| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08641654B2 |
Hinged ankle brace
A hinged ankle brace having a semi-rigid ankle cuff and a semi-rigid foot bed rotatably connected by a medial hinge and a lateral hinge provides enhanced stability and support to a wearer's ankle. The medial hinge of the ankle brace may be higher than the lateral hinge to accurately replicate the bending motion of an ankle. The ankle brace also includes ratchetably interconnected semi-rigid straps. These semi-rigid straps provide a semi-rigid structure encircling the ankle of a wearer for enhanced support. The ratchet mechanism may include a curved window that enables angular adjustment of the ratcheting straps. The ankle brace may also include a soft inner liner and a soft outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is configured to provide compression to the semi-rigid shell, which in turn provides additional compression to the ankle. The semi-rigid foot bed may include posterior extensions that cup and support the wearer's heel, and a posterior cut-out portion that receives the wearer's heel. |
| US08641651B2 |
Foot abduction apparatus
An improved foot abduction apparatus allowing movement in a horizontal and vertical plane. The embodiments allow a user to more easily manipulate the apparatus in one or both planes through the use of strategically placed pivot points. The device utilizes at least one rigid member attached to coupling devices which contain at least one pivot point. The specialized coupling devices may be selectively attached to shoe receiving member or plates which are well known in the art. Additionally the shoe receiving members are able to receive an improved shoe containing a sole member contained with a silicone boot. |
| US08641649B2 |
Pump for dental water jet
A pump for an oral irrigator includes a pump chassis, an eccentric end plate movably connected to the pump chassis, a first alignment shaft connected to the pump chassis, a second alignment shaft connected to the eccentric end plate, a first gear rotating around a longitudinal axis of the first alignment shaft, and a second gear engaging the first gear and rotating around a longitudinal axis of the second alignment shaft. By selectively moving the eccentric end plate relative to the pump chassis selectively moves the second gear relative to the first gear. |
| US08641645B2 |
Use of a support device
A method and system for determining a pose of a subject. The subject is placed onto a surface of a platform having a first radio-frequency transceiver and a second radio-frequency transceiver. A first radio-frequency transponder is placed onto an upper extremity of the subject. A second radio-frequency transponder is placed onto a lower extremity of the subject. A first signal is transmitted from the first transceiver to the first transponder, resulting in the first transponder sending a second signal. A third signal is transmitted from the second transceiver to the second transponder, resulting in the second transponder sending a fourth signal. The second signal is received by the first transceiver. The fourth signal is received by the second transceiver. A pose of the subject is determined based on receiving the second signal and the fourth signal. |
| US08641644B2 |
Blood testing apparatus having a rotatable cartridge with multiple lancing elements and testing means
A blood testing apparatus has a test member and a laser source configured to produce a wound from which blood flows. The laser source produces at least a cutting wavelength, and a coagulation wavelength. Electronics for analysis and a display are provided. The test member, laser source, electronics and display form a glucose monitoring system that is integrated in a single apparatus. |
| US08641640B2 |
Tissue cutting member for a biopsy device
The invention is directed to tissue cutting members and biopsy devices with such tissue cutting member for separating a tissue specimen from a patient's body at a target site. The tissue cutting member is slidably disposed within an inner lumen of an elongated probe member of the biopsy device to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of an outer cannula of the biopsy device through a tissue receiving aperture in the probe. The tissue cutting member has a tubular distal portion with a distal tip having an outer tissue cutting edge, an inner tissue receiving aperture, and a longitudinally oriented opening with a closed proximal end and open distal end which opens to the inner tissue receiving aperture to facilitate flaring of the distal tubular portion. The cutting member has at least one opening in a wall of the tubular portion to maintain a vacuum during use. |
| US08641639B2 |
Physiological sensor delivery device and method
An intravascular sensor delivery device for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, within a vascular structure or passage. In some embodiments, the device can be used to measure the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion or heart valve, such as a fractional flow reserve (FFR) across a stenotic lesion. The sensor delivery device has a distal sleeve configured to pass or slide over a standard medical guidewire. The sensor delivery device can be sized to pass over different sizes of guidewires to enable usage in coronary and peripheral arteries, for example. The sensing mechanism (sensor) can be a fiber optic pressure sensor, such as a MEMS-based FabryPerot fiber optic pressure sensor, for example, or could employ some other technology, e.g., MEMS capacitive or piezoresistive sensor. |
| US08641638B2 |
Electromyography system
Methods for determining structural integrity of a bone within the spine of a patient, the bone having a first aspect and a second aspect, wherein the second aspect separated from the first aspect by a width and located adjacent to a spinal nerve. The methods involve (a) applying an electrical stimulus to the first aspect of the bone; (b) electrically monitoring a muscle myotome associated with the spinal nerve to detect if an onset neuro-muscular response occurs in response to the application of the electrical stimulus to the first aspect of the bone; (c) automatically increasing the magnitude of the electrical stimulus to until the onset neuro-muscular response is detected; and (d) communicating to a user via at least one of visual and audible means information representing the magnitude of the electrical stimulus which caused the onset neuro-muscular response. |
| US08641636B2 |
Electronic vital-sign monitoring system
A electronic vital-sign monitoring system is provided here, which uses an external electronic device to compute a physiological value detected by an electronic vital-sign monitoring device and obtain a heart frequency spectrum; and provide power to the electronic vital-sign monitoring system; and further transfer the computed physiological value and the heart frequency spectrum to a database for data integration and incident reporting. In addition to the original function of detecting physiological values, the electronic vital-sign monitoring system further can detect heart frequency spectrum and offers telecare service to help patients, elders and general users according to different requirements. |
| US08641631B2 |
Non-invasive monitoring of respiratory rate, heart rate and apnea
A method and apparatus for estimating a respiratory rate of a patient. The method comprises the steps of recording respiratory sounds of the patient, deriving a plurality of respiratory rates from the recorded sounds using a plurality of respiratory rate estimating methods and applying a heuristic to the plurality of derived respiratory rates, the heuristic selecting one of the derived respiratory rates. The selected respiratory rate is the estimated respiratory rate. The apparatus comprises at least one sensor recording respiratory sounds of the patient, a plurality of respiratory rate processors, each of the processors comprising a respiratory rate calculating method, a heuristic means for selecting one of the calculated respiratory rates and a display means for displaying the selected respiratory as the estimated respiratory rate. |
| US08641629B2 |
Ultrasonic probe, charger, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic system
An ultrasonic probe, a charger and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and an ultrasonic diagnostic system that uses them are provided by the present invention, which comprises a detector for detecting whether or not an ultrasonic probe having a rechargeable battery or the charger for charging this is in charging state; and a controller for stopping transmitting and receiving operations of ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises a transmitting and receiving circuit for executing the generation of a signal related to the transmission of the ultrasonic waves and the generation of the diagnostic information based on the signal related to the reception of the ultrasonic waves; a probe switching circuit for selecting one of a plurality of ultrasonic probes; and a controller for controlling the probe switching circuit in accordance with a detection signal from the detector. The ultrasonic diagnostic system comprises the above-mentioned probes, chargers and diagnostic apparatus. |
| US08641627B2 |
Transesophageal ultrasound using a narrow probe
Transesophageal echocardiography is implemented using a miniature transversely oriented transducer that is preferably small enough to fit in a 7.5 mm diameter probe, and most preferably small enough to fit in a 5 mm diameter probe. Signal processing techniques improve the depth of penetration to the point where the complete trans-gastric short axis view of the left ventricle can be obtained, despite the fact that the transducer is so small. The reduced diameter of the probe (as compared to prior art probes) reduces risks to patients, reduces or eliminates the need for anesthesia, and permits long term direct-visualization monitoring of patients' cardiac function. |
| US08641618B2 |
Method and structure for securing a monitoring device element
Structures and methods for attaching a device to a user's skin are provided. Embodiments include refreshing an adhesive attaching an element of an analyte monitoring device so that a first adhesive attaches the element of the analyte monitoring device during a first time period and a second adhesive attaches the element of the analyte monitoring device to the user's skin during a second time period. A sensor remains at least partially inserted into the user's while the refreshing of the adhesive from the first to the second adhesive occurs. |
| US08641613B2 |
Umbilical probe system
An umbilical probe sensing system is described which includes an automated system for accurately obtaining physiological information from an infant in real time. The system may also automatically guide a healthcare provider with a recommended course of treatment for infant resuscitation based on the detected and monitored physiological data. Moreover, the automated system may also provide a real time record of the infant's physiological parameters and resuscitation treatment performed by a healthcare team. |
| US08641608B2 |
Manifold for laparoscopic seal assembly
A laparoscopic seal assembly includes a seal cap having a seal with an access opening. The seal cap also includes a manifold connection for attachment of a functional apparatus. The seal assembly further includes a retractor. The functional apparatus may be a finger mounted tether or an insufflations passageway. The functional apparatus may be combined or provided separately. |
| US08641607B2 |
Light-guide, light source apparatus and endoscope system
When light enters a first small diameter fiber at an incident angle of 0°, exit light from the first small diameter fiber has a substantially convex light amount distribution in a diameter direction. When light enters a second small diameter fiber at an incident angle of 12°, exit light from the second small diameter fiber has a substantially concave light amount distribution in a diameter direction. The exit light from the first and second small diameter fibers enters a large diameter fiber and is combined therein, making the light amount distribution uniform in the large diameter fiber. The large diameter fiber has a tapered core and a tapered clad in a light exit section. The light in the large diameter fiber is output from a light exit surface thereof and also leaked from the tapered clad. |
| US08641605B2 |
Endoscope
An endoscope of the invention includes: an LED for supplying illumination light to illuminate a subject; an image pickup device for picking up an image of a region to be inspected of the subject; a video display device provided with a monitor portion on which an endoscope image of the region to be inspected picked up by the image pickup device is displayed and an exterior member for holding the monitor portion; a power supply control circuit for supplying electric power to drive the LED and cause the LED to emit illumination light; and a heat radiation portion for radiating heat generated by the power supply control circuit formed on a rear surface opposing to a disposition surface of the exterior member on which the monitor portion of the video display device is provided. |
| US08641599B2 |
Sexual aid device
A sexual aid device includes a sheath body and a sensor module. The sheath body has first and second sheath bodies capable of being assembled and separated mutually, and the first and the second sheath bodies construct a containing space. The sensor module is disposed on the first sheath body, and includes a printed circuit board, a controlling switch, a vibration switch and an outputting port. The controlling switch performs sensing and controls the vibration switch to be started. The vibration switch outputs vibration signals for controlling the output port to transmit the vibration signal out. An interactive media is used in cooperation so as to raise the practicability and sensory organ stimulation. |
| US08641598B2 |
Organ manipulator apparatus
Organ manipulation devices for atraumatically grasping the surface of an organ and repositioning the organ to allow access to a location on the organ that would otherwise be substantially inaccessible. Methods of accessing a beating heart, retracting the heart using an organ manipulation apparatus, and stabilizing a surgical target area with a stabilizer. Both the organ manipulator and stabilizer are fixed to a stationary object which may be a sternal retractor. A system for performing beating heart coronary artery bypass grafting includes a sternal retractor, organ manipulator and stabilizer. |
| US08641597B2 |
Surgical procedure for the treatment of female urinary incontinece: tension-free inside-out transobturator urethral suspension
A new, quick, simple, efficient, safe, and reproducible surgical technique for the treatment of female urinary incontinence, in which the posterior urethra is suspended using a tape passed through the obturator orifices from inside (underneath the urethra) to outside (thigh folds). A variety of specifically designed surgical instruments are utilized to perform this operative procedure. |
| US08641596B2 |
Wireless communication in a multimodal auditory prosthesis
A multimodal auditory prosthesis. The prosthesis comprises a sound processing unit configured to process sound and to generate electrical signals representing different frequency components of the processed sound and a stimulation module communicably coupled to the sound processing unit, configured to stimulate the recipient to evoke a hearing percept of a range of the frequency components. The prosthesis also comprises an external stimulation module, configured to be positioned within an externally accessible portion of the recipient's first ear, comprising: a receiver unit to wirelessly receive the electrical signals representing the different frequency components, and a transducer that delivers acoustic or mechanical energy to the recipient's ear to evoke a hearing percept of a range of the frequency components. |
| US08641589B2 |
Precision roll turning lathe and automatic tool changer therefor
There is provided an automatic tool changer which, in a precision roll turning lathe which feeds a tool post at a high speed, can automatically change a tool, such as a cutting tool, without stopping the machine, thereby enabling highly efficient ultra-Precision machining of a roll mold for molding of a large-sized plastic sheet. The automatic tool changer includes: a change device including a vertically movable pivot arm having a pivot axis and which pivots in a horizontal plane, a hand portion, mounted at the front end of the arm, for detachably gripping a tool holder, a pivot drive section for pivoting the pivot arm, and a lifting drive section for vertically moving the pivot arm; a tool holder stocker, having a plurality of circumferentially-arranged stages disposed at a predetermined distance from the pivot axis, each stage detachably holding a tool holder; a holder base, mounted to the tool post, for fixing and unfixing a tool holder through the rotation of a clamp shaft; and a clamp shaft operating device including an operating portion for clamping/unclamping the tool holder by rotating the clamp shaft. |
| US08641583B2 |
Boxing training device
The boxing training device of the present invention includes two hollow elastic elements which locate on two different positions. The boxing training device also includes two slidable and rigid sliders. The slider can be moved into the elastic element so that the elastic element can be limited by the slider. As such, the whole device does not sway when transporting without disassembling. Also, said device can provide a variety of way to use. |
| US08641582B2 |
Leg-stretching exercise apparatus
Disclosed is a leg-stretching exercise apparatus comprising a base, a handle connected to the base about a front vertical member assembly extending from the front thereof, a waist belt extending from a rear vertical member extending from the rear of the base, and a pair of generally horizontal track assemblies extending collinearly from either side of the base. Each track assembly comprises at least one rail pipe extending between a pair of proximal and distal blocks, a foot-supporting platform coupled to the at least one rail pipe such that the platform can slide along the length thereof, and a resilient member connecting the platform to the proximal block. |
| US08641581B2 |
Ergometric training device
A stationary, ergometric exercise apparatus including a hand/foot-operated drive with two drive elements that are operated alternately and a measuring device for measuring the drive force applied to the drive force includes a measuring device for measuring the angular position of the drive, having a pair of sensor devices which are arranged in positions opposite to each other relative to a wheel that is joined to the drive so as to be synchronous in motion with it, which positions each correspond to a position in motion of a load alternation between the two drive elements. A computer receives the signals from the force measuring device and calculates the temporal progress of the drive force, as well as variables that can be derived from it, and alternately output a dedicated right or left limb reading for a person in training depending on the load alternation notified by the measuring device. |
| US08641580B2 |
Swimming exercising device
Individual swimmers may routinely and easily perform exercise regiments to maintain or enhance their general health and fitness utilizing the present invention. A pole may be secured adjacent a body of water to retain a tether and a harness which retains the swimmer. Numerous pole mounting arrangements provide for deployment of the swimming exercise device with nearly any configuration of swimming pool without regard for whether the pool is of the in ground style or of the above ground style and without regard for size from the smallest available to Olympic size. A small but durable hand rail mount and a water filled anchor which merely sits adjacent the body of water provide for excellent securement of the pole without any structural modification to any existing structure. |
| US08641574B2 |
Transfer shaft support
A drive assembly for a vehicle includes a shaft supported on first and second components, a gear wheel for transmitting torque, and a bearing supporting the gear wheel on the shaft, transmitting axial force in a first axial direction between the gear wheel and the first component, and transmitting axial force in a second direction opposite the first direction between the gear wheel and the second component. |
| US08641572B2 |
Continuously variable transmission
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a carrier assembly to facilitate the support of components in a CVT. In another embodiment, a carrier includes a stator support member and a stator interfacial member. In some embodiments, the stator interfacial member is configured to interact with planet subassemblies of a CVT. Various inventive planet subassemblies and idler assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the planet subassemblies include legs configured to have a sliding interface with a carrier assembly. Embodiments of a hub shell, a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed. |
| US08641567B2 |
Hybrid powertrain with manual transmission and off-latching clutch, and method of operating the same
A powertrain for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch interconnecting an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The electric motor is coupled to a manually operated gearbox operable in at least one electric only drive position and at least one hybrid drive position. A latch is coupled to the clutch and is moveable between a closed position inhibiting the clutch from interconnecting the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the electric only drive position, and an open position allowing the clutch to interconnect the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the hybrid drive position. |
| US08641566B2 |
Toothed plate for a plate-link chain
A toothed plate for a toothed-plate plate-link chain, wherein the toothed plate includes two teeth, each having an inner flank, and an indentation between the teeth. The indentation includes a transition between a tooth flank and a curved innermost region. The transition has a convex curvature and is positioned at a junction of one of the inner flanks and the innermost region. |
| US08641565B2 |
Inverted tooth chain sprocket with frequency modulated meshing
An inverted tooth chain drive system includes an inverted tooth chain structured for inside flank engagement. The chain includes link rows each including leading inside flanks that project outwardly relative to trailing outside flanks of a preceding link row. The system further includes a sprocket with which said inverted tooth chain is drivingly engaged. The sprocket includes a plurality of teeth circumferentially spaced about an axis of rotation, each tooth comprising an engaging flank and a disengaging flank. Some of the teeth are defined with a first tooth form in which said engaging flank thereof is defined with a first pressure angle and others of said teeth are defined with a second tooth form in which the engaging flank thereof is defined with a second pressure angle that is different from the first pressure angle in order to stagger or modulate the initial meshing impacts between the leading inside flanks of the chain and engaging flanks of the sprocket teeth. The sprocket can be optimized for manufacture by a hobbing process, by arranging the different tooth forms in a specific “hob-compatible” pattern. |
| US08641564B2 |
Pulley tensioner for an oil wet belt drive
A tensioner (1) for a belt drive, comprises a base (2) defining an axis (A), a mobile eccentric element (3) hinged about axis (A) and loaded by a spring (5), a pulley (4) idly connected to the mobile element (3). Specifically, the pulley (4) defines a single body with the external ring of a rolling bearing (6) mounted on the mobile element (3) and the spring (5) is helical and presents a square or rectangular cross section. |
| US08641559B2 |
Golf ball with adjustable tackiness
A golf ball is provided that includes a coating. The coating is designed to allow a golfer to modify or increase the tackiness of the coating. The coating changes tackiness when exposed to a soaking material. A method of determining a desirable length of soak is also disclosed. |
| US08641556B2 |
Putter-type golf club head
A golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present invention may include a body comprising a front surface, having an opening therein for receiving a primary insert. One or more secondary inserts may be disposed in the primary insert and may include a leading surface and a trailing surface. The trailing surface may be physically exposed to the elements and the leading surface may be physically exposed and/or visually exposed. |
| US08641552B2 |
Grip for sporting equipment
A grip for sporting equipment includes a base defining a receiver for receiving a gripping end. The base includes a pair of opposed grip base ends and an intervening center portion. At least one sheet of material is provided for encircling at least the base center portion. The at least one sheet of material includes at least two opposed beveled edges which when abutting define a seam disposed within a groove. The opposed abutting beveled edges are secured one to the other by stitching disposed within the groove. An adhesive strip overlays the groove and stitching. A substantially transparent top protective layer may overlay at least a portion of the at least one sheet of material, the adhesive strip, and the base. In turn, items of sporting equipment and methods for providing grips for sporting equipment are described. |
| US08641551B2 |
Versatile vibration-damped golf swing-weight system
A highly versatile damper-weight system enables the installation of adjustable swing-weight in a vibration-damped manner inside a golf club shaft. A plug assembly of selectable weight is inserted through a circular opening in the golf grip cap with a special tool, moved to any desired location within the shaft and securely fastened in place in a vibration-damped manner by radial expandable of a cylindrical resilient expandable element. A weight rod, made available in different materials, lengths and weights, is spaced from the shaft by one or more resilient damper sleeves to minimize shaft vibration. The expandable element is secured by a machine screw threaded into the upper end of the weight rod, and is dimensioned (unexpanded) to enable easy insertion and location adjustment of said plug assembly. The tool provides dual functions: as a screw head driver to expand/contract the expandable element radially by axial pressure/release as required, and as a removable coupler capable of pulling the plug assembly (with the expandable element unexpanded) upwardly, as well as pressing it downwardly within the shaft for adjustment to any desired location. |
| US08641549B2 |
Putter heads and putters including polymeric material as part of the ball striking face
Putters include a putter body having a ball striking face member made of a material having a first hardness characteristic. A cavity is defined in the putter body behind the ball striking face member, and plural openings are defined in the ball striking face member extending rearward with respect to the ball striking face member and into the cavity. A polymeric material at least partially fills the openings and the cavity, wherein the polymeric material has a second hardness characteristic that is softer than the first hardness characteristic. The ball striking face member and the polymeric material exposed in at least some of the openings provide a ball striking surface of the putter. The ball striking surface may include grooves or scorelines to affect the launch angle, spin, and/or roll of the ball during a putt. Methods for making such putter devices also are described. |
| US08641548B2 |
Automatic club setting and ball flight optimization
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating holes to be played. |
| US08641547B2 |
Automatic club setting and ball flight optimization
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played. |
| US08641546B2 |
Automatic club setting and ball flight optimization
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played. |
| US08641545B2 |
Distributed scoring system
In one embodiment, a distributed bowling center system includes two or more computing devices associated with respective bowling center peripherals. The bowling center peripherals are any electronic or mechanical device in a bowling center capable of detecting a bowling event or receiving input. Example bowling center peripherals include a pinsetter, a monitor, a bumper, a keypad, or a touchscreen. The bowling center peripherals are configured to perform at least one bowler center function. The computing devices are configured to execute at least one process related to a bowler center function of the associated peripheral. Each computing device is located physically closer to the peripheral than the other computer device. The computing devices are in communication via a network. The computing devices are configured to access a process map defining the communication, which is responsive to the at least one bowler center function. |
| US08641542B2 |
Stationary track with gimbaled rider carriages amusement ride
A stationary track wheel ride is disclosed where a chain of rider carriages (gondolas) are driven around the stationary track. The rider carriages are rotationally mounted on axles on a support frame that allow the rider carriages to rotate around the axles so that the floor of the rider carriage remains approximately level with the ground while the rider carriage travels around the stationary track. A drive mechanism for the ride that simultaneously mounts the rider carriages to the track and provides the drive force is also include: a drive cable mechanism, motors attached to the track to drive the rider carriage train using drive wheels contacting some portion of the rider carriage. Motors attached to the rider carriage with drive wheels contacting the track. An emergency access assembly for fixed track rides and for Ferris wheel type rides is also disclosed. |
| US08641540B2 |
Inverted simulation attraction
A system for patron movement and entertainment comprising a track, and at least one vehicle engaged with and positioned below the track, capable of carrying at least one patron in a passenger portion and moving along the track. Each vehicle preferably includes a motion base between the track and the passenger portion, and a turntable between the track and the motion base for rotating the passenger portion in the yaw direction, and particularly for directing the patron's viewpoint toward desired show elements. |
| US08641539B2 |
Coupling device for transmitting torque
A coupling device for transmitting torque between an input shaft and an output shaft have respective opposing ends, includes a male element and a female element for engaging with one another. One of the input shaft and the output shaft includes, at the end, the male element, a cross-section of which has a generally polygonal outer shape. The other of the input shaft and the output shaft includes, at the end, the female element, a cross-section of which has a generally polygonal inner shape complementary to the polygonal outer shape of the male element. The male and female elements engage with one another by meshing with a first functional play between them, and the male element and the shaft on which the male element is mounted have a second functional play between them. The male element and the shaft engage each other by meshing with the second functional play. |
| US08641535B2 |
Gaming machine cabinet construction and method
A gaming machine includes a plurality of rails extending vertically along the front corners of the cabinet. The number of rails can be varied as required for gaming machines of different heights. Lighting units may be positioned between vertically adjacent rails. The number of rails utilized to form a gaming machine can be varied as required for gaming machines of different heights. |
| US08641532B2 |
Gaming device having two card readers
A gaming device includes a housing and a game display carried by the housing for displaying one or more games. The gaming device further includes two card readers carried by the housing: a first card reader to read information indicative of a player identity from a player club card issued by a casino, and a second card reader to read information indicative of a financial account from a financial card issued by a financial institution. |
| US08641530B1 |
System and method for real time trading computer game
A computer game for dynamic real time trading where the rates of the tradeable objects (such as securities prices) are presented/displayed by using changes in properties of game objects (such as position, speed, shape, size, color or texture, etc.). The system employs player computer(s), real time data feeds from the investment objects to be traded and a game application that dynamically renders the data feed onto a gamer's visual display. The game application renders the data feed via a Conversion Engine Price To Game Model that depicts the price changes of the tradeable objects as the behavior of the game objects by changing the displayed properties. The player interacts with the game visual display to actually execute “buy” or “sell” actions or a reverse action (e.g., “short sell” then “buy”). |
| US08641526B1 |
Using input from a mouse device to control a video game vehicle
Methods and systems for controlling vehicles within video games are described herein. A video game such as a vehicle-based combat game may have vehicles (such as airplanes) operating in a simulated three dimensional space. Users may partially control the direction of these vehicles using two-dimensional input devices by inputting a new direction for the vehicle to point and optionally a speed with which to pursue the new direction. Alternatively, a user may wish to engage in continuous banked turning of their vehicle to realistically simulate aspects of vehicle-to-vehicle combat. Rotation of the vehicle from its current direction to its new direction is controlled by an artificial intellect, which operates various control equipment of the vehicle to realistically simulate the path of the vehicle, based on whether a user has input a desired destination or a desired turn direction. |
| US08641524B2 |
Game apparatus, storage medium storing game program and game controlling method
A game apparatus includes an LCD, and a touch panel is placed on a top surface of the LCD. A player instructs an enemy character displayed on the LCD by use of a stick to attack the enemy character. For example, in a case that the enemy character exists at a depth of a game screen, little damage is applied to the enemy character, and a weak vibration is applied to the game apparatus. Conversely, in a case that the enemy character exists at a front of the game screen, much damage is applied to the character, and a strong vibration is applied to the game apparatus. In either case, the vibrations are transmitted to the fingers or hands of the payer via the stick. |
| US08641513B2 |
Multiple monetary type gaming machine with cash conversion functionality
A gaming machine connected in a gaming network or operating as a stand-alone machine, is capable of accepting two or more currencies for wager game play. The machine operates internally using a native monetary type and converts non-monetary bills to native amounts in the form of restricted or cashable credits. The multiple currency capability of the machine is utilized to encourage the use of restricted credits by adjusting conversion rates, payback tables, and the like. These features, combined with the use of restricted credits, also enable ways to monitor abuse and illegal activity on the gaming machine and implement ways to limit losses by a player. Certain post-conversion processes are used to ensure that the player is returned non-converted amounts. The gaming machine has additional hard and soft meters to process multiple monetary types. |
| US08641510B2 |
Method of replicating a symbol in a game matrix
The present invention replicates a symbol into one or more other symbol positions of the symbol matrix in accordance with the replication properties of the location in which said symbol appears in the symbol matrix. A preferred embodiment of the present invention (“Replicating Wilds”) uses a symbol matrix formed by three rows and five columns in which the middle position of the third column possesses replication properties for the wildcard symbol such that a wildcard symbol replicates itself into all adjacent symbol positions. |
| US08641498B1 |
Video poker game system and method
A video poker style game premised on stud poker and draw poker. In one version, a video poker device utilizes a simulated standard deck of 52 playing cards to facilitate play of the game. The video poker device causes ten, five-card poker hands to be displayed on a video poker device display. Depending on wagers placed, the strength of the ten, five-card poker hands determines a player payout. Players may also select in advance less than all ten poker hands to wager on. The two remaining cards not used in any of the ten five-card poker hands may be designated as wild or used to form seven-card poker hands with each of the ten five-card poker hands or player-selected hands. Players may also select a hand to play draw poker. |
| US08641497B2 |
System for tracking account activity on an amusement device
An amusement device system includes a first amusement device, a second amusement device and a central server. The first controller is coupled to the first memory and the first display. The first memory stores an electronic game having a plurality of game content. The first controller is configured to show a first game content of the plurality of game content to an authenticated user. The second controller is coupled to the second memory. The second memory stores the electronic game having the plurality of game content. The central server is configured to store information sufficient to identify the first game content displayed to the authenticated user. The first and second controllers are prevented by the central server from again showing the first game content until a remainder of the plurality of game content has been displayed to the authenticated user. |
| US08641495B2 |
Device and method for the removal of a part of a crop
Device and method for the separation of a part of a crop. The crop part is gripped with the use of a construction including the separation elements, such as cutting blades. The gripping of the crop part is performed with the use of two rollers between which the crop part is received. The crop part is subsequently gripped between the rollers and this construction moves along the crop part to an optimal position for the separation of the crop part from the rest of the crop. |
| US08641492B2 |
Directional flow raised floor air-grate
A directional flow raised floor air-grate is provided for the enhanced thermal management of a raised floor computer room. The air-grate includes a load bearing frame. The frame has four vertical girders connected, in a ninety-degree alignment, so that four corners of the frame are capable of supporting the air-grate as an air handling separation barrier on a raised floor pedestal support system. A plurality of vertical reinforcing beam members is connected to the frame so that the reinforcing beams are aligned in a longitudinal spaced relationship. At least two vertical airfoil vane members have an upper inclined and, lower vertical planar surfaces. These surfaces are demarcated by a longitudinal axis of the vane members. The vane members are connected to the frame in a crosswise spaced relationship to the reinforcing beam members, so that a plurality of openings are created between the reinforcing beams and the airfoil vanes. The upper inclined planar surface of the airfoil directs cooling air from a lower plenum of a raised floor through the openings on an inclined plane towards the cold air intake surfaces of a data server cabinet to be cooled. |
| US08641488B1 |
Intake apparatus and system
A smoke capture adapter comprising: a first adapter part having a first generally ring-shaped portion with a first cylindrical inner surface for securely engaging a laser apparatus having a beam propagation axis, the first generally ring-shaped portion being oriented such that the beam propagation axis passes through a region bound the first generally ring-shaped portion and a tubular outlet extending from said first generally ring-shaped portion for communicating with a vacuum tube; a second adapter part rotatably connected to the first adapter part and arranged to rotate generally about the beam propagation axis having a second generally ring-shaped portion adjacent the first generally ring-shaped portion, the first and second generally ring-shaped portions defining a generally toroidal cavity and an inlet in fluid communication with the cavity; the tubular outlet and inlet in fluid communication through the cavity; whereby the position of the inlet relative to the first adapter part may be adjusted by rotating the second adapter part relative to the first adapter part. |
| US08641486B1 |
Venting blade assembly for poultry processing
A venting blade assembly for poultry processing. The venting blade assembly includes a projecting cylindrical barrel having an open first end. An attachment mechanism attaches an opposed second end of the cylindrical barrel to an axial advancement and rotation mechanism. A flat circular abutment shoulder at the first end is substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical barrel in order to engage the poultry. The first end of the cylindrical barrel also includes a beveled circular edge. A plurality of helical recesses in the first end of the cylindrical barrel forms a plurality of cutting tips. |
| US08641485B2 |
Manually operable clipping-machine
The present invention concerns a manually operable clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products. The machine comprises a first displacer unit with a first pair of upper and lower displacer elements, at least the upper displacer element is reversibly movable in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal extending plait-axis between an opened and a closed position. The machine also comprises a second displacer unit with a second pair of upper and lower displacer elements, at least the upper displacer element is reversibly movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extending plait-axis between an opened and a closed position. The second displacer unit is reversibly movable parallel to the longitudinal extending plait-axis between a narrow position where the second displacer unit is adjacent to the first displacer unit, and a spread position in which the second displacer unit is moved away from the first displacer unit. |
| US08641479B2 |
Tool assembly for machining a bore
A tool assembly for machining a bore. The tool assembly includes a cutting tool and a tool holder. The cutting tool has an abrasive grit disposed continuously around a circumference of the cutting tool. The tool holder has a first coolant passage and a secondary coolant passage that extends at an angle from the first coolant passage. |
| US08641472B2 |
Toy snake
A toy snake that reproduces the natural movement of a snake as it moves across surface is described. The toy snake comprises a head that is pivotally mounted to a tail and a motor unit located within the head. In a preferred embodiment a body is employed to pivotally mount the head to the tail. The motor unit comprises at least two independently driven wheels located towards opposite sides of the head and the motor unit is configured to introduce a periodic oscillation between the operation of the independently driven wheels. The motor unit may also be configured to operate a tongue that extends out from the head to further increase the realistic nature of the toy. Embodiments of the snake may be adapted for use on land or water. |
| US08641465B2 |
Apparatus for walking and resting upon the water
A water walking apparatus having a pair of inflatable pontoons with footwells at their center, allowing user to step into. The pontoons are connected together by stretch cords and a platform that allows the user to sit and rest after walking on the water. The platform has a ladder inside the cavity of the platform assisting the user to get on the apparatus from water. Pontoons have pockets at bottom for scoops, the scoops pass over water freely when pontoons are going forward, and drop down into water when opposite pontoon is going forward. When scoops are down into water they reduce the backward movement of pontoon. The front ends of pontoons are up and out of water like the bow on a boat. The apparatus can come apart for easy storing and transporting. |
| US08641464B2 |
Flippers, boots, systems including same, and methods of using same
A first flipper has a base, a deformable fin connected to the base, and a first spreader that imposes a first force on the fin that causes the fin to spread in response to relative movement between the first spreader and the fin caused by a first longitudinal deflection of the fin relative to the base. A second flipper has a fin and a foot coupling portion connectable to a foot holding portion of a boot to couple a foot in the foot holding portion to the flipper. A first system includes the flipper and the boot. Methods of using the flippers, the boot, and the system are also disclosed. |
| US08641461B2 |
Crimp terminal, connection structural body and method for producing the crimp terminal
Has an object of providing a crimp terminal, a connection structural body, and a method for producing the crimp terminal, which has a conducting function with certainty, with no galvanic corrosion occurring due to an electric wire and the terminal formed of different metal materials. A crimp terminal 1 includes a box section, and a pressure-bonding section including a wire barrel section and an insulation barrel section, which are provided in this order. The crimp terminal is formed of a metal plate which is formed of a copper alloy having a higher potential than aluminum used to form core wires of an insulated wire which is to be pressure-bonded by the pressure-bonding section. The crimp terminal 1 includes, in at least a part thereof, a resin cover section for covering a surface of the metal plate with a resin. |
| US08641457B2 |
System and method for connecting a power cable with a submersible component
A technique is provided for connecting a power cable to a submersible component. A connector system is used to form the connection and comprises a plurality of individual connectors for connecting power carrying conductors to the submersible component. Each of the individual connectors is separately connectable to the submersible component which enables improved sealing with respect to the submersible component. In multi-phase power applications, individual connectors can be used for each phase. |
| US08641454B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector adapted for electrically connecting with a circuit board includes an insulating housing, a plurality of first and second terminals, and a shielding shell enclosing the insulating housing together with the first and second terminals. The insulating housing includes a main body, and a base body assembled to the main body. The base body defines a plurality of first and second terminal grooves. The first and second terminals are respectively assembled to the first and second terminal grooves. Each first terminal has an inclined first connecting arm connected between a first fastening arm and a first soldering arm of the first terminal, and each second terminal has an inclined second connecting arm connected between the second fastening arm and the second soldering arm of the second terminal to effectively shorten straight lengths of the first terminal and the second terminal which are stretched straight. |
| US08641449B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an insulating body, a plurality of signal terminals, a shielding member, and at least one grounding terminal. The insulating body is provided with at least one first receiving slot and a plurality of second receiving slots. The plurality of signal terminals is respectively received in the second receiving slots. The shielding member has at least one shielding plate disposed inside the insulating body. The at least one grounding terminal is respectively received in the first receiving slot. The grounding terminal has an elastic arm extending upwards and exposed out of the first receiving slot, and the elastic arm has a contact portion correspondingly electrically conducted to the upper shielding layer. The grounding terminal, the annularly disposed shielding plates, the upper shielding layer and the lower shielding layer jointly define a three-dimensional shielding space for the signal terminals. |
| US08641437B2 |
Tulip contact and electrical contact system for switching device
A tulip contact comprises a plurality of outer contact fingers and inner contact fingers. The outer contact fingers forming a shape of the outer surface of fixed contact in order to make the contact surface of each of these fingers contact with the outer surface of fixed contact. The inner contact fingers forming a shape of the inner surface of fixed contact in order to make the contact surface of each of these fingers contact with the inner surface of fixed contact. Each said contact finger comprises a first contact bulge for contacting with the surfaces of the fixed contact, and a second contact bulge for contacting with the bushing. And each said contact bulge comprises a contact slot on its surface. The first contact bulges of the outer contact fingers are not at the same cross section with the first contact bulges of the inner contact fingers. |
| US08641436B2 |
Electrical plug having a plurality of housings with PODS welded to a plurality of wires and conductive rings
An electrical connection plug for a multipolar lead of an active implantable medical device. This plug has a cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of annular electrical contact zones axially separated and formed of conductive cylindrical rings (101, 102, 103), the electrical contact zones being alternatively separated by a plurality of intercalary insulating cylindrical zones. The plug includes an insulating monobloc core (200) of a generally cylindrical shape having a plurality of cylindrical side surfaces (213a) for coaxial centering, a conductive ring being placed on at least one centering side surface. The central core also includes housings for receiving conductive pods (240) on which connection wires (21, 22) are welded, a pod being welded to a conductive ring. |
| US08641433B2 |
Lever-type connector with locking member
A lever (60) is formed with a resiliently deformable lock arm (71) projecting substantially along a rotating direction of the lever (60). A housing (20) is formed with a base piece (27) standing in a direction crossing a connecting direction to a mating connector (90). An engaging portion (35) for holding the housing (20) and the mating connector (90) in the properly connected state by being resiliently engaged with a leading end part of the lock arm (71) is formed on a leading end part of the base piece (27). A recess (33) into which a finger (50) is insertable to disengage the engaging portion (35) and the lock arm (71) is formed in a base end part of the base piece (27). |
| US08641431B2 |
Coaxial cable connector
A coaxial cable connector is provided having an inner contact configured to be terminated to a center conductor of a coaxial cable. A dielectric insert holds the inner contact. A shell holds the dielectric insert. The shell extends between a mating end and a cable end. The cable end includes a housing having an edge. The cable end is configured to be terminated to an end of the coaxial cable by pressing the edge into the end of the coaxial cable such that the housing is positioned radially inward of a jacket of the coaxial cable and the housing is in direct contact with a cable braid of the coaxial cable. |
| US08641430B2 |
Bus bar edge structure of electric junction box
A bus bar edge structure of an electric junction box having a junction block main body, a bus bar-receiving gap arranged on the junction block main body, and a space communicating with the bus bar-receiving gap and arranged in a thickness direction of the bus bar includes a projection piece projecting from an edge of the bus bar at an opening side of the space in the thickness direction of the bus bar. An electric wire led from the junction block main body is guided to the projection piece so as to prevent interference with the edge of the bus bar. The projection piece functions as a press-operating portion configured to insert the bus bar into the bus bar-receiving gap. The projection piece is positioned in an opening of a longitudinal groove arranged in the space so as to prevent the electric wire from entering into the opening. |
| US08641429B2 |
SFP super cage
An embodiment of the invention provides a super cage for receiving and providing a small form factor pluggable (SFP) communication module with a functionality, the super cage comprising: a sleeve dimensioned to receive an SFP communication module and be plugged into a conventional SFP cage having a socket for receiving an SFP connector of an SFP module; functionality circuitry housed in the sleeve; a cage connector electrically connected to the functionality circuitry and configured to be inserted into the conventional cage socket; and a coupling socket housed in the sleeve that receives an SFP connector of an SFP module and electrically connects the SFP connector to the functionality circuitry. |
| US08641427B2 |
Combinative type slip ring
A slip ring includes a spindle and a plurality of insulating rings and conductive rings alternately fitted to the spindle. Each conductive ring is connected with a wire, and the wire extends out of the slip ring through a wire hole of the spindle. The insulating rings engage the spindle so that the insulating rings are unable to rotate relative to the spindle. The conductive rings engage the spindle or the neighboring insulating ring so that conductive rings are unable to rotate relative to the insulating ring. The number and size of the insulating rings and conductive rings are selectable to be fitted to the spindle. |
| US08641424B2 |
Method of publication and distribution of instructional materials
A method for the electronic publication and distribution of customized educational materials comprises an educator compiling a set of customized educational course materials from selected segments of educational works stored in an educational materials database of available materials (150-180), and indexing the set of customized educational course materials in an electronic database where it is available for purchase in an electronic format by students (270, 277). Copyright infringement is discouraged by providing the educator the option of electronic testing and grading of only those students that have purchased the educational materials. Hence, only such students are eligible to receive a grade in the class (265, 280). The customized educational course materials are easily updated without the publisher incurring traditional printing and distribution costs, simultaneously reducing the time to market for new editions of educational materials. |
| US08641419B2 |
Methods and devices for fixed dental restoration
This invention relates to methods and devices for restoring teeth using fixed restorations. In particular, the invention provides a system, kit, and devices for the management of interproximal areas for traditional cementation and/or bonding of dental crowns, onlays, inlays, veneers and bridges. In the method, a barrier is positioned in contact with the tooth being restored and an adjacent tooth to cover a section of the tooth being restored and to create separation of the tooth being restored and the adjacent tooth. Cement is applied to the first mating surface of the fixed restoration and/or to the second mating surface of the tooth, and the first mating surface of the fixed restoration and the second mating surface of the tooth are positioned adjacent each other to seat the fixed restoration on the tooth. The barrier covers a section of the tooth being restored to prevent cement from bonding to the section of the tooth. This eliminates the need to remove hardened cement from this section of the tooth. |
| US08641417B2 |
Sealing system for medical/dental handpieces
A system for enhanced sealing against intrusion of moisture and other contaminants for medical/dental handpieces having rotating or other moving elements driven by a motor within the handpiece. The enhanced sealing includes tandem seals on stepped diameters to provide additional flow pathway impediments. The tandem seals preferably include spring seals that are positioned in opposite directions to provide enhanced sealing against pressures in two different directions that occur during the pressurization and vacuum cycles of an autoclaving process. Additional enhancements include the use of annular sealing rings with x-shaped cross sections. |
| US08641414B2 |
Automatic placement of precision cuts
An orthodontic positioning device and methods for making an orthodontic positioning device including a first patient removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to a patient's teeth provided in one of an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The first appliance includes a hook configured to receive an orthodontic elastic band. The orthodontic positioning device also includes a second patient removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to a patient's teeth provided in the other of the upper jaw and the lower jaw. The second appliance includes a cutout operable to expose an orthodontic elastic band receiving member. |
| US08641412B2 |
Combustion efficiency control system for a laminar burner system
A high efficiency laminar flow burner system for proving a stream of heat energy including a supply input module for providing fuel and laminar streams of air to a combustion manifold. The laminar air delivery system includes a damper, a blower, and an air delivery controller. The air delivery controller receives an efficiency signal to control the flow of a laminar air intake stream by adjusting the damper. The combustion manifold includes an air-fuel mixing system, a stoichiometric unit, and a refractory unit each coupled to one another. The laminar air intake stream traveling from the supply input module passes through a stoichiometric unit body to meet with a first combustion stream from an air-fuel mixing chamber within the stoichiometric unit body to define a second combustion stream. The second combustion stream then travels across the refractory passageway to define a third combustion stream. |
| US08641409B2 |
Blow mold
In a blow mold for manufacturing blow molded or stretch-blow molded containers with mold support parts movable relative to each other by a force-transmitting actuation mechanism for opening, closing and locking mold parts defining a mold cavity and mounted to the mold support parts, each mold support is an integrally formed composite component with areas of different materials, wherein at least one first area of a material in the mold support part predominantly is a force transmission element, while at least one second area of another material predominantly is a filling or enclosing or spacer element. |
| US08641405B2 |
Piston for positioning a food pot decoration in a mold and associated device
The invention concerns a piston (1) for positioning a food pot decoration in a mold, a positioning device comprising this piston, and an associated positioning method. The piston (1) comprises at least one means (10) for prefolding or folding the decoration over its full height. |
| US08641404B2 |
Optofluidic lithography system, method of manufacturing two-layered microfluid channel, and method of manufacturing three-dimensional microstructures
An optofluidic lithography system including a membrane, a microfluidic channel, and a pneumatic chamber is provided. The membrane may be positioned between a pneumatic chamber and a microfluidic channel. The microfluidic channel may have a height corresponding to a displacement of the membrane and have a fluid flowing therein, the fluid being cured by light irradiated from the bottom to form a microstructure. The pneumatic chamber may induce the displacement of the membrane depending on an internal atmospheric pressure thereof. |
| US08641403B2 |
Unit and method for molding opening devices for application to packages of pourable food products
A molding unit for producing an opening device, wherein a web having plural holes is fed to the unit, and the opening device has a spout closed by a membrane, a neck portion projecting from the spout, and a pull ring extending from the membrane inside the neck portion. The unit includes first and second mold devices cooperating with the web to define a closed cavity, and movable to be detached from the web. The unit also has a first and a second matrix which can be set to a configuration in which they are located inside the cavity to define a first and second volume. The matrices are movable relative to the web to disengage the opening device from the volumes and permit removal of the opening device by feeding forward the web. A single actuator moves one of the mold device and the matrices to/from the web. |
| US08641402B2 |
Injection mold
An injection mold for molding a first insert element and a second insert element includes a male mold, a female mold matched with the male mold, and at least one fastening assembly. The first insert element includes a first material belt with at least one fastening hole formed therein, and a plurality of first conductive terminals. The second insert element includes a plurality of second conductive terminals. The male mold defines a male cavity for receiving the second conductive terminals therein. The female mold defines a female cavity for receiving the first conductive terminals therein. The fastening assembly includes a fastening element and a magnetic element with a center hole formed therein. The magnetic element is held in the female mold. A top of the fastening element passes through the fastening hole to be inserted in the center hole and attracted by the magnetic element. |
| US08641400B2 |
Mold clamping apparatus
There is provided a mold clamping apparatus that can prevent a molding material from spouting from a split surface of a mold even if in-cavity resin pressure causes offset of a mold opening force, and can extend the life of the mold. The mold clamping apparatus includes a control device that estimates a mold opening force by mold internal pressure for molding with mold internal pressure being asymmetrical with respect to a center of a mold block, determines a mold clamping hydraulic value applied to each tie bar correspondingly to the estimated mold opening force, and distributes hydraulic pressure supplied to each tie bar so that the determined mold clamping hydraulic value is reached. |
| US08641391B2 |
Built-in electric air pump for use in inflatable products
A built-in electric air pump mounted on an inflatable bed by heat binding or adhesion is provided, and includes a pump housing; an air duct conversion mechanism mounted in the pump housing; a cover assembly covering the pump housing; a switch assembly connected with the air duct conversion mechanism; an air valve assembly disposed on the bottom of the pump housing; and a power source device connected with the switch assembly and powering the air pump. The air pump receives power from combinations of power sources in four different modes, namely, dry batteries, a rechargeable battery pack assembly, a vehicle-mounted power source and an AC adapter which match one another, to drive the pump, thereby forming multiple power source configurations to drive the same set of air pump and enable the same inflatable bed to be used indoors as well as outdoors at any time. |
| US08641385B2 |
Pump controller system and method
A method and apparatus for a pump control system. One or more embodiments of the invention include a pump controller that can perform a self-calibrating procedure, can provide precise motor speed control, can provide a limp mode before shutting down the motor when system parameters are exceeded and/or fault conditions occur, can detect fault conditions, and can store fault conditions for later retrieval. |
| US08641381B2 |
System and method for reducing grain boundaries in shrouded airfoils
A turbine bucket includes an airfoil and a shroud. The shroud includes first and second bearing surfaces, and the first and second bearing surfaces each comprise a single grain structure. A method for forming a turbine bucket includes orienting a mold vertically, wherein the mold includes a first portion that defines a shank, a second portion connected to the first portion that defines an airfoil, and a third portion connected to the second portion that defines a shroud, wherein the third portion includes first and second sides, and wherein the first portion is higher than the second portion and the second portion is higher than the third portion. The method further includes flowing a molten metal into the mold and selectively growing large single grains in at least one of the first or second sides. |
| US08641380B2 |
Compressor wheel
A compressor wheel (7) is disclosed comprising an array of blades (20) extending from central hub (21) adapted from attachment to a rotatable shaft (8) and a backface (25). A region of the surface of the compressor wheel backface (25) is formed with a layer of residual compressive stress (26, 27). |
| US08641373B2 |
Diffuser having blades with apertures
A diffuser for a mixed flow or centrifugal compressor of a gas turbine. The diffuser includes at least one vane presenting a pressure side, a suction side, and a first flank. The vane includes a plurality of orifices opening out into the suction side and/or the pressure side and communicating with at least one cavity formed in the vane, the cavity extending transversely relative to the vane and opening out into its first flank. The cross section of the cavity varies in the transverse direction of the vane, the cross section increasing towards the first flank. |
| US08641367B2 |
Plurality of individually controlled inlet guide vanes in a turbofan engine and corresponding controlling method
A tip turbine engine according to the present invention includes a plurality of independently variable inlet guide vanes for the fan and/or for the compressor. An actuator is operatively coupled to each of the flaps, such that each actuator can selectively vary the flap of its associated inlet guide vane. In one embodiment, the inlet guide vanes each include a pivotably mounted flap that is variable independently of the flaps of at least some of the other inlet guide vanes. In another embodiment, the inlet guide vanes each include at least one fluid outlet or nozzle directing pressurized air, as controlled by the associated actuator, to control inlet distortion. |
| US08641366B1 |
Non-contacting seals for geared gas turbine engine bearing compartments
A rotating element is associated with at least one bearing compartment that includes a bearing to support the rotating element. A seal resists leakage of lubricant outwardly of the bearing compartment and allows air to flow from a chamber across the seal and into the bearing compartment. The seal has a seal face facing a rotating face rotating with the rotating element. The seal is a non-contact seal. A gas turbine engine is also disclosed. |
| US08641362B1 |
Turbine exhaust cylinder and strut cooling
A turbine exhaust cylinder for an industrial gas turbine engine with an external blower that delivers cooling air to an inner space of the exhaust cylinder that provides cooling for the struts that support the exhaust cylinder. The cooling air passes over the bearing housing and then up through a space formed between a fairing and the strut. The cooling air is then discharged through a cover plate. |
| US08641360B2 |
Method for braking a rotor of a turbine engine and a turning gear for driving the rotor of a turbine engine
The invention relates to a method for braking a rotor of a turbine engine, comprising a turning gear, with a drive supplied from an energy source, having an input shaft to which the rotor may be coupled, whereby, during a cooling phase for the turbine, the rotor may be driven by the drive using the coupled input shaft. According to the invention, a method for braking a rotor of a turbine engine can be achieved, in which the rotation of a rotor, caused by the airflow through the turbine, is slowed until the rotor stops, whereby after the end of the cooling phase, the drive drives the rotor in the reverse sense by means of the input shaft in order to brake the same. |
| US08641358B2 |
Apparatus for placing battery plates in a line
This invention relates to apparatus for placing battery plates in a line. This includes a pick up and release unit generally indicated at 16. The unit includes a central metal hollow body 17, which is divided into a number of side-by-side vacuum chambers, some of which have a perforate floor 19. A vacuum course 21 can be selectively connected to those, which have a perforate floor, while it is perpendicularly connected to a second set of chambers. Plates can be picked up from elevators 11 and 12 by use of the intermittent vacuum and then held against an endless belt 25 by the constant vacuum until they arrive at a release chamber, having a perforate floor, where upon interruption of the vacuum allows for release of the battery plate. |
| US08641356B2 |
Elevating conveyance device
An elevating conveyance device with improved versatility which can be utilized for transferring an automobile body in an automobile assembly line, etc., and according to a first aspect of the invention, the elevating conveyance device includes a multistage extensible column, a transfer means, and an extending and contracting drive mechanism, where the multistage extensible column includes a fixed column portion, one or more mid-stage elevating column portions, and a final-stage elevating portion, the transfer means is provided on the final-stage elevating portion, and the extending and contracting drive mechanism includes a counter weight supported on the fixed column portion movably vertically in a range of the height of the fixed column portion, a winding transmission tool which applies the gravity of the counter weight upward to the next mid-stage elevating column portion, an elevating drive means which drives and elevates the next mid-stage elevating column portion with respect to the fixed column portion, and winding transmission tools which convert an upward movement of the mid-stage elevating column portion into an upward movement of the next mid-stage elevating column portion or final-stage elevating portion. |
| US08641352B2 |
Entrance gate for an automatic parking garage having mechanism for centering a vehicle on the entrance gate
An entrance gate and an automatic parking garage having such an entrance gate are provided. The entrance gate includes a stationary ground plate; two trace plates thereabove, movable in the plane in any direction in a gliding manner, each for receiving thereon a front and rear wheel of a car; a stationary top plate above the trace plates, having two opposing cut-out windows, with each trace plate exposed through one window; and two centering plates above the top plate, on outer sides of the cut-out windows. The centering plates connect with and are driven by two drive units to affect synchronous counter-movements. When being driven toward each other, the centering plates touch outer sides of tires of a car resting on the trace plates and move the car toward a centerline of the entrance gate, until the centerline of the car is aligned with the centerline of the entrance gate. |
| US08641346B2 |
Metal to metal fastener improvement
A cleat is provided. The cleat includes, but is not limited to, a head, a shank, and a vertical slot formed through the head and a portion of the shank. The shank is connected to the head and has a pair of opposing planar faces and a pair of opposing short edges, a wide portion and a point. The edges are provided with at least one serration fixed relative to said wide portion. |
| US08641345B2 |
Screw cover and seal
A dome-shaped aluminum screw cover is adapted to be placed over the head of a self-tapping concrete screw that is used to fasten a metal structure to concrete on a house or building. A concave inner surface of the screw cover provides a space between the cover and the screw head for receiving a charge of silicone adhesive that bonds the cover to the metal structure and screw head, while also providing a watertight seal around the screw head that minimizes entry of moisture and corrosion of the screw. The screw cover is preferably of the same color as the metal structure so as to reduce its visibility while effectively concealing the unsightly screw head. |
| US08641342B2 |
Stud for stud welding
A welding stud includes a shank and a head flange, which projects radially relative to the shank and whose outer circumference is of polygonal design in order to be able to apply a test torque (T) to the stud by means of a tool. The flange includes an annular section (16) whose front facing and radially extending annular surface is designed as a welding surface. The annular section directly adjoins the flange, and the annular section and the flange form a head section which has a uniform outside diameter (D) throughout, and wherein the polygonal shape of the flange extends over the annular section up to its front annular surface. |
| US08641338B2 |
Spindle device, machining center including the spindle device, and method for assembling the spindle device
A spindle device (20) includes: a bracket (21) swingably mounted on a support arm (9) and having a tubular portion (22) substantially perpendicular to the swing axis of the bracket (21); and, a spindle (30) including a rotation portion (31) capable of mounting a tool onto the leading end thereof, a housing (32) insertably and removably mounted on the tubular portion (22) of the bracket (21) and having a mounting surface (35a) disposed opposed to the surface of the bracket (21), and bearings (50 and 51) respectively interposed between the rotation portion (31) and housing (32) for supporting the rotation portion (31) rotatable relative to the housing (32). In the mounting surface (35a) of the housing (32), there are formed flow passage openings (80˜86) for fluid which are supplied to the spindle (30). |
| US08641336B1 |
Tool holder and cutting tool
A tool holder. Implementations include a base unit which receives a shank of a cutting tool. A dowel movably coupled to the base unit engages an indentation in the shank under spring bias force to removably couple the cutting tool with the base unit. A sleeve slidably couples over the base unit, the sliding of which causes the dowel to ride in a first slot in the base unit and simultaneously in a second slot in the sleeve, causing the dowel to engage the indentation when the sleeve is slid in one direction and disengage the indentation when the sleeve is slid the opposite direction. |
| US08641334B2 |
Insert
An insert attached to a tool body of a hole machining tool having an attachment seat and a pressing member for pressing the insert to adjust the position of a peripheral cutting edge in a diameter direction of the tool. The insert has a panel shape. One surface of the insert in a thickness direction provides a seating surface, the other surface in the thickness direction provides a peripheral flank surface. A surface facing the rear side of the insert in a tool rotation direction provides a pressed surface in a state that the insert is attached to the attachment seat. A side surface facing the front side in the tool rotation direction provides an inclined surface, and a peripheral cutting edge is formed at a ridge portion outside of the inclined surface in the diameter direction of the tool. |
| US08641330B2 |
Tool
A tool for chip removing machining includes a tool holder in order to releasably hold at least one cutting insert. The cutting insert is arranged to be fixable in an insert pocket of the tool holder by a locking screw. The locking screw has a head and is in threaded engagement with the tool holder via a threaded joint which is arranged to allow tilting of the locking screw in a working direction of the tool when the locking screw is partly unscrewed so that the cutting insert can be removed from the insert pocket. The head is arranged to clamp against a part of a front side of the cutting insert. The tool holder includes at least one space at least partly arranged to receive the head when the screw is partly unscrewed. |
| US08641328B2 |
Alignment window for drive tool assembly
A drive tool for connecting a member to the drive tool of a drive tool assembly includes a flange connectable to the drive tool assembly. A wall has a first portion extending axially outwardly from the flange and defining a socket for receiving a first member. The wall has a second portion extending axially from the first portion of the wall and having a circumferential extent less than that of the first portion to facilitate receiving the first member by providing a laterally and axially open alignment opening. The first member can have a second portion extending axially further than a first portion and having a circumferential extent less than the first portion to facilitate connecting a second member to the first member by providing a laterally and axially open alignment opening. |
| US08641325B2 |
Clamp assembly for a laying tower
A clamp assembly, for a laying tower for laying continuous, elongated members in a body of water, has a supporting frame; and three clamping units arranged in series to simultaneously clamp and release a continuous, elongated member extending along a given axis, and each having at least two opposite jaws, and self-adjusting mechanisms, each of which is interposed between a respective jaw and the supporting frame, has a spring, and allows an adjustment movement of the respective jaw with respect to the supporting frame in a direction parallel to the axis, under the weight of the continuous, elongated member, and in opposition to the spring, when the continuous, elongated member is gripped simultaneously by the clamping units. |
| US08641324B2 |
Oil transport pipes
Apparatus for transferring oil between a first facility and a second facility. The apparatus comprises a pipe supported at one end by a floating buoy and decoupling arrangement to decouple movement of the buoy from a substantial portion of the pipe. The decoupling arrangement is generally arranged to support a portion of the pipe adjacent the floating buoy and may comprise, for example, a tether attached to the floating buoy, one or more diverter disks attached onto the length of pipe, a sliding connection or an arrangement of weights and buoys along the length of the pipe. |
| US08641322B1 |
System and process for disposal of dry fly ash
A system and process for disposal of dry fly ash that effectively confines and damps fugitive dust during the collection, sorting, transporting, storage and treatment of fly ash at a landfill. The system and process for disposal of dry fly ash utilizing an enlarged, oversized hopper positioned at the top of a hill and an elongate channel that runs between the enlarged hopper and the landfill. A bulk transport truck hauling a belly dump trailer dumps dry fly ash through an elevated platform having a centrally aligned orifice into the oversized hopper having a slurry rack and a large hopper grate. The dry fly ash is mixed with water in the enlarged hopper at a ratio of approximately 1:1, after which it flows downstream into the elongate channel and ultimately to the landfill. When the transport truck is positioned above the enlarged hopper, the doors of the belly dump trailer open and contact a substantially upright skirt surrounding the periphery of the orifice. The ramps and raised platform of the enlarged hopper allow the belly dump trailer compartments to be closer to the orifice and the hopper grate in order to minimize fugitive ash during the disposal process. A fan located within the elongate channel creates a partial vacuum forcing the dry fly ash from the belly dump trailer into the enlarged hopper, which is mixed with water from the slurry rack and allowed to flow downstream where it is further mixed within the elongate channel. |
| US08641320B2 |
Front drive of a road paver and a method for controlling the front drive
A road paver for laying road construction material comprises a tamping beam, a bunker for receiving road construction material, a wheeled chassis with a rear axle and a steerable front axle, and a hydraulic arrangement for permanent or optionally selectable drive of hydraulic motors which are coupled to the front wheels. A method for tractive power control and for drive slip limitation of the front drive of a road paver is also disclosed. |
| US08641317B2 |
Bushing and coupling system
A bushing includes a base portion having a central axis, a substantially circular aperture extending through the base portion along the central axis, and a plurality of tapered fingers integral with and protruding from the base portion. Each of the tapered fingers are configured to deflect from a first position in which a bolt or similar fastener may pass through the bushing to a second position in which the bushing constricts or clamps down around the bolt. A coupling system and method for rigidly securing two or more components together using one or more bushings is also provided. |
| US08641316B2 |
Press-fit connection for a rack housing
This invention relates to an arrangement comprising a tubular housing, preferably a rack housing (1) that accommodates a rack (10), and at least one retention and/or support ring (2, 2′) which is disposed at least in part inside the rack housing (1) and is pressed into the housing (1) such that the retention and/or support ring (2, 2′) expands. The arrangement is characterized in that a toothed section (4, 4′) is provided on an external circumferential surface of the retention and/or support ring (2, 2′) adjoining the housing (1). The invention further relates to an associated method for mounting at least one retention and/or support ring (2, 2′) inside a tubular housing (1). |
| US08641313B1 |
Latch for securing a compute node in a component storage rack
A latch comprises a frame securable to an enclosure, and a handle pivotally secured to the frame for pivoting between a closed position and an open position. The distal end of the handle has a drive pin extending therefrom. The latch also comprises a pawl having a latch key, a distal end secured to the frame, and a proximal end coupled to the drive pin. Closing the handle causes the drive pin to move the pawl toward a side of the chassis bay and deploy the latch key into engagement with a slot in the side of the chassis bay. Opening the handle causes the drive pin to move the pawl away from a side of the chassis bay and withdraw the latch key out of engagement with the slot in the side of the chassis bay. |
| US08641312B2 |
Rotating spigot for trusses
A rotating connector that is particularly suitable for staging and lighting trusses and that includes a rotating connector and an inside sleeve having at least two portions. The combination of the rotating connector and the sleeve are held together by an outside sleeve, and the assembled sleeve is attached to a truss member. |
| US08641311B2 |
Cleaning head for a target surface
A unit dose for cleaning an unsanitary surface, such as a toilet bowl. The unit dose comprises a water dispersible shell containing granules defining a core. The granules obviate the need for sheet material in the unit dose and provide cleaning efficacy when submerged. |
| US08641308B2 |
Ball point pen
A ballpoint pen system has a pen housing, a top cap, and a ballpoint ink cartridge located in the pen housing. The top cap is located on a pen housing anterior end. In a first closed position a top cap anterior internal annular ridge and a top cap posterior internal annular ridge engage an anterior annular groove and a median annular groove of the pen housing, respectively. In a second, open position, the top cap anterior internal annular ridge and the top cap posterior internal annular ridge engage the median annular groove and a posterior annular groove of the pen housing, respectively. In a first position, the ballpoint tip is located below a top cap anterior end aperture. In a second position, the ballpoint tip is located above and through the top cap anterior end aperture. |
| US08641306B2 |
Wristwatch keyboard
The present invention discloses a data entry device to be worn on a person's wrist, similar to a wrist watch. Dimples are arrayed around the periphery of a digital display on the device. The dimples provide both a locating means for finger placement and a boundary for sensing the shift of a pressure point within, the shift in a preferred direction indicating a selection from a displayed menu to be made by lifting the finger from contact. A novel way of holding the device by its wrist band while fingering the dimples leads to a fluid method of keying functionalities for use as a phone and as an internet-enabled device. |
| US08641303B2 |
Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus including: a first convey path; a support member which supports a first recording medium, a second recording medium, and a tray; a second convey path connected to the first convey path; a first guide member partly defining the second convey path; and a posture change mechanism which changes the support member and the first guide member between (a) a first posture in which the first convey path has a height allowing the first recording medium to pass therethrough, and the second convey path has a height allowing the first recording medium to pass therethrough and (b) a second posture in which the first convey path has a height larger than the first height and allowing the second recording medium or the tray to pass therethrough, and the second convey path has a height smaller than the second height. |
| US08641301B2 |
Camera angle adjustment
Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to adjusting an angle of a camera included in display unit that connects to a base unit. The display unit may include a camera mount to house the camera. The camera mount is to adjust a viewing angle of the camera relative to the display unit in response to a change of a hinge angle between the display unit and the base unit. |
| US08641298B2 |
Multi-channel optical module
The present inventive concept herein relates to multi-channel optical modules, and more particularly, to a multi-channel optical module capable of processing a plurality of signals having different optical wavelengths. The multi-channel optical module may include a stem including one or more cavities; at least one lead pin formed in one or more cavities; a plurality of optical devices formed in the one or more cavities; and a filter portion forming an optical path between the plurality of optical devices and an optical fiber by separating a plurality of optical signals according to a wavelength. According to the inventive concept, processing capacity of the optical module may be improved. Also, according to the inventive concept, electrical and optical cross talk of the optical module may be reduced. |
| US08641293B2 |
Optical fiber connector and apparatus of facilitating to pull out optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector according to the present disclosure includes a housing, a tab, a vertical portion, a horizontal portion and a handle member. According to the optical fiber connector of the present disclosure, wherein a pull at the handle member may pull out the optical fiber connector from the optical fiber adapter without need to press a tab on the optical fiber connector directly. |
| US08641292B2 |
Photonic assembly for optical fibers
A photonic assembly includes a midplane connector having connector channels extending therethrough. Fiber optic connectors are positioned within the connector channels of the midplane connector. The fiber optic connectors retain ferrules of midplane optical fibers and aligning the ferrules of the midplane optical fibers within the midplane connector. A midplane substrate is provided having an opening extending therethrough. The midplane connector is positioned within the opening of the midplane substrate. The midplane connector floats within the opening of the midplane substrate to position the ferrules of the midplane optical fibers. |
| US08641289B2 |
Triple-lip seals for bearings and bearings incorporating the same
Sealing members for bearings and bearings incorporating the same are disclosed. A sealing member for a bearing may have a resilient axial seal extending from an outer diameter of the sealing member and a plurality of resilient sealing lips extending radially from an inner diameter of the sealing member. The sealing member may be utilized in a bearing which includes an inner race having a plurality of sealing grooves formed in an outer diameter of the inner race and an outer race including at least one sealing channel formed in an inner diameter of the outer race. The sealing member may be sealingly engaged with the inner race and the outer race such that the plurality of resilient sealing lips are sealingly engaged with the plurality of sealing grooves of the inner race and the resilient axial seal is sealingly engaged with the sealing channel of the outer race. |
| US08641280B2 |
Linear motion guide unit with long-lasting lubricating system
Lubrication for rolling elements is carried out in a turnaround passage in an end cap. An applicator nose to come into touch with the rolling elements has a molding density greater than in a lubricant reservoir plate to ensure proper and steady lubrication, with accompanying sustainable maintenance-free condition for lubrication. The lubricant reservoir plate impregnated with lubricant fits into a concavity inside the end cap. The applicator nose is integral with the lubricant reservoir plate and extends through a hole cut in the end cap to reach a turnaround passage to be exposed at a leading edge thereof to the rolling element to resupply the lubricant around the rolling elements. |
| US08641273B2 |
Thermal interlock for battery pack, device, system and method
Faulty battery detecting and locating devices and methods are able to detect and locate a faulty battery cell. The device applies an energy to a sensing member, such as a polymeric tube containing at least two polymer-coated and twisted electric wires. Heat that is generated by a faulty battery triggers an electric communication between the two electric wires by melting at least a portion of the polymer. The resulting change in resistance between the two electric wires is used to detect and locate a faulty battery. |
| US08641266B2 |
Horizontal-flow hydration apparatus
A novel apparatus is disclosed which comprises: (a) pumping means for injecting a fluid through a conduit means into an inlet pipe of a fluid mixing tank, (b) said fluid mixing tank comprising a plurality of compartments connected in series and in fluid communication with adjacent compartments in the series, and designed to provide for a horizontal flow of fluids from the first compartment to the last compartment in the series, (c) at least one compartment being equipped with one or more radial-flow impellers connected to a vertical shaft, and means for rotating such impellers at a rate designed to stir the contents of the compartment radially with high shear and prevent fluid stagnation, (d) at least one compartment being equipped with one or more axial flow impellers connected to a vertical shaft, and means for rotating such impellers at a rate designed to circulate the contents of the compartment vertically, (e) the inlet pipe being designed to introduce fluids into the first compartment, and (f) a means for withdrawing fluid from the apparatus through a discharge opening in the last compartment in the series. The new apparatus is particularly useful as a horizontal flow hydration tank to prepare aqueous viscous fluids for use as well treatment fluids. Hydratable polymers can be hydrated rapidly and consistently in real time. The apparatus is less complex mechanically and operationally than the compartmentalized vertical-flow tanks of the prior art, and it can be constructed as a mobile unit. |
| US08641261B2 |
Backlight module
A backlight module is disclosed. The backlight module includes a light guide plate, a backlight source, an optical plate, and an optical coating layer. The light guide plate has a light emitting surface and a light incident end. The light incident end is located at an adjacent side of the light emitting surface. The backlight source is disposed corresponding to the light incident end and generates lights emitting to the light incident end. The optical plate is disposed above the light emitting surface. The optical plate includes an extension portion extending disposed above the backlight source. The optical coating layer is formed on a surface of the extension portion. |
| US08641259B2 |
Luminance enhancement optical substrates with anti-interference-fringe structures
An optical substrate having a structured light output surface that comprises rows of laterally arranged snaking, wavy or meandering longitudinal prism structures. The prism structures at the light output surface may be viewed as comprising rows of laterally meandering longitudinal prisms and/or sections of curved segments coupled end-to-end to form the overall meandering longitudinal prism structures. The laterally meandering rows of longitudinal prism structures are arranged in parallel laterally (side-by-side), defining parallel peaks and valleys (a facet is defined between each adjacent peak and valley). In one embodiment, the lateral waviness is regular with a constant or variable wavelength and/or wave amplitude (or extent of lateral deformation). The lateral waviness may generally follow a sinusoidal profile, or other curved profile. The structured light output surface may further include varying peak heights along each wavy prism structure and/or pre-defined structural irregularities such as non-facet flat section distributed in the structure surface. |
| US08641258B2 |
Light guide panel and optical system including the same
A light guide panel 1 having a reflective sub-wavelength diffraction grating 3 generates zero-order light and minus first-order light in the reflective sub-wavelength diffraction grating 3, extracts the minus first-order light as outgoing light, and transmits the zero-order light to generate new minus first-order light by satisfying the conditional expressions: sin−1(1/n)<θ1 (1) λ/{n(sin θ1+1)}≦Λ |
| US08641257B2 |
Optic system for light guide with controlled output
A light guide with optics guides light exiting the guide. The device achieves accurate control of the reflected light by extracting light from a limited area of the light guide. The configuration of the reflectors used for the selective extraction determines the nature of the output light. The reflectors may be located on a side of the light guide opposite to an output side of the light guide. |
| US08641255B2 |
Backlight unit
There is provided a backlight unit. The backlight unit includes a light guiding plate, a light source module including a substrate provided with a circuit wiring and a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) blocks each including one or more LED mounted on the substrate to be positioned vertically with respect to the substrate, the one or more LED being disposed to face a side surface of the light guiding plate, a bottom chassis including a base and a sidewall upwardly extending from a circumference of the base, and accommodating the light source module and the light guiding plate in such a manner that the one or more LED is disposed to be adjacent to the sidewall, and a driving unit controlling a current signal applied to each of the plurality of LED blocks to thereby control brightness for each LED block. |
| US08641254B2 |
Illumination apparatus
An illumination apparatus, comprising at least one light emitting source embedded in a waveguide material is disclosed. The waveguide material is capable of propagating light generated by light emitting source(s), such that at least a portion of the light is diffused within the waveguide material and exits through at least a portion of its surface. |
| US08641251B2 |
Automobile ornament panel including an anti-glare icon area, and related automobile
An automobile panel (10) includes at least one icon area (18), the area being illuminated by a light source (20) placed under the ornament panel, the panel including a flexible translucent skin (12), forming the outer surface (14) of the ornament panel, and a backing layer (16), placed against the translucent skin (12), the layer (16) having at least one translucent area aligned with the icon area (18). The ornament panel includes at least one polarizing filter (32) placed between the light source (20) and the icon area (18) so as to polarize the light illuminating the icon area (18) and to substantially prevent the subsequent reflection thereof. |
| US08641248B2 |
Holder of lighting device
A holder of lighting device is provided for receiving a lighting unit of the lighting device to be inserted and retained therein. The lighting unit includes an insertion portion that is insertable into the holder. The holder includes a clamp section, which defines a receiving and retaining space, and a base, which extends outwards and downwards from the clamp section. The clamp section includes a plurality of pawls that circumferentially surrounds a center of the receiving and retaining space and is engageable with and thus resiliently clamps the insertion portion of the lighting unit. The base can be stably positioned on a flat surface and the pawls resiliently clamp the insertion portion of the lighting unit so that the stability of positioning the lighting unit can be improved. |
| US08641246B2 |
Lamp unit and lighting fixture
According to one embodiment, a lamp unit includes a light-emitting module, a lighting circuit, and a housing. The light-emitting module includes a light emitting portion having a semiconductor light-emitting element. The lighting circuit lights the semiconductor light-emitting element. The housing includes a case opening in the direction of irradiation of light, and a base on a side of the case opposite from the direction of radiation of the light. The lighting circuit is accommodated in the case, and the light-emitting module is mounted on the base at a position closer to the base with respect to the position of the lighting circuit. |
| US08641239B2 |
Reflector for a lighting assembly
A lighting assembly utilizing a reflective body for use with a light source to uniformly disperse the light from the light source. The reflective body includes a lower array of first reflectors arranged about a central axis. Each of the first reflectors form an obtuse angle with the next adjacent first reflector. The reflective body also includes an upper array of second reflectors arranged about the central axis. Each of said second reflectors include a left face and a right face. The upper array defines obtuse angles between next adjacent second reflectors. Additionally, reflex angles are defined between the left and right faces of the second reflectors. The combination of angles evenly disperse the light supplied from the light source to provide a pleasant glow for illuminating an area below the lighting assembly without causing hot spots. |
| US08641238B2 |
Light source module
A light source module includes a circuit board, a light-emitting diode, a lens, and a lamp screen. An upper surface of the lens has a first recessed portion including a flat surface and a curved side surface. The flat surface is at the center of the upper surface. The curved side surface surrounds the flat surface and stretches to the flat surface from a side surface of the lens to form the first recessed portion. A lower surface of the lens has a second recessed portion defining a recessed space and includes a curved surface and a sidewall portion. The curved surface is a convex surface and opposite to the flat surface. The sidewall portion surrounds the recessed space. An inner surface of the sidewall portion is concaved. The light-emitting diode is disposed in the recessed space. The lamp screen is used to diffuse the light passing through the lens. |
| US08641236B2 |
Insulated LED device
An LED device has an LED assembly connected to or abutting a heat sink, the heat sink connected to a cooling bridge and optionally enclosed within insulated connector end caps and crossover end caps and within a reflector cover and side cover. The cooling bridge conducts heat to the heat sink away from the reflector cover, and side cover, where the heat may be removed by a circulating coolant. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). |
| US08641234B2 |
Lamppost head assembly with adjustable LED heat sink support
A lamppost head assembly including a housing compartment having a cavity, a panel and at least one fastener. The panel has a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) positioned on a first surface and a heat sink positioned on a second surface opposite to the first surface. The heat sink is adapted to fit into the cavity for dissipating the panel's heat into the housing compartment. The at least one fastener maintains the panel at an angle with the housing compartment from a plurality of angle options and may optionally further maintain the heat sink into the cavity. |
| US08641233B2 |
Lighting device having light diodes
A lighting device (1, 1′) having a tube (2), at least sections of which are transparent, and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (4), the LEDs being arranged within the tube next to one another and parallel to the tube longitudinal axis (L), wherein at least one separate optical means (5, 6; 5′, 6′) is arranged within the tube (2). |
| US08641228B1 |
Track-mounted decorative lighting apparatus
A track-mounted decorative lighting system comprises a track system, a light string, and a motorized lighting cartridge. The track system comprises a flexible track with an inverted “T”-shape profile mounted by a user in a desired configuration upon a structure. The motorized lighting cartridge comprises a gear-type drive system which deploys or retracts the light string through the track. A user may use a hand-held remote controller to activate the internal motor to drive the lights out into position along the track system upon the structure. The lighting system provides a means to add additional light strings and light cartridges to obtain a greater length of deployed lighting. The motor withdraws the deployed lights back into the cartridge for storage. The lighting system further provides a hook embodiment onto which a user may secure existing string-type lighting while still utilizing the deployment and retraction functions. |
| US08641227B1 |
Anti-pressing apparatus for flashlight
The present invention provides an anti-pressing apparatus for flashlight, comprising a space provided on one end of the flashlight, a dialing piece inserted into a slot adjacent to the space, a pressing piece provided on a perforation having the dialing piece inserted therein, a restraining piece corresponding to an outer end of the pressing piece on the central perforation of the flashlight in order to restrain the pressing piece to move upward and downward only; whereby during use of the anti-pressing assembly of the flashlight, only the push portion of the dialing pieces is required to be dialed to another side to drive the blocker of the dialing piece to rotate to a lower position underneath the protruding section of the pressing piece in order to restrain the downward movement of the pressing piece and accidental pressing down on the power of the flashing can be prevented. |
| US08641226B2 |
Flashlight lamp rotation structure
A flashlight lamp rotation structure capable of rotating the direction of a lamp to meet the need for a flashlight illumination direction includes the lamp equipped with an illumination light source and movably pivotally coupled to the upper end of a flashlight body. The illumination light source in the lamp coupled to the upper end of the flashlight body can undergo a preset change of the color of lamp light, or the lamp can rotate in a preset direction, so as to provide illumination flexibly. |
| US08641225B2 |
Flashlight zooming structure
A flashlight zooming structure includes a main body and a zooming assembly screwed on one end of a neck of the main body and configured as follows. A transparent lamp cup is received in a cup seat. The cup seat has outwardly extending lugs respectively received in channels formed on the inner periphery of the cap. A ring has oblique notches respectively connected with the lugs of the cup seat. A middle annular element has projections respectively fitted in recesses of the ring and has hooks respectively engaged with engaging grooves of the cap. To illuminate a distant or nearby target, the zooming assembly is rotated in the desired direction so that the light emitted by a lighting unit at one end of the neck of the main body is projected outward through the transparent lamp cup as a convergent or divergent light beam. |
| US08641220B1 |
Lighted footwear
A display apparatus for lighted footwear, having a spring switch, a battery-powered integrated circuit sealingly encapsulated, a plurality of illuminators, and a wiring harness connecting the illuminators to points of the integrated circuit, the integrated circuit being configured for activating the illuminators in a sequential pattern that can include repeated activation cycles when the spring switch is subjected to an effective acceleration. The display apparatus preferably includes the battery being sealingly encapsulated together with the spring switch and the integrated circuit; an ON/OFF switch can be included for selectively producing a deep sleep state of the integrated circuit that is unresponsive to the spring switch. Also disclosed is footwear incorporating the display apparatus, wherein the encapsulated enclosure is located within a sole heel portion of the shoe, and the illuminators are distributed on the footwear for external view. |
| US08641217B2 |
Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes a main body portion, a back surface portion, a movable portion, and a back surface member. The main body portion includes a display portion and is configured to process inputted information. The back surface portion is configured to cover a back surface of the main body portion on an opposite side of the display portion. The movable portion is mounted to a rear surface of the back surface portion on an opposite side of an opposite surface of the back surface portion, the opposite surface being opposed to the main body portion. The back surface member has stretch properties and is configured to cover the back surface portion and the movable portion. |
| US08641214B1 |
Laminar liquid motion display
A laminar liquid motion display includes a pair of outer films and a flow separator film. The flow separator film is perforated with a number of flow holes and is sandwiched between the outer films. The films may be sealed along their periphery thereby forming a generally laminar chamber which may contain two interconnected compartments. A fluid is disposed within the chamber and may circulate between the two compartments via the flow holes in the flow separator film. The fluid may include any number of generally immiscible components which may be colored in order to make the motion of the fluid easily visible. A lamp or candle may be disposed in the proximity of the chamber in order to illuminate the fluid and power its motion by convection. The chamber may be curved concentrically around the lamp or candle and may provide the functionality of a lampshade. |
| US08641211B2 |
Road delineator
Disclosure relates to a road delineator installed at a road facility, such as a guardrail, to reflect light from car headlights, and more specifically, an angle adjustment part of the delineator having a cover hinged to a stationary body has a simple structure to facilitate angle adjustment of the hinged cover, the head of an anchor bolt is easily inserted into the stationary body that is installed at the road facility yet the anchor bolt is not easily separated from the stationary body once the head thereof sits in the stationary body, such that the delineator at the road facility can be installed conveniently, and a backing metal is embedded in the bottom plate of the stationary body to protect the bottom plate of the stationary body made of a synthetic resin material from damages caused by the head of the anchor bolt when the anchor bolt is forcedly fastened to the road facility. |
| US08641210B2 |
Retro-reflective marker including colored mounting portion
Described is a device comprising a retro-reflective marker sphere comprising: a core ball comprising: a generally spherical body portion, a mounting base extending from one end of the body portion of the core ball, and a mounting recess having a recess opening in the mounting base and extending into the body portion of the core ball, and a retro-reflective covering on the core ball, the retro-reflective covering comprising an opening through which the mounting base of the core ball extends, wherein a flat lower surface of the mounting base is spaced proximally from a lower edge of the opening of the retro-reflective covering, and wherein the mounting recess includes an interior screw thread for engaging an exterior screw thread of a mounting post when the retro-reflective marker sphere is mounted on the mounting post. |
| US08641209B2 |
Positioning interfaces for projection display devices
Described herein are devices that provide projection-type video output in a portable and flexible design. The design includes a projection chamber, a base, and an interface that permits relative positioning between the projection chamber and base. The base maintains the position of the display device. The projection chamber includes components responsible for the production of images based on received video data and components responsible for the projection of those images. Relative pointing between the projection chamber and base allows the projection chamber to be pointed—and an output projected image to be positioned—with minimal effort. |
| US08641203B2 |
Methods and systems for receiving and transmitting signals between server and projector apparatuses
The present disclosure relates to methods and systems that may be configured to facilitate projection. For example, in some embodiments, a system includes circuitry for receiving, at one or more server apparatuses, signals associated with changes in features of one or more projection surfaces, the signals to include information that at least a first projection surface is configured to facilitate capture of content that is projected onto the at least the first projection surface and is further configured to facilitate at least one of printing the captured content, saving the captured content to memory, or transmitting the captured content over one or more networks; circuitry for transmitting, from the one or more server apparatuses to one or more projector apparatuses, signals associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of the one or more projection surfaces. |
| US08641201B2 |
Heat dissipation module and projection apparatus
A heat dissipation module includes a base, a lamp, a fan, an orientation-sensing element and a motor. The lamp is disposed on the base, and the fan is disposed on the base for inducing an air flow and cooling down the lamp. The orientation-sensing element generates an orientation signal, and the motor rotates the base according to the orientation signal to allow the base to be substantially parallel to a horizontal plane. A rotational axis of the motor is substantially aligned with a central axis of the lamp. |
| US08641200B2 |
Projection type display device provided with a unit for detecting clogging of filters
A projection type display device includes a lamp, polarization means (21) for converting light emitted from the lamp to polarized light, a liquid crystal panel for modulating the polarized light to form an image light, a projection lens (7) for projecting the image light, fans (11R, 12G, 23B) for taking outside air in and for supplying the outside air to the polarization means and the liquid crystal panel, a filter for collecting dust contained in the outside air, a first detection means for detecting temperature T1 of the outside air, a first control means for controlling the number of revolutions of the fan in response to temperature T1, a second detection means for detecting temperature T2 of the polarization means, a storage means for storing reference temperature T3, and a second control means. The second control means issues a warning or stops the projection type display device when temperature T2 is higher than reference temperature T3. |
| US08641197B2 |
Acoustical receiver and pen transcription system adapted for rejecting virtual pen images
An acoustical receiver for detecting an acoustical signal characterized by a wavelength and a pen transcription system utilizing the same are disclosed. The receiver includes a detector that generates an electrical signal in response to acoustical signals in a predetermined frequency range including that wavelength, a housing surrounding the detector, and a receiving horn. The housing has a housing aperture having a maximum dimension less than the acoustical signal wavelength. The receiving horn has a first opening that is adjacent to the housing aperture and a second aperture having a dimension that is greater than the acoustical signal wavelength. |
| US08641196B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a light emitting portion emitting light; an optical scanning portion scanning a display surface with the light emitted from the light emitting portion; and a changing portion rotating an image formed on the display surface through the scanning with the light by using a position near the center as a rotation axis to change an orientation of the image. |
| US08641195B2 |
Image forming apparatus for projecting an image to guide an individual
An image forming apparatus includes: a projector configured to be capable of projecting light to thereby display an image on a rendering region formed on a display surface set around a guiding point to which a person should be guided and changing a position of the rendering region; a detecting unit that detects whether a person is present in a detection region set near the display surface and detects, when a person is present in the detection region, a moving state of the person; and a control unit that controls, on the basis of a detection result of the detecting unit, driving of the projector to guide the person present in the detection region to the guiding point. |
| US08641193B2 |
Spectral contrast for glaucoma imaging
A system for analyzing and detecting early stage damage to the retina related to glaucoma. The reflectance of different wavelengths of light by the retinal nerve fiber layer are compared. Changes in relative reflectance values indicate damage to the retinal nerve fibers and indicate early glaucomatous optical neuropathy. |
| US08641192B2 |
System and method for manufacturing a lens, such as an ophthalmic lens
A system and method for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens is described. In some examples, the system applies a back surface to a lens blank that includes an aspherical curve having two radii of curvature. In some examples, a back surface of a peripheral portion of the lens follows the curvature of a front surface of the lens in order to establish a rounded, non-sharp edge to a lens blank used during the manufacturing process of a prescription eyeglass lens. |
| US08641191B2 |
Static progressive surface region in optical communication with a dynamic optic
An ophthalmic lens is presented in which the lens includes a progressive addition region and a dynamic optic. The dynamic optic and the progressive addition region are in optical communication. The progressive addition region has an add power which is less than a user's near viewing distance add power. The dynamic optic, when activated, provides the additional needed optical power for the wearer to see clearly at a near distance. This combination leads to the unexpected result that not only does the wearer have the ability to see clearly at intermediate and near distances, but the level of unwanted astigmatism, distortion, and vision compromise are reduced significantly. |
| US08641182B2 |
Ink jet ink, ink cartridge, and ink jet recording method
An ink jet ink including a pigment and an ABC triblock polymer, wherein the above-described ABC triblock polymer is formed from an A block having an aryl group, a B block having a unit represented by the following general formula (1), and a C block having a unit represented by the following general formula (2). |
| US08641173B2 |
Piezoelectric film, method for forming piezoelectric film, piezoelectric device and liquid discharge device
A piezoelectric film of the present invention has a surface roughness value P-V of not more than 170.0 nm, which is defined by a difference between a maximum height (peak value P) and a minimum height (valley value V) on a film surface, a piezoelectric constant d31 greater than 150 pC/N and a breakdown voltage of 80 V or more, which is defined by an applied voltage that results in a current value of 1 μA or more. |
| US08641169B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head unit having a plurality of liquid ejecting heads that ejects liquid from nozzles. The liquid ejecting head unit has a head fixing member that fixes a plurality of the liquid ejecting heads in a row with gaps between the heads. The head fixing member has an opening at a frame section, and fixes a plurality of the liquid ejecting heads that are inserted into the opening in a state where at least one portion of each of the nozzle plates protrudes through the opening. Partition plates are arranged between the liquid ejecting heads in the frame section in a row with the liquid ejecting heads across the opening. A portion of each of the partition plates protrudes from the bottom of the frame section. |
| US08641168B2 |
Printing system with adjustable aerosol collection
A printing system that has a drive roller for feeding different sizes of media along a media path, an inkjet printhead assembly for printing the media and an ink aerosol collection system for removing ink aerosol from areas adjacent the media path. The ink aerosol collection system is configured to remove aerosol at a greater rate in response to an increase in the media size. |
| US08641166B2 |
Maintenance unit for print head
The present invention generally relates to a printing apparatus including one or more print heads for depositing printing fluid onto a substrate, wherein the apparatus comprises a maintenance unit for the one or more print heads. The present invention further relates to a method for cleaning one or more print heads from adhering printing fluid. The present invention also relates to the use of the apparatus in the automated manufacture of a contact lens, in particular a silicone hydrogel contact lens. |
| US08641162B2 |
Ink-jet recording apparatus and ink-jet recording method
An ink-jet recording apparatus is provided, including a first transport section which transports a recording medium; a recording section which is formed with a plurality of nozzles and which records an image on the recording medium by discharging ink droplets from the nozzles; an interference member which is provided at a position separated from the recording section; and a control unit which controls the recording section so that only a part of the nozzles is used for a certain area of the recording medium. |
| US08641161B2 |
Printing using inks of plural colors including white color
Disclosed is a printing apparatus that performs printing by using inks of plural colors including a white color, which includes a first nozzle group that ejects an ink of one color including a white color and at least one color other than the white color, and a second nozzle group that ejects the inks of plural colors. An image formed by the first nozzle group is an undercoat layer or an overcoat layer of an image formed by the second nozzle group. |
| US08641156B2 |
Compound motion shelf organizer
A compound motion shelf organizer may include a front module and a rear module. A compound linear motion system may be coupled between the front module and a base. The compound linear motion system may be configured to allow the front module to move horizontally with respect to the base from a retracted position to a forward position, and to allow the front module to move vertically with respect to the base from the forward position to a downward position. |
| US08641154B2 |
Parking brake adjustment for an aircraft having an electric brake system
A system and procedures for adjusting brake mechanisms for an aircraft having an electric brake system are disclosed. The brake actuator mechanisms are controlled to achieve different parking brake actuation states as a function of the current engine run status (e.g., engine off, engine idle, or engine above idle). Procedures for adjusting an aircraft parking brake as disclosed herein include setting the brake actuator mechanisms to achieve a relatively low clamping force when the aircraft engines are off or idling, and setting the brake mechanisms to achieve a relatively high clamping force when the aircraft engines are running above idle, and to maintain commanded brake force without active or battery power by engaging a mechanical clutch or latch to the brake actuator. |
| US08641153B2 |
Valve assembly
A valve assembly, which houses a valve closing member that co-operates with an armature to connect or separate pressure medium channels in a valve housing, the member being directed towards a valve seat which is situated on a valve seat body fixed in the valve housing. The valve assembly includes a solenoid for actuating the armature which is pushed onto a non-magnetisable sleeve section of the valve housing and a magnetic core that is diametrically opposed to the armature in the valve housing. Various valve functions can be achieved by using identical valve components in a modular manner. |
| US08641151B2 |
Sprocket support structure
A sprocket support structure includes a main body, a plurality of projections and an abutment ring. The main body includes an outer surface with a plurality of parallel extending sprocket attachment splines defining a plurality of sprocket engaging grooves between the sprocket attachment splines. The projections extend radially outward farther than the sprocket attachment splines with respect to a rotation axis of the main body. Each of the projections includes a first surface facing in a first axial direction of the main body. The abutment ring is disposed on the main body as a separate member from the main body. The abutment ring includes a second surface facing in the first axial direction and axially spaced from the first surfaces of the projections with respect to the rotation axis. The second surface of the abutment ring is exposed between the projections as viewed along the sprocket engaging grooves. |
| US08641148B2 |
Movable head restraints for vehicle seats
A vehicle head restraint assembly has a guide member mounted to a vehicle seat back. A head restraint is mounted to another guide member that has notches and is mounted to the first guide member for movement in a fore and aft direction. A biasing member biases a locking mechanism that is mounted to the first guide member into engagement with the notches. A first actuator is mounted to the first guide member for actuation in a lateral direction from one lateral side such that linear actuation of a first actuator compresses the biasing member to disengage the locking mechanism from the notches to permit adjustment of the fore and aft position of the head restraint. A second actuator is mounted to the first guide member for actuation in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction and cooperates with the first actuator for actuating the first actuator. |
| US08641145B2 |
Assembly comprising a detent fitting and a free-pivoting mechanics
An assembly of a vehicle comprises a first vehicle part and a second vehicle part being pivotal relative to the first vehicle part, at least one detent fitting which is constituted to hold the two vehicle parts in position to each other in a locked state and, therein, to establish a force flow between the two vehicle parts and to allow for a pivoting of the two vehicle parts relative to each other in an unlocked state, an actuation shaft for actuating the at least on detent fitting and a free-pivoting mechanics which is actuatable in order to disrupt the force flow between the two vehicle parts for providing a free-pivoting function. Herein, it is provided that the free-pivoting mechanics for providing the free-pivoting function interacts with the actuation shaft and, therein, is constituted to come into operational connection with the actuation shaft only if the free-pivoting mechanics is actuated. The invention further relates to a free-pivoting mechanics for a vehicle seat and a method for providing a free-pivoting function. In this way, an assembly of a vehicle, a free-pivoting mechanics and a method for providing a free-pivoting function for actuating at least one detent fitting are obtained which do no not influence the normal operation of the detent fitting, use a mechanic for providing a free-pivoting function which is of a comparatively simple construction and in a reliable way provides a free-pivoting function. |
| US08641144B2 |
Swiveling chair with electrical pass-through
A bi-plate ball bearing is configured for horizontally mounting between a base and a chair. The ball bearing has an upper plate and a lower plate defining a ball bearing race and a tension member holding the plates together disposed through a central rotational axis of the bi-plate ball bearing. The tension member may be configured as a threaded metal tube fixed to a first one of the upper plate and the lower plate and held to a second one of the upper plate and the lower plate by a nut. The threaded metal tube defines a passage through the central rotational axis of the bi-plate ball bearing through which power and control wiring may pass. The bearing may provide a cost-effective swivel bearing for chair that includes powered electronics, for which it is desired to pass wiring from the swiveling chair into a chair base. |
| US08641143B2 |
Theraputic support device
The present invention relates to therapeutic furniture and apparatus and therapeutic method wherein a recumbent or semi-recumbent therapist applies foot or hand pressure therapy to the patient seated in tandem configuration in front of therapist, and wherein both patient and therapist are supported by device. |
| US08641141B2 |
Vehicle seat, scissors-type stand with force transmission
A vehicle seat (1), in particular commercial vehicle seat, is provided with a framework, in particular scissors-type framework (3), a seat frame (10) which is articulated thereon via a pivot axis (B), and a backrest (20) which is attached to the seat frame (10) and by means of which a torque acts about the pivot axis (B) on the seat frame (10) in the event of a crash or misuse. The framework (3) has a first catch element (31) and the seat frame (10) has a second catch element (32) which normally do not interact. In the event of a crash or misuse, the catch elements approach each other and then interact creating a further path for the force flux. |
| US08641139B2 |
Flexible flat heating element
A flexible flat structure has a flexible, flat resistance heating element that is connected to electrodes that are spaced apart from one another for supplying electrical current that is pressed on to the resistance heating element by staples or clamps in a force-fit manner and/or a form-fit manner and provides a more flexible connection. |
| US08641127B2 |
Plasma spoiler
A plasma spoiler is mounted in a rear portion of a vehicle for exerting a force on a passing air flow. The plasma spoiler has a dielectric substrate formed of a dielectric material, a first electrode mounted on a bottom surface of the dielectric substrate and insulated by the dielectric substrate, a second electrode mounted on an upper, exposed surface of the dielectric substrate, and a power source connected to the first and second electrodes. The first electrode is disposed in a rearward direction relative to the second electrode. A switch is disposed between the power source and one of the first electrode and the second electrode. The switch is controlled by a controller that is in communication with a speed sensor, so as to activate the plasma spoiler only when the vehicle exceeds a trigger speed. |
| US08641126B2 |
Sealed aft cavity drag reducer
A drag reducing device utilizing sealed aft cavities designed to limit interference with existing truck and trailer designs is described. The invention comprises one or more sealed aft cavities affixed to the rear of a traditional commercial straight truck or trailer, or any other blunt (or mostly blunt) aft faced vehicle. A capability is provided by which the device is stowed to allow normal operation of the straight truck, trailer or vehicle. Drag is reduced by the streamlining of the rear of the vehicle, postponing and narrowing the flow separation downstream of the trailing edge as well as increasing the pressure on the back of the vehicle with the open to the rear, sealed aft cavity. The concept described focuses on the utilization of sealed aft cavities) to limit the effects of blunt body drag and the means for attachment and stowage for loading and unloading cargo. |
| US08641124B1 |
Foldable tonneau cover and hinge therefor
A hinge for a foldable tonneau cover is provided and has two pivotal members, a base member and two detachable screwing assemblies. Each of the pivotal members is connected to at least one frame member of a frame section and has at least one first through hole. The base member has at least two second through holes, each of which is corresponding to the first through hole of each of the pivotal members. Each of the detachable screwing assemblies has a bolt member and a nut member. The bolt member has a thread rod, the nut member has a thread hole provided with a tight fitting member inserted therein, and the thread rod of the bolt member is screw-connected to the thread hole of the nut member and tightly fitted with the tight fitting member in the thread hole. |
| US08641117B2 |
Assist grip for vehicle
There is provided an assist grip for a vehicle capable of gripping a grip main body easily when in use and applying force thereon and facilitating movement of getting off. The assist grip 1 for the vehicle includes the grip main body 2 for supporting getting out movement from the seat 51 of the occupant, which is provided in the lower part of the door opening 10 beside the seat 51, where the grip main body 2 is provided in a manner capable of raising and lowering in an outward direction of the vehicle. Accordingly, since the grip main body 2 falls outward of the vehicle at the time of use of the assist grip 1, a portion to which a hand of the occupant is applied becomes large, and a flexibility of posture change increases, and getting out of the occupant becomes easy. |
| US08641106B2 |
Aircraft control surface gust lock
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a device for securing the external control surfaces of an aircraft. A gust lock is described for securing the control surfaces of an aircraft that includes an elongated top plate having a rotably associated strap lock, an elongated bottom plate having a rotably mounted capture piece, and a strap running from the capture piece through the strap lock to a tail section. |
| US08641103B2 |
Latching mechanism
An aircraft latch utilizes a spindle in combination with an over-center linkage assembly to impart linear motion to a hook member, causing the hook member to either disengage or engage a keeper member on the adjacent structure. The over-center linkage and the spindle are operated by different and independent operations of a handle member. Specifically, the over-center linkage is moved from a stored position, in which the two link members are in end-to-end axial alignment, to a position in which the two link members are no longer in end-to-end axial alignment. This movement is caused by pivoting the handle member from a position in which the longitudinal axis of the handle member is parallel to the axis of the aligned link members, to a second position in which the handle member is pivoted at least ninety degrees. This pivoting motion, which may be accompanied by other actions, such as releasing a trigger, causes the two link members to pivot with respect to each other, or “break”. Once the two link member have broken from the over-center position, the handle is then rotated, causing the spindle to rotate, and thereby imparting a generally linear motion to the hook member, causing the hook to disconnect from the keeper member. The hook member is caused to engage the keeper member by reversing these steps. |
| US08641102B2 |
Multistage lock
A multistage lock has a stationary frame, an inner frame, an outer frame mounted between the stationary and inner frames, multiple stops mounted on the stationary and inner frames, two sliding panels mounted on the outer frame and a handle assembly connected to the sliding panels. Stopping protrusions of the stops selectively engage limiting protrusions on the sliding panels when the at least one handle is turned. Consequently, the inner and outer frames are selectively opened. The multistage lock has a simplified structure and allows people to decide whether a door panel (window) is open according to situations and weather outdoors. |
| US08641097B2 |
Pretensioner, seat belt retractor with pretensioner, and seat belt unit including seat belt retractor
There is provided a pretensioner. The pretensioner includes: a pipe; a gas generator that generates a gas in the pipe in an emergency case; a gas generator mount on which the gas generator is mounted; a spool driving mechanism that rotates a spool in a direction to retract a seatbelt by the gas generated by the gas generator in the emergency case; a discharge hole formed in the pipe so as to allow communication between inside and outside of the pipe; and a blocking member configured to block the discharge hole from inside of the pipe, the blocking member being configured to open the discharge hole when the blocking member is pressed from outside of the pipe with a pressing force equal to or greater than a given pressing force. |
| US08641094B2 |
Steering column telescope adjustment stop
A steering column assembly includes a rake bracket and a lower jacket secured to the rake bracket. An upper jacket is slidably disposed in the lower jacket and a locking bolt is rotatably located at the lower jacket configured to allow the upper jacket allow the translate along a steering column axis relative to the lower jacket when the locking bolt is in an unlocked position. A bolt driver is located at the locking bolt and is configured to interrupt a load path through a column retainer between the lower jacket and the rake bracket when the locking bolt is in an unlocked position. |
| US08641091B2 |
Hybrid inflator of airbag
The present invention discloses a hybrid inflator of an airbag. The hybrid inflator of the airbag includes a main casing, a central channel, a vent tube, a rupture disc, an inner cover group, an igniter group, a first buffering pad, a second buffering pad and a diffuser. The main casing includes a bottom housing and an upper housing. The central channel is fixed with the bottom housing and passed through the upper housing. A convective hole is disposed on the central channel. The vent tube is covered onto the external central channel and has a throttle bore thereon. The first buffering pad is disposed on a bottom of the inter air chamber. The second buffering pad is disposed in the inner air chamber to separate a space for propellant. The diffuser is correspondingly covered and fixed on the main casing. |
| US08641090B2 |
Occupant safety system
An occupant restraint system comprising a seat belt webbing having a first end and a second end, the webbing configured to restrain the occupant; a member for anchoring the second end of the webbing; and an inflatable pretensioner having an inflator and an inflatable cushion that includes a first inflatable chamber and a second inflatable chamber, wherein the inflator is configured to inflate the first and second chambers of the cushion; wherein the first inflatable chamber is configured to deploy upon inflation to provide pretensioning of the webbing to restrain the secured occupant; wherein the second inflatable chamber is configured to deploy upon inflation to restrain the occupant. |
| US08641088B2 |
Side-impact airbag module
A side curtain air bag module for a motor vehicle includes an inflatable cushion, an inflator, and a tether. The inflatable cushion includes an inlet and an inflatable portion, the inflatable portion including an inboard layer and an outboard layer. The inflator is in fluidic communication with the inlet and is configured to inflate the inflatable cushion. The tether includes a first end coupled to the inflatable cushion at a first coupling location on an inboard side of the inflatable cushion. During inflation, the tether is configured to be in tension prior to an upper portion of the inboard layer being in tension, the upper portion of the inboard layer extending generally upward from the first coupling location. |
| US08641085B2 |
Airbag comprising at least a first sidewall and a second sidewall and at least one retaining strap
A motor vehicle passenger restraint airbag with a first side wall and a second side wall which encloses a gas-filled compartment and at least one catch strap which extends through the gas-filled compartment from the first side wall to the second side wall. In order to facilitate production, each side wall has at least two sections connected to each other, whereby each of the sections is part of a one-piece blank each of which has two sections of which a first section is a section of the first wall and a second section is a section of the second side wall. At least one of the blanks has a third section which connects the first and second section to each other and which forms the catch strap. |
| US08641084B2 |
Ageing-resistant mounting for inflatable airbag module
The invention relates to a mounting (4) for an inflatable airbag (6) module intended to be fitted on a lower face (3) of a motor vehicle dashboard (2). This mounting forms a firing channel in which the airbag is guided in order to be deployed towards the passenger compartment through the dashboard (2). It comprises an upper wall (9) intended to be fixed to the lower face (3) of the dashboard (2) and an upper face (18) to which the module (6) is intended to be fixed. This mounting (4) has a top portion (7) and a bottom portion (8) which are secured rigidly to one another and are produced from two different materials, with the material of the top portion (7) being more flexible than the material of the bottom portion (8). The invention applies to motor vehicle safety. |
| US08641083B2 |
Arrangement structure for vehicle interior parts
A grab rail is attached via a bracket to an upper portion of a side panel inside a vehicle, and a curtain-shaped airbag is arranged in a folded state on a side portion of the side panel inside the vehicle. The bracket includes a vehicle body attachment seat section that is attached to an attachment surface formed on the side panel; an arm section that is bent from the vehicle body attachment seat section and extends downward and inward in the vehicle width direction; and a grab rail attachment seat section that is bent from a lower end of the arm section, extends upward and inward in the vehicle width direction, and has the grab rail attached thereto. A space section formed by the side panel and the arm section opens downwardly and serves as a storage portion for receipt of the folded curtain-shaped airbag. |
| US08641082B2 |
Airbag module case
An exemplary airbag case includes a floor that is configured to receive an airbag module, a wall extending away from the floor, and a plurality of reinforcement features each extending without interruption from the floor to the wall. |
| US08641078B2 |
Foldable wheelchair
A foldable wheelchair comprises a body, a first support rod, a second support rod, a backrest rack and a connecting unit. The backrest rack is provided with a first support tube swingably disposed on the first support rod and a second support tube swingably disposed on the second support rod. The first and second support tubes can be separated from each other and swing outwardly by the connecting unit, which facilitates the folding operation of the wheelchair, such a wheelchair is small and is convenient to carry. |
| US08641072B2 |
Bicycle rear suspension system with controlled variable shock rate
A bicycle comprises a bicycle frame and a rear wheel suspension system that is attached to the frame. The rear wheel suspension system comprises a rear wheel swingarm and a shock absorber that is coupled to the swingarm. A change in vertical wheel travel (ΔVWT) of the rear wheel is related to a change in the length of the shock absorber (ΔSL), providing a shock rate (SR). The shock rate (SR) changes throughout the vertical wheel travel of the rear wheel, such that the change in the shock rate dSR/dVWT has a change in sign as the rear wheel travels through its vertical wheel travel. In each case, the rate of change of the shock includes a change in sign, from positive to negative or from negative to positive. In some embodiments, the swingarm may be attached to the frame at a single pivot point or through a linkage system. |
| US08641071B2 |
Bicycle frame
A bicycle frame that supports a front wheel and a rear wheel defining a central plane. The bicycle frame includes a head tube, a bottom bracket configured to support a crank assembly, and a bicycle frame portion. The bicycle frame portion includes a leading edge and a trailing edge oriented such that a chord line between the leading edge and the trailing edge defines an angle of incidence greater than zero degrees relative to the central plane. |
| US08641066B2 |
Integrated suspension and differential mounting structure
An integrated vehicular suspension and differential mounting structure includes a metal base frame which supports a differential support member having a body formed of a resin or composite material. The differential support member further includes integrated annular collars having a central portion formed of a metal and a peripheral portion formed of resin or rubber. The peripheral portion of the collars are integrated with the resin or composite body of the differential support member. The base frame may further include a bracket for supporting the differential support member and a bracket for mounting an associated suspension system. The bracket for supporting the differential support member may be integrally formed with the bracket for mounting the associated suspension system. |
| US08641064B2 |
Tilting vehicle with a non-tilting automobile-like body
A tilting multi-wheeled vehicle includes a tilting frame supporting at least one seat; a body; and a suspension assembly, wherein the suspension assembly is structured and arranged to permit a transversely disposed pair of the wheels to tilt with the tilting frame. While the tilting frame tilts, the body remains in a controlled relationship with the tilting frame. In an embodiment, the controlled relationship with the tilting frame permits the body to remain substantially parallel to the road surface. Accordingly, the vehicle can support a wider automobile-like body which will not contact the road surface when the tilting frame tilts while navigating a turn. In another embodiment, the body can be allowed to remain substantially parallel to and equidistant from the road surface while navigating a turn. |
| US08641061B1 |
Collapsible, transportable cart for building materials
A portable collapsible cart for building materials comprises a wheeled platform with selectable hinged upright supports that are collapsible, thereby forming a compact unit for storage of the device. The cart will support and transport various bulky building materials. The cart is easily maneuverable by a single person due to swivel casters and a narrow upright design. The cart collapses to a low profile for storage and also provides removably attachable racks for transportation of long linear objects. |
| US08641059B2 |
Folding chassis for manually driven carrier vehicles capable of traversing obstacles
Disclosed is a folding chassis of manually driven carrier vehicles, for example, hand trucks, carts, and strollers, capable of moving over uneven or spongy surfaces and surmounting obstacles. The chassis includes a frame having a first plane, an arm with an axle, and a hub having a plurality of wheels. The arm is rotatably attached to the frame with the hub rotatably disposed onto the axle and each of the plurality of wheels is rotatably attached to said hub around an axis parallel to said axle. The arm is configured to pivot between at least positions of the hub been generally perpendicular to said first plane and the hub been juxtaposed to said first plane. |
| US08641056B1 |
Shoulder-carriable wheeled cart assembly
A shoulder-carriable wheeled cart assembly includes a cart frame, a detachable backpack mountable on the cart frame, a plurality of laterally spaced support pegs mounted on the cart frame lower end portion, and a detachable harness strap. The harness strap is tightenable about articles mounted on the support pegs between the harness strap and the cart frame to secure said articles against the cart frame. A support tray attachable to the support pegs and interposable between the articles and the support pegs stabilizes the mounting of the articles on the support pegs. The cart assembly is mountable on a mobile passenger vehicle, such as a bicycle, via a docking fixture that receives and secures the cart assembly. A retraction cord connected to the harness strap upper end urges the harness strap upper end toward the upper portion of the frame, thereby avoiding dragging the harness strap along the ground. |
| US08641054B2 |
Wearable device
A wearable device configured to selectively provide roller transportation, the wearable device including a shoe, a plurality of wheel assemblies, each wheel assembly being configured to selectively roll relative to a ground surface about an associated axis of rotation, and a frame connected between the wheel assemblies, the frame comprising a trunk and a plurality of branches extending from the trunk, each of the branches being configured for connection to at least one of the plurality of wheel assemblies, wherein at least a portion of the shoe is located vertically higher than at least a portion of the frame when at least one of the wheel assemblies is in contact with the ground surface and the at least one of the wheel assemblies is positioned to selectively roll relative to the ground surface. |
| US08641048B2 |
Chuck with sleeve having metal insert
A tool chuck includes a body supporting a plurality of jaws, and a sleeve that is operatively connected to the jaw. The sleeve may be rotated to open and close the jaws. The sleeve includes a radial inward facing surface with recesses that are covered by a metal insert. The metal insert provides a metal-to-metal interface for a lock feature. |
| US08641038B2 |
Image recording device
An image recording device includes a tray configured to hold a first recording medium, an insertion guide configured to move between a guide position for guiding a second recording medium into a common path and a non-guide position, a conveyor configured to convey the tray along the common path in a first direction and to convey the second recording medium along the common path in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a recording unit configured to record an image selectively on the first recording medium and the second recording medium, a stopper disposed along the common path, and a moving unit configured to move the stopper between a retracted position and a protruding position in response to movement of the insertion guide between the non-guide position and the guide position. The stopper in the protruding position protrudes into the common path to stop the tray. |
| US08641037B2 |
Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus having the same
A sheet feeding device for use in an apparatus body of an image forming apparatus may include a sheet holder configured to be removed from and attached to the apparatus body and to hold a stack of sheets therein; an actuator including a base portion pivotally attached to the apparatus body via a first shaft and a movable portion pivotally attached to the base portion via a second shaft and extending toward the sheet holder; and a detector configured to detect a position of the base portion. The actuator may be configured such that the base portion and the movable portion pivot in response to the detector detecting the position of the base portion. The movable portion may be configured to pivot in a removal direction in which the sheet holder is removed from the apparatus body. |
| US08641034B2 |
Rotary and gripper system including back support stack assist assembly having a tamper bar and holdback vacuum
The present application relates to techniques and equipment to manufacture mailpieces containing inserts. The equipment can be an inserter or an envelope wrapper that collects documents and inserts on a collating track before the material is inserted into an envelope by inserting equipment or wrapped with paper or film to make an envelope by wrapping equipment. More specifically, the present application relates to a rotary insert feeder that feeds inserts to a collating track on inserting or wrapping type equipment. |
| US08641031B2 |
Sheet feeder and image forming apparatus including same
A sheet feeder stackable in multiple levels and attachable to an image forming apparatus. The sheet feeder includes a drive source, a drive transmission unit, a first drive coupling unit, a second drive coupling unit, a sheet feed roller, and a grip roller. During operation of multiple sheet feeders stacked in the multiple levels, the drive transmission unit and the first drive coupling unit, both provided to a given sheet feeder of the multiple sheet feeders, are coupled to each other, and the first drive coupling unit of the given sheet feeder is coupled to the grip roller of an adjacent sheet feeder disposed immediately below the given sheet feeder to drive the grip roller of each of the multiple sheet feeders substantially in synchrony. |
| US08641028B2 |
Sliding tool for insertion of a locking strip into a channel for sealing the edge of a film
A holding assembly for an edge of a flexible film sheeting where the assembly comprises an elongate flexible channel member for extending along the edge and an elongate locking strip detachably engagable within the channel member for clamping the associated film sheeting therebetween has the locking strip moved into place by a guide body arranged for sliding movement across a support surface such as the ground on which the film sheeting is located. The guide body having a slot therein for receiving the channel member and carries a pivotal lever including a pair of rollers for guiding and forcing the locking strip into place. The guide body is carried on a skid and moves underneath the edge of the film across the width of the opening to be closed. |
| US08641027B2 |
Turntable
A turntable for a wrapping machine for rotating an article to be wrapped up, the turntable including a rotatable round cover plate comprising two grooves in parallel with each other and arranged at a distance from each other that corresponds to the distance between the forks of the lifting fork of a pallet truck, wherein the grooves extend from the edge of the cover plate on both sides of the diameter of the cover plate and in parallel to the diameter, and wherein the grooves are adapted to receive the forks of the lifting fork so that the article to be wrapped up can be conveyed by the pallet truck onto the cover plate to be supported by it, and respectively off the cover plate. |
| US08641016B2 |
Carbonation device
The carbonation device includes a cap system selectively mounted to the mouth of a liquid container. The cap system includes a cap, a syringe piston reciprocable within the cap, an actuating mechanism for reciprocating the syringe piston, and a reaction vessel selectively attached to the bottom of the cap. The syringe piston includes a storage area to be filled with water by repeated activation of the actuating mechanism. The water from the charged syringe piston discharges into the reaction vessel that has been filled with a preselected amount of reactants to initiate the carbonation reaction. In an alternative embodiment, the carbonation device includes a rotatable control ring to selectively puncture a CO2 cartridge inside the reaction vessel or introduce water into the reaction vessel to initiate carbonation reaction. In both embodiments, the CO2 flows from the reaction vessel into the container to carbonate the beverage contained therein. |
| US08641015B2 |
Carburettors
A carburettor including a primary air passage, an adjustable throttle valve situated within the primary air passage, a fuel supply nozzle communicating with the primary air passage and connected to a fuel metering valve for varying the amount of fuel discharged through the nozzle and a rotary input shaft adapted to be connected to an engine speed control member and which is connected to the throttle valve to move the throttle valve between open and closed positions. The rotary input shaft is also connected to a carriage to move the carriage, the carriage carrying at least one elongate inclined ramp which extends in the direction of movement of the carriage and which is engaged by a follower connected to the valve member. Rotation of the input shaft results in movement of the throttle valve and in movement of the carriage and thus of the elongate ramp, wherein the follower is moved transverse to the length of the ramp and the valve member of the fuel metering valve is thus also moved. |
| US08641013B2 |
Quick release connector with a ring anti-drop cover
A quick release connector has a body, a positioning mount, a sealing valve and an outer sleeve. The body has a connecting end, a linking end and an air inlet chamber. The positioning mount is detachably connected to the body and has a fixing end, an inserting end, an air outlet chamber, multiple ball holes, a returning spring, at least one sealing element and multiple balls. The sealing valve is movably mounted in the body and the positioning mount, selectively abuts the at least one sealing element and has a closed end, an open end, a mounting post, at least one air inlet, a sealing ring and a ring anti-drop cover. The outer sleeve is slidably mounted around the body and the positioning mount and has a spring recess, a holding recess and a pressing spring. |
| US08641008B2 |
Method for controlling the position of an electromechanical actuator for reciprocating compressor valves
Method for controlling the position of an electromechanical actuator for reciprocating compressor valves. The actuator includes a member (302) movable in a direction parallel to the direction for opening and closing the obturator of the valve (12), between a position corresponding to the closed position and a position corresponding to the open position of the obturator (11). The member (302) is provided with a mechanism (322) able to act on the obturator (11) and with a magnetizable portion (312) co-operating with two electromagnets (102, 202) and being arranged in equilibrium between the latter via a suitable mechanism. |
| US08641005B2 |
Container mixing stand
A container mixing stand including a base plate, and a first wall and a second wall connected to the base plate, where the first wall is spaced from the second wall for receiving a container between the first and second walls. A tensioning mechanism independent of the first wall and the second wall is positioned adjacent to at least one of the first wall and the second wall. The tensioning mechanism is movable between a rest position and a tensioning position, where moving the tensioning mechanism to the tensioning position causes at least one of the first wall and the second wall to move along the base plate toward the container and secure the container between the first wall and the second wall. |
| US08641004B2 |
Collapsible bag for automotive cup holder
A cup holder for beverage containers has a deployable tray movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The tray has an upper surface, a lower surface, and an aperture. A cup insert includes a cup ring, a cup bag, and a coil spring. The cup ring has an open collar for receiving a beverage container and has a seating flange configured to rest on the upper surface. The cup bag is made of flexible material having a generally cylindrical shape between an upper rim and a bag bottom. The upper rim is affixed to the open collar. A coil spring is coupled between the cup ring and the bottom end for urging them together for collapsing the cup bag. The coil spring is expandable under the weight of a beverage container placed on the bag bottom. |
| US08641002B2 |
Tower mounting apparatus
A tower mounting apparatus consists of tower mounting brackets, track members, a roller assembly, platform mounting brackets, and platform members. The tower mounting brackets are attached to a tower at a first interface, and are attached to the track members at a second interface. The roller assemblies are attached to the platform mounting brackets at a first interface, while the platform members are attached to the platform mounting brackets at a second interface. The roller assemblies are designed to rotate freely over the track members. One or more devices—such as a wind turbine, a cellular communication system, a transmitter/receiver for radio or television signals, or solar arrays—may be mounted onto the platform. The apparatus may further comprise a slip-ring assembly that provides a continuous electrical connection to such devices. The platform mounting apparatus may be installed on a variety of different towers. |
| US08640998B2 |
Assembly to attach a display device to a display device support
An assembly to attach a display device to a support includes a body attachable to a display device support and a mounting member to which a display device is mountable, the mounting member including a collar that defines an axis about which the mounting member is rotatable relative to the body, the collar having a curved inwardly facing seat, the assembly further comprising a biasing member and a resiliently deformable friction element on the body, the biasing member and the friction element being received in the collar with the mating surface facing the seat when the assembly is assembled such that, when the biasing member is moved in an axial direction into the friction element, the biasing member acts on the friction element and the friction element is resiliently deformed by the biasing member to urge its mating surface against the seat to increase the frictional force therebetween. |
| US08640997B1 |
Sensor harness clamp for continuous casting sensors
A harness clamp to hold, position and mount multiple thermocouple wire sensors in a continuous casting mold tube. The harness clamp has longitudinally spaced wire sensor openings with multiple apertured mounting tabs extending from a in use folded wire chase enclosure body member portion with overlying engagement retainment flanges to secure the wire retainment flange portion over the wire sensors positioned therewithin. |
| US08640995B2 |
System and method for aerodynamic flow control
A vortex generator system comprises one or more plasma streamwise vortex generators (PSVGs) or plasma wedge vortex generators (PWVGs). The PSVGs and PWVGs each comprises a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a dielectric layer. The first electrode extends in a longitudinal direction. The PSVGs and PWVGs can be installed on a surface arranged to receive airflow in a certain flow direction. The PSVGs have a rectangular first electrode is exposed and extends at least somewhat parallel to the expected flow direction, whereas the first electrode of the PWVGs is more triangular in shape. When an AC voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes, a plasma forms along edges of the first electrode. The plasma imposes a body force in a cross-flow direction, which induces a cross-flow velocity that, in combination with the mean flow, produces streamwise-oriented counter-rotating vortices. |
| US08640994B1 |
Agile dedicated spacecraft for spinning microwave imagers and sounders
A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed for agile dedicated spacecrafts for spinning microwave imagers and sounders. In one or more embodiments, the system, method, and apparatus involve an agile, zero net-momentum, spinning space vehicle, which includes a body and an instrument package. In one or more embodiments, the instrument package is mounted directly onto the body such that the space vehicle can point the instrument package not only along the space vehicle's orbital velocity vector, but in any direction within the space vehicle's field of regard. The space vehicle's spin axis is aligned with the instrument package's scan axis. The space vehicle experiences zero net-momentum on orbit by including a counter-rotating momentum storage device. In one or more embodiments, the instrument package is a scanning microwave imaging/sounding instrument, which is utilized as an Earth climate and weather sensor. |
| US08640991B2 |
Window for aircraft with microstructure as a sunscreen
An aircraft window includes a microstructure so that light rays with a correspondingly large angle of incidence are reflected back to the exterior region. By contrast, light rays with another, i.e. smaller, angle of incidence are allowed to pass almost without hindrance. The microstructures are designed as optical prisms, wherein the order of magnitude of the prisms is in the region of light wave lengths. |
| US08640989B2 |
Speed brake for aircraft
A speed brake for aircraft in the form of a flap is provided. The flap can be extended into the air stream for increasing the flow resistance of the air. An extension is attached on the upper side of the flap on one side with respect to the center line of the flap, and the extension is attached in such a manner that in the retracted state of the flap, the extension extends along the flow direction of the air. |
| US08640987B2 |
Aircraft engine mounting structure, assembly comprising this structure and associated aircraft
An engine is suspended from a main linear portion of a structure mounted on a fuselage or a wing surface of an aircraft. A connection includes flat symmetrical wings at an angle to one another, to support an attaching flange on which the engine is mounted, directly or through a mounting element. The flat shape of the wings makes them easy to manufacture, and enables them to resist the forces satisfactorily. The intermediate element resists overhang forces of the mounting satisfactorily. Flexible connections filter the engine's vibrations and prevent irregular forces being transmitted. |
| US08640980B2 |
Showerhead
A showerhead is disclosed that has a housing with an inlet and an outlet. There is a ball joint at the inlet of the housing adapted to be connected to a source of water and a spacer within the housing channels water from the inlet towards the outlet. Within the spacer is a flow control disc having one or more apertures. Each aperture is surrounded by a chamber within the disc, and the depth of each chamber partially controls the spray dispersion of the water flowing through the spacer. There is also an outlet cap removeably retained in the outlet of the housing. The outlet cap has a plurality of nozzle chambers each being fed by an aperture of the disc. The depth of each nozzle chamber is such as to also partially control the spray dispersion of the water discharged from the showerhead. |
| US08640979B2 |
Sprayer having water-tight function
A sprayer includes a shank having a first end provided with a first connecting portion and a second end provided with a second connecting portion, a first connector secured on the first connecting portion of the shank, a first water-tight gasket abutting the first connecting portion and the first connector, a second connector secured on the second connecting portion of the shank, a second water-tight gasket abutting the second connecting portion and the second connector, a handle connected with the first connector, and a nozzle assembly connected with the second connector. Thus, the liquid will not leak between the first connector and the first connecting portion of the shank by the first water-tight gasket and will not leak between the second connector and the second connecting portion of the shank by the second water-tight gasket. |
| US08640975B2 |
Miniature aerosol jet and aerosol jet array
A miniaturized aerosol jet, or an array of miniaturized aerosol jets for direct printing of various aerosolized materials. In the most commonly used embodiment, an aerosol stream is focused and deposited onto a planar or non-planar target, forming a pattern that is thermally or photochemically processed to achieve physical, optical, and/or electrical properties near that of the corresponding bulk material. The apparatus uses an aerosol jet deposition head to form an annularly propagating jet composed of an outer sheath flow and an inner aerosol-laden carrier flow. Miniaturization of the deposition head facilitates the fabrication and operation of arrayed deposition heads, enabling construction and operation of arrays of aerosol jets capable of independent motion and deposition. Arrayed aerosol jets provide an increased deposition rate, arrayed deposition, and multi-material deposition. |
| US08640972B2 |
Sprayer having spray solution agitation system
A sprayer has a tank for holding a spray solution that is applied to a ground or turf surface. The sprayer includes an agitation system having a plurality of agitation nozzles that extend into the tank that are accessible from outside the tank and can be removed and replaced without using tools. The sprayer may include a rinse system carried onboard the sprayer which is segregated from the spray and agitation systems to avoid contaminating the rinse liquid prior to the time the rinse liquid is sprayed into the tank through rinse nozzles. The rinse nozzles include upwardly and downwardly directed nozzle ports and a bottom spinner for thoroughly cleaning all interior surfaces of the tank. The sprayer may also include a chemical eductor mounted on the side of the tank, whose weight is counterbalanced by springs, and which easily pivots between lower and upper positions on the tank. |
| US08640971B2 |
Nebulizer
A nebulizer comprising a main body, an atomizer, and a vibrating element. The atomizer comprises a substrate, a main recipient supported by the substrate for containing liquid and having surfaces delimiting the liquid reservoir, and a dosing reservoir arranged on the main recipient so as to delimit a predetermined amount of liquid to be expelled. The dosing reservoir comprises a hollow section defining the predetermined amount of liquid, a solid section, a central section, an orifice membrane plate, and a fluidic channel arranged in-between a bottom surface of the solid section and the flat top surface of the main reservoir so as to create a capillary communication between the hollow section and the orifice membrane plate. |
| US08640965B2 |
Dual-interface smart card
A dual-interface smart card comprises an integrated circuit (IC) module coupled to a plastic card body. The IC module includes multiple downwardly facing, externally exposed contact pads that are electrically coupled to corresponding externally exposed sections of a radio frequency (RF) antenna incorporated into the card body. Each contact pad is electrically connected to the RF antenna by a pair of opposing, stapled-shaped, conductive elements, with one conductive element being permanently welded to the contact pad and the other permanently welded to the antenna. Each conductive element includes a pair of resilient spring arms that maintain electrical connection between the contact pad and the antenna even upon movement of the IC module relative to the card body. To provide further redundancy of connection between each contact pad and the antenna, the resilient spring arms of the opposing conductive elements are encapsulated with a supply of conductive filler material. |
| US08640964B2 |
Cartridge for storing biosample plates and use in automated data storage systems
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a biosample cartridge that includes storage slots for holding biosample plates. The cartridge has the same form factor as data tape cartridges to allow the cartridge to be handled by the same robotic mechanisms that handle data cartridges in an automated tape library. One aspect of the disclosure concerns a biosample storage cartridge that has a movable door to provide access to inside the cartridge and a plate holder disposed inside the cartridge. The plate holder includes a plurality of slots for receiving biosample plates that are scanned and processed by the automated tape library. |
| US08640963B2 |
Transaction product with electrical circuit
A transaction product includes an electrical circuit, a housing, and an account identifier. The electrical circuit includes a plurality of lights The housing substantially encloses the electrical circuit including the plurality of lights. The housing defines a plurality of light cavities separated from one another and substantially enclosed within the housing, and each of the plurality of lights is positioned in a different one of the plurality of light cavities. The account identifier is coupled to the housing and links the transaction product to a financial account having an associated monetary value available toward a price of a purchase, wherein the account identifier is machine readable. Other products, cards, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed. |
| US08640959B2 |
Acquisition of a user expression and a context of the expression
Embodiments include an apparatus, device, system, and method. In an embodiment, a portable system is provided. The system includes a context-detecting device operable to generate information indicative of a recognizable aspect of an item, and an annotating device operable to generate information indicative of a user expression associated with the recognizable aspect of the item. |
| US08640949B2 |
Method for assembling and activating a multi-pack package of transaction cards
Methods and apparatus for providing multiple transaction cards in a single package are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for forming a carrier package arrangement includes obtaining a plurality of transaction cards, obtaining a first parent activation code, and associating the first parent activation code with the plurality of transaction cards. The method can also include packing the plurality of transaction cards in the carrier package arrangement, and providing the first parent activation code so as to be on or accessible from the carrier package arrangement. The plurality of transaction cards can thereafter be activated using the first parent activation code. |
| US08640948B2 |
Carbon transaction card
A transaction card wherein at least a portion of the card is carbon. |
| US08640947B1 |
Automated banking machine operated responsive to data bearing records with improved resistance to fraud
A banking system machine is controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader, a keypad, a cash dispenser, a cash outlet, a deposit accepting opening, and other transaction locations that may be susceptible to the installation of fraudulent devices adjacent thereto. Such unauthorized devices may include for example, a fraudulent card reading device, a fraudulent keypad input intercepting device, a cash outlet trap device, a deposit input diversion device, or other illegitimate devices. The machine includes an anti-fraud arrangement that is operative to deter the attachment of unauthorized devices to the machine. The arrangement can sense and/or dislodge an unauthorized device attached to the machine. The arrangement also allows for the machine's card slot bezel to be frequently exchanged for a differently contoured card slot bezel. |
| US08640946B1 |
ATM that allows a user to select a desired transaction by touch dragging a displayed icon that represents the desired transaction
An automated banking machine allows an authorized user to carry out transactions such as withdrawing cash, making a deposit, cashing a check, and transferring funds between accounts. The machine provides a transaction selection screen through a touch screen display. The transaction selection screen includes a plurality of visually different icons. Each icon represents a different transaction that is available to the current machine user. The user can select a particular transaction by dragging its representative icon with a contacting finger. Upon selection of the particular transaction, a display screen unique to that particular transaction is then provided through the touch screen display. |
| US08640945B1 |
Methods and apparatus for managing cash items
Methods and apparatus for managing cash items are disclosed. For example, a predetermined or calculated amount/composition of rolled coins may be dispensed based on a count of loose coins, or a mixture of rolled and/or loose coins may be dispensed based on a command from a cash management software program or module. Coins from an end of day deposit may be utilized to calculate a dispense requirement for start-of-day till preparation. A self-service device such as a kiosk, self-checkout lane, or payment island may be configured to also perform cash management tasks and/or to transmit an output to a back office and/or bank to receive provisional credit. Change orders, bank deposits, and/or other cash service tasks may be automated in various aspects including, for instance, scheduling, preparation of cash items (e.g., with predetermined or optimized amount/composition), central management of business rules, and reconciliation of fulfillment with invoices or SLAs. |
| US08640943B2 |
Fabrication method of semiconductor integrated circuit device
Productivity is to be improved in assembling a semiconductor integrated circuit device. A matrix substrate is provided and semiconductor chips are disposed on a first heating stage, then the matrix substrate is disposed above the semiconductor chips on the first heating stage, subsequently the semiconductor chips and the matrix substrate are bonded to each other temporarily by thermocompression bonding while heating the chips directly by the first heating stage, thereafter the temporarily bonded matrix substrate is disposed on a second heating stage adjacent to the first heating stage, and then on the second heating stage the semiconductor chips are thermocompression-bonded to the matrix substrate while being heated directly by the second heating stage. |
| US08640940B2 |
Surgical system and surgical method for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES)
A system and method for use in NOTES is provided for reducing surgical invasiveness. An insertion body that is connected by an anvil assembly and joined to a thin wire guide or electric guide wire, is inserted via a natural orifice into a hollow organ so as to incise and remove a diseased or defective site from the hollow organ by using a pair of or front-end/rear-end linear cutters of a linear cutting/stapling device or linear stapler, after which the two cut ends of the tract are anastomosed and recovered by a circular anastomosis surgical stapler that is provided with the system. |
| US08640938B2 |
Fixing appliance with internal combustion engine with regulating thermistor
The appliance comprises a piston mounted in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine and forming, with a cylinder head, a combustion chamber in which there is disposed a mixing, emptying and cooling fan associated with an electric drive motor (8) connected to an electronic management module and to a supply battery. It also comprises, close to the fan motor (8), a thermistor (12) sensitive to the temperature provided for transmitting the temperature information to the management module. |
| US08640936B2 |
Apparatus and system for securing an item to a vehicle
An apparatus and system for securing an item to a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated cable, a retraction member, a coupling member, and a locking mechanism. The elongated cable is retractably received within the retraction member. The coupling member is secured to the retraction member. The coupling member is engageable with a vehicle receiver to secure the coupling member to the vehicle receiver. The vehicle receiver shaped to receive a separate hitch mounted accessory. The engagement between the coupling member and the vehicle receiver, in certain embodiments, is designed such that the vehicle receiver is accessible for receiving the separate hitch mounted accessory with the coupling member engaged with the vehicle receiver. |
| US08640932B2 |
Shooter's cup
The present system provides a detachable cup or receptacle for receiving the butt stock of a weapon so that a greater portion of the surface area of the butt stock is stabilized when aiming and firing a weapon. The system provides fastening means for removably fastening the cup to the uniform of a shooter when wearing body armor. For ease of use, the system includes a graduated positioning system that can receive the butt stock and allow it to slide into place where, in one embodiment, it slips into a recessed area that matches the dimension of the butt stock for greater security of the positioning of the weapon. The weapon can be easily removed from the cup so that the shooter's mobility and the ability of the shooter to move the weapon back and forth from a shooting position is not compromised. |
| US08640931B2 |
Tri-function tap for beverages
A tap for liquids dispenses liquids including wines from plastic bags or bladders packaged in cardboard boxes, and has three modes of operation. Liquids may be dispensed from the box on a shelf by manually turning a rotatable cap to open a valve for liquid to flow by gravity; an adapter attached to the tap automates the process and dispenses liquids through a pump; and the tap may be used to fill bags or bladders from an automated filling machine. In a first embodiment, the rotatable cap must be manually opened for both manual and automated operation. In a second embodiment, the rotatable cap may remain closed and the adapter can still dispense liquids through the tap using a pump. |
| US08640929B2 |
Fluid dispenser member
A fluid dispenser member (2), such as a pump, including a body (21) that is provided with an inlet sleeve (22) that defines an axis X, a dip tube (3) having an end (31) that is fitted in the inlet sleeve (22), and a decorative unit (7) including a decorative element (72) that extends in the proximity of the dip tube (3). The unit also includes a support member (71) that is fastened around the inlet sleeve (22), the support member (71) including a reception housing (711) for receiving the inlet sleeve (22) and localized connection means (712) that are situated beside the reception housing, the decorative element (72) being connected to the support member (71) at the connection means (712). |
| US08640928B2 |
Closure assembly with valve and method for its manufacturing
A closure assembly for a container includes a closure cap having an open ended body with a peripheral wall and a top wall provided with a dispensing passage which is defined by a collar arranged to the top wall. A self closing valve is arranged in the closure cap. The valve includes a slit central portion and a skirt extending downwardly from the central portion, which has an outwardly extending flange. The skirt is arranged in the collar and the flange is located below the collar and extends radially outwardly beyond it. On a lower surface of the top wall, a plurality of lips is formed outward from the collar. The lips are folded over the flange such that the latter is partly enveloped between the lips and the top wall so as to secure the valve in the closure cap. |
| US08640923B2 |
Device for dosing dyes for the preparation of dyeing baths
Device for dosing dyes in solution or dispersion for the preparation of dye baths for textile materials, comprising a plurality of pipettes (1) individually connected to corresponding bottles or containers (6) containing the said dyes, the said bottles or containers being respectively connected to a dosing head (8) through corresponding ducts (9) from which the dyes exit. The device comprises programmable means (EU) which individually control the said pipettes (1) and respective electrovalves (4) and which, depending on the formulation programmed to realize a dye bath, operate the automatic subdivision or selection of the electrovalves (4) in two groups. A first group of electrovalves (4) initially connect the respective bottles (6) with the corresponding pipettes (1) through the ducts (5) and (7), as the electrovalves (4) of the second group, and in a subsequent step connect the respective pipettes (1) with the dosing head (8) through the ducts (5) and (9) and then restore the individual links once the dosing is completed; the electrovalves (4) of the second group constantly maintain the connection between the respective pipettes (1) and the corresponding bottles (6). |
| US08640917B2 |
Multiple-use dispenser for articles contained in blister-type packages
A multiple-use dispenser (1) for articles contained in blister-type packages (100), in particular for pharmaceutical products such as pills, tablets, capsules and like articles, comprising a housing (2) with at least one opening for dispensing an article from a blister-type package contained therein, The housing (2) comprises a front and a rear sheet (3,4) which are interconnected with each other along their longitudinal edges and have a closed end (5) and an open end (6) on opposite longitudinal ends thereof. The front and rear sheets (3, 4) each are provided with at least one opening (30,40) which are in permanent registry with one another. A shutter sheet (9) is provided within the housing (2) and adapted to be moved longitudinally from a first end position, in which the openings (30, 40) are closed by the shutter (9) to a second end position, in which an aperture (90) of the shutter sheet (9) is in registry with the openings (30, 40) in the front and rear sheets (3, 4). Between the shutter sheet (9) and the front sheet (3) of the housing (2) there is provided a compartment (11) for a blister-type package (100). |
| US08640914B2 |
Tamper-evident thermoformed package and tab arrangement
A tamper-evident tab construction for a thermoformed package. In one embodiment, the package includes top and bottom parts with overlapping tabs. The top and bottom parts may include locking tabs that interlock with one another and provide a structure for holding the package while it is being opened. The top part may also include a pull tab located proximate the locking tabs. The pull tab is configured to provide a structure for pulling the top part away from the bottom part to open the package. The pull tab may be joined to the top part by a small land of material that is configured to deform when the package is opened. As a result, the pull tab may remain at an angle after opening to provide a visual indication that the package may have been opened or tampered with. |
| US08640913B2 |
Transport container, in particular for storing securities
A transport container, in particular for storing notes of value, with a container body (12, 12a, 12b) which has at least one storage area (36, 36a, 36b) for storing the notes of value and a handle (16, 16a, 16b) connected to the container body (12, 12a, 12b). The handle (16, 16a, 16b) and the container body (12, 12a, 12b) are connected by at least one connecting element (38, 38a, 38b). The handle (16, 16a, 16b) is arranged displaceably relative to the container body (12, 12a, 12b) via the connecting element (38, 38a, 38b). Further, the invention relates to an arrangement with two transport containers. |
| US08640911B2 |
Modular case and method of forming the same
A modular case and method of forming the same, the case preferably formed from a plurality of panels, edge members and corner pieces having ribs. The panels, edge members and corner pieces are preferably connected to align the ribs, forming substantially continuous ribs capable of distributing forces over a large area of the modular case. The case is most preferably made of plastic, the connections preferably being hot-plate welds. Most preferably, the panels and edge members have a dual skin construction with internal ribs, proving for greater strength and allowing for superior structural properties including air-/water-tight integrity. Edge members are preferably formed with protuberances to allow for better base-to-lid and case-to-case engagement. Hardware attachments to the modular case can be advantageously made while distributing the force on attachment points and without compromising structural integrity. |
| US08640909B2 |
Food pan having elastomeric heat and scratch resistant protective flange gasket
Food serving pans made from heat conductive materials include a gasket positioned over a flange to protect fingers from heat or cold, improve gripping ability, seal against countertops of food serving tables, and/or protect paint or non stick coating from chipping off the flange. The food pan is made from aluminum or other highly heat conductive material. The gasket comprises silicone or other heat resistant and insulating elastomer. A food serving system includes one or more food pans and a food serving table. The food pans maintain food at a desired temperature by efficiently transferring heat or cold from the serving table while the gasket seals against a countertop of the serving table. The gasket can be provided in a kit of differently sized and/or shaped gaskets so as to fit over differently sized and/or shaped pan flanges. A user can install and replace the gasket as needed. |
| US08640904B2 |
Flow control valve for dispensing a source of fluid
A flow control valve is described and which includes a first portion, and a second portion, and wherein the first portion rotates relative to the second portion and wherein the invention further includes a rigid locking member which cooperates with a resilient sealing and biasing member which is carried to positions which, on the one hand, either seals the vessel to prevent the escape of fluid from the vessel, or which allows the convenient dispensing of fluid from the vessel. |
| US08640901B2 |
Portable dam assemblies and methods for assembling same
A water containment apparatus includes a straight strut arrangement comprising a plurality of straight strut assemblies forming an alternating v-shape and inverted v-shape pattern; and a curved strut arrangement comprising a plurality of corner strut assemblies forming a desired curvature and connecting two straight strut arrangements to form a closed loop water containment system. |
| US08640900B2 |
Plastic container having reinforced gripping structure
A plastic container includes a shoulder portion having an annular rib defined therein and a generally cylindrical main body portion having a longitudinal axis. At least one gripping recess is defined in the main body portion that has an oblong shape when viewed in front elevation and that is defined in part by a curved concave inner surface when viewed in side elevation. The gripping recess includes a plurality of horizontal indentations, each of which is sized to receive a finger of a consumer when the plastic container is being gripped by the consumer. |
| US08640899B2 |
Vial for receiving a predefined dose of a liquid
A vial is closed by a stopper. The stopper is provided with arrangements allowing, in a first position, the filling of the vial with a liquid through an opening and, in a second position, the sealed and definitive closure of said opening. |
| US08640898B2 |
Closure cap comprising a seal gasket
A cap for a container provided with an internal seal gasket that combines a first layer in contact with the cap, which first layer provides a narrower against gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. A second layer in contact with the first layer, which second layer possesses mechanical sealing properties. |
| US08640893B2 |
Adjustable shelving system
A shelving system having a top, bottom and intermediate shelves mounted on vertical supports. The intermediate shelves are mounted on adjustable brackets that permit individual removal of the intermediate shelves without disturbing the top and bottom shelves. The adjustable brackets comprise at one end a pin that is adapted to be inserted into a series of apertures formed along the length of each support. Opposite the pin, a mounting member is sized and shaped to receive a corner of each shelf. A stop is formed on the bracket between the pins and mounting member. |
| US08640892B2 |
Pivoting shelf assembly
A pivoting storage apparatus that is adapted to storage structures such as cabinets, refrigerators, and the like, whose horizontal interior storage surfaces are generally rectangular. The shelving system is presented in the form of a shelf accessory, in addition to use as an independent storage platform. A portion of the rotary shelving is capable of being manually drawn out of the confines of the storage structure's interior by the user, thereby enabling easy access to shelf contents. |
| US08640891B2 |
Storage carousel
A storage carousel is disclosed which includes multiple vertically displaced carousel frames (1) independently rotatable on a common axis (6). Each of the carousel frames has ridges (5) for removable mounting a plurality of storage bins (9, 10, 11 and 12) in side-by-side relationship for access by a user. |
| US08640884B2 |
Fluid treatment elements and fluid treatment arrangements with spaces between fluid treatment elements and methods for making and using them
Fluid treatment arrangements and methods for making and using fluid treatment arrangements are disclosed. A ribbon including a permeable fluid treatment medium may be spirally wound in a plurality of windings to form a fluid treatment element having a disk-shaped body. For some embodiments, the ribbon may comprise a composite having first and second layers. At least two and as many as many as fifty or more fluid treatment elements may be positioned along a core assembly with spaces between at least some of the adjacent fluid treatment elements. Many, most, or substantially all of the spaces may be substantially free of structure. A fluid treatment arrangement may be contained in a housing to form a fluid treatment assembly. The housing may include an inlet port and an outlet port and may define a fluid flow path between the inlet port and the outlet port. The fluid treatment arrangement may be positioned in the housing across the fluid flow path. |
| US08640881B2 |
Screen changer
The invention relates to a screen changer in a system that processes flowable plastic. The screen changer includes an element, such as a portafilter, that is movable between two positions; two hydraulic pumps that effect position change of the screen changer; and a motor that operates both pumps. One pump provides greater flow volume and the other provides a lower flow volume, but with greater pressure. A non-return valve in the supply line to the hydraulic cylinder controls flow to the cylinder that moves the movable element between positions. The volume pump is used to move the movable element when resistance to movement of the screen is low and the high-pressure pump to move the element when resistance is high. The non-return valve selectively enables or interrupts flow from the pumps to the hydraulic cylinder. The screen changer allows use of a non-pressurized hydraulic fluid reservoir. |
| US08640879B2 |
Inclined chute sorter
A method of separating a mixture of solid materials includes supplying a stream of a mixture of solid materials to a stationary inclined surface and collecting a plurality of particles at one or more collection ports spaced from and located along the axis of the inclined surface. The mixture of solid materials includes a plurality of particles. The plurality of particles includes rubber particles and plastic particles. The particles of the mixture contact the stationary inclined surface and travel downward along the surface due to gravitational force. The collected particles include a higher percentage of the rubber particles than mixture due to a greater degree of bouncing of the rubber particles due to their higher friction compared with plastic particles. A material sorting apparatus includes a stationary inclined surface, a feeder, and a plurality of collection ports spaced from and located along the axis of the inclined surface. |
| US08640877B1 |
Pollen separator
Marijuana and other raw plant material such as corn is processed via a water and ice agitation method. Small diameter mixtures of plant pollen and plant debris are filtered from eight various micron filters, the filters used are 220, 190, 160, 120, 90, 73, 45 and 25 micron.The agitator tub agitates screen bags holding raw plant material and ice, to break down various parts of the plant into a process water solution. This solution is pumped back and forth between two process reservoirs, each supports two strainer columns. Each strainer column has a pair of buckets. Each bucket has a different micron filter bag supported in it. An operator can recycle the solution any number of times to achieve a desired harvest of eight (or more or less) varying diameter pollen and debris product, using one agitator drain pump and three reservoir pumps. |
| US08640876B2 |
Method for separating rich ore particles from agglomerates which contain said rich ore particles of value and magnetizable particles attached thereto, especially Fe3O4
In a method for separating rich ore particles from agglomerates which contain said rich ore particles and magnetizable particles attached thereto, especially Fe3O4, in the course of a process for obtaining rich ore from crude ore, in which agglomerates the rich ore particle and the magnetizable particle are bonded by organic molecular chains, the agglomerates are contained in a suspension containing a carrier fluid and are broken up by an input of mechanical energy so that an agent contained in the suspension and decomposing the exposed, hydrophobic molecular chains can act upon the molecular chains. The Fe-containing oxide components are separated from the suspension in a magnetic separation process. |
| US08640873B2 |
Plastic ampule
A plastic ampule comprising a body portion, a head portion provided continuously to the mouth portion of the body portion through a cut-off portion, and a knob portion provided continuously to the head portion the ampule being unsealed by twisting the knob portion with fingers to cut the head portion off the mouth portion, wherein the hollow portion in the head portion is formed in the shape of a bowl. Since the hollow portion is formed in the shape of a bowl, content liquid remaining in the hollow portion can be discharged easily, the plastic ampule can be unsealed easily, and the content liquid remaining in the hollow portion is not scattered easily at the time of unsealing. |
| US08640869B2 |
Transport and storage container for liquids
A transport and storage container for liquids, with a plastic inner container, an outer jacket, as well as a pedestal resembling a pallet, which is equipped to be handled by stacker trucks, stacker cranes, or similar transport devices. The pedestal exhibits a floor for bracing the inner container and a base frame with support feet. The floor exhibits a supporting surface for the inner container and a bearing edge, which is separated from the supporting surface by a floor barrier, and arranged between a lower edge of the outer jacket and the base frame. The lower edge of the outer jacket is frictionally connected to the base frame at least at one junction by a bonding device that acts on the base frame via the bearing edge. The floor barrier exhibits a lowered barrier in the area of the junction. |
| US08640864B2 |
Foldable cover
A foldable cover for protecting or supporting a portable electronic device is provided. The foldable cover comprises a supporting unit and a fixing unit. The supporting unit comprises a plurality of first separations, a convergent part and a plurality of first slab-shaped parts. Each first separation is connected to the convergent part. The fixing unit is connected to the supporting unit to fix the portable electronic device. When the first slab-shaped parts are located at the same surface, the supporting unit covers the portable electronic device. When a three dimensional structure is formed by the first separations, the convergent part and the first slab-shaped parts, the supporting unit supports the portable electronic device. |
| US08640861B2 |
Vernier adjustor for conveyor systems
A vernier adjustor for a conveyor system is provided. The vernier adjustor includes first and second longitudinal members moveable in slidable relation and a pin, the first and second longitudinal members each including a plurality of slots separated by respective first and second spacings. The pin is adapted for placement within an aligned slot pairing to fix movement of the first longitudinal member relative to the second longitudinal member. The first and second longitudinal members are positionable in increments less than the first and second spacings. In particular, the first and second longitudinal members are positionable in increments substantially equal to the difference between the first spacing and the second spacing. Movement of the first longitudinal member relative to the second longitudinal member provides an incremental tensioning of an endless belt associated with the conveyor system. |
| US08640857B2 |
Adjustable loading/unloading mouth
An adjustable loading/unloading mouth, including: a first tubular element (2), provided with a longitudinal axis (x); a second tubular element (3), provided with a longitudinal axis (y); connecting elements (4, 5, 6) between the first and the second tubular element (2, 3) which connecting elements (4, 5, 6) define a spherical surface (S), provided with a center (O), and which enable the first and the second tubular element (2, 3) to rotate with respect to one another about the center (O); wherein the connecting elements (4, 5, 6) include at least a first connecting element (4) and at least a second connecting element (5) which are reciprocally connectable at a joining plane (P) passing through the center (O) of the spherical surface (S) on which the first connecting element (4) and the second connecting element (5) can rotate with respect to one another about the center (O). |
| US08640854B2 |
Stop unit of a clip conveyor
A stop unit comprising: a guiding device which can be mounted to an overhead conveyor; a carriage having an abutting section, wherein the carriage is movably supported by the guiding device along a transverse direction which is orientated transversely relative to a longitudinal direction; and a drive which is coupled to the carriage and which is configured to extract, during activation, the carriage from a release position. |
| US08640851B2 |
Permanent magnet air heater
A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan. |
| US08640843B2 |
Hydraulic clutch device
In a first hydraulic clutch device 36 provided with a first clutch inner 84, a pressure bearing plate portion 84D disposed on the first clutch inner 84 opposing driving and driven friction plates 85 and 86, a clutch piston 91 that is consecutively disposed to a pressurizing plate portion 91D and moves to the side to pressurize the driving and driven friction plates 85 and 86 in accordance with an increase in a hydraulic pressure in a control hydraulic chamber 96, a piston guide 92 that forms a control hydraulic chamber 96 between itself and the clutch piston 91, and a canceller plate 93 that forms a hydraulic canceller chamber 97 on the side opposite to the control hydraulic pressure chamber 96, a projection portion 133 of the canceller plate 93 and a notch portion 122 disposed in the piston guide 92 and engaged with the projection portion 133 are engaged with each other and assembled, and a clip 135 that is engaged with an engagement groove 123 of the notch portion 122 and regulates axial movement of the canceller plate 93 is disposed. |
| US08640842B2 |
Clutch plate having integrated separating feature
A friction clutch assembly that selectively engages an input member and an output member to allow selective transfer of torque therebetween is provided. A clutch pack includes a first clutch member and a second clutch member. One of the first clutch member or the second clutch member is operatively coupled to the input member. The other of the first and second clutch members is operatively coupled to the output member. The first clutch member comprises an annular body that has a circumferential outer surface including a plurality of splines extending outwardly from the annular body. At least one of the splines has a deflected portion that is integrally formed with the annular body and curved in a circumferential direction toward a distal tip. |
| US08640840B2 |
Torque converter using magnetic viscous fluid as working fluid
In a torque converter for performing torque transmission by circulating a working fluid between a pump impeller and a turbine runner, the working fluid is a magnetic viscous fluid; and in a torque converter housing, outside a circulation path of the working fluid, a yoke member connected to the pump impeller and provided with a coil and a magnetic member connected to the turbine runner are concentrically arranged with a predetermined space therebetween; and a magnetic circuit is established between the yoke member and the magnetic member upon energization of the coil. |
| US08640839B2 |
Control device for vehicular power transmitting system and corresponding method
A control device for a vehicular power transmitting system including a torque converter (6) having a pump impeller (6p), a turbine wheel (6t), a stator wheel (6s) rotatably disposed between the turbine wheel and the pump impeller, and a lock-up clutch (L/U) includes a capacity coefficient control unit (126) that controls a capacity coefficient of the torque converter by controlling rotation of the stator wheel, and the capacity coefficient control unit increases the capacity coefficient of the torque converter based on an amount of heat generated during slip control of the lock-up clutch. |
| US08640833B2 |
Pneumatically or electromechanically actuatable disc brake
A pneumatically or electromechanically actuatable disc brake as a wear adjustment adjustment device, which is positioned in a caliper, and is actuatable by a brake lever, includes a central drive element. The central drive element is connected to a drive spindle by way of a ball ramp coupling and the ball ramp coupling has a drive output disc, which engages in the drive element, and a coupling ring, with the ends of a torsion spring being connected to either the disc or the ring. The torsion spring is a helical spring, preferably composed of a wound spring plate. |
| US08640831B2 |
Method and arrangement for modernizing an elevator group
The object of the invention is a method and an arrangement for modernizing an elevator group, in which method the elevators of the elevator group are modernized in turn such that both modernized elevators and unmodernized elevators can be simultaneously in use in the elevator group, of which elevators the modernized elevators are each provided with individualized identification marks while the old unmodernized elevators in use in the elevator group are each provided with a similar identification mark to each other. |
| US08640827B2 |
Adjustable scaffold base
An adjustable scaffold base for straddling ground level obstructions, such as church pews and other fixed, ground level structures, and supporting an upwardly-extending scaffold tower thereon. The scaffold base incorporates four legs and four elevated, height-adjustable cross beams that allow a scaffold tower to be erected above the height of many fixed, ground level structures. The erected base and tower thereby allow workers to access elevated areas within high-ceilinged buildings, such for performing ceiling repairs, painting, and changing light bulbs. |
| US08640826B1 |
Trailer rub rail portable ladder
A trailer rub rail portable ladder includes a ladder portion and two rub rail mounting members. One end of a hand rail may be attached to each rub rail mounting member. The ladder portion preferably includes two ladder side rails, a plurality of step members and two ladder hinge members. The plurality of step members are retained between the two ladder side rails. The ladder hinge member is attached to one end of the ladder side rail. Each rub rail mounting member includes a rail slot and a pivot hole. A pivot pin is inserted through each ladder hinge member and each rub rail mounting member to pivotally retain thereof relative to each other. The rub rail slots of the two rub rail mounting members are engaged with a rub rail of a truck trailer. |
| US08640824B2 |
Acoustical vinyl flooring and methods of manufacture
An acoustical vinyl tile having an integral acoustical layer is disclosed. The vinyl tile includes a vinyl portion, an acoustical portion, and an adhesive layer for fixing the vinyl portion to the acoustical portion. The acoustical portion comprises a crumb rubber component and a polyurethane foam component. The acoustical portion can include 10-40% crumb rubber and 60-90% polyurethane foam. The resulting vinyl tile meets ASTM E 2179 IIC sound requirements. A method of making a vinyl tile meeting the ASTM sound requirements is also disclosed. The method includes providing a vinyl slab portion, providing an acoustical slab portion comprising crumb rubber, polyurethane foam and a resin binder; and bonding the vinyl slab portion to the acoustical portion. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08640821B2 |
Exhaust system of engine
An exhaust system for an engine includes an exhaust pipe connected to an exhaust port of an engine and a muffler attached to the exhaust pipe and configured to reduce exhaust noise. The muffler includes an inner cylinder part connected to the downstream end of the exhaust pipe, an outer cylinder part configured to cover an outside of the inner cylinder part and noise absorbing materials disposed between the inner cylinder part and the outer cylinder part. A plurality of first communication holes providing communication between an inside and an outside of the inner cylinder part is formed in an upstream portion of the inner cylinder part. A plurality of second communication holes providing communication between the inside and the outside of the inner cylinder part is formed in a downstream portion of the inner cylinder part. Guide walls extend toward the inside of the inner cylinder part. |
| US08640820B2 |
High-speed jet noise reduction via fluidic injection
A noise reducer for reducing engine noise of a jet engine having a central axis and a main exhaust nozzle. The noise reducer includes a tubular member having ports at a distal end and is aligned along the central axis. The ports are located in the exhaust stream of the engine outside the main exhaust nozzle. A gaseous flow is injected into the exhaust stream from the ports in an angled direction with respect to the central axis. |
| US08640817B2 |
Steering apparatus for turning multiple sets of steerable vehicle wheels
A steering apparatus (10) responsive to rotation of a handwheel (40) for turning steerable wheels (14, 16) includes a first steering gear (22) actuatable to affect turning of a first set (14) of steerable wheels (14a, 14b) and a second steering gear (24) actuatable to affect turning of a second set (16) of steerable wheels (16a, 16b). A torque transmission device (70) includes an input member (72) connected to the handwheel (40). A first output member (82) is mechanically coupled to the input member (72) and connected to the first steering gear (22) for actuating the first steering gear (22). A second output member (92) is mechanically coupled to the input member (72) and connected to the second steering gear (24) for actuating the second steering gear (24). A sensor (58) senses at least one condition of the handwheel (40) and provides a steering signal to a controller (62) that receives the steering signal and controls rotation of the input member (72) of the torque transmission device (70) for controlling actuation of the first and second steering gears (22, 24). |
| US08640816B2 |
Vehicular steering apparatus
A vehicular steering apparatus includes: a road-wheel turning mechanism mechanically separated from, but electrically connected to a steering wheel; a first rotation shaft connected to the steering wheel; a second rotation shaft connected to the road-wheel turning mechanism; and a connection mechanism for interconnecting the first and second rotation shafts in such a manner that the first and second rotation shafts can rotate idle relative to each other within a range of a predetermined relative rotational angle. |
| US08640811B2 |
Frame-steered vehicle and a method for controlling a frame-steered vehicle
A frame-steered vehicle includes a powertrain configured to provide drive torque to a transverse axle in a front vehicle section and at least one transverse axle in a rear vehicle section. At least one longitudinal drive shaft is connected to the at least one transverse axle in the rear vehicle section. At least one controllable longitudinal clutch is variably adjustable between an engaged operational state and a disengaged operational state is arranged in the at least one longitudinal drive shaft. |
| US08640808B2 |
Motor-driven cycle having a foot-operated throttle control
A motorcycle (10) has a foot-operated accelerator pedal (32) for operating the throttle (58) of the engine (12). The pedal (32) and an adjacent brake pedal (34) have shapes correlated to not interfere with each other when they are depressed. The pedals may be provided as original equipment, or retrofitted to an existing motorcycle that has a hand-operated throttle controller. |
| US08640802B2 |
Radiator grill for a motor vehicle
A radiator grill (10) for a motor vehicle comprises: a frame (12) for securing the radiator grill (10) to the vehicle, wherein a condition in which the radiator grill (10) is mounted on the vehicle will be designated in the following as the reference condition of the radiator grill (10), and wherein the frame (12) in the reference condition of the radiator grill (10) relative to the motor vehicle is mounted substantially immovably thereon, at least one air-conducting element (20) which extends along an air-conducting element longitudinal axis (L) and at least in sections forms at least one part of an outer side (21) of the radiator grill (10), at least one air-passage opening (30) which is designed to allow cooling air to flow into a motor vehicle interior region (24), which in the reference condition of the radiator grill (10) and during travel operation of the motor vehicle flows on to the outer side (21) of the radiator grill (10) counter to a travel direction (F), as well as at least one air flap (16) with a flap outer surface (27) and a flap axis (28), wherein the air flap (16) can move, at least between a closed position and an open end position, relative to the air-conducting element (20) in an adjusting movement comprising a pivoting movement about the flap axis (28) so as to vary an opening cross-section of the air-passage opening (30), wherein the air-conducting element (20) completely obscures over more than half of its axial extension, preferably over its entire axial extension, the air flap (16) in its open end position, viewed counter to the travel direction (F). |
| US08640799B2 |
Welding systems powered by hybrid vehicles
A hybrid vehicle including a welder that is adapted to be powered off a direct current (DC) bus generated by the electronics of the hybrid vehicle is provided. A variety of exemplary placements of the welder on or in the hybrid vehicle are provided. Additionally, a parallel hybrid configuration, a series hybrid configuration, and a series-parallel configuration including welding converter circuitry that is adapted to utilize the DC bus from the hybrid vehicle to generate welding power are provided. |
| US08640798B2 |
Motorized sled for stair chairs
A lightweight motorized and tracked sled for attachment to a variety of stair chairs is described. A power supply or power source provides power to a motor driving a track configured to engage a set of stairs. The motor and track can lift and support the stair chair and a patient thereon up or down one or more flights of stairs. The track driven by the motor has a length sufficient to simultaneously engage the lips or edges of a pair of sequential steps, but may be otherwise limited in length to reduce the weight of the track. To ensure that the sled and attached stair chair are stably supported while ascending or descending stairs, the sled may have rails, skis, or passive tracks having a length sufficient to ensure that the rails, skis, or passive tracks are always over the edge or lip of no fewer than two steps. |
| US08640794B2 |
Pressurized fluid flow system for a normal circulation hammer and hammer thereof
A pressurized fluid flow system for a normal circulation down-the-hole hammer comprises a cylinder coaxially disposed in between an outer casing and a piston which reciprocates due to changes in pressure of pressurized fluid contained inside a front chamber and rear chamber located at opposites sides of the piston, supply/discharge of fluid to/from these chambers being conducted through a supply chamber and a discharge chamber defined by recesses on the inner surface of the casing and separated by a dividing wall, the front/rear chambers' in/out fluid flow being controlled solely by the overlap of the piston and the cylinder. A hammer having this system comprises a drill bit with one or more flushing passages which extend from channels cooperatively formed between splines on the inner surface of the driver sub and on the outer surface of the drill bit shank up to the front face of the drill bit. |
| US08640793B2 |
Dynamic steering tool
A dynamic steering tool for use with a horizontal directional drilling machine. The tool comprises and inner member, an outer member, a steering member, a drill stem, and a drill bit. The drill stem extends from within a borehole to the surface while the outer member only extends the length of the inner member within the borehole. The outer member is powered via the use of a progressive cavity motor. In operation, the drill stem, inner member, and drill bit rotate in a clockwise position while the outer member rotates in a counterclockwise direction. Rotating the outer member opposite the inner member allows the outer member to remain stationary and cause the tool to steer while the inner member continues to rotate. |
| US08640789B2 |
Oil pulse tool
According to an aspect of the invention, an oil pulse tool includes: a motor generating a driving force according to a driving voltage; an oil pulse unit driven by the driving force and generating a torque in a pulse-like shape when the motor passes a strike position on a shaft thereof; and an output shaft on which a front end tool is mounted, the output shaft being connected to the shaft, characterized in that the oil pulse tool further comprises driving adjusting means to control the driving voltage, the driving voltage is reduced during a given period including a timing when the torque is transmitted to the output shaft, and the reduced driving voltage is increased when the given period is finished. |
| US08640787B2 |
Portable post driving apparatus
An improved valve for a portable post driver. The post driver has an inner hollow cylinder open at both ends and adapted to receive a post through a lock clamp located at its lower end. An outer hollow cylinder having a closed upper end, and slightly larger in diameter than the inner cylinder, is located in sliding engagement over the inner cylinder. First and second power cylinders are attached to upper and lower surfaces of the outer cylinder in alignment with each other. A common piston rod connects the pistons of the power cylinders. A stationary fastening pin attached to the piston rod extends through a slot in the wall of the outer cylinder and is attached to the wall of the inner cylinder. The valve has a reciprocating valve piston which alternately communicates the two power cylinders to a source of fluid under pressure. |
| US08640785B2 |
Fluid control system for steerable agricultural implement
An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a valve in fluid communication with first and second actuating cylinders and with first and second fluid conduits. The valve is configured to control fluid flow from the first and second fluid conduits to the first and second actuating cylinders. Furthermore, a controller is communicatively coupled to first and second pressure sensors and to the valve. The first pressure sensor is coupled to the first fluid conduit, and the second pressure sensor is coupled to the second fluid conduit. The controller is configured to determine whether the first fluid conduit or the second fluid conduit is supplying fluid to the valve based on signals from the first and second pressure sensors, and to automatically control fluid flow to the first and second actuating cylinders such that wheel assemblies are rotated to a desired angle relative to an implement frame. |
| US08640783B2 |
Solenoid interlock for booster actuator
An apparatus and method provides a solenoid interlock coupled to a booster actuator. The booster actuator and solenoid interlock operate with a low energy input and a high energy output using mechanically stored energy. |
| US08640781B2 |
Method and device for deploying a cable and an apparatus in the ground
A method and device for deploying a cable and an apparatus in a ground formation having a motherbore, wherein the method comprises positioning a non-rotating drill pipe, a cable and an apparatus in a motherbore tubular; and drilling a lateral opening relatively the motherbore by displacing the drill pipe into the formation with the cable and apparatus attached. |
| US08640780B2 |
Torque wrench system having multiple torque stations
An improved multi-bolt and nut torque wrench for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a plurality of torque stations having a plurality of high torque wrenches for engaging the heads of the bolts or nuts during a high torque phase of removal or installation; a plurality of low-torque motors operatively engaged with the wrenches for rotating the bolts or nuts during the low torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motors during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrenches during the high torque phase; and a mechanism for switching between the two phases depending on the torque needed. |
| US08640778B2 |
Systems and methods for subsea drilling
A subsea drilling method and system for controlling the drilling fluid pressure, where drilling fluid is pumped down into the borehole through a drill string and returned back through the annulus between the drill string and the well bore. The drilling fluid pressure is controlled by draining drilling fluid out of the drilling riser (8) or BOP (6) at a level between the seabed and the sea water in order to adjust the hydrostatic head of drilling fluid. The drained drilling fluid and gas is separated in a subsea separator (28) where the gas is vented to surface through a vent line (39), and the fluid is pumped to surface via pump (40). |
| US08640776B2 |
Fluid injection device
The present invention regards a device designed for injection of fluids in a well bore, typically an offshore well bore for petroleum production and gas injection/gas lift system for fluid injection. The device comprises a outer hollow housing (1) with an internal body (2) moveable within the outer housing (1) with an internal bore (3) which in a first closed position is closed with a metal to metal seal system between the outer housing (1) and the internal body (2), which internal body (2) is operated by pressure differential across the internal body (2), where the internal body (2) is designed with slots (4) forming outlets of the internal bore (3) which in an open position of the device is positioned outside of the outer housing (1). |
| US08640772B2 |
Enhanced geothermal systems and reservoir optimization
Systems and methods for maximizing energy recovery from a subterranean formation are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, a selected subterranean open-hole interval is isolated and at least one fracture is stimulated in the isolated subterranean open-hole interval. |
| US08640771B2 |
Determination of coal bed natural gas production factors and a system to determine same
Well fluids in coalbed natural gas reservoirs and other carbonaceous reservoirs are analyzed to determine production factors such as gas content, critical desorption pressure, and/or other reservoir and operational variables. In particular, the partial pressure of methane or a predictor substance, or a methane concentration, are measured and/or determined for the wells and production factors are determined therefrom. |
| US08640769B2 |
Multiple control line assembly for downhole equipment
Concentric control lines have an outer line disposed about one or more inner lines. Encapsulated together, the lines only require one penetration through the wellhead to extend downhole. At the wellhead, the lines communicate with an operating system, which can provide hydraulics, electric power, signals, or the like for downhole components. Beyond the wellhead, the concentric lines extend along the tubing to a manifold. The outer line sealably terminates at the manifold's inlet, while the inner conduit passes out an outlet with a sealed fitting to connect to a downhole component. A downhole line couples to an outlet of the manifold and communicates internally with the outer conduit terminated at the manifold's inlet. This downhole line can then extend to the same downhole component or some different component. |
| US08640763B1 |
Device and method for facilitating the delivery or moving of oversized furniture items
The present invention relates to a portable, protective barrier for facilitating the passage of oversized articles through a span provided between two barriers. The protective barrier is fabricated of a board having a first planar surface and an opposite planar surface defined by a peripheral edge. The protective barrier is placed between the article being transferred through the span and at least one of the barriers. The article is compressed against the protective barrier to facilitate movement of the article through the span. The article can be furniture, appliances, equipment, etc., and the barriers can be a corner, a wall, a doorjamb, a staircase, other furniture, artwork, etc. The protective barrier may include a smooth planar surface enhancing passage of the article through the span. A non-skid texture may be applied to the opposite surface to increase friction between the protective barrier and the respective edge of the span. |
| US08640759B2 |
Mobile phone film positioner and a mobile phone film with positioning structure
The present invention discloses a mobile phone film positioner, comprising a housing, on which a recess for accommodating a mobile phone and mobile phone film is provided, the recess is provided with positioning grooves on two ends thereof, the positioning grooves have projections on the bottoms thereof for positioning the mobile phone film; the present invention further discloses a mobile phone film with positioning structure, to be used with the mobile phone positioner described above, the protective layer of the film is provided with lugs in the corresponding positions thereof, the lugs are provided with positioning holes corresponding to the projections. The positioner and film disclosed in the present invention simplifies the positioning process between the film and screen, making the whole manipulation of film application become simple and time-saving, even the common users could finish the job easily. |
| US08640751B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having sipes
A pneumatic tire structured such that a sipe is formed in a land portion of a tread surface. The sipe has a wide portion extending along a longitudinal direction at least at one position in a depth direction. The wide portion is structured by alternately arranging concave portions which are smaller in the longitudinal direction and the depth direction than the sipe, in both sides of a sipe wall surface along the longitudinal direction of the sipe. |
| US08640749B2 |
Harvesting arrangement for tree harvesting
The invention relates to a harvesting arrangement (1) for tree harvesting comprising gripping members (2) for holding a tree trunk, a cutting device (3) for crosscutting a tree trunk held by the gripping members and a marking device (10) for applying an identification marking on the end surface of a crosscut end of a tree trunk held by the gripping members. The marking device comprises a striking arm (11) provided with a striking head (12) at its outer free end, and an actuating member (30) for actuating the striking arm (11). The striking arm is pivotable about an axis of rotation (14) under the effect of the actuating member from a resting position to a striking position so as to thereby allow the striking head to hit against the end surface of a crosscut end of a tree trunk in order to apply an identification marking on said end surface. |
| US08640746B2 |
High flow stopper with vacuum and date indicators
Devices and methods for the sealing of a container are disclosed. The devices and methods include stoppers that allow for removal of air from the container with a vacuum source. Various embodiments comprise a high-volume valve allowing for expeditious evacuation of the air. The stopper may also comprise a low vacuum indicator to indicate to the user whether the vacuum internal to the container is at or above a desired amount. The stopper may also comprise other indicators, such as a day of the week or month indicator. A rotating bezel may be used to identify temporal or other types of events, such as when the container was first opened. |
| US08640744B2 |
Apparatus for repairing and inflating of damaged inflatable articles
An apparatus for repairing and/or inflating a damaged and/or deflated inflatable article, includes a first container (1) for receiving and retaining for dispensing a sealant composition, a second container (100) which has housed thereon a compressor assembly which is releasably connectable to the first container (1), and means (200) allowing for controlled dispensing of the sealant composition from the first container (1) to the inflatable article, the said compressor assembly includes a housing (201) for a compressor which defines, with the interposition of valve means (200) a seating for the first container (1). The valve means (200) includes a main body portion which, in use, is releasably connected to neck portions of both the first and second containers (1,100). The valve means (200) includes passageways (203, 220) to be connected, via hoses (205, 223) to the first container (1) and inflatable article respectively. |
| US08640739B2 |
Flexible pipe for conveying hydrocarbons and having a reinforced maintain layer
An undersea flexible pipe for conveying hydrocarbons, the pipe including from the inside to the outside an inner sealing sheath, at least one ply of traction armors wound about the inner sealing sheath, a deformable holding layer including at least one flexible ribbon or holding band wound about the traction armor ply, and at least one tubular structure surrounding the holding layer, wherein the ribbon includes fiber strands oriented substantially in the longitudinal direction of the ribbon. The ribbon is covered by a reinforcing layer of a polymer material for the deformation resistance of the holding layer. |
| US08640735B2 |
Waste water lifting installation
A waste water lifting installation has a collection container and a pump assembly. The pump assembly is fastened on a flange plate which closes an opening on the upper side of the collection container. The flange plate, on a first side edge which faces the middle region of the waste water lifting installation, is releasably fixed on the collection container with a single locking element. |
| US08640733B1 |
Excess flow cartridge
A valve for limiting excess flow includes a one-piece body having a seat, a diaphragm, and a plurality of flexible legs attaching the seat to the diaphragm and spacing the seat from the diaphragm, wherein the legs flex to seat the diaphragm within the seat if excess flow exceeds a limit. |
| US08640732B1 |
High pressure inlet regulator
A two-stage regulator having a piston situated in a first stage for substantially reducing high pressures introduced into the regulator. The reduced pressure is exerted against the second stage that includes a plunger-actuated diaphragm that urges an actuator to open a ball valve at a selected pressure to allow fluid to flow out of the regulator at a desired reduced pressure. |
| US08640730B2 |
Variable resistance fluid controller
A fluid controller apparatus controls fluid flow, such as a solvent gradient flow, in a chromatography system. An apparatus includes a fluid-gradient controller having a fluid reservoir for containing a pump fluid and a pumping device connected to the fluid reservoir for receiving the pump fluid. The pumping device is in fluid communication with parallel-configured first and second solvent lines. The first and second solvent lines each contain a restrictor element and a solvent reservoir. During operation, the pumping device causes the pump fluid to flow through the first and second solvent lines in relation to their respective restriction devices. The pump fluid displaces solvent within the solvent reservoirs. The displaced solvent is mixed to form a solvent gradient. |
| US08640723B2 |
First-stage pilot valve
A pilot valve configured to provide a control pressure within a dynamic fluid system, the pilot valve comprising: (a) a valve body having a supply port, a return port, and a control pressure port, the pressure control port in fluid communication with a subsequent valving component; (b) an axial bore formed in the valve body and in fluid communication with each of the supply, return, and control pressure ports; (c) a valve spool slidably supported within the axial bore of the valve body, the valve spool configured to control fluid flow through the supply, return, and control pressure ports, and to vary the rate of change of area of at least one of the supply and return pressure ports upon being displaced, thereby providing a variable resistance to fluid flowing therethrough and reducing the quiescent power of the pilot valve; and (d) means for displacing, in a selective manner, the valve spool within the axial bore about the supply, return, and control pressure ports to apportion fluid therethrough to provide a desired control pressure to the subsequent valving component. The pilot valve further comprises a feedback port formed in the valve body and in fluid communication with the control pressure port; and a feedback passage in fluid communication with the feedback port and a portion of the valve spool, the feedback passage configured to receive pressurized fluid therein to act against the valve spool to balance the forces acting on the valve spool from the motor. |
| US08640721B2 |
Convertible mobile hunting blind
A portable hunting blind employs a hand-operated, spring biased clamp with a pair of compressible handles that open spring-biased clamping jaws. The clamping jaws include internal grooves for sure gripping. An elongated, bendable arm extends from one of the clamp handles. An attachment juncture formed in one of the handle ends secures the arm to the clamp. The flexible metal arm can be configured by bending as desired by a hunter to assume a desired shape. A camouflage curtain is secured to the arm, which supports it like a flag pole. When an area for deployment is reached, the clamp is affixed to an available object, such as a tree limb, support the curtain and camouflage a limited selected area. The shape of the concealed arm can be varied by bending the arm. The curtain bottom may be secured to a convenient object to prevent movement. |
| US08640713B2 |
Ventilating sheath for smoking article
A sheath for a smoking article, such as a filter cigarette, including an exterior sheath (5) that provides a ventilation structure which has a reduced possibility of occlusion, and which also prevents a reduction in filter efficacy when the strength of the draw on the smoking article by the consumer is increased, for example in order to overcome the effects of dilution of the smoke flow with ambient air. The sheath may be manufactured as an independent entity and then fitted to prefabricated smoking articles, or alternatively may be constructed as an integral part of the smoking article. |
| US08640710B2 |
Orthodontic protraction headgear appliance protective cover assembly
The present invention is a protective cover assembly, pattern, and method for use for installation upon an external orthodontic headgear protraction appliance having a chin cup interface and a forehead pad interface. The present invention includes two aspects of a protective cover assembly, a protective chin cup cover assembly and a protective forehead pad cover assembly. Each protective cover assembly provides an absorbing soft cushioning fleece membrane between the facial skin of an orthodontic patient wearer and the hard surfaces of the orthodontic protraction headgear interfaces to prevent against a plurality of discomforts which result from wearing the orthodontic protraction headgear appliance during treatment of Class III Malocclusion; and configured to improve compliancy of use of the orthodontic protraction appliance in the orthodontic population, especially among growing children and adolescents. |
| US08640709B2 |
Multi-piece punctal plug
A multi-piece punctal plug has one a superficial plug removably connected to an anchor plug deeper in the naso-lacrimal canaliculus. The anchor is fixed to the wall of the lacrimal duct while the superficial plug is axially and detachably secured to the anchor plug so that the multi-plug complex may be inserted or removed together as one, or the superficial plug may be detached separately and replaced securely without disturbing the anchor. Removal and insertion is accomplished by a specific tool having an end for reversibly engaging the plugs. |
| US08640707B2 |
Site guard for intravenous sites and other sensitive areas
A multipurpose site guard for use at all peripheral and central venipuncture infusion sites, sensitive areas, and for pediatric and adult patients. The guard is a hollow plastic member with a base and a sidewall that forms a cover over the site. Improvements to this invention include holding the guard in place with a fabric connector having closure means, cushioning the guard's base with a soft material, and a hole disposed in the hollow member for providing access to the site. |
| US08640702B2 |
System for regulating the dispensing of commercial aircraft passenger oxygen supply
The aircraft emergency oxygen supply system includes one or more sources of supplemental breathable oxygen, one or more inlet valves for one or more breathing devices, connected to the inlet valves, and one or more cabin air pressure transducers. A pressure controller controls the inlet valves in response to the one or more cabin air pressure transducers. One or more second pressure transducers may connected to conduits downstream of inlet valves to be monitored, and the pressure controller may also control operation of the inlet valves in response to the one or more second pressure transducers. |
| US08640699B2 |
Breathing assistance systems with lung recruitment maneuvers
The disclosure provides a method for controlling the delivery of a breathing gas to a patient including automatic lung recruitment maneuvers. The method may include regulating the FiO2 and the PEEP of the breathing gas delivered to the patient, determining a blood oxygenation level of the patient, automatically adjusting the FiO2 of the breathing gas delivered to the patient based on at least the blood oxygenation level of the patient, and in response to determining that the FiO2 of the breathing gas delivered to the patient exceeds a pre-determined value: automatically initiating a lung recruitment maneuver; and automatically increasing the PEEP of the breathing gas delivered to the patient. |
| US08640696B2 |
System and method for determining humidity in a respiratory treatment system
A patient treatment system and method comprising a patient circuit, a pressurizing flow module disposed in the patient circuit, a humidifier disposed in the patient circuit, a monitor, sensors within the patient circuit, and a processor. The patient circuit delivers a flow of gas from a gas source to an airway of a patient. The pressurizing flow module elevates the pressure of the gas within the patient circuit. The humidifier elevates the humidity of the gas in the patient circuit to a circuit humidity level. The monitor monitors at least one parameter of the gas from the gas source. The sensors generate corresponding signals that can be processed to estimate a rate at which vapor is added to the gas in the patient circuit. The processor determines the humidity level of the gas in the patient circuit downstream from the humidifier based on the signals generated by the sensors and the at least one parameter of the gas in the gas source. |
| US08640692B2 |
Oropharyngeal device for assisting oral ventilation of a patient
An oropharyngeal device for assisting oral ventilation of a patient is disclosed. The device comprises a pharyngeal section configured to engage the tongue of the patient and a bite block connected to the pharyngeal section. The bite block includes a proximate maxillary surface configured to engage at least a portion of the maxilla of the patient. The bite block further includes a maxillary flange adjacent the proximate maxillary surface that is configured to engage the upper lip of the patent. The bite block further includes a mandibular surface opposite the proximate maxillary surface. At least a portion of the mandibular surface opposite the maxillary flange is configured to engage at least a portion of the mandible of the patient. |
| US08640691B2 |
Apparatus for heating fluid using solar energy
A fuel heating apparatus capable of heating fluid by use of solar energy to provide water for daily life is provided. The fuel heating apparatus includes a water tank, a lifting part and a control part. The water tank is configured to form an accommodation formed therein to store fluid, has an inlet/an outlet which are formed through the water tank to receive and discharge fluid, respectively, and is formed using light passing material or thermal conductive material. The lifting part is vertically installed at facing sides of the window to lift the water tank such that the fluid is heated through sunlight or solar heat introduced through the window. The control part controls operations of the lifting part. The heated fluid provided to the water tank is used for daily life water. |
| US08640683B2 |
Soft-projectile launching device
A device for projecting a soft-projectile made from a super absorbent polymer, the device comprising a holder designed for containing the soft-projectile made from a super absorbent polymer; and a firing mechanism operatively arranged to accelerate the holder from a firing position. |
| US08640682B2 |
Multipurpose slingshot
An apparatus comprising an elongate member, a first arm, a second arm, a channel, and a cap. The elongate member has a first end and a second end. The first arm and the second arm extend from the first end. A space is present between the first arm and the second arm over the first end. The channel extends through the elongate member. The channel is in communication with an opening in the second end of the elongate member. The cap is configured to be secured to the second end and substantially seal the opening in the second end. |
| US08640678B2 |
Alternate fuel storage system and method
A fuel tank for storing an alternate fuel and providing the fuel to an internal combustion engine includes: an inner shell with an internal cavity designed to store fuel; an outer shell configured and positioned relative to the inner shell such that an interstitial volume is created between the inner and outer shells; and a heating unit positioned in the interstitial volume. In some embodiments, the interstitial volume is filled with air; in other embodiments, the interstitial volume is filled with a thermally insulative material. |
| US08640676B2 |
Evaporated fuel treatment apparatus
An evaporated fuel treatment apparatus includes a control valve having a dead zone range in which an evaporated fuel is blocked even if the opening angle is increased from a close position in opening direction and a communicating range in which the evaporated fuel is allowed to flow therethrough when opening angle is increased from the dead zone range. A control unit determines whether the opening angle is switched between the dead zone range and the communicating range. The switching is determined on the basis of a pressure inside the fuel tank detected with a pressure sensor and an air-fuel ratio detected by an air-fuel ratio sensor. A control valve installed in a communication path between a fuel tank and a canister is prevented from being seized. |
| US08640672B2 |
Engine brake for vehicle
An engine brake system and a method for controlling the exhaust gas pressure of an exhaust system for a vehicle provided with an engine are provided. The system includes a main exhaust gas conduit connected to the turbine of a turbo arrangement and an Exhaust Pressure Governor (EPG) which is used to create a backpressure in the exhaust system so as to function as an engine brake. The turbo arrangement includes a Variable Geometry Turbine (VGT). The Exhaust Pressure Governor is located in a bypass conduit which is connected to the main exhaust conduit upstream the connection to the turbine of the turbo arrangement and the main exhaust conduit includes a valve arrangement downstream the bypass conduit connection for closing the main exhaust conduit. According to the method for controlling the system, the flow passage through the main conduit is open and the flow through the bypass conduit is closed in response to an output control indicating that no engine braking is desired. In case there is an output control indicating that engine braking is desired, the flow passage through the main conduit is closed and the flow through the bypass conduit is open whereby the EPG is controlled to provide a desired backpressure according to the control signals from the control system. |
| US08640671B2 |
Bearing device
A bearing device includes a plurality of pairs of bearing parts for supporting shafts to each of which a plurality valves are attached and connecting parts for connecting the bearing parts.Each connecting part is elastically deformable and includes a bent portion in a bent shape to absorb the force that will act in at least one of an axial direction and a radial direction of the shafts when the shafts are rotated. |
| US08640670B2 |
Fuel-pressure waveform detector
A fuel-pressure waveform detector has a detect-waveform obtaining unit for obtaining a multi-stage injection pressure waveform by means of a fuel-pressure sensor while performing a multi-stage fuel injection during one combustion cycle. A model waveform memory stores a reference model pressure waveform of when a single fuel injection is performed. A waveform extracting unit extracts a pressure waveform due to the subject fuel injection by subtracting the reference model pressure waveform from the multi-stage injection pressure waveform. A correction unit corrects the reference model pressure waveform in such a manner that its attenuation degree becomes larger as a fuel injection period of the subject fuel injection is longer. |
| US08640668B2 |
Balancer device of engine
An oil pump unit comprises a pump shaft and a pump housing which stores the pump shaft. A balancer unit comprises a pair of balancer shafts and a balancer housing which stores the balancer shafts. The pump housing and the balancer housing are coupled to each other at least in the vicinity of a periphery of the pump shaft, and at a coupling portion in the vicinity of the periphery of a power transmission shaft is formed a connection groove which connects the inside to the inside of the coupling portion. Accordingly, it can be retrained that the reliability of journal portions of the balancer shaft of the balancer unit and the like is deteriorated by dusts and the like contained in high-pressure oil from the oil pump unit in a balancer device of an engine. |
| US08640661B2 |
Continuous variable valve timing apparatus
A continuously variable valve timing apparatus may include an end plate connected to a camshaft, a drive sprocket rotating the end plate, a first friction plate disposed to be coaxial to the end plate, a second friction plate disposed to be coaxial to the end plate, a first brake selectively braking the first friction plate, a second brake selectively braking the second friction plate, and a control gear portion which changes relative phase between the end plate and the drive sprocket according to braking of the first friction plate or the second friction plate. |
| US08640658B2 |
Thermal engine for an automotive vehicle comprising a water-pump degassing duct
A thermal engine for an automotive vehicle, including at least one cylinder block including a first inner circuit for circulating a cooling liquid, of the type in which the first inner circuit includes an outer supply duct including an inlet opening into a reception chamber for a rotor of the engine water pump formed in the block. The chamber includes in its intermediate portion a supply opening having a level located above the level of the inlet opening of the inner supply duct of the first inner circuit. An additional degassing duct connects the upper portion of the reception chamber or water pump volute with an element of the engine cooling circuit. |
| US08640655B2 |
High efficiency wood or biomass boiler
A boiler including a water jacket surrounding upper and lower combustion chambers for receiving heat for heating water or other fluid therein, which chambers are defined by a refractory structure that extends entirely across the inner casing. A vertical passage through the refractory structure provides for flow of combustion gases from the upper to lower combustion chamber. Oxygen is provided through a first forced air inlet to the upper combustion chamber for burning of wood or biomass, and is provided through a forced air passage in the refractory structure and opening into the vertical passage thereby providing at least one second forced air inlet for burning of the combustion gases and particulates passing therethrough. The refractory structure sealingly engages the inner casing in a manner to seal the upper combustion chamber from the lower combustion chamber so that the upper combustion chamber can be made substantially air tight. |
| US08640650B2 |
Method for treating artemia cysts
Cysts, in particular Artemia cysts, are incubated the in a hatching medium so that a portion of the cysts hatch and release free swimming live food organisms. The free swimming live food organisms have subsequently to be separated from the cysts which have not hatched. Before incubating the cysts, magnetic particles are applied onto the cysts so that these cysts can be attracted magnetically, in particular in the liquid hatching medium. This enables to separate the unhatched cysts and the empty cyst shells, coated with the magnetic particles, effectively from the free swimming live food organisms which do not have magnetic particles applied onto their outer surface. The invention also relates to the coated cysts. |
| US08640647B2 |
Adjustable pet foraging feeder and wobble toy
The feeder toy is designed for cats and small dogs. The device is formed from a non-toxic, eco-friendly food grade plastic. The rounded, weighted profile provides a self-propelled motion, eliminating the need for any batteries. The innovative design wobbles and moves about the floor, forcing a pet to move and interact with the toy in order to eat. The unique food-dispensing hole adjusts by rotating the two ends; allowing for different sized dry food and dispensing rates. Holes at the bottom allow trapped bits to escape. The two ends come apart for easy filling and cleaning. |
| US08640645B2 |
Substance-distribution system for an egg injection device
A distribution system for distributing dosed amounts of a treatment substance to a plurality of injectors of an egg injection device, and to an injection device equipped with such a distribution system. The distribution system comprises at least one syringe pump comprising an actuator for actuating the piston of a syringe, a discharge tube connected to the outlet orifice of the syringe, feed tubes connected in parallel to the discharge tube via a valve system, each feed tube being intended to be connected to an injector, and a controller capable of controlling the actuator and the valve system for distributing dosed amount of substance contained in the chamber through the feed tubes, to injectors. |
| US08640641B2 |
Multi-slot applicator with automatic closing function
Apparatus and methods for applying liquid onto a substrate include a nozzle configured to be connected to a liquid source. The nozzle further includes a distribution passage with a length that can receive the liquid. A piston is positioned in the distribution passage and a slit-shaped nozzle opening is in fluid communication with the distribution passage. The piston is movable in the distribution passage so as to vary the length that can receive the liquid. The nozzle opening communicates with the distribution passage via a plurality of spaced apart outlet channels having respective outlet ends. The outlet channels are formed between first and second nozzle pieces each having a tip portion at the outlet ends. At least one of the first or second nozzle pieces is flexible at the tip such that the outlet ends open when under positive fluid pressure and close when the fluid pressure is reduced. An application valve is coupled to the nozzle for selectively interrupting or enabling a flow of liquid to the distribution passage. |
| US08640638B2 |
Sewing machine and control method for driving the same
A sewing machine having a rotatable head portion includes a sewing machine frame shaped in a box using supporting posts and supporting bars to hold the sewing machine; a sewing machine main body mounted on the sewing machine frame; a head portion disposed at the front end of the sewing machine main body and rotatably installed through head portion rotating means; a bed portion rotatably installed under the head portion through bed portion rotating means; X-axis transporting means moving the sewing machine main body mounted on the sewing machine frame in X direction; Y-axis transporting means moving the sewing machine main body mounted on the sewing machine frame in Y direction; and a sewing object fixing frame provided at the front part of the sewing machine frame where the sewing object is held. The head portion and the bed portion are rotated to sew the sewing object. |
| US08640636B2 |
Device for placing material on or beneath the soil surface
A device for treating soil includes a soil contact head having at least one discharge orifice therein, a handle attached to the soil contact head, a discharge valve in fluid communication with the at least one discharge orifice, a soil contact indicator, and a source of pressurized soil treatment fluid flowably connected to the discharge valve. The discharge valve discharges the pressurized soil treatment fluid through the at least one discharge orifice when the soil contact indicator indicates contact between the soil contact head and the soil. |
| US08640633B2 |
Biomass fuel furnace system and related methods
A furnace system for heating a poultry brooder house includes a firebox for burning biomass fuel, and a grate within the firebox for burning the biomass fuel thereon. A distributor assembly may positioned within the firebox and is located directly above the grate. The distributor assembly includes a distributor plate having a plurality of apertures therethrough, and a distributor arm above the distributor plate that is movable relative to the distributor plate to cause biomass fuel supported on the plate to pass through the apertures and fall onto the grate. The furnace system may include a hopper assembly that defines a well for receiving a volume of biomass fuel for delivery to the grate or to the distributor plate. |
| US08640629B2 |
Battery-powered all-electric and/or hybrid locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations
Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are provided. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage means. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly. Many locomotive or train configurations involving battery-powered or battery-toting locomotive(s) may be implemented. In one embodiment, a battery-toting locomotive is directly coupled with and positioned between two diesel-electric locomotives, wherein the batteries recover energy from regenerative braking and/or supply power to drive traction motors. |
| US08640627B1 |
Traction channel equipped ramp system for bridging flexible cable to rigid rail
A ramp system for bridging a flexible cable to a rigid rail to improve the movement of a trolley along a low tension fixed aerial cableway. The ramp system has an inverted U-shaped elongated channel having a contact surface, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is disposed atop and contacts a portion of the cableway and an anchor configured to pivotably support the proximal end of the channel at a second point at a second level. The second level is disposed higher than the first level, wherein the distal end of the channel is slideably but positively secured to the portion of the cable and the first point, second point and distal end cooperate to form a triangular relationship, thereby reducing bending in the cable, reducing the approach angle and fatigue exerted on the channel and cable. |
| US08640626B2 |
Ramp system for bridging flexible cable to rigid rail
A ramp system for bridging a flexible cable to a rigid rail to improve the movement of a trolley along a low tension fixed aerial cableway. The ramp system has an inverted U-shaped elongated channel having a contact surface, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is disposed atop and contacts a portion of the cableway and an anchor configured to pivotably support the proximal end of the channel at a second point at a second level. The second level is disposed higher than the first level, wherein the distal end of the channel is slideably but positively secured to the portion of the cable and the first point, second point and distal end cooperate to form a triangular relationship, thereby reducing bending in the cable, reducing the approach angle and fatigue exerted on the channel and cable. |
| US08640625B1 |
Kinetic energy training projectile
A kinetic energy training cartridge simulates the performance, weight, length, and external geometry of a tactical cartridge. The training cartridge includes a cartridge case and a projectile that is secured to cartridge case by means of a sabot. The sabot includes a rearward extension that encapsulates part of the projectile, to add weight and to increase a length to diameter ratio of the projectile, so as to decrease an intrusion volume of the projectile within the cartridge case. In a preferred embodiment, the length to diameter ratio of the projectile is at least 15. |
| US08640621B2 |
Non-dud signature training cartridge and projectile
A training cartridge projectile for use in either a plastic cartridge case or a conventional metal cartridge case is disclosed that contains no explosive material. The projectile has an insert having a body portion and a front end, a container overmolded onto the body portion of the insert, a frangible ogive fastened to the front end of the tubular insert; and a payload module within the ogive in front of the container carrying a nonexplosive signature material for providing a visual indication of projectile impact to an observer upon projectile impact with an object. The module includes a hollow frangible ampoule containing the signature material, and a generally disc shaped base member engaging the insert and closing the ampoule. The base member preferably has a set of axially extending vanes engaging the signature material during spin-up as the projectile is accelerated through the bore of the weapon firing the projectile. |
| US08640614B2 |
Work transfer apparatus for press machine, and work transfer unit
A workpiece transfer apparatus includes: a feed driving mechanism that drives a transfer bar in a workpiece transfer direction; and a lift/clamp driving mechanism that drives the transfer bar in a lift direction and a clamp direction. The lift/clamp driving mechanism includes: a support of the transfer bar; first and second carriers movable in the clamp direction; first and second carrier driving mechanisms that drive the first and second carriers; a parallel link that rotatably connects the first carrier with the support; and a driving link that rotatably connects a first link of the parallel link and the second carrier. A first guide that guides the first carrier and a second guide that guides the second carrier are parallel to each other and are shifted from each other in the workpiece transfer direction. |
| US08640612B2 |
Pneumatic packaging apparatus
A pneumatic packaging apparatus includes a fixed base provided thereon with a pressure cylinder unit connected with a chuck unit. The fixed base is further mounted with a valve seat combined thereon with a driving unit and a control unit. The control unit is able to receive external high pressure gas and control the high pressure gas to flow to the driving unit and to the pressure cylinder unit to let the driving unit and the pressure cylinder unit driven by air pressure to automatically pull tight the packaging strap and firmly squeeze the packaging fastener for fixing the packaging strap in place. Thus, the pneumatic packaging apparatus of this invention can assist users to complete packaging work with quickness, able to elevate efficiency of the packaging work. |
| US08640611B2 |
Methods for collecting, packaging, and processing recyclable waste
Recyclable waste byproducts are efficiently collected for recycling at stores or other locations by compacting the recyclable waste as layers in a composite bale. The composite bales can be formed using existing cardboard balers that retailers or other stores typically already have for baling recyclable cardboard. In one embodiment, the composite bales are formed by binding together a layer of one type of recyclable waste and a layer of recyclable waste that includes one or more types of recyclable waste byproducts. The layered structure can be modified to omit one of the layers or to add additional waste byproduct layers. |
| US08640610B2 |
Squeeze juicer for extracting juice
A squeeze juicer for extracting juice includes a base (2), a motor (1), a juice collecting cavity (4), a squeezing and crushing part, and a filtering part (50). The squeezing and crushing part includes a propelling screw (3) and a squeezing cylinder (5) cooperating with the propelling screw (3). The squeezing cylinder (5) is provided in the juice collecting cavity (4). The filtering part (50) is provided on the downstream of the squeezing cylinder (5). The filtering part (50) includes a plurality of grids (51). A filtering slot (7) for pomace and juice is arranged between two adjacent grids (51). The size of the filtering slot (7) for pomace and juice can be accordingly changed corresponding to the size of the materials under the action of the propelling screw (3). |
| US08640606B2 |
Device for stirring and cooking food
A cooking device and method heats a removable vessel with heaters of a cooking capsule, which includes a separator wall between the heaters and vessel. The heaters mount to the separator wall. The capsule is fixed in a housing, which also mounts a motor that rotates the vessel. The housing tiltably mounts on a base. Accessories can be fixed to the vessel or a lid secured to the housing, so the accessories can rotate with the vessel or remain stationary with respect to the vessel as it rotates. A locking mechanism that secures the lid to the housing prevents lid detachment when the vessel counter-rotates and an accessory is fixed to the lid. A heat sink wall reflects heat toward the vessel and fins draw heat from the heat sink wall away from the housing and out vent holes. Computer hardware and software control power to the motor and heaters. |
| US08640601B2 |
Output system for a plurality of masses
An output system (100) for the extraction and/or output of plural masses (220), comprising a cylinder unit (300) made up of at least two double-acting cylinders (301, 304) each having a piston (303), displaceable by means of a piston rod (302, 305), for extraction and/or output of one of the masses (220) in each case, the piston rods (302, 305) being arranged parallel to one another and being connected to one another via at least one connecting element (307) in such a way that the connected piston rods (302, 305) are displaceable as a unit; and comprising a control unit (200) made up of at least two valves (201, 204) for controlling the entry and return of the masses (220) to the cylinders (301, 304). |
| US08640599B2 |
Brake booster having atmosphere chamber void of springs
A brake booster includes an atmosphere chamber, a working chamber, a valve assembly, and an air passageway. The atmosphere chamber includes an air inlet, and the working chamber is in fluid communication with the atmosphere chamber. The valve assembly is positioned between the atmosphere chamber and the working chamber, and the valve assembly includes a plunger configured to cooperate with a valve seat to selectively enable or prevent fluid flow from the atmosphere chamber to the working chamber. The air passageway is defined within the atmosphere chamber between the air inlet and the valve assembly. The air passageway is void of any springs. |
| US08640598B1 |
Sleeve piston for actuating a firearm bolt carrier
The embodiments described herein relate generally to a sleeve piston for operating the bolt carrier of a firearm. The sleeve piston can comprise a monolithic sleeve piston or it can comprise two or more sleeve-piston parts, thereby evenly distributing the reciprocating mass of an auto-loading firearm about its barrel, minimizing muzzle rise. The sleeve piston can further be coupled to the bolt carrier by two or more operating rods, thereby reducing the tipping force or off-axis torque experienced by the bolt carrier during firearm operation. The sleeve piston can also reciprocate in a sleeve gas block coupled to a barrel, thereby helping to transfer heat away from the barrel. The sleeve piston embodiments of the present invention provide a balanced and compact operating mechanism that is ideally suited for rifles, carbines, and personal-defense weapons. |
| US08640597B2 |
Rotatable targeting assembly having weapons integrated direction and rate control
A weapons system includes a frame having an axis. A targeting assembly is arranged and operational to move rotationally the frame axis. The targeting assembly includes a weapon. A user interface is attached to the weapon and is operable actuate movement of the targeting assembly about the axis. |
| US08640590B2 |
Armor system having ceramic composite with improved architecture
An armor system includes a ceramic armor layer and a ceramic composite armor layer adjacent to the ceramic armor layer. The ceramic composite armor layer includes a ceramic matrix and unidirectionally oriented fibers disposed within the ceramic matrix. |
| US08640586B2 |
Method and apparatus for facilitating cutting of a unit dose blister card
An apparatus for facilitating cutting of unit dose blisters from a blister card is provided. The apparatus may include a platform, a clamp, a blade and a sensor. The blister card may be positionable on the platform for cutting. The clamp may be positionable to hold a portion of the blister card in contact with the platform for cutting when the clamp is seated. The clamp may be operatively coupled to a guillotine head. The blade may also be operatively coupled to the guillotine head. The guillotine head may be configured to move the blade through a range of motion that intersects a plane of the platform. The sensor may be positioned to detect a seating status of the clamp to enable control of movement of the guillotine head based on the seating status. |
| US08640583B2 |
Safety detection and protection system for power tools
A detection system for detecting a dangerous condition for an operator using a power tool of the type which has an exposed blade relative to a work surface and a protection system for minimizing, if not eliminating the possibility of a user being injured by contacting the blade. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a proximity detection system is capable of detecting the presence of a user near the blade of a table saw and a protection system that can either retract the blade below the work surface of the table saw or terminate the drive torque to the blade which can result in rapid stopping of the saw blade by a work piece that is being cut. |
| US08640582B2 |
Method for manufacturing flexible substrate and flexible substrate punching device
A method for manufacturing a flexible substrate includes punching out a flexible substrate from a flexible tape wherein the flexible substrate has a first contour that is a part of a contour of the flexible substrate, and a second contour that is a remaining portion of the contour other than the first contour, and requires a punching accuracy lower than a punching accuracy of the first contour. The method includes the steps of: operating a first die by a control section to punch out the first contour from the flexible tape; judging by the control section as to whether a punching accuracy of the first contour meets a standard; and operating a second die by the control section to punch out the second contour from the flexible tape thereby separating the flexible substrate from the flexible tape when the control section judges that the punching accuracy of the first contour meets the standard, and not operate the second die when the control section judges that the punching accuracy of the first contour does not meet the standard. |
| US08640575B2 |
Ball end hex wrench
A ball end hex wrench includes a ball end including an engaging section, at least one first pattern, and at least one second pattern. The engaging section includes a plurality of peripheral surfaces disposed circumferentially. The at least one first pattern is defined on one of the plurality of peripheral surfaces. The at least one first pattern has a first longitudinal length and a first height. The at least one second pattern is defined on the one of the plurality of peripheral surfaces. The at least one second pattern has a second longitudinal length and a second height. The second height is different from the first height. |
| US08640572B2 |
Wrench
A wrench includes a transmitting device and a shell. The transmitting device comprises a rotor, a first working member, a second working member, a first linking member and a second linking member. The first linking member is disposed between the first working member and the rotor. The shell has a containing room for the linking device to be disposed therein. The shell comprises a middle section. The first end of the middle section extends upwardly to connect with the first section. The second end of the middle section extends downwardly to connect with the second section. Thus, the wrench has two stair portions of different horizontal level. And Users can hold the wrench more stably. Because the wrench uses the rotor and two linking members to drive the first working member and the second working member rotating, a total size of the wrench can be kept as smaller as possible. |
| US08640571B2 |
Automatic rotating-type turret device for work machinery
An automatic rotating turret device for work machinery is provided, in which a lift turret is not used. The turret device is provided with an axial-direction slide body, which is advanced or retracted in the direction of the axis of rotation of the turret by the drive device advancing or retracting the drive body in a direction orthogonal to the direction of rotation axis; and a clutch device that is engaged or disengaged by the axial-direction slide body being advanced or retracted, the turret being of a non-lift-type, and there being provided to the drive body a tapering action part for generating an expanding action caused by the movement of the drive body and pressingly sliding the axial-direction slide body against the turret stage. |
| US08640566B2 |
Throttle device for vehicle
A reduction in the size of a housing for containing a magnetic sensor is provided for a throttle device for a vehicle in which the turning amount of a throttle grip is detected by use of the magnetic sensor. An extension part of the throttle grip is provided at its outer periphery with an enlarged diameter part for holding magnets of the magnetic sensor. A right switch box is provided with Hall sensors of the magnetic sensor, and the enlarged diameter part and each of the Hall sensors are opposed to each other in the axial direction of a right handle bar. The throttle grip is urged toward the throttle full-closing position by a grip urging mechanism. The throttle full-closing position is maintained by only an urging force exerted from the grip urging mechanism. |
| US08640565B2 |
Controller for rotation and movement motion
A controller of the present invention is provided for valve to be connected thereto. The controller is used for executing rotation and movement motion so as to operate the stem of the valve and to control connection conditions of the valve. As such, the valve assembled with the controller can be controlled and switched automatically. Cost of management of factories is minimized. |
| US08640563B2 |
Ram air turbine deployment actuator
An actuator for a ram air turbine system includes a lock bolt having a multiple circumferentially arranged lateral supports. A piston rod supports multiple up-lock wedges. Multiple rollers are supported by the lateral supports with chamfers on the rollers engaging one another and are configured to radially support the up-lock wedges in a retracted position. |
| US08640559B2 |
Instrument apparatus
An instrument apparatus, includes a tachometer having a chaptering plate provided at a front surface thereof; a display unit arranged at the front surface of the chaptering plate; a printed circuit board arranged at a rear surface of the chaptering plate and driving the display unit. The display unit includes a projecting portion projecting toward the chaptering plate and a male terminal provided at a top end of the projecting portion. The chaptering plate includes an insertion hole formed into a similar shape as an outline of the projecting portion, in which the projecting portion is inserted. The printed circuit board is arranged at a position, in which an insert direction of inserting the projecting portion through the insertion hole and the printed circuit board intersect, and includes a female terminal to be fitted and electrically connected with the male terminal. |
| US08640555B2 |
Performance
Instruments, devices and methods of analysis are provided which fully integrate a significant number of process steps in a continuous operation. Accurate positioning and full contact between components is also provided by the relative movement the designs allow. An effect interface between a low cost disposable cartridge or device and the instrument to process it is also detailed. |
| US08640552B2 |
MEMS airflow sensor die incorporating additional circuitry on the die
A MEMS airflow sensor die having a heater control circuit, differential instrumentation amplifier, temperature compensation, and/or offset correction circuitry integrated with an airflow sensor on the MEMS die. The added circuitry may be placed on space available on the basic airflow die with MEMS fabrication techniques without enlarging the sensor die. The die with the added circuitry may result in a device having a reduced form factor, improved reliability and lower cost. |
| US08640548B2 |
Apparatus, device and method for determining alignment errors
The invention relates to an apparatus, a device and a method for determining local alignment errors which have occurred due to strain and/or distortion of a first substrate relative to a second substrate when the first substrate is joined to the second substrate and for alignment of two wafers by means of position maps, strain maps and/or stress maps of wafers which are recorded during and/or after alignment of the wafers, especially through at least one transparent region of at least one of the wafers, optionally the relative position of the two wafers to one another being corrected especially in-situ. |
| US08640545B2 |
Vibration sensor with mechanical isolation member
An apparatus and system for sensing vibration in rotary or reciprocating machinery, such as motors, pumps, fans, gearboxes, compressors, turbo-machinery or high-speed spindles, which comprises a mechanical isolation member (14) interposed between a sensor base (15) and a main sensor body (11). In one aspect, the mechanical isolation member comprises a coaxial cylinder of plastic, rubber or polyurethane which is compressed between the sensor base and main sensor body. |
| US08640541B2 |
MEMS mass-spring-damper systems using an out-of-plane suspension scheme
MEMS mass-spring-damper systems (including MEMS gyroscopes and accelerometers) using an out-of-plane (or vertical) suspension scheme, wherein the suspensions are normal to the proof mass, are disclosed. Such out-of-plane suspension scheme helps such MEMS mass-spring-damper systems achieve inertial grade performance. Methods of fabricating out-of-plane suspensions in MEMS mass-spring-damper systems (including MEMS gyroscopes and accelerometers) are also disclosed. |
| US08640539B2 |
Device for treating specimens and method for determining the fill level of reagent containers
The invention relates to a device (10) for treating specimens, comprising a plurality of reagent containers (12) which are arranged in predetermined positions. Further, the device (10) comprises a transport mechanism (22a, 22b) for transporting at least one transport container (16a, 16b) which accommodates at least one carrier (20). On the carrier at least one specimen is placed. Further, the device (10) has a sensor (34) for determining the fill level (44) of the reagent containers (12) with reagents (42), the sensor (34) being arranged on the transport mechanism (22a, 22b). Further, the invention relates to a method for determining the fill level (44) of reagent containers (12) with reagents (42). |
| US08640537B2 |
Dual opposing fiber brushing
A fiber sample conditioning system having a comb for engaging and retaining fibers to form a beard, and at least two rotating brushes for brushing the fibers simultaneously from opposite sides of the beard in a direction along the fibers away from the comb. |
| US08640535B2 |
Apparatus and method for tire temperature measurement
Apparatus and method for tire temperature measurement is disclosed. The apparatus includes a thermocouple having a measurement junction and a pair of first and second conductive leads. The measurement junction is mounted in a passage provided in the tire. The pair of first and second conductive leads extend through the passage in the tire and exit the tire at an interface. A patch is mounted to the tire at the interface. The pair of first and second conductive leads extend from the interface into a passage provided in the patch. The first and second conductive leads are surrounded by the patch at the interface where the first and second conductive leads exit the surface of the tire. |
| US08640534B2 |
Mounting method and device for tire pressure monitoring sensor
A tire pressure monitor mount includes a carrier (20) adapted to temporarily suspend a tire pressure monitor (36) between the sidewalls (16) of a tire (10) prior to installation of the tire (10) on a wheel (62). Upon installation of the tire on the wheel (62), the carrier (20) is fixed in place thereby suspending the tire pressure monitor (36) between the sidewalls (6) and in spaced relation to the rim (66) where the tire pressure monitor (36) is less likely to be impacted and/or damaged by debris/chemicals within the tire (10). |
| US08640531B2 |
Turbine inspection system and related method of operation
Systems and methods for inspecting turbine components are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a base frame adapted to position an inspection device relative a turbine component; and a set of mounts connected to the base frame, the set of mounts adapted to connect the base frame to at least one other point of the turbine component and to pivotally connect the base frame to a pivot point of the turbine component. |
| US08640530B2 |
Methods to characterize sag in fluids
Systems and methods for direct and indirect measurement of the density of a fluid which exhibits sag characteristics is disclosed. The sag measurement system includes a test container for holding a fluid mixture to be analyzed and a suction port on the test container. A pump is coupled to the suction port for circulating the fluid mixture from the test container through a circulation loop. A measurement device is coupled to the circulation loop and a return port directs the fluid mixture from the circulation loop back to the test container at substantially the same vertical location as the suction port. The fluid mixture flowing through the circulation loop passes through the measurement device before returning to the test container through the return port. The measurement device is operable to monitor the particle distribution of the fluid mixture as it changes due to gravity. |
| US08640529B2 |
Integrated acoustic phase separator and multiphase fluid composition monitoring apparatus and method
An apparatus and method for down hole gas separation from the multiphase fluid flowing in a wellbore or a pipe, for determining the quantities of the individual components of the liquid and the flow rate of the liquid, and for remixing the component parts of the fluid after which the gas volume may be measured, without affecting the flow stream, are described. Acoustic radiation force is employed to separate gas from the liquid, thereby permitting measurements to be separately made for these two components; the liquid (oil/water) composition is determined from ultrasonic resonances; and the gas volume is determined from capacitance measurements. Since the fluid flows around and through the component parts of the apparatus, there is little pressure difference, and no protection is required from high pressure differentials. |
| US08640527B2 |
Pipeline leakage-sensing device
A leakage-sensing device for installation adjacent to a pipeline configured for conveying liquid or gaseous chemical materials. The leakage-sensing device comprises a length of cable configured to transmit and back-reflect signals. The cable is communicable with a signal-measuring device. The entire length of cable is encompassed by a torsioned and tensioned coiled biasing means. The cable and the torsioned and tensioned coiled biasing means are embedded in a chemically frangible casing material. The chemically frangible material is selected for its structural instability when contacted with the selected chemical material to be conveyed within the pipeline thereby releasing the torsioned and tensioned biasing means which subsequently imparts bending and/or twisting and/or elongating and/or contracting forces to the cable thereby causing the cable to physically interfere with and/or deform and/or break the transmission and back-reflection of signals along the cable. |
| US08640523B2 |
Apparatus and method for turbine flow meter sensor adjustment
A method and apparatus for calibrating a turbine flow meter via adjustment of electromagnetic sensor position are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a turbine flow meter includes a flow tube, a plurality of electromagnetic pickups, and a locator plate. The electromagnetic pickups are configured to detect rotation a flow indicator in the flow tube. The pickups are secured to the locator plate. The locator plate is configured to adjustably position the pickups relative to the flow tube. |
| US08640515B2 |
Bar for connecting the two cylinders halves of a variable-length double cylinder lock
The bar has two arms (12, 13) which can each be inserted into a recess (6) of the housing (2) of one of the two cylinder halves (1). The arms (12, 13) each have several drilled holes to accommodate attachment pins. The bar has a middle part (9) as base element and at least one extension part (16). The middle part (9) and the extension part (16) can be interconnected and each has at least one drilled hole (15, 21) to accommodate a connecting pin (30). |
| US08640513B2 |
Electronic and manual lock assembly
An electronic and manual lock assembly having a lock housing, a mechanical lock, an electric motor, and a shackle having a pair of legs. The shackle can be unlocked relative to the housing by having one leg pivotally connected with the housing and the other leg rotated out of the housing. The lock includes a first stop member that prevents one leg from being rotated out of the housing. The first stop member is moveable as a result of unlocking the mechanical lock. The lock includes a second stop member that prevents one of the legs from being rotated out of the lock housing and is moveable as a result of operating the electric motor. The first stop member and the second stop member are independently moveable by the mechanical lock and the electric motor. |
| US08640509B2 |
Security assembly for attachment to an object
Embodiments of the present invention provide a security assembly configured to properly secure articles in a retail environment. In some embodiments, the security assembly is configured to secure cylindrical objects, such as baby formula or coffee cans. Additionally, in some embodiments, the security assembly may be adjustable such that differently sized objects may be secured. In an example embodiment, a security device for securing an object with an object perimeter edge is provided. The security device comprises a housing defining an edge lock configured for positioning proximate the object perimeter edge and a locating gap. The security device also comprises at least one cable extending from the security device through the locating gap. The locating gap is configured to secure the at least one cable from substantial lateral movement in at least one direction. |
| US08640505B2 |
Anchoring system of counterweights for washers and washer/dryer combos
The present invention relates to an anchoring system of counterweights for washers and washer/dryer combos based on the presence of a plurality of tubular divaricable pins (40, 41,42) on the external walls of the plastic molded tubs (1) that, after being inserted into through holes (21a) obtained on the said counterweights, are designed to receive suitable divaricating inserts (40b, 41b, 42b) to prevent uncoupling from the holes. |
| US08640503B2 |
Knitwear with a perforated structure and method for producing said knitwear
A method for producing knitwear formed at least partially as single jersey knitwear with a perforated structure and a functional textile based on the knitwear, provide very fine knitting stitches and perforated structures with large holes meeting demands of sportswear and underwear. The knitwear is produced on a double jersey knitting machine with first and second oppositely disposed needle carriers and a machine gauge of >24 needles/inch. The first needle carrier has a needle number/inch of latch-type needles corresponding to the machine gauge and the second needle carrier has transfer needles. The needle number/inch of the transfer needles is at most half that of the latch-type needles of the first needle carrier. The transfer needles form loop accumulations with at least one tuck loop per hole subsequently transferred with or without at least one knitting stitch from the transfer needles onto the latch-type needles. |
| US08640498B2 |
Fining of boroalumino silicate glasses
Glasses are disclosed which can be used to produce substrates for flat panel display devices, e.g., active matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCDs). The glasses have MgO concentrations in the range from 1.0 mole percent to 3.0 mole percent and Σ[RO]/[Al2O3] ratios greater than or equal to 1.00, where [Al2O3] is the mole percent of Al2O3 and Σ[RO] equals the sum of the mole percents of MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO. These compositional characteristics have been found to improve the melting properties of batch materials used to produce the glass, which, in turn, allows the glasses to be fined (refined) with more environmentally friendly fining agents, e.g., tin as opposed to arsenic and/or antimony. |
| US08640497B2 |
Method of manufacturing glass substrate for magnetic disk and system for manufacturing glass substrate for magnetic disk
To provide a magnetic-disk glass substrate manufacturing method that can reduce the inner diameter dimensional error.A magnetic-disk glass substrate manufacturing method of this invention including a chemical strengthening step of bringing a plurality of glass substrates 102 into contact with chemical strengthening treatment solutions of a plurality of chemical strengthening treatment baths 130, respectively, to chemically strengthen the glass substrates further includes an inner diameter measuring step of measuring the inner diameter of each of the glass substrates 102 before the chemical strengthening step, a grasping step of grasping a variation of the inner diameter of the glass substrate 102 to be generated by the chemical strengthening step for each of the chemical strengthening treatment baths 130, and a combination determining step of determining the chemical strengthening treatment baths 130, that perform chemical strengthening, based on the variations so that the inner diameters of the glass substrates, whose inner diameters are measured, after the chemical strengthening step become a desired value. In the chemical strengthening step, the glass substrates 102 are chemically strengthened in the determined chemical strengthening treatment baths 130, respectively. |
| US08640496B2 |
Method and apparatus for separating air
Air separation method in which air is separated within cryogenic rectification processes conducted in first and second cryogenic air separation plants. The first cryogenic air separation plant is designed to produce an oxygen-rich product stream and the second cryogenic air separation plant is designed to produce an impure oxygen vapor stream. At least part of the impure oxygen vapor stream is introduced into a lower pressure column of the first cryogenic air separation plant and oxygen contained in such stream along with air separated within the first air separation plant is used in producing the oxygen-rich product stream. |
| US08640492B2 |
Tubular system for electrochemical compressor
A heat transfer system defines a closed loop that contains a working fluid that is circulated through the closed loop. The heat transfer system includes an electrochemical compressor including one or more electrochemical cells electrically connected to each other through a power supply. Each electrochemical cell includes a gas pervious anode, a gas pervious cathode, and an electrolytic membrane disposed between and in intimate electrical contact with the cathode and the anode. The heat transfer system also includes a tubular system that receives at least one electrochemically-active component of the working fluid from an output of the electrochemical compressor and, if present, other components of the working fluid that bypass the electrochemical compressor. The tubular system has a geometry that enables at least a portion of the received working fluid to be imparted with a gain in kinetic energy as it moves through the tubular system. |
| US08640490B2 |
Evaporator/absorbers combination, absorption cooling device and associated motor vehicle
This unit (37) comprises an evaporator (45) of liquid refrigerating fluid and an absorber (47) of gaseous refrigerating fluid linked to the evaporator (45). The apparatus (37) includes a migrating chamber (121) for gaseous refrigerant fluid delimited by an evaporation surface (73A) located on the absorber (47) facing the evaporation surface (73A), and through a connecting floor (57) linking these surfaces (73A, 109A). The evaporator (45) comprises a refrigerant fluid collector (65) linked to the evaporation surface (73A) to collect the refrigerant fluid downstream from this surface. The evaporator (45) comprises partitions (67) set out in the chamber (121) and delimiting, on the evaporation surface (73A) at least one area (103) covered by partitions (67) and at least one uncovered evaporation area (105). For application in motor vehicle air conditioning. |
| US08640487B2 |
Refreezable container
A refreezable container for storage of perishable and/or temperature-sensitive items is described herein. A bottom surface, contiguous with one or more side surfaces is provided, each surface having an interior cavity at least partially filled with refreezable material, usable to retain contents within the container at a temperature less than ambient temperature. The bottom surface includes a lower groove therein. The side surfaces include a lip adapted for secure engagement for an upper object, which can include a top cover having a complementary groove, or the lower groove of an adjacent refreezable container, allowing multiple containers, with or without top covers, to be nested for storage or transport, and allowing multiple covered containers, or top covers independent of containers, to be stacked and nested. |
| US08640486B2 |
Insulated and refrigerated beverage transport line
An insulated and refrigerated beverage transport line provides enhanced temperature control of one or more beverages conveyed through the transport line. A plurality of coolant lines carrying a re-circulated coolant makes contact with the one or more product lines. One or more empty lines, referred to as packers, may be placed between the coolant lines and the product lines to provide a dimensionally stable and tight group of lines that are bundled together. An external insulation is provided over the bundle of lines to further enhance insulation for the beverage being transported through the product lines. At least one dedicated coolant return line may be placed remote from the other lines. The dedicated coolant return line carries the highest temperature coolant found in a beverage transport system. Independent and separate insulation of this dedicated coolant return line prevents inadvertent heat transfer to the one or more product lines. |
| US08640481B2 |
Refrigerator having water feed system
A water feed system usable with a refrigerator having an icemaker and a dispenser, which assures efficient utilization of a storage space. The refrigerator includes a filter to purify water to be fed from an external water source to the icemaker and the dispenser, a water tank in which the water, purified by the filter, is stored so as to be cooled by interior cold air of the refrigerating compartment, and a valve provided at a junction of a hose connecting the filter to the water tank and the icemaker to selectively supply the water, purified by the filter, to the water tank or the icemaker. The filter, the water tank and the valve are received in a case so as to be integrally positioned in the refrigerating compartment. |
| US08640476B2 |
Showcase with insulated wall separating the machine room from the cooling components
A showcase in which a cooling fan is provided on a cooling room side and a cooling fan motor is provided on a machine room side, wherein attaching and detaching the cooling fan can be facilitated. The showcase has a display room provided over an insulating wall and the machine room provided under the insulating wall. The machine room has a top plate, with a portion of the top plate being raised above a remaining portion of the top plate. A compressor and a condenser of a cooling unit are disposed in the machine room. The cooling room is provided in the insulating wall and an evaporator and the cooling fan of the cooling unit are disposed in the cooling room. The cooling fan motor is disposed in the machine room to drive the cooling fan. The cooling fan motor is detachably attached, from a lateral direction, to the top plate of the machine room at the raised portion. |
| US08640475B2 |
Heat pump-type hot water feeding apparatus
A heat pump-type hot water feeding apparatus includes a cooling cycle circuit, a heat storage tank, and a hydro kit heat exchanging unit, wherein the hydro kit heat exchanging unit is connected to the cooling cycle circuit, wherein during a heat storage mode operation that stores heat in the heat storage tank, heat of the first heat transfer fluid, which is heat exchanged in the first heat exchanger, is stored in the heat storage tank or heat of the first heat transfer fluid, which is heat exchanged in the first heat exchanger and heat of the second heat transfer fluid, which is heat exchanged in the second heat exchanger, are simultaneously stored in the heat storage tank. |
| US08640474B2 |
System and method for increasing the efficiency of a solar heating system
A solar collector assembly comprises a plurality of heater collection tubes. A thermal enhancement manifold assembly is integrated into the solar collector assembly to enhance thermal efficiency. The enhancement manifold assembly includes a supply manifold subassembly which selectively distributes a refrigerant between at least two supply manifolds and a return manifold subassembly which distributes the refrigerant between at least two return manifolds. A thermal enhancing tube provides fluid communication between each supply manifold and respective return manifold. The thermal enhancing tubes are assembled within an interior volume of the solar heater collection tubes. Each manifold pairing is operatively governed by a respective fluid control valve. The manifold pairings alternate between an active state and an inactive state, optimizing thermal transfer between the collection tube and a refrigerant. The refrigerant is retained within an inactive tube set of thermal enhancing tubes and flows therethrough in an active tube set. |
| US08640471B2 |
Control method for refrigerator
The present invention provides a control method for a refrigerator that can acquire a pump-down effect without performing an additional pump-down process and furthermore, efficiently utilize residual cool air remaining in a freezer evaporator. |
| US08640470B2 |
Control method of refrigerator
The present invention relates to a control method of a refrigerator which operates a cooling cycle including two storage compartments, a compressor, a condenser, a valve, fans, and evaporators for cooling the respective storage compartments, with one of the fans (5) corresponding to the storage compartment for storing items at relatively low temperatures being activated for a set amount of time even after the compressor is deactivated at the completion of cooling of the storage compartment for storing items at relatively low temperatures. In a refrigerator comprising a first storage compartment for storing an item, a second storage compartment for storing an item at a lower temperature than the first storage compartment, a cooling cycle including a compressor, a condenser for condensing a refrigerant from the compressor, a valve for directing the refrigerant from the condenser to first and second evaporators, with the first and second evaporators evaporating supplied refrigerants to cool the first and second storage compartments, respectively, and first and second (5) fans for circulating cool air from the first and second evaporators, respectively, and a controller for controlling the first and second (5) fans, the valve and the compressor, a control method of the refrigerator comprising: a first step of the controller activating the compressor if cooling of the second storage compartment is required and activating the second fan (5); and a second step of the controller deactivating the operation of the compressor, if the cooling of the second storage compartment is completed, and deactivating the operation of the second fan (5) after the operation of the compressor is deactivated. |
| US08640468B2 |
Isothermal gas supply and method for minimizing the temperature excursion of a gas mixture released therefrom
Embodiments of a pressurized gas supply are provided. In one embodiment, the pressurized gas supply includes a pressurized gas reservoir and a pressure reducer fluidly coupled to the pressurized gas reservoir. The pressure reducer is configured to reduce the pressure of gas received from the pressurized gas reservoir to a predetermined output pressure (PO). A gas mixture is held within the pressurized gas reservoir at a starting pressure (PS) and at a starting temperature (TS). The gas mixture includes: (i) a warming gas having a positive Joule-Thomson (JT) coefficient at TS and over the pressure range PS-PO, and (ii) a cooling gas having a negative JT coefficient at TS and over the pressure range PS-PO. The cooling of the cooling gas at least partially offsets the warming of the warming gas when the gas mixture is expelled by the isothermal gas supply to achieve a desired gas output temperature. |
| US08640466B2 |
Thermoelectric heat pump
In certain embodiments, a thermoelectric heat pump includes a heat transfer region having an array of thermoelectric modules, a waste channel in substantial thermal communication with a high temperature portion of the heat transfer region, and a main channel in substantial thermal communication with a low temperature portion of the heat transfer region. An enclosure wall provides a barrier between fluid in the waste channel and fluid in the main channel throughout the interior of the thermoelectric heat pump. In some embodiments, the waste fluid channel and the main fluid channel are positioned and shaped such that differences in temperature between fluids disposed near opposite sides of the enclosure wall are substantially decreased or minimized at corresponding positions along the channels. |
| US08640465B2 |
Combined heat, ice, power, and steam system
A power generation plant generates electrical power to be distributed to consumers via a power grid. The plant also provides some of the power to a fuel processing facility that provides fuel for the plant, and re-cycles the by-products of the power generation process to provide at least some of the resources the plant uses to generate the electrical power. |
| US08640463B2 |
Swirler for gas turbine engine fuel injector
A swirler for fuel injection in a gas turbine engine includes a frustoconical swirler body. A first and a second air flow path direct air in generally opposed circumferential directions into the swirler. These air paths intermix and create turbulence. As this turbulence encounters fuel droplets, the fuel is atomized, and uniformly distributed within the air flow. A shear layer is created adjacent an inner surface of the swirler body. In a separate feature, a third air flow path is directed into the air. |
| US08640461B2 |
Heat exchangers and tower structure for density-driven power generation
A power-generating tower comprises: at least one of the lower heat-exchange assemblies, at least one of the upper heat-exchange assemblies, a tower structure arranged to support each upper heat-exchange assembly, at least one ascending circulating-fluid column within the tower structure, at least one descending circulating-fluid column within the tower structure, and at least one turbine. Each ascending column is arranged and connected to receive the circulating fluid from at least one of the lower heat-exchange assemblies and to convey the circulating fluid thus received upward and into at least one of the upper heat-exchange assemblies. Each descending column is arranged and connected to receive the circulating fluid from at least one of the upper heat-exchange assemblies and to convey the circulating fluid thus received downward and into at least one of the lower heat-exchange assemblies. The turbine is arranged to be driven by flow of circulating fluid. |
| US08640460B2 |
Ocean wave electrical generator
An ocean wave electrical generating system is described. The generating system is adapted to harness the energy of ocean waves in a wide variety of applications and conditions. The system reduces the effect of the variable input energy from ocean waves by initially storing the energy in the form of potential energy and subsequently transforming the potential energy to kinetic energy. The release of kinetic energy is coupled with generators which are isolated from the effects of the variable input energy into the system by this process. This system is developed to utilize the variable potential energy available and to provide a constant kinetic energy output. |
| US08640456B2 |
Charge air cooler assembly
A charge air cooler assembly for an internal combustion engine is described. A housing of the charge air cooler assembly includes a dividing wall that separates flow after the charge air cooler into two separate flow paths. |
| US08640455B2 |
Controlling heat in a system using smart materials
A cooling assembly adapted for use with an exothermic system, includes a manipulable cooling member and/or source, and an active material element operable to selectively inter-engage or further engage the member or source and the system through displacement or formation of a thermal link. |
| US08640453B2 |
Heat engine
A heat engine includes: a high-temperature space portion and a low-temperature space portion, each of which has a working gas with a different temperature range from each other; a regenerator provided between both of the space portions; a first piston configured to cause volumetric changes of the working gases in the space portions and transmit motive energy on receipt of pressure changes of the working gases; and a second piston and a third piston configured to transfer the working gases between both of the space portions and move with a 180° phase difference from each other with respect to the regenerator. The second piston is slidably housed in a cylinder portion included in the first piston. Heat and motive energy are exchanged by using the volumetric changes in both of the space portions, as well as by using the transfer of the working gases. |
| US08640452B2 |
Hydraulic circuit for a power transmission device
A hydraulic fluid circuit for a power transmission device includes a first hydraulic circuit segment fluidly decoupled from a second hydraulic circuit segment. A hydraulic pump includes a first fluidic pumping element and a second fluidic pumping element. The first fluidic pumping element fluidly communicates with the first hydraulic circuit segment. The second fluidic pumping element fluidly communicates with the second hydraulic circuit segment. The first fluidic pumping element is controllable to a first pump operating point to achieve a preferred high fluidic flow rate in the first hydraulic circuit segment. The second fluidic pumping element is controllable to a second pump operating point to achieve a preferred high fluidic pressure in the second hydraulic circuit segment. |
| US08640451B2 |
Engine control device, and its control method
An engine control device includes an engine-driven variable displacement hydraulic pump, a hydraulic actuator driven by oil from the pump, a control valve which controls the oil discharged from the pump, and supplies the oil to and from the hydraulic actuator, pump displacement detecting means, command means for selecting and commanding variable command values, and setting means for setting a first target engine speed in accordance with a command value, and a second target engine speed lower than the first target engine speed based on the first target engine speed. When the pump displacement increases and exceeds a first predetermined pump displacement when the engine is controlled based on the second target engine speed, a target engine speed is changed from the second target engine speed to a third target engine speed higher than the second target engine speed and equal to or lower than the first target engine speed. |
| US08640445B2 |
Multi-leg exhaust after-treatment system and method
This disclosure provides an exhaust flow detection and variable dosing system and method for treating exhaust flow from an engine. The system includes first and second exhaust flow legs, a cross passage connecting these legs upstream of SCRs and a sensor positioned along the cross passage to detect at least one of differential pressure between the exhaust flow legs, and exhaust flow in the cross passage. A dosing circuit connects a dosing treatment supply to each of the exhaust flow legs at or upstream of the SCRs, and at least one dosing device positioned along the dosing circuit to control the amount of the dosing agent delivered to each exhaust leg. An electronic control unit controls the amount of a dosing agent delivered to the exhaust flow legs independently based on exhaust flows determined for each leg using at least one of the differential pressure and cross passage exhaust flow. |
| US08640442B2 |
Exhaust purification device of internal combustion engine
In an internal combustion engine, an SOX trap catalyst (13) which traps SOX contained in the exhaust gas is arranged upstream of an NOX storing catalyst (15) in an engine exhaust passage. When the NOX storing catalyst (15) should release NOX, auxiliary fuel is injected into a combustion chamber (2) at a combustible timing after the completion of injection of fuel into the combustion chamber (2) for generating the engine output. At this time, the auxiliary fuel is injected so that the air-fuel ratio A/F of the combustion gas in the combustion chamber (2) does not become below a minimum allowable air-fuel ratio M where SOX trapped at the SOX trap catalyst (13) will not be released. |
| US08640426B2 |
Thermal barriers of elevator door roller and rail
A roller assembly includes a frame (16) defining a doorway (14). A rail (32), which includes at least one supporting surface along at least one side of the rail, is secured to the frame (16). At least one roller (38), which is adapted to roll along the supporting surface of the rail (32), has a tire material (68) that contacts the rail (32). A thermal barrier (62, 70, 72, 76, 80) is positioned to inhibit heat transfer from the rail (32) to the tire material (68). |
| US08640425B2 |
Method for installing flashing on the exterior siding of a building with a custom tool
This is directed to systems, processes, machines, and other means that all a user to install flashing without removing exterior siding. The invention can allow a user to quickly and easily allow flashing which enables a structure to be more weather resistant. |
| US08640424B2 |
Mechanical locking system for floor panels
Floor panels with a flexible tongue in an insertion groove, the flexible tongue is designed to cooperate, in a connected state with a tongue groove of another panel, the panels are adapted to be locked together by vertical folding, the flexible tongue has a projection portion which, in a connected state projects outside the insertion groove and cooperates with the tongue groove, said projecting portion has a beveled and/or rounded sliding surface and the panels have a sliding surface adapted to cooperate therewith during vertical folding, the flexible tongue during the vertical folding is displaced twice in the horizontal direction, a first displacement is effected by the vertical folding of the fold panel whereby at least a part of the flexible tongue is bent, a second displacement of the flexible tongue towards its initial position is accomplished substantially by a spring effect caused by said bending of said flexible tongue. |
| US08640422B2 |
Method of constructing a masonry wall
Systems and methods for modifying existing walls are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a masonry wall is constructed near an existing wall, and the cavity between the two walls is filled with a foamable, adhesive material. The foamable, adhesive material adheres to both walls, creating an adhesive connection between them. Certain embodiments create multiple layers of the foamable, adhesive material, allowing each layer to expand before the next is introduced. Certain embodiments utilize a brush device to reduce the amount of mortar left between the two walls. Certain embodiments utilize clips for temporarily securing the masonry wall to the existing wall. |
| US08640421B2 |
Wall system with self gauging trowel on membrane
Method for creating a liquid barrier on building sheathing, provides a polymer mixture with beads of uniform diameter, affixes mesh across joints in the sheathing and trowels the mixture onto the sheathing using a straight edge. The straight edge rolls over the beads and leaves the mixture between the beads for creating a layer have a uniform thickness. Before the layer sets, peaks of an inner corrugated surface of an insulation board are pressed into the layer for adhering the board to the sheathing, the inner surface having valleys between the peaks at a distance greater then twice the diameter of the beads. The layer sets to create the liquid barrier and for fixing the board to the sheathing with spaces left between the barrier and the valleys for water runoff across the sheathing. |
| US08640417B2 |
Custom coffered surface layout, fabrication, and installation methods and processes
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing coffered ceilings with a plurality of preassembled coffered modules, each of which includes a ceiling panel precut in accordance with an order; cutting beam wall boards in accordance with the order, wherein the beam wall boards are attached to the ceiling panel and extend away from the ceiling panel; and a beam wall molding custom-fitted inside the beam wall boards. Automated systems to receive and fabricate custom coffered module orders upon payment are also disclosed. |
| US08640415B2 |
Fire-rated wall construction product
The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, including but not limited to intumescent material. The fire-retardant material can be attached to the tracks such that the fire-retardant material expands and seals gaps and/or areas between the tracks and wall components such as ceilings, floors, and drywall. |
| US08640414B2 |
Fully insulated glass panel rolling door
A large opening rolling door of the articulating type has multiple horizontally and vertically distributed insulative glass panes supported by a plurality of vertically disposed and horizontally disposed heat transmitting metal frame members arranged in vertical and horizontal regions respectively between adjacent glass panes. The horizontal frame members have opposed and closed or open and recessed edge volumes in the closed condition of the door; preformed, self-supporting, self-camming and self-compressing and cooperating male and female insulator bands that interfit with the open and recessed edge volumes, or insulation filled beams, in the closed condition of the door define insulation in the horizontal regions. Vertical frame members define a substantially enclosed volume in which a preformed, self-supporting insulator band is inserted into the volume to insulate the vertical regions and thus substantially the entire door against heat transmission therethrough. |
| US08640413B2 |
Laser-marked multi-component assemblies, kits, and related methods
A method is provided of laser marking a graphic design in an unassembled multi-component structure. A graphic design to be laser marked in a multi-component structure is partitioned into a plurality of graphic design sections, with each of the graphic design sections being assigned to a corresponding component of the multi-component structure. The graphic design sections are laser marked in their corresponding components of the multi-component structure while the multi-component structure is in an unassembled state. The laser-marked components are adapted for assembly together into an assembled state in which the multi-component structure has a viewable expansive surface with the graphic design sections collectively simulating an overall appearance of a graphic design spanning across the corresponding components of the multi-component structure. A kit for assembling laser-marked components into a multi-component structure is also provided. |
| US08640412B2 |
Wall structure using bearing wall panel for wooden building and construction method thereof
In building a house, it is necessary to arrange bearing walls and non-bearing walls in a well-balanced manner. However, in the case where a bearing wall is configured by fixing a plate-like body such as a bearing wall panel to the exterior-side face of a structural frame member formed by assembling horizontal members and pillar members into the shape of a square frame, the surface of the bearing wall panel protrudes from the face of the structural frame member on the exterior side by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the bearing wall panel. Thus, the exterior-side face of the bearing wall in which the bearing wall panel is provided is not flush with the exterior-side face of the non-bearing wall in which the bearing wall panel is not provided, and so there is a step. Accordingly, processing of the base during attachment of an exterior building material has been necessary. Furthermore, there has been a problem that in the case where the condition of the framework is to be inspected after building, the inspection cannot be performed unless the bearing wall panel is removed.Receiving members are fixed to inner side faces enclosed by structural members including pillars, studs, and horizontal members, of a building so as to allow a face of a bearing wall panel on the exterior side to be flush with faces of the structural members on the exterior side and a face of an adjacent non-bearing wall on the exterior side. |
| US08640411B1 |
Cap block for capping walls
A cap block has opposed top and bottom major faces bounded by two opposed side faces and two opposed end faces. The bottom face has two grooves that extend lengthwise in a side-to-side direction of the cap block from one side face to the other side face. The two grooves are spaced apart from one another in an end-to-end direction of the cap block so that the cap block can be positioned atop and cap two back-to-back walls of wall blocks with each groove receiving therein protuberances that protrude upwardly from top faces of uppermost wall blocks of respective ones of the two walls. The cap block is manufactured by molding a dry-cast concrete mixture in a mold cavity having the shape of the cap block with a base of the mold cavity corresponding to one side face of the cap block. |
| US08640407B2 |
Masonry building block and interlocking wall system incorporating such blocks
A rectangular shaped interlocking building block comprises a pair of exterior sides and an upper and a lower longitudinally extending horizontal faces and a pair of opposite vertical ends and wherein said building blocks include a pair of side members and wherein each of said side members includes a vertically extending exterior rib on an inner side thereof; a generally rectangular intermediate section is disposed between said side members in an abutting relationship and wherein the intermediate section defines a rectangular shaped vertical recess between the side members and a recess that extends between a bottom of one of said side members and the top of an adjacent block. The rectangular rib and vertical recesses are constructed and dimensioned so that one rib fits loosely but closely within the recess and the intermediate section includes a pair of elliptical shaped vertical passageways. |
| US08640404B2 |
Hardwood stair tread overlay
A stair tread overlay and a riser overlay made from solid wood for fitting over a conventional, exposed wooden stair having a generally rounded nose like those found in most residential general construction staircases and prefabricated staircases. The tread overlay and riser overlay cover the exterior surface of a conventional wooden stair from stringer to stringer to hide a construction grade stair tread and riser below that are made from a composite material or unsalvageable hardwood to present an attractive, solid wood surface that is finishable. |
| US08640403B2 |
Floor tile with elastomer jacketed bottom support members
A modular plastic floor tile has a body of a first polymer compound and features overmolded onto the body from a second polymer compound. The compounds may be different from each other in hardness and/or color. The features may include skins on support member cores disposed below the tile lower surface. The skins adhere to the bottom and at least a portion of the sidewall of the support member core. |
| US08640399B2 |
Cement mortar panel with prestressed biaxial reinforcement
This cement mortar panel with prestressed biaxial reinforcement is formed by a slab of cement mortar which, having a thickness ranging from 2 to 7 cms, includes a biaxial reinforcement. The slab has occluded in the cement mortar mass means for versatile operating on the panel assembly allowing for its handling and/or fixation to a building structure, which versatile operating means constitute of themselves, on one part, means for retaining them in the set mass of cement mortar and, on another part opposite to the former, anchoring means either for panel handling members or members for its fixation to the building structure. |
| US08640398B1 |
Welded lateral and vertical rod fence securing stake
The present invention is directed to a fence stake including a lateral rod side connected to a vertical rod at spaced intervals. An alternative embodiment includes bending the vertical stake in a complete reversal to also connect the end of the vertical rod to the lateral rod to provide a second connection location and directly transfer hammer blow to the lateral rod. A further alternative embodiment includes adding an angled rod that is connected to the lateral rod, connected to the vertical rod, or connected to both the lateral rod and the vertical rod. |
| US08640397B2 |
Adjustable bird slope
An adjustable bird slope has a face that can be extended or contracted so that the bird slope can effectively fit almost any perching area. |
| US08640395B2 |
Portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure
A portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure comprising a support frame system and a flexible enclosure. The support frame system is disposed within the flexible enclosure. The flexible enclosure comprises a floor sheet, a side sheet and a ceiling sheet, where the side and ceiling sheets are supported by the support frame system. The flexible enclosure further comprises a closure means configured for enabling entry and exit of a vehicle and/or a driver. When the vehicle enclosure is erected and sealed, the volume defined by the support frame system is substantially isolated from its surrounding environment. A non-powered passive corrosion protection means is provided within the volume to eliminate or reduce corrosion of exposed vehicle metal components within the volume. |
| US08640392B2 |
Structural display having adjustable mounting widths for use in a retail environment
Overhead truss assemblies for use with retail displays are provided. The assemblies include multiple trusses that are parallel to and spaced from each other, spanning overhead or otherwise elevated and connecting merchandise display racks on opposing sides of an aisle or aligned with and atop a single merchandise display rack. The trusses have horizontal truss segments and define variable mounting widths. The variable mounting widths are established with one or more connector assemblies that cooperate with and move longitudinally along the horizontal truss segments. Each connector assembly includes a captured plate that is slidingly housed inside of the horizontal truss segment, and an insert connected to and moving in unison with the captured plate. Moving the connector assembly inwardly toward a middle portion of the truss defines a relatively narrower mounting width, while moving the connector assembly outwardly toward an end of the truss defines a relatively wider mounting width. |
| US08640389B2 |
Indoor security barricade
An indoor security barricade designed to create a temporary blockade between a home's inhabitants and any intruders. The indoor security barricade can be deployed either by manual or mechanical means and then locked into position during periods of danger or increased vulnerability. It can also be used in offices, schools, or government buildings in order to isolate active shooters or other hostile intruders. The security barricade is envisioned as a hallway barricade, entrance barricade, and stairwell barricade, although other embodiments may also be possible. |
| US08640387B2 |
Sports pitch rainwater harvesting systems suitable for use in developing countries
A water harvesting sports arena system includes a stadium seating area, a playing surface operating as at least a part of a water catchment arrangement, and a water reservoir, which may be a segmented tank, positioned below the playing surface to receive and store water passing through the playing surface. A water discharge arrangement is associated with the water reservoir so that water is dischargeable from the water reservoir for consumption or other uses. The stadium seating area is advantageously impervious to water so as to direct water toward the playing field for capture. |
| US08640386B1 |
Stiffening of an air beam
Stiffening of an air beam uses an apparatus. The apparatus comprises a high pressure inflatable structure and an inflatable beam structure. The high pressure inflatable structure is inflated causing a first internal pressure. The inflatable beam structure is inflated causes a second internal pressure. The inflatable beam structure is reinforced against bending with the high pressure inflatable structure. The first internal pressure is greater than the second internal pressure. |
| US08640382B2 |
Stable cable system and method
A stable cable system and method are disclosed. The stable cable system comprises at least two stakes, at least one cable, wherein the at least one cable is coupled to the at least two stakes, wherein the at least one cable has at least one loop and at least one connector, wherein the at least one connector is inserted through the at least one loop and around an object. |
| US08640381B2 |
Flying insect trap
A manually operable flying insect trap includes an elongated hollow cylindrical body having two generally closed ends and a small orifice in each of the ends. A vacuum device including a bellows, first and second ends of an intermediate pleated portion. The bellows also has a compressed state and an expanded state and is disposed adjacent a first of the opposite ends of the body with a small opening adjacent to and in communication with the small orifice in the first of the opposite ends. The funnel shape trap portion is also provided with a small orifice in the narrow portion thereof, a cone shaped piece of fly paper is attached to the inside of the tunnel shaped trap. Finally, a manually activatible mechanism is provided for expanding the bellows to draw air into or out of the body. |
| US08640378B2 |
Elastomeric cover for the weighted head of a jig-type fishing lure
A head cover for a jig fishing lure or combination jig and rotating member fishing lure is disclosed which can prevent a fish from directly contacting the hard, weighted jig head of the fishing lure. The head cover can be permanently attached to the fishing lure or it can be a separate removable member. The head cover can combine a soft, elastomeric membrane along with one or more fish-attracting elements. The head cover can also include a flat surface to orient the jig fishing lure at a different angle when resting on the bottom underwater surface. |
| US08640376B2 |
Fishing system for the physically challenged
An improved fishing system for the physically challenged including a reel assembly, the reel assembly including a reel shaft extension extending from a reel housing; a first toothed pulley coupled to the reel shaft extension; an electric motor assembly including an electric motor with a shaft extending from the electric motor; a second toothed pulley coupled to the motor shaft; and a toothed belt coupled to the first and the second toothed pulleys. |
| US08640375B2 |
1911 handgun disassembly tool and method of making same
A disassembly tool 60 is provided for a handgun 10. The disassembly tool 60 includes spaced aligned upstanding side wall members 74 having a longitudinally extending slot 64 formed therebetween. A diagonally descending wall member 76 is formed on each one of the upstanding side wall members 74 to facilitate positioning of the slot 64 on a guide rod 20 so that a spring assembly 18 is compressed to allow disassembly of the handgun 10. The method of making the tool 60 includes machining a bar 62 to a predetermined length. A longitudinally extending slot 64 is then formed in the bar 62 creating upstanding side wall members 74. The upstanding side wall members 74 are then machined to a predetermined angle so that diagonally descending wall members 76 are formed. |
| US08640373B2 |
Integrated sling mount and recoil lug
A new sling mount for firearms is disclosed. The sling mount in particular also serves as a recoil lug for the firearm. At least one loop extends outward from the sling mount for use in attaching a sling. This passage may require a hole to be cut into the casing of the firearm for accommodation. The shape, size, contours and location of the sling mount will be dependent upon the intended weapon platform. In any event, the at least one loop provides attachment for a sling while also avoiding entanglement of the sling with a folding stock. |
| US08640372B2 |
Automatic or semi-automatic rifle
A rifle having a receiver with an integral hand guard and a barrel. The barrel is connected to the receiver. The hand guard extends over and surrounds the barrel. A removable hand guard is attached to the receiver by an attachment that stably holds the removable hand guard to the receiver. The attachment is arranged for allowing detachment and removal of the removable hand guard from the receiver without removal of fasteners. |
| US08640370B2 |
Sign post system
A signpost system includes a signpost system includes a signpost having a lower-most base end and an opposite upper end opposite the base end, a bore clamp including at least a traffic-side clamp member and a shoulder-side clamp member wherein the traffic-side clamp member is adapted to substantially mount flush into the traffic-side of the bore in the barrier and wherein the shoulder-side clamp member is adapted to mount onto the shoulder-side of the bore, and an elongate selectively adjustable tensioner extending from and between the clamp members for mounting the clamp members in the traffic-side and in the shoulder-side of the bore respectively, and wherein the shoulder-side clamp member is adapted for mounting to the base end of the signpost. |
| US08640369B2 |
Portable digital display
A portable digital display assembly is disclosed. The portable digital display device is configured to be operated by a wired or wireless device. The portable digital display is battery powered and has arrays of LED's configured to creating a display.The portable digital display is configured for rapid assembly and disassembly. The operating system is contained within a frame system of the portable digital display. The portable digital display is preferably comprised with no metal in its infrastructure. |
| US08640368B2 |
Light source device, lighting device, and display device
A light source device is equipped with a highly directional point light source, a light source installation part having a prescribed area where the point light source is installed, and a lateral reflection part that is vertically arranged to a prescribed height from the periphery of the light source installation part. The lateral reflection part is formed with a light-transmitting reflector plate that has a reflection/transmission pattern and is provided with multiple reflection/transmission parts for reflecting and at least partially transmitting light. In the reflection/transmission pattern, multiple virtual radial lines are drawn from the light source to the light-transmitting reflector plate surface at prescribed angles, and for reflection/transmission parts (Di,j) present on the radial lines that are at the same distance from the point light source, the reflectivity and transmissivity are denoted as Re1 and Tr1 when the reflection/transmission part is on a radial line at a narrow viewing angle to the point light source, and when the reflection/transmission part is on a radial line at a wide viewing angle to the point light source, the reflectivity and transmissivity are denoted as Re2 and Tr2. The relationship therebetween is set as follows: Re1>Re2 and Tr1. |
| US08640365B2 |
Clearing strip for the blade of a snowplow
The invention relates to a clearing strip for the blade of a snowplow, the clearing strip having a steel fastening neck (1) and a rubber body (4) which is vulcanized onto the fastening neck (1) and is reinforced on its outer face by steel plates. The outer faces of the rubber body (4) are reinforced by means of large surface-area, rigid steel plates either on one side or on both sides. The steel plates fastened to the outer surface of the rubber body (4) are divided into separate steel segments (3) that are arranged adjacent each other and together form a uniform clearing edge close to the ground. |
| US08640361B2 |
Sport footwear
An item of footwear, in particular for sport, includes a sole, a double-crossbow shaped elastic structure, having an upper wall and a lower wall which define an empty space inside them. The elastic structure is placed in the sole so as to elastically react under the weight of a foot. An element extends from one of the walls and is suitable for going into abutment against the opposite wall when the crossbow structure is not compressed. |
| US08640358B2 |
Freeze dryer slot door actuator and method
Movement of a slot door of a freeze dryer is driven by a rack and pinion actuator. The actuator is easily sanitized and includes internal elements that are accessible to sanitizing sprays. The pinions are driven by pinion shafts that pass through a seal separating an aseptic area from a non-aseptic area where the drive train is positioned. Only rotary motion is transferred across the aseptic barrier, reducing the need for a bellows or sliding covers, which are difficult to sanitize. |
| US08640355B2 |
Centering and alignment hand tool
A hand tool comprising a longitudinal alignment edge which facilitates alignment of the hand tool with an edge of sheathing. A measurement plate extends normal to the alignment edge. At least one of the alignment edge and the measurement plate contain indicia indicating a centerline of the hand tool. The measurement plate has at least a first pair of parallel marking edges, that are equally spaced from the centerline, to facilitate marking of a pair of alignment lines for use in aligning a framing member between the alignment lines during installation of the sheathing. |
| US08640354B2 |
Method for measuring deviation of joint position of member and method for producing spark plug
A method for measuring a deviation from a joint target position of a member to which a measuring object is joined, in particular, measuring the deviation of an electrode position of a spark plug. The deviation of a ground electrode from an optimal igniting position O1 is measured while a metallic shell is engaged with a female thread jig. A distance “ε” between an axis A of the ground electrode and a reference straight line LS is calculated. The distance “ε” is a vertical length from the axis A to the reference straight line LS. An angle “α” between a first straight line L1 and the reference straight line LS is calculated using the distance “ε” and a predetermined distance “β” between the axis A of the ground electrode and an axis O of the metallic shell. |
| US08640349B2 |
Dual bar adjustable bow sight
A bow sight includes a mounting assembly, a sight component, and an adjustment system. The bow sight is mounted to an archery bow with the mounting assembly. The adjustment system couples the sight component to the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes at least one support rail and a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket connects to the archery bow and is infinitely adjustable along a length of the at least one support rail to adjust a position of the sight component toward and away from the archery bow. |
| US08640348B2 |
System for sensing the position of a movable bar
A system for sensing the position of a movable bar is provided. The system includes a rotatable body positioned for rotation about an axis. The rotatable body is mechanically coupled with the movable bar such that the rotatable body rotates about the axis as the movable bar moves. A sensor is mechanically coupled with the rotatable body such that the sensor senses the rotation of the rotatable body as the movable bar moves. |
| US08640347B2 |
Hand-operated jigsaw
A hand-operated jigsaw is disclosed. The reciprocating drive mechanism has a reciprocating body which can be put into a reciprocating motion along an axis via an eccentric of an eccentric wheel that can be set in motion by the motor. The eccentric wheel is arranged on a pivot bearing axis. The reciprocating drive mechanism has an additional mass with a mass center of gravity to minimize vibrations. The additional mass is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner with the eccentric wheel on the pivot bearing axis. An eccentric axis of the eccentric lies on a first radial of the pivot bearing axis, which is offset from a second radial in the operating direction of rotation of the eccentric wheel at an angle of between 190° and 270°, which second radial lies between the mass center of gravity of the additional mass and the pivot bearing axis. |
| US08640338B2 |
Method of preparation for restoring tooth structure
Method for producing a dentist tool formed by an overlay to be used by a dentist in removing tooth structure, said method comprising the steps of: acquiring three-dimensional data relating to a shape of a tooth and at least a part of a neighboring tooth; processing said three-dimensional data with a computer so as to determine an overlay fitting said tooth and fitting at least said part of said neighboring tooth; further processing said three-dimensional data with said computer so as to determine a predetermined part of tooth structure to be removed from said tooth so as to prepare said tooth for further treatment; determining at least two guiding edges of which a first and a second guiding edge are spaced apart from each other by a distance d of at least 0.5 mm, said guiding edges being configured so as to enable said dentist cutting tool to be guided by simultaneously contacting said first and said second guiding edge in such a manner as to enable a guided removal of at least partially said predetermined part of tooth structure; producing said determined overlay having said determined guiding edges. |
| US08640336B2 |
Oil baffle for gas turbine fan drive gear system
An exemplary turbine engine assembly includes a first shaft that is rotatably driven by a second shaft of a gas turbine engine and a compressor hub driven by the first shaft. The compressor hub is within a compressor section of the gas turbine engine. An epicyclic gear train is driven by the first shaft. A common attachment point secures the first shaft and the compressor hub to the second shaft. |
| US08640335B2 |
Apparatus for broaching repair of turbine rotor steeples
A broaching apparatus (200, 400) includes; a broach (300, 600) having a cross-section corresponding to a geometry of slot (115) between adjacent steeples (110) of a turbine rotor (100), and a mechanism (210, 220, 230, 410, 420, 430) which moves the broach (300,600) through the slot (115) in a direction substantially parallel to a direction of extension of the slot (115). |
| US08640332B2 |
Method of manufacturing a stacked foil sheet device
The invention relates to a method of aligning a flexible foil sheet having a general first foil sheet length direction to form stacked foil sheet layers on a reel having a reel diameter. The method comprises providing multiple alignment markers in the foil sheet, distanced conform the reel diameter and each having an mark length direction transverse to the first foil sheet length direction, to form protrusions and corresponding recesses on opposite faces of the foil sheet; winding the foil sheet on the reel in the first foil sheet length direction of the foil sheet; and co-aligning the alignment markers to have protrusions of one mark matching with a recess of another mark, so as to block relative movement of the stacked foil sheet layers in the first foil sheet length direction. Preferably, the foil sheet layers are provided with device functionality to form a stacked foil sheet layered device. |
| US08640325B2 |
Method of continuously producing electronic film components
Electronic components each having a chip module with module contacts and an antenna having antenna contacts is made by securing a plurality of the chip modules the inner face of a module film strip having an outer periphery projecting past the chip module with the chip modules spaced from one another at a uniform predetermined module spacing. A plurality of the antennas are secured to an inner face of an elongated antenna strip with the antennas spaced from one another by a predetermined antenna spacing. The module strip is longitudinally subdivided into sections each of which is of a length equal to the predetermined module spacing and each of which carries a respective chip module. The module-strip sections are pressed against the antenna strip such that the module contacts of each of the chip modules engage and bear on the antenna contacts of a respective antenna. |
| US08640322B1 |
Adapter for increasing the stroke length of a fastener installation tool
Adapter for increasing the stroke length of a fastener installation tool. The adapter includes a tensile member with a first rack gear, a compressive member with a second rack gear, and a plurality of pinion gears retained within a pinion gear housing. The tensile member is mateable with the puller shaft of the installation tool and with the tensile member of an installation head. The pinion gear housing is mateable with the body of the installation tool. The distal end of the compressive member is mateable with a reducing member, which in turn mates with the outer sleeve of the installation head. Operation of the pulling tool moves the tensile member axially toward the tool body and engages the pinion gears, which in turn move the compressive member axially away from the tool body. |
| US08640317B2 |
Unit for supporting ceramic products
Described is a unit for supporting ceramic products (1), in particular ceramic products (1) made by slip casting in porous molds; the unit (100) comprises a first element (2) for gripping and supporting the product (1); a second element (3) for supporting a first, base portion (Ia) of the product (1) and designed to at least partly support the weight of the product (1); and elements (4), positioned and acting on the second element (3), for elastically reacting along a vertical axis (Z). |
| US08640316B2 |
Interchanging method and apparatus for a brake piston compressor
A brake piston compressor is provided. The brake piston compressor includes: two blocks; a forcing screw configured to engage the blocks to selectively bring the blocks closer together or farther apart from each other depending upon which way the forcing screw is turned; two pads each pad configured to be slidably engaged with at least one block; and a locking mechanism configured to engage and disengage to lock one of the pads to one of the blocks when the locking mechanism is engaged. A method of operating a brake piston compressor is provided. The method includes: sliding a pad into a channel in a block; locking the pad to the block; and turning a forcing screw to move the pad and block with respect to a second pad and block. |
| US08640311B2 |
Steamatory, method of use, and manufacture
A method is used to prepare a body for burial. The method includes placing the body inside a vessel. The body includes bones and tissue. The method further includes subjecting the body to a flow of steam until the bones are free of tissue. In one implementation, the flow of steam has a temperature of about 212 degrees Fahrenheit and a mass flow rate of at least 1000 pounds per hour. The method may further include removing the bones from the vessel. |
| US08640308B2 |
Transition escutcheon and method of use
A pair of transition escutcheons are provided to unobtrusively cover old mounting holes and provide a method of actually locating the placement of new mounting hole for cabinetry hardware. Each transition escutcheon is comprised of a generally flat body, having a projection extending from a bottom, a platform separated from a border by an annular indention, and a hole passing through the escutcheon located a set distance from the projection. The escutcheons are inserted into the old mounting holes and rotated until the holes are horizontally agreed. New mounting holes are drilled or locations further marked through the holes in the escutcheons. Once the new holes are drilled, the new hardware is mounted on the escutcheons with the and covering the old mounting holes. |
| US08640306B2 |
Hinge device
A hinge device 100 includes: a one-piece hinge base 20 such that connecting hinge bases 21a, 21b in which rotational shaft portions 23a, 23b are protrusively provided in the same direction by a burring process are connected together through a hinge base connecting part 22; and a one-piece holder 10 such that connecting holders 11a, 11b having click washers 30a, 30b attached thereto are connected together through a holder connecting part 12, wherein the one-piece holder 10 is assembled to the one-piece hinge base 20 from one direction. |
| US08640301B1 |
Dirt cup latch mechanism for vacuum cleaner
A latch mechanism for selectively fastening a dirt cup to a vacuum cleaner having a locking recess. The latch mechanism can include a latch member having a portion that is selectively received in the locking recess and a cam follower surface, and a latch actuator comprising at least one button with a cam surface that faces the cam follower surface. When the latch mechanism is actuated, the cam surface bears against the cam follower surface, which initiates vertical movement of the latch member relative to the latch actuator. The latch member is thereby moved from a latched position in which the portion of the latch member is received within the locking recess to an unlatched position in which the portion of the latch member is removed from the locking recess, thereby allowing the dirt cup to be removed from the vacuum cleaner. |
| US08640296B2 |
Adjustable cleaning head for a cleaning tool
A cleaning tool is provided and includes a cleaning head moveable between a plurality of configurations. The cleaning head may include a main panel, a handle coupled to the main panel via a universal joint, a first side panel pivotally coupled to a first edge of the main panel, and a second side panel pivotally coupled to a second edge of the main panel opposite the first edge. The cleaning tool may also include two biasing members for biasing the first and second panels toward a flat position and at least one ramp member engageable with a surface to pivot at least one of the first and second side panels upward out of its flat position toward an upward pivoted position. The cleaning tool may further include an actuator for pivoting one or more of the side panels between flat and upward pivoted positions, and a selectively deployable scrubber. |
| US08640282B2 |
Bed sheet for multiple length mattresses
A fitted bed sheet capable of fitting mattresses of multiple lengths is disclosed. The fitted bed sheet has a first section constructed primarily of non-stretch material and a second section sewn to the foot of the first section that is constructed primarily of non-elastic stretch material. The second section stretches to accommodate mattresses of longer lengths thereby eliminating the need to maintain multiple fitted bed sheets. The present invention increases user comfort, can be processed in commercial laundries, reduces the labor of making the bed, is easier to fold, and has a longer useful life than fitted sheets constructed with elastic stretch material. The fitted bed sheet can be washed, ironed, and folded automatically. The present invention may be used in institutional or private settings. |
| US08640276B2 |
Water-proof joint for tub and shower surrounds
A molded tub and surround which is formed of a multiple of portions. Wall portions meet a tub portion at a joint with a retaining ledge which extends inward toward a tub bowl from a flange. A ledge interface within the bottom of the wall portions engages the ledge. An angled interface surface is located directly in front of the ledge and slopes downward toward the bowl. A shallow interface within the bottom of the wall portions engages the angled interface surface. |
| US08640274B2 |
Toilet device
A toilet device includes a seat (2) with a pair of side walls (14 & 16) pivotally connected thereto. The side walls are capable of three configurations with respect to the seat portion (2). In a first folded configuration they extend towards one another for compact storage of the device. In a second configuration they extend downwardly in right angles to the seat for use as a chamber pot when supplied with a suitable liner. In a third configuration the side walls extend outwardly away from one another so that the device can be placed on a conventional toilet seat and adapt that seat to the user of the device. Locking and locating means are provided for locking and/or locating the device in the three configurations. |
| US08640271B2 |
Cartridge unit and trap for sewer gas and odor containment
A cartridge unit for use with a urinal is disclosed that does not need water to work nor does it use a body of oily liquid sealant as an odor barrier. The odor trap cartridge unit used in this urinal has a spring locking mechanism that works as a valve. It is opened by liquid weight when the urinal is used and lets urine or any other liquid pass downwardly through it and prevents odors from flowing back up towards the room. The cartridge unit has a few disks, two main cylindrical devices, a spring, a fastener, an o-ring, and a coupling; these all operate to open and close a spring sealed trap. These are all placed within a unique three-sized shell that supports the entire cartridge and is fitted into a urinal opening. An umbrella shaped part completes the cartridge by protecting its components from violent fluid flow. |
| US08640270B1 |
Splatter reduction system
A system for reducing splatter on and around a toilet when urinating. The system features a weighted base having a telescopic mounting tube. A posterior base end is placed on a ground surface dose to a toilet. The system features a segmented horizontal arm assembly attached to the mounting tube comprising a first arm segment, a second arm segment, and a third arm segment. The system features a disposable cone storage cone located in the first arm segment containing one or more disposable cones. The system features a brush storage cone located in the second arm segment containing a cleaning solution and a cleaning brush. The system features a urinating cone located in the third arm segment. A urinating aperture is located in a urinating cone posterior end. The system features the toilet having a toilet bowl. |
| US08640268B2 |
Automatic toilet seat
The present invention is to provide an automatic toilet seat, including a base body, a toilet lid, a seat, a controller, a first lid lifter, a second lid lifter, a first sensor, a second sensor and a power supply. The controller comprises a micro processor. When the first sensor detects a human body, the micro processor activates the second sensor and drives the toilet lid pivot to a lifting position. When the first sensor detects the human body again, the seat pivots to the lifting position. When the human body is away from the second sensor, the micro processor would drive the toilet lid and the seat pivot to a closing position and deactivate the second sensor. Thus, the automatic toilet seat of the present invention provides a two-stage mechanism of an auto-lifting toilet lid. |
| US08640267B1 |
Protective helmet
Embodiments of a protective helmet have a shell formed from a cushioning material, a cushioning spacer layer coupled to the shell and only partially covering an inner surface of the shell, a hard inner structure having an outer surface attached to the cushioning spacer layer and an inner surface, and an innermost cushioning pad layer attached to the inner surface of the hard inner structure. A flexible thin cover extending around an outer surface of said shell and with or without graphics may be provided. |
| US08640265B2 |
Protective hood
A protective hood is provided for protecting a wearer's head from environmental elements. The protective hood includes a hood body having a cap section positioned to fit over a top of the wearer's head, side sections positioned to hang adjacent sides of the wearer's head, and a back section positioned to hang adjacent a back of the wearer's head. The hood body defines an interior space for receiving the wearer's head. An outlet is provided for exhausting gas from the interior space of the hood body. The outlet includes a channel defined by first and second portions of the hood body. The channel is in fluid communication with the interior space and includes an open end portion in fluid communication with the environment for exhausting gas from the channel into the environment. |
| US08640263B2 |
Glove having enhanced thumb crotch padding
A glove having a hand portion, including dorsal and palmer regions, with a finger portion and thumb portion extending outwardly from the hand portion. A thumb crotch is disposed intermediate the thumb and finger portions. The thumb crotch includes a protective pad shaped to form a top wall and a side wall. A first section of the top wall is curved. An exterior surface of the dorsal region is made from a first material and at least the curved section of the thumb crotch's top wall is made from a second material which is different to the first material. Specifically, the second material has a higher coefficient of friction than the first material. The shape of the top wall and use of the second material improves the cradling and gripping characteristics of the glove. |
| US08646101B1 |
Method and system of verifying and authenticating personal history
A method and system of verifying and authenticating personal history data of a subject comprising requesting the personal history data of the subject from a data base provider, searching the data base for the personal history data of the subject, transmitting the requested personal history data to the requester, reviewing the personal history data by the subject and verifying the accuracy of the personal history data by the subject and authenticating the verified personal history data by the subject. |
| US08646091B2 |
Digital software license procurement
A digital software licensing system includes one or more subsystems to issue an order for one or more software licenses to a software vendor, receive from the vendor a wrapped license file, decrypt the wrapped license file using a manufacturer private key and verify authenticity of wrapped license file using a vendor public key. The wrapped license file includes a list of license keys which are signed using a vendor private key and encrypted using the manufacturer public key. |
| US08646089B2 |
System and method for transitioning to a whitelist mode during a malware attack in a network environment
A method is provided in one example embodiment that includes receiving a signal to enable a whitelist mode on a host in a network, terminating a process executing on the host if the process is not verified, and blocking execution of software objects on the host if the software objects are not represented on the whitelist. In more particular embodiments, the method also includes identifying the process on a process list that enumerates one or more processes executing on the host. Yet further embodiments include quarantining the host if a second process on the process list is a critical process and if the second process is not verified. More specific embodiments include identifying and restarting another process on the process list if process memory was modified. |
| US08646087B2 |
Answering security queries statically based on dynamically-determined information
A method includes analyzing execution of a software program, the software program having sources returning values, sinks that perform security-sensitive operations on those returned values or modified versions of the returned values, and flows of the returned values to the sinks, the analyzing determining a first set of methods having access to a value returned from a selected one of the sources. A static analysis is performed on the software program, the static analysis using the first set of methods to determine a second set of methods having calling relationships with the selected source, the static analysis determining whether the returned value from the selected source can flow through a flow to a sink that performs a security-sensitive operation without the flow to the sink being endorsed, and in response, indicating a security violation. Apparatus and computer program products are also disclosed. |
| US08646086B2 |
Image vulnerability repair in a networked computing environment
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach to repair vulnerabilities (e.g., security vulnerabilities) in images (e.g., application images) in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment). Specifically, an image is checked for vulnerabilities using a database of known images and/or vulnerabilities. If a vulnerability is found, a flexible/elastic firewall is established around the image so as to isolate the vulnerability. Once the firewall has been put in place, the vulnerability can be repaired by a variety of means such as upgrading the image, quarantining the image, discarding the image, and/or generating a new image. Once the image has been repaired, the firewall can be removed. |
| US08646084B1 |
Securing file launch activity utilizing safety ratings
System and method for assessing a risk level associated with launching acquired objects on an associated computer system. Events occurring on the computer system are detected, including an event representing launching of a first object. An association of a detected launching of the first object with user input effecting that launching, if any, is stored. In response to a launching of the first object, a determination is made as to whether an association exists between the launching, and any user input initiating that launching. A risk assessment record is updated for the first object such that, in response to the launching of the first object being either associated or not associated with user input initiating that launching, the risk assessment record is updated to reduce an indicated risk level for the first object, or to increase the indicated risk level for the first object, respectively. |
| US08646081B1 |
Method and system to detect a security event in a packet flow and block the packet flow at an egress point in a communication network
An ingress point receives a packet flow from a first communication device. The ingress point copies the packet flow, transmits the packet flow to an egress point over a network path, and processes the copy to determine if the packet flow represents a security event. If the packet flow represents a security event, the ingress point transmits a blocking instruction to the egress point over an alarm link and the egress point blocks the packet flow representing the security event. If the packet flow does not represent a security event, the egress point transmits the packet flow to a second communication device. |
| US08646077B1 |
IP address based detection of spam account generation
A computer implemented method for detecting and preventing spam account generation is disclosed. Upon receiving an account creation request from a client, the server analyzes various types of data including past and current account creation information and data associated with the account creation request such as IP address, username, password, cookie, and response time. Based on the analysis result, the server assigns a spam score to the account creation request and compares the spam score with certain predefined thresholds. If the spam score is above a first threshold, the server may refuse the account creation request. If the spam score is within a certain range, the server may limit the access to the account associated with the account creation request. If the spam score is below a second threshold, the server may put no limit on access to (i.e., enable normal use of) the account. |
| US08646076B1 |
Method and apparatus for detecting malicious shell codes using debugging events
An apparatus for detecting malicious shell codes using a debugging event includes an alert setting unit configured to set a mother program to run a non-executable file to trigger the debugging event when a mother process created by the mother program tries to execute a code with no execution attribute; and an information storage unit configured to store information on an address range in which modules to be used by the mother process are loaded in a memory. Further, the apparatus includes a malicious code determination unit configured to determine whether the non-executable file is malicious using the information on the address range when there occurs the debugging event. |
| US08646074B1 |
Systems and methods for enabling otherwise unprotected computing devices to assess the reputations of wireless access points
The instant disclosure describe various exemplary methods for enabling otherwise unprotected computing devices to assess the reputations of wireless access points. In one example, a computer-implemented method for performing such a task may include (1) identifying, at a computing device that is otherwise unable to assess the reputations of wireless access points, at least one wireless access point that is available to the computing device, (2) obtaining, from a reputation service, reputation information for the wireless access point that identifies the reputation of the wireless access point, wherein the reputation information is based at least in part on prior interactions with the wireless access point by at least one additional computing device, and then (3) presenting the reputation information to a user of the computing device to help the user determine whether to connect to the wireless access point. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08646072B1 |
Detecting misuse of trusted seals
Misuse of a trusted seal by a website is detected. Web browsing activities at a client are monitored. Upon detecting a website visited by the client, the client requests evaluation of the website by a security server. The security server replies with a reputation score indicating whether the website is trustworthy. If the website is not trustworthy, perceptual hashes of selected images in the website are computed and compared with perceptual hashes of known trusted seals. If there is a match between the hash of a website image and the hash of a seal image, a query is made as to whether the website is authorized to use the trusted seal. If the website is not authorized to use the seal, the website is reported to be misusing the trusted seal. |
| US08646071B2 |
Method and system for validating site data
A method, and associated system and computer program product, of validating site data. The method includes the steps of, in a processing system 200, receiving 100 an indication of site data, performing a comparison 110 of the indication to site data criteria, and validating or invalidating 120 the indication based on a result of the comparison. The indication of site data could be at least part of a webpage, a link to a webpage, a Uniform Resource Locator, an IP address, at least part of an AJAX page, and/or at least part of a document. |
| US08646068B2 |
Home image content securely isolated from corporate IT
An exemplary apparatus includes one or more processors, volatile memory, a storage drive and circuitry configured to establish a network connection and to attempt to send credentials via an established network connection. Such an apparatus further includes circuitry configured, responsive to authentication failure after an attempt to send credentials, to release an implemented security policy and load an operating system stored on the storage drive, and, responsive to an attempt to send credentials, to maintain an implemented security policy and to use an operating system exposed via an established network connection and associated with the sent credentials Such an apparatus optionally includes circuitry configured to implement a security policy that isolates at least a portion of a local storage drive. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08646067B2 |
Policy driven fine grain URL encoding mechanism for SSL VPN clientless access
The present disclosure presents methods, systems and intermediaries which determine an encoding scheme of a uniform resource location (URL) from a plurality of encoding schemes for a clientless secure socket layer virtual private network (SSL VPN) via a proxy. An intermediary may receive a response from a server comprising a URL. The response from the server may be directed to a client via a SSL VPN session and via the intermediary. The intermediary may determine, responsive to an encoding policy, one of a transparent, opaque or encrypted encoding scheme for encoding the URL. The intermediary may rewrite the URL for transmission to the client in accordance with the determined encoding scheme. |
| US08646063B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and computer program products for subscriber authentication and temporary code generation
A mechanism is provided for providing temporary generated codes by a server. Responsive to triplet authentication of a device to service provider network, a server receives an initial code from the device to request a temporary generated code. The server verifies the triplet authentication of device. The server determines whether there is a user account match to the initial code. The server determines a corresponding application server based on the initial code and the user account match. The server generates a temporary generated code to access the application server. The temporary generated code is transmitted to both the application server and the communication device, is set to expire at a preset time, is generated to allow the user access to a single session on the application server, and is generated to expire after the temporary generated code is input to access the single session on application server. |
| US08646060B1 |
Method for adaptive authentication using a mobile device
A method for facilitating login using adaptive authentication. The method uses different authentication methods and different data protection methods depending on the user location, availability of network, importance of the data. |
| US08646059B1 |
Wallet application for interacting with a secure element application without a trusted server for authentication
Communication between a software application midlet of a contactless payment device and a control applet resident within a secure element of the contactless payment device includes selecting, on the software application midlet, a card applet to configure from a registered list of card applets, the list comprising application identifiers (AIDs) of card applets resident in the secure element; transmitting, through a secure channel, to the control applet on the secure element, the selected card applet's AID and an instruction for a selected function to be performed on the selected card applet; invoking, by the control applet, process method function calls of a card runtime environment, wherein the process method function calls are defined by the card issuer or the card runtime environment for performing the selected function on the selected card applet; and rendering the process method function calls, thereby performing the selected function on the selected card applet. |
| US08646058B2 |
Computer system and access right setting method
IC cards (R11, R12, and R21) are issued respectively to users α, β, and γ. An identification code (ID(11)) of a computer (11) supplied to user α and environment information (ENV(11)) that indicates a normal network environment of the computer (11) are recorded in the IC card (R11) issued to user α. When in order to use a computer, a user connects his/her IC card, the identification code and the network environment of the computer to be used are compared with the identification code and environment information recorded in the IC card and different access rights are provided in accordance to the degree of matching. The identification code may be a MAC address of a LAN circuit incorporated in the computer, and the environment information may be a default gateway address or the like. Different access rights can thus be set according to the computer or the network environment that is used. |
| US08646057B2 |
Authentication and authorization of user and access to network resources using openid
A method includes receiving by an OpenID network device a user log in; logging in, by the OpenID network device, the user to an OpenID account; receiving, by the OpenID network device and from a third party service provider network device, a request to authenticate the user and a request to receive user data associated with the user; providing, by the OpenID network device, a user interface to an end device to allow the user to confirm his/her sign-in to the third party service provider network device and release of the user data; receiving, by the OpenID network device, a confirmation with regard to the user's sign-in to the third party service provider network device and release of the user data; and sending, by the OpenID network device and to the third party service provider network device, a message indicating that the user is authenticated and the user data. |
| US08646055B2 |
Method and system for pre-shared-key-based network security access control
A method and system for pre-shared-key-based network access control are disclosed. The method includes the following steps: 1) security policy negotiation is implemented between a REQuester (REQ) and Authentication Access Controller (AAC); 2) identity authentication and uni-cast key negotiation are implemented between REQ and AAC; 3) a group-cast key is notified between REQ and AAC. Applying the method and system, rapid bidirectional authentication can be implemented between a user and network. |
| US08646052B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a secure display window inside the primary display
In some embodiments, the invention involves securing sensitive data from mal-ware on a computing platform and, more specifically, to utilizing virtualization technology and protected audio video path technologies to prohibit a user environment from directly accessing unencrypted sensitive data. In an embodiment a service operating system (SOS) accesses sensitive data requested by an application running in a user environment virtual machine, or a capability operating system (COS). The SOS application encrypts the sensitive data before passing the data to the COS. The COS makes requests directly to a graphics engine which decrypts the data before displaying the sensitive data on a display monitor. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08646051B2 |
Automated password reset via an interactive voice response system
A method for resetting Internet access account passwords can include the step of connecting a user with an interactive voice response system (IVR). At least one access account associated with the user can be determined. The IVR can validate that the user is authorized to access the access account. The IVR can then cause a password associated with the at least one access account to be reset. The IVR can also present the reset password to the user. |
| US08646049B2 |
Systems and methods for secure management of presence information for communication services
Systems and methods are provided for managing user information comprising presence information, wherein authentication of requesting parties is based on public-private key pair encryption and key Domain Name Service (kDNS) infrastructure. Thus, a response to a request for presence information may be dependent on the authentication status of the requesting party. Presence information stored on a presence server or other network element may be stored or updated upon receiving a request from a user which includes the requestors identify, and is signed with the private key of the requestor. After authentication of a user having a registered unique identifier and an associated public key, presence information may be stored or updated, in either encrypted or unencrypted form. Presence information is preferably stored with user specified policy information for managing access to the presence information by other users, e.g. what information may be shared with anonymous or unauthenticated other users, or with other specific authorized users, or authorized user groups. Advantageously, all communications between communication parties and network elements of the system are encrypted. A scalable and distributed system and method is provided for managing exchange of dynamic information, such as presence information, between users of communications and network services, with improved reliability, security, and personalization. Systems and methods are particularly applicable for securely managing exchange of presence information and other information for multiparty communications service and for peer-to-peer network services. |
| US08646048B2 |
System, method and computer program product for authenticating and authorizing an external entity
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for authenticating and authorizing an external entity. These mechanisms and methods for authenticating and authorizing an external entity can enable improved data security, more efficient data transfer, improved data access channels, etc. |
| US08646042B1 |
Hybrid device having a personal digital key and receiver-decoder circuit and methods of use
A hybrid device includes a personal digital key (PDK) and a receiver-decoder circuit (RDC). In one embodiment, the hybrid device also provides a physical interconnect for connecting to other devices to send and receive control signals and data, and receive power. The hybrid device operates in one of several modes including, PDK only, RDC only, or PDK and RDC. This allows a variety of system configurations for mixed operation including: PDK/RDC, RDC/RDC or PDK/PDK. The disclosure also includes a number of system configurations for use of the hybrid device including: use of the hybrid device in a cell phone; simultaneous use of the PDK and the RDC functionality of hybrid device; use of multiple links of hybrid device to generate an authorization signal, use of multiple PDK links to the hybrid device to generate an authorization signal; and use of the hybrid device for authorization inheritance. |
| US08646040B2 |
Method and system for securing access to an unsecure network utilizing a transparent identification member
A method, system and computer-usable medium for providing secure access to an application over an unsecure network. A transparent identification member can be physically placed by a user against a login interface, the transparent identification member possessing a filter for filtering and displaying a pattern unique to the login interface. Thereafter, the user can be automatically permitted to authenticate an unsecure network and securely access an application over the unsecure network, in response to placing the transparent identification member against the login interface and providing a user input at a physical location on the login interface corresponding to the pattern unique to the login interface, thereby providing a secure authentication for the user to perform secure transactions over the unsecure network and preventing phishing by others with respect to the user and the unsecure network. |
| US08646029B2 |
Security model for a layout engine and scripting engine
Various embodiments provide an interface between a Web browser's layout engine and a scripting engine. The interface enables objects from the layout engine to be recognized by a memory manager in the scripting engine and interact in a streamlined, efficient manner. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the interface allows browser layout engine objects to be created as objects that are native to the scripting engine. Alternately or additionally, in some embodiments, the native objects are further configured to proxy functionality between the layout engine and the scripting engine. |
| US08646028B2 |
Methods and systems for allocating a USB device to a trusted virtual machine or a non-trusted virtual machine
The methods and systems provide for allocating a universal serial bus (USB) device to one of a trusted virtual machine and a non-trusted virtual machine. A control program receives data indicating a USB port on the computing machine received a USB device and identifies at least one attribute of the USB device. The control program selects, based on application of a policy to the identified at least one device attribute, one of a trusted virtual machine and a non-trusted virtual machine executing. The control program grants, to the virtual machine selected by the control program, access to the USB device. |
| US08646024B2 |
System and method for dynamic channel management of a television based on media center set-top box tuner availability
A method and system for dynamic channel management of a television based on media center set-top box tuner availability. The method includes determining a last channel a television was tuned to prior to being turned off. Then it is determined whether the last channel is a radio frequency remodulated (RF-remodulated) channel. If the last channel is a RF-remodulated channel, then sending a signal to indicate that the television is on line with the RF-remodulated channel. If a tuner is not available for the television, then receiving an indication of a cable channel that was last RF-remodulated to the RF-remodulated channel for the television. Finally, changing the television to the cable channel. |