| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08668582B1 |
Accommodating latency in a server-based application
Disclosed systems and methods facilitate a server-based gaming environment. In one implementation, a method includes transmitting a video stream of a gaming environment and a region definition for an object in the gaming environment to a client device. A result of a comparison of a location of a selection input in the gaming environment to the region definition is received from a client device. The result indicates that the location of the selection input identifies an area within the region definition. The object is selected based on the selection input corresponding to the region definition. |
| US08668579B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a time based award
A method is provided for providing payments at a gaming device, where the payments may occur at predictable times and are of predictable amounts. In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may provide a guaranteed payment every hour on the hour, so long as a player meets one or more criteria. Criteria may include a total amount wagered, a total number of handle pulls completed, or a total amount of time spent at a gaming device. One or more embodiments provide a method for withholding value from a player in order that the value may delivered later in the form of a guaranteed payment. One or more embodiments provide a method whereby multiple gaming devices may provide payments simultaneously, thereby creating mutually reinforcing sounds and visual displays. |
| US08668578B2 |
Regulated games: multi-act games
Creative multi-act games for the younger generation of casino players accustomed to creative simulation games such as “The Sims®” and familiar TV characters such as the cast of “Friends”. Stories unfold through acts that have been staged by the player by selecting and placing acting objects. A palette of betting opportunities may be provided in each act in accordance with the staged act to allow the player(s) to place bets. A typical storyboard may include three acts: (a) a construction act, (b) a testing act and (c) a destruction or resolution act. The unfolding of acts may be non-linear and several players may participate simultaneously, sharing the opportunity to affect a storyboard's direction through decision-making. |
| US08668577B2 |
Method for playing a video gaming machine
A gaming system whereby the gaming system receives a wager to initiate a first play of a game, the first play of the game having a first average expected payout and including a plurality of symbols, wherein at least two of the symbols are different. In one embodiment, for the first play of the game the gaming system randomly generates a plurality of the symbols, displays the randomly generated symbols, determines any awards associated with the displayed symbols, and displays any determined awards. If the displayed symbols include a designated symbol, the gaming system of this embodiment accumulates the designated symbol. When a designated quantity of the designated symbol is accumulated, for a subsequent play of the game, the gaming system automatically causes the subsequent play of the game to have a second different average expected payout. |
| US08668573B1 |
Gaming device and method of issuing a bonus award
A method for conducting a game includes defining at least one bonus selection event and at least one bonus award event. Play of a game is monitored for the occurrence of a bonus selection event. In response to a bonus selection event, a bonus selection apparatus is controlled to select one or more bonus award indicia. The bonus award indicia are stored and displayed at a bonus award escrow display. In response to a bonus award event, a bonus award associated with a bonus award indicia stored and displayed at the bonus award escrow display is issued to the player. |
| US08668569B2 |
Number selection game with redraw and feature award rounds
A redraw round and feature round are provided to supplement a game of chance. The game of chance may be implemented on a gaming machine or in a traditional manner as described. The game of chance is based on matching player selected spot numbers or player card numbers to randomly generated numbers. The redraw round is triggered if a predetermined number of redraw trigger numbers are generated and displayed as drawn numbers. In the redraw round the gaming machine generates redraw numbers which supplement the draw numbers. A comparison between the combined set of draw and redraw numbers to the player spot numbers occurs and if a predetermined number of matches occur the player is provided an award. A feature round occurs if a predetermined number of feature trigger numbers are drawn. The feature round provides one or more random award to the player. |
| US08668566B2 |
Amusement device for secondary games
Various embodiments of amusement devices and methods for various games are described. In some embodiments, a secondary player may engage in a game started by a first player. Various additional methods and apparatus are described. |
| US08668565B2 |
Controlling cross-application wagering game content
A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining content from both a first wagering game application and from a second wagering game application. The first and second wagering game applications can be independent wagering game applications played by a player account during a wagering game session. The operations can further include determining some portion of the second content (e.g., three-dimensional objects) that appears to originate from a second-application domain (e.g., from within confines of the second wagering game application), and presenting the portion of the second content within a first-application domain (e.g., within confines of the first wagering game application). In some embodiments, the operations can further include presenting the portion of the second content interacting with the first content within the first-application domain (e.g., presenting three-dimensional objects from the second application interacting with three-dimensional objects of the first application). |
| US08668563B1 |
Asynchronous interactive game play
Systems and methods of asynchronous interactive game play are described. In some embodiments, a method permits a first player to access a first game instance of a multiplayer online game and access a second game instance of the multiplayer online game. The second game instance is accessed at a first time. The first game instance is associated with the first player and the second game instance is associated with a second player. The method receives an identification of an in-game action performed by the first player in the second game instance while the first player accesses the second game instance. The second player is permitted to access the second game instance at a second time, which is later than the first time. The method causes display to the second player an identification of the in-game action performed by the first player in the second game instance. |
| US08668560B2 |
Shielding electronic components from liquid
Shielding liquid from electronic components may be accomplished by a variety of systems, devices, and techniques. A shielding may include a substantially vertical channel mounted to a fuel dispenser component; an airflow inlet; a plurality of arrays of angled protrusions; and a plurality of substantially vertical protrusions. The channel is adapted to guide an airflow. The plurality of arrays of angled protrusions are, disposed within the channel and are substantially parallel in arrangement within each array. The angled protrusions within each array are angularly offset in arrangement relative to the angled protrusions within adjacent arrays. The arrays of angled protrusions are adapted to form a tortuous path for the airflow through the channel. The plurality of substantially vertical protrusions are disposed within the channel and are located between the airflow inlet and the plurality of arrays. The vertical protrusions are adapted to substantially straighten the airflow within the channel. |
| US08668559B2 |
Relating to coin dispensing
A mechanism for separating single coins from a plurality of coins provided within a coin dispensing apparatus. The mechanism comprises a housing defining a coin dispensing path, coin transport means for urging coins along the coin dispensing path; and first and second biased coin stripping members located adjacent each other and disposed successively in the coin dispensing path at an outlet of the coin dispensing mechanism. The first and second stripping members together comprise a double outlet gate and each member is movable independently of the other by each urged coin to effect, in use, alignment and stripping of coins being dispensed. |
| US08668557B2 |
Optical grade surfacing tool
Optical grade surfacing tool, including: a rigid support (60); an elastically compressible interface (12) attached to the rigid support (60); a flexible pad (13) adapted to be pressed against a surface (71) to be worked, attached to the interface (12) on the opposite side to the rigid support (60); and return spring elements (14) disposed between the rigid support (60) and a peripheral part (12b) of the interface (12); characterized in that the return spring elements (14) include a plurality of pairs of superposed elastically flexible blades (65, 66) that project transversely from the rigid support (60), respectively a first blade (65) having a distal portion cooperating in bearing engagement, through a first face, exclusively with the peripheral part (12b) of the interface (12), and a second blade (66) cooperating in bearing engagement with the first blade (65) via a second face opposite its first face. |
| US08668556B2 |
Portable wheel rim polisher
The specification discloses a portable vehicle wheel polisher (10) having a rotatable polishing head (23) adapted to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis (15), the polisher (10) including a drive motor and gear reduction arrangement (14) connected to a drive shaft (17) for the rotatable polishing head (23), adjustable suspension means (18) enabling the horizontal rotation axis (15) to be selectably raised or lowered relative to an installed vehicle wheel on a vehicle, ground engaging wheels (12) carrying the adjustable suspension means (18) enabling the portable vehicle wheel polisher (10) to be moved to a position that engages the polishing head (23) with the installed vehicle wheel and to a separate position disengaged from the installed vehicle wheel. |
| US08668551B1 |
Garment strap clasp system
A clasp has front and rear faces, an exterior periphery and an interior opening. The interior opening has upper and lower bearing surfaces. The clasp has joining surfaces coupling the bearing surfaces. A slot is formed in each clasp. The slot extends between the exterior periphery and a joining surface. Each slot has a width to allow loops of strap sections to pass through the slot between an operative orientation and an inoperative orientation. The operative orientation couples the strap sections with portions of the loops within the interior opening of the clasp in contact with the bearing surfaces. The inoperative orientation positions the strap sections exterior of the clasp. |
| US08668548B2 |
Underwire for a brassiere
There is provided an underwire for a brassiere including: a plurality of linkage elements; each linkage element connected to at least one adjacent linkage element via a joint; at least one joint allowing for movement of the connected linkage element with respect to its adjacent linkage element; wherein movement of at least one connected linkage element with respect to its adjacent linkage element allows the underwire to more closely assume the curvature of a wearer's figure. A brassiere incorporating the improved underwire is also provided. |
| US08668543B2 |
Child's story themed play structure
A kit for a child's play structure includes poles removably attached to one another and arranged to form a three-dimensional box-like structure of a size to permit a child to fully enter therein. A plurality of panels are attached to the poles. The panels have graphic representations thereon corresponding to at least a portion of a story or illustration, such as depicted in an accompanying storybook. Three dimensional objects may be positionable within, or removably attached to the panels, and which correspond to objects in the storybook to enhance the play experience. Multiple structures may be placed side-by-side so that a child can move from one structure to another, and thus from one portion of the story to the next. |
| US08668541B2 |
Method for manufacturing image display element
A method for manufacturing an image display element including: a front panel; a back panel facing the front panel; plural pixels arranged in a matrix between the panels, and to be selected to be in a display or non-display state; and plural electrodes for controlling the pixels, the panels being bonded with the pixels and the electrodes interposed therebetween, and the electrodes being connected to a driving control circuit via metal wires, includes a first step of performing dicing from the back side of the opposing surface from the front panel, and forming a groove part such that electrode terminals connected to the electrodes are exposed between adjacent plural pixel lines, with the back panel bonded thereto, and a second step of forming the metal wires so as to be connected to the electrode terminals exposed at the groove part. |
| US08668540B1 |
Method and apparatus for separating the glass panel from a cathode ray tube
An apparatus for separating a panel from a cathode ray tube may include a trough, at least one chipping element mounted in the trough; and a vibrator connected to the trough and configured such that actuation of the vibrator causes the chipping element to vibrate at a frequency and at a throw angle selected to cause the chipping element to throw a cathode ray tube placed in contact therewith upward, then move upward subsequently to contact a downwardly moving cathode ray tube with sufficient force to chip away funnel and frit therefrom. A method for separating a panel from a cathode ray tube may include contacting a funnel of the cathode ray tube with at least one chipping element, and vibrating the chipping element with sufficient force to chip at least the funnel from the cathode ray tube, leaving at least the panel. |
| US08668535B1 |
Amphibious vehicle having a single drive system for land and water operations
An amphibious vehicle, mostly watercraft in appearance, has a single drive system that accelerates, propels, steers, reverses, and brakes the vehicle on land or in the water. This control is effectuated by one or both twin control levels positioned to the left and right of the vehicle operator. Rear mounted propulsions units include a paddlewheel and tire combination, which operate independently and are rotatable in either direction. |
| US08668532B2 |
Connector for low profile fuse
A connector for a Low Profile (LP) fuse which has an increased fixing force, so as to prevent a secured LP fuse from being separated by external forces, such as vibration of a vehicle, etc. The connector for a Low Profile (LP) fuse includes a body, a rear member, and a pair of supporting arms. The body is adapted for insertion into a body receiving passageway of a fuse box. The body includes a lower end electrically connected to an electric wire. The rear member extends from the body into the body receiving passageway, while the pair of supporting members are bent from opposite sides of the rear member. The pair of supporting members extend parallel to each other. |
| US08668530B2 |
System plug connector
The invention relates to a plug connector system for a plug connection between electrical conductors, wherein the plug connector system accommodates plug modules with electrical contacts contained therein, wherein said plug modules are first inserted laterally into a region of a holding frame, wherein a plug insert is arranged in the same and locked in place, and then subsequently slid 90° sideways in the holding frame and held in place. The housing frame is designed as a self-supporting part of the plug connector system, for the purpose of accommodating the plug modules, and can provide protection from external influences by means of a surrounding housing.In addition, in contrast to conventional arrangements used to date in plug connectors, the plug modules can be inserted into the holding frames from both sides, meaning in the direction in which the connection is made, or also in the opposite direction, and can be removed again. |
| US08668527B2 |
Electrical connector with improved contact-loading manner for coplanarity adjustment
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a number of upper and lower contacts fixed in the insulative housing. The insulative housing includes a base and a tongue portion extending from the base along a first direction. Each of the upper contacts includes a first planar soldering section situated adjacent to a bottom face of the base. Each of the lower contacts includes a second planar soldering section situated adjacent to the bottom face of the base. The lower contacts are assembled to the insulative housing along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in order that the second planar soldering sections can be kept coplanar with the first planar soldering sections through controlling insertion depth of the lower contacts along the second direction. |
| US08668526B2 |
Bi-ventricular percutaneous cable
A percutaneous cable includes a cable body having a first end and second end, the cable body including a sheath adapted to traverse a patient's skin. The cable includes a plurality of conductors disposed within the cable body configured to transmit power and control data between a system controller and two implantable pumps. The cable includes a first connector disposed at the first end of the cable body and coupled to the plurality of conductors, the first connector configured to connect the cable body to the system controller. The cable includes a second connector disposed at the second end of the cable body, the second connector comprising a first set of contacts and a second set of contacts. |
| US08668524B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes a first insulating housing having an erect base board and an erect tongue board extending forwards from a front of the base board, flat terminals molded in the first insulating housing and having a contact portion and a first soldering tail which vertically projects under the base board, a second insulating housing assembled to a right side of the base board, and spring terminals molded in the second insulating housing and having a contact arm and a second soldering tail which vertically projects under the second insulating housing. The contact portions are exposed in a front of a right side of the tongue board and arranged at regular intervals along a vertical direction. The contact arms elastically project sideward out of the right side of the tongue board and are arranged at regular intervals along the vertical direction behind the contact portions. |
| US08668523B2 |
Cable connector assembly having a metallic shell with a plurality of through holes in a conjunction area between its shilding portion and its frame portion
A cable connector assembly comprises an insulative housing (1), a number of contacts (2), a cable (6) electrically connected with the contacts, and a metallic shell (3) enclosing the insulative housing. The insulative housing includes a base portion (11) and a tongue portion (12) extending forwardly from the base portion. The metallic shell comprises a bottom shell (32) and a top shell (31) combined with each other, the top shell includes a frame shaped portion (321) in the front thereof and a shielding portion (322) connected with the frame shaped portion unitarily, and the frame shaped portion is located in a vertical plane perpendicular to an upper surface of the shielding portion, the bottom shell is inserted into and enclosed in a frame shaped opening (324) disposed in the frame shaped portion. |
| US08668522B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector can be provided having a plurality of connector pins, and an electrically conductive connector housing with a bottom wall and a receiving opening for receiving a counter-connector. A plurality of pin receiving openings formed in the bottom wall accommodate a dielectric insert. At least one of the connector pins extends through the dielectric insert and is fastened by the dielectric insert within the respective pin receiving opening. A slide-in module can be provided with such an electrical connector, and a method for producing such an electrical connector may also be provided. |
| US08668520B2 |
Card connector having a housing with fastening blocks for mounting a circuit board
A card connector is adapted for being mounted to a circuit board defining a mounting cavity. The card connector includes an insulating housing defining a receiving room passing through a top and a front thereof, a plurality of electrical terminals disposed in the insulating housing and electrically projecting upward into the receiving room, a shielding shell enclosing the insulating housing, and a plurality of fastening blocks. A pair of side walls is formed at two opposite sides of the receiving room. The fastening blocks are apart secured to outsides of the side walls. The card connector is mounted in the mounting cavity of the circuit board, and the fastening blocks are fixed on the circuit board around the mounting cavity. Because the fastening blocks are not easily deformed, the card connector can be firmly fixed in the circuit board and avoids being slanted downward in use. |
| US08668517B2 |
Plug apparatus
A plug apparatus has a first holding portion holding a stack connecting conductive wire, a second holding portion separated from the first holding portion and holding a stack connecting conductive wire, and a fixing portion to which the first and second holding portions and are removably fixed, wherein the first and second holding portions and are fixed to the fixing portion and the stack connecting conductive wires and are electrically connected to each other in a first state in which a plug grip is mounted, and the first and second holding portions and are allowed to separate from the fixing portion and the electrical connection between the stack connecting conductive wires and is broken in a second state in which the plug grip is dismounted. |
| US08668514B2 |
Connecting multiple conduits
Connector modules have complementary profiles configured for sliding engagement. Modules bearing a first profile may be mounted in series, such as on a rail, on a frame or component. Modules bearing a second profile may similarly be mounted in series, such as on a rail, so that rails bearing modules with the first profile may slide into rails bearing modules with the second profile. Contacts in connectors of the module are configured to facilitate sliding engagement. Male contacts are biased to protrude, but travel into connectors in which they are mounted during sliding until aligned with corresponding female contacts. |
| US08668510B2 |
Tubular component having an electrically insulated link portion with a dielectric defining an annular sealing surface
A tubular component of a drill stem comprises a first end including a first threading, a second end including a second threading, and a substantially tubular central zone, the component further comprising a device for electrical connection with another component, mounted on at least one of the ends, and a cable for the transmission of signals between the first end and the second end, connected to the connecting device, the connecting device including at least one conductor provided with an electrically insulated link portion and an electrical contact portion; a dielectric to isolate the insulated link portion; and an annular sealing surface defining a protected zone, said electrical contact portion being disposed in the protected zone, the annular sealing surface being disposed at the surface of the insulated link portion. |
| US08668507B2 |
Lamp holder connector
A lamp holder connector includes a lower holder having a bottom board with two positioning pillars protruding upward thereon, and an upper holder covered on the lower holder to together define a receiving chamber. An electrical terminal is fastened in the receiving chamber, and has a base plate with two positioning holes opened therein for inserting the positioning pillars therein, and a pair of clamping plates connected with two opposite side edges of the base plate and facing each other for clamping one end of a lamp therebetween. A top end of each positioning pillar projects upward beyond a top side of the base plate and then is pressed downward by an external jig to have a deformation and form a blocking eave so as to tightly clip the base plate between the bottom board and the blocking eave. |
| US08668504B2 |
Threadless light bulb socket
A threadless light socket assembly allows a light bulb to be changed by pushing or pulling the light bulb into or out of the socket provides an outer insulator housing and an insulator cap which carrying a ground socket in a medial channel that grounds a light bulb base to a power supply. Plural spring biased thread locks protrude into center of the ground socket and are staggered in height to align with threads defined in a light bulb base. A positive contact is in the socket assembly supplies positive power from a power supply to the light bulb base. The threadless light socket has interchangeable components to allow installation in new and existing light fixtures. |
| US08668495B2 |
Ceramic/metallic dental abutment
A ceramic and metallic dental abutment for use with a dental implant is disclosed. The abutment can generally include a body having a base region, a coronal region, and a transgingival region disposed between the base and coronal regions. The body regions can define a longitudinal axis. The base region can include an anti-rotational feature such that, when engaged with the dental implant, an anti-rotational connection exists. The coronal and transgingival regions can include a ceramic exterior surface. The abutment can further include a metal contact portion having an annular shape and positioned to engage the dental implant. The metal contact portion can include a conical outer contact surface, disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, to match an angle of a chamfer of the dental implant. |
| US08668494B2 |
Adjustable angle prophy angle adapter
An adjustable angle adapter for a prophy angle comprises a nose, a rotating member, a body, a shaft, a pivot, and a multi-axis rotation joint. The nose is configured to receive a portion of a prophy angle. The rotating member is positioned within the nose. The body is adjustably connected to the nose. The shaft is positioned within the body. The pivot connects the body to the nose and includes a groove configured for a ball bearing that is passed through a channel formed within the pivot and the body. Also, the channel is parallel to the rotational axis of the shaft. The multi-axis rotation joint connects the shaft to the rotating member. The nose is rotatable relative to the body into a first configuration and a second configuration. |
| US08668492B2 |
Removable wick
A removable, candle wick for its ability to be removed from a body of meltable wax and replaced on the same body of meltable wax or placed on a different body of wax. Being anchored on a metal wick tab allows wick to be placed on top of a flat wax surface with stem portion being ignited with a flame. As wax melts the wick tab sinks into the wax and can be extinguished and removed from wax before wax hardens and then placed in a container and reused as desired. The wick will burn wax completely and evenly, and after burning a body of wax, entirely extinguished and placed on a new body of wax to start a new burning. The wick will burn as long as it comes in contact with a meltable body of wax. |
| US08668485B1 |
Dough rolling apparatus, method and product
An improved dough-rolling apparatus and method for rolling sheeted dough. The proposed invention comprises a dough-rolling apparatus having a dough sheeter that cuts a dough sheet into preforms having a concave leading edge and convex trailing edge. A rolling curtain creates a rolled preform with the leading edge on the inside and the trailing edge on the outside. The rolled preform is cooked to produce a rolled snack product with consistent thickness throughout its length and a round outer flap. |
| US08668484B2 |
Mold, imprint method, and process for producing a chip
A mold capable of a highly accurate alignment with a member to be processed in such a state that a photocurable resin material is disposed between the mold and the member to be processed, and is constituted by a substrate 2010 formed of a first material and an alignment mark 2102 formed of a second material different from the first material. The first material and the second material have transmissivities to light in a part of an ultraviolet wavelength range. The second material has a refractive index of not less than 1.7. |
| US08668482B2 |
Formwork and formwork method of a concrete construction
In a formwork in concrete construction, particularly for a round vessel, in which, for a further construction section, formwork elements enclose an upper edge of a completed wall portion, are secured to this completed wall portion, and protrude over this wall portion for filling with concrete, vertical members are arranged parallel to, and at a distance from, the wall portion, and a slide is displaceable at every vertical member, and formwork elements are connected to the slide. |
| US08668475B2 |
Linear rod pump apparatus and method
An apparatus and method for pumping fluids, such as water and/or hydrocarbons, from a subterranean formation or reservoir, include a linear rod pump having a mechanical rack and pinion drive arrangement, adapted for attachment to a pumping mechanism, such as the polished rod at the top of a rod string in a hydrocarbon well. The rack gear, of the rack and pinion drive arrangement, is adapted for connection to a cable and pulley arrangement for imparting motion to the polished rod. The pinion gear does not translate with the rack gear, and is driven by a reversible motor for affecting up and down reciprocating motion of the rack gear and pumping mechanism. Some forms of the invention include a compressible gas counter-balance arrangement. Some forms of the invention include an electronic drive configured for dealing with electric power generated by the motor during a portion of the pumping cycle. |
| US08668470B2 |
Offset valve bore for a reciprocating pump
A fluid end 15 for a multiple reciprocating pump assembly 12 comprises at least three plunger bores 61 or 91, each for receiving a reciprocating plunger 35. Each plunger bore has a plunger bore axis 65 or 95. The plunger bores are arranged across the fluid end to define a central plunger bore with lateral plunger bores located on either side. The fluid end 15 also comprises at least three respective suction valve bores 59 or 89 in fluid communication with the plunger bores. Each suction valve bore can receive a suction valve 41 and has a suction valve bore axis 63 or 93. The fluid end 15 also comprises at least three respective discharge valve bores 57 or 87 that can receive a discharge valve 43 and are in fluid communication with the plunger bores. Axes of suction and discharge valve bores are offset in the fluid. |
| US08668468B2 |
Oil pump system for automatic transmission
A hydraulic pump system for an automatic transmission has the advantages of preventing excessive power loss and durability deterioration. The hydraulic pump system may include a first hydraulic pump that generates a first hydraulic pressure to supply a low pressure portion with the first hydraulic pump, a second hydraulic pump that receives the first hydraulic pressure to generate a second hydraulic pressure higher than the first hydraulic pressure and supplies a high pressure portion with the second hydraulic pressure, and a drive portion that rotates a drive shaft that integrally connects the first hydraulic pump with the second hydraulic pump. |
| US08668461B2 |
Wind turbine rotor blade
Wind turbine rotor blade with a longitudinal axis, a blade tip, a blade root, a leading edge, a trailing edge and a cross-section arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal axis and changing from the blade root to the blade tip, is the cross-section being formed at the blade root and in the middle of the rotor blade by an aerodynamic profile, and an imaginary reference plane arranged with respect to the rotor blade which includes the longitudinal axis of the rotor blade, wherein, in a cross-section, an angle α3 is defined between the reference plane and a straight line, which connects the longitudinal axis with the trailing edge, and describes the position of the trailing edge, wherein the angle α3 increases with decreasing distance from the blade root in a first longitudinal portion of the rotor blade and decreases with decreasing distance from the blade root in a second longitudinal portion. |
| US08668459B2 |
Turbine blade walking prevention
A turbine assembly has a casing, a turbine ring and a blade. The blade has a root portion having an axially extending first shape, an airfoil attaching to the root portion and having a trailing edge and a radially outward tip. The tip has a first portion disposed in parallel to the axis of rotation for minimizing escape of air between the tip and the casing and a second portion extending aft from the first portion at an inward angle. The ring has a cut-out having a second shape mating with the first shape. |
| US08668453B2 |
Cooling system having reduced mass pin fins for components in a gas turbine engine
A cooling system having one or more pin fins with reduced mass for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The cooling system may include one or more first surfaces defining at least a portion of the cooling system. The pin fin may extend from the surface defining the cooling system and may have a noncircular cross-section taken generally parallel to the surface and at least part of an outer surface of the cross-section forms at least a quartercircle. A downstream side of the pin fin may have a cavity to reduce mass, thereby creating a more efficient turbine airfoil. |
| US08668451B2 |
Fan blade mounting system
A ceiling fan (10) is disclosed which has a motor (13) and an annular array of blade irons (14) each having a blade (15) mounted thereto. Each blade iron includes a body portion (18) and a mounting portion (19). The body portion (18) has a motor mounting flange (21) which includes a trapezoidal shaped groove 28 and a flat spring (32). The mounting portion (19) includes a trapezoidal shaped or dove tailed tongue (40) which has a depression (42) adapted to receive the spring to lock to the position of the body portion relative to the mounting portion. |
| US08668440B2 |
Platform segment for supporting a nozzle guide vane for a gas turbine and nozzle guide vane arrangement for a gas turbine
A platform segment for supporting a nozzle guide vane for a gas turbine is provided. The platform segment includes a gas passage surface arranged to be in contact with a streaming gas exhausted from a combustor, wherein the streaming gas streams along the gas passage surface in a streaming direction, a cooling surface, opposite to and thermally connected to the gas passage surface and arranged to be in contact with a cooling fluid, a wall protruding from the cooling surface and extending at least partially in the streaming direction, wherein the wall is arranged circumferentially between positions, at which adjacent guide vanes are to be provided, such that cooling fluid is channeled by the wall for cooling a downstream portion of the cooling surface, and a further wall protruding from the cooling surface and extending at least partially in the streaming direction. |
| US08668439B2 |
Inserts for turbine cooling circuit
In one embodiment, an insert for a turbine cooling circuit includes: a radial cooling passage for receiving downstream fluid; an axial passage extending from the radial cooling passage within a lower portion of the insert; and a plurality of radial passages extending from the axial passage, each radial passage extending to a bottom of a partially circumferential dovetail slot of the insert. In another embodiment, an insert for a turbine cooling includes: a plurality of radial passages, each radial passage extending from a bottom of a partially circumferential dovetail slot of the insert; an axial passage extending from the plurality of radial passages within a lower portion of the insert; and an exhaust passage extending from the axial passage. |
| US08668434B2 |
Robust flow parameter model for component-level dynamic turbine system control
A system comprises an apparatus, an actuator and a processor. The apparatus defines a flow path through an aperture, the aperture defines a pressure drop along the flow path, and the actuator regulates fluid flow across the pressure drop. The processor comprises a flow module, a comparator, an estimator and a control law. The flow module maps a flow curve relating a flow parameter to a pressure ratio, and defines a solution point located on the flow curve and a focus point located off the flow curve. The comparator generates an error as a function of a slope defined between the focus and solution points. The estimator moves the solution point along the flow curve, such that the error is minimized. The control law directs the actuator to position the control element, such that the flow parameter describes the fluid flow and the pressure ratio describes the pressure drop. |
| US08668431B2 |
Seal clearance control on non-cowled gas turbine engines
A method for controlling turbine blade tip seal clearance on a non-cowled gas turbine engine includes the step of directing a flow of relatively hot, pressurized air in contact with an exterior surface of the engine core casing circumscribing the turbine. The flow of relatively hot, pressurized air may be selectively directed in contact with the exterior surface of the engine core casing circumscribing the turbine when it is desired to expand the turbine shroud radially outward, such as during transient operation of the gas turbine engine. |
| US08668424B2 |
Circular bin unload system and method
An unloading system for a storage bin and related method are provided. The unloading system can have a sump configuration that includes a foundation having a floor and a foundation footing. A central tunnel can be formed in the foundation that terminates at a tunnel opening on a perimeter of the foundation. A primary sump can be formed through the floor at a location generally near a centerpoint of the storage bin and connected to the central tunnel. At least one radial sump can be formed in the floor at a location radially offset from the central tunnel and located generally between the primary sump and a sidewall of the storage bin. |
| US08668420B2 |
Method for assembling composite hardware, and riveting member enabling implementation thereof
The invention relates to a method for assembling parts (P1 and P2) in composite hardware by means of a riveting member (R), and is notable in that it comprises: using a bushing (200), the hollow core (230) of which has two different sections (231 and 232); using an insert (100) having no functional axial bearing surface for the radial swelling of the bushing (200) in the through-hole (T), but the diameter (D3) of which is capable of enabling the housing thereof, with no change in shape, in the first section (231) of the hollow core (230), and is also capable of enabling the forcible housing thereof in the second section (232); axially feeding the insert (100) into the bushing (200) such that the latter radially swells inside the through-hole (T) up to the small section (232) thereof and such that the recess well-defined by said small section is occupied by said insert (100); and ensuring, by means of a rivet set (400), the pressure on the first section (231) of the bushing (200) by the end that changes shape to ensure the bending thereof by radial centrifugal extension. |
| US08668419B2 |
Shearable fastening device with force transmission element
A shearable fastening device (1) has a shearable fastener (2) having a plurality of screwthreaded portions (3), a head portion (4) which is connected to the screws threaded portions (3) via a first predetermined weakening (5) and further predetermined weakenings (6) in the form of cross-section constrictions are provided between the screwthreaded portions (3), as well as an internal recess (7), wherein the internal recess (7) extends from the head portion (4) at least into the region of the predetermined weakenings (6). At least one stepped predetermined weakening (8) is formed by its shear-off torque (aNm) being smaller than that of the next predetermined weakening further away from the head portion (4) and the shear-off torque (aNm+1) at the next predetermined weakening closer to the head portion (4) rising again with respect to the shear-off torque (aNm) of the stepped predetermined weakening (8). The shear-off torque of the predetermined weakenings (6) on the portions without the stepped predetermined weakening (8) increases continuously in the direction of the head portion (4), and a force transmission element (9) is insertable into the internal recess (7) of the shearable fastener (2). The force transmission element (9) in the inserted condition extends from the head portion (4) so far into the internal recess (7) such that the force transmission element (9) bridges the stepped predetermined weakening (8). |
| US08668418B2 |
Dunnage means and method for filling a void space in a container
Dunnage for filling a void space in a container. An inflatable dunnage bag has an inflation valve for inflating the bag with a gas. The inflation valve is a solid member having an elevated portion. An outer surface of the bag is tightly fixed to the solid member along a circumferential sealing area distant from the top of the elevated portion. The top of the elevated portion is a circumferential sealing rim tightly contactable by the outer surface of the bag. The solid member has an inflation opening between the sealing area and the sealing rim. The bag has an inflation opening radially inward of the sealing rim. |
| US08668415B2 |
Shipping supports for tapered elongated structures
A support saddle (20, 24) for supporting a load (14) having a taper profile along an axial length of the load (14). The support saddle (20, 24) comprises a lower surface (20A, 24A) for resting on a surface (10A) of a transportation vehicle load bed (10) and an upper surface (20B, 24B) defining a taper to substantially match the taper profile of the load (10) in a region of the load contacting the upper surface (20B, 24B), the upper surface (20B, 24B) for receiving the load (10). In other embodiments the support saddles (20, 24) are used with inserts (64, 65) and/or cushions (45). One or more of the support saddles (20, 24), the inserts (64, 65) and the cushions (45) may comprise a tapered upper surface to match the taper profile of the load (14). |
| US08668413B2 |
Coupler for a quick change insert rotary cutting tool
A coupler for a quick change rotary cutting tool assembly allowing a cutter to be quickly and releasably coupled to a shank wherein the coupler has a cylindrical portion with a threaded portion to engage the shank and a portion with a transverse groove with undercut walls to form recesses. The cutter has an anchor made as a disk with parallel flats which engage the recesses of the cylindrical portion to releasably secure the cutter to the shank. |
| US08668412B2 |
Machining method and machine tool
A minimum five-axis machine tool (11) has first to third linear feed axes orthogonal to each other as well as first and second rotational feed axes orthogonal to each other, wherein a rotational axis line of the first rotational feed axis C is parallel to the first linear feed axis Z. While a tool T and a work W are moved relatively through the second and third linear feed axes X, Y to perform machining of the work W by means of the tool T, the machine tool controls the first rotational feed axis C such that a rotational axis line of the second rotational feed axis A is perpendicular to the direction of relative movement of the perpendicular to the direction of relative movement of the tool T to the work W, and controls a power supplied to a motor for the second rotational feed axis A when a torque around the second rotational feed axis A exceeds a specified threshold. |
| US08668411B2 |
Cutting tool and holder
A cutting tool has a cutting insert and a holder. The cutting insert has a cutting portion and an insert shank with a cylindrical portion and a non-cylindrical portion. The holder has a clamping portion which has a clamping sleeve and a cage located therein. The cage includes a load member housing with a load member. The cage has a major abutment wall adjacent to a minor abutment wall. The clamping sleeve has first and second inner sections defined by points P1 and P2. A point P3 divides the second inner section into first and second portions. The clamping sleeve is rotatable between a secured and a released position of the cutting tool. In the secured position, the non-cylindrical portion abuts the major abutment wall, the cylindrical portion abuts both the minor abutment wall and the load member, and the load member abuts the first portion. |
| US08668408B2 |
Skirted foundation for penetrating soft material
The present invention provides a skirted foundation that can be used in a jack-up rig for providing enhanced bearing capacity. The skirted foundation comprises a spudcan footing having an upper part and a base, wherein the upper part and the base are coupled at their peripherals to form an outer edge, wherein both the upper part and the base have a flat or conical configuration, and wherein the upper part supports one leg of a jack-up rig, and the base has a flat bottom or downward slope, and a skirt having an upper end being integrally coupled to the spudcan footing and downwardly projected to encircle the base and a lower end for penetrating seabed, wherein the skirt comprises a plurality of circumferential openings adjacent to the base of the spudcan footing and located within the top half of the skirt height. |
| US08668405B1 |
Road maintenance truck with selectively deployable rollers and piston press
An improved road maintenance truck includes a pair of hydraulically powered roller assemblies mounted to the underside of the vehicle frame and a vertically movable compression plate mounted to the vehicle frame. Each roller assembly has a compressive roller which runs the width of the truck. Two hydraulic actuators on each end of the vehicle raise and lower the roller into place. These independent rollers allow a road patching crew to selectively lower the roller for repairing road while initially flattening the patching material with the front roller and compacting the patching material with the rear. The compression plate is mounted to an actuator which selectively raises and lowers the compression plate to compress road patching materials. A roller heating system draws engine coolant through the rollers to heat the rollers and to reduce the heat built-up in the engine. |
| US08668404B2 |
Covering unit
A covering unit for use in combination with similar units for covering a surface with a natural random look, the unit having an hexagonal body comprising first, second and third pairs of opposed and parallel sides. Each side has a central point of angular symmetry. The second and third pairs are similar to each other while the first pair is different from the others. The sides of the second and third pairs are provided with at least one split deviation along their length arranged so that each side of the second pair is a rotational image of the sides of the third pair, whereby in use in combination with other covering units: each side is matingly engageable with the sides of an equivalent pair of a neighboring unit; and the unit has a central point of angular symmetry and is matingly engageable with a plurality of neighboring unit. |
| US08668403B2 |
Load supporting panel having impact absorbing structure
An impact absorption panel is adapted for playground use and comprises a panel section and a plurality of projections. The panel section is defined by a top surface and a bottom surface. The plurality of projections extend from the bottom surface of the panel section. The plurality of projections have a first stage and a second stage. The first stage is configured to collapse initially when subjected to an impact load. The second stage is configured to provide greater resistance to the impact load than the first stage. The panel section is configured to provide greater resistance to the impact load than the first and second stages. The first stage can also be distinguished from the second stage by virtue of having a comparatively smaller volume. |
| US08668400B2 |
Fluid applicator
An applicator tip is provided for operating in conjunction with a pierceable fluid reservoir. Assemblies in accordance with the invention can lead to an exceptionally easy to use, safe, and convenient system and method of applying a fixed dosage of chemicals to which a user might wish to avoid contact, such as parasiticides. The cap-applicator can have an internal piercing tip capable of piercing the reservoir when the assembly is converted into an active configuration. Projections can be provided, in the form of fins on a tube or a multi-prong structure with straight or curved projections. The tips of one or more projections can include dispensing ports or the ports can be recessed from the distal tip, such as in a notch, so as not to be obstructed if the distal tip of the cap is pressed against an animal to dispense the fluid. |
| US08668389B2 |
Combination thrust flange and thrust plate
A thrust bearing assembly includes a single-piece thrust plate and thrust shaft flange having a generally cylindrical body portion, a frustoconical body portion and a bore extending through the cylindrical body portion and the frustoconical body portion. The bore defines a first bore section and a second bore section. A lip extends between the first and second bore sections. The first bore section, the second bore section and the lip are configured to receive a thrust shaft and axial thrust forces transmitted therefrom. The thrust bearing assembly also includes a bearing assembly in operable communication with the single-piece thrust plate and thrust shaft flange. The bearing assembly supports rotation of the thrust shaft and includes a plurality of first rolling elements. The bearing assembly includes a bearing cage to retain the first rolling elements and a plurality of second rolling elements disposed between the bearing cage and the thrust shaft. |
| US08668384B2 |
System and method for detecting the temperature of an electrophoretic display device
An apparatus includes a temperature detector coupled to a conductive layer of an electrophoretic display device. The temperature detector is operable to measure a leakage current that is responsive to a temperature associated with the electrophoretic device and determine the temperature associated with the electrophoretic device based at least in part on the measured leakage current. |
| US08668380B2 |
Method for operating a calorimeter
A method for operating a calorimeter and a calorimeter that is operable to perform the method, wherein the calorimeter has a reactor (1) for receiving a reaction medium, a reactor jacket (2), an in-reactor heater (4) controlled by means of a first controller (6), an outer temperature control unit (9) in thermal contact with the reactor and controlled by a second controller (10), and a measurement sensor (5) arranged in the reactor for determining a reactor temperature (Tr). The reactor temperature is controlled by the heat which is delivered to the reactor by the in-reactor heater and by the heat that is carried in and/or out by the outer temperature control unit. A dynamic control of the heating power of the in-reactor heater and of the outer temperature control unit is used to eliminate any deviation of the reactor temperature from a reactor set-point temperature. |
| US08668379B2 |
Watch display assembly
Watch display assembly including a watch support element (2), characterized in that the support element (2) is arranged to rotate on two perpendicular axes (X-X; Y-Y). |
| US08668369B2 |
Lighting device for vehicles and a method for producing it
The invention relates to a lighting device for vehicles, having a housing, a translucent diffusing screen covering a light exit opening of the housing, and a reflector. The translucent diffusing screen and the reflector may be fastened to the housing. A rapidly curing connection means may be applied to at least one interface between the housing and the diffusing screen to facilitate positioning. |
| US08668367B2 |
Interchangeable lamp shade system
A lamp shade cover that fits snugly over a lamp shade or lamp shade liner to provide interchangeable lamp shade decor with a tailored look. In embodiments, a separating closure mechanism attaches sides of the lamp shade cover together to form a lamp shade form that fits snugly over the supporting lamp shade or lamp shade liner. In embodiments, the separating closure mechanism is a separating zipper sewn into either side of the lamp shade cover. Embodiments include an interchangeable lamp shade system that includes a lamp shade liner and one or more lamp shade covers that fit snugly over the lamp shade liner and are removable via the separating closure mechanism of the lamp shade cover. |
| US08668366B2 |
Energy star compliant LED lamp
The present disclosure provides an illumination device. The illumination device includes a cap structure. The cap structure is partially coated with a reflective material operable to reflect light. The illumination device includes one or more lighting-emitting devices disposed within the cap structure. The light-emitting devices may be light-emitting diode (LED) chips. The illumination device also includes a thermal dissipation structure. The thermal dissipation structure is coupled to the cap structure in a first direction. The thermal dissipation structure and the cap structure have a coupling interface. The coupling interface extends in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The thermal dissipation structure has a portion that intersects the coupling interface at an angle. The angle is in a range from about 60 degrees to about 90 degrees according to some embodiments. |
| US08668365B2 |
Optoelectronic device
An optoelectronic device includes at least one luminescence diode chip which emits electromagnetic radiation during operation of the optoelectronic device, and at least one shield against stray radiation which laterally surrounds the luminescence diode chip only in places, wherein each shield is integral with a component of the optoelectronic device. |
| US08668364B2 |
Backlight unit and display device including the same
A backlight unit capable of emitting heat smoothly and a display device including the same are disclosed. The backlight unit includes a bottom cover, a light emitting module arranged in a predetermined area of the bottom cover, a reflective sheet provided on the bottom cover, the reflective sheet spaced apart a predetermined distance from the bottom cover, a plurality of first heat radiating members provided between the reflective sheet and the bottom cover, the plurality of the first heat radiating members spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other, a second heat radiating member arranged between the light emitting module and the first heat radiating members, and a projected part located in the second heat radiating member below the reflective sheet, the projected part supporting the reflective sheet to locate the reflective sheet spaced apart a predetermined distance from the first heat radiating members. |
| US08668362B2 |
Ventilation for LED lighting
Embodiments of the invention provide for a linear lighting system with a plurality of discrete light sources. Other embodiments of the invention include heat dissipation techniques and apparatus for a linear light system. Other embodiments of the invention include a two component lighting system that includes rails and nodes. In some embodiments, the lighting and control aspects can be divided between the rail and node. In yet other embodiments a linear lens providing a unique photometric distribution is provided. |
| US08668354B2 |
Low-glare LED-based lighting unit
The present disclosure is directed to inventive methods and apparatus for a low-glare LED-based lighting unit (110). The low-glare LED-based lighting unit (110) may have vertically extending LED support structure (120) and an array of individually aimed LEDs (133) coupled to the vertically extending LED support structure (120). At least one vertically extending translucent inner lens (150/260) may be provided adjacent a plurality of the LEDs (133) and intersect the LED light output axis (A) of a plurality of the LEDs (133). |
| US08668348B2 |
Pool light assembly with cooling structure
A pool light assembly includes a water inlet housing having a base with an exterior exposed to the pool water and an enclosed interior including an illuminating structure. A notch is provided in the exterior of the base and extends into the interior for allowing pool water to enter the water inlet housing and be in the proximity of the illuminating structure to act as a cooling element. A sealing structure is included for preventing water from entering electrically active elements, and a retaining member locks and encourages waterproof sealing of the electrically active elements. |
| US08668346B2 |
Simulated sunlight generating device
A simulated sunlight generating device for generating a simulated sunlight required for evaluating performance of solar cells includes a plurality of driving units, a plurality of light-emitting units, and a plurality of adjusting units. The driving units drive the light-emitting units to emit light. The adjusting units enable the light of the light-emitting units to not only propagate along the same light route but also be added up and combined to form the simulated sunlight of an intended wavelength with ease of installation, ease of maintenance, low costs, high flexibility, and high efficiency. |
| US08668344B2 |
Marker sphere including edged opening to aid in molding
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. |
| US08668343B2 |
Reflective marker with alignment feature
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. |
| US08668342B2 |
Material thickness control over retro-reflective marker
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. |
| US08668341B2 |
Prismatic retroreflective article bearing a graphic and method of making same
A prismatic retroreflective article bearing a graphic and a method of making the same. The prismatic retroreflective article can include an optical layer including a front surface and a rear structured surface defined at least partially by internally reflecting cube-corner optical elements. The rear structured surface can be infused with a graphic, such that the prismatic retroreflective article retroreflects the graphic when viewed from the front surface of the optical layer. The method can include providing a graphic donor sheet, coupling the graphic donor sheet to the prismatic retroreflective article to form a composite, and applying heat and pressure to the composite to transfer at least a portion of the sublimation colorant from the graphic donor sheet to the rear structured surface of the optical layer. |
| US08668340B2 |
Reflective medical markers and methods of manufacture
Identical plastic hemispheres are first treated with organic solvent, which is smeared by a pillow of microporous silicon rubber to achieve a slippery surface upon the hemispheres. The slippery surface upon the hemispheres may comprise a layer of melted plastic. Hemispheres are then placed under an application chamber, where hot gas under pressure softens, deforms and transports a sheet of marker foil over the hemisphere. Two hemispheres are then joined together by use of asymmetric voids and a clip pin inserted, while under compression, into the hemispheres. |
| US08668331B2 |
Method for designing non-round soft contact lenses
A method for optimizing the performance in centration, rotation and stability of contact lenses makes use of the upper and lower eyelid geometries to maximize the lens-lid interaction for two different contact lens positions on the eye. The contact lenses are non-round lenses for maximum interaction with the eyelids. |
| US08668330B2 |
Eyewear with lens retention mechanism
Eyewear is provided that can comprise a frame, a lens, and at least one lens retention mechanism that can secure the lens relative to the frame. The frame can support at least one lens in a field of view of a wearer. The frame can include a first ear stem and a second ear stem that allows the frame to be worn on the wearer's head. The retention mechanism can be supported by the frame and/or the lens and can be movable or fixed relative to the frame and/or the lens. In some embodiments, the retention mechanism comprises a latch device having an engagement structure that moves along a path of motion that intersects the lens. The retention component can engage an engagement portion of the lens to securing the lens relative to the frame. |
| US08668323B2 |
Printing device and printing method
Disclosed herein is a printing device including: a plurality of heads configured to discharge inks cured by light irradiation and arranged in a transport direction of a medium; a plurality of pre-curing light sources provided in correspondence with the plurality of heads and configured to irradiate pre-curing light to dots formed on the medium by the heads; and a completely-curing light source configured to irradiate completely-curing light to the dots to which the light from the plurality of pre-curing light sources is irradiated, wherein a first printing mode in which a background ink is discharged from a head of an upstream side of the transport direction of the heads for discharging color inks and a second printing mode in which the background ink is discharged from a head of a downstream side of the transport direction of the heads for discharging the color inks are present. |
| US08668320B2 |
Treatment liquid for ink jet recording
A treatment liquid for ink jet recording, containing a polyvalent metal ion and water. A dissolved carbon dioxide concentration in the treatment liquid is 4 mg/l or lower. |
| US08668317B2 |
Liquid container
A second sealing film F2 is thermally bonded onto a leading end portion R1 of an ink lead-out member 32b of an ink pack and an annular projecting portion R2 provided on an ink casing 31. Thereby, a gap D produced between the ink lead-out member 32b and the ink casing 31 can be closed from outside the ink casing 31. Accordingly, the airtightness of a space S in the ink casing 31 is kept, thus making it possible to raise the pressure in the space S and generate such a force as to crush the ink pack. |
| US08668312B2 |
Liquid ejection with on-chip deflection and collection
A printhead includes a substrate and monolithic liquid jetting structure including a nozzle, deflection mechanism, and catcher. The nozzle, through which a liquid jet is ejected in a direction substantially parallel to a first surface of the substrate, includes material layers formed on the first surface of the substrate. At least one of the material layers of the nozzle includes a drop forming mechanism actuated to form liquid drops from the liquid jet. The deflection mechanism is associated with the liquid jet and deflects portions of the liquid jet between first and second paths. Liquid drops formed from portions of the liquid jet following the first path and the second path continue to follow the first path and the second path, respectively. The catcher, including a material layer formed on the first surface of the substrate, collects liquid drops following one of the paths. |
| US08668311B2 |
Piezoelectric actuator having embedded electrodes
A piezoelectric actuator includes a thin film sheet, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The thin film sheet is to physically deform in response to an electric field induced within the thin film sheet. The first electrode is embedded within the thin film sheet. The second electrode is embedded within the thin film sheet, and is interdigitated in relation to the first electrode. The electric field is induced within the thin film sheet via application of a voltage across the first and the second electrodes. |
| US08668310B2 |
Liquid-ejecting head, liquid-ejecting apparatus, piezoelectric element, and piezoelectric material
A liquid-ejecting head includes a pressure-generating chamber communicating with a nozzle opening, and a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element has piezoelectric layer contains a perovskite complex oxide containing Bi, La, Fe, and Mn and can undergo electric-field-induced phase transition. |
| US08668309B2 |
Fluid ejecting apparatus and fluid ejecting method
An apparatus includes: a first nozzles for ejecting first fluid are lined up in a predetermined direction; a second nozzles for ejecting second fluid are lined up in a movement direction; and a control unit which sets a first method of when formation of a main image with the first fluid and formation of a background image with the second fluid are performed to overlap the main image and the background image with each other on the medium, in a case where one of the nozzle group of the part of the first nozzles and the nozzle group of the part of the second nozzles is positioned closer to the other direction side of the predetermined direction than the other nozzle group to perform the image formation on a predetermined area of the medium in advance of the other nozzle group. |
| US08668306B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head including: a head unit having a nozzle forming surface on which a plurality of rows of nozzles ejecting a liquid are arranged and of which the nozzle forming surface is wiped by a wiping member along an arrangement direction of the nozzle rows; and a fixing member, wherein the fixing member has a fixing plate section on which an exposure opening section exposing the nozzles of the nozzle forming surface is formed and of which an upper surface is joined to the nozzle forming surface as a fixing reference surface in a state where the nozzle is exposed into the exposure opening section, and a cutout section, which opens the exposure opening section in the wiping direction and exposes an edge portion of the nozzle forming surface, is formed downstream of the wiping member in the wiping direction in the exposure opening section. |
| US08668305B2 |
Print group for an inkjet printing apparatus
In a print group for an inkjet printing apparatus a printing unit is provided comprising a housing with print bars having print heads. A transport unit is provided for a printing substrate. Drive and guidance units are arranged per print bar which move the print bars independently of one another in a perpendicular direction from a printing position into a transport position and back. In a park unit racks are provided for protective cap bars. A protective cap bar is provided per print bar which when coupled to said print bar seals it. Print bars in an operating position not provided for printing are in the transport position and are coupled with associated protective cap bars. Print bars in said operating position for printing are in the printing position and their associated protective cap bars are arranged in the park unit racks. |
| US08668302B2 |
System and method for printing full-color composite images in an inkjet printer
An inkjet printer includes a plurality of color separation modules. Each color separation module includes an image receiving member and a printhead module configured to eject ink drops onto the image receiving member to form a color separation on the image receiving member. The printer is configured to transfix each color separation on each image receiving member to a single sheet to produce a composite ink image on the print medium after the print medium has passed by all of the color separation modules in the printer. |
| US08668300B2 |
Image recording apparatus
A multifunction machine includes: a first feeding roller and a second feeding roller; an intermediate roller pair provided to a curved portion of a transport route; a main transporting roller pair; a recording head; a first drive motor and a second drive motor; and a control section. The control section intermittently drives the main transporting roller pair and makes the recording head jet ink during a period of time in which the main transporting roller pair is stopped, and performs pre-paper feeding processing for rotating the first feeding roller a predetermined amount in a paper feeding direction when a rear end of a paper is positioned between a first sensor and the first feeding roller. |
| US08668295B2 |
Liquid droplet jetting apparatus
There is provided a liquid droplet jetting apparatus including: a transporting mechanism; and a head moving mechanism configured to move the second liquid droplet jetting head between a first position facing the one surface of the object and a second position facing the other surface of the object. Under a condition that the second liquid droplet jetting head is arranged at the first position, a first nozzle row and a second nozzle row are arranged such that each of first nozzles is overlapped with one of second nozzles with respect to a nozzle-row direction. |
| US08668293B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid from an ejecting nozzle provided in an ejecting head includes a first container that contains a first liquid and a second container that contains a second liquid. The liquid ejecting apparatus includes a channel that selectively communicates with either the first or second container to supply the liquid contained therein to the ejecting head, a switching unit that performs a switching operation of switching between a first communicating state in which the channel communicates with the first container and a second communicating state in which the channel communicates with the second container. In addition, if the remaining amount of the second liquid contained in the second container is less than a predetermined value, prohibits the switching unit from performing the switching operation of switching from the second communicating state to the first communicating state. |
| US08668292B2 |
Refrigerator and refrigerator door
There is provided a door of a refrigerator including: a door assembly which defines the appearance of the refrigerator door; an exterior member which is provided ahead of the door assembly to emit light; a connection member which connects the exterior member to the door assembly; a connection space which is formed between the door assembly and connection member; and a light-emitting means which is disposed at the connection space and emits light to the exterior member. There is an advantage in that it is possible to prevent dazzling of users, since the exterior member is not exposed to the outside and light is emitted via an end of the exterior member. |
| US08668288B2 |
Self-closing and opening device particularly for a movable furniture part
The self-closing and opening device (1) particularly of a movable furniture part (103) comprises a fixed guide (8) having a supporting body (2) in which a first slider (3) can slide reversibly along a sliding axis (100) in opposition to and through the action of first elastic means (5), the first slider (3) being engageable with first driving means (106) present on a driving element (6) which slides reversibly in the direction of the sliding axis (100), the supporting body (2) comprising first movement means (4) for movement of the first slider (3) suitable to engage with guide means (12, 13) of the first slider (3), so as to release it from the driving means (106), also provided with a mechanical or elastically yielding stop (9, 120) against which the first slider (3) rests directly or indirectly before it engages with the guide means (12,13) in the first movement means (4) the driving element (6) being then pushed by an ejector (20) generating an initial opening movement of said movable furniture part (103). |
| US08668286B2 |
Rail system for drawers
The invention relates to a rail system for drawers, comprising a body rail to be fastened to a furniture body and at least one drawer rail that can be moved relative to the body rail, and comprising at least one gear rack arranged on a rail of the rail system, wherein the gear rack can be pivoted or bent relative to the rail to which said gear rack is fastened about an imaginary axis (A) extending in the pull-out direction of the rail and thus is mounted such that the gear rack can be moved vertically to a limited extent. |
| US08668283B2 |
Electronic device enclosure assembly
An electronic device enclosure assembly with a connecting assembly is disclosed. The electronic device enclosure assembly includes two electronic device enclosures. Each of the two electronic device enclosures includes a top frame, a bottom frame, a plurality of supports and a maintaining pole. The plurality of supports connects the top frame and the bottom frame, the maintaining pole is secured between two of the plurality of supports, and the maintaining pole defines a securing slot. A mounting member includes two side plates opposite to each other, and a positioning member protrudes from each of the two side plates. The maintaining poles of the two electronic device enclosures are located between the two side plates, the positioning member is engaged in the securing slot, and the two electronic device enclosures are connected together by the mounting member. |
| US08668277B2 |
Expandable shield
An adjustable and expandable shield for a variety of uses and for the rim and the hub of a wheel, to protect them and keep them clean during the detailing process for the tires. Without this shield, the rims and hub which have already been cleaned during the general cleaning of the car become dirty when tire dressing is applied to the tires and would therefore need to be cleaned a second time to remove the tire dressing that sprayed onto the rim and hub. This device covers the rim and hub so that when tire dressing is applied, the rim and hub are shielded from the spray and will not get dirty. |
| US08668273B2 |
Highchair
A highchair has a seat device, a bracket device and a table. The seat device has a base, a supporting sleeve and a seat. The bracket device is connected to the seat device and has two connecting segments, a connecting frame and a supporting arm. The connecting segments are respectively connected securely to the supporting sleeve and each has a connecting mount, a button seat, a pressing button and a button spring. The connecting frame connects to the connecting segments and has two inserting segments and a primary frame. The supporting arm is telescopically and pivotally connected to the connecting frame. The table is detachably mounted on the bracket device. |
| US08668267B2 |
Chair with tilting backrest
A chair comprising a basic structure, a seat, a backrest, and at least one joint made of plastic material, which connects the backrest to the basic structure, wherein the joint has a first connection portion fixed to or integral with respect to the backrest, and a second connection portion connected to the basic structure, wherein said second connection portion comprises a first and a second arm, which are elongated in a longitudinal direction and are set at a distance from one another in a vertical direction, wherein the first arm has a front portion fixed to the basic structure and is deformable between a resting position corresponding to the resting position of the backrest and a deformed position corresponding to the position where the backrest is tilted backwards, wherein the second arm has a front portion, which is mobile in a longitudinal direction with respect to the basic structure between a first position corresponding to the resting position of the first arm, and a second position corresponding to the deformed position of the first arm, and wherein the second arm and the basic structure are provided with respective arrest elements which limit the extent of the travel in a longitudinal direction of the front portion of the second arm and define an end-of-travel of tilting backwards of the backrest. |
| US08668265B2 |
Chair
A chair has a supporting frame, a seat portion, a back portion, and a recline mechanism. The mechanism moves the seat portion upon a reclining action of the back portion. The mechanism has a rear deformable member and a front deformable member operatively connecting the seat portion and the supporting frame. The recline mechanism also has a lower deformable member operatively connecting a lower part of the back portion and the supporting frame, and a puller member above the lower deformable member. The recline mechanism is configured such that as the back portion is reclined, the lower deformable member deforms and the puller member applies a rearward pulling action which causes the seat portion to move and the front and rear deformable members to deform. |
| US08668262B2 |
Angle adjuster for bicycle seat
An angle adjuster for a bicycle seat that is disposed between a frame of a vehicle and a seat. The angle adjuster for a bicycle seat includes: a frame connector configured to be connected with the frame; a seat connector configured to support the seat, rotatably connected to the upper end of the frame connector, and having a nose at bottom facing the frame connector; an angle adjusting assembly disposed between the frame connector and the seat connector, and having a plurality of locking steps where the nose is configured to be selectively engaged to control rotational angle of the seat connector; an operating lever configured to be mounted on the frame to operate the angle adjusting assembly; and a wire connecting the angle adjusting assembly with the operating lever and reciprocating the angle adjusting assembly, when the operating lever is operated. |
| US08668259B2 |
Pivoting nose-less bicycle seat
This invention relates to bicycle saddles. Several scientific studies have pointed to the risks of damage to the pudendal nerves and arteries associated with extended bicycle riding with conventional bicycle seats. It is the object of this invention to to provide a bicycle seat that can support the rider's weight while minimizing the pressure on the region near the pudendal canal. A further object of the invention is to allow the rider's legs to pedal without interference with the seat. A further object of the invention is to provide comfortable seating while bicycling. The invention consists of a relatively wide, flat seating surface—with no nose—that supports the sit bones of the rider and that pivots about a vertical axis to allow the seating surface to move out of the way of the rider's legs when pedaling on the down stroke. |
| US08668257B2 |
Foldable bracket of a chair
A foldable bracket of a chair contains a positioning rod, a first rotating rod, a connector, a second rotating rod, and a supporting plate. The positioning rod is connected with the chair. The first rotating rod is rotatably coupled with the positioning rod. The connector is joined with the first rotating rod. The second rotating rod is rotatably coupled with the connector, and the supporting plate is connected to the second rotating rod. |
| US08668256B2 |
Roof panel and method of manufacturing said panel
The application discloses a panel assembly for use in a open roof construction for a vehicle. The panel assembly comprises a panel main body, and at least one reinforcement member positioned in the vicinity of at least a part of the edges of said panel main body, and firmly connected thereto by means of a part molded in a molding process to said panel main body and said reinforcement member. A provision is made for locally at least reducing adherence of the moldable material to said reinforcement member and/or said panel main body during molding. There is also disclosed a method of manufacturing the panel assembly. |
| US08668253B2 |
Integrated door scuff plate and wire shield
A scuff plate assembly for use with an automotive vehicle door side sill includes an elongate scuff plate trim and a U-shaped wire shield for housing a wire harness. The scuff plate trim and wire shield are integrally coupled by a deformable living hinge that is disposed on an upper portion of the wire shield. |
| US08668252B2 |
Vehicle body floor structure
In this vehicle body floor structure, stiffeners that extend to a rear of a front cross member and that have a U-shaped concave portion that is open at to top thereof when viewed in a cross-section of a vehicle are joined to a bottom surface on both side portions of floor panel. Beads that have a U-shaped concave portion when viewed in a cross-section of the vehicle are provided at a rear portion of the floor panel, and the beads are aligned with the concave portion of the stiffeners and are provided continuously with the stiffeners. |
| US08668249B2 |
Frame for a cab of a mobile machine
A frame for a cab of a mobile machine includes first and second primary tubes, formed by hydroforming, connected to first and second secondary tubes. The first primary tube includes first and second about vertically extending portions and an about horizontally extending portion. The about vertically extending portions are configured to be connected to the mobile machine, and the about horizontally extending portion is disposed between the about vertically extending portions. The second primary tube includes first and second about vertically extending portions and an about horizontally extending portion. The about vertically extending portions of the second primary tube are configured to be connected to the mobile machine, and the about horizontally extending portion of the second primary tube is disposed between the about vertically extending portions of the second primary tube. |
| US08668245B2 |
Front underfloor structure of vehicle
A front underfloor structure of a vehicle (EV) includes a protruding member protruding downward from a front underfloor surface of the vehicle, and redirects a flow of traveling air that flows around a front underfloor while traveling. The protruding member is configured as a protruding member with curved surface (31) disposed at a position closer to the vehicle front than front tires (1L, 1R) and in a central portion of the front underfloor straddling a vehicle center line (CL). The protruding member with curved surface (31) has a circumference of protrusion in a vehicle longitudinal direction that is longest at the position of the vehicle center line (CL), and the circumference of protrusion in the vehicle longitudinal direction becomes gradually shorter with increasing distance from the vehicle center line (CL) on both sides in a vehicle width direction. |
| US08668241B2 |
Locking device for a sliding-roof arrangement of a motor vehicle
A locking device is provided for a sliding-roof arrangement of a motor vehicle with two guide rails which can be arranged so as to be spaced apart in vehicle transverse direction, on which guide rails a slide connectable with a sliding roof is movably mounted. At least one of the slides comprises lock for steplessly locking the slide at random positions of the respective guide rail. |
| US08668240B2 |
Tailgate gap cover
Disclosed is a vehicle gap cover, such as a tailgate gap cover, for covering a gap defined between two moving components of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the gap cover is a tailgate gap cover for covering the tailgate gap defined between a truck bed and a gate of a truck. The tailgate gap cover includes a cover having a first edge portion, a second edge portion and an exposed portion therebetween. The first edge portion is connected to one of the gate and the truck bed while the second edge portion is slideably received at the other of the gate and the truck bed so that the exposed portion covers the tailgate gap. |
| US08668239B2 |
Storage compartment device
A storage compartment device for an interior panel part of a vehicle and having a housing with at least one access opening, through which a drawer is at least partially movable. The drawer has side walls and a base that is able to be moved between a retracted position and an extended position through the access opening of the housing. A guiding device is provided for moving the drawer between the retracted position and the extended position, which is constructed for guiding the drawer on moving between the retracted position and the extended position along a continuous curved path of movement. |
| US08668234B2 |
Bumper beam
A bumper beam having increased bending strength achieved with a minimum increase in the weight of the bumper beam. The bumper beam (1) is mounted to the front of a vehicle, extends along a reference line (W), and is provided with a beam body (2) and a reinforcing plate (3). In at least one cross section perpendicular to the reference line (W), the reinforcing plate (3) extends linearly and the beam body (2) includes a pair of protrusions (2t, 2s) protruding, while surrounding an inner space, from the reinforcing plate (3) in a direction intersecting the reinforcing plate (3). If the Young's modulus and the density of the beam body (2) are Est and ρst, respectively, and the Young's modulus and the density of the reinforcing plate (3) are E2 and ρ2, respectively, the expression (Est/ρst3)<(E2/ρ23) is satisfied. |
| US08668229B2 |
Contamination resistant connecting system and method
A contamination resistant connecting system includes, a first conduit, a first connector in operable communication with the first conduit, a first seal configured to seal at least part of the first connector from an environment, a second conduit operationally connectable with the first conduit, a second connector in operable communication with the second conduit that is operationally connectable with the first connector and a second seal configured to seal at least part of the second connector from an environment. Additionally, at least one piercing device is configured to pierce through the first seal and the second seal to allow operational connection of the first conduit with the second conduit. |
| US08668227B1 |
Debris barrier for off-road vehicle hitches
A debris barrier for a vehicle receiver hitch with a hitch interface (such as a ball mount or clevis hitch) installed thereon includes a cross-member having a length sufficient to extend between the rear tires of an ATV/UTV. One or more fenders and/or mudguards are removably and replaceably securable to the cross-member in various configurations, with the fenders extending upwardly and the mudguards extending downwardly. The cross-member with fenders and/or mudguards is securable to a ball mount drawbar forward of the hitch ball or clevis, leaving the hitch interface functional so that, e.g., a trailer may also be secured to the vehicle. The fenders/mudguards block debris propelled backwards by the tires and guide the debris downward. The heights and left/right positions of the fenders and/or mudguards on the cross-member are adjustable, as is the forward/rearward position of the cross-member on the drawbar. |
| US08668225B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat includes: a seat back frame that is provided with a pair of side frame portions that are located on both left and right sides in the seat transverse direction; an outer-side load transmitting block that is located further to an outer side in the transverse direction of the seat back frame than the side frame portion of the seat back frame, and that transmits an impact load that is input from a side of the vehicle body to the seat back frame; a protruding portion that protrudes from a side surface of the side frame portion on the outer side in the transverse direction of the seat back frame towards the outer side in the transverse direction of the seat back frame; a side airbag apparatus that is located on a front surface of the protruding portion; and an engaging portion that is formed in the outer-side load transmitting block, and that receives the protruding portion. The protruding portion is formed in a box shape that has a supporting surface on a surface thereof that faces the side airbag apparatus. |
| US08668222B2 |
Foldable stroller
A foldable stroller includes two front legs, two rear legs, a basket frame, two seat-supporting tubes, two pivoting members, two connecting rods, and a backrest-supporting tube. Rotation of the basket frame and the seat-supporting tubes relative to each other about a pivot point results in rotation of the pivoting members relative to the connecting rods about another pivot point to thereby rotate the backrest-supporting tube and the basket frame toward the rear legs in different directions. |
| US08668221B2 |
Automatic coupling device
A device for coupling a vehicle to a trailer is provided. The device includes a base having a channel and a pair of side walls. The channel includes a mouth leading into a stop. The side walls are spaced apart from each other and the channel runs generally between the side walls. A catch is pivotally mounted between the side walls. The catch includes a mounting end, a catch end, and a contact surface. The catch end is pivotable between a first position, wherein the catch end abuts against the base; and a second position wherein the catch end is displaced from the base. The tow pin engages the contact surface of the catch and pivots the catch end towards the second position. The catch end returns to the first position so as to secure the tow pin between the catch end and the stop when the tow pin abuts against the stop. |
| US08668220B2 |
Wheelchair system
A wheelchair system and an accessory system for a wheelchair are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the accessory system may include an accessory frame having one or more interface elements to mount to a wheelchair frame. The accessory system may include a wheel assembly rotatably coupled to the accessory frame by a first fastener. The accessory system may include an engagement system further coupling the accessory frame to the wheel assembly. The engagement system may include a channel guide member defining a channel having a notched region. The channel guide member may be rotatably coupled to one of the accessory frame or wheel assembly by a second fastener. The engagement system may further include a translating member retained within the channel of the channel guide member. The translating member may be fixed to another one of the accessory frame or wheel assembly. |
| US08668214B2 |
Mounting arrangement for a V-rod in a vehicle suspension
A mounting arrangement for a V-rod in a vehicle suspension includes an axle housing having a mounting cavity formed thereon and a joint member installed in the mounting cavity so that a joint coupling extends outward from the axle housing. The joint member may include a ball joint mounted on a post mountable in the mounting cavity. The mounting cavity may be formed in a boss provided on the axle housing. |
| US08668213B2 |
Damper mounting structure
A damper mounting structure is provided with a top buffer member and a bottom buffer member. The bottom buffer member has a protruding section that protrudes with an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the bottom buffer member. The damper mounting structure mates with the protruding section and is anchored to a vehicle body panel, and is provided with a collar formed at substantially the same height as the height of the protruding section. The corner of an opening formed on the vehicle body panel, which comes into contact with the top buffer member, is chamfered. |
| US08668212B2 |
Stabilizer bar of fiber reinforced plastic composite and method for its manufacture
A stabilizer bar or stabilizer link in fiber composite construction is of a monolithic construction without fiber interruption. The cross section geometry, the wall thickness, and the fiber orientation vary in axial direction and radial direction such that the requirements defined by the available construction space and the expected loads are fulfilled. The fiber orientation is adjusted axially and radially load-appropriately. The middle section of the stabilizer bar that is primarily torsion-loaded is reinforced with fibers oriented between +/−35° and +/−55° relative to the longitudinal axis and the end members that are primarily bending-loaded are reinforced with fibers oriented between +/−20° and +/−40° relative to the longitudinal axis. In the transitional areas between the middle section and the end members there are transitions between these fiber orientations relatively to the longitudinal axis. |
| US08668209B1 |
Portable modular tool cabinet systems
An apparatus for organizing and storing tools, related work materials, and convenience items such as a music system with speakers, a radio, a digital CD-player, and a MP3 adapter, as well as a compact refrigerator and a water cooler in a tool cabinet that is modular and easily transportable between work sites. The portable modular tool cabinet provides an electrical power system, shelving units and sliding drawers for holding tools and two lockable doors that hold additional hand tools and can be secured when the user is ready to transport the portable modular tool cabinet to another work site. The entire unit is transportable by using two base wheels and a pivotable-dolly-system with telescoping rod and wheel combinations that allow easy rolling to a transport vehicle such as a pickup truck for loading and transporting to another location. |
| US08668207B1 |
Product promotion storage rack and caddy system
A product promotion storage rack is formed of a base plate having a front surface and a rear surface. The base plate has upper and lower edges. The base plate has parallel left and right edges. A plurality of laterally spaced long fingers extend forwardly from the front surface. Each long finger has a horizontal first short leg and an upwardly extending vertical first long leg. A plurality of laterally spaced inverted short fingers extend rearwardly from the rear surface. Each short finger has a horizontal second short leg and a downwardly extending vertical second long leg. |
| US08668206B2 |
Face seal gasket
Various embodiments of the present invention provide improved face seal gaskets for use in connecting meters and other devices to pipelines. The improved face seal gaskets include a planar annular ring portion and one or more tabs extending substantially perpendicularly from the annular ring portion. In use, the annular ring portion is disposed adjacent a sealing surface on the inlet or outlet of the device to facilitate a fluid tight connection between the device and the pipeline. The tabs engage complementary grooves formed in the inlet or outlet portions of the device to facilitate alignment of the annular ring to the sealing surface thereon. The tabs may also retain the face seal gasket adjacent the sealing surface to facilitate improved installation of the device to the pipeline. |
| US08668203B2 |
Valve stem seal with gas relief features
A valve stem seal can include an elastomeric component having a first portion for having a sealed engagement with a valve stem, and a pressure relief lip engaging a valve guide. The pressure relief lip can have a sealing configuration and a venting configuration. The venting configuration can allow excess exhaust gases to vent from a combustion chamber. After the venting of excess exhaust gases, the pressure relief lip can close to the sealing configuration to prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber. The elastomeric body or the valve guide can include a pressure relief channel. The elastomeric body can also include a bumper engaging the valve guide. The pressure relief channel can be disposed in the bumper. |
| US08668195B2 |
Media diverter apparatus
A multi-position letterbox media diverter that maximizes productivity includes a gate configured like a tomahawk to allow sufficient space for the diverter to operate immediately after the trail edge of a sheet passes the front edge of the gate and thereby increase gate actuation time. Reversible drives of an inverter are used to direct the sheet to a duplex path while another sheet is simultaneously directed by a lower integrated baffle portion of the gate to an output tray as needed. Thus, reducing the time required for the sheet to be in the inverter path before reversing sheet direction, thereby facilitating a reduction in required transport speed. |
| US08668192B2 |
Insertion system, image forming system, and insertion method
An insertion system includes a folding device to perform either single-sheet folding to fold a single sheet at a time or batch folding to fold multiple sheets together at a time, an insertion device to insert into an envelope the sheet folded by the folding device, and a batch setting unit to designate either the single-sheet folding or the batch folding from a folding and insertion menu for multiple sheets at a time when the multiple sheets are processed by the folding device and the insertion device. |
| US08668190B1 |
Impact absorbing telescoping post for multi-panel trampolines
An impact-absorbing structure includes a vertical hollow column that telescopically receives a post. A coil spring surmounts a centrally apertured support plate that receives and is secured to the hollow column. A coil spring stands atop the support plate and the upper end of the coil spring is secured to a top plate that surmounts the post. A centrally apertured spacer plate is parallel to the top plate and is downwardly spaced apart from it. A plurality of bolts interconnects the top plate and spacer plate. The post retracts within the hollow column and the coil spring is compressed when a downwardly directed force is applied to the top plate. The coil spring unloads and restores the top plate and the spacer plate to their respective positions of repose when the downwardly directed force is removed. Each bolt is engaged by an eye loop at the end of a cable. |
| US08668186B1 |
Dumpster screen and method of use thereof
A dumpster screen comprising a fenced enclosure around one (1) or more trash dumpsters commonly found by commercial establishments. The fence material is made of an outdoor weather-proof textile material supported on its vertical sides using fence posts and along its horizontal edges using cables. A front portion of the enclosure, typically accessed by trucks to empty the dumpsters, comprises a gate portion. This enables the incoming truck to lower its forks across the reinforced top of said gate and continue lowering it until it can remove the dumpster in the normal manner. After emptying, the dumpster is replaced in the same manner and the front barrier automatically returns to position. |
| US08668183B2 |
Dual-direction in-tank magnetic safety valve
A magnetic safety valve for installation through a tank wall incorporates a piston movable within a valve body. The valve is held normally-closed by two opposite-pole magnets, one in the inner end of the piston, and one in the valve body. A vacuum produced by a pump connected to the valve will act upon the outer end of the piston, producing a force tending to move the piston outward. When the vacuum-induced outward force on the piston exceeds the attractive force between the two magnets, it pulls the piston outward and away from the valve body magnet, unseating the inner end of the piston from the valve body, and allowing outward fluid flow through the valve. A second valve seat may be provided for engagement with an outer portion of the piston to prevent uncontrolled fluid flow out of the tank in the event of valve damage. |
| US08668181B2 |
Device for attaching a piece of furniture to the floor of an aircraft
Devices associated with an interface that is advantageous for the customized attachment of pieces of furniture to the floor of an aircraft. The interface includes rails extending longitudinally in the aircraft cabin, able to receive anchoring devices for connecting the furniture elements to these rails. The anchoring devices include axial and radial claw clamping devices which are associated together in pairs and operated together in pairs by a single and same lever (58, 95). |
| US08668179B2 |
Mount for an electronic device
A mounting device that securely supports an electronic device to a surface such as a vehicle dashboard. The mounting device comprises a flexible base for placement on a mounting surface and a bendable frame attached to or otherwise coupled with the base to permit the base to be shaped to at least partially conform to contours on the mounting surface. The base may be partially formed of a material that provides sufficient friction between its lower surface and the mounting surface to resist unwanted movement. The frame may be formed of aluminum and may include a central portion and a plurality of appendages each independently movable about at least two axes of movement. Each of the appendages may include a connecting link joined to the central portion and a pair of arms extending from the connecting link and movable relative to one another and relative to the central portion. |
| US08668173B2 |
Apparatus for retaining fluid hoses to a farm implement frame
A bracket arrangement for securing fertilizer hoses, such as those for carrying anhydrous ammonia, to the frame of a fertilizer applicator or similar implement is made of a corrosion resistant material and is thus resistant to damage caused by thermal changes, sunlight, and inclement weather. The bracket arrangement is designed to be removably attached to the implement frame to allow flexibility in where along the frame the hoses, or bundles of hoses, are retained. The bracket arrangement includes a bracket having an elongated and generally planar body with an eyelet formed in the planar body. The eyelet is configured to pass a length of hose and restrict movement of the hose in a direction orthogonal to its length. |
| US08668172B2 |
Holding device for a sprinkler nozzle
A holding device (1) for a sprinkler nozzle (17) of a sprinkler system is provided, wherein the holding device has a first bracket (2) and a second bracket (3) that are connected to each other at one of their ends and that extend parallel to each other at least in an assembled state of the holding device (1). Each bracket has a structure (10, 11) for receiving a sprinkler nozzle (17), and the receiving structures (10, 11) are formed for receiving the sprinkler nozzle (17) oriented perpendicular to the two brackets (2, 3). The two brackets (2, 3) have, at their free ends opposite the one end, complementary catch structures (5, 6) by which the two brackets (2, 3) can be locked with each other in the assembled state. |
| US08668171B2 |
Utensil rest
A utensil rest includes a main body having a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall are connected and define an edge of the main body. At least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall have at least one utensil receiving portion formed therein. The at least one utensil receiving portion is configured to receive a utensil. |
| US08668170B2 |
Railway signaling system with redundant controllers
Disclosed is a railway signaling system for controlling a load. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, the system comprises a first autonomous controller and a second autonomous controller which is redundant with the first controller, each controller connectable to the load such that there is no single point of failure. The first and second controllers operable in either an on-line mode wherein both power outputs provide power to the load or an off-line mode wherein a single power output does not provide power to the load. On-line controllers monitor current therethrough. When both controllers are on-line, the current between the two controller is imbalanced up to a threshold limit, if the threshold limit is exceeded by one controller, that controller will go off line, and if the first controller is off-line and the second controller is on-line, the second controller monitors output voltages of the off-line controller to ascertain that the output voltages are zero. |
| US08668169B2 |
Communications based crossing control for locomotive-centric systems
A train equipped with an onboard system for determining its position and a track database for determining the positions of upcoming grade crossings sends activate after expiration messages to control wayside warning systems at the crossings to achieve a constant warning time while maintaining a safety margin that ensures the train can be stopped if the wayside systems do not respond correctly to the activate after expiration messages. The system may be used in place of existing track-based crossing warning system control circuits. Communications between the train may be radio-based, and may be direct between the train and wayside devices or may be routed through a central station, which may act as a relay or maintain a database. The train may control multiple crossings at one time, thereby eliminating the need for downstream adjacent crossing control. |
| US08668166B2 |
Shape memory riblets
A multilayer construction for an array of aerodynamic riblets incorporates a first layer composed of a material with protuberances, the first layer material having shape memory and a second layer composed of a material exhibiting a second characteristic with capability for adherence to a surface. |
| US08668162B1 |
Apparatus and method for roll moment equalization at high advance ratios for rotary wing aircraft
A method for equalizing rolling moments at high advance ratios is disclosed including impelling an aircraft in a forward direction at an airspeed by means of a thrust source and rotating a rotor of the aircraft at an angular velocity with respect to the airspeed effective to cause a positive total lift on each blade due to air flow over the blades in the retreating direction when the blade is moving in the retreating direction. The rotor includes an even number of blades placed at equal angular intervals around the rotor hub. One or both of cyclic pitch and rotor angle of attack are adjusted such that a rolling moment of the retreating blade due to reverse air flow is between 0.3 and 0.7 times a rolling moment on the advancing blade due to lift. |
| US08668161B2 |
Systems and methods for long endurance stratospheric operations
An illustrative airship system for long endurance stratospheric operations includes an upper airship and a first end of a tether attached to the upper airship. A lower airship is attached to a second end of the tether and a payload airship is reversibly mated to the lower airship. The airship system is free flying and configured to maintain long duration station keeping. Illustrative methods for long endurance stratospheric operations are also provided. |
| US08668160B2 |
Cable organizer and electronic appliance with same
A cable organizer in accordance with the present invention has a top seat, a separating plate and a base plate. The top seat has two plug slots, a winder and a longitudinal slot. The separating plate is mounted to a bottom of the winder and has a slit corresponding to and communicating with the longitudinal slot. The base plate is detachably mounted to a lower portion of the separating plate and has a spindle having a top mounted in the slit of the separating plate. The present invention also relates to an electronic appliance with the cable organizer. The electronic appliance has two sliding slots to which the base are slidably mounted, wherein the base plate has a mounting slot and the electronic appliance has a positioning bead selectively protruding from the side of the electronic appliance and detachably inserted in the mounting slot of the base plate. |
| US08668159B2 |
Folded perforated web
A web, such as a tissue or nonwoven web. Perforation lines in the web define sheets. The web is folded before being rolled or stacked, such that the intersection of the perforation lines and the folding line provides reliable dispensing. The web in roll or stack form, a method for forming the web, and a dispenser adapted for dispensing the web are also described. |
| US08668157B2 |
Method of recovering film-forming material
A layer (71), made from a material that is attracted by a magnet, is formed in at least part of a chamber component (70), which at least part makes in contact with a film forming material. A method for collecting a film forming material includes the steps of: (a) exfoliating an attachment (22) which has attached to a surface of the chamber component (70); and (b) collecting the attachment (22) by separating a fragment of the layer (71), which fragment has been exfoliated in the step (a), while causing the fragment to be attracted by a magnet (202a). |
| US08668154B2 |
Lawn mower and fertilizer spreader combination
A riding lawn mower mounted drop spreader apparatus is used for spreading a granular material while mowing. The spreader includes a hopper for holding a quantity of a granular material to be dispensed with a control gate which controls the amount of material distributed while mowing. An auger located in the hopper has a drive motor which can also be controlled by an operator of the mower. The hopper has a mounting frame for mounting the hopper and agitator mechanism on a rear chassis region of the lawn mower. An operator can visually observe the amount of material distributed by observing the mowed path behind the mower during use. |
| US08668153B2 |
Spray nozzle for low clearance spraying
A spray nozzle includes an orifice disposed on a substantially planar discharge surface. An impingement surface is disposed opposite the orifice, the impingement surface forming an angle with a centerline of the orifice. A deflection ridge bridges a gap between the impingement surface and the discharge surface. Adjacent the deflection ridge is a further trough which extends into the impingement surface. The nozzle includes a fluid fitting adapted for providing a pressurized fluid to the orifice. |
| US08668149B2 |
Bar code reader terminal and methods for operating the same having misread detection apparatus
Misreads in decodable indicia by terminals such as bar code scanners (e.g., laser, image sensors) can occur. Solutions can include increasing redundancy or screening out erroneous data. Embodiments of screening error reduction circuits, terminals, and/or methods for processing decodable indicia data are provided. |
| US08668148B2 |
RFID chip tray
The invention generally pertains to a chip tray for storing casino currency. By way of example, one chip tray is a dual chip tray having a lower housing assembly having an interior configured for receiving at least one removable chip tray for holding gaming currency. A top tray sub assembly is hinged relative to the lower housing assembly to pivot between a closed position and an open position. A chip tray lid is provided to cover the lower housing assembly in a covered position. In another example, RFID antennas are positioned within the lower housing assembly and the top tray sub assembly. The RFID antennas are configured to read and communicate with RFID-enabled gaming currency in the lower housing assembly and the top tray sub assembly. |
| US08668144B2 |
Method and process for symbolic mark decoding
Apparatuses, systems and methods that operate to customize content or other information indicated by symbolic marks (such as, for example, QR codes and other types of barcodes). |
| US08668143B2 |
Payment cards and devices with gift card, global integration, and magnetic stripe reader communication functionality
A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. Gift cards may be inputted by a user into such a payment card or other device such that a user can combine gift cards. Similarly, a user be provided with a global payment account that can be utilized in multiple countries that have different standards for formatting data. A user may be provided with a default country (e.g., United States) but may have a way to select that the user is in a different country (e.g., Japan). Accordingly, a user may select that a Japanese data structure be transmitted through a magnetic stripe reader when the user is in Japan. |
| US08668141B2 |
Digital receipt reading device, software and method of digital receipt reading
A customer's mobile device comprises a camera and a processor. The camera is used to scan a two-dimensional barcode which has encoded within it transaction details and ancillary information relating to purchases made by a customer in their receipted transaction. |
| US08668139B2 |
Method of protecting an individual's privacy when providing service based on electronic tag
A technology for providing a service based on an electronic tag. A personalized service provider issues a new code that replaces a code recorded on an electronic tag which is attached to a product purchased by a purchaser, sets a privacy policy of the purchaser, authenticates the new code and purchaser information, and provides a service associated with the product in a limited manner according to the set privacy policy when a person who accesses the personalized service provider is not the purchaser of the product. |
| US08668131B2 |
In-situ accuracy control in flux dipping
A flux dipping apparatus includes a flux plate having a top surface; and a dipping cavity in the flux plate and recessed from the top surface. A flux leveler is disposed over the flux plate and configured to move parallel to the top surface. A piezoelectric actuator is configured to adjust a distance between the flux leveler and the top surface in response to a controlling voltage applied to electrodes of the first piezoelectric actuator. |
| US08668130B2 |
Surgical stapling systems and staple cartridges for deploying surgical staples with tissue compression features
A surgical staple having at least one projection formed thereon. In various embodiments, the projection is formed on a crown of the surgical staple. In one various embodiment, the projection surrounds, or is positioned adjacent to, at least one deformable member of the surgical staple. In one embodiment, the projection can apply an increased compressive force or pressure to soft tissue surrounding the deformable member prior to the deformable members puncturing a hole in the soft tissue. As a result of the increased compressive force or pressure on the tissue, after staple deployment, blood flow proximate deformable member puncture holes can be reduced. |
| US08668123B2 |
Holding apparatus for a portable electronic device
An apparatus is disclosed to hold a communication device, such as a cellular phone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, or the like, in a manner that provides for hands-free use of the communication device, particularly while driving, visual proximity so that a display of the communication device is easily observed, and audio proximity so that a speaker and a microphone are easily within hearing and speaking distances. The holding apparatus includes one or more clips with which to clip the device onto a visor. The clips provide a degree of rotation about a pivot pin. The body is configurable such that it can hold devices of varying sizes. The body can extend both vertically and horizontally to accommodate longer and wider devices. In at least one embodiment, the body is sectioned into four quarters that can extend and retract to accommodate many varied sizes of devices. |
| US08668122B2 |
Tablet accessory system
A tablet computer accessory system for holding a tablet computer includes a base; a plurality of holding straps extending from the base, the plurality of straps each forming a loop, each loop oriented on a corner of the tablet computer; a lanyard interconnected with the base; a handle interconnected with the base; a hanging strap interconnected with a carabineer, the hanging strap attached to the base; and a leg strap interconnected with the base. |
| US08668121B2 |
Filling device
Filling device (1, 101) including a reservoir (3, 103) intended to contain liquid, a valve (4, 104) connected to the reservoir and a spout (20, 120), in which the valve has a shutter (10, 110) and a shutter seat (11), a flow circuit having a liquid inlet adjacent to the shutter seat and a liquid outlet adjacent to the spout, the liquid outlet being located lower than the liquid inlet, and an air intake circuit separate from the flow circuit, in which a pushrod (22, 122) has an upper end adjacent to the shutter. The pushrod includes a first duct (27) and a second duct (28), the air inlet circuit including the first duct, the flow circuit including the second duct. |
| US08668117B2 |
Fluid dispensing apparatus and method
A fluid dispenser contains and dispenses metered amounts of fluid, and in some embodiments comprises a reservoir for containing fluid; a chamber positioned substantially within the reservoir for containing a quantity of fluid; and a piston moveable within the chamber in a first direction to draw fluid into the chamber from the reservoir, and movable in a second direction to discharge a metered amount of fluid from the chamber. A user-manipulatable control can be coupled to the piston to move the piston with respect to the chamber, and in some cases to select the desired metered amount of fluid to be dispensed. Also, a pawl can be used to selectively permit and inhibit movement of the piston in the first and/or second directions to prevent partial doses from being dispensed from the fluid dispenser. |
| US08668114B2 |
Dispensing system and package for use therewith
An improved dispensing system for dispensing products provided initially in a package that includes an activatable opening structure is disclosed. The dispensing system comprises a frame being configured to support the package of products and an opening tool associated with the frame. The opening tool engages with the activatable opening structure on the package to create an opening when the package is moved longitudinally along the frame of the dispensing system, thus allowing the products to be at least partially dispensed out of the package into the product display area of the frame through the opening formed on the rear panel or on an angular of the rear and side panels of the package. |
| US08668112B2 |
Hole-sealing cover
Hole-sealing cover wherewith, while securing space for a moving part such as the end of a suspension arm, the size of a hole in a member being attached to can be made small. The hole-sealing cover is shaped so that it can be inserted into a hole in a bracket, includes a vessel-shaped main cover body which has a space for an end to move in formed inside, and a flange, formed at the peripheral edges of the main cover body, for preventing excessive insertion, in which main cover body, at the top part thereof forming a vessel-shaped bottom surface, a hinge is formed which extends, crossing the top part linearly, which hinge exhibits elasticity wherewith the width in a direction crossing the hinge can be reduced by a pressing force and wherewith the width is restored to the original width when the pressing force is released. |
| US08668103B2 |
Package with a sleeve having a self-initializing locking tab
A self-locking package comprising a sleeve having a self-initializing locking tab and a slidable insert. The sleeve comprises a plurality of panels forming a substantially quadrilateral cross section. The locking tab extends between a top panel and a bottom panel and is offset from corners of the quadrilateral. An insert for retaining an item is at least partially insertable within an opening of the sleeve and includes a notch formed in at least one portion of the perimeter of the insert, such that when the insert is properly inserted into the sleeve, the locking tab seats within the notch to substantially prevent relative movement between the insert and the sleeve. |
| US08668094B2 |
Carbon membrane structure and method for producing same
A carbon membrane structure includes: a cylindrical porous support body provided with a plurality of cells extending from one end face to the other end face and functioning as fluid passages, and a carbon membrane disposed on the surface side of the cells formed in the porous support body. The plurality of cells are formed so that a distance from one cell to another cell adjacent to the one cell in a cross section perpendicular to a cell extension direction of the porous support body 1 is 0.60 mm or more. The carbon membrane structure shows very excellent separation performance by the carbon membrane. |
| US08668093B2 |
Atmospheric pressure microwave plasma treated porous membranes
Versions of the invention include compositions and methods for making them that include a polymeric porous membrane with one or more atmospheric pressure microwave plasma modified surfaces. The modified porous membrane is stable, non-dewetting, and retains its mechanical strength. |
| US08668092B2 |
System and method for uniformly distributing a fluid through a filter bed in a filter
A system and method for uniformly distributing fluids (e.g., washing and in-service) through a filter bed of a filter. The system and method of the present invention can be used with any type of filter that uses media to remove impurities from a fluid. The filter bed can include one or more layers of media. The media can be natural (e.g., sand, gravel, anthracite, etc.) or can be fabricated (e.g., plastic). The filter media can be supported by one or more layers of gravel. Alternatively, the filter media can be supported by a porous plate or other support designed to replace the gravel layers. The present invention includes a system having one or more distribution members configured to uniformly distribute a fluid through a filter bed of a filter. Preferably, the one or more distribution members can be readily installed by relatively unskilled labor in both existing filters and new filters. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more distribution members are configured to extend into at least a portion of an underdrain from above the underdrain. In retrofit applications, the preferred design of the one or more distribution members is such that no significant alteration of the distribution chamber, underdrain or fluid velocity is necessary. |
| US08668089B2 |
System crate, in particular for transporting fresh fish
The present invention relates to a crate (2) of a system of crates, in particular for transporting fresh fish, which has an opening (16) on the top side, and wherein the edge area as well as the base area of the opening on the top side are designed in such a manner that the base area on the edge of the opening on the top side is laterally and positively placed on an identical crate; thus the crates can be stacked on top of each other such that the upper crate can be inserted into the lower crate, rotated about a vertical axis by 180°, and thus the empty boxes can be stacked into one another (180° stack-nest crate), and said crate is thereby characterized in that the edge area (10) of the opening on the top side is designed, at least in terms of area, in a channel shape and has at least one first through hole (30) which is located on the outer side at the bottom of the crate wall adjacent to the edge area, and in that the base of the crate features a second through hole (30) so that liquid can drain out of the crate through the second through hole into the channel-shaped area of a similar crate stacked below, and then through the first through hole of the crate stacked below, out of the channel-shaped area alongside the outer side crate wall adjacent to the edge area of the lower side. |
| US08668086B2 |
Cover for welding wire container
A cover for a welding wire container has a body portion provided with an elongate slot through which the welding wire can be withdrawn from the container, and at least one flap formed integrally therewith and partially defining the slot. |
| US08668083B1 |
Dugout locker
A flexible storage device is particularly well suited for use in dugouts, for holding equipment used in sports, such as baseball and softball is disclosed. An example of the device includes central pocket between front and back surfaces to use for storage, or for use in decorating. The device is flexible to allow it to be rolled up for quick and simple transport, and includes an elastic device for retaining bats. Additionally an arrangement that allows weight balance of items being held, bats on the sides, helmet, mitt and sunglasses pocket in center, which obviates the need for rigid structure is also disclosed. |
| US08668082B2 |
Flexible packaging
Various arrangements for a flexible package for articles of footwear or other items are presented. The flexible package generally includes a lightweight flexible package sized to accommodate a pair of shoes. The flexible package may also include a removable stiffening insert to aid in maintaining the structure of the flexible package and allow stacking of the package. Further, the flexible package may include one or more handle arrangements. Various closure arrangements may be used with the flexible packaging for footwear, such as an undercut tab arrangement, hook and loop type closure arrangement, rim and lip, and the like. |
| US08668080B1 |
Method and device for storing and transporting jewelry
A method and device for storing and transporting jewelry which generally includes a flexible, tubular, and transparent sleeve having a first angled end and a second angled end opposite thereof. The first end and the second end each have angled openings leading to an internal cavity. A jewelry item is inserted within the sleeve so that the first end and second end of the jewelry protrude from the first and second end of the sleeve. The first and second end of the sleeve are then extended over the first and second ends of the jewelry and connected to each other, such as by tying, or through the use of various types of fasteners so that the jewelry is completely enclosed within the sleeve in a conventional clasped circular-shaped orientation that will prevent tangling of the jewelry and allow the jewelry to be stored, hung on display, worn, or easily transported. |
| US08668078B2 |
Clean, high density, soft-accumulating conveyor
A conveyor segment for clean manufacturing applications. Each conveyor belt segment includes a pair of side rails parallel to each other; a pair of belt-drives for transporting work pieces from a first end to a second end of the belt segment; a pair of driving wheels for turning the belt-drives. The belt of each of the belt-drives is disposed in a serpentine path about plural, load-bearing upper idler wheels, around either a lower loop-back idler wheel or a driving wheel, and back up and around another pair of upper idler wheels. This sequence is repeated a selected number of times about additional pairs of upper idler wheels and lower loop-back idler wheels or a driving wheel before the belt is disposed beneath plural return idler wheels and back up to the starting point. Slipping between the belt and wheels is thus minimized, even in the absence of a work piece on the belt segment. |
| US08668071B2 |
Turning wheel
A turning wheel comprising a number of blades. Each blade has a front side provided with a front projection, and a back side provided with a back projection. Each two consecutive blades form a gap between the backside of a first blade and a front side of a second blade. The gap comprises an inner gap formed radially inward from the back projection and the front projection. During rotation of the turning wheel a container can be held in the gap and an end portion of the container can be held in the inner gap, thereby protecting the end portion from being damaged. |
| US08668065B2 |
Torque limiting coupling
A torque limiting coupling rotatably arranged around a longitudinal axis A has a coupling hub (2, 102, 202), drivers (6, 106), a coupling sleeve (3, 103, 203) and a switching disk (4, 104, 204). The switching disk (4, 104, 204) is rotatably arranged between a switched-on position and an idling position relative to the coupling hub (2, 102, 202). The drivers (6, 106) engage the coupling sleeve first recesses (7, 107,207) in the switched-on position. The drivers (6, 106) engage the switching disk second recesses (8, 108, 208) in the idling position. A first spring mechanism (25, 125, 225) urges the switching disk (4, 104, 204) in the direction towards the switched-on position. A second spring mechanism (12, 112, 212) acts axially on the switching disk (4, 104, 204) and urges the drivers (6, 106) against the coupling sleeve (3, 103, 203). |
| US08668062B2 |
Damper for furniture
The invention relates to a damper (1, 1′) for furniture, especially hinges, comprising a housing (2, 2′) in which a piston (8, 8′) is connected to a piston rod (3, 3′) and can be displaced. A fluid flows through at least one flow channel (11, 11′) on or in the piston (8, 8′) during a movement of the piston (8, 8′) inside the housing (2, 2′), the movement of the piston (8, 8′) resulting in a different damping power in different directions. The cross-section of the flow channel can be modified in some sections on at least one groove (20, 20′) by moving a plate (12, 12′) relative to the piston (8, 8′). On the at least one groove (20, 20′), a substantially funnel-shaped outlet (22, 22′) and/or the groove (20′) have a section which is arranged at an angle to the radial direction to avoid cavitation. |
| US08668049B2 |
Ladder
A ladder comprises two stiles and at least a step unit mounted between the two stiles. The step unit includes a hollow step, an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is fit into the hollow step, at an end of which a position restriction portion is located to prevent the inner sleeve from moving out, and the outer sleeve is adapted to surround the end of the hollow step. Besides, a fastener is set, the fastening end of which is passed through the stile, the outer sleeve and fastened in the inner sleeve. The present technique solution has a high supporting strength and a high shear resistance. |
| US08668047B2 |
Toeboard system having telescoping, articulating and interlocking members
A toeboard system for scaffolding has telescoping, articulating, and interlocking members. The telescoping member has inner and outer sleeves configured in telescope arrangement for linear extension of the inner sleeve. Connecting brackets are positioned between the telescoping member and the articulating member to facilitate rotational positioning of the articulating member. In addition, the telescoping member and the articulating member, respectively, include a mounting structure and a receiving structure, which are configured to interlock one toeboard system to another toeboard system. Alternative toeboard systems with the mounting structure and the receiving structure but without telescoping members or articulating members are also disclosed. |
| US08668045B2 |
Sound and vibration transmission pad and system
The present invention is a chair or similar body-supporting apparatus for sitting on, reclining on or lying upon. The chair or similar apparatus is capable of transmitting sound and vibrations generated by a sound source and/or a vibration source to a user's body. The sound and vibrations are transmitted through speakers, transducers, or a combination thereof which are connected to the chair or similar apparatus. The present invention is also a method of providing vibrational energy to a user, including regulating sound and vibrations transmitted through speakers, transducers, or a combination thereof which are connected to a chair or similar body-supporting apparatus. |
| US08668044B2 |
Transporter vehicle
There is provided a circulation line (39) for circulating pressurized oil from an accumulator (11) into a housing (15) of a steering valve (14). An orifice joint (41) is provided along the path of the circulation line (39). The orifice joint (41) is removably mounted on the housing (15) of the steering valve (14) from outside. An orifice portion (42) of the orifice joint (41) applies a throttling function to the circulating oil liquid whereby a frictional heat is generated therein. The oil liquid in a warm state flows through a communication passage (21), passages in a spool valve (16), and a low pressure side passage (18B), thus enabling the steering valve (14) to be always in a warm state. |
| US08668041B2 |
Construction machine having platform for maintenance work
A construction machine including: a lower propelling body; an upper slewing body having a rear region with an engine room; a slewing device for slewing the upper slewing body; and a platform cover. The slewing device includes a slewing electric motor having an electric-motor output shaft, and a speed reducer having a speed-reducer output shaft rotated more slowly than the electric-motor output shaft, the speed reducer installed forward of the engine room such that the speed-reducer output shaft points downward, the slewing electric motor disposed just above the speed reducer. The platform cover is provided on a top of the slewing electric motor, having an upper surface serving as a platform for maintenance of equipment in the engine room. The platform cover is lower than the engine cover and adjacent to a front side of the engine room. |
| US08668040B2 |
Supercharger-equipped internal combustion engine for saddle-ride type vehicle
An internal combustion engine for a vehicle can include a crankcase, and a supercharger disposed behind the crankcase in a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body. A throttle body and an intercooler are connected in the front-to-rear direction, to an intake passage of the engine. The intake passage extends a rearward from a cylinder head, and the cylinder head protrudes substantially upward from the crankcase. The throttle body and the intercooler are connected in this order, in the front-to-rear direction. |
| US08668038B2 |
Hydraulic cab tilt actuator with lost motion
A lost motion piston assembly comprising a lost motion cavity formed within a piston and a lost motion piston disposed within the lost motion cavity. The lost motion piston forms a sealed gas cavity. The sealed gas cavity contracts when the actuator is extended under pressure into the cylinder space and expands under pressure when the actuator is retracted by relieving pressure in the cylinder space. |
| US08668037B2 |
Saddle-ride-type electrically operated vehicle
In an electrically-operated vehicle including rear wheels on right and left sides of a rear portion of a vehicle body, the electrically-operated vehicle includes a motor that drives the rear wheels, a battery 51 that is arranged above the motor, and a lower battery that is placed between the right and left rear wheels. The lower battery and the motor are arranged in a distributed manner over an axle of the rear wheels between a vehicle front side of the axle of the rear wheels and a vehicle rear side of the axle of the rear wheels. An upper end portion of a rear cushion is supported on a vehicle body frame, and the battery and the motor are supported on a lower end of the rear cushion. |
| US08668035B2 |
Electric traction system and method
A power exchange unit (PXU) is coupled to an existing manual transmission of a vehicle via a PTO port. An electric motor generator coupled to the PXU. A battery is electrically coupled to the motor generator for supplying power to propel the vehicle. A control unit is coupled to the motor generator and the battery and configured to switch operation of the vehicle between first and second modes, wherein in the first mode an internal combustion engine of the vehicle propels the vehicle, and in the second mode the motor generator propels the vehicle in a motoring mode. |
| US08668034B2 |
Self-reconfigurable mobile manipulator
A manipulator including a mobile plate for carrying an end-effector, connected to a plurality of legs, each of which has a distal end connected to the mobile plate and a proximal end connected to a supporting object by a clamping device, a plurality of distal links, a plurality of intermediate links and a plurality of proximal links, an actuator connected between each pair of longitudinally adjacent intermediate links, the distal links, connecting the intermediate links with the mobile plate by a system of distal revolute joints including a distal lockable joint, and the proximal links, connecting the intermediate links with a system of proximal joints having lockable proximal joints, where the manipulator is able to achieve manipulation, self-reconfiguration and locomotion movements without needing actuators directly acting on each joint. |
| US08668030B2 |
Establishing positions of locating field detectors and path mapping in underground boring tool applications
Specific apparatus and associated methods are described for use in establishing the positions of locating field detectors and for path mapping within a region for the purpose of tracking and/or guiding the movement of an underground boring tool. In one aspect, an improvement is provided forming part of an arrangement for tracking the position and/or guiding the boring tool using an electromagnetic locating signal which is transmitted from the boring tool as the boring tool moves through the ground. At least two detectors are located at fixed positions within the region, each being operable in a transmit mode and in a receive mode such that each one of the detectors in the transmit mode is able to transmit a relative locating signal to the other detector for use in determining the relative position of one detector in relation to the other and such that both detectors receive the electromagnetic locating signal in the receive mode for use in determining the position of the boring tool within the region. Provisions are also described for extending drilling range by using additional detectors by moving a limited number of detectors. In another aspect, a system is provided including at least two above ground detectors for sensing the locating signal. The detectors are located at initial positions in the region. Electromagnetic data is generated by the detectors with the boring tool at multiple positions to generate electromagnetic data which is used to identify the positions of the detectors. A selected flux pathline steering technique is introduced. |
| US08668029B2 |
Sonic latch mechanism
A head assembly includes a body, a spearhead operatively associated with the body and configured to translate axially relative to the body, and at least one latch operatively associated with the spearhead and the body. The latch is configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body in response to axial translation of the spearhead relative to the body. In an extended position, the latch covers more than 25% of the circumference of the body adjacent the latches. |
| US08668025B2 |
Hand-guided work apparatus
A hand-guided work apparatus includes a combustion engine to drive a work tool. The combustion engine includes a crankcase (14) in which a crankshaft (16) is rotatably mounted about a rotational axis (44). A pressure sensor (27) and a temperature sensor (26) are arranged on the crankcase (14). The pressure sensor (27) and the temperature sensor (26) are arranged in a common sensor housing (31). In the typical put-down position (8) of the work apparatus, the pressure sensor (27) and the temperature sensor (26) are arranged below a plane (45) which is parallel to the horizontal storage surface (7) and contains the rotational axis (44) of the crankshaft (16). A connecting channel (25) is formed in the sensor housing (31). The connecting channel (25) connects the pressure sensor (27) to the crankcase interior (20) and the base (35) of the connecting channel (25) slopes down toward the crankcase interior (20) in the typical put-down position (8) of the work apparatus. |
| US08668018B2 |
Selective dart system for actuating downhole tools and methods of using same
Plug element systems comprise a tubular member having at least two seats. An eccentrically-shaped plug member comprises an upper end portion and a lower end portion. The upper end portion comprises an upper end diameter can be less than, greater than, or equal to a lower end portion diameter of the lower end portion. The eccentric shape of the plug member permits it to pass through a first seat and land on a second seat comprising a second seat length where both the first seat and the second seat comprise substantially equal inner seat diameters. |
| US08668013B2 |
Plug counter, fracing system and method
A plug counter includes a seat receptive of a plug in a first position and capable of passing the plug in a second position. A first sleeve is in operable communication with the seat and is longitudinally movable in response to movement of the seat between the first position and the second position. A second sleeve is in operable communication with at least one of the first sleeve and the seat and is configured to index upon passage of the plug. A key is in operable communication with the seat and is configured to prevent movement of the seat to the second position after a selected number of plugs have passed the seat. A third sleeve is in operable communication with the first sleeve, and a release member is in operable communication with the third sleeve and is configured to move the third sleeve after it is released. |
| US08668007B2 |
Non-rotating casing centralizer
A non-rotating downhole sleeve adapted for casing centralization in a borehole. The sleeve includes a tubular body made of hard plastic with integrally formed helical blades positioned around its outer surface and an inner surface which allows drilling fluid to circulate to form a non-rotating fluid bearing between the sleeve and the casing. The tubular sleeve comprises a continuous non-hinged wall structure for surrounding the casing. The non-rotating centralizer sleeve reduces sliding and rotating torque at the surface while drilling the casing, for example, with minimal obstruction to drilling fluid passing between the casing and the surrounding borehole. |
| US08668000B2 |
Easy break geode
An improved geode breaking method, system, and apparatus are disclosed. A geode can be broken or cut into at least two pieces, or grooved with a circumferential groove. The geode pieces can be reassembled and connected to each other using a bonding material that supports the joint formed between the reassembled pieces. The bonding layer can denote a joint guideline to assist in aligning a geode breaking tool for re-breaking the geode. A support layer can be added for additional strength, support, and geode crumbling prevention. The reassembled geode can be safely and easily re-broken without crumbling the exterior and interior surface of the geode. The geode's interior crystals or concentric lines can be safely appreciated within a piece or section of a reassembled and re-broken geode. |
| US08667995B1 |
Insulated ducts and insulated ductworks
A duct for use in an HVAC system is provided. The duct including an outer tube. The duct also including an inner tube capable of conveying forced air. The inner tube extending within the outer tube and along the outer tube. The duct further including a plurality of support elements spanning between the outer tube and the inner tube. The elements extending along the inner tube and the outer tube. The elements defining a plurality of channels between the outer tube and the inner tube. The outer tube, the inner tube and the elements are unitary. |
| US08667990B2 |
Hydraulic oscillating motor
A hydraulic oscillating motor which has at least two working chambers which are coupled via pressure lines to a device for pressure compensation. A first working chamber is connected to a first pressure line and a second working chamber is connected to a second pressure line. The motor further has a device for pressure compensation with a first compensating cylinder and a second compensating cylinder. Each of the compensating cylinders has in each case one compensating volume and in each case one elastic force store for delimiting the respective compensating volume. The compensating volume of the first compensating cylinder is connected to the first pressure line, and the compensating volume of the second compensating cylinder is connected to the second pressure line. |
| US08667989B1 |
Aseptic or sanitary top hat diaphragm valve
An aseptic valve or sanitary valve has an elongated tubular, cylindrical valve housing, with one or more top-hat diaphragms and associated valve plugs positioned transverse to the axis of the tubular valve housing. An actuator urges the stem and head of the valve plug upward so that the associated diaphragm is urged against a valve seat to close the valve. The actuator also moves these elements downward and away from the seat to open the valve. Plural valve arrangements can be joined end to end to accommodate multiple flow paths. |
| US08667986B2 |
Pressure-regulating valve for regulating the pressure in a high-pressure fuel accumulator of an internal combustion engine
A pressure-regulating valve for regulating the pressure in a high-pressure fuel accumulator of an internal combustion engine, in particular in common-rail injection systems, with a valve piston (3) which is guided in an axially displaceable manner in a bore (1), is acted upon in the opening direction by the compressive force of a spring (2) and, when a magnet coil (4) is energized, undergoes an axial displacement in the direction of a first valve seat (5) counter to the compressive force of the spring (2) and counter to the pressure prevailing in the high-pressure fuel accumulator, wherein the valve piston acts on a valve-sealing element (6) which interacts with the valve seat (5). |
| US08667982B2 |
Air valve device for an inflatable article
An air valve device is adapted to be fitted into an opening of an inflatable article, and includes a valve seat having a seat body that is disposed between an inflating port and a conduit, and a valve disc unit disposed in the conduit to be moved between opened and closed positions, and having a valve disc connected with a plunger, an elastomeric seal ring superimposed on a padded region of the valve disc. A rigid retaining cap is disposed to bring a base layer of the seal ring in an abutting engagement with the padded region of the valve disc so as to secure the seal ring to the valve disc while permitting a sealing marginal layer of the seal ring to be air-tightly engaged with the seat body in the closed position. |
| US08667976B2 |
Height self-adjusting walking aid
A height self-adjustable walking aid includes two oppositely arranged U-shaped stands which are connected by a front stand. The two ends of each U-shaped stand are sleeved with two outer pipes respectively, and each outer pipe is mounted with a height adjusting apparatus and a control apparatus for height adjusting. The walking aid is adjustable in height according to the heights of users, so as to satisfy the requirement of allowing patients or elders with different heights to use a same equipment, thus providing great convenience for users. The heights of the two ends of each U-shaped stand could be adjustable respectively to generate a height difference between the front end and rear end of the walking end, thus enabling patients or elders to walk up and down the stairs with it. |
| US08667975B1 |
Umbrella for dripless closure
An improved umbrella configured to reduce the likelihood that water on top of the umbrella will drain onto the area around the user when the umbrella is closed. The improved umbrella has a handle supporting a canopy section comprising of an upper canopy, a lower canopy and a collapsible frame attached to and disposed between the upper and lower canopies. An operating mechanism allows the user to move the umbrella between its open and closed positions. When being closed, the operating mechanism inverts the frame so the peripheral edge of the upper canopy is directed upward and the center area thereof is pulled down into an interior cavity at the top end of the handle so water will drain inward to the cavity instead of outward. The upper canopy is pulled into the cavity and the frame, with the lower canopy wrapped around it, is collapsed against the handle. |
| US08667972B2 |
Methods of preparing customized, neuromuscular mouthpieces for enhancing athletic performance
TENS can be applied to the TMJ of an athlete for a period of time to deprogram muscles. After TENS, a desired position of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw can be determined and recorded. The desired position can be a physiological resting position, or a performance position in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly relative to the physiological resting position. A mouthpiece can be prepared including bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws according to the desired position, and substantially prevent movement of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw. A connecting portion connects the bite portions within the mouth, and may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete. |
| US08667971B2 |
Methods of preparing customized mouthpieces for enhancing athletic performance
A spacing member can be positioned between teeth of the athlete to obtain a desired position between the upper and lower jaw. At least one bite registration can be recorded while the lower jaw is in the desired position. The desired position can range from the physiological resting position, to a performance position, in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly in relation to the physiological resting position. The mouthpiece can be formed to include a pair of bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws generally according to the desired position, and a connecting portion can connect the bite portions within the mouth. The connecting portion may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete. |
| US08667967B2 |
Respiratory monitoring
A patient interface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is configured to be at least partially carried by a patient and to receive gas exhaled by the patient. The patient interface includes first and second cannula tubes each having a first end and a second end, the first ends are configured to be inserted into the nostrils of a patient, the first and second cannula tubes are configured to direct exhaled gas from the patient from the first ends to said second ends. The patient interface also includes first and second sensors positioned near the second ends, and the first and second sensors are configured to provide first and second signals based upon the gas, wherein the first and second signals are indicative of a physiological parameter of the patient. The patient interface also includes a communications link configured to provide the signal to a physiological monitor. |
| US08667965B2 |
Mask cushion and frame assembly
A respiratory mask assembly includes a rigid mask frame and a cushion. A clip secures the cushion to the frame. |
| US08667962B2 |
Respiratory apparatus
A flow generator for generating a flow of pressurized breathable gas includes a cylindrical housing and a motor supported in the housing. The motor has a shaft having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The shaft is generally coincident with an axis of the motor. A first impeller is attached to the first end of the shaft and a second impeller is attached to the second end of the shaft. A stator directs an air flow from the first impeller back towards the motor axis. The housing includes an inlet adjacent the first end of the shaft having an inlet axis generally coincident with the motor axis and at least one outlet between the first and second impellers. The at least one outlet has an outlet axis generally tangential to the motor axis. |
| US08667961B2 |
Inhaler for delivery of a powder formulation from a blister strip
An inhaler for delivery of a powder-form inhalation formulation from a blister strip has a plurality of blister pockets and uses a pivotable mouthpiece cover to move the blister strip onward via a conveyor, wherein the mouthpiece cover is drivingly coupled with the conveyor by engaging an axle in a recess to drive a conveying wheel. |
| US08667958B2 |
Burner illumination in an appliance
An appliance includes a cooktop, a gas burner assembly disposed in the cooktop, the gas burner assembly having a burner head portion and a burner base portion, and a light disc disposed beneath the burner head portion. |
| US08667951B2 |
System and method for preparing an optimized fuel mixture
Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and method for converting ozone and fuel into mechanical energy and waste products. In some embodiments, a super-combustor may be used to provide a combustion engine with an improved ability to combust fuel. Certain embodiments of the invention may provide for an improved spark plug or modified engine having a super-combustor built in. |
| US08667945B2 |
Piston of internal combustion engine
A piston for an internal combustion engine includes a piston base material including a pair of skirt portions opposed to each other in a radial direction of the piston base material. The piston includes a multiple-layer coating formed on at least one of surfaces of the pair of skirt portions. The piston further includes marks provided to respective layers of the multiple-layer coating at locations different from each other. |
| US08667944B2 |
Cylinder head assembly having an oil routing plug
An engine provided herein. The engine includes a cylinder head assembly, a cap including an opening, an oil routing plug positioned in the opening including a recess traversing the plug, the recess and a portion of the wall of the opening defining a boundary of a plug oil passage, and an oil supply passage extending through the cylinder head assembly including an inlet fluidly coupled to a lubrication circuit and an outlet opening into the recess. |
| US08667942B2 |
Split-type auxiliary power combustion and emergency starting system
The present invention is an installation of an emergency starting switching device and/or direct current boosted boost circuit device. When the power of the starting battery is insufficient, the electric energy of the power storage device battery is used to drive the starting motor in order to start the engine by operating the emergency starting switching device. And when the engine is started, the voltage of the ignition device or the fuel injection device is stepped up to strengthen its starting capability by means of a voltage boost by the direct current boosted boost circuit device. |
| US08667941B2 |
Fuel cock-integrated engine switch
A fuel cock-integrated engine switch is provided that reduces wear resulting from mechanical contact and that can thereby enhance durability. A magnet 14 is provided in a lever 11 that is pivoted turnably between an ON position and an OFF position. A reed switch 12 connected to an ignition device 17 is arranged in the ON position. A shutoff valve 2 of a fuel passage is arranged in the OFF position of the lever 11. In the OFF position, the magnet 14 of the lever 11 approaches a valve 3 formed with a magnetic member, and the member 3 is shifted upward within the case 4 to shut off the fuel passage. When the lever 11 is operated to shift to the ON position, the valve 3 is shifted downward within the case 4 or receives a force applied by a spring to open the fuel passage. |
| US08667938B2 |
Combustion engine with variable valve actuation
A valve actuating cam has a periphery that can be varied in shape to control the opening and closing of one or more valves associated with a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. One portion of a valve assembly can be moved outwardly to change the valve lift. A band can surround the movable cam portion and cam body portion, and can form at least a major portion of the exterior surface of the cam that engages a cam follower such as a valve operating rocker arm. The timing of the opening and closing of one or more valves can be adjusted by adjusting the peripheral shape of the cam. The shape can be adjusted to start a ramp portion of the cam peripheral surface earlier to cause a valve to open earlier and to end a ramp portion later to cause the valve to close later with a first load on the engine and to open and close earlier when the engine is under a second load that is less than the first load. Wedges and wedging surfaces under the band and movable with the movable portion of the cam can be used to adjust the timing. |
| US08667937B2 |
Apparatus for sensing cam phaser position
A first target wheel has an opening and rotates about an axis of rotation to move the opening along a generally circular path. A second target wheel adjacent the first target wheel has a second projection projecting into the opening of the first target wheel with the second projection being movable along the generally circular path. A single sensor is positioned adjacent the generally circular path and senses movement of the opening and the second projection past the sensor. An electronic controller may be used to process signals from the sensor to determine the relative angular difference between the first target wheel and the second target wheel. |
| US08667933B2 |
Two-stroke engine
A two-stroke engine, comprising: a crankcase; a cylinder connected to said crankcase; a combustion chamber defined by a reciprocally mounted piston within said cylinder; a crankshaft mounted rotatably in said crankcase and drivingly connected with said piston; at least one overflow passage connecting the crankcase and the combustion chamber when the piston is positioned in the lower dead center region; a connecting stub attached to said cylinder which contains an intake passage that opens into the crankcase and supplies fuel and combustion air, said intake passage including therein an air-fuel mixture passage, wherein said connecting stub contains at least one section of the mixture passage; at least one fuel opening for supplying fuel into said mixture passage; and a guiding rib positioned within said connecting stub and oriented longitudinally in the mixture passage and protruding into the mixture passage. |
| US08667928B2 |
Semiconductor processing
Embodiments of the present disclosure include semiconductor processing methods and systems. One method includes forming a material layer on a semiconductor substrate by exposing a deposition surface of the substrate to at least a first and a second reactant sequentially introduced into a reaction chamber having an associated process temperature. The method includes removing residual first reactant from the chamber after introduction of the first reactant, removing residual second reactant from the chamber after introduction of the second reactant, and establishing a temperature differential substantially between an edge of the substrate and a center of the substrate via a purge process. |
| US08667924B2 |
Coating device and nozzle managing method
A coating device including a coating mechanism which includes nozzles for ejecting a liquid material onto front and rear surfaces of the substrate while rotating a substrate in an upright state, and a nozzle managing mechanism which manages the state of the nozzles, in which the nozzle managing mechanism includes a soaking portion which dips the front end of the nozzle in a soak solution, and a discharging portion which discharges at least the soak solution, and a nozzle managing method. |
| US08667920B2 |
Underwater diver glider
An underwater diver glider includes: a body having a nose and a tail, opposed left and right sides, and spaced-apart upper and lower walls, the body including: an interior space defined between the upper and lower walls that is configured to contain a gas vessel therein; an air chamber defined in an upper portion of the body beneath the upper wall; and an outlet positioned in the body near the tail and below the upper wall, in communication with the air chamber; a pair of wings extending from left and right sides of the body, respectively; and a handle extending axially aft from the body. |
| US08667911B2 |
Modular furniture System
A modular furniture system having planar vertical components having slots and/or tabs, and planar horizontal components having slots and/or tabs, wherein the vertical components and the horizontal components releasably and interlockingly mate with each other to form a plurality of different pieces of furniture. |
| US08667908B2 |
Frame type table assemblies
A furniture assembly comprising a frame for supporting an article of furniture, the frame including first and second spaced apart frame members, each frame member having a top end and a bottom end, the first and second frame members forming first and second substantially oppositely facing bearing surfaces along at least a portion thereof wherein the oppositely facing bearing surfaces are angled away from each other when moving from the top toward the bottom ends, at a first height, the oppositely facing bearing surfaces defining a first width dimension and a storage unit forming an opening defined by an opening rim including at least first and second substantially opposed bearing surfaces, the first and second opposed bearing surfaces defining a first length dimension that is similar to the first width dimension, wherein, the storage unit can be mounted to the frame by passing at least upper portions of the first and second frame members through the opening so that the first and second opposed bearing surfaces contact the first and second oppositely facing bearing surfaces at the first height. |
| US08667905B2 |
Pallet system
A method to improve a pallet may include joining into a pallet four C-brackets, a pallet-deck, a first bottom-deck member, and a second bottom-deck member where two of the four C-brackets insides face two of the other four C-brackets' insides. The method may also include sizing a port to receive load-handling equipment tines formed by the four C-brackets, the pallet-deck, the first bottom-deck member, and the second bottom-deck member. |
| US08667903B1 |
Adjustable table assembly
An adjustable table assembly provides a plurality of adjustable support surfaces positionable in a selectable configuration as desired by a user. The assembly includes a medial panel having a first side and a second side. A first slot extends into the first side of the medial panel. A first side panel is coupled to the medial panel. The first side panel is slidably inserted into the first slot whereby the first side panel is selectively extendable from the medial panel. A first side pivot hinge is coupled between the medial panel and the first side panel. Thus, the first side panel is pivotable relative to the medial panel. A plurality of legs is coupled to the medial panel. |
| US08667901B2 |
Bogie for guide rail type vehicle
A bogie for a vehicle which is guided by guide wheels that rotate while keeping contact with a guide rail arranged along a guideway of the vehicle. The bogie comprises a guide frame which includes a pair of transverse beams and a connecting member arranged between the pair of the transverse beams and each of the traverse beams being equipped with the guide wheels rotatably on both ends thereof, an axle supported on a non-turning part of the bogie such that the axle is capable of turning and running wheels which are attached to both ends of the axle. The running wheels are rigidly fixed to the axle and the guide frame is fixed to the axle so as to steer the guide frame, the axle and the running wheels integrally. |
| US08667900B2 |
Vehicle body tilting device and vehicle body tilting method for rail vehicle
A vehicle body tilting device for railway vehicle is arranged to control the tilt of a vehicle body by exchanging compressed air between a pair of left and right air springs. This device includes: a control valve for tilt operation, connected between the air springs; a pump for tilt operation, connected between the air springs through the control valve; and a control device for controlling both the control valve and the pump. The control valve forms a circulation flow path for allowing compressed air, delivered by the pump, to circulate therethrough. Before controlling the tilt of the vehicle body, the control device drives in advance the pump to circulate the compressed air through the circulation flow path to provide a delivery standby state, changes over at predetermined timing the position of the control valve, and delivers the compressed air from one of the air springs to the other. |
| US08667899B2 |
Combined cycle powered railway locomotive
A combined cycle power plant for a railway locomotive is disclosed. In one embodiment, the power plant comprises two prime movers operating independently of one another. The waste energy of one prime mover is used as the energy source of the other prime mover. The shaft work of each prime mover is connected to a common load. The shaft work of the first prime mover is directly connected to the load, whereas the shaft work of the second prime mover is selectively coupled or decoupled to the load using a clutch. |
| US08667898B2 |
Amusement ride load and unload method and associated apparatus
An amusement ride apparatus includes a suspended cable and a carriage that supports a user. The carriage is supported on and movable along the suspended cable. Additionally, the apparatus includes a load/unload mechanism that includes a tethering portion and a retractor. The tethering portion is removably coupleable to at least one of the suspended cable and carriage. The retractor is selectively operable in a first mode to retract the tethering portion when removably coupled to the at least one of the suspended cable and carriage to lower the carriage relative to the platform from a raised position to a lowered position and in a second mode to extend the tethering portion when removably coupled to the at least one of the suspended cable and carriage to raise the carriage relative to the platform from the lowered position to the raised position. |
| US08667896B2 |
Screen print reflection transfer and process for the manufacture thereof
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a screen print reflection transfer product and to reflection transfer systems produced by this method. According to said method, the reflecting color is provided with a multitude of reflecting particles, said reflecting particles protruding from the surface of the top color coat. |
| US08667894B2 |
Piling and compressing pieces of compressible material
System and methods for piling and compressing pieces of insulation wool. The system includes a piling tower for receiving and piling multiple pieces of insulation wool and compression plates for compressing multiple pieces of insulation wool. The system includes a first and a second compression plate having plane and smooth upper and lower surfaces, whereby the compression plate can be slid out from between two compressed pieces of insulation wool. The compression plates receive a batch between the compression plates and compress the batch by moving one compression plate towards the other. The pressure on the insulation wool does not need to be relieved after the pieces have been compressed once as the system and method makes it possible to gradually increase compression toward the bottom of the piling tower by shifting between the first and second compression plate being used for compressing a batch of pieces of insulation wool. |
| US08667890B2 |
Cartridge for coffee and soluble products for preparing beverages
A cartridge (1) for coffee or soluble products for producing a beverage, includes a container (2) able to contain the coffee or soluble product, a lid (6) disposed over the container so as to define a top wall for entry into the container (2) of the hot water under pressure for formation of the beverage, a filter (4) suitable for being positioned inside the container (2) above a bottom wall (20) of the container through which the beverage exits, wherein the bottom wall (20) of the container has a less thick central area (22), at the center of which are disposed thickening ribs (27) along the edge of which there are etchings (26) able to break when the liquid inside the cartridge reaches a pre-set pressure value, so as to form flexible tongues (28) which give rise to apertures (50) through which the beverage is delivered. |
| US08667889B2 |
Machine for the preparation of beverages by infusion using cartridges
A machine for the preparation of beverages by infusion using cartridges; the machine includes an infusion assembly; characterized in that the infusion assembly includes: a slide for introduction of a single cartridge; a lever for operation of a piston; the piston suitable to move rectilinearly along a direction and having a first resting position and a second working position; a chamber suitable for receiving the cartridge; the slide being positioned in an intermediate position between the first resting position and the second working position; the slide having a predefined resting position so that the capsule is positioned resting on an edge of the chamber. |
| US08667888B2 |
Flexible chamber
A chamber having an internal volume, end surfaces and a side wall. The chamber is adapted to change its volume by leakage-free displacement of the end surface. The side wall has at least three adjacent sleeves (1-6), and an elastic seal (8-14) is arranged between each of the sleeves, such that the seals are pressurized and expanded when the sleeves are moved due to a displacement of the end surfaces. |
| US08667887B2 |
Actuator for a closing element of a valve
An actuator for a rotary function element, having a housing with at least one pressure means supply and being closed at both sides by a cover, in which housing a piston is guided to reciprocate in a sealing manner, the piston containing diametrically opposed, convolution-like connecting links for a transverse axis of an actuator shaft rotatably mounted in one cover, and having two guide rods firmly anchored in the housing only at one end and engaging into guides in the piston, with the one guide rod anchored in one cover, whereas the other guide rod is anchored in the other cover, and the two guides end blind in the piston in opposite directions. |
| US08667881B1 |
Selectable dual mode trigger for semiautomatic firearms
One embodiment of a trigger system with an integral selector for semi-automatic firearms. A selector allows the user to choose between two modes and rates of fire. A trigger (1) is made to allow passage of the lower portion of a selector cam (5) to the exterior of the firearm. A selector lever (6) is affixed to the lower end of the selector cam (5) on the exterior of the firearms action. Turning the selector lever (6) rotates the selector cam (5) which tilts a pivotal disconnector (3) on its axis, varying the amount of disconnector (3) engagement with a hammer (2). The variance in the disconnector (3) engagement causes the firearm to fire in one of two modes, firing one round with a trigger pull and resetting with trigger release, or firing one round with trigger pull, and firing another round with trigger release. Other embodiments are described. |
| US08667880B1 |
Cabin for a Humvee vehicle
The present invention is directed to new and improved armor protection that can replace the existing crew cabin with a field replaceable armored crew compartment to be attached to the existing body of an HMMWV military vehicle to protect the military personnel within from explosive blasts, roll-over or collisions. In accordance with the concepts of the present invention, in order to provide additional protection to personnel in the HMMWV crew compartment, a sacrificial V shaped hull is designed to be attached onto the underside of the crew compartment over the HMMWV frame rails. In the event of an explosion underneath the HMMWV, the V shaped hull will shield the personnel inside the cabin. |
| US08667879B2 |
Multilayer backing materials for composite armor
A multilayer backing composite for armor plate systems. One embodiment provides a ceramic layer and a bonded multilayer backing layer bonded to the ceramic layer. The backing layer can be formed from at least two layers each of alternating elastomeric interstitial layers and UHMWPE layers having an areal density in the range of about 125 to 400 g/m2. The areal density of the stack can be in the range of about 4 to 15 lbs/ft2, and specifically about 6.98 lbs/ft2. In some embodiments, at least one of the at least two UHMWPE layers nearer to the ceramic layer of the stack can have a lower areal density than at least one layer further from the ceramic layer. The ceramic layer can be SiC and 0.280″ thick; each rubber layer can be about 0.01″; and each UHMWPE layer can be about 0.15″. |
| US08667878B1 |
Multi-function manual salad preparation unit
A multi-function salad preparation unit is provided, including a salad bowl having an upper rim and a mandoline slicer. The mandoline slicer fits on the upper rim of the salad bowl and includes a main platform along which food is to be slid, and a cutting tool disposable in the main platform, with a space adjacent the cutting edge of the tool. When food is slid across the main platform, the cutting edge removes a quantity of the food which falls through the space and into the salad bowl. The mandoline slicer preferably includes a first slot with the cutting tool insertable into the first slot substantially co-planar with an upper surface of the main platform. A second slot is also preferably provided, disposed below the upper surface, for cutting tool storage. Multiple interchangeable cutting tools, e.g., slicer(s), dicer(s), grater(s), are selectively disposable in the first and second slots. |
| US08667870B2 |
Multi torque limiting driver
A torque driver includes a driver arm with a pivot mounting hole formed adjacent one end, a driver spindle mounting slot or sockets spaced from the pivot mounting hole providing multiple mounting positions for retaining the driver spindle, and a locking detent. A locking element engages the locking detent, a load applicator generates a selected load onto the locking element, and a handle is pivotally attached to the driver arm at the pivot mounting hole and has finger groove for applying a tightening force. The locking detent, the locking element and the load applicator cooperate to permit relative movement between the driver arm and the handle when the tightening force applied at the finger groove is at a pre-determined value. |
| US08667868B2 |
Water heater wrench adapter and method of use
A water heater wrench adapter that comprises a rotating adapter and receiver. The rotating adapter is disposed within a receiver in light interference fit, wherein the rotating adapter is frictionally engaged by the receiver to permit rotation of the rotating adapter within the receiver. The water heater wrench adapter is utilized by frictionally engaging the insulator profile with the rotating adapter, thereby securing the water heater element within the rotating adapter. The hex nut of the water heater element and the hex extension of the receiver are aligned and the hex end of a water heater wrench is disposed to engage the combined hex nut and hex extension. Thus, the water heater wrench can then be utilized to either hold the water heater element in position for installation in a water heater or remove and retain the water heater element from the water heater. |
| US08667867B2 |
Powered bottle opening device with integrated wrapper cutter
The present disclosure provides a bottle opening device comprising first and second receptacles to receive at least a portion of a neck of a bottle, with the first receptacle including a wrapper cutting apparatus having at least one cutting element configured to cut a sever in a wrapper on the neck of the bottle, wherein the cutting element is movable towards and away from the wrapper on the neck of the bottle, and the second receptacle including a stopper extractor apparatus configured to remove a stopper from the bottle. |
| US08667864B2 |
Power transmission apparatus
In order to avoid competition with other components for a space, to thereby improve the degree of designing freedom, the power transmission apparatus includes a transfer case housing and supporting a ring gear and a pinion gear that orthogonally mesh with each other and form an orthogonal gear set, the transfer case is divided into a first case part and a second case part along a division plane that extends along an axis of rotation of the ring gear, and the first and second case parts and are fixed together along the division plane with bolts. |
| US08667863B2 |
Foot cradle apparatus of a muscle training device
A foot cradle apparatus of a muscle training device is provided, having a foot cradle with a tread and a side wall at least partially limiting the tread, and a fixation unit for fixing a human foot in the foot cradle. A foot fixation unit that is simple to handle and has small dimensions and a low weight is created in that the fixation unit is formed as a lockable, pivotable bracket, whose pivot bearing has a pivot axis oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the foot cradle and is provided in a compact bearing unit which is connected fixedly at least indirectly to the foot cradle and which is attached to an inner side wall, close to the inner side of a patient's foot, of the foot cradle and is connected fixedly to the tread via the inner side wall. |
| US08667860B2 |
Active gripper for haptic devices
An active gripper for a haptic device including a parallel kinematics structure providing at least three degrees of freedom including three translational degrees of freedom, wherein the gripper comprises a first contact surface being adapted for contact by a first portion of a hand of a user, a second contact surface being adapted for contact by a second portion of the user's hand, which hand's second portion being moveable in relation to the hand's first portion, and a moveable member arranged between the first contact surface and the second contact surface and being adapted to actively move the first contact surface and the second contact surface in relation to each other. |
| US08667853B2 |
Measuring transducer of vibration-type with two counteroscillator arms
Measuring transducer of vibration-type for a fluid flowing in a pipeline. The measuring transducer includes, in such case, a curved measuring tube for conveying the fluid, a counteroscillator having two counteroscillator arms, which are arranged on both sides of the measuring tube, and which, in each case, essentially follow the curve of the measuring tube, and which are coupled to one another in such a manner, that, during operation, they oscillate in phase with one another, and which are affixed to the measuring tube on the inlet side and outlet sides for forming corresponding coupling zones. The measuring transducer also includes an exciter mechanism, via which, during operation, the measuring tube and the counteroscillator are excitable to oscillations of opposite phase to one another. In such case, the counteroscillator arms are formed from a different material than the measuring tube, and the material of the counteroscillator arms has a thermal expansion coefficient essentially equal to that of the material of the measuring tube. |
| US08667852B2 |
Flow meter including a balanced reference member
The present invention relates to a vibrating flow meter (210) and a method of providing a vibrating flow meter (210). The vibrating flow meter (210) includes a conduit (103A) and a driver (104) configured to vibrate the conduit (103A). The vibrating flow meter (210) also includes a first pick-off (105). The first pick-off (105) includes a first pick-off component (105a) and a second pick-off component (105b). The vibrating flow meter (210) also includes a reference member (150). The first pick-off component (105a) is coupled to the reference member (150) while the second pick-off component (105b) is coupled to the conduit (103A) proximate the first pick-off component (105a). The vibrating flow meter (210) also includes a balancing element (253) coupled to the reference member (150). |
| US08667847B2 |
Ultrasonic testing apparatus for pipe or tube end portion
An ultrasonic testing apparatus for a pipe end portion, which enables accurate ultrasonic testing, comprises an ultrasonic probe disposed under the pipe end portion. The probe 1 transmits ultrasonic waves to the pipe end portion and receives the ultrasonic waves therefrom. A probe holder houses the probe which is disposed under the pipe end portion to face the pipe end portion and follows the pipe rotation. The probe holder comprises a coupling medium reserver part that surrounds a space between the probe and the pipe end portion to contain a coupling medium therein and comprises a coupling medium reserver part body into which the coupling medium is supplied. An annular bellows part, which communicates with the reserver part body, can expand and contract vertically and an annular spacer, which is attached to the upper side of the bellows part and an upper surface thereof has a flat horizontal surface. |
| US08667844B1 |
Ultrasonic scalar adhesion test apparatus and method for paints and finishes
Presented is a system and method for testing the adhesion of coatings to substrates using an ultrasonic scalar. The system comprises a body, a flexible scalpel extending from said body, and a source of ultrasonic waves. The flexible scalpel applies pressure and ultrasonic waves to a coating that is removed when the adhesion of the coating to the substrate is substandard. The method comprises applying an flexible scalpel extending from an ultrasonic adhesion test device to a coating, applying ultrasonic waves through the flexible scalpel to the coating while moving across the coating, removing the coating if there is less than an acceptable adhesion of the coating to the substrate, and inspecting the coating to determine if coating was removed from the substrate. |
| US08667843B2 |
Resonance testing apparatus and articulation assembly
A resonance testing apparatus has a plurality of arms for supporting a workpiece. At least one of said arms incorporates an articulation assembly having: a strut, a joint element which is movable in response to movement of the strut, and a clamp arrangement for clamping the joint element. The assembly has a first condition in which the joint element is movable and a second condition in which the clamp arrangement acts on the joint element to damp or restrict movement of the strut. The assembly includes a seating for the joint element, and a biasing arrangement for the seating. The assembly has a first condition in which the joint element is arranged on the seating and is movable on the seating and a second condition in which the biasing arrangement acts on the seating to damp or restrict movement of the joint element on the seating. |
| US08667842B2 |
Variable capacitance electronic device and microelectromechanical device incorporating such electronic device
An electronic device includes a capacitive component with variable capacitance coupled to a control stage that controls the capacitance, based on a reference signal, with a reference frequency, and an excitation signal, that is a multiple of the reference frequency. The capacitive component includes a variable capacitive network having a plurality of switched capacitors, each being switchable between a first configuration, where it is connected between connection terminals of the capacitive component, and a second configuration, where it is connected at most to one of the connection terminals. The control stage includes a logic module, coupled to the variable capacitive network for switching periodically each capacitor between the first configuration and the second configuration. A sign circuit, coupled to the capacitive component supplies a control signal having edges concordant with the excitation signal in one half-period of each cycle of the reference signal and discordant edges in the other half-period. |
| US08667840B2 |
Water level sensing apparatus
There is provided a water level sensing apparatus including: a body disposed to be exposed within a liquid tank and having an accommodating space therein; and a capacitance detecting unit accommodated in the accommodating space of the body, wherein the capacitance detecting unit compares an upper side capacitance value and a lower side capacitance value and turns on or off an output signal. Because a changeable reference that the capacitance values of a reference surface and a detected surface of the body are simultaneously changed is used, even if the body comes in contact with moisture or debris, the reference surface and the detected surface are equally affected by the moisture or debris, thus reducing the occurrence of malfunction. |
| US08667839B2 |
Heat conduction-type sensor for calibrating effects of temperature and type of fluid, and thermal flow sensor and thermal barometric sensor using this sensor
A heat conduction-type sensor corrects (calibrate) effects of a temperature of a measurement target fluid and a type of the fluid on a measurement value in measurement of a flow velocity, a mass flow, or an atmospheric pressure. Also provided is a thermal flow sensor and a thermal barometric sensor with this correcting function, high sensitivity, simple configuration, and low cost. At least two thin films that are thermally separated from a substrate through the same cavity are provided, one thin film comprises a heater and a temperature sensor, and the other thin film comprises at least one temperature sensor, the temperature sensors being thin-film thermocouples. The thin film is arranged in proximity so that it is heated only through the measurement target fluid by heating of the heater. A calibration circuit calculates and compares quantities concerning heat transfer coefficients of a standard fluid and the unknown measurement target fluid. |
| US08667834B2 |
Abnormality detection apparatus and abnormality detection method for rankine cycle system
An abnormality detection apparatus for a Rankine cycle system includes: a main body that vaporizes a cooling medium that circulates in an internal combustion engine by giving waste heat to the cooling medium; a gas-liquid separator that separates the cooling medium into a gas-phase and a liquid-phase; a superheater that gives waste heat of the engine to the cooling medium; a condensate header tank that stores the liquid-phase cooling medium; a vane pump that pumps the liquid-phase cooling medium. If abnormality of a cooling medium supply portion that supplies the cooling medium to the engine is not detected, the abnormality detection apparatus determines whether a vane pump has abnormality on the basis of the amount of the liquid-phase cooling medium in the gas-liquid separator, the temperature of the gas-phase cooling medium in the superheater and the amount of the liquid-phase cooling medium in the condensate header tank. |
| US08667828B2 |
Crankshaft production method and production apparatus
A crankshaft production method includes: pressurizing both end portions of a shaft blank with a pressurization surface of a die, the pressurization surface being inclined in a specific direction so as to come close to the other end side of the shaft blank, and applying an axial compressive load to the shaft blank, while restricting a radial deformation in a predetermined zone of the shaft blank in a direction other than the specific direction, thereby swaging the shaft blank and causing the predetermined zone to buckle in the specific direction. |
| US08667823B2 |
Apparatus and method using reduced volume electro-hydraulic chambers for trimming and joining panels
A tool for modifying a workpiece by either trimming or joining the workpiece. The tool is an electro-hydraulic tool that uses a pulse transmitted through a liquid to trim a workpiece or to join two thicknesses of metal together. A method of trimming the workpiece includes the steps of providing a high voltage discharge in a liquid that drives a workpiece into engagement with a cutting edge of a tool steel insert. A method of joining two or more thicknesses of metal together includes the step of creating a high voltage discharge through an electrode that accelerates one panel or thickness of metal into a second panel that is held stationary by a backing plate while the first thickness of metal is accelerated into the second thickness of metal. |
| US08667822B1 |
Bracelet concealing handcuff key
Described herein are examples of concealed handcuff keys including a key concealed as a bracelet. |
| US08667818B1 |
Packaging lock assembly
A lock assembly for retail packaging, having a lock assembly, a key assembly, a hinge assembly, and packaging comprising at least one wall. The lock assembly mounts exteriorly onto the packaging. The packaging lock assembly may further have a rail assembly mounted onto a display rack. The rail assembly comprises rail members and a transversal member. The packaging lock assembly may further have a plate assembly positioned in between the lock assembly and the plate. The lock assembly suspended from the rail members is placed in a locked position, whereby a locking shaft assembly is blocked by the transversal member to prevent removal of the packaging from the rail assembly. The key assembly is presented into a latch assembly comprising a key hole to cause the locking shaft assembly to shift from the locked position, to an unlocked position. |
| US08667815B2 |
Setting plate arrangement
In order to permit more effective cooling in comparison to the prior art, in particular in its floor area, of a hollow glass article (1) standing upright on the base (2) of a setting plate (4) provided with transcurrent orifices (9, 9′, 9″) forming a cavity (8) between a base (2) and the facing surface of the setting plate (4) of the standing surface (2″), it is proposed to utilize a part of the orifices (9) situated inside the standing surface (2″) for the supply of cooling air into the cavity (8), and to utilize the remaining orifices (9′) inside the standing surface (2″) only for the extraction of cooling air from the cavity (8). By configuring the orifices (9, 9′) that are utilized in each case for the supply and extraction of cooling air into and out of the cavity (8) so that they are at least approximately cross-sectionally identical, a throughput of cooling air through the cavity (8) and thus the available cooling performance can be varied within broad limits, but in the absence of an adverse effect on the stability of the hollow glass article (1) or a resulting risk of uncontrolled positional displacements on the setting plate (4). |
| US08667814B2 |
Method and apparatus for the force-fitting connection of glass-like components to metals
The invention relates to a method and to a device for force-fit connecting glass-like components to metals, particularly for connecting a glass plate (2) to a large-scale mounting element (19) as a central connecting element, particularly made of metal, having the following characteristics: a) an input and control device (6) for inputting process data, b) a storage and positioning device (15) for supplying individual fastener elements (1) as support elements of a central connection element (20), c) having mounting and fixing means (3) for fixing a glass plate (2), d) a thickness measuring device (7) for measuring the thickness of each of the components to be connected and layers of the same, e) a measuring machine (8) for measuring the resonant frequency of the glass plate (2) and a surface sensor (10) for determining the roughness of the glass plate (2), f) a sliding device (11) for pressing together the components to be connected by means of an ultrasonic horn (4), g) a device for generating ultrasonics by means of an ultrasonic horn (4), and a computer program for performing the method. |
| US08667813B2 |
Multi-size adjustable castings for jewelry
An adjustable jewelry head or casting is provided. The head includes a track and a plurality of mounting members, at least one of which is slideable along the track. One or more pins connect the mounting members to the track. The pins are moveable to allow sliding adjustment of the mounting members with respect to one another. |
| US08667807B2 |
Refrigerated point-of-use holding cabinet
A refrigerated point-of-use food holding cabinet keeps food products cold in compartments having cross sections that are substantially U-shaped. Food products are kept refrigerated using heat-absorbing, heat-exchangers thermally coupled to the U-shaped compartment. Refrigeration is provided by either a conventional reversed-Brayton cycle, one or more Peltier devices or a chilled, re-circulating liquid that does not change phase as it circulates but which is chilled by another refrigeration system, such as a conventional refrigeration system. An optional cover helps prevent food flavor transfers between compartments. Semiconductor temperature sensors and a computer effectuate temperature control. |
| US08667806B2 |
Efficient photovoltaic (PV) cell based heat pump liquid heater
A heat pump liquid heater (HPLH) system coupled to an array of photovoltaic cells that operate at enhanced efficiency is disclosed. The HPLH system comprises a panel or a box structure coupled to the HPLH. The box structure supports an array of photovoltaic cells and a circulation mechanism. The HPLH generates a coolant as a by-product using ambient air and electric power. The coolant that is circulated around the photovoltaic cells may extract the heat generated by the photovoltaic cells and the temperature of the photovoltaic cells may decrease to a specific level or maintained within an allowable temperature range. The reduction in temperature causes the photovoltaic cells to operate with enhanced efficiency and may generate more electric power. The size of the panel or the number of photovoltaic cells required to generate a required power may be reduced that reduces the cost of the HPLH system. |
| US08667805B2 |
Air conditioning system for communication equipment and controlling method thereof
An air conditioner for communication equipment is provided. The air conditioner includes an indoor module disposed at an indoor space of a base station having communication equipment and including an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor ventilator, an outdoor module disposed at an outside of the base station and including an outdoor ventilator, a brine cooling cycle including first and second outdoor brine heat exchangers, and first and second brine coolers, the indoor heat exchanger, and a brine pump, which are connected through a brine pipe, a first refrigerant cooling cycle including an expansion valve, the first brine cooler, a compressor, and a first outdoor refrigerant heat exchanger, which are connected through a first refrigerant pipe, and a second refrigerant cooling cycle including an expansion valve, the second brine cooler, a compressor, and a second outdoor refrigerant heat exchanger, which are connected through a second refrigerant pipe. |
| US08667804B2 |
Thermal storage air conditioner
Thermal storage air conditioner including an outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger for making heat exchange, and at least one compressor for compressing refrigerant, an indoor unit having at least one indoor heat exchanger for making heat exchange, a thermal storage unit having a thermal storage tank for holding thermal storage substance therein, a thermal storage heat exchanger for receiving refrigerant from an outside of the thermal storage unit to heat exchange with the thermal storage substance in the thermal storage tank, and a securing member for securing the thermal storage heat exchanger so as to maintain the thermal storage heat exchanger submerged under the thermal storage substance in the thermal storage tank, and a functional unit for selective control of refrigerant flows among the outdoor unit, the indoor unit and the thermal storage unit according to an operation condition, thereby maintaining the thermal storage heat exchanger in the thermal storage tank securely, to prevent drop of heat exchange efficiency caused by movement of the thermal storage heat exchanger. |
| US08667798B2 |
Methods and systems for power generation by changing density of a fluid
A method for generating energy from low-density fluids is provided. The method includes placing a first object in a first portion of fluid having a first density, injecting low-density fluids into the first portion of fluid in order to reduce the density thereof to a second density less than the density of the first object and thereby induce buoyancy-dependent translation of the first object in response thereto, and generating energy based upon buoyancy-dependent translation of the first object. Related apparatuses and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08667795B2 |
Internal combustion engine with exhaust-gas turbocharging
Disclosed is a turbocharged internal combustion engine having at least one intake for supplying the internal combustion engine with fresh air or fresh mixture on an inlet side, a cylinder head having at least two cylinders which are arranged along a cylinder head longitudinal axis and each of which has at least one outlet opening which is adjoined by an exhaust line for discharging the exhaust gases out of the cylinder, the exhaust lines of at least two cylinders being merged on an outlet side, so as to form an integrated exhaust manifold within the cylinder head, to form an overall exhaust line. Also disclosed is at least one exhaust-gas turbocharger which comprises a turbine arranged in the overall exhaust line and a compressor arranged in the at least one intake. |
| US08667794B2 |
Valve seat and gasket for exhaust bypass valve
An assembly can include a valve seat for an exhaust bypass valve of a serial turbocharger system where the valve seat includes a base portion and a wall portion that extends axially away from the base portion; and a gasket that includes a planar portion that defines a perimeter and a socket disposed interior to the perimeter, where the socket includes a valve seat surface axially recessed from the planar portion and configured to position the seat. In various examples, the valve seat is positioned in the socket of the gasket and fixed to the gasket. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08667789B2 |
Hydraulic pressure supply unit for a power screwdriver
The pressure supply unit has a pressure generating aggregate (10), which generates a supply pressure (PL) for the intermittent operation of a power screwdriver (11). So as to allow also a tensioning cylinder unit (33) to be operated alternatively to the power screwdriver (11), which requires higher pressure, a pressure intensifier (30) is provided which is included in a separate module (31) and generates high pressure (PH) from the supply pressure (PL). The reversal of the pressure intensifier (30) for carrying out strokes is achieved by the same stroke switch valve (20) which otherwise performs the reversal of the power screwdriver (11). |
| US08667788B2 |
System and method for energy storage and retrieval
Disclosed herein is a system for storing and releasing energy, comprising a generator/motor subsystem; a hydraulic pump for pumping hydraulic fluid between first and second pump ports in response to force applied by the generator/motor subsystem and also capable of imparting force to the generator/motor subsystem in response to hydraulic fluid being caused to flow between the first and second pump ports; a first compression/expansion vessel for exchanging hydraulic fluid with the hydraulic pump via the first pump port; a second compression/expansion vessel for exchanging hydraulic fluid with the hydraulic pump via the second pump port; a gas storage subsystem for selectively storing gas from, or releasing gas to, the first and second gas compression/expansion vessels; an internal heat exchanger within each of the first and second compression/expansion vessels for exchanging heat between the hydraulic fluid and the gas therein, each internal heat exchanger having a very large thermal mass relative to the mass of gas within the first and second compression/expansion vessels; a control subsystem for controlling at least a plurality of gas valves associated with the gas storage subsystem to switch between the storing and releasing, wherein, during storing, responsive to hydraulic fluid being pumped by the hydraulic pump between the first and second pump ports, gas is caused to be compressed in the gas storage subsystem thereby to store energy, and wherein, during releasing, responsive to pressure from release of compressed gas from the gas storage subsystem, hydraulic fluid is forced to flow between the first and second pump ports thereby to release energy. |
| US08667787B2 |
Compressed air engine
An air engine system includes a motor coupled to the drive shaft of an air engine to control the speed of the air engine. The air engine uses compressed air from a compressed air source provided by an air compressor. The air engine may be used on a vehicle, providing a clean environmentally-friendly means of locomotion. |
| US08667779B2 |
Systems and methods for an exhaust gas treatment system
Various systems and methods are provided for an exhaust gas treatment system. In one example, a system includes an exhaust gas treatment device and a wire wrapped around an exterior circumference of the exhaust gas treatment device. Continuity of the wire is monitored such that degradation of the wire due to degradation of the exhaust gas treatment device is indicated. |
| US08667778B2 |
Catalyst overheat prevention apparatus
A catalyst overheat prevention apparatus has a temperature obtaining portion that estimates a convergence temperature of a catalyst provided in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine and the present temperature of the catalyst. The catalyst overheat prevention apparatus also has a fuel increment calculation portion, a comparison portion, a correction portion, and a fuel increment setting portion, which are used to execute OT fuel increase control when the convergence temperature and present catalyst temperature obtained by the temperature obtaining portion are equal to or higher than an OT determination temperature. The catalyst overheat prevention apparatus also has a present temperature correction portion that corrects the present catalyst temperature to be equal to the OT determination temperature when the present catalyst temperature is equal to or higher than the OT determination temperature and the convergence temperature is equal to the OT determination temperature. |
| US08667777B2 |
Bypass engine with contrarotating turbine wheels including a reversing module
A bypass aeronautical engine including a fan, an LP compressor, an HP compressor, a combustion chamber, an HP turbine, and at least one LP turbine stage is disclosed. The LP turbine stage includes a first movable bladed wheel carried by a first turbine shaft and a second movable bladed wheel turning in the opposite direction to the first wheel. The fan is driven by the second wheel via a second turbine shaft and by the first shaft via a module for reversing its direction of rotation. The reversing module includes two bevel pinions carried respectively by the first and second LP turbine shafts, and a reversing pinion. |
| US08667773B2 |
Counter-rotating turbomachinery
A turbomachine comprises a flow duct with coaxially arranged radially inner and outer endwalls, first and second sets of axially spaced rotor stages arranged between the inner and outer endwalls, and a plurality of variable endwall segments arranged along the inner endwall. The first set of rotor stages rotates in a first direction, and the second set rotates in a second direction. The first and second sets alternate in axial series along the flow duct, such that axially adjacent rotor stages rotate in different directions. The variable endwall segments are radially positionable, in order to regulate loading on the first and second sets of rotor stages by changing a cross-sectional flow area between the inner and outer endwalls. |
| US08667772B2 |
Clutched turbine wheels
Solutions for clutching turbine wheels are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a turbine rotor shaft; a plurality of turbine wheels affixed to the turbine rotor shaft; an independent turbine wheel engagably attached to the turbine rotor shaft; and a clutch operably connected to the turbine rotor shaft, the clutch configured to couple and decouple the independent turbine wheel from the turbine rotor shaft. |
| US08667771B2 |
Mower raking system
A system comprises a first housing configured to enable grass to extend into the first housing. A grass cutting unit is housed within the first housing. A discharge chute is joined to a rear portion of the first housing for directing grass cuttings away from the first housing. A bag unit is configured for collecting the grass cuttings from the discharge chute. A second housing is joined to a rear portion of the first housing and positioned below the discharge chute. A rake device is housed within the second housing. The rake device comprises rake tines being configured for rotating below the second housing bottom for transferring debris to the bag unit. A handle unit is joined to the second housing. The handle unit is configured for enabling an operator to control operations of the system. A plurality of wheels is joined to the first housing and the second housing. |
| US08667767B1 |
Automatic refuse bag release device and method of using the same
The present invention provides a device and method for automatic release of a refuse bag from a refuse receptacle. The device and method provided herein substantially eliminates all contact by a user with a filled refuse bag and the unsanitary contents therein. |
| US08667765B1 |
Method of supporting drywall
Applicant has disclosed a method and device (i.e., support tool) for installing sheathing (e.g., drywall or plasterboard). This tool enables a single person to easily attach the sheathing (e.g., by nails or screws) to an underlying structure (e.g., a wall stud, joist or rafter). In the preferred “device” embodiment, Applicant's tool is generally J-shaped with four tapered spikes (“teeth”) on its backside. The spikes are equally spaced from one another. By hammering the tool, its spikes can be driven into the underlying structure. No separate nail or screw is needed to hold the tool in place. |
| US08667764B2 |
Embedded mesh in precast walls
Systems and methods for securely attaching a screen or mesh to a pre-stressed or precast concrete wall panel are provided. A screen or mesh is embedded in a concrete form when the concrete form is poured. Portions of the concrete form can be stripped and the wall panel can be easily removed from the form without binding on the form itself and without requiring removal of the portion of the form which creates the window opening. |
| US08667762B2 |
Grid keeper for insulating glass unit, and/or insulating glass unit incorporating the same
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to internal grid keepers for insulating glass units, and/or insulating glass units incorporating the same. The grid keepers of certain example embodiments may include a shoulder bent into an acute angle and may include one or more stamped features on or proximate to the shoulder for engaging with a punched, hollowed, or otherwise formed feature in an edge seal, along with one or more stamped features on an elongate portion extending from the shoulder for engaging with a grid or muntin. In certain example embodiments, the keeper may be on level with or slightly lower than a primary seal so as to reduce the likelihood of the keeper interfering with the seal. |
| US08667761B2 |
Door frame having durable wood portions
A frame for doors, windows, and the like of buildings includes upper and lower portions that are both made of wood. The upper portion of the frame is made of a conventional wood, and at least a portion of the lower portion of the frame is made of a wood that is naturally resistant to weathering, decay, rot, insects, or the like. According to other aspects of the present invention, other building components such as doors, trim, and the like may also be constructed utilizing different wood species for different parts of the component to provide different levels of rot and/or decay resistance for different parts of the component. |
| US08667760B2 |
Modular building blocks with interlocking reinforcement rods
A modular building block has a first load-bearing surface with a key. There is a recess in the key. The recess has a shoulder disposed therein and side walls extending from the shoulder to a mouth thereof. A reinforcement rod extends into the recess and a coupling for connecting vertically aligned reinforcement rods is disposed in the recess. The reinforcement rod threadedly engages the coupling. A locking plate engages the coupling to prevent the coupling from rotating relative to the locking plate. The locking plate sits on the shoulder and rotation of the locking plate within the recess is prevented by the side walls of the recess. |
| US08667758B2 |
Covering for vertical surfaces and roofs
Covering for a roof and vertical surfaces, constituted by a prefabricated element includes a base layer (1) of a waterproofing substrate; an upper covering (2) made of slate parts (3) fixed by adhesive. A mechanical fastener for the slate parts and anchor for anchoring the prefabricated element to the roof. |
| US08667757B1 |
Veneer tie and wall anchoring systems with in-cavity thermal breaks
Thermally-isolating veneer ties and anchoring systems employing the same are disclosed. A thermally-isolating coating is applied to the veneer tie, which is interconnected with a sheetmetal surface-mounted wall anchor. The thermally-isolating coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The thermally-coated veneer ties provide an in cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components. |
| US08667751B2 |
Set of elements for constructing a wooden wall and method for using such elements
The invention relates to a set of building elements comprising a first type of element (1, 1′) provided with connecting members on four faces and designed to be stacked and butted together with at least one other element of the same type. The invention also comprises: at least one second type of element (24) designed to be attached to a flat surface and to form a base for receiving the first-type elements (1, 1′), and a third type of element (42) formed by cables capable of removably connecting the first-type elements (1, 1′) to the second-type elements (24) under tension. Each cable (42) is inserted into a space defined between at least two walls of at least one element (1, 1′) of the first type. |
| US08667750B2 |
Masonry reinforcement system
A system and method for forming a wall is disclosed. In some embodiments, the wall comprises blocks having internal couplers configured for use with rods which can be inserted through and which are configured to securely lock blocks together. In some embodiments, the rods which are inserted into internal couplers may be threaded or have another locking features such that the blocks in a wall can be securely fastened together. |
| US08667748B2 |
Photovoltaic module ground mount
A photovoltaic module ground mounting system can include a collapsible photovoltaic module mounting assembly framework. |
| US08667741B1 |
Kit for assembling a building structure resistant to overhead ordinance detonations
Kits for assembling a protective building structure that is resistant to and protects occupants from overhead ordinance detonations, are provided. The kits comprise modular parts for assembling an overhead protective building structure that can be packaged for delivery and assembly in a field location. The kits have self-contained mechanisms for facilitating assembly of the kits with limited construction resources. A pivoting support frame permits the panel members to pivot from a vertical position for filling the panel members with fill material, to a horizontal position on the support frame, to thereby form the overhead cover. Self-raising means are also included in the kits to lift and vertically position the overhead cover along supporting stanchions positioned at each end of the support frame. |
| US08667740B1 |
Weather strip
A weather strip mounted along a circumferential edge of a door opening of an automobile body comprises: an installation base member having a substantially U-shape in cross-section; and a hollow seal member provided on an outer-cabin side of the installation base member, which makes elastic contact with a protrudingly curved surface having a substantially U-shape in cross-section of the door; in which the hollow seal member includes: a first hollow wall having a substantially reversed V-shape in cross-section and a second hollow wall having a substantially V-shape in cross-section, which are connected with each other; a seal wall swelled and curved toward an inner side of the hollow seal member; and a protrusion protrudingly provided toward the outer-cabin side in succession to the seal wall, which makes elastic contact with the protrudingly curved surface. |
| US08667735B2 |
Molded planter with wide upper rim
A planter includes a concave container and a separate rim, both formed from a thermoplastic material. The container has a brim extending radially outward from an upper portion of the container. A vertical wall extends upward from the brim and has exterior flanges and grooves formed on its outer surface. The rim has a top wall with outer and inner side walls extending downward from its edges. Interior flanges and grooves formed on the inner surface of the outer rim wall are configured to engage the exterior flanges and grooves on the outer surface of the container vertical wall such that the rim can be secured onto the upper end of the container. The upper surface of the brim of the container comprises a stop inward of the vertical wall such that when the rim is advanced onto the upper end of the container, a lower portion of the inner rim wall confronts the stop to inhibit further advancement. |
| US08667731B2 |
Suction trap for collecting resting mosquitoes
A method and apparatus are disclosed that can sample a wide variety of mosquitoes attempting to rest. Because all mosquitoes rest daily, biases of typical mosquito traps are avoided, such as targeted collections of host-seeking mosquitoes or gravid female mosquitoes. A particular advantage is the inclusion of blood-engorged mosquitoes in the resting collections. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an open-sided pot designed to attract mosquitoes seeking a daytime resting location. The mosquitoes that enter a dark space of the pot are aspirated into a screened collection receptacle by means of a battery-powered fan. |
| US08667729B2 |
Grinding and dispersion device
The present invention provides a device for grinding and dispersing aquatic life including a tube having a first end and a second end, and a cap positioned on the first end. A second end includes a motor and a blade for grinding and dispersing aquatic life, wherein the aquatic life is inserted into the cylindrical tube through the cap, and the aquatic life moves down the tube towards the blade, whereby the aquatic life is ground and then dispersed into the water. |
| US08667728B2 |
Fishing lure
A game fish lure provided with a body, hook and fishing line retainer. The body is integrally molded with a material which reflects at least one peak wavelength between 300 and 400 nanometers through the semi-transparent body which reflects at least one peak wavelength between 401 and 800 nanometers. The reflective material may either be a fluid dye and/or a reflective particulate. A flavor enhancer, such as sodium chloride, may also be added to the body to further increase the attractiveness of the lure. |
| US08667727B2 |
Device for mounting an additional device to a firearm
A device for fixing an additional device, such as a scope or laser sighting device, to a firearm free of play and able to accommodate the ever-changing (recoil and spring-back) forces that occur on the engaging mechanism of the fixing device. In addition to a recoil lug contacting a first stop surface of a first groove, a further adjustable stop is provided, engaging a stop surface in a different groove in a direction opposite, along the line fire, to the first stop surface. |
| US08667724B2 |
Self-levering follower for a universal magazine of multiple caliber compatibility for firearms
A magazine for a firearm comprises a magazine shell, a main magazine spring, and a follower assembly. The follower assembly is disposed inside the magazine shell and movable generally along a longitudinal axis of the magazine shell. The follower assembly includes a non-tilt-able piece coupled to a first end of the main magazine spring and having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The follower assembly also includes a tilt-able piece having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A middle portion of the tilt-able piece is pivot-ably coupled to a middle portion of the non-tilt-able piece. The follower assembly further includes an elastic element that is elastically disposed between the non-tilt-able piece and the tilt-able piece and exerting a force on the non-tilt-able piece and the tilt-able piece. |
| US08667721B2 |
Apparatus and method for displaying an item
An apparatus and method for displaying an item such as a vinyl record album on a wall. The apparatus includes first and second parts (6, 4) pivotably mounted to one another, one part including a window through which the item to be displayed may be viewed, one part including a catch element (18) for limiting relative rotation of the two parts, and one part including a hook or screw for mounting the apparatus on a wall. |
| US08667715B2 |
Orthotic devices and methods for manufacturing same
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an orthotic device used for controlling motion of a human foot in a functionally corrected anatomical position from heel strike through toe off. The orthotic device may include at least one of rearfoot, midfoot, forefoot, and toe regions. In each region corresponding medial and lateral wedges may be employed. In the rearfoot region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect at an expected contact location of a medial side of a midline of a heel of the human foot. In the midfoot region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect inclusively between expected contact locations of a first cuneiform bone and a cuboid bone. In the forefoot region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect inclusively between expected contact locations of first and fifth metatarsal bones. In the toe region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect inclusively between expected contact locations of first and fifth toes. |
| US08667713B2 |
Footwear with a foot stabilizer
An article of footwear which includes a midsole and foot stabilizer. The foot stabilizer includes a longitudinally extending spine portion and a plurality of ribs extending laterally therefrom from opposing lateral and medial sides. The plurality of ribs being positioned to at least partially underlie a foot of a user. The spine portion is disposed above and affixed to the midsole and the ribs are contoured to partially enclose the foot of the user. |
| US08667710B2 |
Fluid-filled bladder for footwear and other applications
A fluid-filled structure, such as a bladder, is disclosed. The bladder has a first surface and an opposite second surface that are peripherally joined to define various edges. The bladder encloses a fluid between the first surface and the second surface. A portion of the edges may have a concave configuration, or the edges may have both concave and convex configurations. A shape of the bladder may be a tessellation pattern so that a plurality of the bladder may be efficiently. The edges may also have a linear configuration, and the bladder may enclose a tensile member. |
| US08667705B2 |
Clothes dryer and lint cleaning device thereof
A clothes dryer having a lint cleaning device to collect and store lint generated during drying through a simple structure. The lint cleaning device, including a filter, a rectilinear blade performing a rectilinear motion to collect lint, and a rotary blade performing a rotary motion interlocking with the rectilinear motion of the rectilinear blade to collect lint, collects lint at a spot and stores the collected lint in a compressed state. The lint cleaning device is used for a long time without replacement. |
| US08667703B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling cooling temperature and pressure in wood veneer jet dryers
An apparatus for drying wood veneer includes an elongate drying chamber including a conveyor for conveying material to be dried from an input end to an output end; and a cooling section for cooling veneer leaving the output end of the drying chamber, the cooling section including a pressure controller for maintaining a pressure in the cooling section that is slightly higher than pressure in the drying chamber while maintaining a near-zero pressure differential between the drying chamber and the cooling section. |
| US08667702B2 |
Domestic appliance with an open air duct
A domestic appliance includes an open air duct and a flow cross-section adjuster in the air duct for adjusting a flow cross-section of the air duct. The flow cross-section adjuster includes rotatably mounted blades for noise dampening purpose. The air duct and the flow cross-section adjuster are in a cooling air inflow region relative to a heat exchanger or a compressor of the domestic appliance. |
| US08667701B1 |
Template tool for locating sites for fixing shelf mounting hardware to walls
A template tool is provided for locating sites for fixing to walls hardware for mounting a wire shelf. The tool has two legs perpendicular to each other along a bend locatable along a corner of two walls in which the legs each extend along one of two walls from the corner to enable hole(s) or opening(s) along each of the legs to align over locations of sites for fixing shelf support hardware to the walls to horizontally install a shelf. One leg has a horizontal bubble level and is adjustable or non-adjustable in length in accordance with shelf depth. An aperture along one leg is preset a distance from one end thereof for use in successively locating sites along the back wall. Sites are thus locatable along each of two corners formed by two opposite side walls and a common back wall, and along the back wall between such corners. |
| US08667700B2 |
Method for checking the diameter of a cylindrical part in orbital motion
A method for checking the diameter of a cylindrical part, such as a crankpin of a crankshaft, in orbital motion in a numerical control grinding machine, by means of a checking apparatus with a Vee-shaped reference device for cooperating with the crankpin, a support device movably carrying the Vee-shaped reference device, and a measuring device movable with the Vee-shaped reference device. The Vee-shaped reference device is brought, from a rest position, into contact with the crankpin, and the contact, that defines a checking condition, is maintained by gravity during the orbital motion of the crankpin. |
| US08667699B2 |
Pillow selection and sleeper appraisal
A neck measurement device (20) and a method of selecting a pillow (1, 41, 51) which takes into account the physique of the user are disclosed. A neck compression index (NCi) is calculated being the weight of the sleeper in kilograms divided by the shoulder width (ear to outer arm dimension) of the sleeper in centimeters. Preferably a compensated NCi is calculated which takes into account the softness or hardness of the mattress. A pillow resiliency is then selected based on the (compensated) NCi. Color coded pillow slips can be used to assist sleepers to self-select a pillow appropriate for their physique. Mail order and Internet based selling methods are disclosed. |
| US08667692B2 |
Electric hair removal apparatus
An electric hair removal apparatus for removing hair from the human skin. The hair removal apparatus includes a housing adapted to be held in the hand, a mechanically working hair removal device and a motor for driving the hair removal device. Provision is made for a sensor device for generating a signal that depends on the speed at which the hair removal device is moved over the skin during the hair removal. |
| US08667690B2 |
Method of assembling a modular commercial unit
A method of constructing a modular, commercial unit includes arranging components of said commercial unit in separate modules, each of the separate modules having a frame assembly. The modules are then transported to a predetermined location where certain of said separate modules are connected together, via the frame assemblies, to form an operation superstructure. The components are not removed from the separate modules prior to the separate modules being connected via their respective frame assemblies. |
| US08667683B1 |
Apparatus and methods for permanently assembling tubes in a heat exchanger
Apparatus and methods for use with a baffle support fixture for a machine assembly of the tubes and baffles in a bundle assembly of a shell and tube type heat exchanger. The bundle comprises tubes inserted through baffles. The bundle is assembled using a holding fixture that includes anti-rotational features to secure baffles in a desired orientation. Following assembly, the bundle assembly is temporarily fixtured using pressure applying means such as plates and rods, and is then permanently affixed using an adhesive composition. After adhesive is applied, bundles, with the pressure applying means still attached, are preserved on racks and heat treated to cure and permanently set the adhesive. |
| US08667679B2 |
Method of making a turbocharger housing
In a method of making a turbocharger housing surfaces of a sheet-metal shell which bound a gap towards the turbine wheel are measured, after the sheet-metal shell has been joined with a bearing flange provided for support of a turbine wheel, to generate measuring values. Subsequently, the bearing flange is machined in dependence on the measuring values for establishing a position of the turbine wheel in relation to the bearing flange and thus of the sheet-metal shell. |
| US08667678B2 |
Assembly apparatus for assembling and dismantling a turbomachine rotor composed of rotor disks
An assembly device for assembling and disassembling a rotor of a turbomachine with rotor disks that are clamped together by at least one tie rod is provided. The assembly device includes a turning block that is secured to a base and a securing device that secures the rotor against tilting. The rotor is arranged in a transversal manner in relation to a horizontal plane of the base and pivotably mounted on the turning block. The securing device is fixed to the base by several supports and the turning block is arranged inside the surface of the base that is clamped by the supports. Large forces and torque coming from the rotor that is arranged in a perpendicular manner are guided from the securing device to the base. |
| US08667677B2 |
Method for a top-loaded assembly of an internal combustion engine
A method for top-loaded assembly of an internal combustion engine includes providing a carrier base having a lower portion configured as a crankcase and an upper portion having a number of upwardly directed assembly provisions such as a crankshaft bay and at least one cylinder deck. Arranging the crankshaft bay and cylinder deck so that the engine may be assembled from a position above the engine, without the necessity of attaching connecting rods or crankshaft main bearing bolts from underneath the engine. |
| US08667671B2 |
Vacuum nozzle control apparatus
A vacuum nozzle control apparatus includes a nozzle module having a vacuum hole, a vacuum providing module configured to provide a vacuum to the vacuum hole through a vacuum line, and a vacuum control module configured to selectively form the vacuum in the vacuum hole through the vacuum line, or release the vacuum formed in the vacuum hole through a release line branched off from the vacuum line to expose the vacuum hole to air. |
| US08667662B2 |
Double walled beverage container and method of making same
A double walled container is provided for insulating a beverage. An outer insulating shell or container is secured to the inner container that holds the beverage. A gap exists between the outer container and inner container and the air in the gap acts as an insulating barrier. The inner container is preferably a standard aluminum container. The outer container is preferably made from aluminum or a plastic polymer. |
| US08667660B2 |
Quick change clamping device
A clamping assembly for a toolholder includes a toolholder body having an access hole. A locking sleeve is slidably disposed within the access hole and a center collet is disposed within the locking sleeve and is fixedly connected to the toolholder body. The center collet receives a retaining tip of a tool. A spring assembly and a release device cause the locking sleeve to move within the access hole between a load position, where the locking sleeve is disengaged from the center collet such that the center collet is open and a lock position, where the locking sleeve engages the center collet such that the center collet is closed and locks the retaining tip of the tool within the access hole. |
| US08667659B2 |
System and method for coupling an extendable element to an actuator
A system and method for releasably coupling an extendable element to an actuator. Such a system may include an actuator housing with a specially adapted integral connecting end having a cavity therein. An extendable element may extend into the cavity through an opening in the connecting end of the housing and be coupled to a motive element of the actuator by a rotatable collar that resides in the cavity. A cover plate forms a part of the actuator housing connecting end. The cover plate compliments the integral portion of the connecting end and, in conjunction therewith, encloses the collar and the coupled portion of the extendable element. A substantially hollow end cap is passed over the extendable element and releasably attached to the actuator housing to enclose the distal connecting end thereof. In some embodiments, the coupled extendable element may reciprocate within an outer tube that is also releasably attached to the actuator housing. |
| US08667656B1 |
Side lap seam attachment tool
A punching tool for attaching adjacent steel deck panels along a side-lapped seam positions first and second jaws on one side of the seam, and positions third, fourth and fifth jaws on the other side. An actuator compresses the two sets of jaws; blades on the ends of such jaws shear the seam to create two louvers extending in one direction separated by a third louver extending in the other direction. The first jaw blade passes between the third and fourth jaw blades, and the second jaw blade passes between the fourth and fifth jaw blades. The blades are tapered to prevent binding upon release. The blades may include semi-cylindrical punching portions, and can be formed as detachable inserts coupled to the jaws, as by dovetail joints. The jaws may be made of a metal having a hardness rating less than that of the detachable blade inserts. |
| US08667652B2 |
Zip fastener
A zip fastener including fabric tapes having coupling elements thereon is provided. A coating layer of thermoplastic material is provided on at least one first surface of the fastener tapes. The coating layer extends continuously along the first surface, extends over an edge of the fastener tapes and extends along at least one second surface of the fastener tapes. |
| US08667651B2 |
Combined diving utensil
A combined diving utensil has a buckling assembly, a seesaw and a fastening element. The buckling assembly includes a male buckle and a female buckle. Of which, one end of the female buckle is provided with an opening, and the other end provided with a mating joint. One end of the male buckle is provided with a threading portion, and the other end provided with an extension coupled with the mating joint. A plurality of ribs are set on one surface of the fastening element, which is set on the threading portion of the male buckle. A stopper is set close to the end of the fastening element. The seesaw is provided with a thrust rib plate, which is mated with a plurality of ribs on the fastening element and pivoted on the female buckle via the fulcrum. |
| US08667647B2 |
Furniture hinge
A furniture hinge, comprising a fitting part, a hinge cup that is articulated thereto for fastening to furniture parts, and a cushioning apparatus for cushioning a relative movement between the fitting part and the hinge cup, wherein the cushioning apparatus is disposed in or on the hinge cup, wherein the cushioning apparatus comprises a housing having first fastening means, and second fastening means are disposed on the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the cushioning apparatus can be inserted from above into the hinge cup and in the installed position is disposed substantially completely inside the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the cushioning apparatus and the hinge cup can be connected to each other in said installed position by the first and second fastening means. |
| US08667645B2 |
Attachment glider
An attachment glider comprises an engagement surface having an adhesive plane for securing to an object. The attachment glider further comprises a plurality of attachment spikes extending from the engagement surface at an angle transverse to the adhesive plane and a supporting surface for nesting a fixture coupled to the attachment spikes. The fixture is positioned between the engagement surface and the supporting surface. |
| US08667644B1 |
Vacuum cleaner attachment
A vacuum cleaner attachment is provided for vacuuming without the vacuum cleaner attachment becoming stuck to a surface being cleaned during use. The vacuum cleaner attachment includes a body portion having a top and a perimeter wall extending from the top to define an interior space. A vacuum connection portion extends from the top of the body portion. The vacuum connection portion is in environmental communication with the interior space of the body portion. The vacuum connection portion is designed for coupling to a vacuum cleaner tube to provide suction to the interior space. A first wheel is coupled to the body portion. The first wheel extends downwardly from the body portion such that the first wheel is designed for supporting the body portion in spaced relationship to a supporting surface. |
| US08667641B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner comprises an elongate upright body 11 pivotally connected to a floor-engaging foot 10 comprising a motor and fan unit 17 for creating an airflow through the cleaner, the airflow extending between respective ducts 32, 18 in the body 11 and the foot 10 along a neck 20, which is rotatably connected at its lower end to the duct 18 in the foot 10 for rotation about an axis A which extends transversely of the foot 10. The neck 20 acts to support the body 11 on the foot 10 and acts as the point about which relative pivotal movement of the body 10 and foot 11 occurs. An arm 40 is coupled to the neck 20 for actuating a mechanism, which lifts the foot 10 away from the floor surface when the body 10 is in the upright position, so as to prevent the rotating agitator brush 16 in the foot 10 from damaging the floor surface while the cleaner is stood in the upright position when performing above-floor cleaning. |
| US08667640B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
Several alternate improvements of a vacuum cleaner are provided. In one aspect, the vacuum cleaner utilizes interchangeable components. In another aspect, the vacuum cleaner comprises a chamber having a top, and a first cleaning stage and suction motor are provided on the top. In another aspect, the vacuum cleaner utilizes a reconfigurable divider plate. |
| US08667638B2 |
Robot cleaner
A robot cleaner comprises a main body having a suction port at a bottom surface thereof, a pair of wheel assemblies disposed at both sides of the main body, and configured to move the main body, a dust box mounted to contact the bottom surface of the main body, and configured to collect dust sucked through the suction port, a filter unit configured to filter air discharged from the dust box, a suction fan configured to form a suction pressure on a suction channel defined by the suction port, the dust box and the filter unit, and a battery disposed at a side of the dust box. |
| US08667634B2 |
System for axial bristle motion in a teeth cleaning mouthpiece
The mouthpiece includes a mouthpiece carrier member (14) having upper and lower sections which are adapted to receive the upper and lower teeth of a user. The mouthpiece carrier member has several embodiments which include side members and an intermediate member or members connecting the two side members to define the two sections. A bristle field (20) is mounted on the mouthpiece carrier member for contact with the surfaces of the teeth. The mouthpiece carrier member is moved in such a manner to produce a bristle action which has a significant axial component, resulting in the bristle tufts moving toward the teeth, contacting the teeth and moving away from the teeth, producing cleaning action on the teeth. |
| US08667631B2 |
Infant and preemie swaddling wraps
Infant and preemie swaddling wraps including a kite-shaped body defining head and body supporting portions, a bottom flap and opposing right and left wings configured to be folded around the infants torso, a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners attached to the body at a plurality of positions for releasably engaging with other positions on the kite-shaped body to maintain the folded configuration, and padding in the head and body portions. |
| US08667630B2 |
Furniture cushion
A furniture cushion comprises a matrix of interconnected pocketed springs, each spring of which is contained within a pocket of fabric. Foam at least partially surrounds the matrix. A fiber pad is wrapped bull-nose around the matrix so the pad overlies an upper surface of the matrix of pocketed springs, the fiber pad having a first layer in contact with the upper surface of the matrix of pocketed springs and a second layer in contact with the first layer, the first layer having a first density and said second layer having a second density, the first density being greater than the second density. |
| US08667627B1 |
Blanket and method of making same
A multi-layer blanket or bed covering has adjacent sides or halves with different insulating properties, yet which resembles a traditional blanket, and which allows people to sleep side by side with different comfort levels for heat or coolness. The blanket preferably comprises three layers on one half of the blanket and two layers on the other. The blanket is preferably made from a single rectangular piece of material which is folded first at a location one fifth of the way in from one side of the rectangular piece of material, and folded second at a location two fifths of the way in from an opposite side of the rectangular piece of material. A stitch down the middle is preferably made after the first fold, and then the blanket is stitched around its four sides after the second fold. |
| US08667626B2 |
Collapsible baby play station
A baby play station has a planar mat portion having a plurality of side edges, and a plurality of walls, each wall having incorporated therewith a panel, and each wall having a lower side that is hingedly coupled to one of the plurality of side edges of the mat portion. Each panel includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, the frame member defining a periphery for the panel with an interior space inside of the peiphery, and a fabric material covering the interior space defined by the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. |
| US08667624B2 |
Shower door with pivoted side by side panels
A segmented door for a shower stall, built within a fixed structural frame with a horizontal upper and lower channel. The door is constructed using a plurality (often four or more) of vertically disposed, side by side arranged, moveable panels that are hung from the upper channel by a plurality of moveable and pivoting wheeled hangers engaged with this upper channel. These moveable panels are connected to each other by a plurality of pivotally joined horizontal rods, which enables the moveable panels to move as a group. Often one of the moveable panels is joined to the upper and lower channel by clamp-on hinges, so that this panel is only able to move by pivoting. The moveable panels are able to move between an open door configuration and a closed door configuration, and can be designed with slight overlap so as to prevent shower spray from going beyond the panels. |
| US08667619B2 |
Water saving flapper valve weight apparatus
A water saving device for a toilet adapted for mounting on an overflow tube above a flapper valve. The device uses a mainframe connected to the overflow tube to position a highchair that is pivotally mounted to the mainframe. A water cup is mounted to the highchair for weight and a vertical cam descends from the highchair to contact and close the flapper valve. |
| US08667618B2 |
Helmet
A helmet (1, 100, 200) for protecting a user's head (90), comprising a cap (2) for protecting the user's cranium (92) and a chin guard (3) for protecting the user's chin (93), wherein the chin guard (3) is adapted to move between a first protecting position (31) and a second protecting position (32) under the action of a force (50) acting in the direction of the chin (93) of a user wearing on said helmet (1), the chin guard (3) in said second protecting position (32) being nearer to the user's chin (93) with respect to the chin guard (3) in said first protecting position (31). |
| US08667617B2 |
Helmet having embedded antenna
An enhanced protective helmet includes in one embodiment an outer shell and a molded lining disposed within the outer shell and contoured to surround a human head. The helmet further includes an elongated antenna having a proximal end and a free end, the antenna being supported by the molded lining. The helmet includes a connection point which can be mounted to the molded lining or otherwise extend away from the proximal end of the antenna, the connection point communicatively connected to the proximal end of the antenna. The connection point receives a connection from a mobile communication device, thereby linking the mobile communication device and the antenna. The antenna is located at helmet location that is along one side of the helmet above a left or right ear of the user for optimizing antenna performance. |
| US08667612B2 |
Eye protection cap
The invention relates to an eye protection cap to protect an eye of a person to be treated against electromagnetic radiation, in particular against laser radiation. The eye protection cap comprises a dimensionally stable shaped body, which has a free edge for adjacent arrangement in relation to the person to be treated, limits a hollow shaped body interior, is formed from a silicone material and has a self-holding region for independent holding on the person to be treated. |