| US08622211B2 |
System and method for displaying a padlock
For example, a first retaining tab may have a first (curved) surface and a second surface substantially parallel to the face of the card, wherein the first surface restricts movement of the padlock in a direction parallel to the face of the card (i.e., prevents the padlock from moving side to side) and the second surface restricts movement of the padlock in a direction orthogonal to the face of the card (i.e., prevents the padlock from moving out, away from the face of the card). Once the padlock is placed in the aperture and the back plate is attached to the card, the padlock is secured (e.g., between at least one retaining tab and the back plate) and ready to be displayed (e.g., on a hook, on a shelf, on a display rack, etc.). |
| US08622209B2 |
Container for mixing
A self-contained generator/fumigator and delivery system is described herein that provides for sealed containment to store, isolate and protect two or more solid and/or liquid reactants in separate chambers. Upon activation, the container facilitates robust mixing of the reactants, the containment thereof and allows the release of a pre-determined amount of gaseous products, e.g., chlorine dioxide, carbon dioxide and others, into a targeted volume of water, air or other solution. |
| US08622207B2 |
Carrier for containers
A carrier for holding a plurality of containers. The carrier has at least one bottom panel, at least one top panel, a front panel, a back panel, and at least two side panels. The at least one top panel is foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back panel. The at least one top panel has a handle portion for forming a handle of the carrier and a retaining portion having container receiving openings for retaining the containers in the carrier. The carrier has a retention flap foldably connected to the top panel for retaining the carrier in an assembled position. |
| US08622205B2 |
Pocket storable hand towel and case
A portable hand drying device incorporates a case foldable to form a vertex having an interior surface and a zipper closure for a peripheral edge. A multilayer liner having an outer permeable layer and an inner absorbing layer is attached to the interior surface of the case with hook and loop fastener and a towel, foldable to be encased within the case, is attached to the liner at the vertex. |
| US08622203B2 |
Device for sorting products
A device for sorting products including a frame, an endless drivable flexible conveying element, successive elongated carriers, which are each coupled to the conveying element via a coupler for being conveyed in a conveying direction along an endless conveying path, which carriers extend transversely to the conveying direction, and pusher elements which are each movable along a carrier. The coupler including a supporting part and a supported part supported by the supporting part, as well as a connector for detachably connecting the supporting part and the supported part together, wherein the supporting part is coupled to the conveying element and the supported part is connected to a carrier, and wherein the connector can be accessed from the upper side of the supported part for effecting the connection between the supporting part and the supported part. |
| US08622200B2 |
Feeding device with motorized rollers for overlying bands of paper or other materials
Feeding device, for feeding bands having different lengths and bound in a direction transverse to the feeding direction, includes a driving roller and a rubber-covered pressure roller, both being activated by respective brushless motors. The feeding device is controlled by an electronic drive that allows the pressure roller to rotate at a greater speed than the driving roller, allowing the sliding of the overlapping band above the base band during feed motion, maintaining constant the required tension and eliminating the rolling up of the overlaying band in correspondence of the transversal bind with the base band. |
| US08622199B2 |
Adjustable conveyor extensions
Example conveyor systems are disclosed herein. An example conveyor system includes a main conveyor with a frame supporting at least one conveyor extension. Some conveyor extension examples include a powered conveyor belt supported by one or more conveyor sections that are articulated for assisting one or more workers in transferring items (e.g., boxes, parcels, luggage, parts, etc.) to and from the main conveyor. A single main conveyor supports two conveyor extensions mounted alongside each other with someone working at each extension to allow two workers to service a single main conveyor with minimal or no interference, thereby increasing the conveyor system's overall transfer rate. Example conveyor system disclosed herein includes various elements of positional adjustment (e.g., lateral, longitudinal, vertical, angular) to make the conveyor system particularly suited for transferring parcels between a loading dock and the interior of a truck, trailer, aircraft or container. |
| US08622198B2 |
Component transferring apparatus and IC handler
An apparatus includes: a retainer moving between a shuttle and a socket; a presser holding a component; an adjuster moving the presser; a socket mark near the socket; a hand mark near the socket mark when the retainer is at a component mounting position; a first camera photographing a first image including the component and hand mark; a second camera photographing a second image including the socket mark and socket, and a third image including the socket mark and hand mark; a first calculator obtaining a first relative position between the socket mark and socket from the second image; a second calculator obtaining a second relative position between the socket mark and hand mark from the third image; and a third calculator obtaining a third relative position between the hand mark and component from the first image. The adjuster corrects the component's position based on the relative positions. |
| US08622192B2 |
Conveyor shift assembly and product cart with conveyor shift assembly
A product cart has a frame and one or more tanks forming compartments each having an opening at the upper end for receiving product. The cart includes a conveyor support having a swing arm with a first end pivotally mounted to the frame for motion generally horizontally between storage and use positions, a shift assembly mounted to a second end of the swing arm, and a mounting bracket assembly coupled to the shift assembly. Finally a conveyor is coupled to the mounting bracket assembly. The swing arm is constructed as a parallel linkage having first and second links which form a four-bar parallel linkage with the frame and with the shift assembly to maintain the shift assembly in a fixed orientation relative to the frame as the swing arm is moved. The shift assembly is operable to move the mounting bracket assembly between lowered and raised positions. |
| US08622182B2 |
Vehicle drive device
A drive device for a vehicle configured between an internal combustion engine and a wheel. The drive device includes a rotary electric machine, and an engagement device connecting the drive device to the engine by a fluid coupling using hydraulic pressure. A case houses at least a portion of the drive device and includes a support wall extending radially, and a cylindrical projecting portion projecting from the support wall toward a side in an axial second direction that is in a direction opposite to the axial first direction. The engagement device includes an operating oil pressure chamber supplied with the hydraulic pressure. A rotor member of the rotary electric machine is radially supported by the cylindrical projecting portion in a rotatable state via a support bearing. The cylindrical projecting portion is formed with an operating oil supply passage supplying oil to the operating oil pressure chamber. |
| US08622181B2 |
Brake operating device of electric bicycle with sensor
A brake operating device of an electric bicycle is provided with a brake lever including a projecting plate at one end, and a bifurcated cable anchoring member pivotably secured to the projecting plate; a magnetic member adhered to one side of the cable anchoring member; a housing pivotably secured to the brake lever and including a hydraulic cylinder and a cylindrical socket including an opening distal the brake lever, and internal threads proximate the opening; a spring depressible sensor including a sensing member disposed in the socket, and an electric wire extending from the sensing member; a hollow threaded fastener adjustably threadedly secured to the internal threads of the socket to engage the sensing member; and a cylindrical member releasably mounted proximate to the opening and secured to the fastener. The electric wire passes the fastener and leaves the housing. |
| US08622176B2 |
Gearbox oil reservoir shape optimization
A gearbox for use in an auxiliary power unit has a plurality of gears received within a housing. A lube pump is mounted within the housing, and delivers oil to the plurality of gears and bearings. The lube pump has an oil supply tube for supplying oil to the pump for delivery to the plurality of gears and bearings. An oil reservoir maintains a quantity of oil above a lowermost end of the inlet tube, and is shaped such that a cross-sectional area at a lower end of the inlet tube has a first cross-sectional area. Other cross-sectional areas spaced upwardly from the first cross-sectional area are greater. A ratio of the second cross-sectional area to the first cross-sectional area is less than 3. |
| US08622175B2 |
Collapsible ladder
A ladder having several collapsible ladder sections (100), each comprising two hollow ladder bars (102, 103) arranged parallel to each other and interconnected by a rung (104), where each collapsible ladder section is telescopically inserted into a lower ladder section. Each ladder bar of a collapsible ladder section has a locking hole (111) and an extension (112) below the locking hole. Retaining mechanisms (106) are provided in the rungs for locking the collapsible ladder sections relative to one another, and the retaining mechanisms comprise a locking pin (108), which can engage a corresponding locking hole provided in the ladder bar of a ladder section positioned there above. At least part of the collapsible ladder sections have a non-locking slot or groove (101) formed in the extensions of the ladder bars, where the slot reaches from a distance below the ladder bar to the bottom of the ladder bar. A ladder bar slot or groove may be positioned in such a way that a locking pin of a below lying ladder bar can pass freely in the slot of an above lying ladder section that is fully collapsed. |
| US08622172B2 |
Window jack scaffold and method of operation thereof
A method and apparatus for providing access to the exterior of a building in proximity to an opening, such as a window or door opening, in a wall of the building. Access is provided by a platform that is supported by brackets from vertical members fastened to the interior of the building. The platform may be passed from the interior of a building to the exterior of the building through an opening in the building. The apparatus may be assembled in, and installed from, the interior of a building. |
| US08622171B2 |
Dual track ladder with brake mechanism that is automatically applied to the upper tracks to hold the ladder in place during use
A ladder system includes an overhead track system, a ladder, a latch and a carriage. The overhead track system includes a first guide track and a second guide track. The carriage is operatively configured to move longitudinally along the first and second guide tracks and to move laterally between the first and second guide tracks. The ladder is pivotally mounted to the overhead track system. A lateral carriage brake is provided which prevents lateral movement of the ladder, and a longitudinal carriage brake is provided to prevent longitudinal movement of the ladder. The latch is operatively configured to affix the ladder to the carriage. |
| US08622165B2 |
Building machine comprising a presence detection system
A building machine, especially a road finishing machine, comprising a presence detection system. The presence detection system comprises a sensor which is integrated in the control panel of the building machine. By means of the sensor a distance measurement can be carried out, which determines whether the operator is properly seated on the driver's seat of the building machine or whether he stands properly at the standing work place. In order to determine the presence a tolerance range may be specified, which allows a slight movement of the operator on the driver's seat. If the operator approaches the limits of the tolerance range he is asked in time by warning signals to be seated again properly on the driver's seat or adopt a proper position at the standing work place. If the sensor detects no operator on the driver's seat or at the standing work place all of the functions of the building machine are stopped in order to make sure that the work site is safe. |
| US08622162B2 |
Engine compartment cooling system
An engine compartment cooling system includes an axial fan assembly and a remote mount fluid cooler assembly. The axial fan assembly and the remote mount fluid cooler assemblies are mounted in clear holes in at least one of the quarter panels. The axial fan assembly exhausts engine heat outwardly from the engine compartment through the quarter panel. The fluid cooler assembly receives ambient air through the quarter panel into the engine compartment. The axial fan and fluid cooler assembles are controlled using, sensors, signal data, and a controller. The controller is programmed with the operation data so that the cooling system optimizes engine cooling while varying operation of the engine's cooling system, and the axial fan and the remote mount fluid cooler assemblies according to the invention. |
| US08622161B2 |
Installation structure for electrical equipment in rear vehicle body
An installation structure includes a member 7 extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle and provided on the lower face of a bottom 6a of a spare tire housing 6, a charger 1 provided with fins 2 under the charger 1, the charger 1 installed in the tire housing 6, and a blower 15 for cooling the charger 1 provided in the tire housing 6, so as to lead air from the blower 15 to the fins 2; the installation structure further includes linear first and second brackets 9 and 10 disposed in parallel to each other with a distance therebetween, so as to be joined onto the upper face of the bottom 6a of the tire housing 6, wherein the charger 1 is placed on the first and second brackets 9 and 10 so as to arrange the fins 2 and the first and second brackets 9 and 10 in parallel to one another, the blower 15 is disposed in the vicinity of an aperture 14 surrounded by the first and second brackets 9 and 10 and the charger 1, and the second bracket 10 is joined together with the member 7 and the tire housing 6 to one another. |
| US08622159B2 |
Motorized tracked unit
This motorized track unit is for use with a wheelchair seating system or other undefined cargo systems. The Smart Trak device is capable of carrying its intended cargo across solid or loose surfaces such as grass, mud, dirt, sand or snow. It is also capable of traversing uneven or unsteady ground surfaces and having the abilities to scale incline/declines of approved stair sets. The device itself can be outfitted with a multitude of add-ons giving it the ability to allow handicapped persons the abilities to have a full function wheelchair system that allows them to go up/down stairs. |
| US08622152B2 |
Down-the-hole drill hammer having a sliding exhaust check valve
A down-the-hole drill hammer having a housing, a backhead and a tubular sliding check valve assembly that includes a distal end, a threaded male proximal end, a supply inlet and an exhaust port. The exhaust port communicates between an interior of the backhead and an exterior of the backhead. The tubular sliding check valve assembly includes a distributor, a sliding valve, and a biasing member. The distributor has a central opening extending through the distributor, an aperture extending through the distributor, and an exhaust gallery. The sliding valve is slidable along the central opening. The biasing member biases the sliding valve to a closed position. |
| US08622149B2 |
Ballistic transfer delay device
A ballistic transfer delay device and method of use. The ballistic transfer delay device does not include a firing pin and it is not pressure initiated. The device comprises a time delay fuse, a through-bulkhead initiator to initiate the time delay fuse, and an output booster to ballistically transfer the energy from the initiated time delay fuse. |
| US08622146B2 |
Fire extinguisher and method
A device for fire extinguishing is described, comprising a fire retardant cloth, which is arranged to cover objects upon a fire or the beginnings of a fire, to put out or prevent the fire from developing, wherein the fire retardant cloth is mounted in a release mechanism arranged to release the fire retardant cloth, in such a way that the cloth covers said objects, upon detection of the fire or development of the fire. A method for same is also disclosed. |
| US08622144B2 |
Method of, and apparatus for the dispensing of decontaminants and fire suppressant foam
This invention comprises a method of dispensing water-based decontaminants from a dispenser, comprising the steps of: (a) filling one or more tanks each with respective solutions of chemicals and water; (b) pumping the solutions from the tanks in respective hoses, each of the tanks being evacuated under the urging of a respective pump; (c) mixing the solutions at a static mixer after evacuation of the solutions from the tanks to form a mixture; (d) adding water to the mixture at the static mixer; and (e) dispensing the water-added mixture onto an incident site. |
| US08622138B2 |
Apparatus and method for recovering fluids from a well and/or injecting fluids into a well
Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described. |
| US08622135B2 |
Apparatus and methods for separating sand from well fracturing return water
Apparatus and methods for removing sand or other particulate from well fracturing return water are disclosed. In a sand separator box, a barrier element divides the tank into an upper compartment and a lower compartment. Particulate-laden return water flows through a gas separator and then into the upper compartment of the box. The barrier element allows the water in the upper compartment to pass into the lower compartment while keeping the sand or particulate in the upper compartment. As water accumulates in the lower compartment, it is pumped out to storage tanks or back to the well for reuse. |
| US08622132B2 |
Method of perforating a wellbore
The present invention discloses a wellbore subassembly with a perforating gun. The wellbore subassembly includes a tubular body and a perforating charge. The tubular body has a wall defining an interior space and an exterior space and the wall has a cavity. In some embodiments, the cavity may be shaped to define a charge socket that receives only a single perforating charge. The perforating charge is configured in the cavity at a location inside the wall. The perforating charge is configured to discharge toward and into the interior space and penetrate into the exterior space by perforating the wall across the interior space from the location of the perforating charge. |
| US08622131B2 |
Equipment for remote launching of cementing plugs
An apparatus for remotely launching cementing plugs is configured such that the length of a dart is not necessarily the same as the corresponding plug to be launched. A hydraulic-liquid reservoir and a piston are incorporated into a plug-launching system. The size of the reservoir may be adjusted such that the axial displacement of the piston after the dart lands is sufficient to cause the expulsion of a plug from the apparatus. |
| US08622124B2 |
Well treatment using electric submersible pumping system
A technique provides an electric submersible pumping system to facilitate a well treatment, such as a hydraulic fracturing well treatment. The electric submersible pumping system is positioned downhole and oriented to intake a fluid delivered downhole for use in the well treatment. Once the fluid is delivered downhole, the electric submersible pumping system pumps, pressurizes and discharges this fluid to perform the well treatment, e.g. the hydraulic fracturing treatment. The pumping system reduces the pressure at which the treatment fluid must be delivered downhole. |
| US08622120B2 |
Method for influencing the temperature of an electromechanical component and device for carrying out the method
A method and a device for influencing the temperature of at least one electromechanical component situated in a motor vehicle, in which a transmission situated in the motor vehicle is cooled by a transmission oil flowing in a transmission cooling circuit. A cooling circuit branch is provided for influencing the temperature of the electromechanical component. The transmission oil also flows in the cooling circuit branch as a heat carrier. The flow rate of the transmission oil in the cooling circuit branch is influenced for influencing the temperature of the electromechanical component as a function of the setpoint operating temperature and/or the actual operating temperature of the electromechanical component. |
| US08622119B2 |
Fixing frame and heat dissipation device using the same
A heat dissipation device includes one of heat sinks with different specifications each of which includes a core and supports extending outwards and radially from the core, and a fixing frame receiving the one of the heat sinks therein. The fixing frame comprises a side plate, a plurality of vertical walls extending downwardly from the side plate, and two sets of slots defined in an inner side of the side plate. Each of the slots extends upwardly from a bottom surface of the side plate to a certain depth to form a step at a top thereof. The slots are staggered with the vertical walls. The supports correspondingly slide in one set of slots and abut corresponding steps. |
| US08622112B2 |
Retractable, low-profile storm shield systems and methods
A system for protecting building penetrations is disclosed. The system can include a screen comprising flexible, strong fabric-like material suitable for resisting high winds, driving rain, and wind-driven missiles. The screen can further include loops sewn, or otherwise manufactured, into the span sides of the screen. The system can further include one or more retention channels having an internal hem rod. The loops in the screens can slide over the hem rod to guide and retain the screen in the retention channels. The hem rod can include a tapered end and a loop opener to facilitate the loops sliding over the end of the hem rod. The system can further include an enclosure for housing a take-up roll and a powered or manual rotating system. The system can include a deflection device to enable the screen to unroll off the take-up roll smoothly and vertically. |
| US08622109B2 |
Pressure debulking system and method
A pressure debulking system includes a debulking chamber having a debulking chamber interior, a pressure bladder having a bladder interior provided in the debulking chamber interior, a vacuum port disposed in fluid communication with the debulking chamber interior and a pressure port disposed in fluid communication with the debulking chamber interior. A pressure debulking method is also disclosed. |
| US08622108B2 |
Labeling machine for blood-sampling tube automatic preparation device
Provided is a labeling device for an automatic test-tube setting-up device wherein an identification label can be pasted over a product label with a simple structure. A labeling device for an automatic blood-sampling-tube setting-up device comprises a means for taking out a blood-sampling tube based on patient information and supporting the blood-sampling tube at a labeling position, a blood-sampling tube driving means for rotary driving the blood-sampling tube at the labeling position, a label printing means for creating an identification label by printing test information and/or patient information and outputting the identification label to the labeling position, a product label position detecting means for detecting the edge of a product label previously pasted to the outer surface of the blood-sampling tube, and a controller for controlling the operation of the label printing means and the blood-sampling tube driving means such that the identification label is pasted over the product label with a continuous gap left in the axial direction of the blood-sampling tube on the outer surface of a blood-sampling tube based on information about the diameter of a blood-sampling tube corresponding to the blood-sampling tube at the labeling position, and information about the edge of the product label obtained from the product label position detecting means. |
| US08622104B2 |
High-performance type for a motor vehicle
A tire for a motor vehicle, in particular a high-performance, tire is provided with a tread having an overall width. The tread includes first and second circumferential grooves which separate a central region from first and second shoulder regions. The tread includes a circumferential cut in the first shoulder region at a distance from the first circumferential groove; and a plurality of circumferentially repeated transverse groove modules. A first shoulder portion of each transverse groove module includes at least one main transverse groove which includes a first substantially rectilinear portion inclined by a first angle with respect to a radial plane, a second substantially rectilinear portion inclined by a second angle with respect to the radial plane and arranged between the circumferential cut and the first circumferential groove, and a first curve portion connecting the first and the second substantially rectilinear portions. |
| US08622103B2 |
Transferrable purse organizer
A transferable insert for organizing the interior of a bag includes a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls and a bottom wall substantially continuously interconnected so as to define an interior storage compartment, a first and second expansion panel each being operatively moveable between a collapsed position and an expanded position to conform to the width of the interior of the bag, a first and second expansion fastener structured and disposed for holding the respective first and second expansion panels stowed in the collapsed position, and a plurality of pouches within the interior storage compartment for holding and positioning a plurality of objects therein in an organized arrangement. A releasable fastener on each of the pair of end walls may be used for releasably holding one of the pair of end walls in a gusseted position. |
| US08622102B2 |
Neck assembly
A neck assembly of a fuel system component comprises a housing. The housing comprises a sleeve having a first end portion positioned exterior to the fuel system component and a longitudinally opposed second end portion. The housing further comprises an encapsulation ring extending radially outwardly from the second end portion of the sleeve and encapsulated within a wall of the fuel system component. The neck assembly further comprises a valve cartridge at least partially received within the sleeve and secured thereto. The valve cartridge comprises a conduit having a first end portion positioned exterior to the fuel system component and a longitudinally opposed second end portion. |
| US08622099B2 |
Multi-function unit for the offshore transfer of hydrocarbons
A hydrocarbon transfer arrangement for transfer of fluids between an offshore unit and a carrier which are placed in an offloading configuration, includes at least one transfer hose and a gas return hose, wherein the end of the at least one transfer hose is connected to a floating multi-function unit allowing for the transport of the transfer hose between the offshore unit and the carrier, wherein the floating multi-function unit can be lifted out of the water and can be held in a fixed position above water-level and is provided with connection elements for making a fluid connection between the transfer hose end and a manifold of the carrier and with emergency disconnect elements for the at least one transfer hose, placed at a distance from the connection elements. |
| US08622096B2 |
Spin improvement string pliers
The spin improvement string pliers is a pivotally secured together plier device used to manually restructure and roughen the surface of a synthetic string on a strung tennis racquet by means of plastic deformation. The line grids on the pliers depress the string, leaving a series of indentations on the string surface that increases the friction between the string and the ball so that the tennis player can more easily generate top or under spin on a tennis ball or a racket ball. |
| US08622091B2 |
Protector for tubular threaded joint
A protector which prevents damage to a solid lubricating coating on a threaded portion of a threaded joint when the protector is mounted on a pin or a box of a threaded joint for pipes in which at least one of the pin or the box is lubricated with a solid lubricating coating comprises a tubular member having a threaded portion on its inner or outer peripheral surface which threadingly engages with at least a portion and preferably 3-5 complete threads of the threaded portion provided on the pin or the box to be protected. The thread height H1 of the threaded portion of the protector and the thread height H2 of the complete thread of the pin or the box on which the protector is mounted satisfy H1>H2, and the difference between H1 and H2 [=H1−H2] is larger than the maximum coating thickness at the thread crest of the solid lubricating coating which covers the threaded portion of the pin or the box. |
| US08622087B2 |
Control valve
A control valve includes a valve body, a valve plug, two adjusting elements and two operating members. The valve body has a valve hole defined through the valve body and further defines an inlet hole and two outlet holes respectively communicating with the valve hole. The valve plug is movably assembled within the valve body. Two ends of the valve plug are respectively exposed to the outside of the valve body. The two adjusting elements are respectively mounted to two ends of the valve body and respectively adjustably resist against two ends of the valve plug. The two operating members are respectively fixed to the two adjusting elements for driving the two adjusting elements to move the valve plug within the valve hole of the valve body, and thereby controlling the control valve to switch between an open state and a closed state. |
| US08622083B2 |
High temperature steam valve
A steam valve is provided including a chest, a lock, a spindle, and a strainer. Each of these components is made of specific Ni alloys combinations that enable the valve to operate at temperatures above 650° C. with a good service life. |
| US08622078B2 |
Apparatus of hot tapping multiple coaxial or nested strings of underwater piping and/or tubing for overturned wells or platforms
A method and apparatus for tapping 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. The assembly includes a tapping tool connectable to the tubular via a saddle connection and an adjustable tapping clamp with adjustable support/locking feet, compression plate with view ports, and angularly adjustable hot tapping system, along with a drill/saw system. |
| US08622073B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling flow rate of liquid, and storage medium
The liquid flow rate control apparatus includes a first flow rate control unit which includes a first flow rate control valve for a small flow rate with a first controlled flow rate range, and a second flow rate control unit which includes a second flow rate control valve for a large flow rate with a second controlled flow rate range. In particular, an overlapped range is present between the first and second controlled flow rate ranges and a liquid flows on either any one or both of the first and second flow rate control units depending on variation of a required value of a total rate. The flow rate on any one of the first and second flow rate control units is maintained and the flow rate on the other one increases while increasing the total flow rate of the liquids. |
| US08622072B2 |
Apparatus to control fluid flow
Apparatus to control a fluid flow are disclosed. An example fluid flow control apparatus described herein includes a signal stage comprising a signal stage relay having a supply plug being operatively connected to a valve seat at a first end and an exhaust seat at a second end and a seal operatively coupled to the supply plug such that the seal provides a feedback area to apply a fluid pressure feedback force to the exhaust seat. |
| US08622069B2 |
Valve device in a unit for conducting a product, unit of this type and method for operating the same
A valve device for connecting two conduits in a unit for conducting a product comprises a first shut-off member and a second shut-off member and a first leakage space between the first and the second shut-off members, a first connection for one of the two conduits on a side of the first shut-off member facing away from the leakage space, and a second connection for the other of the two conduits on the side of the second shut-off member facing away from the leakage space. A third shut-off member and a fourth shut-off member and a second leakage space are present between the third and the fourth shut-off members, wherein a central third leakage space is present between the second and the third shut-off members, and wherein the second connection for the other of the two conduits is arranged on a side of the fourth shut-off member facing away from the second leakage space. |
| US08622066B2 |
Portable expandable shelter
In one example, a portable expandable shelter includes an enclosure with one or more movable portions such as a side or end, and further includes a foldable frame configured and arranged for operation in unison with movement of the movable portion of the enclosure. This example of the portable expandable shelter also includes a cover that encloses at least a portion of a space defined by the movable portion and the foldable frame. |
| US08622064B2 |
Combination toothpick and mint dispenser
A combination toothpick and mint dispenser. On a bottom end of the dispenser is a toothpick. On a top end (opposite the bottom end) is a chamber which is used to hold solid mints or liquid refreshment (such as mouthwash). In an embodiment, a shaft connecting the chamber to the toothpick can be hollow, thereby allowing liquid refreshment to pass from the chamber through a bottom of the shaft and out of the dispenser. |
| US08622062B2 |
Toezeeze—a biodegradable, water soluble individual toe separator used in pedicures
A system to facilitate pedicures and all applications where comfortable toe separation is demanded. The system consists of small water soluble tubular devices that fit in between each toe to ensure adequate spacing between the toes while polish is applied during a pedicure or other treatment to toes is required. The entire composition is made of water soluble corn starch and may be left in place when using your own sandal, flip flop or other open toed shoe when your services are complete. |
| US08622061B2 |
Implanted soft palate support and implantation method
An implanted soft palate support and an implantation method are provided. The implanted soft palate support is a flat implant made of a material capable of being implanted into human tissues for a long time period, and includes a hard palate connecting end and a support. The hard palate connecting end has a connecting structure connected with a hard palate; the support is a flat implant capable of being inserted into a soft palate; and the hard palate connecting end is connected to the support. The implanted soft palate support can achieve the objectives of treating OSAHS and snoring by effectively lifting the collapsed soft palate during sleep and thereby reducing an upper airway obstruction condition. In particular, the soft palate support can be adjusted within a certain range to calibrate its shape and curvature event after the surgery, so as to achieve optimal treatment and comfort. |
| US08622060B2 |
Self-pressurizing supraglottic airway
A supraglottic airway of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening where the shield is designed to have an internal increase in pressure during assisted inhalation such as positive-pressure ventilation. |
| US08622058B2 |
Medical air tubing connection system
A medical air tubing and anti-mismatch fluid distribution system is provided for preventing the inadvertent connection of a feed line to an incorrect source of fluid. The fluid distribution system includes an adapter that is connected permanently to the fluid supply and has an outlet end that is compatible with a coupling member on the feed line. The coupling member on the feed line is compatible with the adapter but is not compatible with the other coupling member of the second fluid supply. A feed line assembly includes a feed line with a connector fixed to a first end and a nebulizer or other medical device fixed to a second end to form a one piece, integrally formed unit. The second fluid supply can include an adapter that is different from the first adapter so that the coupling members of the feed lines are compatible only with the appropriate adapter for the desired fluid source. |
| US08622057B2 |
Methods and apparatus for supplying clean breathable gas
The invention features methods and apparatus for the treatment of asthma patients. A controlled supply of breathable air delivered to a patient interface or mask (4) is controlled for patient comfort to maintain a steady pressure level in a range 2 to 4 cm H2O to accommodate patient respiration. The breathable air is cleaned by a high efficiency particulate arresting filter (10) to remove allergens from the air supply. The apparatus may be programmed to automatically detect asthma-related symptoms such as an asthma attack by analyzing the respiratory flow of the patient. In response to the detection of such an attack, the apparatus may provide an audible warning or if configured with a treatment delivery module (14A, 14B), the device may administer a therapeutically effective dose of a drug or substance, for example, a broncho-dilator, to alleviate the patient's breathing difficulty. Preferred mask designs allow for proper CO2 washout to accommodate the low pressures supplied to the mask and prevent asphyxia. |
| US08622056B2 |
Solar energy power generation system
A solar energy power generation system generates AC electrical power from solar radiation through the use of parabolic troughs to capture the energy and a fluid turbine to convert the solar energy to mechanical energy. The turbine is directly coupled to a generator to produce AC electrical power. |
| US08622055B2 |
Solar collector and solar heating system using same
A solar collector includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the upper surface, a sidewall, a transparent cover, and a heat-absorbing layer. The sidewall is arranged on the top surface of the substrate. The transparent cover is disposed on the sidewall opposite to the substrate to form a sealed chamber with the substrate together. The heat-absorbing layer is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate and includes a carbon nanotube structure. |
| US08622053B2 |
Burner and method of its operation
A liquid fuel-fired furnace installation is composed of at least one fuel tank (1), a fuel evaporation plate (2), a fuel vapor distribution plate (3) and a valve cutting-off the vapor flow, whereas the fuel tank (1) is connected with an evaporation plate (2) via a conduit (7), and the evaporation plate (2) is equipped with a vapor outlet (8) connected with a cut-off valve (4) and a vapor distribution plate (3) is connected with an inlet stub pipe (11), and in its upper part the plate has holes (12) though which the fuel vapors are exhausted. The installation is characterized by having fuel (P) delivered gravitationally via the conduit (7) into the evaporation plate (2) according to the connected vessels rule, which assures that an aerial layer is left over the fuel table (13). |
| US08622052B1 |
Archery bow grip
In at least one embodiment, an archery bow grip comprises a body portion comprising a first wall and an opposed second opposed wall. A connecting wall spans between the first wall and the second wall. The body portion defines a groove between an inner surface of said first wall and an inner surface of second wall. The groove defines a central axis, and the connecting wall comprises a ridge having a peak that extends parallel to the central axis of the groove. The peak is desirably straight along its length. |
| US08622051B2 |
Back-tension archery release
A back-tension archery release includes a handle with an adjustable sear housing and an adjustable finger. The handle has a longitudinal axis. The sear housing is adjustable about an axis normal to the longitudinal axis to eliminate twist or torque in a bowstring loop connected with the release. The finger is adjustable about the longitudinal axis to increase or decrease the speed of the release and provide an improved ergonomic feel to the user. In addition, the finger is removable from the handle so that differently configured fingers may be substituted by the user. |
| US08622050B2 |
Line crossbow conversion kit and hybrid compound bow
A kit is provided to convert a compound archery bow into a left or right handed inline (vertical limb) crossbow. The conversion kit includes a mounting plate attachable to a side of the bow riser section to hold a socket to receive a draw-lock bar which can be removed for take-down and storage. The draw-lock bar has a series of laterally spaced bolt holes to attach a grip with a trigger release latch assembly at a selectable draw length. The bar can be rotated and attached to either side of the bow, and the trigger and grip can be reposition within the trigger housing for left, right or horizontal shooting. The string latch assembly has an anti-dryfire lever that is only moved from the blocking position when an arrow is nocked. The kit also provides a hinged cocking stirrup, and a front hand vertical grip on the riser side opposite the draw-bar socket. Also disclosed is a dedicated hybrid compound bow for dedicated use with kit as an inline or traditional crossbow. The hybrid compound bow is made especially. The hybrid bow has no forehand grip, and has a shoot through riser to provide vertical and horizontal centering of the arrow to the string. |
| US08622049B1 |
Pitching machine
The present invention is a swing arm pitching machine for throwing a ball in a trajectory comprising a horizontal adjustment system for selectively varying the trajectory of a ball horizontally, a height adjustment system for selectively varying the trajectory of the ball vertically, a speed adjustment system for selectively varying the speed of the ball, and a control panel in communication with the horizontal adjustment system, the height adjustment system, and the speed adjustment system for automatically adjusting the trajectory as desired. |
| US08622048B2 |
Three-port valve
A three-port valve includes a valve body including a first port, a second port, and a third port, the first port having a first valve orifice and the second port having a second valve orifice. The valve may also include a first valve closure member and a second valve closure member, the first and second valve closure members may be configured to selectively seal the first and second valve orifices, respectively. The valve may further include a solenoid including a first coil and a second coil, at least one of the first and second coils configured to actuate at least one of the first and second valve closure members when energized. Additionally, the valve may include an electrical connection configured to selectively and individually energize the first and second coils. The valve may be configured to operate in at least three different states of operation. For example, the three-port valve may have a first state (e.g., a default state) when neither coil is energized, a second state when first coil is energized to move only one of the valve closure members, and a third state when the second coil is energized to move both valve closure members. |
| US08622046B2 |
Fuel system having accumulators and flow limiters
A fuel system for an engine is disclosed. The fuel system may have a pump, a plurality of fuel injectors, and a plurality of fuel accumulators. Each of the plurality of fuel accumulators may be disposed at least partially within a different cylinder head of the engine in fluid communication with an associated fuel injector of the plurality of fuel injectors. Each of the plurality of fuel accumulators may also be in fluid communication with adjacent fuel accumulators of the plurality of fuel accumulators. At least one of the plurality of fuel accumulators may also be in fluid communication with the pump. The fuel system may further have a plurality of flow limiters. Each of the plurality of flow limiters may be disposed between an associated fuel accumulator of the plurality of fuel accumulators and an associated fuel injector of the plurality of fuel injectors. |
| US08622042B2 |
Bearing connection, engine cylinder, and engine with the bearing connection
A bearing connection having a connecting rod connected rigidly to a piston and a crankshaft driven by the connecting rod. The connecting rod is connected on the crankshaft side to a transverse bearing for a sliding block, the sliding block being mounted such that it can move to and fro in the transverse bearing and a rolling contact bearing being arranged in the sliding block in order to receive the crank pin of a crankshaft. At least one cavity is formed in the piston crown and, in the area thereof close to the piston longitudinal axis, is connected to an oil feed line running through the connecting rod and that the oil feed line in the connecting rod is led or extended to the end region thereof remote from the piston and, from there, is led onward into the interior of the transverse bearing via a transfer channel. |
| US08622041B2 |
Method and apparatus for operating traveling spark igniter at high pressure
An ignition circuit and a method of operating an igniter (preferably a traveling spark igniter) in an internal combustion engine, including a high pressure engine. A high voltage is applied to electrodes of the igniter, sufficient to cause breakdown to occur between the electrodes, resulting in a high current electrical discharge in the igniter, over a surface of an isolator between the electrodes, and formation of a plasma kernel in a fuel-air mixture adjacent said surface. Following breakdown, a sequence of one or more lower voltage and lower current pulses is applied to said electrodes, with a low “simmer” current being sustained through the plasma between pulses, preventing total plasma recombination and allowing the plasma kernel to move toward a free end of the electrodes with each pulse. |
| US08622037B2 |
Harmonic drive camshaft phaser with a compact drive sprocket
A camshaft phaser includes a housing with an array of internal splines formed within a bore. A harmonic gear drive unit is disposed within the housing and includes a circular spline and a dynamic spline, a flexspline disposed radially within the circular spline and the dynamic spline, a wave generator disposed radially within the flexspline, and a rotational actuator connectable to the wave generator. One of the circular spline and the dynamic spline is fixed to the housing. A hub is rotatably disposed radially within the housing and attachable to the camshaft and fixed to the other of the circular spline and the dynamic spline. A back plate has an array of external splines engaged in a sliding fit with the array of internal splines for transmitting torque from the back plate to said housing. The back plate also has an input sprocket for receiving rotational motion, in use. |
| US08622030B2 |
Spiral heat exchanger for producing heating and/or sanitary use hot water, specifically designed for condensation applications
A spiral heat exchanger for producing heating and/or sanitary use hot water, specifically designed for condensation applications, characterized in that said spiral heat exchanger comprises a duct, preferably though not exclusively made of a thermally conductive material and having a contoured cross-section, called outer duct, inside which can be either arranged or not a second duct, preferably though not exclusive made of a thermally conductive material, called inner duct; the geometrical construction of said outer duct being defined as a resultant obtained by joining two different diameter circumferences, said circumferences being spaced from one another by a constant or variable radius junction pattern; the thus obtained single or double duct being coiled or spiral wound on a diameter substantially larger than the size of said duct thereby providing a hollow cylinder. |
| US08622029B2 |
Circulating fluidized bed (CFB) with in-furnace secondary air nozzles
A circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler includes a reaction chamber, where a bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) is contained within an enclosure within the lower portion of the reaction chamber and contains an in-bed heat exchanger (IBHX) that occupies part of the reaction chamber floor. A plurality of in-bed secondary air nozzles comprise a plurality of tubes which are grouped together and run across the width of the BFB between the BFB enclosure wall and an outside wall of the CFB. The nozzles are positioned to prevent the deflection of solids falling onto the BFB from the CFB by the secondary air jets while avoiding a complicated structure that would interfere with gas and/or solids movement in the furnace. The nozzles' exit openings are flush, or almost flush, with the BFB enclosure wall. |
| US08622022B2 |
Animal feeder
An animal feeder includes a feed reservoir having a cavity for holding a feed material, and a feed dispensing assembly coupled to the feed reservoir. The feed dispensing assembly includes a check valve to allow selective access to the feed material. The check valve inhibits feed leakage from the feed reservoir during pressure fluctuations within the feed reservoir. |
| US08622018B2 |
System and method for glazing
A back bedding glazing compound applicator assembly is disclosed. The back bedding glazing compound applicator assembly comprises a nozzle head that is fluidly connected to a back bedding glazing compound supply source and a stabilizer device for retaining a fixed vertical position of a viewing surface while back bedding glazing compound is being dispensed by the nozzle head. The nozzle head includes a back bedding glazing compound channel fluidly connected to a dispensing opening. The dispensing opening is positioned adjacent a bottom surface of the nozzle head. |
| US08622015B1 |
Run/walk with visible progress marking
A run/walk may include visible progress marking of participants. The run/walk may be marked including marking one or more color zones and marking a start line and a finish line. A start to the run/walk may be signaled. The participants may traverse the run/walk including traversing the color zones. At each color zone, a quantity of a colored substance may be propelled at the participants as they traverse the color zone. Each color zone may be associated with a color, and colored substance propelled at the participants in each color zone may include the associated color. After the run/walk is complete, markings for the run/walk may be removed. An article of clothing may include the visible progress markings after receiving the propelled quantity of the colored substance. The markings may be preserved on the article of clothing by adding vinegar and hot pressing the article of clothing. |
| US08622014B2 |
Cable connection system for underwater vehicle
A system for interconnecting a mother ship with a submersible vehicle using a cable towed by the mother ship. The cable has a first cable end connected to the mother ship and a second cable end to be connected to the submersible vehicle. The second cable end is provided with a first connector. A capturing mast is arranged at the submersible vehicle for capturing the cable towed by the mother ship. A connector holder is arranged at the submersible vehicle for holding the first connector when it is to be connected to a second connector. The second connector is connected to the submersible vehicle. A first guide is arranged at the submersible vehicle for guiding the first connector towards the connector holder of the submersible vehicle. A second guide turns the connector to a well defined position into the connector holder. |
| US08622013B2 |
Sailboard step design with less ventilation and increased speed
A step shape in a planing hull for water craft and more particularly for sailboards, surfboard or PWC for increasing the lift in front of the step and decreasing it in back at high planing speed, which has dynamic lift directly behind the step when the hull is traveling at a transition speed between displacement mode and planing mode, but at high planing speed it does not have lift directly behind the step. The hull has increased speed because the lift behind the step at transition speed allows the position of the step to be moved forward and in one embodiment has cambered surface (9) in front of the step. This step does not go across the full width of the hull such that there is a continuous planing surface in front of the fins or other means, which it is desirous that they not ventilate, and fin or other means has more ventilation resistance in another embodiment. |
| US08622010B2 |
Seacock closing system
A pneumatic seacock retrofit is provided for convenient closing of all or a portion of the seacocks, whether as a matter of every day convenience or for use in an emergency, in which all of the vessel's seacocks can be pneumatically closed at the same time, leaving the possibility of selectively overriding seacock closure, with all control valves operating to provide a momentary pulse of air to the rotary actuators and then return to a neutral position, leaving the actuators free for further control. Moreover, an operator is free to manually close a valve in the event that the pneumatic system fails. |
| US08622005B1 |
Television support and mounting kit
A panel television support and mounting kit allows the consumer to employ any of the three modes of support, namely stand mount, elevated console mount and wall mount. The elevated console mount incorporates a vertical spine to elevate the panel television above the console and an offset arm to support the television over an upper shelf of the console. A mounting structure is provided that can be attached to the spine or to a wall. Pivoting and tilting is accommodated by the mounting structure. |
| US08622004B2 |
Rail road hopper car ridge fittings
A hopper car discharge section may be wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. Outflow is controlled by movable closure members. The hopper car has a plurality of hoppers of which two hoppers share a common ridge assembly. The ridge assembly forms a common mating and fit up location for the upper margins of the slope sheets of two lengthwise adjacent hoppers. The ridge assembly includes an horizontal center section and two end plates that angle upwardly outboard toward the top chords of the sidewalls. The ridge assembly stands proud of the upper margin of the respective adjacent slope sheets. A gusset is mounted between the adjacent slope sheets below the ridge plate such that the slope sheets and gusset form a reinforcement tube running across the car, the end plates forming the stems of a vertical T-section attached to the sidewall and overlapping the top chord. |
| US08622001B1 |
Kinetic energy fragmenting warhead and projectile incorporating same
A kinetic energy fragmenting warhead includes a penetrator, a plurality of fragments disposed about the penetrator, and a sleeve disposed about at least some of the plurality of fragments. A projectile includes a body and a kinetic energy fragmenting warhead disposed in the body. The kinetic energy fragmenting warhead includes a penetrator, a plurality of fragments disposed about the penetrator, and a sleeve disposed about at least some of the plurality of fragments. |
| US08621996B2 |
Engraving of printing plates
An optical imaging apparatus (80) for direct engraving of flexographic plates (52) includes at least two laser sources (43), each emitting laser beams (44). A mirror or prism (45) is placed in front of each of the laser sources to alter an optical path of each of the laser beams. The laser beams cut the flexographic plate at different depths and cut out chunks (65) of the flexographic plate. |
| US08621991B1 |
Pistol grip spring compressor system and method for maintaining compression on a valve spring
A pistol grip spring compressor system including a spring lock unit, an actuator assembly, and an anvil module such that the spring lock unit secures a valve spring coil of a valve spring unit from an internal combustion engine in a fixed position relative to a frame element to permit an anvil, provided by the anvil module and positioned against a valve spring retainer of the valve spring unit, to maintain compression on the valve spring while the valve spring unit is separated from an automobile internal engine combustion block. |
| US08621988B1 |
Inverted suspension poultry roasting rack
An inverted suspension poultry roasting rack for supporting a poultry in an inverted position with only the interior portion of the poultry making physical contact with the support rack. The inverted suspension poultry roasting rack generally includes a base unit, a first member extending upwardly from the base unit at a first angle with respect to the base unit, a second member extending upwardly from the first member, a third member extending downwardly from the second member at a second angle with respect to the base unit, and a hook extending from the distal portion of the third member. A poultry is positioned upon the third member and retained in an inverted position for cooking. |
| US08621984B2 |
Machine for preparing beverages by infusion of a product contained in a capsule or the like
A machine having a support structure with a hot-water dispensing head, a capsule-carrying assembly which is mounted so as to be movable in a first plane in the support structure. The machine further including a guide means suitable for allowing the capsule-carrying assembly to move between a working position in which the assembly is coupled with the dispensing head and an intermediate position in which the assembly can pivot about a first axis perpendicular to the first plane, towards an angular loading position in which it can receive a capsule. The machine also having an actuating device which includes an actuator member which is rotatable about a second fixed axis and can bring about the movement thereof between the working position and the loading position. |
| US08621980B2 |
Temperature control system
A temperature control system and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a beverage contained within a beverage server. The temperature control system enabling a user to control of a plurality of attributes of temperature of a beverage from the making of a beverage until the dispensing and disposal of the beverage. |
| US08621978B2 |
Actuator for opening an aircraft engine nacelle cowl
Actuator (V) for opening an aircraft nacelle cowl (7), comprising a dead travel device (19), characterized in that it comprises means (42a, 42b, 43) for blocking the dead travel device (19) when this actuator (V) is extended. |
| US08621975B2 |
Device and method for treating vascular abnormalities
A vascular device is provided that includes a tubular structure and an occluding structure. The tubular structure has inner and outer layers, with the occluding structure located between the inner and outer layers. Each of the inner and outer layers may define a different pick count, and the tubular structure may include a leading edge at a transition between the pick counts. The leading edge may be disposed at the distal end of the vascular device when the device is deployed from a delivery device. Furthermore, the occluding structure may have first and second layers formed by the inversion or eversion of the occluding structure and the subsequent coupling of its free ends to form a continuous structure. Thus, any loose ends may be sealed to minimize unraveling and/or shifting of the occluding structure within the tubular structure. A method of making the vascular device is also provided. |
| US08621974B1 |
Modular over pressure disrupter
In an exemplary embodiment, an overpressure disrupter system is described including at least one module, an explosive material contained in at least one module, and a fire retardant material contained in at least one module. At least one module includes at least one connection area, at least one outer wall; and at least one inner wall. At least one outer wall and at least one inner wall combine to form at least one outer compartments housing the fire retardant material. At least one inner wall forms at least one inner compartment housing the explosive material. At least one connection area is configured to connect at least one module with at least one of another of at least one module and at least one ancillary device. |
| US08621971B2 |
Cutting apparatus with adjustable mechanism
A cutting apparatus configured for aligned with a gate of an injection molding part, includes a bottom board, a main adjustable mechanism attached to the bottom board, and a cutting mechanism. The main adjustable mechanism includes a driving device, a mounting member attached to the driving device, and a rotatable member rotatably attached to the mounting member. The rotatable member can be rotatable relative to the mounting member between a first position, where an acute angle is formed between the rotatable member and the mounting member, and a second position, where the rotatable member parallel to and abuts the mounting member. |
| US08621966B2 |
Perforation anvil
A method and apparatus for perforating a web includes an anvil roll having an outer surface wherein at least a portion of the outer surface defines an anvil surface. The anvil surface includes a plurality of angled grooves having a variable groove width. The method may include phasing the cutting position on the anvil to effect varying perforation patterns. |
| US08621961B2 |
Multi-purpose tool
A tool handle includes a handle body having a first end, a second end, an exterior surface and a bore configured to receive a shaft. A wire stripper is integrated into the exterior surface of the handle and configured to cut and remove the insulating layer of a conductive wire. The wire stripper includes a first sharp edge and a second sharp edge intersecting the first sharp edge to form a v-shaped notch. |
| US08621958B2 |
Drive device
A drive device serves for adjusting an operating element for a valve, a throttle, a blow-out preventor or the like, in particular in the field of gas and oil production, the operating element being actively connected to at least one driving motor via a drive train, and at least one transmission changing unit being arranged in the drive train for converting a revolution of the driving motor into a revolution of the operating element and/or a revolution/linear motion converter being arranged for converting the revolution of the driving motor into a linear motion of the operating element. In order to also have a very compact design in case of a high possible performance and to simultaneously permit a good thermal distribution within the drive device, so that separate cooling devices for carrying off the generated lost heat are superfluous, the drive train comprises at least one essentially disk- or wheel-shaped revolution introducing device which is actively connected with at least two drive shafts driven by separate driving motors. |
| US08621956B2 |
Seat actuator
An actuator (1) for a vehicle includes a base (4), a covering element (5), a handle piece (6) arranged rotatably in the covering element (5), and a cable (25) with a terminal fitting (26). The actuator (1) is insertable into a metal structure of a vehicle seat backrest. The base (4) has a guiding element (32) that moves the terminal fitting (26) into an initial position for assembling the handling piece (6) to the terminal fitting (26). The guiding element (32) is between a core (24) of the cable (25) and prevents the terminal fitting (26) from rotating. |
| US08621954B1 |
Systems and methods for gravity compensation
Disclosed herein are systems and methods that may compensate for the effect of gravity on certain haptic devices, such as haptic-robot devices. An example embodiment of the disclosed systems and methods may take the form of a gravity-compensation system that includes (a) a carriage coupled to a rod having a first axis, wherein the carriage is configured to move along the first axis, (b) a displacement mechanism coupled to the carriage, wherein the displacement mechanism is configured to move the carriage along the first axis of the rod based on a displacement of an extendable arm along the first axis, and (c) a restorative-force mechanism configured to exert, on the carriage, a restorative force that acts along a second axis. The gravity-compensation system acts in a primarily passive manner, helping to ensure the safety of users at the point of human-robot interaction (pHRI). |
| US08621949B2 |
Safety device for a linear actuator and a linear actuator
The invention concerns a safety device (1) for an actuator comprising a connection means (2) allowing a connection to a releasable holding means (5). The connection means (2) is fixed via a sacrificing means (3) to a supporting means (4), and a resilient means (7) is acting between the supporting means (4) and a supporting portion (8). An extension means (9) is fixed to the supporting means (4) via the connection means (2). The sacrificing means (3) has a mechanical strength such that the sacrificing means (3) breaks when subjected to a force exceeding a predetermined force, such that the extension means is no longer fixed to the supporting means and that a re-connection of the supporting means (4) and the releasable holding means (5) is made impossible. The predetermined force is lower than the mechanical strength of the extension means (9) and the supporting means (4). A linear actuator (13) comprising the safety device (1) is also provided. |
| US08621947B2 |
Assembly device for a measuring probe for measuring process variables in a process
An assembly device, especially a retractable assembly, for a measuring probe for measuring process variables in a process, comprising: an assembly housing with a connection system for connecting the assembly device to a process container; a tubular holder for a measuring probe, wherein the tubular holder is guided in the assembly housing axially displaceably between a measuring position in the process container and a maintenance position outside of the process container; and a damping system to damp axial shifting of the tubular holder. The damping system comprises a fluid filled, damping cylinder within the assembly housing, and a damping piston unit guided within the damping cylinder (15) in operative connection with the tubular holder. |
| US08621945B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving the temperature stability and minimizing the noise of the environment that encloses an interferometric measuring system
Disclosed herein is a method and system for providing environmental control for a vibration sensitive system such as an interferometric measurement system, while minimizing acoustic noise during data acquisition. |
| US08621941B2 |
Feedback system for identifying movement and intensity of external force
A feedback system for identifying an external force, includes an operation plate and a pressure-sensing unit. The pressure-sensing unit includes an elastic member supporting the operation plate and a pressure sensor inside the elastic member. The pressure sensor includes a pressure sensitive film. An inner side of the elastic member is filled with fluid material which acts on the pressure sensitive film. The operation plate is driven by the external force to be slant which extrudes the elastic member to deform so as to change fluid pressure of the fluid material limited in the elastic member, and such change of the fluid pressure can be sensed by the pressure sensitive film of the pressure sensor so as to identify the movement and the intensity of the external force. |
| US08621939B2 |
Ribbed force sensor
In one embodiment, a force sensor apparatus is provided including a tube portion having a plurality of radial ribs and a strain gauge positioned over each of the plurality of radial ribs, a proximal end of the tube portion that operably couples to a shaft of a surgical instrument that operably couples to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal end of the tube portion that proximally couples to a wrist joint coupled to an end effector. |
| US08621937B2 |
Multiphase metering system
A multi-phase fluid is passed through a Coriolis flowmeter and a watercut meter. The multi-phase fluid includes two phases during a first time period and three phases during a second time period. It is determined that the multi-phase fluid includes two phases during the first time period, and a first value of a parameter of the multi-phase fluid is determined using a value measured by the Coriolis flowmeter during the first time period. A second value of a parameter of the multi-phase fluid is determined using a value measured by the watercut meter during the first time period. The first value is compared to the second value, and it is determined, based on the comparison, that the first value and the second value are inconsistent with each other. |
| US08621934B2 |
Dual-axis resonance testing of wind turbine blades
An apparatus (100) for fatigue testing test articles (104) including wind turbine blades. The apparatus (100) includes a test stand (110) that rigidly supports an end (106) of the test article (104). An actuator assembly (120) is attached to the test article (104) and is adapted for substantially concurrently imparting first and second forcing functions in first and second directions on the test article (104), with the first and second directions being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. A controller (130) transmits first and second sets of displacement signals (160, 164) to the actuator assembly (120) at two resonant frequencies of the test system (104). The displacement signals (160, 164) initiate the actuator assembly (120) to impart the forcing loads to concurrently oscillate the test article (104) in the first and second directions. With turbine blades, the blades (104) are resonant tested concurrently for fatigue in the flapwise and edgewise directions. |
| US08621923B2 |
Humidity sensor
A humidity sensor has, on a substrate, at least one voltage sensor with a sensor region and at least one control electrode. The control electrode is connected to a signal source which is designed such that a variable control voltage can be applied to the control electrode. A moisture-permeable sensor layer whose dielectric constant depends on humidity is located on the sensor region. The control electrode is adjacent to the sensor layer in such a manner that the measured voltage signal of the voltage sensor depends on the control voltage and the humidity. The voltage sensor is connected to an analysis unit for ascertaining the humidity on the basis of the measured voltage signal. In the vertical projection onto the plane in which the substrate extends, the control electrode is located laterally next to the sensor region. |
| US08621916B2 |
System and method for measuring injection processes
A system for measuring an injection process includes a measurement chamber filled with a fluid. An injection valve injects the fluid into the measurement chamber. A piston is arranged in the measurement chamber. A sensor generates a voltage which is a measure of a piston travel. The sensor is connected with an evaluation unit which continuously detects the piston travel in the measurement chamber. A rotary displacement pump arranged in a bypass channel to the measurement chamber is driven dependent on an existing volume difference. A pressure sensor is arranged in the measurement chamber. A heating element and/or a cooling device is/are arranged at the measurement chamber and is/are actuated by a controller so that an amount of energy introduced by the fluid injected by the injection valve and an amount of energy introduced by the heating element and/or the cooling device is substantially constant for every injection. |
| US08621915B2 |
Apparatus and methods for multidimensional analysis
The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for multidimensional analysis, especially for multidimensional liquid chromatography. Methods and apparatus for the quantitative determination of one or more components comprised in a sample mixture are described. Methods and apparatus of the invention typically allow accurate quantitative determination of more components of the mixture than prior multidimensional methods. The invention is particularly useful for, but is not limited to the analysis of complex mixtures of peptides and proteins. |
| US08621914B2 |
Respirator test accessory
A test accessory for testing a variety respirators. The accessory is designed to compliment existing equipment to provide a robust assessment of respirator performance. The accessory may include a head form having an inflatable bladder capable of fitting a variety of sizes of respirator masks. In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder does not rely on adhesives to effect a seal, thereby eliminating manufacturing and quality assurance steps. The test accessory may also include a detachable instrumentation module that may be removed from the accessory, enabling calibration and maintenance at a remote facility without need for transporting the entire unit. The module may also house a memory device that may be upgraded with calibration data and firmware during the calibration process. |
| US08621913B2 |
Use of hydrogen sensor to detect hydrogen storage system pressure regulator failure
A method and system for using an existing open-environment hydrogen sensor for detecting hydrogen leaking from an atmospheric reference port of a pressure regulator. The atmospheric reference port extension tube of one or more pressure regulators in a hydrogen storage system is routed past a hydrogen sensor which is already used to monitor air around the hydrogen storage system for the presence of hydrogen. In this configuration, the open-environment hydrogen sensor can quickly and reliably detect hydrogen gas flowing from the atmospheric reference port of one of the pressure regulators in the event a pressure regulator develops an internal leak. |
| US08621910B2 |
Wear gauge array for head protective coating
In one embodiment, a system comprises a magnetic head, a protective coating on a media-facing side of the head, and an indentation in the protective coating having a dimension that, when the protective coating wears, is indicative of an amount of wear of the protective coating. A method, in another embodiment, comprises creating an indentation in a protective coating of a magnetic head, the indentation having a dimension that, when the protective coating wears, is indicative of an amount of wear of the protective coating. In another embodiment, a method comprises visually inspecting indentations in a protective coating of a magnetic head, wherein at least two of the indentations have differing dimensions that, when the protective coating wears, are indicative of the amount of wear of the protective coating. The method also includes estimating an amount of wear of the protective coating based on the visual inspection. |
| US08621905B2 |
Apparatus for producing inserts for steam generator tubes
An apparatus for producing inserts for steam generator tubes is provided. The apparatus is intended to allow a technically particularly simple production process, and consequently allow particularly high-speed production of inserts. For this purpose, the apparatus includes a winding head with a wire guiding pin, a guiding opening for a former shaft, provided with a number of spiral slots, and a pressure roller, the wire guiding pin, the guiding opening and the pressure roller being arranged in such a way that a tangent of the pressure roller and of a slot of the former shaft and the guiding axis of wire guiding pin substantially coincide. |
| US08621904B2 |
Hydroforming apparatus and method for hydroforming
A hydroforming apparatus and working method able to simply find a load path are proposed, which system and method use a mold in which contact sensors able to judge contact with a metal tube inside the mold are mounted at least at two different positions in the tube axial direction, perform a first step of axially pushing tube ends in a state with the internal pressure held at a constant value and stopping the progress of the axial pushing action when judging that among the contact sensors not yet in contact mounted at positions closest to the tube ends detect contact with the metal tube, next perform a second step of raising only the internal pressure while leaving the positions of the tube ends fixed and stopping the increase in the internal pressure when the contact sensor not yet in contact judges contact, next perform a third step of lowering the internal pressure to the value before raising it while leaving the positions of the tube ends fixed, and repeat said first step to third step until all of said contact sensors judge contact so as to obtain a hydroformed part. |
| US08621899B2 |
Tamper indicating padlock
A travel padlock for securing an article comprises a housing having a shackle, a key lock and a combination lock. An indicator having at least first and second positions is moved from the first position to the second position upon insertion of an object longitudinally into a key hole of the key lock. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the indicator extends beyond the exterior of the housing when in the second position. In addition, in at least one embodiment of the present invention the shackle may be rotated to reset the indicator from the second position back to the first position. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment of the present invention the indicator may be reset from the second position back to the first position without rotating the shackle or unlocking the combination lock. Methods of making and using the padlock are also provided. |
| US08621891B2 |
Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component with a tongue
Articles of footwear may have an upper that includes a knit element and a tongue. The knit element defines a portion of an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface of the upper, with the interior surface defining a void for receiving a foot. The tongue is formed of unitary knit construction with the knit element and extends through a throat area of the upper. |
| US08621890B2 |
Knitted cut-resistant glove, without fibreglass
This glove (10) is knitted using three yarns, that is, a first composite yarn prepared by wrapping one or more highly abrasion-resistant polyamide yarns on a composite core made by direct cabling of a stainless steel yarn and one or more highly abrasion-resistant polyamide yarns, a second polyamide elastane yarn, and a third para-aramid yarn, the double-sided knitting being carried out by plating so that the first and second yarns are located on a first side of the knit while the para-aramid yarn is located on the second side of the knit. |
| US08621888B2 |
Manufacturing method for a thermal head
In manufacturing method for a thermal head, concave portions, including a reference concave portion, are formed on a surface of a substrate so that a length of each of the concave portions other than the reference concave portion increases as a distance from the reference concave portion in a length direction increases and so that a width of each of the concave portions other than the reference concave portion increases as a distance from the reference concave portion in a width direction increases. A mark identifying the reference concave portion is formed on the surface of the substrate. An insulating film is thermally fusion bonded to the surface of the substrate including the concave portions formed thereon. Heating resistors are formed on the insulating film using a photo mask by aligning the photo mask with the substrate in accordance with the reference concave portion to form the heating resistors so as to be opposed to the plurality of concave portions. |
| US08621886B1 |
Jewelry safety device
The jewelry safety chain device is a flexible cable which has a first end spaced apart from a second end, a loop disposed on the flexible cable first end, a clasp disposed on the flexible cable second end, a plurality of eye screws, each eye screw having an eyelet, a shaft extended from the eyelet, a point disposed distally on the shaft, a thread disposed on the shaft medially from the point, each eye screw configured to selectively attach to a link of an existing multi-link band of an existing jewelry item, the flexible cable and cable loop configured to attach to one of the eyelets, the flexible cable configured to pass through a remainder of the eyelets and the clasp configured to attach to one of the eyelets, thereby removably securing a chosen pair of links together in preventing inadvertent jewelry item loss. |
| US08621885B1 |
Single beverage freezable container
A container for accepting and retaining bottles or cans for the purpose of insulating or bringing them to a desired temperature range is disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes a hollow upper section with an internal cylindrical portion that has an upper edge. The upper section includes an internal frusto-conical section with a slotted aperture that commences from the cylindrical portion and extends away from the cylindrical portion. The device also includes a hollow base section that is adapted for engaging the upper section. The arrangement accommodates cans as well as bottles, and allows drinking from either type of container while retaining the container. |
| US08621883B2 |
Rotating valve and heat pump
A rotating valve is provided that includes an inlet region having a plurality of stationary separate inlets for several flows of a fluid and an outlet region having an in particular identical plurality of stationary separate outlets for the flows of the fluid, wherein between the inlet region and the outlet region a switching region having a switching member that can be rotated about an axis is provided, wherein in a first position of the switching member the plurality of inlets are connected to the plurality of outlets in a first association, and wherein in a second position of the switching member the plurality of inlets are connected to the plurality of outlets in a second association, wherein the switching member comprises a plurality of openings through which the fluid flows flow axially in the direction of the rotation axis and which are moved together with the switching member, the openings alternately covering a plurality of stationary, axially directed openings in the course of the rotation of the switching member, wherein the different associations of the inlets with the outlets are carried out by the alternating covering of the axially directed openings. |
| US08621881B2 |
System and method for heat pump oriented zone control
A system and method to control environmental parameters of pre-defined zones within an environment using an electronic controller. An electronic controller monitors a loop temperature of a loop field of a geo-thermal heat pump as detected by a temperature sensor connected to the loop field. The electronic controller selects a staging combination of the geo-thermal heat pump and an auxiliary HVAC equipment based on at least the loop temperature. The electronic controller activates the selected staging combination, to modify at least a portion of the environmental parameters, using non-proprietary activating signals provided by the electronic controller. |
| US08621880B2 |
Air conditioner and method for controlling the same
An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a heat exchanger which exchanges heat with air by passing a coolant therethrough; and an anti-freeze apparatus which prevents the freeze of water on the surface of the heat exchanger by supplying energy to the heat exchanger. The air conditioner can prevent the freeze of water on the surface of the heat exchanger during its operation, and thus, there is no need to perform a defrost operation during the operation of the air conditioner. In addition, the air conditioner can continuously and efficiently perform an air conditioning function. |
| US08621876B2 |
Ruggedized integrated detector cooler assembly
Provided for an embodiment is a support member for a cryogenic cooler's expander. The support member provides stiffness to the expander to reduce movements at the expander's distal end and may increase the natural frequency of the expander. The support member may increase the natural frequency of the expander at least about two times in the bending and/or twisting sense. The bending natural frequency of the expander and support sub-assembly may be at least about two times greater or lower than the natural frequency of the electrical wires that connect an infrared sensor to a control processing unit to reduce the maximum stress applied to the electrical wires during use. In another embodiment, additional or redundant electrical pathways are provided for connections between the infrared sensor and the CPU. Furthermore, shock absorber and/or shock diverters are provided on rigid pins that connect the electrical wires to the CPU. |
| US08621874B2 |
Turbomachine core coupling assembly
A coupling assembly for an engine core of a turbomachine is provided. The coupling assembly comprises a duct having a substantially circular shape and surrounding the engine core, and a plurality of coupling struts, each coupling strut extending only in a substantially vertical direction relative to the direction of gravity when the engine core is at a rest position with zero pitch and zero roll, each of the plurality of coupling struts coupling the engine core to the duct. |
| US08621872B2 |
Method and device for utilising biomass
A method and device for converting thermal energy from carbonaceous raw materials into mechanical work is provided. The device includes at least one first and one second device for storing and releasing thermal energy connected at least intermittently alternatingly in a turbine branch having a gas turbine connected downstream. The method includes the steps of: a) combusting a gas in a gas burner; b) passing the smoke gases arising in the gas burner through a device for storing thermal energy; and c) feeding the hot air released by at least one device into the gas turbine, wherein the gasification of the carbonaceous raw materials takes place in a gasifier in a first step and the product gas is fed into the gas burner connected downstream of the gasifier. |
| US08621870B2 |
Fuel injection method
A method is provided for fuel injection in a sequential combustion system comprising a first combustion chamber and downstream thereof a second combustion chamber, in between which at least one vortex generator is located, as well as a premixing chamber having a longitudinal axis downstream of the vortex generator, and a fuel lance having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion, being located within said premixing chamber. The fuel injected is an MBtu-fuel. In said premixing chamber the fuel and a gas contained in an oxidizing stream coming from the first combustion chamber are premixed to a combustible mixture. The fuel is injected in such a way that the residence time of the fuel in the premixing chamber is reduced in comparison with a radial injection of the fuel from the horizontal portion of the fuel lance. |
| US08621863B2 |
Turbocharger for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle
In a turbocharger for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, comprising a turbine housing having first and second spiral passages, each of which is connected to at least one exhaust gas line of an exhaust train of the internal combustion engine and a turbine wheel disposed within a rotor chamber of the turbine housing and connected to a compressor impeller via a drive shaft for rotation with the impeller, the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine can be routed through the spiral passages for admission to the turbine wheel via the first and second spiral passages which have different wrap angles around the turbine wheel. |
| US08621862B2 |
Remote cooling system for charge-air cooled engines
A remote cooling system (10) for cooling turbocharged compressed air from a charge-air cooled engine (12) which is placed within an enclosed environment. The cooling system (10) comprises a charge-air cooler (14) located a predetermined distance from the engine (12). The charge-air cooler (14) comprises a fluid receiver (16) which receives turbocharged air from the engine 12, an air-to-water heat exchanger (24) which cools the turbocharged air received from the fluid receiver (16), and a fluid return member (26) for returning cooled air to the engine (12). A secondary cooling device (34), located outside of the enclosed environment, provides heat transfer from the heat exchanger (24) within the charge-air cooler (14) to an external environment. |
| US08621858B2 |
Hydraulic circuit for a regenerative drive assembly
An assembly (10) forming part of a regenerative drive system for a motor lorry. The motor lorry has a driven train that is operatively associated with the assembly (10) so as to cause operation of the assembly (10) to store energy, or alternatively to be driven by the assembly (10) by depletion of energy stored by the assembly (10). The assembly (10) includes a variable angled swash plate pump/motor (11) that is drivingly associated with the drive train and the motor lorry. The assembly (10) includes a clutch (13) that is engaged when the motor lorry is de-accelerating, to cause the pump/motor (11) to be driven. |
| US08621854B2 |
System and method for determining an age of and controlling a selective catalytic reduction catalyst
An exhaust treatment system for exhaust gas produced by an engine includes a condition control module, a load determination module, and an age determination module. The condition control module decreases a load on a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst below a predetermined load threshold and increases exhaust gas temperature (EGT) to a predetermined temperature. The load determination module increases injection of a dosing agent into the exhaust gas and determines a load on the SCR catalyst when dosing agent is detected downstream from the SCR catalyst. The age determination module determines an age of the SCR catalyst based the determined load and predetermined loads for first and second SCR catalysts, respectively. |
| US08621851B2 |
Particle filter arrangement
A particle filter arrangement for filtering exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine such as a diesel internal combustion engine, includes an inlet and an outlet and at least one particle filter arranged in the flow path of the exhaust gases between the inlet and outlet. The exhaust gases are conducted in a line, with the line having a first segment in which the exhaust gases are conducted substantially in the direction of the outlet. The line has a second segment in which the exhaust gases are conducted substantially in the direction of the inlet. An operating temperature of the arrangement sufficiently high to prevent full loading of the filter is generated particularly quickly in that the line also includes a third segment in which the exhaust gases are conducted substantially in the direction of the outlet. |
| US08621850B2 |
Exhaust gas treatment device for diesel engine
An exhaust gas treatment device for a diesel engine is capable of smoothly starting the generation of a combustible gas and is provided with a small combustible gas generator. A core material is fitted in the center portion of an annular wall to form an air-fuel mixing chamber between the inner peripheral surface of the annular wall and the outer peripheral surface of the core material. An air-fuel mixture gas in the air-fuel mixing chamber is adapted to be supplied from the end of the air-fuel mixing chamber to a combustible gas generating catalyst to a portion near the center thereof. A heater is used as the core material, the heat dissipating outer peripheral surface of the heater is exposed to the air-fuel mixing chamber. Heat is dissipated directly from the heat dissipating outer peripheral surface of the heater to the air-fuel mixing chamber when starting the generation of the combustible gas. |
| US08621849B2 |
Method for diagnosing a diesel oxidation catalyst
A method and a control system are provided for diagnosing a diesel combustion catalyst that is located in an exhaust line within a diesel engine system. The method comprising providing an unburned fuel mass flow through the diesel oxidation catalyst, determining the oxidation heat release rate which is related to the exothermic oxidation reactions of the unburned fuel into the diesel oxidation catalyst, integrating the determined oxidation heat release rate on a time interval, integrating the unburned fuel mass flow on the same time interval, dividing the integrated value of oxidation heat release rate and the integrated value of unburned fuel mass flow for determining an efficiency index (DOI) of the diesel oxidation catalyst. |
| US08621844B2 |
System and method for controlling fuel delivery based on output from a post-catalyst oxygen sensor during catalyst light-off
A system includes a voltage determination module and a fuel control module. The voltage determination module determines a first output voltage of a first oxygen sensor position upstream from a catalyst in an exhaust system of an engine, and determines a second output voltage from a second oxygen sensor positioned downstream from the catalyst, the first output voltage indicating a first oxygen level of exhaust upstream from the catalyst, the second output voltage indicating a second oxygen level of exhaust downstream from the catalyst. The fuel control module controls a fuel mass injected into the engine based on the first output voltage and the second output voltage when a temperature of the catalyst is greater than a light-off temperature, and controls the fuel mass based on the second output voltage and independent from the first output voltage when the catalyst temperature is less than light-off temperature. |
| US08621838B1 |
Pneumatically-operated master chain link press tool
The pneumatically-operated master chain link press tool is a press tool that is configured to press on a master link plate onto master link pins of a drive chain. The press tool includes a cylinder inside of which is a pneumatically-driven piston that is spring-loaded in order for the piston to return to a retracted position after pressing the master link plate onto the master link pins. A distal end of the cylinder includes a master link support jig that is partially exposed via a side opening. The master link support jig includes a master link recess that is configured to support a master link body of a drive chain there against. An opposing distal end of the cylinder includes a compressed air inlet and an air release. The compressed air inlet is configured for attachment and use with a compressed air hose. |
| US08621834B2 |
Drive arrangement for a reel and a chaff spreader of a combine
A drive arrangement for a reel and a chaff spreader of a combine, having a first hydraulic motor for driving the reel and a second hydraulic motor for driving the chaff spreader, wherein the hydraulic motors are connected in series with regard to the flow of hydraulic fluid. |
| US08621830B2 |
Film sealing and wrapping machine with rotary cut and seal jaw
The film sealing and wrapping machine with a rotary cut and seal jaw is provided. The rotary cut and seal jaw has an internal sliding mechanism which provides for smooth and quiet operation. The rotational speed of the jaw may be varied to increase through put and to provide for a title bag around products. The rotary cut and seal jaw may comprise a seal bar and pressure pad may both be spring loaded to self align the seal bar and pressure pad during the sealing and cutting process. Lastly, a gap defined by a belt disposed upstream and downstream of the seal bar and pressure pad may be mechanically linked to the pressure pad through a control carriage. |
| US08621826B2 |
Apparatus for assembling mail pieces
Prior to assembling mail pieces of which at least a number each comprise a main document and at least one insert of at least one type, one or more mini image files are stored, each defining a mini image of at least a part of a type of insert. The mini image of the respective insert defined by the mini image file is printed on each envelope for a mail piece including that type of insert for one or each of a number of the inserts. |
| US08621824B2 |
Bottle decontamination system
A system for sterilizing bottles with a gaseous sterilant. The system includes moving means for continuously moving bottles one after another along a path. An assembly is provided for distributing a predetermined amount of the gaseous sterilant from a source of gaseous sterilant to each of the bottles. The assembly includes a plurality of injectors that are movable with the bottles. One of the plurality of injectors is associated with each of the bottles. The injector is fluidly connected to the source of gaseous sterilant when the bottle associated with the injector is disposed along a first portion of the path. The injector is disposed above the bottle when the injector is in a first position. The injector is disposed within an interior of the bottle when the injector is in a second position such that the predetermined amount of the gaseous sterilant is conveyed into the interior of the bottle. |
| US08621823B2 |
Furring channel framing member
A furring channel framing member for use with joists or studs of a structural support framework for a wall or ceiling includes one or more creases placed specifically to provide a location for curvature of the framing member. In some cases, the one or more creases may establish a flex joint that permits hand-bending of the framing member about such flex joint to create a desired curved configuration for the furring channel framing member. The creases may also or instead placed at pre-determined intervals in a manner that, through the creases themselves, establish a curvilinear configuration of the framing member. |
| US08621817B1 |
Vertical vibrating screed
This invention discloses a method of building concrete walls, columns and other vertical or sloped structures using a vertically oriented vibrating screed and utilization of the thixotropic properties of wet concrete. The vertical screed is a simple, inexpensive and highly flexible apparatus that may be used for a wide variety of applications that involve the applying of cementicious material in the construction of a vertical structure. By using highly thixotropic concrete, the vertical screed is able to place concrete and other cementicious materials in a vertical plane much like concrete is placed with vibrating screeds in the horizontal plane. The vertical screed's applications range from applying a thin cementicious coating to placing concrete in a vertical plane to construct a wall or column. The various configurations of the vertical screed range from a small hand held device to a much larger mechanically controlled apparatus. |
| US08621815B2 |
Lattice support structure
The present invention relates to a lattice support structure having lattice bars in connection with one another, wherein the lattice support structure has lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure as well as lattice bars directly or indirectly connecting them, wherein the connecting lattice bars are connected to the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction such that the spacing of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure can be reduced on the folding in of the lattice support structure and can be enlarged on the unfolding of the lattice support structure, characterized in that one, several or all of the connecting lattice bars are not displaceably arranged on the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction, but are rather pivotably arranged at the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction or are pivotably arranged at further connecting lattice bars which are in turn pivotably arranged at the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction. |
| US08621814B2 |
Floor panel
Floor panel, with a horizontally and vertically active locking system allowing that two of such floor panels can be connected to each other at said sides by providing one of these floor panels, by means of a downward movement, in the other floor panel; wherein the vertically active locking system includes a locking element in the form of an insert; wherein this locking element includes at least a pivotable lock-up body. The pivotable lock-up body includes a support portion which is rotatable against a support surface pertaining to the floor panel concerned, and more particularly in a seat. |
| US08621813B2 |
Wireless solar shingle panel and a method for implementing same
A shingle and method is provided, wherein the shingle includes a shingle back having at least one back conductive trace and a shingle front configured to securely include at least one solar cell. The shingle front includes at least one front conductive trace configurable such that when the shingle front includes a solar cell, the solar cell is conductively connected to the at least one front conductive trace in a series fashion. At least one of the back conductive traces is conductively connected to at least one of the front conductive traces. The back conductive traces and the front conductive traces are configured such that when the shingle is associated with a like shingle, the back conductive trace of the like shingle is conductively connected to the at least one front conductive trace of the shingle to be in a series fashion. |
| US08621811B2 |
Thermoplastic siding insulation
The present invention discloses an extruder for producing a thermoplastic material having a first and second portion comprising an axially extending barrel and a screw conveyer axially disposed within said barrel so as to define a passage for conveying thermoplastic material from an input through a melt zone to an output. Furthermore the present invention discloses an insulation member comprising an elongated insulation member formed of a thermoplastic insulating material, said insulating member having a top edge, a bottom edge, and first and second side edges; the top edge comprising a protrusion, said top edge extending beyond a corresponding top edge of a corresponding panel of siding; and the bottom edge comprising a ledge, said ledge operable to overlap the protrusion. |
| US08621810B2 |
Building wall system
A building wall system has a plurality of panels positioned adjacent one another for securement to a frame structure of a building via a plurality of fasteners. A plurality of rails secures a façade to the panels. Each rail has a first, second and third portion. The first portion receives the fasteners to secure the bracket to the frame structure. The second portion provides a surface for securement with the façade. The second portion is spaced from the panel so that fasteners do not enter the panel. The third portion rests against the panel to provide rigidity for the rail. |
| US08621806B2 |
Composite joist floor system
The composite joist floor system includes joists supporting metal decking and a stand-off fasteners are spaced along the length of the joist Each fastener has an upper portion with a through hardness between HRB 70 and HRC 40 and a lower portion having a threaded portion with a through hardness of between HRB 70 and HRC 40 and a thread-forming portion adjacent the threaded portion with at least a HRC 50 hardness and failure torque to thread-forming torque of at least 3.0 and a drive torque at least 20% less than a thread-forming torque, and a fluted lead portion adjacent the thread-forming portion with a nominal diameter between 70 and 95% of major diameter of the threaded portion adapted to form a fastener opening. These stand-off fasteners extend into and are encapsulated by a cementitious slab supported by the metal decking to form a composite floor system. |
| US08621805B2 |
Bridging thermal block system and method
A system and method for insulating a metal roof include a blanket of insulation laid over at least one purlin. A series of thermal blocks are fastened above the purlin over the blanket of insulation. Each thermal block in the series of thermal blocks has legs that pin the blanket of insulation to a top of each purlin. Gaps are defined between the legs, the gaps enabling regions between the legs wherein the blanket of insulation is only partially compressed between the purlin and an underside of each thermal block. Each thermal block can include a first end, a second end, and a first leg between the first and second ends. The first end includes slots for receiving clip legs of a first roof clip. The second end includes an abutment surface and a landing surface for receiving a next thermal block in a series of thermal blocks. |
| US08621804B2 |
Insulating wall panel assembly and method for manufacturing same
An insulating wall assembly, including a framework having opposite interior and exterior sides and including a plurality of vertical and horizontal support studs defining an inner spacing within the framework, a substantially rigid insulating panel mounted to the framework, and an insulating material extending in the inner spacing and juxtaposed to the rigid insulating panel. Each one of the vertical and horizontal support studs has an outer stud member having a thickness t1 and an inner stud member mounted inwardly to the outer stud member and having a thickness t2 thinner than the thickness t1. The substantially rigid insulating panel is supported peripherally by the inner stud members with the outer stud member circumscribing the rigid insulating panel. |
| US08621797B2 |
Steel structure including pre-stressing brackets for improving load-carrying capacity and serviceability
A steel structure including pre-stressing brackets for improving load-carrying capacity and serviceability comprises: a steel girder; a plurality of connecting brackets connected to the bottom surface of the steel girder spaced and apart from one; and a cover plate connected to the bottom surfaces of the connecting brackets. Since the cover plate is installed regardless of the connecting portion of the steel girder, pre-stressing section can be consecutively formed therefore pre-stress effect is improved. Moreover, since the connecting brackets space the cover plate a constant distance from the steel girder, the moment of inertia is increased so the span of a bridge might be increased. |
| US08621796B2 |
Conduit duct with sequence of layers
A conduit duct for sealing at least one conduit includes an elastomer body for sealingly contacting the conduit. The elastomer body comprises at least two elastomer parts, wherein each of the elastomer parts includes a plurality of hollow sleeves. In an assembled condition of the elastomer body parts, the hollow sleeves of one of the body parts are arranged with the hollow sleeves of the other one of the body parts to form a sequence of layers surrounding the conduit. A tensioning device positioned on the elastomer body compresses the elastomer body to thereby sealingly press the body onto the conduit. |
| US08621794B2 |
Reinforced mull post assembly
A composite reinforced mull post is disclosed for use in an entryway assembly. The mull post may engage a door on one side and a side light window on the other side. The mull post may comprise a one or two piece outer portion and one or more internal reinforcing members. The outer portion may comprise a plurality of interlocking pieces. The pieces may include a stop portion and a support portion, each with interlocking ribs. A first internal reinforcing member may be formed of engineered material such as a wood laminate, and a second reinforcing member may comprise a channel that extends partially around the first reinforcing member. The reinforcing member may include orthogonal portions conterminously received within a correspondingly shaped central chamber formed by the housing formed by the joined interlocking pieces. |
| US08621786B2 |
Efficient layout and design of production facility
An improved layout for a manufacturing facility is disclosed. The layout includes a production area which includes a hub which is at least partially surrounded by a production corridor. The production corridor comprises production stages used in the manufacturing process. The hub, having direct line-of-sight to the production stages, can easily monitor the manufacturing process. |
| US08621781B2 |
Hydroponic irrigation system
A low cost valve and system for automated ebb and flow irrigation utilizes a collapsible sleeve to control fluid flow direction. No external power, moving parts, or floats are needed to operate the valve, resulting in improved reliability, low operating cost, and minimal need for maintenance. The valve operates using feed pressure to close the drain when hydroponic nutrient solution is pumped into the cultivation chamber. The valve drains automatically once the pump is stopped, usually by means of a timer, and the spent hydroponic solution is recovered. The fill/drain cycle is repeated as needed to keep the plants moist, yet not waterlogged. |
| US08621776B2 |
Bait mimicking insertable fishing lure module
An electronic module in a fishing lure in the water is activated to broadcast a pre-recorded actual or simulated sound of a bait creature and or create lifelike bait creature motion. A switch in the module activates a sound chip and a micro speaker, a water sensing automatic on-off switch turns the power on and off, and the battery is charged by an external charging coil. An alternate embodiment automatically activates the fishing lure device to replicate bait animals in size, shape, movement and sound. |
| US08621774B1 |
Firearm with multiple targeting laser diodes
All or some of the component parts of a firearm are made of synthetic diamond materials. Some firearms include a specially designed trigger capable of verifying a user's identity so that only an authorized user can discharge the firearm. Some firearms include a diamond barrel designed to impart a unique pattern of grooves to any bullet leaving the barrel, thereby facilitating reliable identification of the firearm that fired a particular bullet. |
| US08621773B2 |
Shooting rests for supporting firearms
One aspect of the invention is directed to shooting rests for supporting a firearm having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. In one embodiment, a shooting rest includes a frame, a front support for supporting the first portion of the firearm, a support member for carrying one or more weights, and a stop for inhibiting rearward movement of the firearm relative to the shooting rest. The front support is coupled to the frame, and the support member is positioned at least proximate to the frame. The stop includes a flexible portion and is also coupled to the frame. |
| US08621771B2 |
Machine for controllably flying a flag in the absence of natural wind
A machine for controllably flying a flag indoors or outdoors in the absence of natural wind; said machine constituted of a base member having enough depth to house and protect electronic and/or electro-mechanical drive components etc.; said drive components including, but not limited to at least one electric motor mechanically coupled to a drive shaft of a cylindrical centrifugal fan via pulleys; said fan, as well as an air foil member and a flag pole housed in a long tubular wind pipe rigidly secured atop aforementioned base member in such a manner that when the aforesaid motor(s) actuates the aforesaid fan member via the aforesaid shaft, air pulled in through holes on the wind pipe is blown past the aforesaid airfoil, and then past the flagpole and attached flag, thereby causing said flag to rise and flap in the natural manner; an airfoil angle of attack knob atop the aforementioned wind pipe, in conjunction with a motor speed control knob atop the aforementioned base member, providing affective means of changing or modifying the flying pattern or flapping of aforesaid flag; a synthesized music circuit consisting of several songs preferably national anthems or state songs programmed into its memory is looped together with a programmable timer and an LCD display and control panel for permitting timed actuations of the machine ala electronic alarms. |
| US08621770B1 |
Excavating apparatus employing swivel adapter with gear bearings having gears with divergent thickness
An apparatus for swiveling an implement, such as a bucket, relative to a device, such as an excavator boom, includes a rotary union and a bearing disc mounted in a housing. The bearing disc rotates relative to the housing so that the implement can be rotated relative to the device. A gear or geared bearing assembly is located between the bearing disc and top and bottom housing portions for bearing loads transverse to the axis about which the implement is rotated relative to the device. The rotary union has fluid passages extending from the top to the bottom of a central shaft, which is affixed to the bearing disc, and the shaft and disc can comprise a one piece combination rotary union and bearing disc. |
| US08621767B2 |
Article of footwear having a support structure
An article of footwear may include a midsole having a plurality of cavities formed therein and a flexible cage member disposed on the midsole and extending across at least one of the plurality of cavities. The flexible cage member may include a plurality of support arms disposed on the midsole and a linking member extending across at least one of the cavities and connecting at least two of the support arms. |
| US08621766B2 |
Shoes, devices for shoes, and methods of using shoes
A shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are located in a forefoot portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of the shoe, and one or more springs for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart from each other. A device for a shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are installable in a forefoot portion of the shoe, and an energy return member positioned between the first plate and the second plate. A method of using a shoe includes applying, with a foot, a force on at least one of two plates that is positioned in a forefoot portion of a shoe, so as to move the two plates together and increase a loading of a spring, and launching the foot due to the two plates being moved apart by the spring as the foot is being lifted. |
| US08621756B2 |
Smart material actuator adapted for resonant operation
A smart material actuator having a fixed supporting member, mechanical web, actuating arm, and piezoelectric or smart material stack is disclosed, together with a sensor adapted to indicate the degree of motion of the actuating arms and controller adapted to allow safe operation of the actuator in resonant conditions. Methods of maintaining resonant operation, avoiding resonant operation, and adjusting resonant frequencies are also disclosed. |
| US08621755B2 |
Metallized cutlery and tableware and method therefor
A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat. |
| US08621751B2 |
Inkjet head manufacturing method
An inkjet head manufacturing method includes the following steps. Firstly, a multilayered structure with a plurality of microstructure layers is provided. The alignment check holes of the microstructure layers are concentric and have different diameters. Then, the microstructure layers are stacked together and the microstructure layers are aligned with each other according to the concentric and different-diameter alignment check holes, wherein a dry film layer is sandwiched between every two adjacent microstructure layers. The preset slots of the microstructure layers are collectively defined as inlet flow channels, ink chambers, pressure cavities and outlet flow channels. Then, the multilayered structure is assembled and positioned through the dry film layers by a thermal compression process. Then, a cutting knife is used to linearly cut the actuator plate over a spacer between every two adjacent pressure cavities and along a path parallel with rims of the pressure cavities. |
| US08621750B2 |
Method of making an electrical circuit structure
An electrical interconnect has an adhesive layer in which is formed an array of apertures, the apertures being of non-circular shape. An electrical circuit apparatus has a first circuit having at least one electrical contact, a second circuit having at least one electrical contact aligned to the electrical contact of the first circuit, and a standoff structure between the first and second circuits having at least one aperture aligned to one electrical contact of the first and second circuits, the aperture being of a non-circular shape. |
| US08621746B2 |
Method for making phase change memory
A method for making phase change memory is provided. The method includes following steps. A substrate is provided. A plurality of first row electrode leads and the second row electrode leads is located on the substrate. A carbon nanotube layer is applied on the substrate to cover the first row electrode lead and the second row electrode lead. The carbon nanotube layer is patterned to form a plurality of carbon nanotube units located on the second row electrode lead. A phase change layer is applied on the surface of each carbon nanotube unit. A plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a plurality of first row electrode leads and a plurality of second row electrode leads is located on the substrate. |
| US08621745B2 |
Stretch film sleeve label applicator
A stretch film sleeve label applicator for separating a stretchable sleeve label from a web of such labels and applying the label to an item, such as a container, is disclosed. The applicator is particularly useful for applying high stretch labels to highly contoured containers. The applicator is configured to receive a series of labels in an elongated, continuous web of flat, 2-ply sleeve labels, open the continuous sleeve of labels, separate an individual label from a next successive label, stretch the label to permit its application to an item to be labeled, such as a container, and apply the label in an accurate and precise location on the container. The applicator comprises three primary components: a label feeding assembly, a label separating assembly and a label stretching assembly. Various embodiments of the label feeding assembly, label separating assembly and label stretching assembly are disclosed. |
| US08621742B1 |
Ferrule lock nuts method
Apparatus and Method of use for an improved lock nut type of fastener. On a threaded rod, a set of one or two cavity locknuts are used with a sleeve like ferrule to lock a nut in a set position on the rod. For example a nut that is clamping a workpiece can be held in place (resisting if not preventing loosening) by suitable application of the ferrule and cavity locknut. The cavity locknut has a tapered funnel-like cavity in a nut face around the nut's threaded hole. Locking is accomplished by immobilizing the ferrule on the rod and against the nut to be held, orienting the cavity side of the cavity locknut toward the ferrule, and forcefully torquing the cavity nut against and around the ferrule so that it is crimped against the threaded rod by the tapered cavity in the nut. |
| US08621741B2 |
4-way compression grooved coupling
A pre-assembled pipe coupling for joining and sealing two grooved-ended pipe segments without disassembling the coupling is disclosed. The coupling has a housing with upper and lower arcuate housing segments and left and right bridge segments. Each bridge segment has at least one set of dihedrally angled faces that engage corresponding faces each in the upper and lower housing segments. Drawing the upper and lower segments inwardly together along a first axis, presses each bridge segment inward along a second axis roughly tangential to the first axis. All segments are loosely pre-assembled with bolts and nuts into a coupling and all segments each have radially inwardly projecting lands that mate with end grooves in the pipes to be joined. The coupling also has a one-piece circular sealing gasket that has an inward circumferential and centrally positioned pipe stop that has an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the pipes to be joined. The gasket has two circumferential sealing lips axially outward from the pipe stop, the inner diameter each sealing lip larger than the outer diameter of the pipe segments to be joined. |
| US08621729B2 |
Buckle device
A frame member, which is approximately U-shaped in side view, has an ejector having elastic locking pieces whose tips are configured to move along long holes formed in an upper plate, mounted thereon. A permanent magnet is mounted on a slider member, at the end portion closer to a Hall IC switch. Pairs of elastic engagement pieces are inserted through the long holes respectively, and engaged with engagement portions provided at the tips of elastic engagement pieces of the ejector respectively and thus assembled. In a base member formed approximately rectangular-frame-shaped in plan view, the Hall IC switch is fitted on a Hall IC switch supporting extension, extended approximately perpendicularly outward from an end portion closer to the frame member of an outer plate positioned adjacent to the permanent magnet. |
| US08621726B2 |
Gripping assembly for securing a sheet of material
An apparatus and method of using a gripping assembly for gripping a sheet of material and attaching the sheet of material to an object is provided. The gripping assembly has a continuous ring-like member having an opening defined by an interior tapered engagement surface, a disk-like member positionable within the opening. The disk-like member has an exterior tapered engagement surface which cooperates with the tapered surface of the ring-like member. A sheet of material, threaded between the engagement surfaces is gripped by the surfaces. The disk-like member has an attachment means with at least one passageway there through. A flexible tie member extends through at least one passageway of the attachment means and is for attaching the gripping assembly to an object. |
| US08621725B2 |
Large wire anti-theft device
A large wire anti-theft device having a first body and a second body, the anti-theft device accepts passage of a large wire for inhibiting movement of a large wire by friction and compression for inhibiting movement of the large wire through the first body and the second body. A tension force applied to the large wire shall cause tightening of the first body and the second body against the large wire for preventing theft of the large wire. |
| US08621724B2 |
Headset cord holder
A headset cord holder comprising: a body configured to be coupled to at least one article from the group of articles consisting of a bag and an item of clothing, wherein the body is either part of a closure mechanism configured to releasably couple a first portion of the at least one article to a second portion of the at least one article, part of a slideable item capable of being translated along the at least one article, or part of an ornamental accessory having an aesthetic characteristic unrelated to its functional structure; and a groove built into the body, wherein the groove is configured to receive and releasably secure a headset cord. |
| US08621722B2 |
Method for the continuous production of laid staple fibre fabrics from finitely long reinforcing fibres with aligned fibre orientation
The present invention relates to a method for the continuous production of laid staple fiber fabrics with aligned fiber orientation, in which method the laid fabrics are produced by continuous plaiting down of carded fiber web at defined laying angles onto a synchronized transport belt (1), wherein the carding machine (2) and plaiting means (3) arranged downstream of it are arranged at an acute angle with respect to the advancing direction of the transport belt. Said laid staple fiber fabrics are used for producing high-strength fiber-reinforced plastic composites, as are used in wind power plants, aircraft construction and the automotive industry. In particular in the loading direction, said composites have high composite strengths and rigidities, to which end a defined fiber orientation is required. In addition to a defined orientation of the finite fibers, the laid fabrics also have a defined mass per unit area. |
| US08621719B2 |
Auxiliary handle
It is an object of the invention to provide a technique for a reduction of vibration of an auxiliary handle for a hand-held power tool. The object can be achieved by a representative auxiliary handle. The auxiliary handle includes a ring-like mounting part, a pair of bases, a rod-like grip, one or arms and an elastic region. The bases are formed on a free end of the mounting part. The bases of the mounting part and extending end portions of the arms are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the grip. The bases of the mounting part and the extending end portions of the arms are clamped by a bolt and a nut such that the mounting part holds the power tool body. The elastic region is provided in at least one of the mounting part, the bases and the extending end portions of the arms. |
| US08621718B2 |
Assembly fixture for assemling a hinge to a display panel
An assembly fixture used to assemble hinges to a display panel assembly includes a base to support the display and at least one hinge mounting member fixed on the base. Each hinge mounting member includes two support bars projected from the base, a axle and a rotatable arm. The opposite ends of the axle respectively rotatably connected to the tops of the two support bars. The rotatable arm can rotated in concert with the axle. Each rotatable arm further includes at least two protruding portions to position the hinge and at least one magnetic element to attract the hinge, thereby fixing the hinge to the rotatable arm. |
| US08621716B2 |
Angle positioning device of rotation shaft and foldable electronic device having the same
An angle positioning device of a rotation shaft includes a first pivot portion and a second pivot portion. The first pivot portion includes a first face having a positioning portion, a first path and a second path divided by the positioning portion. The first pivot portion includes a second face having a returning portion, a third path and a fourth path divided by the returning portion. The second pivot portion can move along the first path, the second path, the third path, and the fourth path. When the second pivot portion moves from the first path to the second path, the pivot angle is increased. When the second pivot portion moves from the third path to the fourth path, the pivot angle is decreased. When the pivot portion moves from the first path to the positioning portion, the pivot angle cannot be decreased. The second pivot portion can move from the third path through the returning portion and back to the first path. |
| US08621712B2 |
Self closing internal hinge
A self closing enclosed hinge is placed within the tubular structure of a gate. The inventive hidden hinge cannot physically smash fingers. An internal axle physically holds together a first gate hinge connector piece which receives the upper part of the gate, an upper stationary hinge piece, and a midsection outer tubular section, which contains a bushing and a spiral spring to return the gate to a closed position. This internal axle joins the lower stationary hinge piece with the second gate hinge connector piece. The second gate hinge connector piece receives lower part of workpiece gate. |
| US08621711B2 |
Furniture glide
The invention relates to a frame for pads for pieces of furniture, in particular furniture legs, wherein the frame comprises a first floor contact layer on a first side and can be mounted detachably on the pad, wherein the frame comprises a second floor contact layer arranged on a second side of the frame which is different from the first side. |
| US08621707B2 |
Intake control for blower in vehicle wash system
A vehicle wash system may have a drying station that may have a frame and a blower mounted on the frame. The blower may be used blowing liquid from the surface of a vehicle and may have a plenum with a cavity opening, an exit port, and an interior cavity. An impeller may be positioned inside the cavity, and when driven by a motor, may be operable to draw air into the cavity compress the air, and then emit an airflow from the plenum through the exit port. The blower may have an inlet region formed proximate the cavity opening and be in communication with the cavity. The inlet region may have a generally tubular inlet opening. A movement apparatus may be provided that is movable axially relative to the inlet opening to vary the size of the tubular inlet opening. The system may also include a sensor system operable to detect the presence and/or absence of a vehicle at drying station. A controller may be in communication with the sensor system and be operable to control the position of the movement device dependent upon the presence and/or absence of a vehicle to be dried. |
| US08621706B2 |
Device for wringing liquid-absorbing wiping elements as well as mop wringer
A device for wringing liquid-absorbing wiping elements comprises a first substantially plate-shaped pressing jaw (18) and a second substantially plate-shaped pressing jaw (20) that are connected to each other at their respective first ends through a joint (40); and a pressing lever (32) connected, via a first bearing (42) in an articulated manner, to the second pressing jaw (20) at the second end of the second pressing jaw (20). The device is characterized in that the first pressing jaw (18) is arranged stationary with respect to the wringing device (10), and the pressing lever (32) comprises a knee lever portion (48) between the first bearing (42) and a second bearing (50) stationary arranged at the pressing lever (32), wherein at the second bearing (50) a knee lever member (52) is arranged that forms a rigid connection between the second bearing (50) and a third bearing (54) at the second end of the first pressing jaw (18). |
| US08621705B1 |
Spraying windshield wiper assembly
A spraying windshield wiper assembly is provided for delivering cleaning fluid to a windshield surface from a wiper arm holding a wiper blade. The assembly includes a wiper arm having a first end and a second end. The first end is configured for coupling to a vehicle. An elongated blade housing is coupled to the second end of the wiper arm. A channel extends through the blade housing. A supply tube is coupled to the wiper arm and fluidly coupled to the channel for delivering a fluid to the channel. A plurality of nozzles is coupled to the wiper arm. Each nozzle is fluidly coupled to the channel whereby each nozzle is configured for dispensing the fluid from the channel onto the windshield of the vehicle. A wiper blade is coupled to the blade housing. |
| US08621704B2 |
Cleaning element and cleaning tool
A cleaning element includes a fiber assembly having a plurality of fibers extending in a predetermined direction and a nonwoven fabric disposed on the fiber assembly. A first fusion bonded part extends in a cross direction crossing the predetermined direction to fusion bond the fiber assembly and the nonwoven fabric, and a plurality of second fusion bonded parts formed discontinuously in the cross direction at a lateral side of the first fusion bonded part to fusion bond the fiber assembly and the nonwoven fabric. The first fusion bonded part extends all the way through the fiber assembly in a thickness direction of the cleaning element. The plurality of second fusion bonded parts extend only a part of said fiber assembly in the thickness direction. |
| US08621697B2 |
Bridge cap installation system and method
A lifting device is configured to support a bridge cap when lifting the cap onto columns under a bridge deck. The lifting device includes an upper bracket arm configured to extend over an upper surface of the deck, and a lower bracket arm configured to extend under a bottom surface of the deck, and to selectively engage the cap at opposite ends of the cap. A side bracket portion connects the lower and upper arms, and is configured to transmit a force associated with a weight of the cap to the upper arm. The upper and lower arms and the side bracket portion are configured to define an open space extending from free ends of the upper and lower arms to the side bracket portion. The space is configured to receive the deck when the lifting device is supporting the cap as the cap is being lifted onto the columns. |
| US08621691B1 |
Chair/bed for the disabled
The chair/bed for the disabled is a wheeled, medical appliance for disabled persons that can alternately convert from a chair to a bed when desired. The appliance incorporates structure for applying body massages and for moving the patient in a rollover motion. Ancillary features, such as a pillow, a night light, study and dining tables and a support for mounting a television or tablet are included on the appliance. A control module is provided to allow the appliance to be operated by a remote control device. |
| US08621689B2 |
Apparatus for driving and supporting cradle and MR system having the same
An apparatus for driving and supporting cradle includes a table base and a cradle movable on the table base. The cradle includes an intermediate cradle moveable relative to the table base and an upper cradle moveable relative to the intermediate cradle. The table base is coupled to the intermediate cradle using a first rack and gear structure, and the intermediate cradle is coupled to the upper cradle using a second rack and gear structure. |
| US08621688B2 |
Siderail assembly for patient support apparatus
A siderail assembly includes a guide, a support coupled to the guide to move relative to the guide, and a barrier coupled to the guide. The barrier is movable between a lowered position, wherein the barrier is situated substantially below a frame of a patient support apparatus, and a raised position, wherein the barrier is situated substantially above the frame. |
| US08621685B2 |
Extendable folding bed frame
An extendable folding bed frame includes a pair of first sub-frames having a pair of spaced apart and extendable longitudinal bars, each longitudinal bar having a first end and a second end. The opposing longitudinal bars are fixedly connected together by a plurality of lateral support bars. The pair of first sub-frames are pivotally connected together at corresponding longitudinal bar first ends by first pivotal connecting members. The pair of first sub-frames are pivotable from an open configuration whereby each first sub-frame is aligned longitudinally to form a generally rectangular co-planar support surface and a folded configuration whereby each first sub-frame is substantially overlapped and adjacent to each other. The folding bed frame also includes a connecting bracket for attaching additional bed frames to provide a larger mattress support surface. |
| US08621684B2 |
Transfer assist apparatus
A transfer assist apparatus includes an anxiety measurement unit that detects a physical change linked to a sense of anxiety in the care-receiver and measures a degree of anxiety in the care-receiver, and a control unit that control the drive unit correspondingly to a trajectory inputted by the operation unit and performs feedback control so as to reduce the degree of anxiety measured by the anxiety measurement unit. The anxiety measurement unit detects at least one of a heart rate, an amount of perspiration, a breathing rate, an eyeball movement, an electric resistance of skin, and a skin temperature as the physical change linked to a sense of anxiety in the care-receiver. The control unit sets a speed limit of the drive unit correspondingly to the degree of anxiety measured by the anxiety measurement unit and restricts the drive speed of the drive unit not to exceed the speed limit. |
| US08621682B2 |
System for dispensing and recovering liquids and device comprising same
The invention concerns a system for dispensing and recovering liquids designed to be arranged in a rigid container, comprising a liquid dispensing tank (16) and a tank (17) for recovering liquid after use, each tank (16, 17) including an envelope (18). Each envelope (18) includes two similar walls (19, 20) comprising each an outer surface and a peripheral edge (23). Each envelope (18) has a retracted configuration wherein said walls (19, 20) are deployed one proximate the other and in an inflated configuration wherein said outer surfaces of each said wall (19, 20) are convex. At least one envelope (18) is capable, in its inflated configuration, to be nested in the other envelope (18) in its retracted configuration. |
| US08621680B2 |
Hanging shower curtain support
A hanging shower curtain support for a bathtub/shower within a bathroom having a ceiling, walls and floor, includes a plurality of hooks that are secured into the ceiling above the bathtub/shower. A plurality of chains is provided, with each chain having a bottom retainer ring hanging downwardly from each hook. A shower curtain rod is suspended from the bottom retainer rings of the chains. The shower curtain rod will hold a shower curtain therefrom, to prevent water from splashing onto the walls and the floor of the bathroom. |
| US08621677B2 |
Odour seal for a vacuum toilet drain system
The invention relates to an odor seal for a vacuum toilet drain system whose cross section in the state of no throughflow tapers off in such a way in the downstream direction that the interior walls on the downstream end of the odor seal rest against each other so that the odor seal in a downstream direction allows throughflow while in the opposite direction it blocks throughflow, wherein the downstream end of the odor seal is closed in the state of throughflow and no throughflow of the odor seal. Furthermore, the invention relates to a drainage device comprising such an odor seal and a sieve which is arranged upstream of the odor seal. Moreover, the invention relates to a vacuum toilet system for an aircraft, comprising such an odor seal or a drainage device. |
| US08621676B2 |
Sanitary washing device
A sanitary washing device includes: a nozzle including a water discharge port and configured to squirt water from the water discharge port to wash user's human private parts; a flow channel configured to supply the water to the water discharge port; a water supply device configured to supply the water; a sterilizing water producing device provided midway along the flow channel and being operable to produce sterilizing water; and a controller configured to perform control for retaining the sterilizing water produced by the sterilizing water producing device for a prescribed time in the flow channel, and then draining the sterilizing water out of the flow channel. |
| US08621670B2 |
Pair of trousers
A pair of trousers has two side seams, a front seam, a back seam, an inseam, an outer part, and an inner part. The outer part constitutes the trousers and is formed by sub-parts joined at the seams. The inner part is arranged along a front part of the outer part and is joined to the outer part at the side and front seams. The outer part is made from a first material and the inner part is made from a second material, the first material having a higher elasticity than the second material. The inner part includes at least two stitchings extending from a first side seam towards the front seam, and at least two stitchings extending from a second side seam towards the front seam which follow the shape of an abdomen of a person wearing the trousers to thereby support the abdomen. |
| US08621668B1 |
Convertible garment
A convertible winter garment converts from a cap or hat configuration to a neck gaiter, face cover, or hand warmer. The garment is a four-edged fabric with two layers such that opposing side edges of the fabric provide openings for insertion of the user's hands between the layers when the garment is used as a hand warmer. A transparent window through one layer of the garment permits observation of a mobile device held between the layers. Clips mounted along the edge opposing the longest edge can be attached to edges of the bill of a baseball cap worn by the user and anchor the garment to the baseball cap. In one embodiment, a bill having view openings is attached to the garment such that it can be used to shield the user's face from either overhead or below. |
| US08621667B2 |
Visored cloth headgear
An item of headgear comprised of a visor bill attached to a square piece of cloth along the diagonal of the cloth and slightly below the center of the cloth. The visor bill is encased in a pocket-shaped visor bill cover before it is stitched to the square piece of cloth. The present invention can be worn as a visor, or it can be opened up and wrapped over the top of the head to form the shape of a more traditional hat. |
| US08621666B2 |
Garment protective assembly
A garment such as a shirt or pants has a front layer with portions which define a central opening defined by an inner periphery and positionable to overlie a portion of the joint to be protected such as a knee or an elbow. A removable protective insert is larger than the central opening and has a unitary cap sewn thereto. The cap has an upper segment separated from a lower segment by a bending joint defined by at least one groove which extends substantially across the cap. The upper segment and the lower segment are separately fixed to the protective insert by stitching. The upper segment and the lower segment have an outwardly projecting flange which overlies the protective insert, the flange having portions which engage the front layer of the garment between the cap flange and the protective insert. A slot in the insert ventilates through the front layer. |
| US08621664B2 |
Combination headgear and eye protection system
A combination headgear assembly and protective eyewear system includes protective eyewear that attaches to a headgear assembly via magnetic connectors. The headgear assembly includes an adjustable headrest with first and second ends. The first end connects to a first spherical capsule having a first side wall, and the second end connects to a second spherical capsule having a second side wall. The protective eyewear includes a vision blade with a first end attaching via a first finger to a first telescoping member while a second end attaches via a second finger to a second telescoping member. A first magnetic connector is positioned between the first telescoping member and the first side wall of the first spherical capsule, and a second magnetic connector is positioned between the first telescoping member and the second side wall of the second spherical capsule. |
| US08621662B2 |
Adjustable shoulder device for hard upper torso suit
A suit includes a hard upper torso providing shoulder apertures. A repositionable scye bearing is arranged at a shoulder aperture. An adjustable shoulder device interconnects the scye bearing and the hard upper torso. The adjustable shoulder device is configured to move the scye bearing between first and second shoulder width positions relative to the hard upper torso. A method of donning a suit includes the steps of adjusting a scye bearing relative to a hard upper torso to a desired shoulder width position. The scye bearing can be subsequently repositioned for desired crewmember fit and use while the desired shoulder width position is maintained. |
| US08627510B2 |
Electronic device and method for operating the electronic device
The invention describes an electronic device and a method for operating the electronic device. The electronic device includes one or more circuit components. The electronic device further includes one or more fuses and one or more non-volatile memories to disable the access of at least one of the one or more circuit components. Each of the one or more non-volatile memories includes one or more firmware, which are used to program at least one bit to manage the access of the at least one circuit component. The method includes performing a power-up sequence in a power cycle for the electronic device. The method further includes determining a state of circuit and a state of a bit for selectively enabling a test function. |
| US08627505B2 |
Technique for controlling access by a client entity to a service
A technique of controlling access by a client entity to a service in a communications network. Processing modules are interconnected in the network in order to supply the service to the client entity. A processing module implements an individual function of a chain of individual functions associated with the service. The access method includes the following steps implemented by an access control device associated with an access node giving access to the service, the device being referred to as a main device: receiving a chain of processing modules from the access node; sending, to a secondary access control device associated with a processing module of the chain, a request to access the processing module under consideration, the request including an access token negotiated between the main device and the client entity; receiving a response to the access request from the secondary device; and notifying the access node of the response. |
| US08627494B2 |
Classification separation router
A method and system are provided to classify and convey data to satisfy a client request. The classification system is a two dimensional data classification system, including a first dimension pertaining to subject matter and a second dimension pertaining to data security. A partition is dynamically created, and data that satisfies the request populates the created partition to convey parsed data based satisfying both dimensions of the request. |
| US08627489B2 |
Distributed document version control
Systems and techniques to provide distributed document version control. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes: receiving a request to take an action with respect to a distributed electronic document, identifying, in response to the request, information associated with the distributed electronic document, the associated information indicating a second electronic document different from the distributed electronic document, and imparting information concerning the second electronic document to force the action to be taken with respect to the second electronic document. Receiving the request can occur at a server, and the request can be from a client to take the action with respect to the distributed electronic document, retained locally at the client. The associated information can be retained at the server, and imparting the second document information can involve relating the second document information (e.g., the second document or a link to it) from the server to the client. |
| US08627487B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing DRM service
An apparatus for providing a Digital Rights Management (DRM) service includes a Media Presentation Description (MPD) information configurer for determining a DRM system required in each of representations of content provided by an adaptive streaming service, classifying the representations into one or more groups according to predetermined criteria, and configuring MPD information by inserting content protection information including representation group information representing classified groups and information about DRM systems corresponding to the representation group information; and a communication unit for transmitting the MPD information to a user terminal receiving the content. |
| US08627479B2 |
System and method for network security including detection of attacks through partner websites
A computer readable storage medium with instructions executable on a host computer. The instructions record a relationship between a partner site and the host computer, substitute a reference to the partner site with a partner site alias referencing the host computer, deliver the partner site alias to a client, replace the partner site alias for the reference to the partner site in response to receiving the partner site alias from the client and augment the address of the client with an address alias. The address alias is sent to the partner site. A partner action and the address alias are received from the partner site. The address is exchanged for the address alias. The partner action is delivered to the client utilizing the address. These operations are monitored to identify client activity that constitutes a security threat at the host computer or the partner site. |
| US08627476B1 |
Altering application behavior based on content provider reputation
Incoming network traffic is monitored, and content-based files in the monitored incoming network traffic originating from remote sources are identified. When a specific content-based file originating from a remote source is identified, security information concerning that file is gleaned. This security information comprises at least a security reputation of the remote source from which the file originates. An attempt to open the file is identified, and a security risk rating is determined based on the security information concerning the file. In response to the security risk rating exceeding a given threshold, behavior associated with the attempt to open the file is altered. This altering of behavior can comprise, for example, disabling a scripting engine for the instance of the content processing application attempting to open the file, or altering file system and/or operating system resource access privileges. |
| US08627475B2 |
Early detection of potential malware
Evidence of attempted malware attacks may be used to identify the location and nature of future attacks. A failed attack may cause a program to crash. Crash data may be sent to an analyzer for analysis. The analysis may reveal information such as the identity of the program that is being exploited, the specific way in which the program is being exploited, and the identity or location of the source of the attack. This information may be used to identify potential sources of attack and to identify the same type of attack from other sources. When the source and/or nature of an attempted attack is known, remedial action may be taken. Filters may warn users who are attempting to visit sites from which attacks have been attempted, and the makers of programs that are being exploited can be notified so that those program makers can release updates. |
| US08627472B2 |
Determining heavy distinct hitters in a data stream
A method for determining a heavy distinct hitter (HDH) in a data stream by a data traffic monitor, the data stream comprising a plurality of element-value (e,v) pairs, includes receiving the plurality of (e,v) pairs from the data stream by an HDH module in the data traffic monitor, the HDH module being in communication with a counter block, the counter block comprising a plurality of hash functions, and further comprising a respective pair of distinct counting primitives associated with each hash function of the plurality of hash functions; and adding each of the plurality of (e,v) pairs to one of the distinct counting primitives of the respective pair of distinct counting primitives for each of the plurality of hash functions in the counter block. |
| US08627470B2 |
System and method for wireless network and physical system integration
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an intrusion detection arrangement and a location identification arrangement. The intrusion detection arrangement determines when a client without authorization attempts to access a wireless network of which the intrusion detection arrangement is a part. The location identification arrangement identifies at least a first approximate physical location of the client without authorization when the client without authorization attempts to access the wireless network. The location identification arrangement is configured to communicate the first approximate physical location to a surveillance arrangement which monitors the first approximate physical location. |
| US08627469B1 |
Systems and methods for using acquisitional contexts to prevent false-positive malware classifications
A method for using acquisitional contexts to prevent false-positive malware classifications. The method may include (1) receiving, from at least one client-side computing device within a community of users, contextual information associated with a file, (2) determining, based at least in part on the contextual information received from the client-side computing device, a reputation rating for the file, and (3) providing the reputation rating for the file to at least one additional client-side computing device within the community in order to prevent the additional client-side computing device from falsely classifying the file as untrustworthy due to acquiring an additional instance of the file via a context that is insufficient to determine that the additional instance of the file is trustworthy. Various other methods and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08627466B2 |
Alert message control of security mechanisms in data processing systems
An authenticated secure network communication link is established between an alert message generating computer 2 and a destination data processing system 6. The alert message sent specifies a risk threat level and a suggested countermeasure amongst other data. The destination computer 6 automatically responds to the alert message as controlled by its local response configuration parameters to trigger security actions of one or more security mechanisms, such as malware scanners, firewall scanners, security policy managers and the like. |
| US08627465B2 |
Automatic inference of whitelist-based validation as part of static analysis for security
A method includes performing taint analysis of a computer program and determining an original set of paths from sources to sinks. Each path corresponds to a vulnerability. The method includes determining for each variable whose type is a collection and is accessed in one of the paths in the original set of paths whether the variable points to a concrete value whose internal state is not tainted according to the taint analysis. The method further includes, for each of the variables whose type is a collection found not to be tainted according to the taint analysis, determining all points in the computer program where a membership check against the collection is performed. The method also includes, for each of the points, determining corresponding paths and removing those paths from the original set of paths to create a reduced set of paths. Apparatus and computer readable program products are also disclosed. |
| US08627462B2 |
Token processing
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for mapping security processing rules into a data structure that facilitates a more efficient processing of the security processing rules. In one aspect, a method includes receiving security processing rules, each of the security processing rules defining one or more security checks and security operations corresponding to the security checks and that are to be performed when the security checks occur; and generating from the security processing rules a mapping of security checks to security operations, the mapping including a security check entry for each security check that is defined in one or more of the security processing rules, and each security check entry being mapped to one or more security operations that the security processing rules define as corresponding to the security check. |
| US08627460B2 |
Device function restricting method and system in specific perimeters
An apparatus and method for restricting the functions of a device are provided. A restriction monitoring system includes a communication system that provides a location-limited communication channel that detects whether a device entering a perimeter is in an area for device inspection, a server that provides a credential and a security policy to the device and receives a report on whether the device violates the security policy through the location-limited communication channel, and an alarm system which triggers a security alarm when the device violates the security policy. |
| US08627457B2 |
Integrated security system
A network device used to provide network security includes an interface configured to receive data transmitted over a network. The network device also includes a firewall, intrusion detection logic and forwarding logic. The firewall, intrusion detection logic and forwarding logic process the received data to determine whether the data contains malicious content. When the data contains malicious content, the data may be dropped before it reaches a user device to which the received data was sent. Optionally, the network device may interact with an external device in order to make the forwarding decision. In addition, the network device may subscribe to services offered by the external device to receive updated security information. |
| US08627456B2 |
Methods and systems for preventing access to display graphics generated by a trusted virtual machine
The methods and systems provide for preventing a non-trusted virtual machine from reading the graphical output of a trusted virtual machine. A graphics manager receives a request from a trusted virtual machine to render graphical data using a graphics processing unit. The graphics manager assigns, to the trusted virtual machine, a secure section of a memory of the graphics processing unit. The graphics manager renders graphics from the trusted virtual machine graphical data to the secure section of the graphics processing unit memory. The graphics manager receives a request from a non-trusted virtual machine to read graphics rendered from the trusted virtual machine graphical data and stored in the secure section of the graphics processing unit memory, and prevents the non-trusted virtual machine from reading the trusted virtual machine rendered graphics stored in the secure section of the graphics processing unit memory. |
| US08627454B2 |
Dynamic quota-based entertainment manager
A system biometrically authenticates a user that intends to use an entertainment device. The system obtains, based on the biometric authentication, one or more quotas associated with an amount of time that the user may use the entertainment device, and controls the user's use of the entertainment device based on the one or more quotas. |
| US08627451B2 |
Systems and methods for providing an isolated execution environment for accessing untrusted content
A sandbox tool can cooperate with components of a secure operating system to create an isolated execution environment for accessing untrusted content without exposing other processes and resources of the computing system to the untrusted content. The sandbox tool can allocate resources (storage space, memory, etc) of the computing system, which are necessary to access the untrusted content, to the isolated execution environment, and apply security polices of the operating system to the isolated execution environment such that untrusted content running in the isolated execution environment can only access the resources allocated to the isolated execution environment. |
| US08627449B2 |
Dynamic tunneling over virtual private network connections based on network conditions
Techniques are provided for transmitting data securely across virtual private network (VPN) connections. A first VPN connection is initiated between a first device and a second device. The second device selects a first communication protocol to be used for the first VPN connection with the first device. The first device generates session identification data associated with the first VPN connection and sends the session identification data to the second device over the first VPN. The second device receives the session identification data and stores it. The second device determines when the first VPN connection has been disrupted. The second device then selects a second communication protocol and initiates a second VPN connection using the second communication protocol with the first device. The second device transmits the session identification data to the first device, and the first device associates the second VPN connection with the first VPN connection using session identification data. |
| US08627447B1 |
Provisioning layer three access for agentless devices
A method may include obtaining a layer two identification of an endpoint that is seeking access to a network, the endpoint omitting an agent to communicate a layer three address of the endpoint to a policy node, applying one or more authentication rules based on the layer two identification of the endpoint, assigning the layer three address to the endpoint, learning, by the policy node, the layer three address of the endpoint, and provisioning layer three access for the endpoint to the network based on the learned layer three address. |
| US08627445B2 |
Proxy connection method and adapter to IMS/MMD network
A client for IPv4 having a SIP function sends a first REGISTER message to an adapter. Then, the adapter executes an authentication sequence of EAP-AKA for an access gateway connected between an IMS/MMD network and an IPv4 network, then establishes a tunnel connection. Then, the adapter generates a second REGISTER message corresponding to IPv6 based on the first REGISTER message corresponding to IPv4. The adapter sends the second REGISTER message to a SIP server connected to the IMS/MMD network through the tunnel connection to the access gateway. |
| US08627444B2 |
Computers and microchips with a faraday cage, with a side protected by an internal hardware firewall and unprotected side connected to the internet for network operations, and with internal hardware compartments
A personal computer or microchip comprising at least one Faraday Cage, two or more microprocessors or processing units and an internal hardware firewall. The internal hardware firewall is configured to separate a protected side of the computer or microchip from an unprotected side of the computer or microchip. The unprotected side being configured to connect to a network including the Internet. The protected hardware side of the computer or microchip includes at least one microprocessor or processing unit. The unprotected network side of the computer or microchip is located between the internal hardware firewall and the network and includes the unprotected microprocessors or processing units. At least one of the unprotected microprocessors or processing units is not a network communications component and is a separate component from the internal hardware firewall. The computer or microchip can include two, four, or more internal hardware compartments. |
| US08627443B2 |
Network adapter firewall system and method
A network adapter system and associated method are provided. Included is a network adapter having a plurality of designated trusted and untrusted ports. The network adapter includes a processor coupled to a computer. Such processor is further coupled to a network via the ports. In use, the processor is configured for conditionally preventing network traffic from accessing the computer from the network via the untrusted ports and/or preventing unauthorized software from accessing the network in an untrusted manner from the computer. |
| US08627442B2 |
Hierarchical rule development and binding for web application server firewall
At least one of an HTTP request message and an HTTP response message is intercepted. A corresponding HTTP message model is identified. The HTTP message model includes a plurality of message model sections. Additional steps include parsing a representation of the at least one of an HTTP request message and an HTTP response message into message sections in accordance with the message model sections of the HTTP message model; and binding a plurality of security rules to the message model sections. The plurality of security rules each specify at least one action to be taken in response to a given condition. The given condition is based, at least in part, on a corresponding given one of the message sections. A further step includes processing the at least one of an HTTP request message and an HTTP response message in accordance with the plurality of security rules. Techniques for developing rules for a web application server firewall are also provided. |
| US08627440B2 |
PassThru for client authentication
This disclosure pertains generally to client authentication. One aspect of the disclosure relates to a first server for presenting evidence to a Domain Controller (DC) of a first authentication context being submitted from a client to the first server to obtain a delegable credential, wherein the credential can be used to request a second authentication context from that client to a second server. Another aspect relates to the first server providing a pass-thru with evidence to a DC. The evidence relates to a first authentication context being submitted from a client to the first server that it obtained a delegable credential. The pass-thru is used in combination with the credential to request a second authentication context from the client to a second server. |
| US08627439B2 |
Processing communication events in a communications system
A method of communicating over a communications system includes determining that a communication event at a user terminal of the communications system requires use of a feature for processing data, the communication event being over the communications system and determining that the feature required by the communication event is not enabled for use at the user terminal when the communication event is initiated. Following the step of determining that the feature is not enabled, the method further includes retrieving a certificate enabling the use of the feature at the user terminal and using the feature at the user terminal to process data of the communication event. |
| US08627433B2 |
System and method for authenticating a request for access to a secured device
A method for authenticating a request for access comprises monitoring one or more ambient transmissions present in a local environment, analyzing the one or more ambient transmissions to create a characterization thereof, and transmitting information configured to instruct a security token regarding characteristics of an adapted transmission protocol based on the characterization. The adapted transmission protocol is configured for decreasing a likelihood of interference by the one or more ambient transmissions with reception of an authentication transmission from the security token. An authentication transmission comprising authentication information is received from the security token, and the security token is authenticated based on the authentication information. In response to a request for access, a signal is transmitted to a controller indicating the request is authentic. A system for authenticating a request for access comprises a secured device configured for use with a security token and for monitoring one or more ambient transmissions. |
| US08627432B2 |
Web browser playback for a video provisioning system
A method, performed by a video provisioning system, may include receiving a request for a first digital rights management (DRM) token, associated with a video asset purchased via the video provisioning system, from a browser application associated with a user device and providing the first DRM token to the browser application. The method may further include receiving a license authorization request to issue a DRM license for the video asset, where the license authorization request is received from a license server, where the DRM license is to be used by the user device to decrypt the video asset, and where the license authorization request includes a second DRM token; determining whether the second DRM token matches the first DRM token; and authorizing the license server to issue the DRM license for the video asset, when the second DRM token matches the first DRM token. |
| US08627431B2 |
Distributed network name
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to a distributed network name. In aspects, computers of a cluster have components of a distributed network name service. The network name service has a leader and clones that are hosted on the computers of the cluster. The leader is responsible for updating a name server with network names and addresses of the computers. The leader is also responsible for configuring a security server that allows clients to securely access the computers. The network name service provides credentials to local security authorities of the computers so that a client that attempts to access a service of the computers can be authenticated. |
| US08627426B2 |
Cloud platform architecture
A cloud computing environment provides the ability to deploy a web application that has been developed using one of a plurality of application frameworks and is configured to execute within one of a plurality of runtime environments. The cloud computing environment receives the web application in a package compatible with the runtime environment (e.g., a WAR file to be launched in an application server, for example) and dynamically binds available services by appropriately inserting service provisioning data (e.g., service network address, login credentials, etc.) into the package. The cloud computing environment then packages an instance of the runtime environment, a start script and the package into a web application deployment package, which is then transmitted to an application (e.g., container virtual machine, etc.). The application container unpacks the web application deployment package, installs the runtime environment, loads the web application package into the runtime environment and starts the start script, thereby deploying the web application in the application container. |
| US08627420B2 |
Apparatus for associating a client device or service with a wireless network
A network association apparatus includes identification information and an authorization credential associated with a specific client device or service to be connected to a wireless network. The apparatus is configured to automatically provide the identification information and the authorization credential to a host device of a wireless network in a secure fashion when brought into close proximity to or physically connected with the host of the wireless network. The apparatus may comprise an RFID tag. |
| US08627419B1 |
Multiple image reverse turing test
In a Reverse Turing Test an applicant seeking access to a computer process is presented with an image containing human-readable data that is intended to be inaccessible to an automated process or bot. In an improved Reverse Turing Test the applicant is presented with multiple sub-images that have to be rearranged in order to yield the overall image. This does not substantially increase a human applicant's difficulty in dealing with the test, but makes it much more difficult for a bot to interpret the image. |
| US08627417B2 |
Login administration method and server
When a login request in which a network terminal serves as a login destination is received from an administrator terminal, a login request receiving unit of a login administration server causes the administrator terminal to transmit a shared account and fingerprint information. A search engine unit performs a search in an authentication table by using the account and the user fingerprint information as a key, and, when the authentication succeeds, acquires association data including a right upon successful authentication and a login permitted terminal from an association data table. A login request transmitting unit transmits a login request to the network terminal of the login destination so as to achieve login and imparts the right upon successful authentication. Furthermore, the login request transmitting unit transmits a login request to the unprocessed network terminal so as to achieve login and imparts the right upon successful authentication. |
| US08627413B2 |
System and method for authorization and management of connections and attachment of resources
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and system for authorization management and resource attachment. The method includes receiving, within an electronic system, a notification of an emulated device operable to be provisioned and updating an authorization record of an authorization record datastore. The updating of the authorization record comprises updating routing information related to communication of the emulated device and a virtual device. The method further includes receiving a request for initial instantiation or reconnection of the emulated device with the virtual device and determining whether the emulated device and the virtual device are allowed to communicate based on the authorization record datastore. A response to the request for instantiation or reconnection can then be sent. |
| US08627410B2 |
Dynamic radius
A system includes a remote authentication dial in user service (RADIUS) server in communication with a network access server. The network access server provides an authentication request to the RADIUS server. The authentication request includes at least a user identifier and a device identifier. The RADIUS server determines an authentication format utilized by the network access server based on the received authentication request. The system may also determine an authorization level to provide with an authentication response. |
| US08627409B2 |
Framework for automated dissemination of security metadata for distributed trust establishment
Methods, systems, and machine-readable media for disseminating security metadata from one distributed entity to another in an automated fashion are disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a computer-implemented method for distributing security metadata comprises receiving at a first service a request for security metadata, the request being received from a process associated with a second service. The method further comprises generating an identifier and security metadata for the second service, the identifier and the security metadata being unique to the second service, and storing the identifier and the security metadata in a first memory accessible to the first service. The identifier and the security metadata are then transmitted to the process associated with the second service and stored in a second memory. The second service is configured to access the security metadata stored in the second memory to encrypt a first communication and decrypt a second communication. |
| US08627402B2 |
Evaluation systems and methods for coordinating software agents
A device, method, computer program product, and network subsystem are described for associating a first mobile agent with a first security policy and a second mobile agent with a second security policy or for providing a first agent with code for responding to situational information about the first agent and about a second agent and for evaluating a received message at least in response to an indication of the first security policy and to an indication of the second security policy or for deploying the first agent. |
| US08627382B2 |
Multiple dwelling unit satellite television delivery system
Systems for delivering satellite signals to multiple dwelling units (MDUs). A system in accordance with the present invention comprises an antenna for receiving the satellite signals, a conversion unit, coupled to the antenna, for stacking the satellite signals onto a single cable, a distribution unit, coupled to the conversion unit, wherein the distribution unit distributes the stacked satellite signal to a plurality of outputs, and at least one customer device, coupled to an output of the plurality of outputs, wherein each unit in the MDU uses the customer device to destack the stacked satellite signals for delivery to a receiver. |
| US08627377B2 |
Method and system for providing usage information for a set-top box
A method and system for providing usage information for a set-top box is disclosed. An embodiment is disclosed that receives a request for usage information for a set-top box and the usage information has media content received by the set-top box, queries a database with a query based upon the request and the request has criteria for usage information, and sends a query result for the query. |
| US08627374B2 |
Video content search system and method with automatic multi-term grouping and search
A search based video interface system and method is disclosed. Search results are dynamically filtered based on automatic combinations of search terms. |
| US08627373B2 |
System and method for presenting media services
A system and method for presenting media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media system having a controller element that contextually associates a plurality of portals with a corresponding plurality of multimedia broadcast channels as an aggregated service offering. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08627371B2 |
System and method of applying user profiles at a set-top box device
A method of applying user profiles at a set-top box device includes receiving data associated with each of a plurality of user profiles at the set-top box device, the plurality of user profiles including a default profile and a supplemental profile. The method also includes automatically applying the supplemental profile to at least one set-top box action after a start time associated with the supplemental profile occurs. Further, the method includes automatically applying the default profile to the at least one set-top box action after an end time associated with the supplemental profile occurs. |
| US08627364B2 |
Digital system and method of processing service data thereof
A digital system and a method of processing service data thereof are disclosed. The digital system includes a first device configured to transmit at least one of device information and device location information of a first device to a second device which is connected to the first device, receive service data from the second device, the service data being extracted based upon at least one of the device information and the device location information of the first device, process and output the service data on a screen, transmit a command signal which is selected from the outputted service data to the second device and receive respond data corresponding to the command signal from the second device and outputting the respond data on the screen. |
| US08627359B2 |
Method and system for automatically targeting ads to television media using demographic similarity
Described herein is a system and method of ad targeting that automatically matches advertisements to media based on the demographic signatures of each. The method and system include calculating a match score between historical buyer demographics and media demographics. Media which is similar to the demographic of the product buyers is targeted for advertising. |
| US08627355B2 |
System and method for displaying selected information to a person undertaking exercises
A system for displaying selected information to a person undertaking exercises includes a physical data assessment unit, a physical data gathering unit, and a motion template database. The physical data gathering unit and the motion template database are in communication with the physical data assessment unit. The system further includes an impairment profile generator, an information database including audiovisual information to be displayed to the person according to the impairment profile, and an audiovisual display unit. The information database and the audiovisual display unit are in communication with the impairment profile generator and the impairment profile generator is in communication with the physical data assessment unit. Information such as advertisements is displayed on display to the person where advertisement selection rules are based on Bayesian inference. |
| US08627349B2 |
User interface
A method of providing access to a block of stored content includes transmitting a general EPG at a content receiver for display on a presentation device, the EPG including a plurality of channels having a plurality of programs available at a plurality of times, receiving input from a user to display a block guide, and transmitting the block guide wherein, the block guide is associated with the block of stored content for accessing the block of stored content, the block guide including a plurality of channels having a plurality of programs available for a selected airing time. |
| US08627347B1 |
System and method for generating and providing a program viewing indicator
A method, system, and computer program product. The method includes: receiving a display power consumption level indicator; determining, in response to the display power consumption level indicator, whether a program that is sent to a signal converter that is coupled to the display, is being displayed on the display; and transmitting to a remote system, by the signal converter, and in response to the determining, a program viewing indicator. |
| US08627346B2 |
Disc cartridge
A disc cartridge includes a case body for receiving disc-shaped recording media in an axial direction of a central shaft so that first and second shells respectively having a base surface portion parallel to a recording surface of the disc-shaped recording media are coupled separated by axial engagement/disengagement; and a lock lever supported perpendicular to the axial direction in the case body and locking the shells coupled. The shells are separated to form a disc insertion/extraction hole for the insert or discharge of the disc-shaped recording media into/from the case body. A support shaft serving as a pivoting point of the lock lever is installed to the case body. The lock lever includes a supported portion supported by the support shaft, a lock portion protruding from the supported portion and locking the shells, and a balance portion protruding from the supported portion approximately opposite to protrusion of the lock portion. |
| US08627340B2 |
Managing events generated from business objects
A method, system, and computer program product for managing events generated from business objects in a business transactions environment are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A first event being raised by a business object in a plurality of business objects configured in a business entity is detected. The business entity executes in the data processing system and provides a function for processing a request. A determination is made whether a second event has been detected prior to the first event and during the processing of the request. In response to the determining being affirmative, first event data associated with the first event is combined with second event data stored from the second event. The combining results in consolidated event data. The consolidated event data is published in response to the request upon completing the processing of the request. |
| US08627339B2 |
Service-oriented architecture component processing model
A service-oriented architecture can include a service provider comprising a plurality of service objects, each service object comprising a self-describing, self-contained, platform independent, modular unit of application logic. The service oriented architecture further includes a service object among the plurality of service objects that is a service implementation having a pre-ordained message processing system. The service implementation can respond to client requests at different levels of granularity and can use a common transfer object message format that separates a business object into its constituent parts. The common set of operations can include at least the Read, Create, Update, Delete, and Execute functions. |
| US08627333B2 |
Message queuing with flexible consistency options
Embodiments of the invention relate to message queuing. In one embodiment, a request from an application for retrieving a message from a queue is received. The queue is stored across multiple nodes of a distributed storage system. A preference with respect to message order and message duplication associated with the queue is identified. A message sequence index associated with the queue is sampled based on the preference that has been identified. The message is selected in response to the sampling. The message that has been selected is made unavailable to other applications for a given interval of time, while maintaining the message in the queue. The message is sent to the application. |
| US08627331B1 |
Multi-level parallelism of process execution in a mutual exclusion domain of a processing system
A technique is described for improving throughput in a processing system, such as a network storage server. The technique provides multiple levels (e.g., a hierarchy) of parallelism of process execution within a single mutual exclusion domain, in a manner which allows certain operations on metadata to be parallelized as well as certain operations on user data. The specific parallelization scheme used in any given embodiment is based at least partly on the underlying metadata structures used by the processing system. Consequently, a high degree of parallelization possible, which improves the throughput of the processing system. |
| US08627329B2 |
Multithreaded physics engine with predictive load balancing
A circuit arrangement and method utilize predictive load balancing to allocate the workload among hardware threads in a multithreaded physics engine. The predictive load balancing is based at least in part upon the detection of predicted future collisions between objects in a scene, such that the reallocation of respective loads of a plurality of hardware threads may be initiated prior to detection of the actual collisions, thereby increasing the likelihood that hardware threads will be optimally allocated when the actual collisions occur. |
| US08627323B2 |
Utilizing user-defined workflow policies to automate changes made to composite workflows
Automating changes to a composite workflow using user-defined workflow policies can begin with the detection of a state change by a workflow policy handler for a record of an instance of a composite workflow running within a composite workflow system. User-defined workflow policies can be identified for the composite workflow in which the change was detected. A user-defined workflow policy can define policy actions to be performed if policy conditions are satisfied. For each identified user-defined workflow policy, the applicability to the instance of the composite workflow can be determined. If an identified user-defined workflow policy is determined to be applicable, the policy actions can be automatically performed on the instance of the composite workflow. |
| US08627322B2 |
System and method of active risk management to reduce job de-scheduling probability in computer clusters
Systems and methods are provided for generating backup tasks for a plurality of tasks scheduled to run in a computer cluster. Each scheduled task is associated with a target probability for execution, and is executable by a first cluster element and a second cluster element. The system classifies the scheduled tasks into groups based on resource requirements of each task. The system determines the number of backup tasks to be generated. The number of backup tasks is determined in a manner necessary to guarantee that the scheduled tasks satisfy the target probability for execution. The backup tasks are desirably identical for a given group. And each backup task can replace any scheduled task in the given group. |
| US08627317B2 |
Automatic identification of bottlenecks using rule-based expert knowledge
Execution states of tasks are inferred from collection of information associated with runtime execution of a computer system. Collection of information may include infrequent samples of executing tasks, the samples which may provide inaccurate executing states. One or more tasks may be aggregated by one or more execution states for determining execution time, idle time, or system policy violations, or combinations thereof. |
| US08627316B2 |
Mobile communications device application processing system
A system and method of pre-linking classes for use by one or more applications. The system and method may also be used where the runtime processing is split between a host system and a target system. At the host system at least several classes are loaded and linked. At least one host-linked module is generated from the linked classes. The host-linked module is made available for use by the one or more applications operating on the target system. |
| US08627314B2 |
Method for managing power of host computer
In a method for managing power of host computers using a control computer, the method generates a power management command, groups virtual machines installed in the host computers at a first time if the power management command is a first type, to obtain a first group of the virtual machines. The method further relocates the virtual machines in the host computers based on the first group of the virtual machines, and closes idle host computers. Closed host computers are powered on if the power management command is the second type, all the virtual machines at a second time are grouped, to obtain a second group of the virtual machines. The virtual machines are relocated into each host computer based on the second group of the virtual machines. |
| US08627313B2 |
Virtual machine liveness determination
A data center can share processing resources using virtual networks. A hosting program 9,10 hosts one or more virtual machines 11, 12. The program has a virtual interface VIF 1 14, to the virtual machines, a network interface 19 to enable communication between the virtual machines and other nodes of a network, and an infrastructure management interface 8, invisible to the virtual machines. The program has an intercept function 7 implemented as a comparator, switch or router, arranged to intercept a status message from one of the virtual machines, or applications run by that virtual machine. The status indication is sent to a status buffer 5 and is made available to the infrastructure management interface without providing a network path between the management interface and the virtual machine. This can discriminate between VM failure and communication failure, and the invisibility maintains isolation and helps avoid vulnerability to denial of service attack. |
| US08627310B2 |
Capturing multi-disk virtual machine images automatically
A plurality of virtual disk images are established on a virtual machine. The virtual machine identifies corresponding network address translations for a plurality of disks, each having a corresponding plurality of data sets. The virtual machine installs the corresponding plurality of data sets to the plurality of virtual disks using the corresponding network address translations. An image of the plurality of disks is created, wherein the image contains the plurality of virtual disks with the plurality of data sets. |
| US08627304B2 |
Vectorization of program code
A method for vectorization of a block of code is provided. The method comprises receiving a first block of code as input; and converting the first block of code into at least a second block of code and a third block of code. The first block of code accesses a first set of memory addresses that are potentially misaligned. The second block of code performs conditional leaping address incrementation to selectively access a first subset of the first set of memory addresses. The third block of code accesses a second subset of the first set of memory addresses starting from an aligned memory address, simultaneously accessing multiple memory addresses at a time. No memory address belongs to both the first subset and the second subset of memory addresses. |
| US08627302B2 |
Sampling based runtime optimizer for efficient debugging of applications
A method of reproducing runtime environment for debugging an application includes reading an optimizer file from a non-volatile storage medium. The optimizer file includes a runtime environment, application definition information, and a log. The log includes summaries of events, actions, and a time mark of occurrence for each of the actions. A runtime environment for debugging the application is then defined and the application runtime is set up using the application definition information in the optimizer file. Further, the method includes running the application, attaching an optimizer, and triggering each of the actions to occur at a time mark of occurrence associated with each of the actions. Then, each of the actions and associated events is analyzed by comparing the events produced by running the application with the events in the optimizer file. If a fault is produced by the triggering, a debugger is invoked to analyze the fault. |
| US08627296B1 |
Unified unit and integration test with automatic mock creation
Computer code for a mock object is automatically generated and used in testing computer program code. Interactions with a method of an object that is described by the computer program code are captured. From the captured interactions, mock code that creates a mock object is automatically generated. The mock object mimics the captured interactions. Subsequently, test code, which has at least some of the computer program code and mock code, is executed to enable testing of the computer program code. |
| US08627291B2 |
Identification of localizable function calls
Detecting localizable native methods may include statically analyzing a native binary file of a native method. For each function call invoked in the native binary, it is checked whether resources accessed through the function call is locally available or not. If all resources accessed though the native method is locally available, the method is annotated as localizable. |
| US08627289B2 |
Detecting configuration problems in an eclipse-based software application
Detecting configuration problems in an ECLIPSE-based software application can be detected. Such a method can begin with the receipt of a user-command to test a configuration of an ECLIPSE-based software application or with a detection of a feature addition/update when an auto-testing feature is enabled. Information about the available sites for the ECLIPSE-based application can then be obtained. Then, a list of software elements required to operate the ECLIPSE-based software application can be compiled. At least one data attribute can be extracted from the meta data of each software element in the compiled list. The extracted data attributes can then be analyzed. When the analysis identifies a configuration problem, the existence of the configuration problem can be validated. |
| US08627283B2 |
Graphical user interface with a background class loading event system
According to one aspect of the invention, a method for searching for a particular type of class file and a graphical user interface for displaying the names of the class files of the particular type are provided. A first class file is searched for a particular feature. If the class file contains the feature, the name of the class file is displayed. A second class file may then be searched and displayed if it contains the same feature. The names of all class files having the feature may then be displayed in a menu on the graphical user interface. The graphical user interface may also include a window displaying a list of features. When one of the features is selected, the names of all the class files having the feature are displayed in the menu. |
| US08627282B1 |
Wide-spectrum type system incorporating representation types, correctness types, coercions, and function overload resolution
In an embodiment of the invention, one or more tangible non-transitory computer-readable storage media may store the following instructions. Defining representation type spaces R1 and R2 and correctness type spaces C1 and C2 over the representation type spaces R1 and R2, respectively. Defining a representation type space R and a correctness type space C over the representation type space R, such that a semilattice associated with the correctness type space C is a function semilattice over respective semilattices associated with the correctness type spaces C1 and C2. |
| US08627281B2 |
Method, computer program and computer system for converting source code written in dynamically typed language into target code written in statically typed language and executing target code
The present invention provides a method for converting source code written in a dynamically typed language into target code written in a statically typed language. The method includes the step of generating in a storage device the target code from the source code, the step of generating the target code including storing in a buffer a signature of a function/method used by a caller in the source code. In this step, generation of an interface class is delayed to a time point immediately before execution of a part of the target code corresponding to the function/method call by the caller, the interface class being needed to generate the caller and serving as an interface in the statically typed language. The method also includes the step of generating in the storage device a consolidated interface class for all signatures stored in the buffer, and loading the generated consolidated interface class from the storage device. In this step, all the signatures in the buffer are deleted upon generation of the consolidated interface class. |
| US08627278B2 |
Freehand system and method for creating, editing, and manipulating block diagrams
A method of integrating freehand user input into a block diagram environment is disclosed. The freehand user input is a user's approximation of a diagram component or feature of a component which is received by the block diagram environment and compared to multiple patterns stored in a storage location. The storage location holds patterns of block diagram components and block diagram component features. The freehand user input may be displayed, superimposed on a block diagram being shown to the user. Upon the freehand user input being matched to one of the patterns representing a block diagram component or feature of a component, the freehand user input is replaced on the displayed block diagram with an electronic device drawn rendering of the matched diagram feature component or feature of a component. Partial matches of the user drawn input may result in a menu of choices being presented to the user for selection. |
| US08627277B2 |
Machine driven process for user interface driven data modeling collaboration
A computer implemented method and computer program product build a data-bound user interface. An instruction from a graphical designer is received for creating the presentation field within the presentation user interface. When the presentation field is created, a corresponding data element is created within a reserved data model, and the presentation field is automatically bound to the data element. Instructions from a data modeler are received for relocating the data element from within the reserved data model to within a custom data model. The data element is relocated to the custom model, and the binding from the presentation field to the data element is maintained. The data bound user interface is then built, including the presentation field and the data element. |
| US08627275B1 |
Technique for acquiring data storage metrics
A technique for acquiring information about a data storage system employs compiled software constructs and an uncompiled file external to the compiled software constructs. The uncompiled file stores data inquiry definitions, such as select query and view definitions. The compiled software constructs incorporate the data inquiry definitions from the uncompiled file into database language instructions, which the compiled software constructs send to a database for processing. Results of processing the database language instructions are returned to the compiled software constructs, which return the results to an application program or other client that requested them. |
| US08627272B1 |
Traceability in a modeling environment
Exemplary embodiments employ a mapping among entities that are related to each other. The entities may include a graphical model, generated code, a generated report, a requirements document and/or an intermediate representation. The mapping may facilitate graphical identifications between parts of one entity that maps to part of another entity. The graphical identification may occur based on a selection of a part in one of the entities. |
| US08627268B2 |
System and method for a non-sequential undo mechanism
A system and method for a non-sequential undo mechanism is presented. An action removal manager stores program states and action descriptions that it receives from a user in a program log corresponding to a software application. In turn, the action removal manager allows the user to remove an action from the program log without first removing actions subsequent to the action that, as a result, undoes an action to a file without undoing subsequent actions to the file. In one embodiment, the undo request includes a request to remove two or more actions from the program log. In this embodiment, the action removal manager evaluates the earliest action description to remove in the program log and then proceeds to evaluate subsequent action descriptions for removal. |
| US08627260B1 |
Bit-level simplification of word-level models
Computer implemented techniques for simplification of models are disclosed including various manipulations that are useful in logic analysis, verification, and re-synthesis. A high word-level representation is obtained along with a bit-level design representation. A map between the word-level representation and the bit-level representation is produced. Optimizations are performed on the bit-level representation with the results being lifted and included in the word-level representation, based on the map. Similar optimizations are performed on the word-level representation and translated to the bit-level representation. |
| US08627259B2 |
Capacitance modification without affecting die area
According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for adjusting geometry of a capacitor includes fabricating a first composite capacitor residing in a first standard cell with a first set of process parameters. The method further includes using a second standard cell having substantially same dimensions as the first standard cell. The method further includes using a capacitance value from the first composite capacitor to adjust a geometry of a second composite capacitor residing in the second standard cell, wherein the second composite capacitor is fabricated with a second set of process parameters. The geometry of the second composite capacitor can be adjusted to cause the second composite capacitor to have a capacitance value substantially equal to the capacitance value from the first composite capacitor. |
| US08627257B2 |
Method of designing nonvolatile memory device
In a computer-implemented method of designing a nonvolatile memory device, first parameters associated with external environmental conditions are set. Second parameters associated with structural characteristics and internal environmental conditions are set. A first initial operation condition associated with an erase operation is determined based on the first and second parameters. A second initial operation condition associated with a program operation is determined based on the first and second parameters and the first initial operation condition. A final operation condition associated with reliability is determined based on the first and second parameters, and the first and second initial operation condition. |
| US08627251B2 |
Systems and methods of automatically detecting failure patterns for semiconductor wafer fabrication processes
A system and method of automatically detecting failure patterns for a semiconductor wafer process is provided. The method includes receiving a test data set collected from testing a plurality of semiconductor wafers, forming a respective wafer map for each of the wafers, determining whether each respective wafer map comprises one or more respective objects, selecting the wafer maps that are determined to comprise one or more respective objects, selecting one or more object indices for selecting a respective object in each respective selected wafer map, determining a plurality of object index values in each respective selected wafer map, selecting an object in each respective selected wafer map, determining a respective feature in each of the respective selected wafer, classifying a respective pattern for each of the respective selected wafer maps and using the respective wafer fingerprints to adjust one or more parameters of the semiconductor fabrication process. |
| US08627242B1 |
Method for making photomask layout
A method for making a photomask layout is provided. A first graphic data of a photomask is provided, wherein the first graphic data includes a first line with a first line end target, a second line with a second line end target and a hole, the first line is aligned with the second line, and the first line, the second line and the hole partially overlap with each other. Thereafter, a retarget step is performed to the first graphic data to obtain a second graphic data, wherein the retarget step includes moving the first line end target and the second line end target in opposite directions away from each other. |
| US08627241B2 |
Pattern correction with location effect
The present disclosure provides one embodiment of an integrated circuit (IC) method. The method includes receiving an IC design layout having a plurality of IC regions each including an IC pattern; performing a dissection process to the IC design layout; and performing a correction process to the IC design layout using a correction model that includes proximity effect and location effect. The correction process includes performing a first correction step to a first IC region of the IC regions, resulting in a first corrected IC pattern in the first IC region; and performing a second correction step to a second IC region of the IC regions, starting with the first corrected IC pattern, resulting in a second corrected IC pattern. |
| US08627239B2 |
Mask fabrication supporting method, mask blank providing method, and mask blank dealing system
A mask blank is provided by forming a plurality of films, including at least a thin film to be a transfer pattern, on a board. At the time of patterning a resist film of the mask blank according to pattern data, film information to check with a pattern is obtained for each of a plurality of the films. |
| US08627237B2 |
Unlocking a device by performing gestures on an unlock image
A device with a touch-sensitive display may be unlocked via gestures performed on the touch-sensitive display. The device is unlocked if contact with the display corresponds to a predefined gesture for unlocking the device. The device displays one or more unlock images with respect to which the predefined gesture is to be performed in order to unlock the device. The performance of the predefined gesture with respect to the unlock image may include moving the unlock image to a predefined location and/or moving the unlock image along a predefined path. The device may also display visual cues of the predefined gesture on the touch screen to remind a user of the gesture. |
| US08627236B2 |
Terminal and control method thereof
Disclosed is a mobile terminal and a control method thereof capable of displaying an image or data in a particular object shape. When an image list is displayed and then any one particular image of the list is selected, the selected image is converted into a particular preset object shape to be displayed if the selected image is a panorama-type image. |
| US08627235B2 |
Mobile terminal and corresponding method for assigning user-drawn input gestures to functions
A method of controlling a mobile terminal, the method including displaying, via a controller, at least one first function icon on a touchscreen of the mobile terminal, assigning, via the controller, a first input gesture to the displayed first function icon such that a first function corresponding to the first function icon is executed when the first input gesture is performed on the mobile terminal, and removing, via the controller, the first function icon from the touchscreen of the mobile terminal after the first gesture has been assigned to the first function icon. |
| US08627233B2 |
Radial menu with overshoot, fade away, and undo capabilities
Embodiments of the invention are generally related to graphical user interfaces (GUIs), and more specifically to selecting items from a radial menu. More specifically, embodiments of the invention provide a complex set of gestures which, when performed using a screen pointer, facilitate fast and accurate selection of radial menu items from a radial menu. The gestures may generally involve a first movement of the screen pointer to activate a desired radial menu item, and a second predefined movement of the screen pointer to select the radial menu item. |
| US08627231B2 |
List-position locator
A method, system, and medium are provided for efficiently locating a desired item within an ordered list of items, such as a list of contacts, pictures, or football teams. An illustrative method includes presenting a selectable option on a mobile device's display, presenting a positional indicator on the display when the selectable option has been selected that indicates to the user its position within the ordered list of items, and if the selectable option is moved, dynamically indicating the positional indicator's position among the list of items. The selection of the selectable option may be made by any object, such as a finger or stylus. Further, releasing the selection of the selectable option, such as removing the object used from the display, allows for a display of an item in the ordered list of items that corresponds to the position of the positional indicator. |
| US08627225B2 |
Apparatus and methods for ensuring closure of displays
Devices, systems and methods for controlling displays in a multi-display environment are disclosed. An exemplary method may create a request to close a display in response to a request inputted to the display system. The method may generate a display monitoring thread in response to a request inputted to the display system. The method may determine if the display has closed and create a second request to close a display when the display has not closed. |
| US08627222B2 |
Expanded search and find user interface
A search and find user interface is provided that is integrated with a data indexing engine to allow efficient and high-speed data search and retrieval across data storage folders associated with a given software module or associated with a number of disparate software modules. An expanded form of the search and find user interface is provided for advanced searching. Where searching is required beyond a present search scope, an automatic “upscoping” mechanism is provided for expanding a search to data storage folders outside a current data storage folder on which an initial search is executed. |
| US08627221B2 |
Generation and data management of a medical study using instruments in an integrated media and medical system
In general, a computer-implemented method is described for receiving one or more requests to generate a medical study, retrieving from one or more data repositories one or more medical study instruments, receiving a selection of a particular medical study instrument to use in the medical study, generating by one or more computers a list of one or more research collaborators invited to review the medical study, and generating by one or more computers a list of one of more participants invited to join the medical study. |
| US08627219B2 |
Equipment with dual screens for controlling multi-computers and the operating method thereof
An equipment for controlling a plurality of computers and the operating method thereof are provided. The equipment electrically connects to a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) module and a touch LCD module and a plurality of computer respectively, where the LCD module receives and displays an image of one of the plurality of computers, the touch LCD module displays an imaging inputting interface and at least one of the images corresponding to the plurality of computers, and the imaging inputting interface receives a command to control the specific computer. |
| US08627216B2 |
Rendering hypertext markup language content
In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a method that includes rendering Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) content, in an HTML rendering engine, to primitives of a vector graphics rendering engine; rendering the primitives, in the vector graphics rendering engine, to provide a user interface; receiving an input event via the user interface; determining, in the HTML rendering engine, a change in appearance for the user interface based on the input event; and updating at least one of the primitives for rendering by the vector graphics rendering engine in accordance with the change in appearance to update the user interface. |
| US08627213B1 |
Chat room system to provide binaural sound at a user location
A chat room system is provided that includes sending a signal representative of a sound at a first user location to a second user location and establishing, in a chat room, a virtual first user location and a virtual second user location. It further includes establishing the orientation of a listening system at the second user location and processing the signal, using the orientation of the listening system, at a plurality of levels of realism to provide a binaural sound at the second user location having an analogous spatial relationship between the second user location and the first user location as the virtual spatial relationship between the virtual second user location and the virtual first user location. |
| US08627212B2 |
System and method for embedding a view of a virtual space in a banner ad and enabling user interaction with the virtual space within the banner ad
A system and method for providing a view of a virtual space to a user in a banner ad of a webpage. This enables an advertiser to provide content that is not merely static or scripted, but instead enabled provision of content through a web ad that represents activity within a virtual space (e.g., interactions of other users with the virtual space, content that changes based on current or recent events, etc.) in real time (or near real time). The provision of a virtual space in a web ad may be more effective than conventional web ad content. |
| US08627209B2 |
Social networking in a non-personalized environment
A social networking website allowing users to interact socially without revealing any personal information about themselves. The only information they reveal is about their virtual pets in the virtual website world. Different templates for the personalizable portion of the website can be selected, some of which are restricted. |
| US08627208B2 |
Application generator for data transformation applications
A utility is provided for generating applications for a variety of data conversion or handling application environments. A user can use a graphical user interface to purpose application adaptable modules to define a desired application. In one implementation, the user interface (1500) includes a node tree panel (1502) and a process assembly panel (1504). The node tree panel (1502) lists tool sets (1508) including transformations, maps and input-output tools. These tools can then be assembled together with identified data sources and then elements using the assembly panel (1504) to define an application. In this manner, an application is generated from a number of generic modules simply by linking the modules to perform a purpose of the desired application. In this manner, an application is generated from a number of generic modules simply by linking the modules to perform a purpose of the desired application. |
| US08627206B2 |
Image processing device and image processing method for displaying images in a spiral form
An image processing apparatus and method that include generating display video data of a plurality of images to be displayed respectively in a plurality of image display sections on a display screen from image data, determining display types indicating display modes of displaying the images of the image data on a picture by picture basis or GOP by GOP basis according to variations expressing extents of change of the image data, altering the display parameters or the reproduction parameters corresponding to the display video data according to the type information expressing the display types on a picture by picture basis or GOP by GOP basis as determined, and displaying the images to be displayed in the form of moving image on the display screen with time lags in the display sequence, using the display parameters or the reproduction parameters altered. |