| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08696646B2 |
Treatment fluid delivery method, and turbulator for promoting uptake of a treatment agent
A turbulator for promoting mixing of fluids passing through a body lumen includes an elongate flow perturbing component and an elongate shape controlling component freely slidable within the flow perturbing component. The turbulator is adjustable from a low profile, lumen access configuration to a deployed configuration via sliding the shape controlling component within the flow perturbing component. Adjusting the turbulator within a body lumen of a patient induces turbulence within a flow of fluid passing through the body lumen to increase mixing of a treatment fluid with the body fluid by way of the induced turbulence. |
| US08696644B2 |
Balloon catheter systems for delivery of dry drug delivery vesicles to a vessel in the body
Devices and methods for balloon delivery of rapamycin and other hydrophobic compounds to the wall of blood vessels. Balloon catheters, such as those used for balloon angioplasty, are modified with the addition of a reservoir of dry micelles, disposed at a suitable location within the balloon or catheter. The reservoir may be installed within the angioplasty balloon, within a lumen in communication with the angioplasty balloon, either as a loose or packed powder or as a film coating. The micelle preparation is reconstituted and the micelles are mobilized when the aqueous solution used to inflate the balloons is injected into the catheter. The micelles are infused into tissue surrounding the balloon when pressurized fluid within the balloon leaks through the wall of the balloon. |
| US08696642B1 |
Male disposable incontinence diaper
A male disposable incontinence diaper with re-sealable vertical aperture, the aperture consisting of a plastic slider operatively engaging two intermarrying plastic seams which are alternatively locked and closed when the slider is in a first position, and open and unlocked when the slider is in a second position, the aperture enabling the wearer to access his penis and urinate outside the diaper without having to first remove the diaper. The plastic slider and intermarrying plastic seams maintain a watertight seal when closed, thus protecting the wearer of the diaper from the leakage of bodily fluids accidentally discharged into the diaper. |
| US08696641B1 |
Male incontinence containment device
A male incontinence containment device. A sleeve made of flexible mesh terminates at one end in a sleeve mouth, and at an opposite end in a sleeve floor. An absorptive pad is disposed inside the sleeve adjacent the sleeve floor. The sleeve mouth and sleeve are sized to admit a human penis. When urine from a penis inside the sleeve accumulates in the absorptive pad, gravity pulls the absorptive pad, and its sleeve end, downwards. This downwards motion causes the sleeve width to decrease and the sleeve to firmly grip the penis, thus preventing the incontinence containment device from slipping off the penis. A tear line is disclosed to for quick and easy removal. Alternate embodiments incorporating a removable end cap, and a hinged floor, respectively are disclosed permitting removal of a soiled absorptive pad and its replacement with a fresh absorptive pad. |
| US08696636B2 |
Surgical sealing element holder for holding a surgical sealing element and surgical sealing system
In order to improve a surgical sealing element holder for holding a surgical sealing element of a surgical sealing system comprising a trocar with a trocar sleeve, the sealing element having an insertion opening which can be widened, such that a sealing element of the sealing system can be replaced in a simple and reliable manner and it is ensured that sealing in relation to a channel of the trocar sleeve is perfect at all times it is suggested that a holder sealing element be provided for sealing the sealing element holder with respect to an inner wall surface of the trocar sleeve. In addition, an improved surgical sealing system is provided. |
| US08696631B2 |
Infusion device and driving mechanism for same
A drive mechanism for delivery of infusion medium has a coil and an armature movable toward a forward position, in response to the electromagnetic field produced by activation of the coil. A piston is movable axially within a piston channel to a forward position, in response to movement of the armature to its forward position. The armature and piston are moved toward a retracted position, when the coil is not energized. In the retracted position of the piston, a piston chamber is formed between the piston and a valve member and is filled with infusion medium. As the piston is moved to its forward position, the piston chamber volume is reduced and pressure within the piston chamber increases to a point where the pressure moves the valve member into an open position through an outlet. |
| US08696628B2 |
Automatic injection device
The present invention relates to a device for automatic injection of a product comprising a container, a needle and a piston. The device includes a housing receiving the container, the container being movable with respect to the housing between an initial position and an insertion position, distally spaced relative to the initial position; a safety shield coupled to the housing and movable with respect thereto between a rest position, an activation position, proximally spaced relative to the rest position, and a safety position, distally spaced with respect to the rest position; biasing feature for causing the movement of the safety shield to the safety position; triggering feature for causing the container to move from its initial position to its insertion position, the triggering feature being releasable by movement of the safety shield to the activation position; and, isolating feature for isolating the safety shield from the biasing feature when the safety shield is moved to its activation position. |
| US08696627B2 |
Two way accumulator programmable valve pump
An improved implantable valve accumulator pump for the delivery of medication is disclosed. The implantable pump comprises a pressurized drug reservoir. The medication metering assembly comprises a fixed volume accumulator positioned between a pair of valves. The valves alternately open and close to admit medication from the reservoir into the accumulator and to dispense a precise volume pulse to an outlet catheter. In order to improve the pump's accuracy and to increase pumping volume while optimizing the pump's overall size and energy usage a two way diaphragm accumulator is used. The unit can be externally programmed or can be used in a fixed rate configuration that is never programmed but set at the factory or in the current programmable configuration. |
| US08696625B2 |
Injection set and injection assistance device
The present invention relates to an injection assistance device (1) comprising a body (2) with a needle (7), grasping means (4) and first elastic return means (9) to dampen limited movement of said grasping means (4), in at least one of the two directions, respectively distal or proximal, during an injection phase, and to maintain said body (2) in its insertion position and said needle (7) at a constant insertion length during the injection step, when the user increases, respectively releases, a distal pressure on the grasping means (4).The invention also relates to an injection set (100) comprising an injection device (3) and the said assistance device (1). |
| US08696621B2 |
Resector balloon system
A resector balloon system is disclosed generally comprising a catheter with at least one balloon having an outer wall with a resecting, non-slip surface for resecting unwanted biological material, such as tissues or tumors, and a pump that supplies fluid thereto in pulsed fashion to repeatedly deflate and inflate said balloon. In certain embodiments, the pump includes a processor that controls the pulsed supply of fluid based on an established frequency or change in volume. In some embodiments, the system includes a keyed connector with which the pump identifies the balloon type, and in some cases, the system calculates intra-lumen diameters and densities. In some embodiments, the balloon portion of the catheter includes multiple balloon segments, which in some cases, are inflatable separately from one another. |
| US08696619B2 |
Drug delivery devices
A drug delivery device for delivering a drug to a preselected treatment site, includes a rupturable film capsule enclosing a quantity of the drug to be delivered; an array of micro-needles formed with passageways therethrough carried by the device; a covering layer overlying the capsule and forming a fluid-tight seal with the perimeter of the micro-needle array such that when the device is located with the micro-needles facing the treatment site, the application of pressure to the device causes the micro-needles to penetrate the treatment site and the capsule film to rupture to deliver the drug via the passageways to the treatment site; and an open mesh layer adjacent to the array of micro-needles effective, upon rupture of the capsule film, to uniformly distribute the drug to the micro-needles and also to reduce the possibility of clogging of the passageways. |
| US08696618B2 |
Two-stage reconstituting injector
An injector (10) for injecting a medicament into a patient. The injector includes a container (18) defining a first chamber (22), which contains a fluid therein, and a second chamber (23). The injector also includes an injection conduit (126) configured for directing the fluid fired from the container into the patient. A transfer mechanism is operable by a user to transfer the fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber in a first stage of operation, and a firing mechanism is operable by the user for firing the fluid from the second chamber through the injection conduit in a second stage of operation. An energy source (62) is in powering association with the firing mechanism to drive firing mechanism in the first and second stages. |
| US08696617B2 |
Portable drug administration device and method for controlling a portable drug administration device
A portable drug administration device includes a pump and a controller configured to control operation of the pump according to a standard administration mode and a suspend mode in which drug administration is temporarily suspended. The device is configured to generate an event trigger on the occurrence of at least one of an error condition and/or the beginning of a maintenance action by the user. The controller is configured to detect the occurrence of the event trigger, and to store, in response to the event trigger, administration data, the administration data comprising all information that characterizes the current administration according at the time of occurrence of the event trigger automatically in a memory and to switch the device from the standard administration mode to the suspend mode. The controller is further configured to detect the occurrence of a restoring trigger and to retrieve, in response to the restoring trigger, the administration data from the memory, to switch the device from the suspend mode to the standard administration mode and to control the pump to resume administration according to the retrieved administration data. |
| US08696614B2 |
Split-tip catheter including lateral distal openings
A split-tip catheter for placement within the vasculature of a patient and for use in hemodialysis or other suitable procedures is disclosed. In one embodiment, the split-tip catheter includes a catheter body that defines a first lumen and a second lumen. The catheter body further comprises a split distal region, including a venous segment that defines a distal portion of the first lumen and an arterial segment that defines a distal portion of the second lumen. The venous segment includes a recess extending proximally of a nose portion; and a lateral opening in fluid communication with the first lumen. The arterial segment is separate from the venous segment and is removably seatable in the recess provided by the venous segment such that it “nests” therein. The arterial segment also includes a lateral opening in fluid communication with the second lumen. |
| US08696612B2 |
Catheter with multiple ultrasound radiating members
A method of delivery ultrasonic energy and a therapeutic compound to a treatment site and an ultrasonic catheter system are disclosed. The ultrasonic catheter system comprises a tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end and a treatment zone located between the distal end and the proximal end, a fluid delivery lumen, at least one ultrasound radiating element positioned in the treatment zone, wiring electrically coupled to the at least one ultrasound radiating element and extending through the tubular body and terminating at a connector, and a control system comprising external circuitry and an isolation pod that is configured to be electrically connected to the connector, the isolation pod being positioned between the tubular body and the external system and comprising an isolation barrier and circuitry for driving the ultrasound radiating element. |
| US08696604B2 |
Muscle force assisting device and its operating method
A muscle force assisting can increase a bending angle of a second attachment with respect to a first attachment. The muscle force assisting device includes the first attachment arranged along one bone of a joint, the second attachment arranged along the other bone of the joint, and an artificial muscle having one end provided on the first attachment and having the other end provided on the second attachment, an actuator that is extensible or contractible by supplying or discharging a substance such as gas, liquid and solid, or a mixture thereof is used as the artificial muscle, and the muscle force assisting device assists motion of a user's elbow, knee and wrist, the one end of the artificial muscle can be displaced with respect to the first attachment, the one end of the artificial muscle is displaced, and a bending angle of the second attachment with respect to the first attachment is increased as compared with a case where the one end of the artificial muscle is not displaced. |
| US08696597B2 |
Diagnostic meter
A system for diagnostic testing, including a meter assembly that communicates with a partner device, such as a PC. The device can be made compact, convenient to carry, and easily connectable to a variety of electronics devices. |
| US08696591B2 |
Compensation of volumetric errors in a gas monitoring system
A mainstream gas monitoring method includes a using a mainstream airway adapter and a gas sensing assembly associated with the mainstream airway adapter to measure an analyte of a gas flow through the adapter. A gas sensing portion outputs a signal indicative of the analyte in a gas flow in the mainstream airway adapter. A processing portion receives the signal from the gas sensing portion and determines an amount of the analyte in the gas flow based on the signal from the gas sensing portion. The processing portion also compensates for volumetric differences between the gas flow during inspiration and the gas flow during expiration to maximize the accuracy in the measurements. |
| US08696589B2 |
Method and system for heart failure status evaluation based on a disordered breathing index
An evaluation of heart failure status is provided based on a disordered breathing index. Patient respiration is sensed and a respiration signal is generated. Disordered breathing episodes are detected based on the respiration signal. A disordered breathing index is determined based on the disordered breathing episodes. The disordered breathing index is trended and used to evaluate heart failure status. The disordered breathing index may be combined with additional information and/or may take into account patient activity, posture, sleep stage, or other patient information. |
| US08696586B2 |
Method and device for measuring blood flow in the bone after a fracture
A method and device for measuring blood flow in the bone after a fracture, wherein a hole is drilled into the bone. The method includes the steps of inserting the metal sleeve of an osteoscope into the hole; inserting the optics of an osteoscope into the metal sleeve and focused on the cavity created by the drill; filling the device and the cavity with a physiological solution such that the pressure of the solution is above the systolic blood pressure; decreasing the pressure of the solution while observing the cavity through the osteoscope, and recording the pressure in the system at the commencement of bleeding. |
| US08696583B2 |
Ultrasound endoscope
An ultrasound endoscope has a transducer unit that has a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface connecting the top surface and the bottom surface, and performs transmission and reception of ultrasound on a top surface side, a cable that is for transmitting and receiving an electrical signal to and from the transducer unit and is connected to the side surface, a conductive shield case that has a lead-out port for leading out the cable, and a flexible extension portion extended from at least the top surface side of the lead-out port, and covers the side surface and the bottom surface, and a housing that holds a transducer unit 2 via the shield case, and has a cable insertion path in which the cable and the extension portion are inserted. |
| US08696581B2 |
Ultrasound transducer and uses thereof
A dual use ultrasonic transducer device for combined sensing and power transmission, comprises a first piezoelectric transducer sized for placement in a body lumen; a power unit enabling an ultrasonic power beam for tissue ablation in a tissue ablation region; and a sensing unit enabling an ultrasonic sensing beam for sensing at said tissue ablation region. In one example, a single piezoelectric surface is electrically connected to a mounting; and the mounting provides a first region of the piezoelectric surface with a first relatively high level of damping and a second region of said piezoelectric surface with a second relatively low level of damping, thereby to enable sensing from said first region and power transmission from said second region. Changes in efficiency of the transducer or the treatment during use may be inferred from changes in the impulse response or impedance or changes in the temperature of liquids that have flowed past the transducer. |
| US08696576B2 |
Ultrasound system and method for providing change trend image
There is disclosed an embodiment for providing a change trend image. An ultrasound data acquisition unit transmits ultrasound signal to a target object and receives echo signal reflected from the target object to sequentially acquire a plurality of ultrasound data. A processor is connected to the ultrasound data acquisition unit. The processor sequentially extracts feature values from the plurality of ultrasound data, allocates colors corresponding to each feature value and forms a change trend image with the colors indicative of a change trend of the extracted feature values over time. |
| US08696572B2 |
Medical system with comprehensive report simulation feature
A medical system includes a display for displaying an image and an analysis package operatively connected to the image display. The analysis package provides a user the ability to create a comprehensive report of all system functionality using simulated input from an exhaustive database of system input device values and user input values. |
| US08696571B2 |
Continuity circuits for detecting access disconnection
A monitor for an extracorporeal therapy access site is disclosed. The monitor includes a bandage atop or adjacent the access site and a sensor for monitoring the bandage. The bandage includes a layer of polymer that expands when wetted with blood. The expansion causes a break in continuity of the sensor, or in an alternate embodiment, causes a sensor to cease detecting a target. When the break occurs, the control circuit monitoring the bandage sends a signal that a break has occurred, and a remote monitor then takes appropriate action, such as ceasing therapy, sending an alert, or sounding an alarm. In another embodiment, connecting wires in a continuity circuit are held apart by a polymer that dissolves when contacted by blood. If a leak occurs and a small portion of the polymer dissolves, the wires make contact, thus detecting a blood leak. |
| US08696567B2 |
Assay for positioning a feeding tube and method thereof
The present invention discloses a bedside or point of care assay for properly positioning a feeding tube in the stomach of a patient based on detecting the presence of a hydrolytic enzyme found in the stomach by an ester substrate which can be impregnated on a pH strip. The application of this test reduces the risk of tube misplacement and the resulting harm to the patient that occurs in the event of tube misplacement. |
| US08696565B2 |
Patient monitoring system with health status indicator
A patient monitoring system is disclosed herein. The patient monitoring system includes a computer adapted to assess the health of a patient, and to generate a health status indicator for the patient. The health status indicator comprising a visual gradient adapted to visually convey the assessed health of the patient. The system also includes a display operatively connected to the computer. The display is configured to display the health status indicator comprising the visual gradient. |
| US08696560B2 |
Minimally open retraction device
A retractor having a pair of blades is disclosed. A ring having an opening is attached to one end of the blades. The blades define a channel therebetween. The blades may be pivotally coupled to the ring. The retractor may have at least two conditions. In a first condition, the retractor is insertable through an incision in a patient's skin to an operative site. In a second condition, the retractor may be manipulated for retracting tissue surrounding the operative site. Instruments, prostheses, or tissue may be inserted or removed through the channel of the retractor. |
| US08696548B2 |
Endoscope structures and techniques for navigating to a target in branched structure
Systems and methods employing a small gauge steerable catheter (30) including a locatable guide (32) with a sheath (40), particularly as an enhancement to a bronchoscope (14). A typical procedure is as follows. The location of a target in a reference coordinate system is detected or imported. The catheter (30) is navigated to the target which tracking the distal tip (34) of the guide (32) in the reference coordinate system. Insertion of the catheter is typically via a working channel of a convention bronchoscope. Once the tip of the catheter is positioned at the target, the guide (32) is withdrawn, leaving the sheath (40) secured in place. The sheath (40) is then used as a guide channel to direct a medical tool to target. |
| US08696542B2 |
Biased artificial sphincter cuff
An embodiment of a cuff for use an as artificial sphincter comprises an inflatable chamber and a backing. The inflatable chamber includes opposing inside and outside surfaces and inflated and deflated states. The backing is adjacent the outside surface of the chamber. The inside surface of the chamber and/or the backing include two or more grooves that define the location of fold lines of the inflatable chamber when the inflatable chamber is in the inflated state. |
| US08696539B2 |
Positioning device and a procedure for treating the walls of a resection cavity
A positioning device (1) for treating the inner walls of a resection cavity, which was created by surgically removing of at least a portion of a tumor in a living body, characterized by the fact that the material of the device (1), part(s) of the device and accessories of the device (1) is (are) biologically degradable in the living body. Further a surgical procedure for treating a tumor in a living body of at least one of the former claims, comprising: (a) surgically removing at least a portion of said tumor thereby creating a cavity in the living body's remaining tissue; (b) placing a biodegradable treatment device in said cavity so that the degradable device occupies said cavity; and (c) treating tissue surrounding said cavity by means of said positioning device. |
| US08696536B2 |
Apparatus for folding a driver airbag cushion and method for folding the driver airbag cushion
An apparatus for folding a driver airbag cushion, including: a first plate where an airbag cushion is placed to be folded; a fixing jig that fixes the center portion of the airbag cushion on the first plate; a second plate that covers the fixed airbag cushion; a plurality of first press jigs that is inserted between the first plate and the second plate and circumferentially divides the airbag cushion into several sections by pressing inward the edge of the airbag cushion; and a plurality of second press jigs that is inserted between the first plate and the second plate and compresses the airbag cushion, which has been divided into several sections by the first press jigs, by pressing inward the edge of the airbag cushion. |
| US08696534B2 |
Total abs office chair
An article of furniture suitable for sitting comprising of a seat, a hinging and lowering seatback, and a coaster wheeled pedestal base with a means of securing human feet; whereby providing its user with a fast, convenient, and safe means of seating, stretching, exercising, and laying flat to rest without the article of furniture having to be laboriously manipulated. |
| US08696529B2 |
Adjustable weight exercise methods and apparatus
A vertical stack of weights is disposed beneath a base member, and at least one selector rod is rotatably mounted on the base member and selectively rotated into engagement with a desired number of the vertically stacked weights. A horizontal stack of weights is disposed on opposite sides of a base member, and at least one selector rod is movably mounted on the base member and selectively moved into engagement with the desired number of horizontally stacked weights. Various combinations of these arrangements may be used to provide adjustable resistance to exercise on dumbbells and/or weight stack machines. |
| US08696525B2 |
Track start block for swimming
A starting block for swimming equipped with a single curved surface to facilitate track starts while reducing the trip hazard of such a surface. This allows for safer mounting from rear and side steps and removes undesirable gaps in the top surface of the starting block. A pliable embodiment of said curved surface can modify the distance of the curvature from the leading edge of the starting block to adapt to different swimmer needs. An apparatus to obtain said distance for a given swimmer from a meet management system to modify the pliable embodiment for quick change during time-constrained events such as meets. |
| US08696523B2 |
Multi-positioned angled step and risers
An adjustable stepping structure for aerobic exercise is disclosed having a platform and a plurality of support elements. The support elements include a downwardly arcuate notch or channel for receiving a sidewall or endwall of the platform, allowing the platform to be arranged in multiple angled orientations. |
| US08696519B2 |
Differential wheel group with normally closed brakes at two output sides thereof
The present invention relates to a drive system employing single drive power through the differential wheel group to drive two differential output shafts thereof, in which a normal closed brake is individually installed at each of two differential output ends, to prevent the shortcoming of the ineffective parking function caused by single side sliding when single side being suspended or parking. |
| US08696518B2 |
Hydraulic control for powershift transmission
A method for controlling a transmission includes using signals of first solenoids to control first and second clutches, servos of first gears and servos of second gears, using signals of a second solenoid to establish a flow rate to cool the clutches and to actuate the servo that is associated with a selected gear, and using signals of a third solenoid to direct the flow rate to one of the clutches and to engage the selected gear. |
| US08696517B2 |
System and method of controlling crankshaft torque during a transmission shift with torque capacity-based torque reduction range selection
A control system for use with an engine and a transmission in a vehicle is provided that includes at least one controller having a processor with at least one stored algorithm that determines different crankshaft torque capacities associated with different respective torque actuators including a relatively slow torque actuator, such as an airflow actuator, and at least one relatively fast torque actuator, such as a spark actuator or a fuel actuator. The algorithm determines a torque actuation range over which to modify engine torque during an oncoming shift of the transmission. The torque actuation range may be based at least partially on a target gear of the upshift, desired shift duration, and a vehicle operating condition indicative of an operator intent regarding shift duration. Requests for torque modification by use of the torque actuators are then made to provide the torque actuation range. |
| US08696510B2 |
Driveline for four-wheel drive vehicle
A driveline includes a wet multi-plate clutch that can switch between a two-wheel drive state and a four-wheel drive state, and a disconnect mechanism that switches transmission/non-transmission of torque between a front differential and one of front wheels. When the driveline is switched from the two-wheel drive state to the four-wheel drive state, the wet multi-plate clutch is actuated to an engagement side, and thus the rotation of the front differential and that of the front wheels are synchronized, and after synchronization is finished, the disconnect mechanism is switched to the transmission state. After switching of the disconnect mechanism is finished, the wet multi-plate clutch is actuated to a disengagement side and returns to a standby position between a disengagement position in the two-wheel drive state and a synchronous position in which the disconnect mechanism is switched. |
| US08696506B2 |
Device for a drivetrain of a hybrid vehicle, drivetrain and method for operating the same
A device for a drive train of a hybrid vehicle having a planetary gear set (4) including a ring gear (9), a sun gear (10) and a carrier (8). A first element of these elements of the planetary gear set serves as the connection to a transmission input shaft (11) of a transmission (3) and a second element of these elements of the planetary gear set serves as the connection to an electric machine (2) of a hybrid drive. A clutch (5) and associated shift element (6) by which, in a first shift position (A), a third element of the planetary gear set can be coupled to an internal combustion engine (1) of the hybrid drive while in a second shift position (B), can be coupled to one of the other elements of the planetary gear set (4). |
| US08696505B2 |
Hybrid power train for vehicles
A hybrid power train for vehicles uses a double clutch transmission (DCT) to further improve the fuel efficiency of a vehicle, obtain a sporty transmission, and prevent the entire length thereof from being excessively lengthened, thereby sufficiently securing the ability of being mounted in a vehicle. |
| US08696504B2 |
Dual power driving system with epicycle gear sets transmitted in series
The present invention provides a dual power driving system with epicycle gear sets transmitted in series, in which the input shaft, the output shaft and the controllable brake device of each epicycle gear set can be coaxially connected in series, or connected in parallel or not in parallel; the rotating shaft at the output end and the rotating shaft at the input end of each epicycle gear set can be directly connected, or an intermediate transmission device can be installed for connection, and through operating the controllable brake devices to choose the structural configurations of the dual power driving system. |
| US08696503B2 |
Bicycle sprocket assembly
A bicycle sprocket assembly is provided with at least a first sprocket, a second sprocket and a first axial spacer. The first sprocket includes an outermost peripheral portion defining a plurality of first teeth, and an innermost peripheral portion defining an opening that is free of any freewheel engaging splines. The first sprocket is larger than any other sprocket of the bicycle sprocket assembly. The second sprocket includes an outermost peripheral portion defining a plurality of second teeth, and an innermost peripheral portion defining an opening having a plurality of freewheel engaging splines. The first axial spacer is fixed to the first and second sprockets such that the first axial spacer is disposed between the first and second sprockets without any intervening sprockets disposed between the first and second sprockets. The first axial spacer includes an innermost peripheral portion defining an opening having a plurality of freewheel engaging splines. |
| US08696502B2 |
Chain transmission mechanism
The invention provides a chain transmission mechanism capable of alleviating impact and impact noise caused when a chain engages and contacts with a sprocket, of not increasing the impact and impact noise even if the chain transmission mechanism is driven in heavy load and in high speed, of reducing vibrations, breakage, wear and others of the chain and the sprocket and of improving its durability. Tooth bottoms of the sprocket are formed so as not contact any pin, bush or drive roller when the chain is wound around the sprocket as guide rollers rotatably supported coaxially with a pin of the chain rolls on a track along the guide rail provided on the side of teeth of the sprocket. The invention provides a guide rail around the sprocket to engage the chain and lighten its impact with the sprocket as the mechanism operates. |
| US08696501B2 |
Tensioning device pertaining to a traction mechanism drive
A tensioning device for a traction mechanism drive. The tensioning device includes a tensioning piston which is mounted in an axially movable manner and provided with an attachment shaft facing the traction mechanism. The tensioning device also includes a tensioning shoe formed of a polymer plastic and mounted on the attachment shaft via a support hole, and a disk-shaped metallic support element which is fixed to the attachment shaft via its support hole. The force transmission between the tensioning shoe (2) and the tensioning piston (5) is improved by pre-mounting the support element (11) in or on the tensioning shoe (2) in a positively or non-positively fixed manner, and the support element (11) is connected to the tensioning piston (5), in the mounted state, via a press fit between the support hole (12) and the attachment shaft (4), and contacts a shoulder (9) of the tensioning piston (5). |
| US08696500B2 |
Tensioner lever
In a pivoted tensioner lever extending upward from a pivot axis, both ends of boss through which a pivot shaft extends are provided with funnel-shaped grooves that guide oil adhering to the lever body into a region between the shaft and the inside of the boss. Oil guiding walls, continuous with the boss, and downwardly sloping reinforcing ribs with oil passages formed at their lower ends, increase flow of oil adhering to the lever body to the region between the shaft and the inside of the boss. |
| US08696499B2 |
Belt-type continuous stepless speed changer
A belt-type continuously variable transmission includes a primary sheave including a pair of first clamp surfaces, a secondary sheave including a pair of second clamp surfaces, and a belt endlessly wound between both of the primary and secondary sheaves. The belt includes contact surfaces clamped between the first clamp surfaces and between the second clamp surfaces. Powder having infusibility as a friction enhancing material is held on at least one of the first clamp surfaces of the primary sheave, the second clamp surfaces of the secondary sheave, and the contact surfaces of the belt. |
| US08696498B1 |
Arrow tracking device
An arrow tracking device and method of use provides archery arrows with a line tracking mechanism to aid in the location and retrieval after firing. The arrow is provided with a length of string housed inside the hollow arrow shaft. The string is attached at a first end to a nock assembly which is removably coupled to the arrow shaft behind the fletching. The string is attached at a second end to a wedge that is also housed within the arrow shaft behind the arrow head. The nock assembly includes a plurality of outwardly protruding barbs which attach to the animal at an entrance wound and does not pass through the animal with the arrow. If the animal and the arrow are separated, the length of string is deployed allowing a hunter to follow the string to the animal and locate the arrow. |
| US08696478B2 |
Dasher board assembly
A dasher board assembly, particularly well-suited for an ice hockey rink, includes a number of advantageous structures including an ice dam (ice retainer), puck rebound facilitator backing a kickplate, and a unitary rigid L-shaped anchoring device for the dasher board frame. The ice dam has a main body component and a lip upstanding from the body a distance sufficient to assist in blocking moisture movement past the dasher board and to provide an open space. The rigid L-shaped anchoring device is connected by fasteners to vertical elements of the dasher board frame, and to the ice dam body, to provide stable mounting of the frame. The puck rebound facilitator may be a buckling elastomeric tube that is essentially rigid when a hockey puck impacts the kickplate but buckles to absorb the force of impact if a hockey player strikes the dasher board. |
| US08696477B2 |
Method for manufacturing a thread-forming screw
A method for manufacturing a thread-forming screw having a shank and a thread formed in one piece with the shank and region-wise circumferentially arranged on the shank, is disclosed. After the formation of the thread on the shank, a plurality of recesses is subsequently stamped into the thread. Then, a plurality of compact cutting elements is welded into the recesses in the thread, where the cutting elements are made of a hard material and have a hardness greater than the hardness of the thread. Additionally, a stamping device for carrying out the method is also disclosed. |
| US08696464B2 |
Enhanced method and apparatus for selecting and rendering performance data
Enhanced methodology and apparatus for use in a multi-player video game for generating a array of user selectable options for choosing real or computer generated users to play with and/or compete against. For example, in a simulated multiple driver racing game application, the user of a computing device is presented with an option for selecting any of various “ghost data” packages for downloading over a communication network such as the Internet. For example, the user may be presented with the option of selecting one of an array of ghost data packages to race against such as the top five buddies of the user with highest scores, five buddies with scores similar to a user's own score, and teams/groups of various varieties. A simulated race in a computing device initially occurs with objects and a playing field of relatively low graphic complexity, limited by constraints of the system's processing power and the associated limited number of polygons that can be processed per second, the resolution of the screen, etc. A more powerful rendering of such objects/playing field thereafter takes place in a server after the ghost/performance data is collected and uploaded. |
| US08696462B2 |
Game apparatus having general-purpose remote control function
A game apparatus is capable of controlling infrared radiation emitters for radiating infrared light. The game apparatus executes game processing using imaging information on the infrared light obtained from an input device. The input device takes an image of the infrared light radiated by the infrared radiation emitters, and also receives an input from a user. The game apparatus comprises pattern storage means; selection means; and radiation control means. The pattern storage means stores at least one signal pattern of an infrared signal usable by a control target device. The selection means selects at least one of the at least one signal pattern stored by the pattern storage means, using the input received by the input device. The radiation control means causes the infrared radiation emitters to output an infrared signal of the signal pattern selected by the selection means. |
| US08696456B2 |
Music-based video game with user physical performance
A music-based video game additionally evaluates a game player's physical performance. The game player's physical performance is evaluated in some embodiments by determining if an indication of controller movement matches predefined patterns while the game player responds to instructive cues to operate a representation of a musical instrument. A representation of a musician may be provided, with the game player to mimic movements of the representation of the musician. The game player may be provided additional points for properly responding to instructive cues while moving in predefined manners. |
| US08696451B2 |
Image generation system, image generation method, and information storage medium
An image generation system includes an object space setting section, a character control section, a virtual camera control section, an inter-camera distance setting section that sets an inter-camera distance based on at least one of position information, direction information, and moving state information about the character or the virtual camera, the inter-camera distance being a distance between a left-eye virtual camera and a right-eye virtual camera for generating a stereoscopic image, and an image generation section that generates a left-eye image and a right-eye image, the left-eye image being an image viewed from the left-eye virtual camera in an object space, and the right-eye image being an image viewed from the right-eye virtual camera in the object space. |
| US08696450B2 |
Methods for analyzing and providing feedback for improved power generation in a golf swing
This invention relates to methods for optimizing a golf swing by measuring and providing feedback on a combination of various key parameters of a subject's movement to both generate more power and reduce injury. |
| US08696447B2 |
Time bomb jackpot
A method for use with a plurality of linked gaming machines, the plurality of linked gaming machines each having a game controller. The method comprises initiating a feature at the end of the play of a game on at least one of the plurality of gaming machines, enabling a bidding sequence during the feature, the bidding sequence ending at a time that is unknown to the players playing at the plurality of the linked gaming machines, enabling at least one of the players playing at the plurality of linked gaming machines to place at least one bid during the bidding sequence, and awarding a feature award to the player who places a highest bid during the bidding sequence. |
| US08696445B2 |
Gaming machine having a community game with side wagering
A gaming system includes at least one community display, a first gaming machine, and a second gaming machine. The at least one community display displays a communal game that includes a plurality of elements. At least some of the plurality of elements have a communal value associated therewith. The first and second gaming machines have a respective first and second video display for displaying the plurality of elements. At least some of the plurality of elements have a first and second player value associated therewith. The first and second gaming machines determine the first and second player values by applying a respective first and second value-enhancement parameter to the communal values associated with at least some of the plurality of elements. The first value-enhancement parameter is different than the second value-enhancement parameter. |
| US08696443B2 |
System and method for convenience gaming
A convenience gaming system is provided. The convenience gaming system allows users to access applications via gaming communication devices coupled to a communication network. At least a portion of the network may be wireless. The gaming applications include gambling, financial, entertainment service, and other types of transactions. The system may include a user location determination feature to prevent users from conducting transactions from unauthorized areas. |
| US08696438B2 |
Wagering game with a secondary game determined by symbol positions in a base game
A system for playing a wagering game has basic and secondary games. The secondary game includes bonus games. Symbols are arranged in an array of symbol positions in a first display for the basic game. Each symbol position has a corresponding position in an array of bonus-game positions in a second display for the secondary game. Each bonus-game position is linked to a different bonus game. The symbols displayed in the array of symbol positions are varied during play of the basic game. The symbols include secondary game trigger symbols. If a secondary game trigger symbol is displayed in a symbol position, the corresponding position in the array of bonus-game positions for the secondary game is identified. If a predetermined number of bonus-game positions are identified, the secondary game is completed by implementing each of the different bonus games linked to the identified bonus-game positions. |
| US08696437B2 |
Gaming system having bonus booster features
A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager, a display for displaying a primary wagering game, and a controller operative to (i) detect receipt of the primary wager, (ii) cause the display to present a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game, the randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of possible outcomes, the plurality of possible outcomes including at least one winning outcome, (iii) determine if the randomly selected outcome is the at least one winning outcome, (iv) determine if the at least one winning outcome satisfies a booster eligibility requirement, (v) in response to the randomly selected outcome being the at least one winning outcome, provide a first award, and (vi) in response to the at least one winning outcome satisfying the booster eligibility requirement, provide a second award. |
| US08696436B2 |
Method for displaying gaming result
Embodiments of the invention include a gaming device that has a video display. When the player initiates the game, an animation is shown. If the game had a losing outcome, the animation is very short and allows the player to quickly try for a win. If instead the game has a winning outcome the gaming device spins reels or otherwise shows the player how much he or she has one. The animation may also indicate progress toward a mystery jackpot or a group mystery jackpot. |
| US08696433B2 |
Method for playing multi-level games of chance
A method for playing a multi-level game of chance wherein players can advance to the next level with a win. As the game progresses through levels, non-winning players are eliminated and winning players are segregated by type of win. In general, each level provides greater winnings. In another example game format, a progressive jackpot may also be offered. |
| US08696429B1 |
Method and apparatus for a wagering game with indicia developed paylines
In contrast to slot-type gaming machines with their preset paylines designating predetermined array positions, the paylines of this novel wagering game are unknown until the indicia in the array have been selected. The indicia are selected from a variety of indicium types, each having a different number of members for identifying adjacent indicia. The randomly selected indicia determine the paylines, if any, in the array. Conditions may be imposed that limit the size and geometry of the paylines in this wagering game. |
| US08696425B2 |
System and method of social networking in a gaming environment
A system and method for allowing users to select photos from social networking websites (e.g., Facebook®) or other dedicated websites for use with select gaming devices wherein the selected photos are used as game indicia (e.g., game reel indicia). Thus, instead of cherries and bars, the gaming device may depict photos of a player's girlfriend and pet. “Friends” of the player may also be able to observe the real-time gaming activities of the player via the social networking website or other dedicated website. |
| US08696424B1 |
Gaming system and method providing a multiplayer Pai Gow draw poker game
Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a Pai Cow draw poker game. For a play of a card game, the gaming system provides a player set of cards to a player and a dealer set of cards to a dealer. The gaming system enables the player and the dealer to each discard a card from their respective sets of cards. If the player discards a card from the player set, the gaming system adds a draw card to the player set. If the dealer discards a card from the dealer set, the gaming system adds a draw card to the dealer set. The gaming system then enables the player and the dealer to each form two hands using their respective sets of cards, and determines any awards based on a comparison of the player and dealer hands. |
| US08696421B2 |
Game system and method of using operation timing of an operation unit in a musical input device
A game system displays an operation instruction sign corresponding to each piece of operation timing and an operation reference sign corresponding to current time in a time ordering array along a route in one of operation guide domains, generates a relative displacement according to a time progress of the game such that the operation instruction sign is matched with the operation reference sign in the operation timing, and switches the route in which the relative displacement is generated between the operation guide domains according to a predetermined condition. Also, the game system includes sequence data having operation timing corresponding to one of the operation guide domains and operation timing corresponding commonly to the operation guide domains. And, the game system controls display of the operation instruction sign corresponding to each piece of operation timing such that continuity of the relative displacement is maintained before and after switching of the route. |
| US08696419B2 |
Ventilation fan unit with a heater
A ventilation fan unit with a heater, including: a frame with an opening provided at the underside of the frame; a cover having an air outlet and an air inlet provided at the opening of the frame; a snail-shaped casing with an air exit provided in the frame; a circulating fan enclosed in the snail-shaped casing; and a heating portion including a spiral heater mounted at the air exit of the snail-shaped casing, wherein the heating portion is communicated with the circulating fan through the air exit, wherein an axis of a spiral shape of the heater is in parallel with a rotation axis of the circulating fan, wherein the rotation axis of the circulating fan is located obliquely above the axis of the spiral shape of the heater. |
| US08696417B2 |
Modular exhaust gas header and method of incorporating same in design layout for a manufacturing process machine
A modular exhaust gas header designed for use with a process tool having a plurality of exhaust gas points of connection. Embodiments of the modular exhaust gas header include a plurality of branch ducts, at least one for each point of connection in the process tool. Branch ducts, and primary ducts with which they are fluidly connected, may be made from materials designed to withstand exhaust gases that have a high temperature, are corrosive, and/or include volatile solvents. If desired, flow control devices and pressure monitoring instrumentation that selectively measures pressure may be used in each branch duct. The header local to the processing system may be incorporated in a method of designing a layout for a manufacturing process tool and associated exhaust gas handling systems. |
| US08696413B2 |
Contouring sanding device
A contouring sanding device includes a support plate, a sanding pad covered by an abrasive material (e.g. sand paper), and a pressure dispersal system allowing the sanding pad to automatically conform to the contours of the surface of the object being sanded. The sanding device also includes either a handle or a power tool attachment piece. |
| US08696412B2 |
Polishing instrument for optical components
A polishing head that can be disassembled and comprises a polishing cloth 1, sponge 2 and plastic base 3. The polishing cloth 1 is tightly pressed on the plastic base 3 by a sponge 2. The plastic base 3 is divided into one part with male threads and the other part with female threads. The two parts coordinate with each other to achieve dismantling or locking of the cloth and sponge to the base. When the polishing cloth is damaged, the plastic base can be unscrewed to change the damaged polishing cloth, while the base can be reused so as to reduce waste. |
| US08696407B2 |
Cutting tool sharpener
Method (300) and apparatus (100) for sharpening a cutting tool (114, 132, 204, 210, 216). A flexible abrasive belt (116, 116A, 116B, 162, 172) with a selected linear stiffness and an abrasive surface (128A, 128B) of selected abrasiveness level is driven (304) in a selected direction along a selected plane between a first support (122) and a second support (118). In some embodiments, the cutting tool is presented (306, 308) in contacting engagement against the abrasive surface to induce torsion of the belt (140, 144, 148) out of the selected plane to conform to a cutting edge (138, 168, 178, 207, 208, 213, 214, 215) of the cutting tool. In further embodiments, presentation of the cutting tool against the abrasive surface of the belt (306, 308) induces bending of the belt out of said selected plane at a radius of curvature (169, 179) determined in relation to said linear stiffness to shape a side surface (164, 166, 174, 176) of the cutting tool with said radius of curvature. |
| US08696406B2 |
Device for blast-machining or abrasive blasting objects
A device (33) for blast-machining or abrasive blasting objects such as structural elements, tools, household objects, pots, pans or the like, has a blast pot (3) for holding a blasting abrasive (35) which is connected via at least one line (21) to a blasting nozzle (24) which extends into a blasting space (1) in which the objects which are to be blasted can be placed. Compressed air is introduced above the blasting abrasive mixture (35) provided in the blast pot (3) by means of a pressure-generating means (43) and the blasting abrasive (35) thus being forced into the blasting space (1), the compressed air conveying via a second line (10) the granular material or the granular material mixture (35) and/or a suspension formed from granular material and liquid out of the blasting space (1) and back into the blast pot (3), which also takes the form of a pressurized space. |
| US08696405B2 |
Pivot-balanced floating platen lapping machine
A low friction flat-lapping abrading apparatus and method for releasably attaching flexible abrasive disks to a flat-surfaced platen that floats in three-point abrading contact with flat-surfaced workpieces that are attached to three rotary spindles. The rigid equal-height flat-surfaced rotatable fixed-position workpiece spindles are mounted on a flat abrading machine base. They are positioned to form a triangle to provide stable support of the floating platen. All three spindle-tops are co-planar aligned to provide a precision-flat reference plane for mounting of the workpieces. The lapping operation has very high abrading speeds and very low abrading forces. The lightweight but strong lapping machine employs a pivot-balance structure where the weight of the drive motor is used to balance the weight of the abrading platen. Use of low-friction air bearings provides the capability for precision control of the abrading forces. The lapping machine is robust and well suited for a harsh abrading environment. |
| US08696403B2 |
Surgical Bra with Mastectomy Kit
A surgical compression bra for patient support with a mastectomy kit. The surgical bra includes a body portion with a releasable front closure, shoulder straps with releasable closures, an internal pocket, adjustable poly filled pad prostheses, and a detachable mastectomy pouch. |
| US08696402B2 |
Windup toy vehicle
A windup toy vehicle is provided. In some embodiments, the vehicle may include a body and a wheel assembly that is connected to the body and that defines an axis about which the wheel assembly spins. The vehicle also may include a spring extending at least generally along the axis and having a first end and a second end that are respectively fixed and pivotable with respect to the wheel assembly. An arm may be coupled to the spring at the second end such that the arm and the second end pivot as a unit. The vehicle further may include a stop supported by the body and configured to block the arm from spinning with respect to the body. |
| US08696400B2 |
Shopping cart liner with toy attachment system
A shopping cart liner includes a body configured to nest in the child seat portion of a shopping cart. The body may define one or more openings positioned to enable the feet of a child seated in the shopping cart to protrude through the body, and the shopping cart liner includes a track at least partially embedded in a portion of the shopping cart liner. A clip is slidingly engaged with the track, and defines an opening for attaching an item to the shopping cart liner. An item such as a toy, teething ring, pacifier, or other item may be attached. The body may be padded, and, and may include one or more pockets. The shopping cart liner may include a seat belt for securing a child to the shopping cart liner, and may be used in combination with a pillow. |
| US08696396B1 |
Water sport training device
A water sport training device is disclosed comprising, in one embodiment, a raft having a distal nose portion and a proximal rear portion. The rear portion provides a pair of substantially spaced apart lateral pontoons and a first web spanning the space therebetween. A relatively rigid platform is positionable within the raft, substantially adjacent the first web. A buoyant seat portion is positioned substantially on a back half of the device between the pontoons and adjacent the platform. A tow rope attachment means is secured to the raft for selectively towing the device over a body of water. The device is configured such that a back half of the device has a center buoyancy sufficient for providing a stable surface to support the weight of a person while floating on water both at standstill and as being pulled through the water as by a boat. |
| US08696395B2 |
Prone position watercraft
A personal watercraft is designed to be ridden in a prone position. The craft is generally shaped like a kayak, including a bow and a stern, and includes a shaped, recessed cavity within the boat to accommodate and conform to the riders body disposed in a prone position, so that the rider can propel and navigate the craft using his arms and hands. The recessed cavity is an ergonomically designed space for the rider's body to be cradled within the craft in a prone position, creating a stable and dynamic platform for water exploits, lowering the center of gravity, and allowing the rider to guide the craft through fast running water by leaning in a desired direction. |
| US08696392B2 |
Contact and method for manufacturing the contact
A contact includes a plate with a width that ranges from 0.1 mm or more to 1 mm or less, and a stress concentrated place, where a surface roughness (Ra) on the stress concentrated place is 0.2 μm or less. When samples whose surface roughness Ra is 0.040 μm, 0.080 μm, 0.120 μm, and 0.180 μm were used to study a number of repetitive fracture times, as the surface roughness Ra was smaller, the number of repetitive fracture times became larger. Particularly, it is found that the surface roughness Ra may be 0.200 μm or less in order to satisfy 3000 times as a number of operating times of the battery connector. Further, the surface roughness Ra may be 0.080 μm or less in order to satisfy 6000 times as the number of operating times when a safety factor is 2. |
| US08696382B2 |
High current electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, conductive terminals mounted therein, and a conductive shield generally covering the housing. A shelf of the housing supports a portion of the shield. Each terminal has a main body, a front contact portion extending from an end of the main body and capable of engagement with contacts of a battery, a rear contact portion extending from an end of the main body and capable of engagement with contacts of an electronic device, and a tail portion extending perpendicularly from the main body. The tail portion is positioned between the front and rear contact portions. The front contact portion is capable of deflecting along a plane defined by a centerline of the main body. |
| US08696378B2 |
Electrical connector assembly and printed circuit board configured to electrically couple to a communication cable
An electrical connector assembly including a printed circuit board that has base and cover layers of dielectric material and first and second ground planes of conductive material. The base and cover layers are stacked relative to each other and located between the first and second ground planes. The base layer has a conductor-receiving portion that extends beyond the cover layer. The circuit board also includes signal traces that are exposed to an open space that exists above the conductor-receiving portion. The connector assembly also includes a compression component that is configured to be positioned in the open space to press wire-terminating ends of signal conductors onto the signal traces at the conductor-receiving portion. |
| US08696377B2 |
Communication connector with analog coupling circuit
A communication connector with analog coupling circuit and a mechanical coupling circuit used for providing security to electronic devices. The analog circuit includes a male plug with an outer shell and tongue shell. Between the outer shell and tongue is a thin layer of non-conductive material to prevent the closure of a circuit. Two separate conductors are wired through the USB body; one attaching to the outer shell and the other attaching to the tongue. A closed circuit is created when the male USB is placed into a female receptor. The mechanical circuit creates a closed circuit when the plunger switch becomes compressed. There is a security monitor system connected to an end of the two conductors, which sound an alarm when circuit is opened. The alarm will sound if a thief attempts to steal the article either by cutting the wire or removal of the plug. |
| US08696375B2 |
Connector assembly for transmitting data between electronic devices
A connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a concave slot and a protruding portion adjacent to the concave slot. The second connector includes a resisting member and a receiving slot adjacent to the resisting member. The resisting member is engaged in the concave slot, for preventing the first connector from moving relative to the second connector in a first direction; and the protruding portion is engaged in the receiving slot, for preventing the first connector from moving relative to the second connector in a second direction opposite to the first direction. |
| US08696374B2 |
Power feeding control device
A power feeding control device is provided with a main body accommodating an electric circuit for controlling power supply to a motor vehicle from a power source. First and second cables to be connected to the motor vehicle and the power source extend from the longitudinally opposite ends of the main body, respectively. The second cable includes a plug having a plug body accommodating a second contact electrically connected to a first contact provided in the main body, and a retaining ring attached to the plug body such that the retaining ring is rotatable about an axial direction of the plug body while being restricted to move in the axial direction. By screwing the retaining ring onto a thread portion of the main body, the retaining body is detachably attached to the main body in the state that the second contact is electrically connected to the first contact. |
| US08696371B2 |
Conduit grounding clip
A wireless raceway (100) employs bus bars (121), instead of cabling or other types of wires. The raceway (100) includes a pair of junction blocks (102). A bus bar assembly (116) holds the individual bus bars (121). The raceway (100) also includes a pair of modified H-terminals (122) having a central bus bar terminal (124) connected to each of a pair of receptacle terminals (126). The modified H-terminals (122) connect the individual bus bars (121) to external electrical assemblies through the junction blocks (102) without the need of wires or cables. |
| US08696370B1 |
Card connector
A card connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of conductive terminals disposed to the insulating housing, an ejection mechanism and a shielding shell. The insulating housing defines a receiving trough. The ejection mechanism includes a sliding block slidably disposed to the receiving trough, and an elastic element restrained between the sliding block and a corresponding rear wall of the insulating housing. The sliding block has two clipping portions. A top surface of each clipping portion protrudes upward to form a stopping portion of which a front surface is defined as a stopping face. The shielding shell is covered on the insulating housing. One side of a top plate of the shielding shell defines an elastic piece. Two opposite sides of a rear edge of the elastic piece form two resisting portions resisting against the stopping faces to lock the SIM card in the card connector. |
| US08696368B2 |
Wall mountable universal serial bus and alternating current power sourcing receptacle
An invention is afforded for a wall mountable universal serial bus (USB) and alternating current (AC) power sourcing receptacle. The invention includes an AC electrical receptacle that is capable of providing AC voltage of at least 120 volts. In addition, a USB electrical receptacle is included that is capable of providing a 5 volt regulated direct current (DC) voltage. At least one hot wire connection capable of facilitating carrying of a current from a source to a load, and at least one neutral wire connection capable of facilitating carrying of a current from the load to the source is included. Also included is a regulated voltage sourcing unit (RVSU) capable of transforming unregulated AC power to 5 volt regulated DC power. |
| US08696367B2 |
Two-piece connector assembly for connecting an electronic device to a circuit board
This disclosure is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods associated with a connector assembly for use with surface mount technology (SMT). The connector assembly has a connector header configured to be mounted to a circuit board and is constructed of a high-temperature resistant material suitable for use with a reflow soldering process. The connector header includes at least one connector socket and at least one mounting shoulder, and is configured to be coupled to a header attachment assembly. The header attachment assembly comprises at least one connector pin and at least one mounting shoulder, and is configured to be coupled to the connector header. An electronic device, such as a card reader or hard drive, may be connected to the header attachment assembly and thereby to the circuit board. The connector assembly allows for the obstructed view inserting and attaching in a manual or an automated assembly process. |
| US08696362B2 |
Interactive education system for teaching patient care
A method of teaching patient care is provided. The method includes providing a medical simulator including a model of at least a portion of a human body. The simulator is configured to execute a simulated medical scenario. The method also includes defining a plurality of palette items, each of the plurality of palette items associated with a physiological state of the simulator, and defining at least one scenario, the at least one scenario including a series of linked palette items. The method also includes selecting a scenario for execution by the simulator, communicating the selected scenario to the simulator, and utilizing the simulator to execute the selected scenario. |
| US08696361B2 |
Practice model
A model for learning dentistry skills and including a shell attachable to a phantom head, through-holes disposed in the shell, teaching teeth individually arranged in the through-holes, and having a carrier plate attachable to the shell, such that a teaching tooth is releasably fixed on the shell and is adapted to be inserted into the model and removed therefrom. At least one peg disposed on the carrier plate, and a holding chamber disposed in the peg, wherein a holding element projects from each tooth and passes through a through-hole in the shell and is aligned with a holding chamber and is inserted into the holding chamber, and a holding strip disposed between the shell and the carrier plate and adapted to contours of the carrier plate and the shell and disposed in openings, the holding strip being movable for securing the holding element of the teaching tooth to the carrier plate. |
| US08696360B2 |
Method and system for developing and administering subject-appropriate implicit-association tests
The current application is directed to developing and administering subject-appropriate ITAs. The various to developing and administering subject-appropriate ITAs evaluate many aspects of ITA content, content presentation, and administration with regard to particular categories of test subjects in order to develop subject-appropriate ITAs (“SAITAs”) and to administer SAITAs appropriately to the categories of test subjects for which the tests are developed. Aspects of SAITA presentation and administration that are evaluated include input devices, presentation formats, presentation language, presentation media, colors used in presentation of tutorials and stimuli, words, pictures, and symbols used in a presentation of tutorials and stimuli, the pace and length of various portions of SAITAs, human vs. computer administration of SAITAs, presentation of feedback to test subjects during SAITAs, ITAs and many other aspects of ITA content, content presentation, and administration. SAITAs employ systematic methods for both development and administration of SAITAs. |
| US08696356B2 |
Stents and method for dental restoration using same
A method for dental restoration that includes disposing a flowable and curable tooth restoration composition into an open cavity of a stent that defines contours of a final design model of a patient's teeth and includes an interproximal contact that has been thinned along an interproximal contact zone but not separated, seating the stent on the patient's teeth such that the flowable and curable tooth restoration composition fills a space between at least one tooth to be restored and the stent, initiating curing of the flowable and curable tooth restoration composition in the stent such that the composition bonds to the at least one tooth to be restored and forms at least one restored tooth and removing the stent from the patient's teeth to expose the at least one restored tooth. |
| US08696351B2 |
Multi-purpose heat-collecting kiln device
A heat-collecting kiln device includes a housing assembly including a single housing or a plurality of housings having a same height or different heights, with the housings stackable one upon another. A top lid is mounted on a top of the housing assembly to seal the housing assembly and includes an observation hole. A base is mounted to a bottom of the housing assembly to seal the housing assembly. A cover is mounted to the top lid to seal the observation hole. The cover is removable to reveal the observation hole. The heat-collecting kiln device further includes a net and at least one leg. Each housing is comprised of four modular elements each having a mortise engaged with a tenon of another modular element. One of the modular elements includes a temperature detection hole. |
| US08696347B2 |
System for post-treating and transferring preforms
A system for the post-treatment of preforms (9) produced by means of injection moulding, including a removal element (4) having at least one receiving element (5) for receiving a preform (9), and a device for moving the removal element (4) between two tool halves of an opened injection moulding mould and for moving the removal element (4) out of the opened injection moulding mould, a post-treatment element (6) having at least one post-treatment pin (7) having a pin-shaped passage element (7), of which one end can be connected to the environment or a vacuum or reduced-pressure source and of which the other end has an outlet (18) for a coolant, and a motion device with which the removal element (4) can be reciprocated relative to the post-treatment element (6) between a first position in which the post-treatment pin (7) is positioned within the receiving element (5) and a second position in which the post-treatment pin (7) is not positioned within the receiving element (5), wherein the removal element (4) and the post-treatment element (6) are so designed that in the first position coolant can be introduced by way of the coolant inlet into a preform held in the receiving element (5) in such a way that it can flow between the inside wall of the preform (9) and the outside wall of the pin-shaped passage element (7) to the coolant outlet (18) and can be discharged by way of the passage element (7). |
| US08696344B2 |
Molding method and molding apparatus
A molding method includes: drawing cross-section elements of a three-dimensional object as a molding target on a drawing surface of a drawing stand with a liquid whose curing is precipitated by receiving activation energy as cross-section patterns; applying the activation energy to the liquid configuring the cross-section patterns in a state in which the cross-section patterns is pinched between the drawing stand and a molding stand; and detaching the cross-section patterns after being applied with the activation energy from the drawing stand and transferring the cross-section patterns to the molding stand side, wherein the drawing surface has a liquid repellent area that is an area representing liquid repellency for the liquid and a lyophilic area that is independently formed in an island shape within the liquid repellent area and is an area representing lyophillicity stronger than that of the liquid repellent area for the liquid. |
| US08696342B2 |
Waveform monitor apparatus of injection molding machine
When a waveform monitor apparatus 1 of an injection molding machine M for monitoring an operation waveform at least during molding is configured by mounting the waveform monitor apparatus 1 on the injection molding machine M for performing molding according to a specific molding system, a parting opening detecting means Fp for detecting change data of a parting opening Lm to a time during molding, and an operation waveform displaying means Fd for displaying at least change data from a resin filling start is into a mold 2 to a cooling time termination to of the mold 2, detected by the parting opening detecting means Fp, on a waveform displaying portion 5 of a screen 4v on a display 4 attached to a molding machine controller 3 are provided. |
| US08696340B2 |
Re-usable retainers for co-bonding uncured stringers
A re-usable retainer designed to be used in the curing process of co-bonding uncured stringers. The re-usable retainer is made of metal so it is not necessary to manufacture one retainer for each manufactured stringer. The metallic retainer is placed in direct contact with the uncured resin so the cured stringer has a very good surface quality.The re-usable retainer has a special shape that allows a mild transition of the vacuum bag that avoids vacuum bag breakages. The re-usable retainer is easy to install and to remove. |
| US08696338B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing vegetable gelatin capsule
An apparatus for manufacturing a capsule by using vegetable gelatin is provided. Heating units are installed in a gelatin feeding line, which feeds gelatin in the form of a sheet, and a molding line to feed the gelatin in a predetermined temperature. The molded capsule is conveyed through a conveyer so that the molded capsule is stably dried and cured and a temperature of the conveyer is adjusted to control a temperature of the capsule. A length of the drying line is maximally increased within a narrow space, so that a film of the capsule made of the vegetable gelatin is gradually cured and dried without abrupt temperature variation, thereby preventing crack from occurring in the capsule, and preventing bonding parts of the capsule from being torn to improve the commercial value of the capsule. |
| US08696333B2 |
Electric pump
An electric pump which includes a rotor rotationally supported by a housing at a rotation shaft, a stator positioned at an outer side in radial direction of the rotor and fixed to the housing, a pump portion for taking in and discharging fluid in response to a rotation of the rotor, and a can positioned in between the rotor and the stator for preventing the fluid in the pump portion from flowing into the stator. The can possesses conductivity. The stator is grounded via the can. |
| US08696331B2 |
Pump with magnetic bearings
A pump unit includes a motor, a pump, a shaft spanning the motor and the pump, and at least a first magnetic bearing supporting the shaft. A hydrocarbon production system includes an underwater well and a pump unit exposed to an underwater environment. The pump unit is operable to pump a production fluid from the well and includes a motor, a pump, a shaft spanning the motor and the pump, and at least a first magnetic bearing supporting the shaft. |
| US08696330B2 |
Reciprocating piston pump
The invention relates to a reciprocating piston pump for delivering a liquid. The pump includes a solenoid with an actuator and an outlet port. A check valve with a seat body is assigned to the outlet port for keeping a return flow of the liquid out of the reciprocating piston pump. The seat body bears an impact damping face at a front face facing away from a valve seat of the check valve, and the valve seat of the check valve and the impact damping face are made from the same elastomer material. |
| US08696324B2 |
Quintuplex mud pump
A quintuplex mud pump includes a pair of motors (18), a crankshaft (40) supporting five eccentric lobes (44), and first and second bull gears (30). Each of two pinion shafts (20) are rotationally independent, and has a pinion gear interfacing with a respective bull gear on the crankshaft (40). Five connecting rods (46) interconnect a respective eccentric lobe and a respective piston. |
| US08696323B2 |
Method for determining the delivery rate of a liquid conveying device
The present disclosure relates to a method for determining the delivery rate of a liquid conveying device, in particular a concrete pump, wherein on the basis of measured values concerning the pressure of the liquid the number of the pump strokes of the concrete conveying device is determined, in particular substantially calculated, by series-connection of a plurality of filters with adaptive filter length and variable detection limits. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a liquid conveying device and to a construction vehicle with a liquid conveying device. |
| US08696322B2 |
Pump with automatic deactivation mechanism
An automatic deactivation mechanism is configured for an air bladder pump having a casing and a motor located therein to pump air into an air bladder from the atmosphere and through an air valve connected through the casing. The automatic deactivation mechanism includes a housing positioned within the casing and has defined therethrough a first aperture in fluid communication with the atmosphere through the casing and a second aperture in fluid communication with the air bladder through the casing. Included within the housing are at least two switches and a diaphragm positioned between the switches. The housing is sealed so that when a threshold pressure is reached therein, at least one switch is triggered by deflection of the diaphragm to automatically deactivate the pump by de-energizing the motor. |
| US08696320B2 |
Gas turbine having seal assembly with coverplate and seal
A gas turbine and a seal assembly for a machine having a rotating shaft, a wheel coupled to the rotating shaft, the wheel including a bucket coupled to the wheel comprising a coverplate that is fastened to the wheel and the bucket and a seal positioned between the coverplate and the wheel and the bucket. |
| US08696318B2 |
Stepped surface propeller
A marine surface propeller, and blade therefore, which is surface piercing and partially submerged, and includes a blade geometry that improves distribution of pressure and control to wetted and ventilated regions. Preferably, the feature has a positive step (ramp, cup, interceptor, indent or other geometric addition or intervention) between one fifth and four fifths chord length so as to create a high pressure peak or zone in what is now a low pressure zone on either the blade face or back or both and to create speed controllable wetted and ventilated regions. |
| US08696314B2 |
Gear set, wind turbine incorporating such a gear set and method of servicing a wind turbine
A gear set is disclosed. The gear set includes a bearing including an inner race and an outer race, one of the inner race and the outer race being a ring gear including a plurality of first teeth having a first hardness; and a pinion meshable with the ring gear, and including a plurality of second teeth having a second hardness. The second hardness is no greater than the first hardness. A wind turbine incorporating such a gear set and a method of servicing a wind turbine are also disclosed. |
| US08696313B2 |
Opposed tilting blade, vertical axis wind turbine power generator
Improvements in A wind generator, that may also be called and relates to, windmill, turbine or aero generator, on a vertical axis. The vertical axis gives the windmill the ability to be turned by air, or liquid if inverted, from any direction parallel to the earth's surface. Multiple blades rotate through a horizontal axis into the wind to lessen air resistance on one side while turning vertically on the other side to gain energy from the wind. The system is counter-weighted as needed, to reduce energy loss, by different methods including but not limited to gears, levers, pneumatics, cables, hydraulics or added counter-weight. The electrical generating machinery is below the blades or at the bottom of the vertical drive shaft. |
| US08696312B2 |
Axial load damping system for rotor shaft
A damping system for a gas turbine engine comprises a bearing mounted to a rotor shaft and a support connected to an outer race of the bearing. The support has a wall secured to a casing of the gas turbine engine at a connection portion. The wall has a first surface positioned against a surface of the casing with the first surface being in a non-parallel relation with the rotational axis of the rotor shaft. A cavity is defined in the first surface by a narrowing of a thickness of the wall. The cavity contains a damping fluid to dampen elastic deformation of the wall at the cavity resulting from axial oscillations of the rotor shaft. An abutment is provided to limit an amplitude of the elastic deformation of the wall. |
| US08696311B2 |
Apparatus and method for gas turbine engine vane retention
A vane assembly of a gas turbine engine has a plurality of vanes extending radially and inwardly from an annular casing. An outer end of each vane radially and outwardly projects from the casing and is received in one of apertures defined in an elastomeric ring which is placed around the casing. A strap of a non-metallic material is placed in a pre-tensioned condition around the elastomeric ring to compress the elastomeric ring and to radially retain the outer end of each vane. |
| US08696307B2 |
Variable geometry turbine
A variable geometry turbine comprises a turbine wheel supported in a housing for rotation about a turbine axis. An exhaust gas inlet passageway is defined between a shroud and a wall of a nozzle ring. The shroud is moveable in the axial direction to vary the size of the inlet passageway. The nozzle ring has an array of vanes that extends across the inlet passageway. An array of openings is provided in the shroud for receipt of the array of vanes. The shroud is part of a substantially annular axially moveable sleeve that is slidably disposed on an annular supporting wall. At least one biasing member is disposed between the moveable sleeve and the support and is designed to apply a circumferentially distributed force in the radial direction so as to maintain concentric alignment of the supporting wall and the sleeve. |
| US08696305B2 |
Axial fan assembly
A fan assembly includes an axial flow fan between an inlet stator and an outlet stator. The inlet stator has inlet stator blades which extend outwardly from an inner ring. Each inlet stator blade has a downstream edge which has a tangent which is oriented at a first variable angle with respect to a plane which is perpendicular to the fan axis. The first angle increases with increasing distance from the inner support ring. The outlet stator has a plurality of outlet stator blades which extend outwardly from a second inner ring. Each outlet stator blade has an upstream edge which has a tangent which is oriented at a second variable angle with respect to a plane which is perpendicular to the fan axis. The second angle decreases with increasing distance from the inner ring. |
| US08696303B2 |
Feathering device for the fan blades of a turboprop engine
A feathering device for the fan blades of a turboprop engine that includes at least one set of fan blades with adjustable orientation is provided. The assembly is attached in rotation to a rotating cowling connected to a turbine rotor. Each blade is coupled, for the adjustment of its orientation, to a control ring that is movable between two extreme positions, one of which corresponds to feathering of the blades. Mechanical parts are able to extend elastically as a result of a rise in their temperature, these mechanical parts being positioned facing the control ring so as to be able to exert a thrust force on the ring in order to put it in a position to feather the blades when they expand. A device to cause a rise in the temperature of the mechanical parts so as to expand them is also provided. |
| US08696302B2 |
Wind turbine comprising a main bearing and method for replacement of the main bearing
A wind turbine is provided comprising a rotatable main shaft having a centre axis and being at least indirectly connected to a wind turbine rotor of the turbine and a main bearing supporting the rotatable main shaft at least indirectly against a first stationary part of the turbine, wherein fastening unit are provided for fastening the rotor to the first or a second stationary part of the turbine during replacement of the main bearing and tappet unit are provided which are able to act on the main bearing and permit a movement of the main bearing relatively to the first stationary part in the direction of the centre axis. A method for replacement of a main bearing is also provided. |
| US08696301B2 |
Apparatus for extracting energy from flowing water
Apparatus (10) for extracting energy from flowing water typically a tidal stream flow, the apparatus including a float assembly (41) having pair of spaced buoyant bodies (42) between which an elongated flow passage or tunnel (47) is located with an impeller assembly (61) in the flow passage (47) which can drive an electrical generator (76) on the float assembly (41). The bodies (42) include or define ballast tanks which can be filled or partially filled with water to submerge the flow passage or tunnel (47). |
| US08696298B2 |
Semiconductor manufacturing process modules
A variety of process modules are described for use in semiconductor manufacturing processes. |
| US08696291B2 |
Spar hull load out method
A load out and float off method for a spar type structure or another structure such as a deck. The invention enables the load out and float off of a large diameter spar using existing Heavy Lift Vessels (HLV's). A U-shaped tank (U-tank) is utilized to artificially extend the length of the HLV and provide supplemental buoyancy to help lift the spar off the land ways. The U-tank provides supplemental buoyancy and water plane area to float the spar off the HLV. After HLV departure the U-tank is moved and placed beneath an adapter frame on the spar's hard tank. The U-tank is ballasted upward to reduce the hard tank draft and have the strake tips clear the channel bottom. The spar can then be brought alongside the fabrication yard quay for additional work and then towed down the channel to the open sea. |
| US08696290B2 |
Implement for transporting and wrapping large bales
An implement for transporting and wrapping large round bales of forage material includes an elongated transporter having longitudinally extending rails and an endless chain associated with each rail to move large bales of forage material rearwardly along the rails toward the bale wrapper connected to the rearward end of the transporter. The bale wrapper can be devoid of wheels and is carried between job sites on top of the transporter bed, being loaded and unloaded through use of the endless chains associated with each rail. The bale wrapper receives operative power from the transporter drive mechanism. A bale loader elevates round bales from the ground onto the rails. Once fully loaded, a push gate pushes the round bales rearwardly toward the bale wrapper. |
| US08696289B2 |
Cartridge tubular handling system
A cartridge of tubulars may be removably positioned with a carriage, and the carriage may move the cartridge transversely, vertically, and/or rotationally to roll tubulars on an adjacent tubular receiving member using only gravity from a selected tier of tubulars without human contact. A single trolley disposed with the tubular receiving member both pushes and pulls tubulars toward or away from the drilling deck. |
| US08696282B2 |
Cantilever-type standoff
A cantilever-type standoff includes a column body, a plurality of cantilevers, a plurality of blocking plates, and a plurality of bumps. The cantilevers are respectively disposed on opposite end surfaces of the column body. The blocking plates are respectively parallel to the cantilevers. A plurality of clamping grooves are respectively defined by the blocking plates and the cantilevers. The bumps are respectively disposed on surfaces of the cantilevers facing the blocking plates. |
| US08696280B2 |
Quick twist connector for marine battery
The invention provides a split nut connector in which spaced apart nut sections enable the connector to slide over a threaded battery terminal post until contact is made with the battery cable lug and the threaded nut sections are pushed into engagement with the threaded battery terminal post enabling effective tightening of the nut with a minimal amount of rotation in the fastening direction. |
| US08696273B1 |
Device and method for restraining cargo
An I-shaped cargo restraint device for an intermodal shipping container having an internal wall with corrugations comprising: a central member having a pair of ends; a first wing associated with one of the ends for securing to one of the corrugations; a second wing associated with the other of the ends extending parallel to the first wing, the second wing being spaced apart from the first wing by about 5⅜ inches for securing to an other corrugation adjacent to said one corrugation; and a handle associated with the second wing. The cargo restraint device includes a top surface and a plurality of strengthening ribs disposed thereon. The cargo restraint device including a strengthening lip disposed on the top surface extending around a perimeter of the cargo restraint device. A method of restraining cargo in an intermodal shipping container having internal corrugated walls. |
| US08696270B2 |
Cutting tool and coupling mechanism therefor
A cutting tool having a cutting head removably secured to a shank by frictional forces maintained between a male coupling member located in a female coupling member. Support surfaces of the male coupling member engage support walls of the female coupling member. The support surfaces lie on a common cylinder having a larger diameter than a common cylinder on which the support walls lie. The support walls are located on a circumferentially continuous bore wall of the female coupling member. |
| US08696268B2 |
Hole saw and guide
An apparatus for enlarging an existing hole in an object includes a separate hole saw with a center pilot shaft. A guide tube with a disk attached at one end inserts into the preexisting hole in the object and receives a bridging web with a plurality of tapered radial arms cumulatively forming a cone shape on the other end. The space between the bridging web and the disk is reduced by a threaded fitting to clamp the guide tube on the object within the existing hole. When the cone-shaped web wedges into the pre-existing hole, the guide tube is moved toward the axis of the pre-existing hole. The bore of the guide tube slideably receives the pilot member to guide the hole saw to rotate coaxially relative to the bore when cutting the second hole. A flat web may be used for non-coaxial cutting. |
| US08696267B2 |
Drill/countersink assembly and method for producing countersunk holes
A countersink cutter or drill/countersink combination or similar rotary cutter or assembly for drilling/countersinking or performing similar cutting operation to precise depths in various applications, including aerospace applications, uses a pneumatically driven pistol grip motor attached to a tool assembly or countersink tool assembly. The countersink tool assembly, which has a multi-fluted cutter, is coupled to and is coaxial with the spindle. The cutter can be preset to a precise depth at the back end of assembly through the slot or using gage stops on the guide rods fastened to brackets by setting the gage between gage stops and the bracket. |
| US08696265B2 |
Portable power drill with drilling implement rotating and feeding means
A portable power drill comprises a housing, a drilling implement carrying drive spindle, and two individually powered and controlled motors for rotating and axially feeding the drive spindle. The drive spindle is rotative and axially displaceable relative to the housing and connected to the drive and feed motors via angle gears including two bevel gears supported on the drive spindle. The feed via an axially locked but rotative nut piece and an external thread on the drive spindle, whereas the drive motor is drivingly connected to the drive spindle via longitudinal keyways on the drive spindle and mating splines in one of the bevel gears. The drive motor and the feed motor are electric motors controlled and monitored by a programmable control unit. |
| US08696262B2 |
Cutting tool and cutting insert therefor
A cutting tool used for grooving and turning operations, where a cutting insert is removably securable in a blade-shaped insert holder. The insert holder includes an insert receiving slot having a longitudinally extending upper receiving slot surface with longitudinally separated single pairs of ridge type V-shaped lateral stopping and upper clamping surfaces, the planar surface components of which form different internal angles. The cutting insert includes an upper surface with a single pair of groove type V-shaped upper abutment surfaces longitudinally separated from two pairs of groove type V-shaped lateral abutment surfaces. Clamping contact occurs between the pairs of upper abutment and upper clamping surfaces, and lateral contact only occurs between one surface component of one of the two pairs of lateral abutment surfaces and one surface component of the pair of lateral stopping surfaces for cases of a sufficiently large side load on the cutting insert. |
| US08696257B2 |
Cutting insert and removable insert-type cutting tool
The cutting insert is provided with a polygonal-shaped insert main body (2) having two polygonal surfaces (3, 3) spaced away from each other and a plurality of side surfaces formed between these polygonal surfaces and also provided with cutting edges (8A, 8B, 8C) formed as a rake face on a peripheral edge of a first side surface (4) among the plurality of side surfaces. Among the plurality of side surfaces, a second side surface (6) which is positioned on the opposite side of the first side surface and given as a seating surface in contact with an insert seat of the tool main body for attaching the cutting insert is formed in a V-shape when viewed from the thickness direction of the insert main body and includes two contact portions (6A, 6A), each of which is formed in a raised curve shape on a cross section along the thickness direction, and the two contact portions are formed in a recessed V-shape so as to be greater in depth moving toward the center of the second side surface on the cross section along the thickness direction. |
| US08696250B2 |
Backfill system for retaining wall
A retaining wall system comprising an earth structure defining an earth surface, a wall system arranged on the earth surface, and a backfill structure arranged on the earth surface behind the wall system. The backfill structure comprises a base portion, a plurality of backfill members, and a cap portion. The base portion comprises at least one layer of loose backfill material. The plurality of backfill members are arranged in at least one course on top of the base portion. The cap portion comprises at least one layer of loose backfill material. |
| US08696249B2 |
Rock bolt and rock bolt component
A rock bolt component includes an elongate tubular section with an internal bore. A fixing member has an elongate body that includes a securing portion positionable in the internal bore of the tubular section and a coupling formation which projects from an opposite end of the fixing member. The fixing member is securable by deformation of an end of the tubular section, once the securing portion of the fixing member has been inserted into the end of the tubular section. |
| US08696248B2 |
Method and device for driving a multiplicity of piles into a seabed
A plurality of piles is arranged in frame elements in an axially displaceable manner. Hammers are positioned on the piles. After driving of the piles into a seabed, the hammers are connected to the frame elements, wherein the frame elements together with the hammers are lifted to the surface of the water and to the seaborne vessel by a crane. |
| US08696241B2 |
Flexible drainage cell
A drainage cell comprises a backing plate defining a plurality of holes, a series of conical tubular structures having side walls and a base extending from the backing layer, the tubular structures being in fluid communication with at least some of the holes in the backing plate thereby allowing fluid to pass through the holes into a generally tubular structure. Sides of the tubular structures define apertures permitting fluid flow out of the tubular structures. Typically, the open area of the tubular structures is at least 20% of the area of the side walls of the tubular structures, and most preferably 70 to 75% of that area. Providing apertures in the side walls of the tubular structures significantly improves the rate of flow of the water through the cell and creates a higher internal drain void volume area. |
| US08696239B2 |
Full metal jacket compaction wheel cleat and method of manufacturing thereof
A two-piece construction compaction cleat and method of manufacturing thereof is disclosed. The compactor includes a base member affixable to a compactor wheel and having a bottom portion and a center flange, with the center flange extending upwardly from the bottom portion to form an upper ridge and being generally aligned along a center line of the base member. The compactor cleat also includes a cap member secured to the base member and positioned thereover so as to cover at least a portion of the base member, with the cap member having an arrangement of openings configured to receive the center flange therein. The center flange of the base member and the arrangement of openings formed in the cap member are configured to provide for a size-on-size fit between the base member and the cap member, so as to secure the cap member to the base member. |
| US08696233B2 |
Road with sound diffractors
The invention relates to a road with at least one traffic lane for motorized vehicular traffic, to which road are added sound attenuating means which limit, at least for determined frequency ranges, the lateral emission of sound caused by traffic travelling over the road, and has the feature that a pattern of resonators placed in distributed manner is arranged at least locally over a chosen length along the traffic lane, which resonators each comprise an acoustically hard, non-absorbing resonance space placed under the surface and debouching in an orifice situated at least roughly at a level of the surface of a roadside edge adjacent to the traffic lane, which resonators have resonance frequencies lying in the range of the frequencies of the sound for attenuating, in particular frequencies around about 1 kHz. |
| US08696231B2 |
Load relieving stem connectors
Apparatus for operatively connecting an actuator rod to a valve stem is disclosed. An example apparatus includes a connector housing having an outer surface and an inner surface where the inner surface defines an internal cavity. The example apparatus also includes an actuator rod passage extending from the outer surface into the internal cavity that is adapted to receive at least a portion of the actuator rod and a valve stem passage extending from the outer surface into the internal cavity that is adapted to receive at least a portion of the valve stem. Additionally, the example apparatus includes a load relieving body disposed within the internal cavity between the actuator rod passage and the valve stem passage. |
| US08696230B2 |
Self-aligning coupling for lift guides
A self-aligning coupling for lift guides, which consists of a core-mushroom element and wings. Each wing carries a through hole in its coupling zone and there are: under the wings an extra-flat plate provided with four through holes in correspondence with the orifices of two guides to be joined; on top of the wings, two extra-flat plates, each provided with two through holes in correspondence with two orifices of two guides to be joined. in said orifices, and retaining screws fastened with nuts; said screws presenting a conical head. The orifices of the plates are of greater diameter than the orifices of the wings.The distance between the orifices of the plates is shorter than the distance between the two orifices of the wings of the same side. |
| US08696229B2 |
Automatic locking telescopic slide
A hood prop is adjustable by rotation and without tools. A base rod 33 fits into a hollow friction rod 34 and may be twisted in a first direction to lock in place and in a second opposite direction to loosen for adjustment. A base screw 32 secures a free floating friction piece 31 and a threaded base piece 30 to a threaded base rod 33. The treaded base rod 33 may be inserted into the hollow friction rod 34 and then twisted. The rotation causes the free floating friction piece to press upon the inside wall of the hollow friction rod. The slant surfaces of the free floating friction piece and threaded base piece help move an extended section 40 of the friction piece into the inner wall of the hollow friction rod. The use of two slant surfaces 61 on the threaded base piece 30 facilitates quick response to rotation in either direction. |
| US08696228B1 |
Cosmetic marker
The current application is for a cosmetic marker device which applies a specifically formulated hair dye to the hair in a very controllable manner to the region proximate to hair roots to cover hair. Preferably, the hair is newly grown graying hair. The marker product of this invention employs a single fiber construction that delivers a specially formulated hair dye in a manner that enables the user to color just the area of hair that is of interest without staining the scalp to any large extent. |
| US08696225B2 |
Thermal printer and printing device
According to an aspect of the present invention, a thermal printer includes a housing in which a space is formed, printing means disposed in the housing, a cover disposed in the housing and which comes into contact with and separates from the housing when rotated, thereby opening and closing the space, urging means for urging the cover in a direction away from the housing, an engaging part which is disposed in the housing and which prevents the movement of the cover in a direction away from the housing when engaged with the cover, a pressed part which is disposed rotatably in the cover and which moves the engaging part when pressed, thereby releasing engagement between the cover and the engaging part, and elastic means arranged to urge the pressed part in a direction away from the engaging part. |
| US08696224B2 |
Booklet page turning apparatus, booklet page turning method, and ID printing apparatus
According to one embodiment, a control device which controls to, after the feed device has fed the booklet so as to bring the page on the other surface side of the booklet into contact with the contact roller unit and fold the page on the other surface side, feed the booklet to the page turning position again. |
| US08696218B2 |
Optoelectronic signal conversion module
An optoelectronic signal conversion module includes a female terminal and a male terminal and contains a printed circuit board, a plurality of connection terminals, a signal conversion integrated circuit and an optical fiber transmission connector electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The female terminal is provided for plugging a male plug of the transmission line; the connection terminals are electrically connected to the transmission line for receiving an electric signal; the signal conversion integrated circuit converts the received electric signal into an optical signal of the same specification; and the male terminal is plugged to a socket of an optical connector for transmitting the converted optical signal to an optical component of the optical connector and to the outside through the optical connector. The optoelectronic signal conversion module converts an electric signal of a specification into an optical signal of the same specification to overcome hardware compatibility issues. |
| US08696214B2 |
Drawn bushing, particularly in form of a raceway bushing for an automatic transmission
A raceway bushing which has a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall that forms a bushing inner surface and a bushing outer surface, a bottom wall which extends from the peripheral wall and has an inner bottom surface and an outer bottom surface, and a bottom opening configured in the bottom wall. The bottom opening is bordered by an annular collar that rises axially beyond the inner bottom surface. |
| US08696212B2 |
Roller bearing backing ring assembly
A novel assembly for a railcar axle bearing is presented. The assembly includes a backing ring affixed to the fillet of the journal of an axle and a locking ring for further affixing the backing ring the journal. The locking ring has an inboard end affixed to the dust guard of the axle and an outboard end for engaging the backing ring. The looking ring may include a resilient sealing ring. |
| US08696211B2 |
Cassette seal and wheel bearing comprising said cassette seal
A compact cassette seal and a corresponding wheel hearing for a passenger car or truck. The cassette seal has a bent sheet-metal ring which is and/or can be non-rotatably connected to a radially inner component and an annular sealing system which is non-rotatably connected to a radially outer component. The sealing system has a bearing ring and a radially peripheral seal with at least one sealing lip. The seal is secured to the bearing ring and the sealing lips resting on the bent sheet-metal ring in a sealing manner. A radially outer ring end section of the sealing system defines a labyrinth seal with a bent sheet-metal section of the bent sheet-metal ring. The bent sheet-metal section radially overlaps the ring end section on the exterior thereby forming an axially aligned or substantially axially aligned labyrinth seal section of the labyrinth seal. |
| US08696210B2 |
Two-piece retainer and two-piece roller bearing
An object of the present invention is to prevent loss of oil film and improve lubrication performance of the bearing by eliminating angled portions at butting surfaces in a two-piece retainer. A two-piece retainer is made by assembling a pair of semi-annular retainer parts into an annular structure. As assembled, lubricant reservoir grooves are formed, each by two arc-shaped groove wall surfaces which are formed on both sides of the butting surface, and by a groove bottom which is formed at a region including the butting surface. |
| US08696208B1 |
Brake system including modular S-cam bushings
A device for vehicle brakes, such as truck brakes actuatable by an S-cam, and of the type having a camshaft support bracket. The device includes an S-cam shaft, and the S-cam shaft has a shaft and an S-cam provided on an end of the shaft. The device includes a mounting adapter bracket, and a bushing support tube. The mounting adapter bracket is configured for supporting the bushing support tube on the camshaft support bracket of the vehicle. The bushing support tube is configured for receiving the S-cam shaft in it. There are a number of modular bushings provided in the tube, and each of the modular bushings is spaced apart along the length of the tube. The shaft extends through the modular bushings and is supported by them. |
| US08696206B2 |
Bearing ring comprising a hydraulic preloading means and bearing assembly comprising such a bearing ring
A bearing ring is provided, including a body and an end face (3; 6). The problem of providing a bearing assembly having a space-saving preloading device which can be actuated quickly is solved for this bearing ring by a piston (8; 15) of a fluidic preloading device; the piston being accommodated in the end face (3; 6). A bearing assembly is also provided including a bearing (2) having a bearing ring (1) and a first fluidic preloading device for setting a bearing preload, this preloading device acting on a first end face (3) of the bearing ring (1), and further including a second fluidic preloading device which acts in the opposite direction on a second end face (6) of the bearing ring (1). |
| US08696205B2 |
Sliding bearing for structural engineering and materials therefor
A sliding bearing for structural engineering applications, in particular for civil works such as bridges, buildings, structures that are required at the same time to withstand vertical loads and to allow relative movements and/or rotations, and structures to be protected against seismic events, said bearing having a low friction coefficient and being suitable for being used in severe operating conditions, both due to the loads applied and to particularly high operating temperatures. The bearing, which is of the type comprising a first part (2) connected to a supporting structure (P), a second part (3) connected to an element (G) to be supported by the supporting structure (P) and means suitable for allowing said second part (3) to translate and/or rotate with respect to said first part (2), the means comprising plates (4) and/or strips of a low-friction polymer material, is characterized in that the low-friction material is a polyamide. |
| US08696204B2 |
Side seal for linear guide apparatus, and linear guide apparatus
Two kinds of side seals are assembled by a seal member, a holder plate, and a cover. A base of the seal member is formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to a center line of a thickness direction. The seal member includes recesses formed in both faces of the base in the thickness direction and fitted with a protrusion of the holder plate. A lip of the seal member is inclined in a direction from a first face toward a second face in the thickness direction. |
| US08696202B2 |
Pouch with connectors and system of such pouches
A pouch has a connection structure that includes a female connector and a male connector. The male connector of the pouch is configured to snap-fit with another female connector that has the same configuration as the female connector, and the female connector is configured to receive by snap-fit another male connector that has the same configuration as the male connector. A system of pouches can be provided the male and female connectors on a common backing panel. The connectors are also configured to allow the connected pouches to pivot relative to each other such that the pouches can be displayed in a fan-like arrangement, and accessories can be provided though passages in the connectors. |
| US08696198B2 |
Temperature recorder with RF transmission interface
A temperature recorder mainly includes a micro control unit (MCU), a temperature sensing circuit, a memory with RF transmission function, and at least one antenna unit. The MCU electrically connects to the temperature sensing circuit and the memory, and the antenna unit electrically connects to the memory. The temperature sensing circuit senses external temperature variations surrounding the temperature recorder, and the sensed temperature variations are progressed by the MCU and then stored into the memory in accordance with scheduled parameters. The temperature recorder can be connected externally through wired serial transmitting interface or wireless radio frequency (RF) transmitting interface when internal temperature data needs to be retrieved, or a new parameter needs to be written into the memory. Thus, the memory in the temperature recorder can be retrieved and written via both wired connection and wireless connection, the usage of the temperature recorder is more flexible. |
| US08696197B2 |
Method and system for determining optical properties of semiconductor wafers
A method and system are disclosed for determining at least one optical characteristic of a substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer. Once the optical characteristic is determined, at least one parameter in a processing chamber may be controlled for improving the process. For example, in one embodiment, the reflectivity of one surface of the substrate may first be determined at or near ambient temperature. From this information, the reflectance and/or emittance of the wafer during high temperature processing may be accurately estimated. The emittance can be used to correct temperature measurements using a pyrometer during wafer processing. In addition to making more accurate temperature measurements, the optical characteristics of the substrate can also be used to better optimize the heating cycle. |
| US08696192B2 |
Multiple helical vortex baffle
A baffle includes a body member having a first surface, a second opposed surface, and an outer peripheral edge. An aperture may be formed through the body member so as to define an inner peripheral edge. The inner peripheral edge is distorted so as to be non-planar. An apparatus includes a first conduit having a first end, a second end, and a first channel extending therebetween. At least one baffle is disposed in the first channel and includes a body member having a first surface, a second opposed surface, and an outer peripheral edge. At least one aperture may be formed through the body member to define an inner peripheral edge. The inner peripheral edge is distorted so as to be non-planar. A second conduit may be disposed inside the first conduit and extend through the aperture in the baffle. The apparatus may, for example, be configured as an ultraviolet light reactor, a heat exchanger, or a static mixer. |
| US08696190B2 |
Method and apparatus for preparing and inertial placing with compacting a concrete mix
The invention relates to methods and apparatus for a vibration-free placement of the concrete and for placement and enforced speed inertial compaction of the concrete under a high pressure. The method permits to optimize the values of the compaction factor of the concrete mix being placed without vibration. Whereupon, in the case of variation assigning and implementing (adjusting and optimizing) the integral indices of the mix, and/or the plume modes, and/or the space medium characteristics, increasing the concrete strength in early time of the concrete curing, increasing the width of the placed and compacted mix in one step of concreting, reducing the mix losses in the case of placing with compacting the concrete mix. The method implements a stage of concreting under super-high pressure using a speed force inertial characteristic of components, wherein the steps are joined into the continuous serial process of the steps of: preparing the mix, unloading and transporting thereof, reconstructing the stream, discharging the mix stream for placing with compacting thereof, particularly by means of stabilizing the uniformity of the concrete mix. The apparatus is designed for implementing the method. |
| US08696186B2 |
Light bar structure and light source device
A light bar structure is disclosed in the present invention. The light bar structure includes a housing whereinside an accommodating space is formed, and the accommodating space is for accommodating a light unit. The light bar structure further includes a first buckling component disposed on an inner side of the accommodating space. The buckling component includes a first base disposed on a bottom inside the housing for supporting the light unit, a first arm connected to the first base and disposed on a first lateral wall inside the housing, and a first constraining portion disposed on the first arm for contacting against the light unit, so as to constrain a movement of the light unit relative to the first base. |
| US08696185B2 |
Light emitting module and light providing assembly having the same
A light emitting module includes a light emitting chip generating light, a case and a lead frame. The case includes a bottom plate and sidewalls connected to the bottom plate. The bottom plate and the sidewalls define a receiving space in which the light emitting chip is received. The light is emitted in a first direction through an opening portion opposite to the bottom plate. The lead frame includes an electrode portion disposed in the case, and electrically connected to the light emitting chip, a connecting portion extending from the electrode portion and disposed outside of the case, a mounted portion disposed adjacent to the connecting portion, and a buffering portion disposed between the connecting portion and the mounted portion. The buffering portion has a generally nonlinear shape protruding in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. |
| US08696184B2 |
Surface light source device
According to one embodiment, a surface light source device includes a light guide plate, and first and second light-emitting units. The light guide plate includes a flat portion and a curved portion. The curved portion guides, to the flat portion, light introduced from the end surface and transmits light introduced from the inner circumferential surface. The flat portion includes a light diffusing portion to diffuse the light guided by the curved portion, and a light-emitting surface to output the light diffused by the light diffusing portion. The first light-emitting unit emits light toward the end surface. The second light-emitting unit emits light toward the inner circumferential surface. |
| US08696182B2 |
Display device and backlight unit for improving uniformity of brightness
Disclosed are a display device and a backlight unit. The display device comprises a flexible light guide plate, a light source disposed at one side of the light guide plate, and a support member disposed in opposition to the light guide plate and the light source to support the light guide plate. The support member allows the light source and the light guide plate to have constant interval therebetween, and prevents the light source and the light guide plate from being tilted each other. The display device and the backlight unit ensure improved brightness and brightness uniformity. |
| US08696180B2 |
Vehicle lamp
A vehicle lamp includes a semiconductor light emitting device arranged to face toward a front of the vehicle lamp, a first optical member disposed in front of the semiconductor light emitting device, and a second optical member disposed in front of the first optical member. The first optical member comprises a front surface and a back surface. The front surface is configured to internally reflect light from the semiconductor light emitting device toward the back surface. The back surface is configured to internally reflect the light reflected by the front surface back toward the front surface such that the light exits the first optical member from the front surface. The second optical member is disposed directly in front of the front surface of the first optical member and diffuses the light from the first optical member to form a light distribution pattern. |
| US08696179B2 |
Lighted exterior mirror assembly for vehicle
A lighted exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing that houses a reflectance element. A turn signal indicator unit is disposed at a portion of the housing and has an enclosure and a light-transmitting cover joined with the enclosure. The turn signal indicator unit includes a plurality of light emitting diodes. At least some light emitting diodes of the plurality of light emitting diodes, when individually operating at about 25 degrees C. at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts and at a forward current of at least about 20 mA, may individually emit light with a luminous intensity of at least about 500 mcd. When the plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, the pattern of light emitted by the turn signal indicator unit may be principally directed away from the side of the vehicle at which the lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached. |
| US08696178B2 |
Apparatus, method, and system for roadway lighting using solid-state light sources
Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for illuminating roadways, paths, tunnels, bridges, and areas adjacent to such in a manner which minimizes glare and/or other adverse lighting effects commonly experienced by night-time drivers. According to aspects of the invention, horizontal and vertical aiming of a plurality of solid-state light sources permits projected light from a fixture to be tailored to roadway features (e.g., bends in the road) and in some cases, permits the mounting height of fixtures to be reduced which can make the envisioned system a cost-effective alternative to traditional roadway lighting. |
| US08696177B1 |
Workshop accessory
A garage or work shop utility device provides a mobile base with wheels and a vertical support structure that can accept numerous attachments designed to aid in the performance of garage or work shop tasks. |
| US08696176B2 |
Self-cooling, controllable light effects device
A self cooling light effects device for use in a standard light bulb socket having a socket adaptor, surface embedded LEDs as means to generate light effects, means to control light effects, and means for cooling. Fiber optic cables provide further light effects. Means to control light effects may include a logic board. Means for cooling may be any combination of fans, heat sinks, heat pipes, thermoelectric cooling, a heat conductive filler, and a heat conductive housing. |
| US08696174B2 |
Flashlight with improved optical density
An improved flashlight is disclosed which includes an a power supply a light source and a lens projection system, wherein the lens projection system including a collecting lens, a negative lens, and a collimating lens such that the illuminance of an area illuminated by a beam projected by the improved flash light is homogeneous throughout the whole of the illuminated area. |
| US08696173B2 |
Low profile lamp using TIR lens
A lamp is provided which is suitable for use in low-profile applications. The lamp includes a light source and a lens. The lens includes a first surface opposite a second surface, where the second surface includes an injection surface and the first surface includes a multi-faceted optical element converging towards the injection surface. The light source injects light into the lens via the injection surface and the light refracts through the first surface while total internally reflecting off the first surface and the second surface toward the periphery of the lens. |
| US08696170B2 |
Illuminating device
An illuminating device including a lampshade, a capper, a light source circuit board and a power circuit board is provided. The lampshade has a top surface and an accommodating space, the capper is telescoped on the lampshade, and the top surface of the lampshade is located in the capper. The light source circuit board is disposed at the top surface, having a first inductance coil. The power circuit board is disposed in the accommodating space, having a second inductance coil, wherein the first inductance coil and the second inductance coil are disposed adjacent to each other and spaced apart by a distance. In the illuminating device, power of the power circuit board is generated by induced current from the first inductance coil and the second inductance coil and provided to the light source circuit board for light-emitting. |
| US08696169B2 |
Light emitting diode lamp source
A light fixture includes a core member having a top end, a bottom end, and a body extending between the top and bottom ends. The core member includes a solid, single member or modular members. The body includes outer surfaces (“facets”) spaced along an outer perimeter thereof. Each facet can receive one or more light emitting diode (“LED”) packages in various different positions, with different electrical and other configurations. Heat pipes extending through the core member dissipate heat from the LEDs. Active cooling modules and/or fins may assist with this heat dissipation. The heat pipes and/or a separate elongated structure extending through the core member can secure the core member to the light fixture. |
| US08696165B2 |
Dynamic mask and illumination system
A dynamic mask adapted to an illumination system is provided. The illumination system includes at least one light source capable of emitting an illumination beam. The dynamic mask includes a board disposed in a transmission path of the illumination beam for adjusting a luminous flux of the illumination beam. The board has at least one strip-shaped opening. The strip-shaped opening has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The strip-shaped opening is mirror-symmetric with respect to a symmetrical axis, and the symmetrical axis is a straight line extending from the first end to the second end. A width of the strip-shaped opening increases from the first end to the second end, and the board is capable of moving along a direction parallel to the symmetrical axis. An illumination system using the dynamic mask is also provided. |
| US08696162B2 |
Lighting system, space with a lighting system, and method of providing an illumination profile using such a lighting system
The invention provides a lighting system (1) comprising a plurality of elements (10) adjustably connected to a plurality of supports (11) arranged on a grid. Each of the plurality of elements (10) comprises a light source (L1). Each of the plurality of elements (10) further comprises at least two adjustable connections (12). The adjustable connections (12) connect the corresponding element (10) to respective supports (11) and adjustably position the corresponding element (10) relative to the respective supports (11). The invention further relates to a space comprising such a lighting system, a method of providing an illumination profile using such a lighting system and the use of such a lighting system for defining an illumination profile in a space. |
| US08696161B2 |
High-luminance UV LED nail lamp structure and LED light source module thereof
A high-luminance ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) nail lamp structure and an LED light source module thereof are provided. The LED nail lamp structure includes a housing and an LED light source module. The LED light source module is provided in the housing and has a plurality of UV LEDs, wherein each UV LED has an LED chip disposed in a concave lamp cup. The LED nail lamp structure features high luminance and good lighting effect. |
| US08696159B2 |
Multi-chip LED devices
Multi-chip LED devices are described. Embodiments of the present invention provide multi-chip LED devices with relatively high efficiency and good color rendering. The LED device includes a plurality of interconnected LED chips and an optical element such as a lens. The optical element may be molded from silicone. The LED chips may be connected in parallel. In some embodiments, the LED device includes a submount, which may be made of a ceramic material such as alumina or aluminum nitride. Wire bonds can be connected to the LED chips so that all the wire bonds tend the outside of a group of LED chips. Various sizes and types of LED chips may be used, including vertical LED chips and sideview LED chips. |
| US08696157B2 |
Heat sink and LED cooling system
A heat sink for cooling LEDs, which includes a heat sink housing which is configured as a finned concentric tube configuration. Also, an LED heat sink assembly and an LED cooling system which include a heat sink housing which is configured as a finned concentric tube configuration. Also, a method for cooling LED modules. |
| US08696155B2 |
Solid-state light sources for curing and surface modification
The systems and methods described herein relate to solid-state light sources capable of generating radiation beams for, but not limited to, the treatment of surfaces, bulk materials, films, and coatings. The solid-state ultraviolet source optically combines the light output of at least two and preferably as many four independently controllable discrete solid-state light emitters to produce a light beam that has a controllable multi-wavelength spectrum over a wide range of wavelengths (i.e. deep UV to near-IR). Specific features of this light source permit changes in the spectral, spatial and temporal distribution of light for use in curing, surface modification and other applications. |
| US08696154B2 |
Luminaires and lighting structures
Luminaires are disclosed that include refractive and/or reflective structures that can provide or distribute lighting for a given area with high uniformity and efficiency. The structures can be used to distribute light from one or more light sources for lighting target areas with a desired light distribution. The lighting structures can be included in light strips or luminaires. Such luminaire can be utilized in place of fluorescent lights and can facilitate quick and easy retrofit for previous fluorescent lighting applications. The disclosed techniques and systems (including components and structures) can be particularly useful when employing one or more LEDs as light sources. |
| US08696153B2 |
Flashlight with mounting apparatus
A light and support structure apparatus, wherein the light may have beam width adjustment such that the beam may be easily adjusted from a wide beam to more of a spot beam. The light may be mounted upon a tripod or a monopod, and in some embodiments a tripod with flexible legs utilizing ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. Each connector may include a body with a first and second end portion. An external socket engaging surface is provided at one end of the body. The other end of the body has an internal cavity. The socket engaging surface of one connector is snapped into the internal cavity of another to interconnect the connectors. |
| US08696151B1 |
Monitoring shipment of biological products to determine remaining refrigerant quantity
Disclosed is a process of determining, at a point during shipment, whether the solid phase refrigerant in a shipment is sufficient to preserve the shipment cargo, which is blood or other biological products, for the remaining shipment period, by: monitoring the temperatures encountered to said point and estimating the temperatures likely to be encountered during the remaining shipment period; determining the likelihood that the remaining refrigerant can maintain the shipment cargo within a specified temperature range during the remaining shipment period; and if the risk that the remaining refrigerant cannot maintain the shipment cargo within said range during the remaining shipment period is above a cut-off level, then taking action to preserve the value of the cargo. |
| US08696146B2 |
Door mirror
A partition wall for partitioning a mirror accommodating space for accommodating a mirror holder and a mirror surface angle adjusting unit, and a harness accommodating space for accommodating a harness are provided in a mirror housing of an electric door mirror. An opening for exposing the terminal part of the mirror surface angle adjusting unit to the harness accommodating space, and insertion through-holes located to surround the opening and through which screws passes from the harness accommodating space toward the mirror surface angle adjusting unit respectively are formed in the partition wall. Further, reinforcing tube portions surrounding the insertion through-holes and protruding to the harness accommodating space are installed in the partition wall. |
| US08696140B2 |
Projector that performs image calibration utilizing first and second wavelength bands
A projector includes: an imaging unit that picks up an image of a projection target area with light in a first wavelength band and generates a first pickup image and picks up an image of the projection target area with light in a second wavelength band and generates a second pickup image; an image generating unit that performs keystone distortion correction on the basis of the first pickup image; a positional-information generating unit that generates, on the basis of the second pickup image, positional information indicating a position of indication light included in the projection target area; and a projecting unit that projects an image based on the positional information in a state in which the keystone distortion correction is performed. |
| US08696138B2 |
Filter unit and video projector
A filter unit includes an air filter, which captures dust from intake air, and a cleaning unit, which automatically cleans the air filter. The cleaning unit includes a rotation brush, which removes dust from the air filter, and a dust box, which extends parallel to the rotation brush. The dust box includes a dust inlet that opens toward the rotation brush and receives dust from the rotation brush. The dust box is removable from the filter unit. |
| US08696132B2 |
Image display system, image control apparatus, image control method, and optical shutter in which plural kinds of information are multiplexed and displayed on a display surface
An image display system includes: display unit (13) for spatially combining a first polarized image generated by first polarized light and a second polarized image generated by second polarized light having a polarized light component different from that of the first polarized light and displaying a combined polarized image; display control unit (1) for causing display unit (13) to multiplex-display a plurality of different images in a time division manner concerning each of the first and second polarized images; and optical shutter (14) that selectively transmits only a polarized image corresponding to a selected image arbitrarily selected from among the plurality of different images. |
| US08696127B2 |
Ophthalmic apparatus
An ophthalmic apparatus includes: a fundus observation optical system for observing a fundus; a target presenting device including a scanning member for two-dimensionally scanning a visible laser beam emitted from a laser source, the device being configured to control emission of the laser source during two-dimensional scanning by the scanning member to project a predetermined target on the fundus under observation through the fundus observation optical system; and control means to change an irradiation diameter of the laser beam by inserting/removing an optical member into/from an irradiation optical path of the laser beam or moving the optical member in an axial direction and to change resolution of the target by changing each scan range of the laser beam by the scanning member according to the changed irradiation diameter of the laser beam. Accordingly, in the ophthalmic apparatus used in close and face-to-face position to an examinee, the size and shape of a target to be presented can be easily set. A test target with high resolution unrealizable by a conventional LCD can be presented. |
| US08696122B2 |
Multi-functional adaptive optics retinal imaging
An optical apparatus includes a system of optical components capable of operating in a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) mode and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) mode. The system of optical components includes a first optical module for the SLO mode, a second optical module for the OCT mode, and a first scanning device. The first optical module for the SLO mode includes a first source adapted to provide a first imaging beam for the SLO mode and a first detection device configured to receive a first signal associated with a first image of a retina of an eye. The second optical module for the OCT mode includes a second source adapted to provide a second imaging beam for the OCT mode and a second detection device configured to receive a second signal associated with a second image of the retina. The first scanning device is configured to move the first imaging beam along the retina in the slow axis of the SLO mode to acquire the first image and (ii) to move the second imaging beam along the retina in the fast axis of the OCT mode to acquire the second image. |
| US08696121B1 |
Viewing verification systems
A viewing verification system is disclosed that allows a user to view an image by providing a viewer for the image, determining the space bounded by the foveal-vision of the user, verifying whether substantially the entire meaningful portion of the image has been correlated to the space bounded by the foveal vision of the user. |
| US08696120B2 |
Systems and methods for determining intraocular lens power
The present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for determination or selection of a lens power based on the postoperative vitreous length of an eye. The measurement of VLpre is highly predictive in calculating the postoperative vitreous length, from which the position of the implanted intraocular lens or optic can be derived, and then selection of the appropriate lens power. |
| US08696119B2 |
Systems and methods for determining intraocular lens power
The present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for determination or selection of a lens power based on the postoperative vitreous length of an eye. The combined measurements of VLpre, ACDpre, AL, and/or LT are highly predictive in calculating the postoperative vitreous length, from which the position of the implanted intraocular lens or optic can be derived, and then selection of the appropriate lens power. |
| US08696113B2 |
Enhanced optical and perceptual digital eyewear
Improved wearable optics is disclosed. The wearable optics comprises a frame member and a lens. The wearable optics also includes circuitry within the frame member for enhancing the use of the wearable optics. A system and method in accordance with the present invention is directed to a variety of ways to enhance the use of eyeglasses. They are: (1) media focals, that is, utilizing the wearable optics for its intended purpose and enhancing that use by using imaging techniques to improve the vision of the user; (2) telecommunications enhancements that allow the eyeglasses to be integrated with telecommunication devices such as cell phones or the like; and (3) entertainment enhancements that allow the wearable optics to be integrated with devices such as MP3 players, radios, or the like. |
| US08696111B2 |
Spectacle frames using celluloid plate and manufacturing method thereof
Provided are spectacle frames and a manufacturing method thereof, in which a front of the spectacle frames is formed by processing a celluloid plate of plastic, and temples are mounted on the front of the spectacle frames, thereby manufacturing the spectacle frames using the celluloid plate. The present invention does not require injection molding and an injection mold, and by processing both a hinge part and the front of the spectacle frames, the spectacle frames that can be applied to various wearers' face sizes can be manufactured with only the front of the frames having a single size. Also, by merely changing a design, various designs of the spectacle frames can be realized with only the front of the frames having a single size. |
| US08696103B2 |
Transfer type inkjet recording method
A transfer type inkjet recording method uses an aggregation liquid, in which the aggregation liquid contains a polyurethane resin having an amino group and the polyurethane resin has a number average molecular weight of 10,000 or more and 1,000,000 or lower and an amine value of 0.5 mmol/g or more and 3.0 mmol/g or lower. |
| US08696099B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus having the same
A liquid ejecting head includes: a pressure generating chamber to which liquid is supplied through a liquid supply channel; a pressure generating unit that generates a variation in pressure in the pressure generating chamber; a nozzle opening that ejects the liquid discharged from the pressure generating chamber according to the variation in pressure to the outside; and a flow channel for circulation that is formed in the nozzle opening side rather than the pressure generating chamber and separates a part of the liquid discharged from the pressure generating chamber. When Ms, Mn, and Mc each are inertances of the liquid supply channel, the nozzle opening, and the flow channel for circulation, a relationship of Ms≧(1/Mn+1/Mc)−1 is established. |
| US08696097B2 |
System and method for generating edible decorative items
A system for generating an edible decorative item for a food product is provided. The system includes a computer including a processor for executing computer program codes. The computer also includes a display device for displaying a user interface. The system also includes an image forming apparatus including a spongeless ink cartridge for storing an edible ink. The spongeless ink cartridge does not include a sponge. The image forming apparatus also includes an image forming unit for forming an image on an edible image formation medium to generate the edible decorative item. |
| US08696089B2 |
Portable printer for direct imaging on surfaces
A portable imaging device has been developed. The portable imaging device enables a printhead to be mounted to a surface to print an image on the surface. The printhead moves in two or more directions while mounted on the printing surface enable the printhead to eject ink onto the surface to form the image on the surface. |
| US08696083B2 |
Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus includes a conveyance roller which conveys the recording medium, a drive source for rotating the conveyance roller, a print head and a carriage mounted with the print head. The carriage includes an abutment portion. The image recording apparatus further includes a carriage position detector which detects a position of the carriage in a movement direction of the carriage and still further includes a rotating body which rotates in synchronization with the conveyance roller. The rotating body includes a reference portion which protrudes or depresses in the movement direction at a predetermined rotation phase of the rotating body and abut with the reference portion. Moreover, the image recording apparatus includes an origin determination section which, based on a result of the detection by the carriage position detector, determines an origin position of a rotation phase of the conveyance roller. |
| US08696082B2 |
Counteracting expansion effects of moisture on media within fluid-ejection device
Expansion effects of moisture on media resulting from ejection of fluid by the fluid-ejection device onto the media within a print zone in accordance with a portion of a print job are inferred. In response to inferring the expansion effects of moisture on the media, an action is performed to counteract the expansion effects of moisture on the media. |
| US08696080B2 |
Printer ink delivery with refill line pressure sensor
An ink delivery system for a printer. In one embodiment, the system includes an ink supply that contains ink to be delivered to a printhead of the printer and an ink buffer positioned physically below the ink supply such that ink can flow to the ink buffer under gravity alone, the ink buffer being configured to be repeatedly filled with ink from the ink supply and to deliver that ink to the printhead. |
| US08696074B2 |
Safety lock system for cabinet drawers
A safety lock system for cabinet drawers that provides a lock mechanism that in a locked position prevents any drawer from opening and in an unlocked position allows only one drawer to be opened at any one time. The system includes a slide wedge-ended member attached to each drawer, an inner cabinet wall and a support member both of which include vertically aligned T-shaped slots for receiving interlock pieces. Each interlock piece includes an upper protrusion and a lower protrusion and a spacer bar connecting the two protrusions. |
| US08696072B2 |
Shut-off valve for hydraulic system
A hydraulic system for an aircraft includes a master cylinder, a wheel brake, a pressure supply, a reservoir, and a shut-off valve in communication with the master cylinder, the wheel brake, the pressure supply and the reservoir. The shut-off valve can include a seal that is configured to preclude fluid flow between the pressure supply and the reservoir through the valve. The shut-off valve can be operable in a first position which blocks fluid flow between the pressure supply and the wheel brake through the valve and a second position which allows fluid flow between the pressure supply and the wheel brake through the valve. Fluid pressure from the master cylinder can control operation of the valve between the first position and the second position. Failure of the seal can result in fluid flow from the brake pressure supply toward the master cylinder. |
| US08696067B2 |
Vehicle seating frame, assembly, and method of making
The present invention relates to a vehicle seat frame made of structural foam having an attachment flange for attaching to a vehicle, and vehicle seat assembly, and methods of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat frame made of structural foam and having a main body portion and at least one attachment flange depending from the main body portion. The attachment flange is attachable to a vehicle floor pan via an interference fit. The attachment flange has a first density and the main body portion has a second density, less than the first density. The vehicle seat assembly further comprises a cushion supported on the frame. The cushion is softer than the seat frame. The vehicle seat assembly further comprises a trim material disposed over the cushion and the frame. |
| US08696066B2 |
Vehicle seat
An engaging structure has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion provided on at least one portion from among a first attaching portion and a second attaching portion, and an engagable portion provided on another portion that is different from the one portion. The first attaching portion is overlapped with the second attaching portion such that the first engaging portion abuts against a first edge of the other portion and the second engaging portion abuts against a second edge of the other portion that is different from the first edge. A support member is engaged with a frame member by one of the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion being hooked onto the engagable portion. |
| US08696065B2 |
Adjustable headrest for an aircraft seat
An adjustable headrest for an aircraft seat including a headrest configured to simultaneously horizontally translate and rotate relative to a seatback, an actuating element that urges against the seatback to drive the simultaneous horizontal translation and rotation of the headrest, and linkage interconnecting the headrest with the actuating element and driving movement of the headrest in response to movement of the actuating element. An aircraft passenger seat including an adjustable headrest configured to horizontally translate and rotate relative to the seatback. |
| US08696058B2 |
Adjustable armrest with adjustable cupholder
An armrest may be adjustable between a down position where a cupholder is accessible to hold a cup and an upright position where the cupholder can be used to cushion an occupant that is supported to it. |
| US08696054B2 |
Enhanced compatibility for a linkage mechanism
Provided is a linkage mechanism for a recliner that includes a seat rail, an arm mounting plate that is vertically supported by one or more legs, a footrest assembly adapted to extend ottoman(s) when the recliner is adjusted from a closed to an extended position, and a roller link that translates forward when the recliner is adjusted from the extended position to a reclined position. The arm mounting plate includes a forward guide slot and a rearward guide slot having respective tracks installed thereto. The roller link includes a forward roller and a rearward roller that are rotatably coupled thereto. Further, the forward and rearward rollers are moveably engaged to the tracks of the forward and rearward guide slots, respectively, facilitating the forward translation of the roller link. A pair of substantially parallel-spaced TV links act in cooperation to pivotably couple the roller link to the arm mounting plate. |
| US08696046B2 |
Tailgate hinge retaining mechanism
A tailgate hinge retaining mechanism for a truck bed. The retaining mechanism can have a post bracket and a tailgate bracket. A retaining bracket is also included and attached to the tailgate bracket, the retaining bracket having a sleeve with an offset slot that prevents the tailgate bracket from being undesirably removed from the post bracket. |
| US08696045B2 |
On-board tool storage structure
An object of the present invention is to provide a convenient on-board tool storage structure, the storage structure allowing a storage location of an on-board tool to be seen easily, and allowing the on-board tool to be taken out without detaching a spare tire. The on-board tool storage structure of the present invention is formed in a supporting member 110 having a mounting surface 112 on which a spare tire 106 is mounted with such an inclination that a vehicle rear side thereof is elevated. A storage groove 114 which stores the tool therein is formed in the supporting member. A vehicle rear side end portion of the storage groove is exposed at a vehicle rear side of the spare tire. A distance along the storage groove between a position in which the storage groove starts to be exposed and a back panel 104 is shorter than the total length of the tool. A deep groove portion 114a is formed at a lower portion of the storage groove in such a manner as to be deeper toward the rear of the vehicle. The tool is configured to be taken out from the storage groove without interference with the back panel by rotating the entire tool while sliding a vehicle front side end portion of the tool along a bottom portion of the deep groove portion of the storage groove. |
| US08696043B2 |
Hybrid pickup tool
Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and apparatus for a multi-aperture vacuum tool that is comprised of a distributed vacuum tool that has a number of apertures distributed across an area for manipulating material portion, such as textile, mesh, cloth, and foam. The multi-aperture vacuum tool is also comprised of a refined vacuum tool. The refined vacuum tool generally has a couple of apertures that allow the refined vacuum tool to manipulate smaller portions of material than that which are handled by the distributed vacuum tool. Further, it is contemplated that an affixing tool, such as an ultrasonic welder, is also incorporated with exemplary aspects of the multi-aperture vacuum tool. |
| US08696042B2 |
Semiconductor cleaner systems and methods
In an embodiment, the present invention discloses a EUV cleaner system and process for cleaning a EUV carrier. The euv cleaner system comprises separate dirty and cleaned environments, separate cleaning chambers for different components of the double container carrier, gripper arms for picking and placing different components using a same robot handler, gripper arms for holding different components at different locations, horizontal spin cleaning and drying for outer container, hot water and hot air (70C) cleaning process, vertical nozzles and rasterizing megasonic nozzles for cleaning inner container with hot air nozzles for drying, separate vacuum decontamination chambers for outgassing different components, for example, one for inner and one for outer container with high vacuum (e.g., <10−6 Torr) with purge gas, heaters and RGA sensors inside the vacuum chamber, purge gas assembling station, and purge gas loading and unloading station. |
| US08696037B2 |
Connector for pipe connection
A connector for pipe connection provided to stably hold a state of connection of a pipe, and to improve operability by a user when disconnecting the pipe. The connector (1) for pipe connection has a connector body (3) in which a pipe (2) is inserted and removed; a lock member (4) held slidably in the connector body for fastening the pipe by locking pieces (42) and (42); and operating pieces (43) and (43) provided for operating to slide the lock member; and is configured such that the locking piece is elastically deformed from a fastened state in which the pipe is fastened to a released state in which the pipe is released by being pressed against a pressing part (55) formed on the connector body when the lock member is operated to slide. |
| US08696036B2 |
Method and apparatus for connecting piping
A piping connector is provided having a ring configured to install around an external diameter of a pipe, the ring having at least one clamp closing portion that has an open uncrimped position and a closed crimped position, a piping shield connected to the ring, the piping shield having at least one penetration to accept the at least one clamp closing portion, wherein the piping shield covers an abutment end of the pipe to be connected, wherein a joint between the ring and the piping shield forms a connection. |
| US08696032B2 |
Security device
A security device comprises a substrate having a transparent region (1). At least one optical element (2, 3) is provided in part of the transparent region, the optical element causing an incident off-axis light beam transmitted through the optical element to be redirected away from a line parallel with the incident light beam whereby when the device is viewed in transmission directly against a backlight, the presence of the optical element cannot be discerned but when the device is moved relative to the backlight such that lines of sight from the viewer to the transparent region and from the transparent region to the backlight form an obtuse angle (α) at which redirected light is visible to the viewer, a contrast is viewed between the part of the transparent region including the optical element and another part of the transparent region. When the security device is viewed in reflection under diffuse lighting conditions either no contrast can be discerned between the two parts or a different contrast can be discerned between the two parts. |
| US08696030B2 |
Omniview contents display systems
An omniview contents display system which is a quick, at-a-glance system for locating sections of any book or magazine, providing the chapter and range of pages, as well as having an indicator line that visually guides the user-reader's eye to a chapter bar. The chapter bar is a block style marking on the edge of the pages opposite the binding that designates the exact location of the chapter or section within the book. The exact location of a chapter can be easily located despite the book or type of printed and bound media being in a closed condition. The chapters, page ranges, and indicator lines may be printed on the covers as well as on the inside pages at the outside margins and allows the reader-user to quickly locate any section of the book from an open or closed book condition. |
| US08696021B2 |
Side airbag device and method of sewing side airbag
A side airbag device has: a side airbag that inflates and expands at a time of a side collision, and that has a lower chamber (high pressure chamber), and an upper chamber (low pressure chamber), the high pressure chamber and the low pressure chamber being formed by base cloths (a lower base cloth, an upper base cloth) that are respectively separate bodies; an inflator; a partitioning wall that is formed by a portion of the lower base cloth, and that divides the lower chamber and the upper chamber; and a check valve that is provided at a partial region of the partitioning wall, and that is provided convexly toward the lower chamber side when the side airbag is not inflated, and that permits flowing of the gas for inflation from the upper chamber side to the lower chamber side, and restricts flowing of gas in a direction opposite thereto. |
| US08696013B2 |
Snowboard binding
A novel snowboard binding provides a high level of adjustability, convenience, and usability for snowboarders. One aspect of the invention discloses a hook-and-go strapping system which reduces or eliminates cumbersome effort to strap or release snowboard boots to a conventional snowboard binding. Another aspect of the invention discloses a locking lever and a spring-loaded locking plate, which uniquely enable an “on-the-fly” stance positioning of a snowboard binding. The on-the-fly stance positioning as disclosed in some embodiments of the invention involves an easy rotational or angular adjustment of a snowboard binding from a snowboard even after a snowboard boot is strapped into the snowboard binding. Yet another aspect of the invention discloses a unique leg support apparatus comprising a forward lean bar, a tool-free forward lean adjuster with one or more fitting grooves, and a tilt-adjustable articulating high back for fine adjustability and comfort. |
| US08696010B2 |
Suspension system for autonomous transports
An autonomous transport robot for transporting a payload, the autonomous transport robot including a drive section assembly having at least one motor and a pair of drive wheels coupled to the motor, a frame configured to support a payload, a transfer arm connected to the frame and configured for the autonomous transfer of payload to and from the frame, and a suspension system movably connecting the drive section assembly and the frame allowing relative movement between the frame and the drive section assembly. |
| US08696009B1 |
Extendable motorcycle running board assembly
An extendable motorcycle running board assembly expands the supporting surface available to a motorcycle rider to enhance comfort for the rider. The assembly includes a plate having a first end, a second end, and a perimeter edge extending around the plate. A connection aperture extends through the plate. The connection aperture is configured for receiving a running board mounting peg therethrough wherein the plate is pivotally coupled to a motorcycle beneath a running board of the motorcycle. A tab is coupled to and extends from the perimeter edge of the plate and upwardly relative to the plate. Thus, the tab abuts the running board of the motorcycle when the plate is pivoted into a fully extended position relative to the running board of the motorcycle. |
| US08696008B2 |
Rear suspension system for a bicycle
A bicycle may include a rear suspension system to absorb forces impacting on the bicycle by allowing a rear wheel of the bicycle to be displaced relative to the bicycle frame. The rear suspension system may be adjusted in some versions to affect the travel path of the rear wheel as well as the leverage ratio curve to suit the rider's preference. The bicycle may include a frame and a rear suspension system including a swingable member configured for operative association with the frame and including a rear frame including a bottom member and a top member extending upwardly from the bottom member, such that the top member of the rear frame does not move relative to the bottom member of the rear frame when the swingable member moves. The rear suspension system may also include a link system configured for operative association with the swingable member, the link system including a first link pivotally connected with the swingable member so as to allow the swingable member to swing and a second link slideable along a guide member so as to provide a translational pivoting of the swingable member relative to the frame. |
| US08696006B2 |
Lateral cover for a wheeled vehicle
A vehicle has a cockpit area and lateral passages for the ingress and egress of a rider to and from the cockpit area. At least one lateral flexible cover selectively extends at least partially across at least one of the lateral passages. The cover has at least one upper attachment point connected to the roll cage, at least one lower attachment point connected to one of the frame and the roll cage, and a forward attachment point selectively connected to one of the frame and the roll cage. When the forward attachment point is connected to the one of the frame and the roll cage, the at least one lateral flexible cover extends forwardly and downwardly from the at least one upper attachment point to the forward attachment point, and forwardly and upwardly from the at least one lower attachment point to the forward attachment point. |
| US08696003B2 |
Front axle support with arrangement of a steering gear and a front axle stabilizer
A front axle support is provided with arrangement of a steering gear and a front axle stabilizer. The front axle support has receptacles for fastening the steering gear and for fastening the front axle stabilizer with screw connections. The steering gear and the front axle stabilizer are fixed on a common fitting. The common fitting is disposed with a common screw connection on the front axle support. |
| US08696002B1 |
Roll center height variator
A roll center variator is described, generally including a first transverse locating device, a second transverse locating device, an adjustable spacing mechanism, and first and second simple links attached to the spacing mechanism and a vehicle axle. Each of the transverse locating devices has two ends attached to opposing sides of a vehicle frame. The spacing mechanism is attached at a first point to the first locating device and at a second point to the second locating device. The first and second locating devices are comprised of a Watt's linkage, Panhard rod, or other transverse locating device. The variator includes a screw-threaded rod engaged with the spacing mechanism, wherein rotation of the rod in one direction increases a distance between a first point and a second point of the spacing mechanism and rotation in the opposite direction decreases the distance between the same two points. |
| US08696001B1 |
Skateboard bindings
A binding for a skateboard and a skateboard with bindings are disclosed. The skateboard with bindings have a platform having a longitudinal length and a transverse width; a pair of wheel trucks, spaced apart and attached to a bottom side of the platform; a pair of wheels spaced apart from each other across the transfers width of the platform and attached to each of the wheel trucks, the wheels for supporting the platform on an external surface; and at least one binding comprising engagement portion for receiving direction from a user's foot and a support shaft attaching to the platform, the engagement portion extending above an upper side of the platform. |
| US08695998B1 |
Axle lift assembly
An axle lift assembly includes a beam slidably coupled with and extending on a longitudinal extent of a vehicle frame. A trailing arm has a first end pivotably coupled with the beam. An axle is rotatably coupled with an intermediate portion of the trailing arm. An air spring is disposed between a second end of the trailing arm and the beam for absorbing an upward force from the axle. A support bracket extends down from the beam proximate the first end of the trailing arm. A pneumatic actuator is disposed between the support bracket and the trailing arm for raising the axle from a deployed position to a retracted position that substantially eliminates the upward force on the air spring from the axle. |
| US08695997B1 |
Dolly for transporting sheet materials
A dolly includes a horizontal base plate supported by wheels and first and second upstanding support walls supported by the base plate. In a first embodiment, a horizontal step is formed in each support wall above the plane of the base plate and an item of sheet material is supported on its edge by the step. This enables a single individual to rotate the sheet material onto a countertop without lifting the sheet material from the dolly. In a second embodiment, an adjustable support bracket is movably mounted to each support wall to replace the steps so that the sheet material can be supported on edge at various heights. A third embodiment adds a foldable table with legs so that the sheet material can be rotated onto the table and slid from the table onto a surface to be covered. |
| US08695996B2 |
Medical emergency crash cart
A utility cart includes an auxiliary swivel caster wheel assembly, a locking mechanism, and a trigger mechanism for causing the locking mechanism to releasably lock the auxiliary swivel caster wheel assembly. The auxiliary swivel caster wheel assembly is unlocked to enable the auxiliary swivel caster wheel to rotate about a vertical axis for improved maneuverability in small areas, and is locked to hold the auxiliary swivel caster wheel in a predetermined position for improved steering as the cart is moved from one location to another. The trigger mechanism is disposed on a steering handle to enable dynamic actuation of the locking mechanism while the cart is in motion. |
| US08695992B2 |
Tow assembly for a trailer
A convertible trailer assembly is provided that can be pushed or pulled. The trailer assembly can be converted between pushed or pulled operation or provided as a retrofit assembly for a stroller that allows its conversion between pushed or pulled operation. The Assembly includes a linkage assembly to provide a smoother towing experience for the user. The linkage uniquely takes up the constant jarring motion that is incompatible as between the user and the trailer and dissipates it in a toggle that consists of a lever extending upwardly from a tow point on the trailer. When accelerating or going uphill the toggle pulls forward, at equilibrium the toggle motion absorbs the incremental differences in acceleration/deceleration and at the rear limit of its range of motion, the toggle pushes a brake actuator to slow the trailer. |
| US08695990B2 |
Wafer flattening apparatus and method
An apparatus and method for securing a substantially circular wafer uses a chuck having a plurality of tensioning grooves each having at least one arcuate bend having a bend radius substantially less than an outer region radius, and a vacuum source interconnected with each of the grooves. When the wafer is placed upon the surface concentric with the chuck center and the vacuum source applied to the grooves, the wafer is held securely to the surface without distortion. |
| US08695988B2 |
Tube seal components
A tube seal is provided including a rigid cylindrical tube and an elastomeric seal body molded to the outer surface of the cylindrical tube. The rigid cylindrical tube includes a recessed annular groove at each end thereof for receiving the elastomeric seal body therein to create a mechanical connection to resist the seal body from being pulled away from the cylindrical tube. The tube seal is also incorporated into a diameter reducing tube seal, an integrated tube seal and filter design and an integrated tube seal and valve design. |
| US08695985B2 |
Stowable shooting target assemblies
The present disclosure describes various embodiments of shooting target assemblies and associated systems and methods of use and manufacture. One aspect of the disclosure is directed to shooting target assemblies configurable in an assembled arrangement and a stowed arrangement. Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to shooting target assemblies having a stabilizer for improving target stability during operation. |
| US08695984B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing draw poker game
A gaming device having a primary Three Card Poker game is provided. The Three Card Poker game includes three cards dealt to the player and the dealer, where all cards are dealt face-up. First, the player has an option to replace one card from the player's hand. Then, the dealer may replace one card according to a set of predetermined rules. The player makes a primary wager and an optional secondary wager. A primary award is provided if the player's hand beats the dealer's hand. In the secondary wager is placed, a secondary is award is provided if the either the player's or the dealer's hand is of a predetermined value. |
| US08695983B1 |
Game played with tiles
An entertaining game played with multiple specially designed tiles mounted on sections of miniature tracks similar to railroad tracks. The tiles are individually designed and mounted so that the sections of tracks can be connected in a straight path, can bank on curves and can go up and down inclines to create almost unlimited patterns. Once the path is created and with the tiles upright, the tile at one end can be tipped causing the tiles along the entire path of travel to tip in succession, thus producing a unique and fun effect. Since the tiles are permanently mounted on the sections of track, the set up time is quick, and once the user has created a desired pattern, the tiles can be moved to the upright position very quickly. When the first tile is tipped and the tiles have fallen along all the paths created, they can be quickly reset. |
| US08695982B2 |
Modified wagering game systems and methods
Systems and methods for providing, conducting and modifying an underlying wagering game involving standard playing cards, comprising the steps of providing one or more randomly ordered decks of playing cards; receiving a wager on the final outcome of the underlying game; dealing the playing cards according to the rules of the underlying game; comparing each playing card dealt with a preset criteria, wherein the preset criteria includes at least one identifiable characteristic associated with at least one card of the standard playing cards; and applying a game feature responsive to the satisfaction of the preset criteria, wherein the game feature immediately advances the game to a final outcome. |
| US08695980B1 |
Weave puzzle
A plurality of first strips and second strips are provided, each including portions of an overall composite image thereon. The strips are woven together to cause the portions of the image to be joined together to complete the composite image. Blanks can be provided on portions of the strips which weave under portions of other strips. The strips are initially provided on multiple sheets which are printed with an image which has gaps built thereinto by removing portions of the image so that when the sheets are cut into strips and the weave is completed, a distortion free composite image results. A software application can be provided which converts the image into the sheets, ready for printing on a personal printer and cutting. The invention can be implemented upon a computer through manipulation of strip objects appearing on a display associated with the computer to virtually weave the strip objects together. |
| US08695979B1 |
Tactile and auditory puzzle
A tactile and auditory puzzle is provided. The tactile and auditory puzzle includes an outer structure, an inner cavity contained within the outer structure, and an object contained within the inner cavity. A tactile and auditory puzzle set includes a plurality of tactile and auditory puzzles. A method of assaying cognitive ability is further provided, including the steps of providing to a user a tactile and auditory puzzle, instructing the user to describe properties of the puzzle, based on auditory and tactile information obtained by manipulating the puzzle, and comparing the user's description with known properties of the puzzle. |
| US08695977B2 |
Apparatus and method for triple-gate diverter
Apparatus and methods for handling items of currency using a triple gate diverter are provided. An apparatus is provided that comprises first, second and third diverter members (100, 200, 300) that are adapted for rotational/pivotal movement with respect to another. Each of the diverter members (100, 200, 300) is coupled to a longitudinal shaft (400), itself defining a central longitudinal axis of the triple gate diverter. |
| US08695976B2 |
Sheet conveyor device
A sheet conveyor device may include a first portion configured to move, a cam configured to move in response to movement of the first portion, and a guide portion configured to move between first and second positions in response to the movement of the cam, to choose a first or second conveying path for a sheet. The cam may cause the guide portion to remain in position even if the first portion is moved a small amount, thereby helping to reduce the likelihood of paper jams arising from undesired movement of the guide portion. |
| US08695972B2 |
Inverter with adjustable reversing roll position
A reversing apparatus within a media path comprises an input nip moving sheets of media in a first direction, and a reversing nip positioned to receive the sheets of media from the input nip. The reversing nip stops the sheets and moves the sheets in a second direction opposite the first direction. Also included is an output nip positioned to receive the sheets of media from the reversing nip, and an actuator connected to the reversing nip. The actuator moves the reversing nip relative to a position of the input nip and the output nip, based on a characteristic of the sheets of media. |
| US08695971B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
In a sheet processing apparatus, a pair of regulating members is provided at a pair of joggers so that the regulating members are movable together with the joggers. When the pair of joggers is laterally moved, the pair of regulating members also laterally moves together with the pair of joggers. By moving the pair of joggers to passage positions, the pair of regulating members regulates the lateral ends of a sheet, which falls and is stacked on a first stacking tray. |
| US08695969B2 |
Sheet adjusting device, sheet holding receptacle incorporating same, and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A sheet adjusting device, applicable to a sheet holding receptacle and an image forming apparatus, includes a sheet setting plate to place a sheet thereon, first and second regulating member to slidably move in a given direction, and a drive transmission unit to transmit a driving power generated by a driving power source to at least the first regulating member and move the first regulating member in the given direction and to include a torque limiting unit to stop the first regulating member moving on the sheet setting plate by cutting off transmission of the driving power between a driven side transmission roller unit of the torque limiting unit and a driving side transmission roller unit of the torque limiting unit when a torque exceeding a given threshold is applied to the driven side transmission roller unit. |
| US08695966B2 |
Paper retrieving mechanism
A paper retrieving mechanism includes a base, a handle movably connected to the base, and a resisting element. The base supports an amount of paper, and defines a first slot. The paper is to be placed over the first slot. The resisting element passes through the first slot, and is connected to the handle. The handle is to be acted upon by an external force to drive the resisting element to move along the first slot to push the paper to move relative to the base. |
| US08695963B2 |
Feeding device and recording apparatus
A feeding device includes a feeding unit configured to be driven while being in contact with a recording sheet to feed the recording sheet, and a stacking unit configured to stack a plurality of the recording sheets and to press or release the stacked recording sheets to or from the feeding unit. Also, the feeding device includes a separating unit configured to separate the plurality of recording sheets fed by the feeding unit, one by one, a detecting unit configured to detect the recording sheet in an area downstream of the separating unit, and a control unit configured to control each of the units. The control unit switches a feeding operation between at least two feeding operations in accordance with a drive time of the feeding unit from when the feeding unit is started to be driven to when the detecting unit detects the recording sheet. |
| US08695959B2 |
Sheet folding device and image forming apparatus with sheet folding device
A sheet folding device includes a transport unit that transports a sheet; an abutting unit that abuts an end of the sheet being transported to form a bent portion at the sheet; a folding unit that nips the bent portion of the sheet by a pair of folding rollers to form a fold line in the sheet; a guide member that partially covers the folding roller and guides the sheet; and a position adjustment unit that adjusts a position of the guide member. An exposure amount of the folding roller with respect to the sheet can be varied by adjusting the position of the guide member through the position adjustment unit. |
| US08695957B2 |
Compact support clamp with rotating equipment attachment and jaw operator
The device utilizes a thruster cylinder driven by a enlarged knob and terminating in a thruster plate to clamp to a support. Provision is made to attach a device to the clamp through a rotating index wheel which can lock the device by receiving a tang from a trigger lever at a selected increment of rotation. A second embodiment has two index wheels so that the attached device can be displaced in one of four directions to avoid conflict with other devices on the same support. The second axis is normally used to return a displaced device to an upright orientation. |
| US08695956B2 |
Compression coil spring and manufacturing device and manufacturing method for coil spring
Bending deformation exceeding a yield stress is applied by winding a material on a mandrel. Coiling is performed simultaneously with the application of the bending deformation, and the load is removed after the coiling. This spring includes an outside surface region having a compressive residual stress and a compressive stress reduction region in which the compressive residual stress is reduced from the outside surface region toward the center of the material. A stress change portion at which a change from the compressive residual stress to a tensile residual stress occurs exists between the outside surface region and the center of the material. The spring further includes a tensile stress peak portion, tensile stress reduction region, and inside surface region. The inside surface region has the tensile compressive residual stress having an absolute value smaller than that of the outside surface region. |
| US08695955B1 |
Apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage and glass products incorporating same
Apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage and glass products incorporating such apparatus are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage includes a housing having a contact end with an aperture, a contact member disposed at least primarily inside the housing, and a biasing member. The biasing member biases the contact member toward the housing aperture. In another embodiment, a glass product includes a sheet of glass and an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage. The apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage includes: (a) a housing having a contact end with an aperture; (b) a contact member disposed at least primarily inside the housing; and (c) a biasing member biasing the contact member toward the housing aperture. The housing contact end is coupled to the sheet of glass, and the contact member rests upon the sheet of glass for receiving an impact force from the sheet of glass. |
| US08695954B2 |
Vibration absorption device
A vibration absorption that is both capable of damping vibrations in two directions and high in durability. A pair of pressure receiving chambers (102A) and (102B) at symmetrical positions sandwiching an axis S are structured between a first rubber elastic body (24) and a second rubber elastic body (38). The shape of a first rubber elastic body (18) in an unloaded state is determined such that a region between an inner side joining portion (24B) and an outer side joining portion (24A) becomes substantially horizontal in a loaded state in which the first rubber elastic body (24) supports the weight of an engine. |
| US08695953B2 |
Distribution tray, vessel, or method relating thereto
One exemplary embodiment may be a distribution tray for a vessel. Generally, the distribution tray includes a member, a compartment, and an insert. The member can form a first side and a second side. Typically, the first side is adapted to receive a liquid thereon. Additionally, the member can form a plurality of openings. Usually, the compartment extends through the member with a first portion protruding from the first side and a second portion protruding from the second side, and is adapted to permit the passage of a fluid there-through. The insert may be positioned within the compartment to constrict and then expand the passage of the fluid there-through. |
| US08695948B2 |
Railing assembly
An improved railing assembly is comprised of a plurality of pickets, a top rail, an inner rail and a bottom rail. The inner rail is pivotally attached to the pickets with fasteners. The fasteners are hidden from view by the top rail. Stiffeners project from the top rail and from the bottom rail. The stiffeners each either interface with another stiffener or a seat on the inner rail to provide rigidity to the assembly. The bottom of the railing assembly is substantially covered by the bottom rail. The angle between the pickets and the top rail is adjustable such that the pickets may be vertically oriented, while the top rail is parallel to a sloped terrain upon which the railing assembly is installed. |
| US08695945B2 |
Hand winch with brake and freewheel
A hand winch including a winding roll, a flexible elongated member, a shaft connected to the winding roll, a friction brake including a brake disk and a gear element engaging the winding roll and mounted on the shaft. The gear element has a release position and a brake position in which the gear element enters into frictional contact with the brake disk, generating a braking torque resisting winding off the flexible elongated member. Friction means is provided between the shaft and the gear element for generating a frictional resistance therebetween such that, if a driving force acting on the gear element does not overcome the frictional resistance established by the friction means, the gear element drives the shaft through friction means. However, if the driving force between the shaft and the gear element overcomes the frictional resistance, relative movement between the gear element and the shaft occurs. |
| US08695941B1 |
Multi stage electromagnetic jack assembly
An electromagnetic jack assembly. The jack has a first inner jack member having vertical walls, configured to slide within the base, the first inner jack member being nested within the base and having at least two walls connected to respective inside faces of the vertical walls of the base; a first linear magnetic drive assembly, comprising: a magnetic coil; and a magnet track, mounted on the base and the magnetic coil mounted on the first inner jack member or vice versa. The magnetic drive assembly forms the connection between the base and the first inner track. A second inner jack member nested within the first inner jack member and has a second linear magnetic drive assembly. The magnetic drive assembly forms the connection between the first and second inner track members. |
| US08695935B1 |
Compact portable firearm holding device
A magnetically mountable firearm or sporting instrument holding device of relatively small compass which is readily removable and portable, and can be utilized for providing a convenient place for hunters and sporting enthusiasts to rest their guns and sporting instruments upright on the outside of their car or other metal surface, and to protect that surface from scratches. The magnetic portable firearm or sporting instrument holding device generally includes a universal retaining member for supporting firearms and other sporting instruments having two opposite ends, the first end of which constitutes a recessed receiving end with inwardly tapered arms for guiding the instrument in place, and the second end comprising a common or multi-component magnetic mounting base. The mounting base may include a joining platform collar to orientate, mount, secure, and support the retaining member, and prevent twisting of the magnetic element of the mounting base. One or a plurality of such mounting bases, with or without platform collars, can be mounted to one or more retaining members. |
| US08695934B2 |
Remote control unit wall docking system
A detachable magnetic docking system for a handheld device comprises a docking plate having a major surface and a shell for the handheld device having a reverse surface. The major surface and the reverse surface are contoured to mate when adjacent one another to align the shell over the docking plate. Cooperative magnetic elements are located in the docking plate and in the shell to retain the handheld device on the docking plate. The contour of the major surface includes a recessed area. The handheld device having internal battery compartments located adjacent non-recessed areas of the major surface. |
| US08695932B1 |
Removable vehicle seat support
A removable vehicle seat support for converting a removable seat into stand-alone seating. The supports have a rail with a plurality of legs and a plurality of latch pins. In one embodiment, the legs are selectively collapsible. In a further embodiment, the latch pins are selectively adjustable. A plurality of latches on a frame bottom of a removed seat directly engages the support latch pins, connecting the seat frame to the support and forming stand-alone seating. The supports sufficiently elevate the seat off the floor so that the seating is at a comfortable height, stabilizing the seating under a user's weight and movement. The supports elevate the seat off the ground, keeping the frame bottom dry and clean when the seating is used for outdoor activities such as camping and tailgating. The supports are portable and the seating is easy to set up, stable and comfortable. |
| US08695931B2 |
Leveling device for portable stove
A leveling device for a portable stove with a first and second spine member each having a slot, four arms and four metal threaded posts. The spine members can slide in or out to create a long or short spine. The elongate arms each have a slot and are each pinned through the slots of the arms to each end of the spine members. The threaded posts are each screwed into mating threaded apertures at each end of the arms. The four elongate arms can be rotated and extended or retracted to accommodate the size of the base of a portable stove so that the portable stove may be placed on top of the spine and arms and that the threaded posts can be adjusted in right to accommodate any irregularities in terrain that the stove would otherwise be resting upon. |
| US08695929B2 |
Vertical cable support structures and methods
Apparatus for supporting one or more cables in a generally vertical orientation comprises a support structure extending along a generally vertical direction and a plurality of support blocks positioned along the vertical support structure. Each of the support blocks has one or more cable openings defined therethrough. The support blocks comprise a plurality of first group support blocks and a plurality of second group support blocks. The cable openings of the first group support blocks are aligned with each other, and the cable openings of the second group support blocks are aligned with each other and horizontally offset from the cable openings of the first group support blocks. |
| US08695926B2 |
Active gurney flap
A gurney flap assembly has an actuator, a flexible or hinged body, the body flexing from a retracted to a deployed position in reaction to motion of the actuator, and a first seal extending along a first edge of the flexible body that flexes from the stowed position. Linear motion of the actuator output is transposed to the gurney flap thereby moving it from a retracted position into the airstream. This trailing edge device will improve airfoil lift. |
| US08695915B1 |
Flap side edge liners for airframe noise reduction
One or more acoustic liners comprising internal chambers or passageways that absorb energy from a noise source on the aircraft are disclosed. The acoustic liners may be positioned at the ends of flaps of an aircraft wing to provide broadband noise absorption and/or dampen the noise producing unsteady flow features, and to reduce the amount of noise generated due to unsteady flow at the inboard and/or outboard end edges of a flap. |
| US08695910B2 |
Fishing reel having externally controllable brake system
A fishing reel has an externally controllable brake system including a brake dial provided on a left side cover outside a spool cover. The brake system is provided between the brake dial and the spool cover so as to externally control a rotary force of a spool. The brake system includes a rotary section rotating together with a rotary motion of the brake dial, and a brake housing provided close to the rotary section so as to laterally slide in response of the rotation of the rotary section, wherein an inner ring is fixed to the brake housing on an inner surface of the spool cover so as to stop the rotary motion of the spool while being guided along the brake housing. |
| US08695900B2 |
Sprinkler with variable arc and flow rate and method
A variable arc sprinkler head or nozzle may be set to numerous positions to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler head includes an arc adjustment valve having two portions that helically engage each other to define an opening that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate length. The arcuate length may be adjusted by pressing down and rotating a deflector to directly actuate the valve. The sprinkler head may include a lock-out feature to prevent adjustment. A method of irrigation is also provided involving moving the deflector between an arc adjustment position and an operational, irrigation position. The sprinkler head may also include a flow rate adjustment valve that may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet. |
| US08695897B2 |
Showerhead with rotatable oval spray pattern and handheld spray pattern controller
A handheld showerhead assembly is provided which provides for a plurality of spray patterns. In a preferred embodiment, the showerhead assembly provides for four spray patterns including an oval shaped spray pattern. The showerhead is rotatably attached to the handle so that the showerhead can be rotated relative to the handle without altering spray patterns, other than their orientation. Furthermore, the handheld shower assembly includes a push button controller located within the handle. |
| US08695896B2 |
Perfume atomizer
A re-fillable liquid spray dispenser useful as a fragrance atomizer includes a re-filling valve apparatus that is cooperative with a discharge nozzle of a liquid reservoir. A main chamber into which liquid may be filled in the spray dispenser is cyclically vented in unison with liquid injection through the re-filling valve apparatus. In this way, the liquid spray dispenser is accurately and efficiently vented during a liquid filling operation. |
| US08695892B2 |
Fuel injection device
In a fuel injection device, a control body has a pressure control chamber, an inflow port and an outflow port. The inflow port and the outflow port are opened at an abutting surface exposed to the pressure control chamber. In the pressure control chamber is arranged a floating plate for pressing the abutting surface by a pressing surface with the pressure of the fuel to interrupt communication between the inflow port and the pressure control chamber. The abutting surface of the control body is provided with an outer opposite surface portion opposite to an outer edge of the pressing surface in a displacement axis direction of the floating plate, and the outer opposite surface portion has a special depressed portion that is depressed in the displacement axis direction and that extends along the shape of the outer edge of the pressing surface. |
| US08695891B2 |
Dual functioning fragrance delivery device
A fragrance delivery device that includes a hollow vessel containing a first fragrance medium and further comprising a porous exterior surface with a porous wicking extension extending therefrom; and a reservoir containing a second fragrance medium, the second fragrance medium in fluid communication with the wicking extension. |
| US08695890B2 |
Spraying device and method of using same
A spraying device (10) is described, the device comprising a housing (12) adapted to receive a refill (16) of fluid therein and having an aperture (14) suitable for permitting, in use, the spraying of a fluid therethrough, the device further comprising actuation means (24) configured for periodic actuation of the refill, wherein the device is provided with detection means (26) configured to distinguish between at least one area of lower reflectance and at least one area of relatively higher reflectance on a spray head of said refill. Methods of operation of such a spraying device are also described. |
| US08695888B2 |
Electronically-controlled register vent for zone heating and cooling
An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones. |
| US08695882B2 |
Financial transaction card assembly with packaged product
A financial transaction card assembly comprises a financial transaction card, a package, and at least one article. The financial transaction card includes an account identifier linking the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account or a financial record. The package is separate from the financial transaction card and defines an internal cavity. The at least one article is enclosed within the internal cavity. The financial transaction card is maintained outside of the internal cavity and is removably coupled to the package. Methods of assembling a financial transaction card assembly, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a financial transaction card assembly, and other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08695881B2 |
Chip card for insertion into a holder
The invention relates to a chip card (CC), in particular a SIM card, inserted for operation into a holder (HH), which holder (HH) is equipped with electrical device contacts (GK) and a press-on device (AE). The chip card (CC) comprises a substrate (S), a contact field (K), a chip (C), and a single-piece encapsulation (V). According to the invention, the encapsulation (V) has a thickness (dV) which ensures that, on insertion of the chip card (CC), the encapsulation (V) has body contact with the press-on device (AE), the contact field (K) has body contact with the device contacts (GK), and the contact field (K) is reliably electrically contacted to the device contacts (GK). No further carrier material (T) is provided. |
| US08695879B1 |
Fraud prevention
A method of preventing fraud, and a fraud prevention terminal, are described. The method comprises: detecting an unauthorized reader in the vicinity of a dip card reader, and closing a pin to prevent a card being inserted into the dip card reader. |
| US08695877B2 |
Dynamic discount device
Systems and/or methods are disclosed for interacting with a multiple criteria buying and/or selling system to conduct business electronically. A dynamic discount card is disclosed according to an aspect of the present invention. The dynamic discount card comprises an information access component for receiving information and a presentation component for displaying information to a user via the dynamic discount card. |
| US08695872B2 |
Apparatus improving item transactions with real-time controls and navigation
Invention describes real-time control system increasing shopping efficiency, maintaining item quality, inventory, and directing customer transactions, requiring handling and processing of items only once. Invention controls access to items inside modules via card with unique embedded identification features. Invention stores customer transactions and entered shopping lists. Invention per customer selected shopping list and items availability, will in real-time navigate customer to complete required transactions within customer selected criteria. Invention controls card identification features and modules containing items. Invention based on card identification and item identification such as barcode information will store customer executed transactions, and will require customer to pay for completed transactions before leaving the store. Invention in real-time maintains inventory of items, controls environment surrounding items, and reports items exceeding shelf life limit preventing their transaction. Invention analyzes transactions executed by the card, correlates transactions to customer at payment module, stores behavior patterns for future optimizations of transactions. |
| US08695871B2 |
Information display panel
In an information display panel, an illuminating device 3 for illuminating an information medium from a back face is provided on the back face of the information medium, while a reader/writer 4 corresponding to a non-contact information storage medium is provided on the back face side of the illuminating device 3. The reader/writer can be concealed by illuminating the information medium by the illuminating device 3. As a result, an information display panel capable of both bright information display and radio communication in a short distance can be obtained without undermining designability. |
| US08695869B2 |
Packaging container
The packaging container includes a bag assembly having first and second sealing sections formed at two opposite sides of four sides, and a third sealing section where one side of the remaining two sides is a folding line, wherein the one remaining side is opened. The opened side is joined together in a state in which an object is placed inside the bag assembly, a fourth sealing section is formed at an angle substantially orthogonal to the third sealing section, a pair of first and second triangles with the fourth sealing section as the shared bottom side are formed, and a pair of third and fourth triangles with the third sealing section as the shared bottom side are formed. The first and second sealing sections located on the vertical lines of the first and second triangles are used as an unsealing guide for tearing. |
| US08695866B2 |
Surgical instrument having a power control circuit
Various embodiments are directed to a powered surgical instrument for cutting and fastening tissue. The instrument may comprise an end effector comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member, a drive device, a clamping trigger, and a control circuit. The control circuit may comprise a power supply, a firing switch, a clamp switch, a switching device and an end-of-stroke switch. The firing switch may be electrically connected to, upon actuation, connect the power supply to the drive device via a first connection comprising the switching device and the firing switch. |
| US08695865B2 |
Surgical stapling and cutting device
A medical device, comprising a pistol-shaped handle, a laparoscopic shaft extending from the handle having a distal end and defining a shaft axis, a surgical end effector connected to the distal end of the shaft, a surgical procedure actuator operable to carry out a surgical procedure on tissue at the end effector, and a rotating knob at the handle that is rotatable with respect to the shaft about the shaft axis and is operable to actuate the surgical procedure actuator and effect the surgical procedure. |
| US08695863B2 |
Reinforced plastic sleeve for pneumatic nailer
A sleeve for a pneumatic nailer is provided that includes a cylindrical tubular body made of plastic and having a lower edge; and a metal reinforcing ring is integrally secured to the lower edge. |
| US08695853B2 |
Household appliance having ice water dispenser
A refrigerator having an ice water dispenser either with an overlap frame or flush frame. The ice water dispenser has a dispenser inner sheet and dispenser outer body onto which a dispenser face cover sheet is attached by way of lateral rips. The dispenser face cover sheet is fixed to cover the periphery of the outer body with respective openings for buttons. |
| US08695849B2 |
Spray device
A spray device comprises spray container receiving means and spray container actuation means (102, 126), wherein the spray container actuation means are adapted to periodically cause ejection of spray material from a spray container (116) by means of an actuator arm (102), wherein the actuator arm (102) incorporates position indication means (144). |
| US08695847B2 |
Dispenser unit for countermeasures
A dispenser unit for countermeasures. A magazine for the countermeasures is removably arranged on the dispenser unit. A dispensing nozzle dispenses the countermeasures out of the magazine. A movable seal is arranged within the magazine. The seal in a first position covers the dispensing nozzle and in a second position opens the dispensing nozzle, such that the countermeasures may be dispensed through the dispensing nozzle when the seal is in the second position. |
| US08695843B1 |
Adaptable bin with retractable cup holder
An adaptable bin having a retractable cup holder includes a bin wall and a bin floor. The bin wall and the bin floor define a storage volume, which substantially encapsulates the retractable cup holder. A plurality of spiral links are movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. At least one of the plurality of spiral links is operatively attached to one of the bin wall and the bin floor. A cup holder axis is defined by the plurality of spiral links, each of which rotates about the cup holder axis between the stowed position and deployed position. The plurality of spiral links define the retractable cup holder in the deployed position. |
| US08695840B2 |
Closure assembly for a container
A closure assembly for a container including an internally-threaded annular flange, an externally-threaded closure plug that is received by the annular flange, and an annular gasket positioned between the annular flange and the closure plug for establishing a sealed interface. The container includes a container end panel that is formed over and around a portion of the annular flange and provides an inner axial wall that is positioned between the annular flange and the annular gasket. The clearance between the closing plug and the inner axial wall relative to the size of the annular gasket determines the degree of radial compression of the annular gasket as the plug is threaded into the flange. A radial lip of the plug is designed to contact an upper surface of the container end panel that is formed over the flange as a visual indication when the required tightening torque of the plug within the flange has been reached. |
| US08695837B2 |
Paint tray accessory and assembly
A paint tray accessory and assembly provides an impermeable plastic cover and a membrane cover for use with a paint tray and paint roller of conventional manufacture. The membrane cover comprises a first frame member, a second frame member and a fluid regulating membrane. The membrane is flexible and stretchable which provides means for more evenly coating the sleeve of a paint roller during use of the assembly. The membrane also provides a tractive surface for the paint roller sleeve. The frame members are configured to retain the membrane within the frame members and to protect the membrane during use. The first frame member is intended to remain in position while the second frame member is flexibly rotatable relative to the first frame member at the points of certain “breaks” between the two frame members, also considered a “hinged” point. |
| US08695836B1 |
Beverage container assembly and cap
A beverage container comprising of multiple compartments and a cap to dispense beverages independently from the multiple compartments is disclosed. The invention enables the use of a beverage container, such as a single bottle, for carrying a plurality of beverages within its multiple compartments. The disclosed design of a split cap includes a plurality of valves that enable it in selectively dispensing contents of each compartment. The user may choose to consume one or more of beverages stored from the disclosed beverage container. A container and cap assembly built with pressure withstanding material allows consumer to enjoy a plurality of pressurized beverages, such as multiple types of soda, from a single bottle. |
| US08695832B2 |
Can lid and method for producing a can lid
A can lid (1) with a re-closable opening (11) includes an opening region or a closure cover (11), bounded by a peripheral tear-open notch (4), and a lever member intended for breaking through the tear-open notch. Adjacent to the tear-open notch (4), the outer rim of the closure cover (11) is non-positively connected to a collar part (5) of a first plastics material. The collar part is assigned a cover receiving part (10), of a second plastics material, which is outside the opening region and adjacent to the tear-open notch and is non-positively connected to the cover area, wherein the collar part engages over the cover receiving part. Formed between the collar part (5) and the cover receiving part (10) is a sealing snap-in locking connection with a peripheral domed rib and a complementarily formed recess. |
| US08695831B2 |
Packaging container
A package comprises a lid and a container forming a lower contact area, the container having a receiving space bordered by a side wall, an apron extending along an upper region of the side wall, and a tamper-evident closure preferably including a tamper-evident tab which, after filling the packaging container, can be detached by a consumer. The lid is formed as a clamp-on or clip-on lid and can be fixed to the upper container rim, wherein the tamper-evident tab is transparent and the container has an optical indicator for marking the tamper-evident tab. |
| US08695829B2 |
Spill inhibitors for containers
A spill inhibitor for a container includes a spill inhibitor body configured to be releasably secured to or integral with a container. The spill inhibitor body defines an opening therethrough and has a plurality of compliant finger projections extending from the spill inhibitor body. The finger projections are arranged to impede movement of an item through the opening of the spill inhibitor body for controlling passage of the item through a mouth of the container. |
| US08695828B2 |
Constructible eating utensil with scoop from foldable blank
A single, thin piece of folded material attaches to a single serving container to provide a strong, sanitary spoon, Folding score lines on the handle portion of the spoon give the utensil strength and provide a simplicity of use suitable for children. The disclosed utensil may be attached to existing containers or may be built into containers during the manufacture of the underlying container, or may be available as a stand-alone product. The disclosed utensil may be integrated into packaging material as overwrap sleeves used to package food containers. |
| US08695824B2 |
Flexible container assembly and methods for making and using the same
A flexible container assembly and methods for making and using such an assembly are disclosed herein. The assembly is configured to hold an amount of material, such as heavy and/or bulky material (e.g., industrial, job or work site waste material). In some embodiments, the assembly includes a support structure and a flexible container structure configured to interface with, so as to be supported at least in part by, the support structure. |
| US08695821B2 |
Closure having improved performance
A plastic closure formed from polymeric materials in accordance with the present invention is configured for enhanced performance, including enhanced strength and impact resistance. In one aspect of the present invention, the closure includes a top wall portion, and an annular, depending skirt portion which defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced, axial columns. Notably, in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, each of these axial columns is provided by a group of gripping knurls provided on the exterior of the skirt portion, with each group of the gripping knurls having relatively shallow valleys between adjacent ones of the knurls. |
| US08695813B2 |
Method and apparatus for desolvating flowing liquid
Methods and apparatus for desolvating flowing liquid streams while retaining temporal resolution of dissolved substrates are disclosed. A novel small-scale self-regulating spray dryer preserves temporal resolution while desolvating a liquid chromatography eluent stream and depositing the solute onto an optical surface for infrared spectrographic analysis. The liquid eluent is pumped through a heated nebulizer to create a high-speed jet of solute containing liquid and solvent vapor. This jet is directed circumferentially inside a hot cylindrical cavity. Centrifugal force causes the larger liquid droplets to travel along the outer diameter of the cavity. The cavity surface is heated to cause the droplets to film boil. Film boiling reduces droplet contact with the cavity surface thereby retaining the solute in the droplets. The solute temperature is limited by controlling the pressure into which the solvent evaporates from the droplets. When the droplets are sufficiently small, Stokes drag from the exiting solvent vapor carries the droplets out through the center of the cylindrical cavity. After exiting, the superheated solvent vapor further dries the droplets. Solvent vapor is removed by condensation onto a cooled surface. A freezing point reducing agent may be added to improve removal of solvent condensate. Stokes drag from a non-condensable gas maintains the dried droplets in suspension. This suspension travels through an orifice that focuses the impaction of the dried droplets onto the optical surface for infrared analysis. The deposition surface is in an evacuated chamber and is temperature controlled to freeze liquid solutes yet allowing sublimation of residual solvent. |
| US08695809B2 |
Return drilling fluid processing
A system for processing returned drilling fluid including a flow line configured to provide a return flow of drilling fluids and at least one vibratory separator having at least one screen, wherein the vibratory separator is fluidly connected to the flow low and is configured to receive at least a partial flow of fluids and separate the flow of fluids into a primarily fluid phase and a primarily solids phase. The system further includes a dual-trough configured to receive the primarily solid phase from the at least one vibratory separator and a slurry tank configured to receive the solids phase from the trough. Additionally, a method of processing a return drilling fluid including dividing the return drilling fluid into a primarily fluids phase and a primarily solids phase with a primary separatory operation. Furthermore, directing the primarily solids phase to a dual-trough having a first trough configured to receive a relatively large solids phase, and a second trough configured to receive a relatively fine solids phase. The method also including transmitting the relatively fine solids phase to a slurry tanks and processing the relatively fine solids phase in a secondary separatory operation. |
| US08695808B2 |
Method of sorting mailpieces by means of shuttle trays of variable storage capacity
In a method of sorting mailpieces, in which method the mailpieces sorted into the sorting outlets of a postal sorting machine are transferred from said sorting outlets to an unstacker magazine of the machine, or to an unstacker magazine of another sorting machine for the purpose of being sorted again into sorting outlets, said mailpieces are handled by means of shuttle trays of variable storage capacity for the purpose of transferring them from the sorting outlets to the unstacker magazine. |
| US08695807B2 |
Mucking device
Apparatus and methods for mucking livestock enclosures and separating bedding material from animal waste are disclosed. Various embodiments are directed toward a mucking device having a scoop portion with a basket connected to a handle and a sliding lid that can be opened and closed by sliding a rotating sleeve along an inner shaft of the handle. The scoop of the mucking device can be inverted by rotating the inner shaft relative to the rotating sleeve, thus causing the basket to be disposed above the lid. Bedding material can be sifted out of the basket while retaining the animal waste. Once a desired amount of bedding material has been separated, the scoop can be opened by sliding the rotating sleeve along the inner shaft to open the lid and thus release the retained animal waste and residual bedding material. Other embodiments are directed toward methods for using the mucking device. |
| US08695796B2 |
Sport ball bag for containing a plurality of balls in a small interior space
A ball bag having an interior formed of a stretchable material that pulls the bag exterior towards its own center, shaping the bag and locking the balls in place. This technique enables the bag to be used as a ball backpack. |
| US08695793B2 |
Flexible stable easily opened package
Flexible, stable, and easily opened packages are disclosed. The package may be made from an outer highly flexible material defining a surface stable bag having a bottom four side walls and an opening portion. The opening portion may have a rigid reinforcing member attached to it. The rigid reinforcing member may be movable between a stable open and a stable closed configuration with one hand, allowing a user to open and close the package with one hand. Packages may be provided with moisture barrier properties to contain moisture containing personal articles, and dual bag configurations may be employed. |
| US08695792B2 |
Wig or hair piece box and form
An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes wig or hair piece boxes for both the efficient storage and display of wigs or hair pieces before sell, as well as providing simple, efficient and effective storage facilities for wigs or hair pieces for use of the consumer. The wig or hair piece boxes include a form which holds the wig or hair piece and preserves the curl, style, and one directional curl of the hair tip end on the wig or hair piece. This avoids the common problem of loss of original curl and style of the wig or hair piece which plagues conventional wig and hair piece boxes. |
| US08695791B2 |
Carrier puck
Various embodiments include a carrier puck for a conveyer system, the carrier puck comprising a circular lower body, and an upper body attached to the circular lower body, and where the puck further comprises a slide ring arranged in a ring groove positioned above a lower contact surface of the lower body. |
| US08695785B2 |
Multi-track helical conveyor
A conveyor for conveying products comprises at least a drivable helically-shaped inner track conveyor member and a drivable helically-shaped outer track conveyor member. The outer track conveyor member surrounds the inner track conveyor member. The pitches of the inner track conveyor member and the outer track conveyor member are different. |
| US08695782B2 |
Conveying system for moving food products and method of using the same
A conveying system that corrects spacing inconsistencies between food products on transport conveyors. Sensor elements are used to determine the position of food products on a first conveyor. Displacement members then move the food products to a slower second conveyor and different locations to correct the position between the food products. |
| US08695780B2 |
Device for arranging plastic containers with one or more devices for blowing down containers overlying erecting means
The present invention refers to the field of devices for arranging containers enabling the correct positioning of containers or bottles made of plastic on the bottling feeding line. The device (1) for arranging plastic containers (100) with one or more devices for blowing down the containers (101) overlapped on the erecting elements, includes a cylindrical hopper (17) inwardly provided with a conical or flat base, conveying elements (19) and erecting-aligning elements, and includes one or more blowing elements (2), for example blowers, adapted to inwardly blow, adjacent to the upper edge of the hopper (17) aligning elements, an air flow for hitting possible containers (101) overlying other containers located on the erecting elements themselves. |
| US08695779B2 |
Packaging system for pharmaceutical dispenser and associated method
A packaging system and associated method for use with a pharmaceutical dispenser provides a turnkey solution for packaging pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings. An overall pharmacy system and methodology begins with bulk medications and supplements introduced into the work flow, individually packaged and assembled into medpass orders per patient and delivered to the LTC facility or other institution for patient consumption. The process begins by converting bulk medications and supplements to packaged unit doses and ultimately individually packaged medpass bags for each patient on a 24-hour schedule. The design of the overall system and its individual components allows for physical control of each unit dose package from start to finish without any unit dose package “free fall” in the system. |
| US08695777B2 |
Device for handling banknotes with optimized mixed storage
The invention relates to a device for handling currency notes that includes an input and output unit, a sensor unit to ascertain the denomination of the currency notes deposited, a collective receiving bin to accept currency notes of all denominations and at least two recycling receiving bins to which currency notes can be taken with the aid of a transport unit and from which they can be removed again. A control unit is provided in addition in which data are stored for each recycling receiving bin about which denominations can be accepted in said bin. After the currency note is deposited, the control unit assigns to the currency note a target storage in which said currency note is accepted. To issue a predetermined amount, the control unit ascertains which currency notes should be taken from which recycling receiving bin. |
| US08695775B2 |
Centrifugal clutch and vehicle provided with the same
A centrifugal clutch is provided with a clutch housing, a clutch boss, a plate group, a pressure plate, a roller retainer, a disc spring, a pressing body and a clutch release mechanism. The pressure plate is displaced on one side in the direction of an axis line and configured to directly or indirectly press the plate group and transition the same into a pressed-contact state. The disc spring extends in a direction of being inclined to the direction of the axis line from a first end portion toward a second end portion in a centrifugal direction. The first end portion of the disc spring is directly or indirectly fixed to the clutch housing. The second end portion of the disc spring directly or indirectly biases the roller retainer toward the plate group. |
| US08695770B2 |
Luggage having bottom frame member
Generally, embodiments discussed herein may include an article of softside luggage including flexible portions formed from flexible material and a rigid or semi-rigid reinforcing member. One embodiment may take the form of a wheeled duffel including a base wall, a top wall opposite the base wall, a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the base wall to the top wall, a top end wall, and a bottom end wall opposite the top end wall. The wheeled duffel may further include a reinforcing member forming the top and bottom end walls and extending along the base wall from the top end wall to the bottom end wall. The reinforcing member may have an hourglass shape. |
| US08695768B2 |
Shock absorber
A shock absorber comprises a first cylinder including an inside bore; a piston dividing the inside bore of the first cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber; a piston rod which extends within the first chamber; a second cylinder surrounding the first cylinder; a first connection passage arranged to connect the first chamber to a location outside of the shock absorber; a first tube member defining a second connection passage connected with the second chamber at the second end of the first cylinder; and a damping device comprising at least one valve element, the damping device being disposed between the second chamber and the second connection passage. The piston is configured to separate the first and second chambers so that the first and second chambers are not in fluid communication with each other through the piston. |
| US08695767B2 |
Device for braking the movement of a movable member with respect to a support structure
A device for braking the movement of a movable member with respect to a support structure includes a casing fixable to the movable member or to the structure and defining a chamber containing a viscous braking fluid, and a rotor, operationally associable with the movable member or with the structure, and which is rotatably connected to the casing and is mounted thereon so as to close the chamber. The rotor includes a piston-like member or portion, mounted so as to slide within the chamber in such a way as to separate the chamber into separate regions in mutual fluid communication. The piston-like member or portion is movable integrally with the rotor, such that rotation of the rotor brings about a rotatory displacement of the piston-lie member or portion, braked by the resistance to the passage of the fluid from one region to the other of the chamber caused by the displacement of the piston-like member or portion. |
| US08695759B1 |
Apparatus and method for safely lowering user from structure with track-actuated hydraulic brakes
An apparatus is disclosed for safely lowering a user from a structure. The apparatus includes a user support component upon which the user is supported while being safely lowered from the structure. The apparatus includes a brake system that has two hydraulic brakes configured to apply first and second defined pressures on a brake pad against a track situated proximate the structure. The track is configured not to activate the first and second hydraulic brakes at an upper vertical section of the track to allow the apparatus to descend with a positive acceleration; activate only the first hydraulic brake at a middle vertical section of the track to allow the apparatus to descend with a substantially constant velocity; and activate only the second hydraulic brake at a lower vertical section of the track to allow the apparatus to descend with a negative acceleration. |
| US08695757B2 |
Soundproofing assembly for an automobile, and associated wall element
The assembly comprises a base spring layer made with a base of a resilient porous material, and the base spring layer being intended to be placed opposite a surface of the automobile. It comprises a stiffening layer arranged above the base spring layer and having a surface density greater than 250 g/m2 and at least one resilient porous upper layer arranged on the stiffening layer. The stiffening layer is made with a base of a dense porous material having a resistance to air flow strictly greater than 2000 N·m−3·s. The assembly advantageously has an upper resistive layer. |
| US08695755B2 |
Pop up curtain assembly
A pop up device for a curtain, that is compressed to be packaged in a box, and expanded out of said box. |
| US08695754B2 |
Muffler of internal combustion engine
A muffler of an internal combustion engine is characterized in that a muffler of an internal combustion engine having a muffler main body connected to a rear end of an exhaust pipe of the internal combustion engine, a tail pipe extended from a rear end surface of the muffler main body, and a tail cover covering an outer periphery of the tail pipe includes a partition wall compartmentalizing a space formed between the tail pipe and the tail cover into at least two or more spaces. |
| US08695752B2 |
Films and membranes for acoustic signal converter
Deep-drawn membranes formed of polyester or polycarbonate films, comprising units of Formula (I) and (II), useful for acoustic signal converters as microphones and speakers. The film can be produced by thermoplastic processes or solvent cast processes. Especially suitable for the production of small membranes with a diameter of up to 10 cm useful in mobile devices as microphones, mobile telephones, laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), headphones or as signal transmitters |
| US08695749B2 |
Boat command chair with instrument pod
A command chair for a water craft includes a seat with at least one arm defining an enclosure with an opening facing away from the seat. An instrument pod has an instrument display side. Guide tracks in the enclosure support the instrument pod for movement between a stored position and a deployed position. In the stored position, the pod is within the enclosed housing with the instrument display side facing away from the enclosure opening and an opposite face of the pod substantially covering the opening. In the deployed position, the pod extends out from the enclosure with the instrument display side substantially horizontal and facing upwardly to display the instruments on top of the pod. A drive, which includes a drive motor inside the pod, is adapted to move the pod along the guide tracks between the stored and deployed positions. |
| US08695748B2 |
Work vehicle having an exhaust gas treatment unit
An improvement in a work vehicle having an exhaust gas treatment unit is disclosed. An engine is disposed in an engine room formed in a vehicle body and supported by the vehicle body. A support unit includes right and left vertical struts mounted on the vehicle body across the engine along a vehicle body transverse direction. The exhaust gas treatment unit is disposed inside the engine room and attached to the support unit upwardly of the engine, under a posture elongate along the vehicle body transverse direction. |
| US08695744B1 |
Throttle lever for a snowmobile
A snowmobile has a frame, a tunnel, an endless drive track, at least one ski, an engine, a handlebar being pivotable about a steering axis, a first throttle lever pivotably connected to the handlebar and operatively connected to the engine, the first throttle lever being disposed on a first side of the steering axis, and a second throttle lever pivotably connected to the handlebar and operatively connected to the engine, the second throttle lever being disposed on a second side of the steering axis. A throttle lever assembly is also disclosed. |
| US08695743B2 |
Hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle has an internal combustion engine (10) and a hybrid drive (12) that has an electric machine (11) and a transmission (13) having a drive output. During driving under purely internal combustion engine (10) power, only the internal combustion engine provides a drive torque at the drive output. During driving under purely electric motor power, only the electric machine (11) provides a drive torque at the drive output. During hybrid driving, the internal combustion engine (10) and the electric machine (11) each provide a drive torque at the drive output. The hybrid vehicle also has a pump unit (16, 20). The pump unit (16, 20) can be driven by the electric machine (11) of the hybrid drive (12). |
| US08695730B2 |
System and method for drilling multilateral wells using magnetic ranging while drilling
Systems and methods for drilling a multilateral well using magnetic ranging while drilling are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of drilling a multilateral well includes drilling and casing a mother wellbore, installing a multilateral junction, drilling and casing a first lateral well from the multilateral junction, and drilling a second lateral well from the multilateral junction using magnetic ranging while drilling such that the second lateral well has a controlled relationship relative to the first lateral well. The first and second lateral wells may form a SAGD well pair, in which case the first lateral well may be a producer well and the second lateral well may be an injector well. |
| US08695729B2 |
PDC sensing element fabrication process and tool
A Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) cutter for a rotary drill bit is provided with an integrated sensor and circuitry for making measurements of a property of a fluid in the borehole and/or an operating condition of the drill bit. A method of manufacture of the PDC cutter and the rotary drill bit is discussed. |
| US08695724B2 |
Hand-held power tool
A technique for reducing the costs of manufacturing an auxiliary handle provided separately from a main handle in a hand-held power tool is provided. A hand-held power tool includes a power tool body having a front end region to which a tool bit can be mounted, a main handle that is disposed on a rear end side of the power tool body opposite from the tool bit, an auxiliary-handle mounting member for mounting an auxiliary handle, and longitudinally elastic elements that are disposed between the power tool body and the auxiliary handle mounting member in the axial direction of the tool bit and can elastically deform in the axial direction. The auxiliary-handle mounting member is allowed to move with respect to the power tool body in the axial direction of the tool bit by elastic deformation of the longitudinally elastic elements, so that transmission of vibration from the power tool body to the auxiliary-handle mounting member in the axial direction is reduced. |
| US08695723B2 |
Hammer drill and/or chisel hammer
The invention is based on a hammer drill and/or chisel hammer, having an impact mechanism unit, an impact mechanism housing and at least one damping unit. The invention proposes that the damping unit is arranged on the impact mechanism housing along a main extension direction of the impact mechanism unit. |
| US08695722B2 |
Bulldozer with improved visibility
A bulldozer provides improved visibility in front and/or rear of the bulldozer. The bulldozer includes an engine arranged in the front of the bulldozer and a cooling module for cooling the engine arranged elsewhere in the bulldozer, such as behind driver's seat. In the bulldozer, the arrangement of the engine, the vehicle, and the cooling module provides improved visibility in front of the bulldozer so that the operator of the bulldozer can view the upper middle portion of the bulldozer blade. |
| US08695719B2 |
Cover plate for concealed sprinkler
A cover plate for a concealed sprinkler includes a member having at least one passageway section enabling heated air to pass between the cover plate and the sprinkler housing and towards the sprinkler head to permit the timely activation of the sprinkler head. In one embodiment, the passageway section is defined by one or more undulations formed within the cover plate, each of which define a ridge at the periphery, enabling air to pass therethrough. The cover plate includes a plurality of mounting tabs upon which a fusible material is applied to adhere the cover plate to the housing of the sprinkler head. The cover plate of the present invention increases the response time of the concealed sprinkler head while maintaining a low profile, discrete appearance. |
| US08695718B2 |
Dispersion compositions with nonionic surfactants for use in petroleum recovery
Embodiments of the present disclosure include dispersion compositions having a nonionic surfactant for use in enhanced petroleum recovery, and methods of using the dispersion compositions in petroleum recovery processes. For the various embodiments, the nonionic surfactant of the dispersion composition promotes the formation of a dispersion from carbon dioxide and water. |
| US08695717B2 |
Inflatable packer assembly
Conventional formation evaluation with dual inflatable packers includes the steps of pressurizing the packers so as to isolate an annular portion of the borehole wall, collecting one or more samples of formation fluid via the isolated portion of the borehole wall, and depressurizing the packers so as to permit movement of the mandrel within the borehole. A sampling method and apparatus that utilize one or more of the following to advantage is provided: restricting deformation of the packers during inflation using an annular bracing assembly; actively retracting the packers using ambient borehole pressure; and substantially centralizing the mandrel intermediate the packers so as to resist buckling of the mandrel. |
| US08695716B2 |
Multi-zone fracturing completion
A ported housing that may be connected along a casing string and the method for use of the ported housing in fracturing and/or treating multiple zones in a well. A sleeve is connected to the ported housing and may be moved between an initial position that prevents fluid flow through the ports of the housing and second position that permits fluid flow through the ports. A bottom hole assembly may be connected to the sleeve by an anchor. A packer element may create a seal between the bottom hole assembly and the sleeve permitting a pressure differential across the packer element to move bottom hole assembly down the casing moving the sleeve to the second position. In the second position, the formation adjacent to the ported housing may be stimulated and/or treated. |
| US08695715B2 |
Cement head
A method of assembling a wellbore servicing tool, comprising placing a first module adjacent to a second module along an axis, engaging a bridge with each of the first module and the second module by, while the bridge radially overlaps one of the first module and second module, substantially restricting movement of the bridge to movement radially toward the first module and the second module and toward the axis. A method of assembling a wellbore servicing tool, comprising angularly aligning a first module with a second module, joining the first module to the second module while maintaining the angular alignment between first module and the second module. A method of assembling a wellbore servicing tool, comprising assembling a cement head without using torque to join components of the cement head, and passing a fluid through the cement head into a wellbore. |
| US08695712B2 |
Wellhead tree pressure compensating device
A pressure mitigating device is used to reduce pressure in a void within a wellhead housing. In one embodiment, the pressure mitigating device includes two plates that define a void between them. Increased pressure in the wellhead housing causes the plates to elastically displace towards each other. The plates contact each other, limiting the displacement prior to plastic deformation. |
| US08695695B2 |
Downhole tool with pumpable section
A downhole tool for use in a well. The tool has a packer assembly and a pumpable plug associated with the packer assembly. The pumpable plug has a diameter greater than the maximum outer diameter of the packer assembly. The pumpable plug may be pumped through a casing having a diameter larger than that for which the packer assembly is designed and will urge the packer assembly through the large diameter casing into a smaller diameter casing for which the packer assembly is designed. |
| US08695694B1 |
Borehole selector assembly
A deflector assembly includes two deflectors that can cooperate for directing a bullnose assembly toward an intended bore in a multi-bore well based on a configuration of the bullnose assembly without requiring use of gravitational forces or requiring the assembly to be oriented in a certain manner. The deflectors can cooperate by being spaced by a certain amount that, depending on if the amount is less than or greater than a longitudinal length and diameter of a bullnose of the bullnose assembly, can allow the bullnose assembly to be diverted toward the intended bore. |
| US08695692B2 |
Downhole condition alert system for a drill operator
An alert system for a downhole operation including a tubular string in a borehole. The tubular string having at least one sensor positioned in the borehole for measuring at least one parameter during operation of the tubular string. A unit in data communication with the tubular string and operatively arranged to enable an operator to obtain information regarding operation of the tubular string. A work area positioned proximate to the unit and operatively arranged to receive the operator when the operator is interfacing with the unit. A vibration module operatively arranged to vibrate the work area or a structure therein, wherein the vibration module is triggered in response to a first parameter being outside of a predetermined range set by a first threshold value. Also included is a method of alerting an operator during a drilling operation. |
| US08695691B2 |
Subsea connection apparatus for a surface blowout preventer stack
A subsea connection apparatus to allow connecting a surface blowout preventer stack and riser to a subsea wellhead is disclosed. The subsea connection apparatus uses a single cavity blowout preventer with a set of shearing blind rams. Hydraulically actuated wellhead connectors are secured to the top and bottom of the blowout preventer to allow connection to a subsea wellhead below the subsea connection apparatus and a well head hub profile on the lower end of a riser above the apparatus. A control system can operate both of the hydraulically actuated connectors and the blowout preventer independently. A frangible bore protector is disposed in the bore of the blowout preventer to protect the shearing blind rams from pipe, tools, and fluids being passed through the blowout preventer and can be sheared by the shearing blind rams along with any drill pipe in the bore. |
| US08695678B2 |
Quick-operating door having an improved lateral seal
The invention relates to a quick-operating door designed for opening and closing an aperture in a partition including: a support structure including in particular two vertical jambs (2) above which is a shaft driven by electromechanical means, each of the two vertical jambs (2) having an outer planar bearing surface (6) and a slideway (5), and a flexible curtain (4) designed to occupy a closed position in which the curtain (4) blocks the aperture and an open position in which the curtain (4) clears access to the aperture, the curtain (4) incorporating at least two transverse reinforcing bars (19) provided, at each of the ends thereof, with a tip in the form of a crank which engages with the guiding slideway in each jamb. According to the invention, the door has at least one transverse section (22) of the curtain (4) delimited by two transverse reinforcing bars (19) including two panels (23) connected to one another by means of a hinge (24), each panel (23) consisting of at least two strips (25) of a flexible material between which is inserted a layer of material stiffening, weighting and insulating said panel (23) for the purpose of keeping the transverse section (22) bearing on a planar surface (6) of each jamb (2). |
| US08695677B2 |
Double screen rapid door
The inventive door comprises two lateral posts (2), a transversal caisson (3) connecting the top ends of the posts and a curtain (10) movable between the closing position thereof, wherein said curtain closes a void formed by posts (2) and caisson (3) and the opening position wherein said curtain is folded up under the caisson (3). According to the invention, said the curtain (10) consisting of two parallel screens (11a, 11b) defining the boundaries of an air cushion and suspended to the top area of the posts. Said curtain (10) comprises at least one lifting strap (20) connecting the lower part of the curtain (10) to a shaft (21) mounted on the caisson (3) and at least one transversal stiffening means built up on each screen (11a, 11b), the lateral edges of each screen (11a, 11b) are applied to the posts in such a way that a lateral surface tight contact is formed. |
| US08695673B2 |
Laminator with a corner cutter
The present invention provides a laminator with a corner cutter including a main body, a laminating device and a cutting device. The main body includes a receiving space. The main body is horizontally formed with an entering slot, an exiting slot, a penetrating groove and a corner-cutting recess. The main body having two lateral sides formed between the entering slot and the exiting slot, the corner-cutting recess being disposed at one of the lateral sides. The laminating device disposed in the receiving space includes two rolling rods, a driving portion and two heaters. The two rolling rods are heated by the two heating members. The driving portion drives the two rolling rods to rotate. The cutting device includes a pushing portion and a cutting portion. The cutting device is disposed at one side of the receiving space where corresponding to the corner-cutting recess. |
| US08695667B2 |
Method of manufacturing a tire bead and tire bead
Method of manufacturing a tire comprising a carcass reinforcement extending between beads, this carcass reinforcement being anchored in each bead by being wrapped around each circumferential bead reinforcement to form a turned-back portion, this carcass reinforcement comprising at least one rubber ply which is reinforced with a plurality of metal cords of low or zero permeability, each bead comprising a plurality of rubber-based strips, at least one of these strips, known as the bead rubber strip, radially on the outside of the circumferential bead reinforcement performing a function of filling and mechanical connection between the carcass reinforcement and its turned-back portion, this bead rubber strip comprising a first surface axially towards the inside in contact with the carcass reinforcement and a second surface axially towards the outside, each bead further comprising at least one other strip, known as the filler strip which, radially on the outside of the radially outermost points of the turned-back portion of the carcass reinforcement is at least partly in contact with part of the second surface of the bead rubber strip to form a region of contact between the said two profiled elements this method comprising a step of forming a plurality of grooves on at least one of the surfaces of the strips that are in contact in the contact region, these grooves being distant from one another by at least a distance equal to 5 mm, and these first surface of the bead rubber strip being completely devoid of any groove. |
| US08695666B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic radial tire has a pair of opposing bead portions 14, each bead portion 14 has a bead core 23 and a bead apex 24; at least one carcass reinforcing ply 12 having radially oriented steel cords 22, the at least one carcass reinforcing ply 12 has a main portion 18 and two turnups 20, one turnup 20 extending from each end of the main portion 18 and having a terminal end 21, the carcass reinforcing ply main portion 18 extends between the opposing bead cores 23 and turnups 20 are located axially outward of the bead core 23 and a portion of the bead apex 24; and two pairs of steel cord reinforced chippers, one pair adjacent each turnup, each pair having one inner chipper 40 being adjacent and on an axially inner side of the turnup 20 and one outer chipper 30 being adjacent on an axially outer side of the turnup 20, the inner and outer chippers 40, 30 being adjacent the turnup 20 each have a terminal end 41, 31 extending radially outward of the terminal end 21 of the turnup 20. |
| US08695654B2 |
Tire of a vehicle with a sensor element
A tire of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, includes a tread for rolling on a driving surface and a plate-shaped sensor element that is mounted on the tread. The plate-shaped sensor element is mounted so as to be oriented essentially perpendicular to the adjacent tread area. |
| US08695653B2 |
Cover having knee support for use when servicing a toilet
A cover for a toilet is provided. The cover includes a sheet having side-facing portions that extend from a top portion and are configured to extend to a ground surface and a front-facing portion that extends from the top portion and is configured to extend to a ground surface spaced-frontwardly from the toilet. A support is carried on about a proximal end of the front-facing portion for providing support to a technician during servicing of the toilet. The support may be a cushion that is made of any appropriately configured material. |
| US08695652B1 |
Table saw mill attachment
The table saw mill trolley rolls on rails. A log holder is pivotally attached to the trolley for pivotal movement about first and second axes. A support is fixed to the holder. A log tensioner and log indexer are attached to the support. Centering pins on the tensioner and indexer engage log ends. The trolley supports a log with an indexing shaft axis transverse to the blade axis. A first slot is cut in the log. The log is pivoted about the first axis and the trolley is returned to the start. The log is rotated about the second axis and then pivoted about the first axis to support by the trolley. A second slot that intersects the first slot is cut forming a first log flat surface. |
| US08695651B2 |
Filler coupling and corresponding receptacle and filling method
A filler coupling for a pressurized gas receptacle comprising a body defining an internal filler circuit between an upstream end designed to be connected to a packaging connector and a downstream end designed to be connected to a receptacle, the coupling comprising an isolation valve that can move relative to a seat between an upstream position for closing the circuit and a downstream position for opening the circuit, said isolation valve being moved to its upstream position by a return member, the coupling also comprising a dust-prevention valve placed upstream of the isolation valve, said dust-prevention valve being able to move relative to the body between an upstream position for closing the upstream end of the circuit and a downstream position for opening the circuit upstream end, said dust-prevention valve being moved to its upstream position by a return member, characterized in that the dust-prevention valve supports a filter interposed on the path of at least a portion of the fluid that travels between the upstream and the downstream of the circuit, the filter being able to move with the dust-prevention valve. |
| US08695650B2 |
Liquid filler system and container filling device
A container filling device is provided for filling a container with desired headspace. The container filling device includes a siphon and a funnel having a bottom region configured to engage a container. The siphon extends through an opening in the bottom region and a sidewall such that a first end of the siphon has a first elevation and a second end of the siphon has a lower elevation than the first elevation. The bottom region is provided with an opening for the outflow of liquid from the receiving area into the container. Excess liquid flowing into the container beyond a desired headspace escapes from the container through the siphon. A liquid filler system can be provided with a frame, a plumbing system, and an alignment system for engaging and disengaging the container filling device with the container. |
| US08695646B2 |
Sensor in a dispensing system for acoustic detection of a container and content thereof
Sensor system for acoustic detection in a dispensing system of a container having a rim and content includes at least one controller coupled to the dispensing system for selectively triggering on and off the dispensing system, an ultrasound position sensor coupled to the controller for emitting a first ultrasound beam towards a container-receiving location, for receiving ultrasound echoes indicative of a position of the container relative to a dispenser outlet, and for sending a first signal to the at least one controller indicative of the container position relative to the dispenser outlet, and an ultrasound fill sensor coupled to the at least one controller for emitting a second ultrasound beam towards the container-receiving location, for receiving ultrasound echoes indicative of the rim and content surface, and for sending to the at least one controller a second signal indicative of the position of the content surface relative to the rim. |
| US08695635B1 |
Mixing valve device switchable to different outlet
A mixing valve device includes a stationary valve piece attached to a cover of an outer housing and having two inlet passages for receiving cold water and hot water and having two outlet passages, a movable valve piece movably and rotatably engaged in the housing and having an outlet pathway for selectively aligning with either of the outlet passages of the stationary valve piece and for controlling the mixed water to flow out through either of the outlet passages of the stationary valve piece, the movable valve piece includes an inlet pathway adjustable to different communication area with the inlet passages of the stationary valve piece for adjusting the water temperature of the mixed water. |
| US08695633B2 |
Control of rotary valve operation for reducing wear
Aspects of the invention are associated with the discovery of methods for operating rotary valves that reduce or minimize wear of the seal sheet, which is often the limiting factor in overall processing capability of the valve. The control of certain parameters associated with the rotary valve operation, and particularly the seating pressure of the seal sheet (e.g., the dome pressure), can extend the useful life of the seal sheet, thereby avoiding excessive maintenance and downtime costs. In preferred embodiments, control is on a real time basis. |
| US08695631B2 |
Pressure release valve
A pressure release valve including a holder element provided on the outside of the lid of a pressure cooker, a body packing disposed inside the holder element, a pressure release tube provided in the lower inside portion of the body packing, a valve plunger disposed in the body packing and comprising a shank portion and a beveled portion which is at the lower end of the shank portion and set on the upper end of the pressure release tube so as to allow the interior of the pressure release tube to be an empty space, a coil spring mounted on the valve plunger, a lock nut connected to the holder element, and a filtering cap provided fixedly or non-fixedly within the lock nut. |
| US08695629B2 |
Manually operable gas regulator
A manually operable gas regulator includes a knob, an upper cover, a return spring, a movable block, a pressure adjusting spring, a diaphragm assembly, a body, and a lever pivotably mounted to the body. An upper end of the diaphragm assembly abuts a lower end of the pressure adjusting spring whose upper end abuts a lower end of the movable block. An upper end of the movable block abuts a lower end of the movable block securely engaged with the upper cover and the knob. Rotation of the knob causes upward/downward movement of an axle of the diaphragm assembly to pivot the lever. A plug on an end of the lever is moved to accurately control the flow of gas and to accurately close or open an output end of an inlet passage of the body. |
| US08695625B2 |
Centerset faucet with mountable spout
A faucet assembly 10 including base 28 configured to be supported by a sink deck 12, a waterway 22 supported by the base 28, and a valve cartridge 18, 20 fluidly coupled to the waterway 112 way 22. A delivery spout 26 is illustratively supported by the base 28 and receives an outlet conduit 46 in fluid communication with the waterway 22. |
| US08695622B2 |
Ball valve safety plug
A ball within a ball valve comprises a ball, an interior fluid passage extending through the ball, a first flow passage disposed in the ball that allows fluid communication between an exterior fluid and the interior fluid passage, a second flow passage disposed in the ball that extends through a wall of the ball to the interior fluid passage, where the first flow passage and the second flow passage are on opposite hemispheres of the ball, and a flow through device. The flow through device comprises a plug disposed in the second flow passage and configured to sealingly engage the ball, and a shear device configured to engage the plug and retain the plug in the second flow passage. |
| US08695619B2 |
Gas diversion device and method for pipe repair therewith
A gas diversion device includes a compression coupling having a gasket disposed therein, and a first straight pipe section coupled to the compression coupling. The device further includes a Y-pipe coupled to the first straight pipe section and an electrically conductive pipe. The device further includes a threaded cap having a hole therethrough. The compression coupling is placed over an open end of a broken gas pipe service riser and the first straight pipe section receives a portion of the gas pipe service riser therein. The threaded cap receives an expansion plug tool through the first hole, and the Y-pipe and the first straight pipe slideably receive a portion of the expansion plug tool therein. The expansion plug tool further includes an expansion plug coupled thereto to facilitate positioning of the expansion plug within the open end of the gas pipe service riser. |
| US08695615B2 |
Safety structure for automatic opening/closing of an umbrella
In a safety structure for an automatic opening/closing umbrella, a completely locked-in condition is provided for determining whether or not the umbrella is closed and stored to prevent an accident caused a partially locked-in condition of the umbrella, such as a sudden pop-out of a handle part of the umbrella that hits any part of a user's body. The safety structure alleviates impacts and includes a mark and the handle part is made of an elastic material. When the rod is pushed into the handle part to enter an entry portion of the umbrella and reach a completely locked-in condition, the mark is labeled noticeably on the rod, and at least one distal portion of the handle part is made of a suitable elastic material such as polyurethane. |
| US08695612B2 |
Bin washer device with rotating bin holder and method of washing bins
A bin washer device for washing bins including a conveyor for moving the bins in a conveying direction, a support and at least two bin holders rotatably supported on the support for rotation about an axis adjacent the conveyor. |
| US08695605B2 |
Fallopian tube occlusion device
A device for occluding the fallopian tube including a wire composed of a shape memory material and an outer material encapsulating at least a portion of the wire. The device has a first elongated configuration for delivery and a second configuration for placement. In the second configuration, the wire moves toward its shape memory position and has a U-shape defined by a curved portion and first and second leg portions extending from the curved portion, the first and second leg portions extending downwardly from the curved portion and laterally outwardly. |
| US08695604B2 |
Deployment actuation system
Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device. |
| US08695601B2 |
Forehead support for a patient interface
A mask assembly includes a forehead support having a base provided to a frame and at least one, and preferably two upwardly extending support arms. The arms define a fixed or an adjustable included angle that is preferably less than 180° and, in the range of about 100°-150°. The arms can be attached either directly to headgear straps, or the arms can be connected to headgear straps via clips. |
| US08695599B2 |
Control valve for respiratory devices
The invention relates to a respiratory device for keeping a patient breathing artificially or support his or her breathing naturally. Said respiratory device comprises an air inlet, an air source, and at least one proportionally adjustable control valve. The control valve is provided with a housing (11) and a rotary valve (12) which is arranged in the housing so as to be twistable about the longitudinal axis thereof and which allows through-holes (11d) of the housing (11) to be entirely or partially closed by twisting the rotary valve (12). The rotary valve (12) and a corresponding support surface (11f) of the housing (11) have a conical shape, the support surface (11f) cooperating with the rotary valve (12). The through-holes (11d) are disposed in the area of the support surface (11f). |
| US08695597B2 |
Process for operating a respirator and/or anesthesia device in the APRV mode with the %PEF criterion and a device operated correspondingly
A process for operating a respirator and/or anesthesia device in the APRV mode with the % PEF criterion which includes a detection of a spontaneous expiratory effort by the patient and initiation of a pressure release phase when the detected spontaneous expiratory effort by the patient falls within a predetermined trigger window (Tfreg). A device is provided that is operated correspondingly. |
| US08695595B2 |
Method and apparatus for treating Cheyne-Stokes respiration
A system and method for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The system monitors a characteristic that varies based on variations of the flow of the breathing gas and determines a Target Flow for the gas to be delivered to the patient based on the monitored characteristic. The Target Flow is set to a level sufficient to treat Cheyne-Stokes respiration or a sleep disordered breathing event. The system also alters the Target Flow based on a determination that the patient is experiencing a sleep disordered breathing event. The system further determines a pressure relief component and controls the flow of gas delivered to the patient based on the Target Flow and the pressure relief component. |
| US08695592B2 |
Particulate dispenser
The present invention provides for elements of an improved drug or medicine dispersion and delivery system. The dispersion methods employ curved surfaces to impart rotational motions to one or more fluid flows from a pressurized container to create turbulence and improve mixing of medicament with fluid. |
| US08695589B2 |
Inhaler assist device
The present invention is directed to an inhaler assist device shaped and dimensioned for supporting a metered dose inhaler and an associated anti-static chamber in a manner allowing for assisted compression of the metered dose inhaler to dispense a dosage therefrom. The inhaler assist device includes an L-shaped housing assembly pivotally connected to a lever actuator. The housing assembly includes a planar base wall and lateral side walls extending from base wall, wherein the base wall and the lateral side walls create a cavity shaped and dimensioned for receipt of the metered dose inhaler and an anti-static chamber. |
| US08695587B2 |
Controlled inhaler for distributing inhalant according to inhalation velocity
An inhaler is provided that includes a controller, a driver, an atomizer and one or more sensors for detecting information about a velocity of inhalation of a user of the inhaler. The controller is configured to dispense an inhalant from the inhaler during an inhalation of the user based on information about the velocity of inhalation of the user. Such information can include a duration of maximum inhalation velocity or an increase or maximum in the acceleration in inhalation velocity. Embodiments of the inhaler can be used to enhance the delivery of drugs and therapeutic agents for those patients having a weakened respiratory system who are unable to take a deep or full breadth, e.g., patients having asthma or COPD. Embodiments of the inhaler can be used to deliver a variety of drugs and therapeutic agents including agents for the treatment of asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and heart disease. |
| US08695585B2 |
Grease filtration system and methods of making and using the same
Grease filtration systems suitable for use on the rooftop of a building are disclosed. Methods of making and using grease filtration systems are also disclosed. |
| US08695580B2 |
Archery bow stabilizer assembly with integrated wrist strap
A stabilizer assembly for connection to an archery bow includes an elastomeric body with an integrally formed vibration dampening section and a sling connecting section. The assembly also includes a sling with a loop section for looping around the archery bow and a pair of leg sections extending from the loop section and through a pair of bores formed in the sling connecting section. |
| US08695578B2 |
System and method for delivering a projectile toward a target
Some embodiments relate to a system and method for delivering a projectile toward a target. The system includes a launcher and a propulsion system positioned within the launcher. The propulsion system includes a gas generator that produces enough gas within a certain period of time to direct the projectile from the launcher toward the target. The system for delivering a projectile may further include a targeting system that collects data regarding the location of the target. In addition, the launcher may include a venting system that exhausts a particular amount of gas from the launcher in order to direct the projectile from the launcher at a desired velocity based on data received from the targeting system. |
| US08695575B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
A control device for an internal combustion engine includes an engine and a control unit. The engine can switch fuel to be used among plural kinds of fuel. The control unit delays a timing of switching the fuel to a timing of around a fuel cut in a case where switching the fuel is requested. |
| US08695574B2 |
Intake manifold having an integrated charge air cooler
An intake manifold is provided that includes an integrated charge air cooler and a housing having a first housing part and a second housing part connected thereto. The charge air flows into the housing via an inlet and flows out of the housing via an outlet. The charge air cooler is disposed in the housing and is permeated by the charge air on the path from the inlet to the outlet. Also, the charge air cooler is completely enclosed by the housing, except for passages for passing a cooling fluid, and the charge air cooler is elastically supported relative to the housing by at least one elastic bearing element in particular disposed on a collector of the charge air cooler. |
| US08695573B2 |
Hydrocarbon sensor to regulate flow rate in a fuel line
During operation of an internal combustion engine system which has at least one sensor for measuring a hydrocarbon content of a gas stream in a line, a temperature is determined at the at least one sensor. If the temperature is greater than a prespecified temperature, the flow of gas through the line is interrupted. |
| US08695566B2 |
Engine control apparatus
An engine control apparatus includes a hydraulic pump driven by an engine, a hydraulic actuator to which pressure oil discharged form the hydraulic pump is supplied, an operation lever configured to operate the hydraulic actuators, a detection means detecting operation amounts of operation lever means, an target flow rate calculation unit (50) calculating an target flow rate of the hydraulic pump based on the operation amount of the operation lever, a first target speed calculation unit (61) calculating a first target speed of the engine according to the target flow rate, a pump output limit value calculation unit (500) limiting the maximum target speed of the engine in an relief operation according to a load pressure of the hydraulic pump, a fourth engine target speed calculation unit (63). |
| US08695565B2 |
Co-axial rotary engine
The present invention relates to a rotary-style internal combustion power-plant, and an electric machine, comprising a compressor housing, wherein a compressor is housed, a electric machine housing, located adjacent to the compressor housing, wherein an electric machine is housed, a charge air cooler housing, located adjacent to the electric machine housing, a combustion rotor housing located adjacent to the charge air cooler housing, a power take-off housing located adjacent to the combustion rotor housing, a combustion rotor located adjacent to a power take-off housing, an auxiliary pump housing (oil, coolant, and fuel) located adjacent to the combustion rotor; and turbine housing located adjacent to the auxiliary pump housing (oil and coolant), wherein the housings are manufactured as separate entities and are stacked along a singled axis. |
| US08695564B2 |
Toroidal engine
A toroidal engine that can be powered by a fuel/air mixture or by a compressed gas source. The toroidal engine uses one-way bearings to transfer torque generated in a toroidal chamber directly to a drive shaft. Pairs of pistons are mounted on two crank assemblies, which are concentric with the drive shaft. One-way bearings allow the crank assemblies to turn, one at a time, in one direction only. The crank assemblies are directly coupled to the drive shaft, which eliminates the need for complex gear and linkage arrangements. A system can be used with the toroidal engine to alternately stop the crank assemblies at a pre-determined position and to time the ignition of the engine. |
| US08695558B2 |
Cylinder sleeve for an internal combustion engine and block of cylinders which are equipped with one such sleeve
The invention relates to a cylinder sleeve (2) for lining the cylindrical wall of a cylinder (A1) of an internal combustion engine. The inventive sleeve (2) comprises an inner wall (3) which is intended to guide a piston in translation and an outer wall (4) which is intended to rest on the cylindrical wall of the cylinder. The outer wall (4) of the sleeve of the cylinder (2) comprises an upper part (6) which is flared toward a top edge (5) of the sleeve (2), which is defined between the inner (3) and outer (4) walls of the cylinder sleeve. The invention also relates to a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine, comprising at least two cylinders (A1, B1) which are each equipped with one such cylinder sleeve. |
| US08695557B2 |
Self-lubricating balance shaft with flow control
A mass compensating shaft drive for compensating forces or moments of inertia of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine is provided having a balance shaft supported by at least one journal in a housing of the internal combustion engine. A rolling bearing is located between each of the at least one journals and the housing. The balance shaft includes an oil gallery that is adapted to be connected to a source of pressurized lubricating oil. A check valve is located between the oil gallery and each of the at least one bearing journals, with the check valve being arranged to open upon at least one of a lubricating oil pressure or a centrifugal force generated through rotation of the balance shaft exceeding a predetermined closing force for the check valve. |
| US08695553B2 |
Control device and control method for starter, and vehicle
A starter can independently drive an actuator for moving a pinion gear to a position where the pinion gear is engaged with a ring gear and a motor for rotating the pinion gear. When synchronization between the ring gear and the pinion gear is restricted, a rotation mode in which the pinion gear is rotated before the actuator is driven is restricted. |
| US08695551B2 |
Hydraulic lash adjuster including band of radial recirculation openings
A hydraulic lash adjuster includes a body defining an axial bore and having an open end and a closed end. A hollow piston is telescopically received within the axial bore and defines a fluid reservoir. The hollow piston has a first end disposed within the axial bore and a second end extending outwardly beyond the open end of the body. A high pressure volume is defined by the axial bore and the first end of the hollow piston. The hydraulic lash adjuster also includes a valve mechanism positioned through an opening of the hollow piston and including a valve member having an open position defining a fluid path from the fluid reservoir to the high pressure volume. The valve member also has a closed position in which the fluid reservoir is fluidly blocked from the high pressure volume at the opening. The hollow piston includes a band of radial recirculation openings defining recirculation paths from the high pressure volume to the fluid reservoir along an exterior of the hollow piston. A diameter of each of the radial recirculation openings is smaller than a width of the band. |
| US08695549B2 |
Valve train for internal combustion engines for actuating gas exchange valves
A valve train device for switching lift of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine includes a camshaft including a carrier shaft and a cam assembly disposed non-rotatably and axially displaceably on the carrier shaft via a guide. The cam assembly includes a bearing region, at least one cam group having at least two cams and a first and a second axial contour. A bearing bush is mounted non-rotatably and axially displaceably in a camshaft bearing and radially supports the camshaft in the camshaft bearing. The cam assembly is mounted rotatably and axially displaceably in the bearing bush in the bearing region. The bearing bush includes a first axial reverse opposing contour that corresponds to, and is switchable into operative contact with, the first axial contour and a second axial reverse opposing contour that corresponds to, and is switchable into operative contact with, the second axial contour. |
| US08695540B2 |
Fuel-cracking diesel engine system
A system includes a diesel engine and a fuel-cracking system in fluid communication with a fuel supply to the diesel engine. |
| US08695539B2 |
Water heater and control method therefor
A water heater includes combustion means (burner) that combusts fuel and generates exhaust; heat exchange means (primary heat exchanger and secondary heat exchanger) that exchanges heat of the exhaust for supplied water; bypassing means (bypass pipe) that makes the supplied water flow to an outlet of the heat exchange means; exchanged heat temperature detection means (exchanged heat temperature sensor) that detects temperature of the supplied water after heat exchange; flow rate adjustment means (bypass valve) that adjusts a volume of the supplied water flowing into the bypassing means and the heat exchange means; and a control unit that controls the flow rate adjustment means so as to make a predetermined volume of the supplied water or over flow to the heat exchange means. |
| US08695536B2 |
Children's toy for collecting fish at a shore line
A child's toy for collecting fish includes a clear bowl with a rope handle attached to it. Tethered to the rope handle is a lid with a water and air permeable mesh. The handle preferably includes a buoyant member such as a wooden cylinder hand grip which will keep the apparatus from sinking if let go. The apparatus is preferably made from a plastic fish bowl into which two diametrically opposed holes are created to receive ends of the rope handle which is held in place by tying. The fish bowl has an upper lip and a ring dimensioned to fit over the lip. A circular mesh screen is attached to the ring and the ring is attached by a tether to the bowl or to the rope handle. A kit and a method of assembly are also disclosed. |
| US08695534B2 |
Automated animal feeder
An automated animal feeder may store at least two different varieties of animal feed and automatically dispense a desired amount of feed at specified times of the day. Feed, stored in storage bins, gravitates to a conveying mechanism which transfers the feed to the feeding station. The conveying mechanism, which comprises almost all of the moving parts of the apparatus, is an integrated unit which is easily removed from the housing of the apparatus for maintenance. The volume of feed may be regulated by adjustable panels which control the volume of feed which is transported to the feeding station. |
| US08695530B2 |
Medical device coating process
Methods for coating medical devices for implantation within a body vessel are provided comprising providing a cylindrical container, placing a medical device inside the cylindrical container, and applying a polymer in liquid form inside the container. |
| US08695526B1 |
Self-scuttling vessel
A self-scuttling device can include a pressure hull that can define an internal void having an internal pressure PVOID. The device can be disposed in an underwater environment having a pressure PAMBIENT that is greater than PVOID. The pressure hull can be formed with a fill port, which can be selectively opened to flood the void. A reactive agent can be disposed within the void. The reactive agent can be chosen to mix with seawater and establish a solution that corrodes the pressure hull when the reactive agent is exposed to seawater by flooding the void. The reactive agent can be disposed within a watertight container, which maintains watertight integrity at PVOID, but loses watertight integrity at the greater PAMBIENT. When this occurs, the reactive agent becomes exposed to seawater to establish the solution within the void that corrodes the pressure hull. |
| US08695525B2 |
Underwater robot
An underwater robot is configured to be charged in response to a charging signal from a charging dock, and includes a main body having a waterproof chamber, and an electric power unit disposed in the waterproof chamber. The electric power unit includes a rechargeable battery set storing electric power, and a charging module coupled to the rechargeable battery set and configured to charge the rechargeable battery set in response to the charging signal from the charging dock. |
| US08695520B1 |
Third generation improved sailboat
The sailboat of the present invention's space frame base is supported by three hulls. Each hull is allowed to rotate freely about a vertical axis intersecting one vertex of the triangular base and weathervane in the direction sailboat of the present invention motion. The direction that sailboat of the present invention moves is only constrained by an independent dagger board/canard rudder structure, whose orientation can be controlled relative to the space frame, when locked at an angle, relative to the nominal configuration. There are two masts on the sailboat each with a twin sail set. Each of said mast assemblies', orientation relative to the apparent wind, is controlled by associated canard winglets. These two masts and the fore spar complete the foldable space frame. The mast assembly angle relative to said base deck plane is changeable to enhance lift on one of said bow, starboard, or port hulls. |
| US08695519B2 |
Tufting machine and method
A method for using a tufting machine to produce athletic turf bearing precise graphic tuft patterns at a high throughput rate is disclosed. The utilized machine includes tenter frame and a series of tufting frames upon which tufting head components are mounted. The entire length of a piece of backing material is wrapped around the tenter frame, and the tenter frame circulates the backing past the tufting frames, and the tufting head components are shifted as may be necessary to form a desired graphic tuft pattern. |
| US08695518B2 |
Machine and method for sewing, embroidering, quilting and/or the like employing curved sewing needles with corresponding movement of needle bars
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a machine for sewing, embroidering, quilting and/or the like. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for sewing, embroidering, quilting and/or the like. In one example, the present invention may be applied (e.g., as a machine and/or method) to a multi-needle machine or method. |
| US08695517B2 |
Quilting machine and improved driving system for such quilting machine
An improved quilting machine, with a housing made by a C-shaped frame that has upper and lower arms, wherein the needle structure at the front end of the upper arm have conventional design (as used in commercial sewing machines) and the bobbin is placed to an elevated height by providing an upwardly extended end portion of the lower arm, wherein an offset shaft transmission means is be provided in the upwardly extended portion that acts as a power transmission towards the bobbin driving axle from the lower driving axle extending in the lower arm, wherein the upper and lower driving axles comprise of hollow drive shafts connected via flexible coupling means to half-shafts mounted on plates that are integral parts of the C-frame by dual ball bearing mounts. By such a simple design the reciprocating mass of the needle structure and the mass of the torque transmission means are reduced, conventional needle moving structures can be used and owing to the lighter load, the dimensions of the drive train can be less massive and heavy. |
| US08695512B2 |
Non-flat deck-board pallet
The present invention is a materials-handling pallet with a non-flat-deck, particularly for flexible cargo, which composed of any known pallet's construction, except that its upper deck is not flat. Moreover, the provided pallet can be reinforced by inserting or attaching reinforcing elements and can include a taut cable that prevents or reduces the declining of the upper deck when the pallet is loaded. |
| US08695511B2 |
Corrugated paper pallet
A method and apparatus for providing pallet runners and pallets constructed using them for use in the storage and/or transport of goods and, more particularly, to a low cost, strong, recyclable, reinforced pallet and runner design. |
| US08695507B1 |
Composite sabot
A lightweight composite sabot useful in large, medium and small caliber rifled gun systems, wherein each of the sabot segments are reinforced with thin aluminum, or other, metal wedges to increase the torsional strength of the sabot body to survive the torsional forces created when fired from a rifled gun tube. And, which composite sabot also has a metal bulkhead about the periphery thereof, to reduce the spin and resulting hoop stresses, and to help protect the composite material during firing. |
| US08695498B2 |
Screen printer
A challenge to be met by the present invention is to provide a screen printer arranged so as to be able to readily perform both replacement of squeegees and operation for filling a paste feed syringe with paste. A paste feed syringe (14) is configured so as to be able to change its position between a paste feed attitude having an imaginary extension within a vertical plane at an oblique angle such that a nozzle (14a) provided at a lower end of the paste feed syringe comes to a position immediately below squeegees (15) and a storage attitude which is turned from the paste feed attitude through about 90 degrees around an axial line (41). When the paste feed syringe (14) is driven in a horizontal direction orthogonal to a direction of reciprocal movement of a squeegee base (30), a first cam follower (45) serving as a driven member disposed at a position below the axial line (41) of the paste feed syringe (14) is guided by a guide surface (44a) of a guide member (44), whereupon the paste feed syringe (14) is swayed around the axial line (41), to thus assume the storage attitude. |
| US08695497B2 |
Screen printing apparatus and method for printing of substrate in two stages including two printing masks and two closed squeegees
There is provided a screen printing apparatus and a screen printing method which can implement printing work with good efficiency while securing a good printing quality in screen printing intended for an upper surface of a substrate and a bottom surface of a recess portion which is opened in the upper surface.In screen printing in which a paste is printed on a cavity substrate, as a printing object, which has an upper surface printing area and a bottom surface printing area on a bottom surface of a recess portion sequentially in two stages by an upstream side printing portion and a downstream side printing portion which have closed-type squeegee mechanisms 36(1), 36(2), respectively, which each include a first sliding contact plate 54A and a second sliding contact plate 54B, when the bottom surface area becomes a printing object, the paste remaining in a depressed portion on an upper surface side of a fitting portion is scooped up by the sliding contact plate which is situated at a rear side in a squeegeeing direction for removal therefrom, whereas when the upper surface printing area becomes a printing object, the paste adhering to an upper surface of an upper surface printing mask is scraped off by the sliding contact plate which is situated at a rear side in a squeegeeing direction. |
| US08695496B2 |
Stamp insert
The invention describes an insert element (1) for a stamp, with several setting wheels (9) disposed adjacent to one another which are rotatably mounted on a shaft (7) of an insert body (2). The setting wheels (9) are designed to support typeface belts (10). The typeface belts (10) are covered at least in the region of the setting wheels (9) by a cover element (12) which in turn has end regions (19, 20) spaced apart from one another in the direction of the shaft (7) and is provided with slots (13) through which setting wheel circumferences (11) extend. In order to couple the cover element (12) with the insert body (2), at least one coupling mechanism (15) is provided, which comprises respective co-operating coupling elements (16, 17) on the insert body (2) and on the cover element (12). The coupling elements (16, 17) are designed so that the direction of the relative coupling movement of the coupling elements (16, 17) with respect to one another is oriented approximately in the direction of the shaft (7) of the insert body (2). |
| US08695495B2 |
Nail print apparatus and print control method
Disclosed is a nail print apparatus including a storage unit in which a plurality of sets of data relating to a plurality of design parts constituting each of a plurality of design images are stored, a photographing unit which obtains a finger image by photographing a finger, a nail region information detection unit which extracts a nail region from the finger image and detects an area, a length in horizontal direction and a length in vertical direction of the nail region, a design selection unit which selects one design image from the design images which are stored in the storage unit, a part layout calculation unit which reads out the one design image and calculates a print size and a print position of each of the design parts, and a print unit which performs a printing to the nail region according to printing data. |
| US08695493B2 |
Process of baling switchgrass into rectangular high density bales optimized for highway transport on semi-trailer trucks to biorefineries
Process of baling a switchgrass biomass material at between about 22 and about 32 psi into a rectangular switchgrass bale having a bale density of between 14.6 and 20.5 lb/ft3. A 3×4×8 ft switchgrass bale so produced weighs between 1,402 and 1,968 pounds. |
| US08695492B2 |
Adjustable rotating blade assembly avocado cutter and peeler
A device for cutting, peeling and slicing avocados and other fruits and vegetables includes a handle, a frame element connected to the handle, and a rotating blade assembly operably secured to the frame. The rotating blade assembly has one or more cutting elements for cutting, slicing and peeling. The rotating blade assembly is operably secured to the frame by a shaft allowing both movement and positioning of the blade assembly at various angles in relation to the frame, and fixing the rotating blade assembly in a desired position for use. |
| US08695491B1 |
Apparatus and methods for splitting a pomegranate apart
An apparatus and methods for splitting apart a pomegranate fruit employ a pair of elongated splitting levers and a pivoting connecting mechanism, carried on the pair of elongated levers. Each one of the elongated levers has a penetrating end and a shape configured to enable the pair of elongated levers to be arranged in a substantially closed configuration in contact or contiguous lengthways with one another to form a penetrating structure to enable the elongated levers to be at least partially inserted into a pomegranate. The elongated splitting levers are hingedly connectable at the penetrating ends by the pivoting connecting mechanism which is configured to outwardly pivot the elongated splitting levers from the substantially closed configuration into a substantially open configuration in response to forcing the elongated splitting levers apart about a fulcrum. |
| US08695490B2 |
Drive system
A drive unit that is movable between an unfired and a fired position. The drive unit comprises a handle member, a first drive gear having a first axis of rotation, and a second drive gear, engaged to the first drive gear at a mesh point, and having a second axis of rotation. The mesh point moves with respect to the axes of rotation as the handle member moves from the unfired position to the fired position. The drive unit drives an implement only when it is moved from the unfired position to the fired position. |
| US08695488B2 |
Multi-function induction cooker
A multi-function induction cooker comprises: a left body with a left upper cover and a corresponding lower left cover, a left supporting board for supporting the heating plate disposed on the left upper cover, a left electromagnetic induction component disposed inside the chamber between the left upper and left lower cover; a right body connected on the right side of the left body, and the right body can be returned on the upper surface of the left body to a folded status, or an unfolded status; wherein a status switching device for switching the folded and unfolded status is disposed on the left or right body, and said status switching device can switch the power proportion between the two bodies in folded or unfolded status. With the multi-function induction cooker: the food can be heated from the top and the bottom, and pans can be heated on both surfaces simultaneously. |
| US08695480B2 |
Device for driving a piston pump
In a device for driving a piston pump, including at least one cam (10) mounted on a camshaft (4) and cooperating with the pump piston (3), or a component arranged between the cam (10) and the pump piston (3), to generate a reciprocating movement of the pump piston (3), wherein the cam (10) has a cam elevation curve (15, 18) with a first section for the upward stroke and a second section for the downward stroke, the cam elevation curve (15, 18), departing from a shape substantially corresponding to that of a sine wave (14, 19), is modified in a manner that, in comparison to the shape of a sine wave (14, 19), an increase in the piston acceleration occurs at the beginning of the upward stroke and a decrease of the piston deceleration occurs at the end of the upward stroke. |
| US08695479B2 |
Single-acting pneumatic cylinder for use on a locomotive platform
The pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder body, a non-pressure head, a hollow piston rod, a piston head, and a push rod. The cylinder body has a mounting flange and an inlet port. The non-pressure head has a mounting flange. The hollow piston rod has an open end and a closed end. The piston head is secured to the hollow piston rod and defines the closed end of the hollow piston rod. The push rod has a socket end inserted within the hollow piston rod and a coupler end. The non-pressure head has a hollow rod guide bearing and a hollow rod seal and the piston head has a piston guide bearing and a piston seal. The hollow rod guide bearing and the hollow rod seal each slidably engage the hollow piston rod. The piston guide bearing and the piston seal each slidably engage the cylinder body. |
| US08695474B2 |
Muzzle device and method of tuning thereof
A muzzle device for simultaneously mitigating the four major physical effects caused when a projectile is fired; muzzle climb, concussion, and recoil without an increased muzzle flash signature is provided. The muzzle device can include a cylindrical body defining an expansion chamber and can include a securing mechanism arranged at a proximal end and an end wall arranged at a distal end. An opening sized for a projectile can be arranged in the distal end wall. At least one distal tuning vent can be arranged in the distal end wall about the opening. A plurality of radial exhaust vents can be arranged through a cylindrical wall of the cylindrical body. The expansion chamber can define a fixed volume and the tuning and exhaust vents can define an open area. A ratio between the fixed volume and the open area can be about 0.6 to 1 to about 0.9 to 1. A method of tuning a muzzle device is also provided. |
| US08695471B2 |
Scroll saw having a sliding plate for improved blade changing
A scroll saw includes a base, a worktable mounted to the base, a sliding plate slidably mounted on the worktable and a cutting assembly mounted to the base. A cutting slot is defined between the worktable and the sliding plate for a saw blade of the cutting assembly to pass therethrough. When the sliding plate is moved relative to the worktable to an appropriate position or is removed from the worktable, the saw blade can be changed easily and conveniently. |
| US08695468B2 |
Locking assembly for a power miter saw
Embodiments of the present invention include a locking assembly for a power miter saw of the type which has a base and a table that is rotatably mounted on the base about a center pivot axis, comprising a pair of oppositely facing arcuate surfaces on the base spaced from and being concentric with the center pivot axis, a clamp attached to the table for engaging the arcuate surfaces to lock the table from rotating relative to the base by applying a clamping force to the arcuate surfaces and not to the center pivot axis, and an actuating mechanism for operating the clamp. |
| US08695467B2 |
Method for cutting structural members, such as legs, beams, I-beams or the like for supporting structures made of steel, concrete, steel and concrete, stone-like materials or the like
A method for cutting tubular members, particularly legs, for supporting structures using at least one travelling wire having suitable cutting parts is described. |
| US08695466B2 |
Apparatus and method for cooling the cutting means in paper logs cutting machines
An apparatus for cooling the cutting device of paper logs cutting machines including a channel (60) surrounding the cutting device, in which channel a cooling fluid is injected, the cooling fluid being confined inside the channel. |
| US08695463B2 |
Pivoting assembly for hand tool
A pivoting assembly for a hand tool includes first and second stems pivotally connected with each other, and a positioning device. The first stem includes first and second jaw portions extending from an end thereof. An opening is formed between the first and second jaw portions. An inner periphery surface is formed between the first and second jaw portions. An aperture is extended in the inner periphery surface. The second stem includes at least one arm portion extending from an end thereof. An engaging portion is formed at an end of the arm portion. The engaging portion is engaged with the first and second jaw portions. The positioning device is received in the aperture and abutted against the engaging portion of the second stem. |
| US08695461B2 |
Cleanable magnetic nut driver
A magnet nut driver is provided with a cleanable magnet. |
| US08695460B2 |
Wrench
A wrench includes a handle having a driving head which has a clamping hole. The driving head has a top surface and a bottom surface. The outer periphery of the top surface is tangent to an inside of a first circle and the outer periphery of the bottom surface is located on a second circle. The first circle is larger than the second circle. The second circle is larger than the clamping hole. When the first and second circles are projected on a horizontal plane, the second circle is located within the first circle and is tangent to the second first circle at a tangent point. The clamping hole and the first circle are located on a common axis which is located on a vertical plane. The two respective centers of the first and second circles and the tangent point are located on the vertical plane. |
| US08695459B2 |
Locking flex-head ratchet wrench
A ratcheting tool including a handle formed with an integral yoke at a first end and a tool head coupled to the yoke at a pivot. The tool head has a toothed hub facing rearwardly of the pivot and into the yoke. A locking spool is rotatably carried in the yoke adjacent the toothed hub. The locking spool has a first face, a second face, and a first tooth extending along both the first face and the second face and engaging the toothed hub. The locking spool is rotatable between a first position in which the first face is adjacent the toothed hub, thereby locking the tool head in a selected angular position with respect to the handle, and a second position in which the second face is adjacent the toothed hub such that the tool head is pivotable about the pivot. |
| US08695458B2 |
Slide hammer for a tire spoon and method of construction of the same
A slide hammer may be provided. The slide hammer may include: a body defining a through hole and a first attaching surface; an auxiliary weight having a second attaching surface configured to attach to the body at the first attaching surface, the auxiliary weight having a through hole located to align with the through hole in the body when the auxiliary weight is attached to the body; and a shaft located in the through holes in the body and auxiliary weight. A method of constructing a slide hammer is provided. |
| US08695457B2 |
Pop-top can opener
A can opener is adapted for engaging and lifting a tab attached to the flat upper surface (top) of a sealed can, with the upraised tab engaging and downwardly displacing a sealing member for opening the can. The opener includes a handle with first and second arms extending therefrom. The curvilinear first arm is adapted for positioning between the can's upper surface and the tab and for raising the tab when the handle is pivotally moved outwardly from the can's upper edge which acts as a fulcrum in engaging a lower portion of the curvilinear first arm. A second arm extending from the handle and disposed in closely spaced relation from the first arm includes a pointed end portion adapted to engage and puncture an upper lateral portion of the can to prevent formation of an air lock in the can for facilitating the discharge of the liquid contents of the can. |
| US08695456B2 |
Electronically triggered locking differential
An electronically triggered locking differential includes a differential case, at least one pinion gear and a pair of side gears. A clutch pack is disposed between one of the side gears and the differential case and retards relative rotation between the differential case and the side gear. A cam member is disposed adjacent the clutch pack so that the clutch pack engages when the cam member ramps up. An engagement shaft has one end engaged with the cam member and an opposite end extending through the differential case and engaged with a sprocket. A magnetic coil and flux conductor magnetically couple the sprocket to the differential case when the coil is energized. This coupling retards rotation of the engagement shaft and the cam member relative to the gear case, initiating engagement of the clutch pack to lock the differential. |
| US08695450B1 |
Control assembly for drive system
A variable speed drive includes a transmission in a housing with a rotatable control shaft for moving the transmission between neutral and drive positions. A rotary damper is engaged to an external control arm which rotates the control shaft. A return to neutral mechanism is engaged to the control shaft to return the transmission to neutral. The external damper may be a viscous fluid damper having a plate, a rotor element with a first set of concentric projections, and a stator element with a second set of concentric projections that mesh with the first set of concentric projections. A method is provided for assembling a damper subassembly and a return arm subassembly, and connecting the damper subassembly to the housing, connecting the control arm to the control shaft and connecting the return arm subassembly to the control shaft for ease of assembly. |
| US08695448B2 |
System for moving a carriage along a guide
A system for moving a carriage along a guide comprises: at least one sliding block that slidingly connects the carriage to the guide; a control shaft associated to the carriage; a driving unit suitable for moving said control shaft in rotation; and rotary-translatory connecting means between said control shaft and said guide. The control shaft is movable between a working position wherein it is connected to said guide for moving the carriage by said driving unit, and an idle position wherein it is disconnected from said guide for free manual pulling of the carriage through said at least one sliding block. |
| US08695447B2 |
Probe end module for articulated arms
A probe end module system for an arm comprising: a probe end module having an arm end and an opposing probe end; a module-arm interface located at the arm end; at least one module-probe interface located at the probe end; the arm further comprising a movable member and a movable position reporting device. |
| US08695443B1 |
Screening system and method of using same
An integrated apparatus and method for screening an object for a target material is provided. The integrated apparatus comprises a housing and an integrated screener. The housing is positionable adjacent the object, and has a channel therethrough. The integrated screener is positionable in the housing, and comprises a fan, at least one filter, a heater and an analyzer. The fan is for drawing air carrying particles and vapor through the channel of the housing. The filter(s) is/are positionable in the channel of the housing for passage of the air therethrough. The filter(s) comprise(s) at least one metal foam having a plurality of pores therein for collecting and adsorbing a sample from the particles and vapor passing therethrough. The heater is for applying heat to the at least one metal foam whereby the collected sample is desorbed from the metal foam. The analyzer detects the target material from the desorbed sample. |
| US08695435B2 |
Method of measuring a volume flow rate of a controlled medium in a pipeline
Method comprises transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals (USS) in and counter direction of flow (ICDF) of controlled medium in pipeline (CMP); determining times of USS transmission ICDF of CMP and difference therebetween; forming time difference code; forming array of address codes corresponding to zero crossing moments of codes of USS passed ICF of CMP; determining zero crossing moment address code for codes of USS passed ICF of CMP closest to mutual correlation function (MCF) maximum address codes; selecting codes of USS passed ICDF of CMP corresponding to MCF maximum; forming MCF of selected part of codes of USS passed ICDF of CMP and signal shifted by 90° to primary USS; digitizing these MCF forming codes of time transmission of USS passed ICDF of CMP within sampling rate interval; determining accurate difference code of time intervals between USS passed ICDF of CMP; and determining CMP volume flow rate from a formula. |
| US08695432B2 |
Screw with stress sensing device
A screw with a stress sensing device is disclosed. The screw includes a main body, a coaxial member and a stress sensing member. The main body has a hollow threaded hole along its axle center, and the coaxial member is applied to be screw into the threaded hole. The coaxial member includes an elongated body and two threaded parts disposed on both ends of the elongated body. The two threaded parts are applied to engage with and screwed in the threaded hole, and thus the stress applied on the main body can also be applied on the elongated body. One of the two threaded parts has a groove. The stress sensing member is arranged on the elongated body, and the signal sensed by the stress sensing member can be obtained via a wire passing through the groove. |
| US08695431B2 |
Flexible microsphere coated piezoelectric acoustic sensor apparatus and method of use therefor
Sensors used in mapping strata beneath a marine body are described, such as in a towed array. A first acoustic sensor uses a piezoelectric sensor mounted with a thin film separation layer of flexible microspheres on a rigid substrate. Additional non-acoustic sensors are optionally mounted on the rigid substrate for generation of output used to reduce noise observed by the acoustic sensors. A second sensor is a motion sensor including a conductive liquid in a chamber between a rigid tube and a piezoelectric motion film circumferentially wrapped about the tube. Combinations of acoustic, non-acoustic, and motion sensors co-located in rigid streamer housing sections are provided, which reduce noise associated with different sensor locations. |
| US08695429B2 |
Transducer array imaging system
The embodiments contemplate methods and devices for communicating an acoustic emission via an array of transducers and wirelessly communicating data via a transceiver, where the transceiver may be in communication with the array of transducers. Embodiments also contemplate providing power for the acoustic emission via a power source and providing information regarding a temperature sensor to the transceiver. The wirelessly communicated data may include the information regarding the temperature sensor. Embodiments also contemplate processing the wirelessly communicated data at a relatively remote location with respect to both the power source and the temperature sensor. |
| US08695426B2 |
Micro-electromechanical system device having electrical insulating structure and manufacturing methods
The disclosure relates to a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device having an electrical insulating structure. The MEMS device includes at least one moving part, at least one anchor, at least one spring and an insulating layer. The spring is connected to the anchor and to the moving part. The insulating layer is disposed in the moving part and the anchor. Each of the moving part and the anchor is divided into two conductive portions by the insulating layer. Whereby, the electrical signals of different moving parts are transmitted through the insulated electrical paths which are not electrically connected. |
| US08695424B2 |
Sensor device for detecting at least one rotation rate of a rotating motion
In order to be able to perform redundant measurements of rotation rates particularly economically, disclosed herein is a sensor device which includes a dual-axis, first rotation rate sensor element with which rotation rates of rotating motions of the sensor device about a first and a second rotation rate measurement axis can be detected, wherein the first and the second rotation rate measurement axes are oriented orthogonally in relation to one another. The sensor device is defined by the fact that the sensor device includes at least one other rotation rate sensor element with which a rotation rate of a rotating motion of the sensor device about a rotation rate measurement axis, which lies in a plane together with the first and the second rotation rate measurement axes, can be deselected. |
| US08695423B2 |
Measuring instrument housing with a display panel
An intrinsically safe housing for a measuring instrument, having a viewing window for the display panel of a measuring instrument, an instrument display panel holding fixture for receiving an instrument display panel provided around the viewing window, said holding fixture having an inner void having a volume greater than a volume of the instrument display panel, a difference between said volumes forming a resin slot surrounding the instrument display panel upon its insertion, and a seal holding fixture provided around the viewing window containing a seal for sealing a front surface of said display panel, wherein the seal and the display panel holding fixture form a resin receptacle for a flowable resin, and the resin slot receives an overflow of said resin upon insertion of said instrument display panel. |
| US08695418B2 |
Fluidic systems and methods of determining properties of fluids flowing therein
Fluidic systems and methods of determining properties of fluids flowing therein. The fluidic systems and methods make use of a micromachined device that determines at least one property of the fluid within the system. The micromachined device includes a base structure on a substrate and a tube structure extending from the base structure and spaced apart from a surface of the substrate. The tube structure has at least one pair of geometrically parallel tube portions substantially lying in a plane, and at least one continuous internal passage defined at least in part within the parallel tube portions. A drive element induces vibrational movement of the tube structure in the plane of the tube structure and induces resonant vibrational movements in the tube portions in the plane of the tube structure. A sensing element senses deflections of each tube portion in the plane of the tube structure. |
| US08695416B2 |
Method of examining a coin for determining its validity and denomination
A method of examining a coin for determining the validity of its denomination, comprises the steps of moving a coin through a passageway, sensing said moving coin in said passageway with one or more sensors to interact with said moving coin and provide at least two values indicative of the said coin, calculating two or more coin features by using said at least two values, determining that said coin features values lie between predetermined minimum and maximum stored values, applying predetermined coefficients of weighted-error to each of said coin features, calculating weighted-error correlation coefficients using two or more of the said coin feature values, and determining validity when the said calculated weighted-error correlation coefficient is above predetermined minimum stored values, or when said coefficient is the maximum of all calculated coefficients. |
| US08695414B2 |
High pressure and flow rate pump useful in formation fluid sample testing
A pump can include two pistons, each piston having one side exposed to a support pressure and another side exposed to a respective annular chamber, the chambers being pressurized greater than the support pressure. Fluid can be discharged from one annular chamber and received into the other annular chamber by displacement of the pistons. A method of testing a fluid can include pressurizing the fluid in response to increasing a support pressure exposed to one side of each of two pistons, thereby increasing pressure in chambers exposed to respective other sides of the pistons, and then displacing the pistons, thereby flowing the fluid through a test manifold assembly. A fluid test system can include a pump having a support pressure exposed to sides of two pistons, and another side of each of the pistons being exposed to a respective annular chamber. Each annular chamber can be connected to a sensor. |
| US08695413B2 |
Method for evaluating the stickiness of an outer surface on an absorbent article
A method of evaluating the stickiness of an outer surface of an absorbent article is disclosed. The method includes providing an absorbent article on a stationary horizontal surface, wherein the absorbent article has an outer surface facing away from the stationary horizontal surface. The method further includes affixing an adhesive substrate to the outer surface of the absorbent article, grasping an end portion of the adhesive substrate, and lifting the end portion of the adhesive substrate in a direction away from the stationary horizontal surface. |
| US08695412B2 |
Probe for measuring a local angle of attack and method implementing same
A probe for measuring a local angle of attack designed to be fixed to a wall and a method implementing the probe are provided. The probe comprises at least three pressure sampling ports disposed over a nose of the probe body, pressure measurement means associated with the pressure sampling ports and calculation means capable of determining an angle of attack of the flow with respect to the main direction of the probe body as a function of the pressures measured by the pressure measurement means. The calculation means are configured for choosing from amongst the pressure sampling ports those allowing the best measurement precision of the local angle of attack to be obtained and for calculating the local angle of attack with respect to the main direction using the pressure measurements carried out in the chosen pressure sampling ports. |
| US08695408B2 |
Device and method for measuring engine torque and control program
A device for measuring torque of an engine has a torque detecting section for detecting an output torque of engine cylinders, a rotation detecting section for detecting a rotation angle of a rotating section to which a piston of each cylinder is connected, a top mark detecting section for detecting the rotation angle of the piston of each cylinder, and a torque calculating section for estimating torque characteristics of each cylinder on the basis of the following: the signal of the output torque, the rotation angle of the rotating section, the rotation angle of the piston of each cylinder, the number of the cylinders of the engine, and the number of cycles of the engine. The torque calculating section estimates, as torque characteristics of each cylinder, either peak torque of each cylinder or the combustion angle at which the peak torque is attained. |
| US08695407B2 |
Microtensiometer sensor, probe and method of use
A microtensiometer sensor includes a substrate layer fluidly coupled to an enclosed reservoir. A porous membrane is disposed on a surface of the substrate layer. The membrane defines a liquid side fluidly coupled to the reservoir and a vapor side fluidly coupled to a vapor interface. The porous membrane includes a plurality of through holes fluidly coupling the liquid reservoir to the vapor interface, and a nanoporous filler material disposed within the plurality of through holes. The filler material includes a plurality of open pores having a maximum diameter in the range of 0.2 to 200 nanometers. In one embodiment, the microtensiometer sensor includes a molecular membrane disposed adjacent to the vapor side of the porous membrane. In one example, the molecular membrane is formed of a highly crystalline polytetrafluoroethylene polymer having a microstructure characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils. In one application, the microtensiometer sensor may be used in a probe to measure the average water potential within a network of plant or tree xylem. In another application, the microtensiometer sensor may be useful in real-time determination of the water potential in soil. |
| US08695404B2 |
Refrigerant leak detection system
A refrigerant leak detection system is provided for a motor vehicle, in which the system includes a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) module having a refrigerant sensor assembly adapted to be fixed within the drain hole of the sump. The refrigerant sensor assembly includes an elongated sensor element extending into the sump, a flange portion having apertures that allows the condensate to drain from sump, a collar portion with self-tapping threads. |
| US08695403B2 |
Support for a thin element, quartz microbalance including such a support and a sample holder including such a support
A support for a thin element in an electrically conducting or semi-conducting material, one face of which is intended to be put into contact with a liquid or gas medium, the support has a first part provided with a central through-passage with a longitudinal axis, said passage including at least one first and one second portion with a different diameter connected to each other through a shoulder, said shoulder being intended for supporting said thin element; a second part penetrating into the passage with the end opposite to the one intended to be exposed to the liquid solution, capable of maintaining the thin element on the shoulder; and a seal between the thin element and the shoulder. |
| US08695398B2 |
Intrinsically-calibrated tribometer
Intrinsically calibrating friction mensuration device has a drive unit with controllable motive member, configured to receive a controllable propulsion force, and to apply tractive force to a test piece on a surface. A force engine couples to the motive member, and applies the controllable propulsion force. The device includes a controller imposing a propulsion control signal actuating the force engine to produce the propulsion force. A force sensor is between the drive unit and the test piece, producing a force signal responsive to a sensed force between the drive unit and the test piece. The drive unit can self-propelled or stationary. A method includes applying an increasing tractive force to a test piece at rest; measuring the tractive force; identifying the maximum tractive force applied at incipient motion; identifying the transition between the resting test piece and incipient motion; determining the SCOF; continue motion and determine the DCOF. |
| US08695396B2 |
Method of calibrating the meter of a product distribution apparatus and monitoring method
A product distribution apparatus, shown in the form of an agricultural air seeder is disclosed having sensors to measure the mass flow through the distribution system, sensors to weigh the tank and the product therein, and sensors to measure the quantity of product in the tank. The sensors are used to measure the change in the quantity of product in the tank during a calibration process where the apparatus is operated over an area and the number of rotations of the meter are recorded. The data is then used to determine a mass flow rate per revolution of the meter. A monitoring method is also disclosed in which an ‘area to empty’ and ‘product needed’ to complete a field or task is displayed to the operator. |
| US08695395B1 |
Method and device for straightening wheel
A method and apparatus for straightening dents and irregularities in wheels including a spindle, a platen mounted on the spindle configured such that the wheel can be mounted on the spindle with the spindle projecting through the central hub hole and at least one actuator device positionable between the spindle and a section of the wheel to be straightened, the actuator exerting a straightening force on the rim of the wheel and a mobile device including the same. |
| US08695394B2 |
Lower die for press bending and tool using the same
In order to achieve a bending operation which provides a U-shaped metal piece of increased depth and to provide a bending operation safe to an operator involved in the bending operation, the invention is a lower die for press bending which includes: a block body which includes a groove on an upper surface thereof, the groove extending in a right and left direction, and the block body being fixed to a bending machine; and a rotating block which is received by the groove of the block body and is capable of oscillating about an axis of the groove, wherein a process groove is formed on an upper surface of the rotating block to receive a blade edge of an upper die. The block body includes a front shoulder and a rear shoulder at the front and rear sides of the groove. A level difference is defined between these shoulders such that the front shoulder is smaller in height than the rear shoulder. |
| US08695392B2 |
Rolling mill and tandem rolling mill having the same
A rolling mill, which can use work rolls of a smaller diameter for rolling a hard material and a thin strip material, and can obtain strips of high product quality with high productivity, is provided. For this purpose, a six-high rolling mill includes upper and lower work rolls (2) as a pair for rolling a strip (1), upper and lower intermediate rolls (3) as a pair for supporting the paired upper and lower work rolls, and upper and lower back-up rolls (4) as a pair for supporting the paired upper and lower intermediate rolls, but has no supporting rolls inside and outside the rollable strip width of the work rolls. The work rolls have a small diameter, and use a material having a high longitudinal modulus, such as a hard metal or a ceramic. |
| US08695389B2 |
Mechanical module for a vehicle key and a key provided with such a module
The present invention relates to a key and to a mechanical module for a key having a key body and a key bit fitted to this key body such that it can pivot about a rotation axis between a use position and a stowed away position, the mechanical module being of the type comprising a pivoting support, holding the key bit and engaging with a control button, the control button having a first mechanical means for preventing rotation which is able to engage with a second mechanical means for preventing rotation of a casing element of the key body, it being possible for the control button to be positioned in a normal position and in a position in which it is depressed parallel to the rotation axis, the first mechanical means engaging with the second mechanical means at least at four points around the rotation axis when the control button is in its normal position. |
| US08695388B2 |
Mechanical key
A mechanical key for accommodation in a portable device for use in an electronic key system. The mechanical key is provided with a grip including a socket and a key plate fixed to the grip. The key plate includes a blade and a shank, which is inserted into the socket. The shank includes a first edge for abutting against the socket when the shank is inserted into the socket and a shoulder extending from the blade. The socket includes a guide for abutting against and guiding the first edge of the shank when the shank is inserted into the socket. The guide is mated with the first edge under pressure. The socket further includes a second edge for abutting against the shoulder when the shank is inserted into the socket. The second edge is mated with the shoulder under pressure. |
| US08695383B2 |
Laundry treating appliance with balancing system
A laundry treating appliance having a drum, defining a treating chamber, with a lifter and a balancing system having at least one balancing ring and a reservoir located in the lifter and a liquid supply system fluidly coupled to the reservoir. Liquid may be supplied to the ring and to the reservoir through the ring to offset an imbalance in a laundry load located within the drum. |
| US08695381B2 |
Laundering device vibration control
Methods and systems that detect high resonance frequencies as a laundering device (e.g., a washer or dryer) is in a spin cycle, and avoids those frequencies, as well as a band around those frequencies (e.g., 75 rpm on either side of the resonant frequency), in subsequent spin cycles, is described. Aspects of the invention also provide for detecting whether the setup of the laundering device has changed (e.g., resulting from a change in physical location or setup), and provides for the recalibration of a resonance frequency or known high vibration speed when a new setup is detected. Aspects of the invention recognize that solutions to minimize vibration are unnecessary. It is not necessary to optimize or minimize vibration in order for a laundry device to work properly, but rather it is sufficient to ensure that the laundry device does not spin the drum at a speed that causes excessive vibration. |
| US08695375B2 |
Microchannel heat exchanger including multiple fluid circuits
A microchannel heat exchanger includes a plurality of microchannel tubes including a first set of microchannel tubes and a second set of microchannel tubes. A first circuit of the microchannel heat exchanger includes the first set of microchannel tubes, and a portion of a first fluid flows through the first set of microchannel tubes and exchanges heat with a second fluid. A second circuit of the microchannel heat exchanger includes the second set of microchannel tubes, and a reminder of the first fluid flows through the second set of microchannel tubes and exchanges heat with the second fluid. The first fluid from the first circuit and the first fluid from the second circuit combine into a common flow. |
| US08695367B2 |
Heat integration
A heat integration system for removing heat of reaction from an EC-1 Reactor and generating Chilled liquid for use by one or more Consumer Units, in a catalytic process for producing EC from EO for conversion into MEG wherein the system comprises an EC-1 Reactor Cooler suitable for removing heat from an EC-1 Reactor, an Intermediate Loop which is in communication with the Reactor Cooler and with an absorption Refrigeration Unit, and which is suitable for conducting Intermediate liquid therebetween, the absorption Refrigeration Unit being suitable for generating Chilled liquid, and a Chilled liquid loop suitable for conducting Chilled liquid generated in the absorption Refrigeration Unit for use by one or more Consumer Units. |
| US08695365B2 |
Apparatus for managing operation of freezing machine
An apparatus for managing operation of refrigerating machines controls defrosting of evaporators of refrigeration cycles. Each of the refrigeration cycles uses a compressor, a condenser, a decompressor, and the evaporator, and is formed for a corresponding one of cooling/heating devices installed in a single store. The apparatus obtains a total estimated power consumption in a case of a pull-down operation using power consumptions necessary for the pull-down operation performed for the cooling/heating devices after defrosting is performed and using a power consumption of the store that includes at least the power consumptions of the refrigeration cycles and that is estimated for each of predetermined time periods. The apparatus changes defrosting start times or defrosting end times of the cooling/heating devices so that the total estimated power consumption does not exceed an upper limit value of a power consumption set in advance by the store. |
| US08695360B2 |
Desalination method and system using compressed air energy systems
The invention relates to a desalination method and system that uses freeze crystallization technology that incorporates the use of compressed air energy as the source for freezing temperatures. When compressed air is released by a turbo expander, chilled air is produced as a by-product, wherein the chilled air is introduced into a crystallization chamber. Also injected into the chamber is a spray cloud of seawater droplets, which has been pre-chilled by heat exchange with the cold chamber walls, and which is then circulated and exposed to the chilled air in the chamber. The sizes of the droplets can vary, but are preferably predetermined, along with the relative temperatures, flows and speeds of the spray and chilled air, such that when the droplets are circulated within the chilled air, and settle at the bottom of the chamber, they are deposited at slightly above the eutectic temperature. This way, the ice/snow mass that forms at the bottom of the chamber will consist of frozen ice crystals, and a residue of salt water brine, which can runoff from the mass, either from the sides, or through any voids or channels that may form within the mass. |
| US08695358B2 |
Switchgear having evaporative cooling apparatus
A cooling apparatus for cooling a switchgear is provided. The switchgear has one or more primary contacts supported by a bushing and constructed and arranged to connect to a terminal of a circuit breaker. The cooling apparatus includes at least one evaporator associated with each primary contact, a condenser apparatus located at a higher elevation than the at least one evaporator, fluid conduit structure connecting the at least one evaporator with the condenser apparatus, and electrically insulating working fluid in at least one evaporator so as to be heated to a vapor state, with the fluid conduit structure being constructed and arranged to transfer the vapor to the condenser apparatus and to passively return condensed working fluid back to the at least one evaporator. |
| US08695356B2 |
Pulse tube cryocooler modulating phase via inertance tube and acoustic power amplifier thereof
A pulse tube cryocooler modulating phase via an inertance tube and an acoustic amplifier (A1, A2) provided in the pulse tube cryocooler are disclosed. The acoustic power amplifier (A1, A2) is made of a metal pulse tube (PT1, PT2) filled with regenerative materials, which are located at a distance of X from the hot end of the pulse tube. The length of the regenerative materials is L which meets the requirement of X−L>0. The acoustic power amplifier (A1, A2) can be used not only in a single-stage pulse tube cryocooler, but also in a multi-stage pulse tube cryocooler thermally coupled or gas coupled. The regenerative materials may be any cold storage materials applicable at low temperatures, such as stainless steel wire mesh, lead pellet, lead thread et al. The acoustic power amplifier (A1, A2) can increase the acoustic power at the hot end of the pulse tube (PT1, PT2), which is advantageous to the phase modulation of the inertance tube, thereby the properties of the pulse tube cryocooler can be enhanced. |
| US08695345B2 |
Calculation method of moisture loss in steam turbine
In one embodiment, a calculation method of moisture loss in a steam turbine calculates first a wetness fraction at the inlet and outlet of each of stationary blade cascades and rotor blade cascades. Subsequently, the moisture loss is classified into (1) supersaturation loss, (2) condensation loss, (3) acceleration loss, (4) braking loss, (5) capture loss and (6) pumping loss, and a loss for calculation of the moisture loss is selected from the above losses (1) to (6) according to the wetness fraction of steam at the inlet and outlet of each blade cascade. An amount of each selected loss is calculated, and an amount of moisture loss at each blade cascade is calculated. |
| US08695332B2 |
Internal bypass exhaust gas cooler
An exhaust gas cooler assembly with an internally located bypass tube, spaced apart from and disposed within a core passage, with an exhaust gas inlet manifold directing exhaust gas to a plurality of cooling passages, or to the bypass tube by means of control valves. Further provided is a detachable valve cartridge with an actuator, with all moving components being included within the valve cartridge and actuator. |
| US08695331B2 |
Procedure to diagnose a particle filter and device to implement the procedure
A procedure to diagnose a particle filter disposed in an exhaust gas area of an internal combustion engine as well as a device to implement the procedure is proposed. Provision is made to ascertain the degree of efficiency of the particle filter on the basis of the upstream particle flow occurring upstream in front of the particle filter and on the basis of the downstream particle flow occurring downstream behind the particle filter. The ascertainment of the degree of efficiency of the particle filter allows for an On-Board-Diagnosis of the particle filter, with which compliance with specified exhaust gas threshold values can be assured. |
| US08695330B2 |
Reductant decomposition system
Described herein are various embodiments of a reductant decomposition system. According to one representative embodiment, the reductant decomposition system includes an exhaust gas chamber including an inlet and outlet. The system also includes a first exhaust gas distribution component positioned within the chamber and communicable in exhaust gas receiving communication with the outlet. The first exhaust gas distribution component causes swirling exhaust gas flow patterns within the exhaust gas chamber. Additionally, the system includes a second exhaust gas distribution component positioned within the chamber and communicable in exhaust gas providing communication with the inlet. The second exhaust gas distribution component includes features that cause a swirling exhaust gas flow pattern within a space defined by the second exhaust gas distribution component. Further, the system includes a reductant injector coupled to the exhaust gas chamber. The reductant injector is communicable in reductant injecting communication with exhaust gas within the chamber. |
| US08695329B2 |
DeNox of diesel engine exhaust gases using a temperature-controlled precatalyst for providing NO2 in accordance with the requirements
The adherence to future legally obligatory exhaust gas limit values for diesel vehicles in Europe, North America and Japan requires not only the removal of particles but also effective removal of nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gas (‘deNOx’). The ‘active SCR process’ is the preferred method for this. The nitrogen oxide conversions achieved by means of this process are particularly high when an optimal NO2/NOx ratio, preferably 0.5, is set upstream of the SCR catalyst. The invention proposes a process which solves the problem of supplying NO2 in accordance with requirements by means of temperature control of the precatalyst which is decoupled from the operating state of the engine. In an associated apparatus, a precatalyst (1) which contains at least one oxidation component and whose temperature can be controlled independently of the operating state of the engine and an active SCR stage comprising an SCR catalyst (3c) with upstream metering facility (3b) for a reducing agent from an external source (3a) are arranged in series. A particle filter (2) can be arranged between precatalyst and metering facility. The precatalyst preferably additionally contains a nitrogen oxide storage material. |
| US08695328B2 |
Exhaust purifying apparatus of saddle-ride type vehicle
An exhaust purifying apparatus achieving placement of components so as to prevent an increase in the size of the vehicle caused by the placement of the exhaust purifying apparatus while maintaining the performance of the exhaust purifying apparatus by secondary air in a saddle-ride type vehicle. An exhaust purifying apparatus of a saddle-ride vehicle includes a secondary air supply pipe of which one end is connected an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine. A secondary air control valve is connected with the other end of the secondary air supply pipe for controlling the supply of secondary air to the secondary air supply pipe. An outdoor air introduction passage is connected to the secondary air control valve, wherein an air filter for secondary air and a resonant passage are installed in the middle of the outdoor air introduction passage. |
| US08695327B2 |
Liquid injector assembly with a flanged connector connection
A system for injecting from an injector into a duct of an engine system is provided. The system may include a first flange on a duct connection side, a second flange on an injector connection side, a stand-off separating the first flange from the second flange to form an air gap therebetween, and a seal offset from at least one of the first and the second flanges and located within the airgap and between the first flange and the second flange. |
| US08695323B2 |
Plant for the gasification of biomass
A plant (100) for the gasification of biomass comprises a gasifier (10) and an apparatus (23) for the filtration of the gas. The apparatus comprises a scrubber (31), a tank (41), and a wet electrostatic precipitator (51). The scrubber is in fluid communication with the gasifier and with the tank, and is adapted for the injection of a washing liquid in the gas flow. The tank comprises a bottom area for collecting the liquid and a top area for holding the gas. The wet electrostatic precipitator is in fluid communication with the top area of the tank. In some examples, a gasifier comprises a gasification reactor (12), a grate (125) for the support of the biomass in the reactor (12) and a plug (126). The plug is vertically movable so as to close and/or open the middle part of the grate. |
| US08695319B2 |
Yarns of polyoxadiazole and modacrylic fibers and fabrics and garments made therefrom and methods for making same
This invention relates to a flame-resistant spun yarn, woven fabric, and protective garment, comprising a blend of 60 to 85 parts by weight of polyoxadiazole staple fiber and 15 to 40 parts by weight modacrylic staple fiber; based on 100 total parts of the polyoxadiazole staple fiber and modacrylic staple fiber in the yarn. This invention also relates to methods for making the yarn. |
| US08695312B2 |
Film clamp and related methods and apparatuses for wrapping loads
An apparatus for clamping packaging material may include a packaging material holder. The packaging material holder may include a first jaw, a second jaw, opposing the first jaw, and a jaw opening between the first and second jaws. The jaw opening may be configured to receive a portion of packaging material. The packaging material holder may include an inflatable structure configured to fill at least a portion of the opening. The apparatus also may include a packaging material insertion tool configured to insert the portion of packaging material into the jaw opening for clamping. |
| US08695305B2 |
Truss deadweight
The deadweight comprises several support members and support frames which define a general cubic shape. A plate is positioned on each face of the cube, with cement filling the center of the deadweight to provide additional weight, stability, and support. Fork lift sleeves are provided to allow easy positioning of the deadweight. Each plate comprises a plurality of apertures for fitting a 12″ or 20.5″ box truss. A large rectangular aperture is positioned on each side plate, permitting users to reach into an enclosure to bolt the box truss to the desired plate. The bolt apertures are adapted to mount a box truss flush to each plate. A leveling mechanism is provided to ensure the deadweight and box truss will be stable even on uneven ground. |
| US08695303B2 |
Panels including trap lock adaptor strips
Exterior building siding for aesthetic and protection of the building against wind, rain and solar energy by attaching each horizontal plank from the top of the wall downwardly that includes a starting strip where each plank is interlocked to the plank above it. Each of the horizontal planks includes a top wall portion that fits snuggly into an “L-shaped” groove above it so that the panels can be firmly locked together vertically in a downwardly fashion to prevent any wind uplift against the siding or moisture intrusion. In the preferred embodiment, an adaptor strip is bonded to a conventional siding plank for trap lock engagement. Each adaptor strip has a longitudinal recess to reduce mass and volume and a mid panel support for strength. |
| US08695296B2 |
Mounting hardware and mounting system for vertical panels
A mounting hardware and a mounting system for mounting a vertical panel from a support member suspended from a ceiling. The mounting hardware has a panel mounting section, a support member receiving portion, and a movable mounting section. The support member receiving portion extends from the panel mounting section. The movable mounting section can be rotate relative to the support member receiving portion to secure the mounting hardware to the support member. |
| US08695294B2 |
Reinforced concrete partition body
Provided is a reinforced concrete partitioning structure that can exhibit electromagnetic shield function against an electromagnetic wave at target frequency. It includes an RC wall to attenuate an electromagnetic wave at target frequency propagating from an inner space to an outer space, a concrete portion having a thickness in a direction from the inner space to the outer space, and a front reinforcing bar lattice which forms a reinforcing bar plane in lattice at a position along the thickness of the concrete portion. The front reinforcing bar lattice has a plurality of longitudinal bars arranged at fixed spacing, and a plurality of transverse bars arranged at fixed spacing to intersect the longitudinal bars. The spacings of the longitudinal bars and transverse bars are adjusted according to the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave at the target frequency. |
| US08695288B2 |
Structural systems for restraining elevated surface tiles
A system for assembling a building surface and a building surface assembly that include surface tiles and stability members disposed between the surface tiles to restrict relative movement therebetween. The stability members may advantageously be placed between outer edge segments of the building surface tiles to restrict relative movement of adjacent surface tiles, such as due to seismic activity, vibrations, or high winds. The building surface tiles may include structures such as engagement channels for receiving and engaging the stability members. |
| US08695282B2 |
Rain gutter with integral reinforcing member and gutter guard
A gutter guard for use with a K-style rain gutter includes a substantially flat center section, a guard rear flange extending from the center section and a guard lip extending from the guard rear flange. Also extending from the center section is an L-shaped guard front flange that includes a first leg joined with the center section and a second leg extending from the first leg. The guard is adapted to fit in the gutter so that a lower outside corner of the guard is nested within a first inside corner of the gutter, an upper outside corner of the guard is nested within a second inside corner of the gutter, the second leg of the guard is nested within a close inside corner of the gutter, and at least a portion of a rear wall of the gutter is nested between the guard lip and the guard rear flange. |
| US08695277B2 |
Door actuator
A door operator to be disposed at a door leaf, a door frame, a door transom, or a wall, with at least one mounting plate, on which the door operator assembly is disposed. The assembly has a modular design and has at least one connector module, a drive module and a main module, which are latched onto the mounting plate by latching elements. The main module includes a system carrier, which accommodates at least one supply unit and at least one control unit, fastened by latching elements. |
| US08695272B2 |
Weed resistant fishing weight and method
A weight to facilitate weed resistant fishing is disclosed. Embodiments include a biconically-tapered weight shaped to define a relatively centrally located aperture, an off-center exit aperture, surrounded by a lip, wherein the weight has a channel where conventional fishing line may pass through the top of the weight, through the channel, and out an exit aperture. With tension on the line, a portion of the hook enters the lip and the hook is relatively shielded from accumulating weeds on decent through a weed mass. A variety of methods disclose manipulating a conventional fishing rod and line with the subject weight. |
| US08695271B1 |
Fishing line trolling release mechanism
A fishing line trolling release mechanism. One embodiment is for use with a surface planer board line; another embodiment is for use with an underwater depth controlled downrigger-trolling cable and weight system. In either embodiment, the mechanism reduces or eliminates slack line, which results in more consistent hookups while retaining unhindered fish playing ability. The embodiment for board line release is snapped on the planer board line that slides out to the desired distance from the boat. The embodiment for downrigger release is snapped around the downrigger cable, then lowered to the desired depth by the rod and reel, employing a rotating diving and return plate to controls the depth of the combination prior to and after the fish strike. |
| US08695270B2 |
Method for recycling artificial fishing baits
A method for recycling soft artificial fishing baits comprising: providing used soft artificial baits to be recycled; providing a mold having two separable sides cooperatively defining at least one cavity therein, each cavity having a shape corresponding to a desired fishing bait, fastening means, holding means, at least one vent hole; placing used soft artificial baits into the holding means; placing the mold with artificial baits in the holding means into a microwave oven; heating the mold with artificial baits in the holding means for a time sufficient to melt the baits and cause material to fill each cavity; allowing the mold to cool for a time sufficient to allow the material in each cavity to solidify; opening the mold and removing each molded bait; and cutting away any excess material that may be attached to the bait. |
| US08695268B2 |
Method and apparatus for holding fishing rod
An apparatus including a stake device for driving into a ground surface, a first device having a cavity into which a fishing rod handle can be inserted, and an alarm device. The stake device may be attached to or detached from the first device. The alarm device is triggered when the fishing rod handle is within the cavity of the first device and is sufficiently jostled as a result of a fish tugging on a fishing line connected to the fishing rod handle The first device may include a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first compartment fits within the second compartment, and the cavity is within the first compartment. The alarm device may include a first metal conductor attached to a periphery of the first compartment, and a second metal conductor attached to an interior of the second compartment. |
| US08695262B2 |
Unitary sear housing block
A firearm includes a frame having at least one interior receptacle defined by opposed interior walls and having opposed guide rails extending from the opposed interior walls, and at least one modular housing disposed in the receptacle and accommodating at least one operational component of the firearm. The modular housing is defined by opposed sidewalls having opposed guide channels formed therein, the guide channels being configured to selectively engage the guide rails to facilitate the aligning of the modular housing with respect to the interior receptacle. The at least one operational component and the modular housing are pre-assembled together as an integrated unit for drop-in insertion into the receptacle during assembly of the firearm. |
| US08695261B2 |
Insert grips for firearm
An insert grip is used in cooperation with a firearm handguard having a plurality of regularly spaced holes therethrough. The insert grip includes a plurality of tubular flexible inserts, each having a tubular body extending through one of the openings. An upper collar extends radially outwardly around the outer end of the body of each insert. The inserts are affixed together in a regular pattern designed to be coaxial engaged with the holes in the handguard. |
| US08695260B2 |
Cartridges and modifications for M16/AR15 rifle
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to cartridges and modifications for an M16/AR15 rifle. In one embodiment, a modified M16/AR15 rifle or carbine includes a bolt having a maximum outside diameter greater than that of a standard M16/AR15 bolt; and a bolt extractor pivoted to the bolt. The bolt and the bolt extractor are operable to: transport a cartridge from a magazine to a barrel, and eject a spent cartridge from the barrel. The rifle or carbine further includes a barrel extension configured to receive the bolt; a standard M16/AR15 upper receiver coupled to the barrel extension; a standard M16/AR15 lower receiver coupled to the upper receiver. |
| US08695258B2 |
Nameplate attachment structure, camera platform apparatus, and camera apparatus
A nameplate attachment structure enables a nameplate to be attached in at least two variations of postures to a chassis outer surface of an apparatus, the nameplate being formed of an elastic body, the nameplate including: a shaft projected on a rear surface of an indication surface and having a distal end including a locking stop; and at least two engagement pieces respectively having hook projections, the chassis outer surface including: a support hole through which the shaft is inserted; and at least two engagement holes engageable with the engagement pieces. When the shaft is inserted through the support hole, the locking stop restricts movement of the nameplate in a direction in which the shaft extends, and when the engagement pieces are inserted through the engagement holes, the hook projections are engaged with the engagement holes so that the nameplate is attached to the chassis outer surface. |
| US08695254B2 |
Customizable display and method for securely displaying information
A customizable display and method for selectively and securely displaying important information, such as a sign for use in healthcare environments. The display includes a cover and a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a frame, which supports a plurality of tracks, and a plurality of slides positioned on the tracks. The slides receive interchangeable indicia plates, which bear the important information wherein the slides are positioned behind the cover to selectively display the interchangeable indicia plates. The frame defines a locking channel for receiving a locking system having at least one elongate locking member for cooperating with a slide coupling to secure the slides in the extended or concealed position. The slides are biased in the concealed and extended positions and the locking system is obscured by the cover to prevent unauthorized or accidental movement of the slides to alter the displayed information. |
| US08695253B2 |
Spacer and support assembly for wall mounted signs
A spacer assembly for mounting a sign to a wall includes proximal and distal spacer members. The proximal spacer member includes a barrel and a coaxial coupling shaft extended distally from the barrel. The distal spacer member includes a distal barrel and a recess extending into the barrel and sized to slidably and rotatably receive the coupling shaft. A threaded stud extends proximally from the proximal barrel, and a distal threaded stud extends distally from the distal barrel. Each stud is removably threaded into its associate barrel. The distal member barrel supports a radially oriented set screw, movable toward and away from an advanced position in which the screw engages the coupling shaft to integrally secure the barrels. The spacer assembly allows the sign to be detached from the wall while leaving in place the studs coupled to the sign and wall. |
| US08695246B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes: a cylindrical casing which is rotatably driven; and a plurality of curve-arranged displays which are installed inside the casing and have the same number as a plurality of slits formed in the casing, wherein the curve-arranged displays include a light housing which is an approximately semi-cylindrical column having a hollow structure, and a plurality of display device substrates installed on an arc-shaped side surface of the approximately semi-cylindrical column of the light housing. |
| US08695243B1 |
Secure license plate holder
The secure license plate holder is specific to the vehicle to which it is assigned, having the vehicle identification number (VIN) permanently disposed on the holder. The holder is secured with tamperproof security fasteners requiring specialized tools for installation and removal. The license plate is also secured to the holder with tamperproof security fasteners. Decorative covers are installed over the fastener heads to prevent misinterpretation of the head as a part of the alphanumeric characters on the license plate and to indicate tampering. The holder includes an embedded SIM (subscriber identity module) chip, and the vehicle has a corresponding chip installed therein. Thus, removal of the plate and holder requires removal of part of the vehicle structure in order to avoid obvious damage to the fasteners and their covers. |
| US08695241B2 |
Vertical quilt basting frame
A vertical quilt basting frame (100) enables an improved quilting experience. The frame (100) includes four frame members (105, 110, 115, 120) defining a rectangle. At least one leg member (125) extends from at least one of the frame members (105, 110, 115, 120). A plurality of fabric side panels (150, 155, 160, 165) are attached to each of the four frame members (105, 110, 115, 120), wherein the fabric side panels (150, 155, 160, 165) define a workspace window (170) inside of the rectangle. |
| US08695240B2 |
Machine bucket assembly
A machine bucket assembly includes a bucket having a top section, a bottom section, and a curved middle section. The bucket assembly may also include a kinematic reaction point about which the bucket is configured to rotate. A loadability index of the bucket may be between approximately 0.95 and 1.05. The loadability index is a ratio of a distance between the kinematic reaction point and a tip of the bottom section and a distance between the kinematic reaction point and a tip of the top section. |
| US08695238B2 |
Snowplow with auto angling and wireless controller
A snowplow assembly may combine a wireless control system used to raise and lower a plow blade with a mechanism that automatically pivots the plow blade from side to side based on the load encountered by the plow blade. |
| US08695235B2 |
Soccer shoe component or insert made of one material and/or a composite and/or laminate of one or more materials for enhancing the performance of the soccer shoe
A soccer shoe absorbs and stores energy from the foot at foot-strike and return some of this energy to the object being struck. The shoe may also cushion the foot, leg and body; provide foot stability and motion control; reduce fatigue; extend the float time of a runner and increase the jump height of the wearer. The shoe is intended to absorb, store and return energy to the object struck, which would otherwise be lost using the existing shoe components and inserts. The shoe has a vertical component that extends around the periphery of the front of the shoe and another component (horizontal) that extends longitudinally from the front of the shoe towards the back of the shoe, at least to about the middle of the shoe, and preferably proximate the heel of the shoe. |
| US08695234B2 |
Anti-slip spike structure
An improved anti-slip spike structure is provided, which is used in soles of snow shoes or special anti-slip shoes. In this structure, an anti-slip spike is mainly arranged on a sole surface. An external side of a metal spike body is wrapped with a hard rubber body into a solid cylindrical rod-shaped rubber spike. Then, the solid cylindrical rod-shaped rubber spike is placed into a shaping module to be integrally formed with a rubber sole. Since the rubber spike is entirely wrapped and has a large placement plane, it is easy to position the rubber spike in a mold. In addition, when the rubber spike is pressed to be shaped, the spike does not skew or shift and is homogeneously shaped with the rubber, so that the spike is completely joined to the sole. In this way, the sole is provided with comfort and flexibility, as well as firm joining against trampling and significant anti-slip safety and practicability. |
| US08695229B2 |
Control method of dryer
A laundry machine, more particularly, a dryer and a control method of a dryer may be disclosed. A control method of a dryer includes (a) of supplying an additive to a drum in an initial part of a drying cycle for drying a drying object; and (b) of supplying an additive to the drum in a last part of the drying cycle. |
| US08695228B2 |
Composite washing system
A composite washing system is disclosed which is capable of continuously circulating laundry-drying air through dryers while obtaining a more efficient drying effect, so that the composite washing system has a suitable built-in structure having minimal influence on the indoor environment. The composite washing system includes a drum dryer which dries laundry to be dried, and includes a drying drum adapted to receive the laundry, a hot air supply path adapted to guide a flow of hot air, a hot air supplier arranged in the hot air supply path to generate the hot air, and an air condenser adapted to condense the hot air, a cabinet dryer which is coupled to one side of the drum dryer, and is defined with a laundry receiving compartment, the cabinet dryer including a hot air inlet duct adapted to receive the hot air flowing through the hot air supply path, and a hot air supplying device which is arranged in the cabinet dryer to receive the hot air from the hot air inlet duct and to supply the received hot air to an inside of the laundry. |
| US08695222B2 |
Power operated rotary knife
A power operated rotary knife (100) including: an annular rotary knife blade (300) including a knife blade bearing surface (319); a blade housing (400) defining a blade housing bearing surface (459); and a blade-blade housing bearing structure (500) disposed between the knife blade bearing surface (319) and the blade housing bearing surface (459). The rolling bearing strip (502) traverses through an annular passageway (504) defined between the knife blade bearing surface (319) and the blade housing bearing surface (459) to secure the knife blade (300) to the blade housing (400) and support the knife blade for rotation about a central axis (R) with respect to the blade housing (400). The blade housing further includes a cleaning port including an entry opening and an exit opening, the exit opening being in the inner wall and in fluid communication with the blade housing bearing surface. |
| US08695218B2 |
Joint construction for coupling conduit sections
A joint construction includes first and second conduit sections having coaxially overlapping end areas. A coupling member has a first end received within the end of the first conduit section and a second end with external threads. A bore of the coupling member receives the second section end area. A plurality of protrusions are formed on an outer surface of the coupling member. The plurality of protrusions engage a plurality of complimentary features formed on the end area of the first conduit section. A gland nut has threads configured to engage the external threads of the second end of the coupling member. A washer is disposed on the second conduit section between the second end of the coupling member and the gland nut. The washer is configured to engage the end area of the second conduit section to resist relative axial movement between the first and second conduit sections. |
| US08695212B2 |
Method for optimizing routing layers and board space requirements for a ball grid array land pattern
A method, system, for optimizing routing layers and board space requirements for a ball grid land pattern is described. A number of required pads is determined. A land pattern to yield the required pads is selected. A number of required perimeter routing channels is determined. A size of the land pattern to yield the required perimeter routing channels is optimized. At least one perimeter edge of the land pattern is under populated. In a further aspect, a number of layers is determined when a substrate has multiple layers. |
| US08695211B2 |
Manufacturing method of push-button switch
In a push-button switch manufacturing method, a key-top end of a pressing element is inserted into a lower-mold recess. A reinforcing plate is placed in the lower mold so that the pressing element extends through a plate through hole of the reinforcing plate. An upper mold and the lower mold are moved toward each other so as to insert the other end of the pressing element into an upper-mold recess for the pressing element, which is provided in a lower surface of the upper mold. A liquid silicone rubber, which contains a component that does not adhere to the upper and lower molds but adheres to the pressing element, is introduced into a cavity, the upper and lower molds are opened to remove a molded product in which an intermediate portion in an axial direction of the pressing element is supported in the plate through hole by the silicone rubber. |
| US08695210B2 |
Method of manufacturing an Nd based sintered magnet
A method for preparing the magnet includes the steps of: (a) providing a sintered Nd base magnet block having surfaces and a magnetization direction, (b) coating the surfaces of the magnet block excluding the surface perpendicular to the magnetization direction with a Dy or Tb oxide powder, a Dy or Tb fluoride powder, or a Dy or Tb-containing alloy powder, (c) treating the coated block at a high temperature for causing Dy or Tb to diffuse into the block, and (d) cutting the block in a plane perpendicular to the magnetization direction into a magnet segment having a coercive force distribution on the cut section that the coercive force is high at the periphery and lower toward the inside and a constant coercive force distribution in the magnetization direction. |
| US08695208B2 |
Method for production of monolithic inductive component
A method for manufacturing a monolithic inductive component is provided. The method may include providing a green body comprising a green sheet composite for forming a multilayer ceramic body with an integrated winding and a shaped body of ferritic core material, the green sheet composite being combined with an encapsulation so as to create a cavity with a cavity opening between the encapsulation and the green sheet composite, and the cavity being filled with the ferritic core material through the cavity opening; and heat-treating the green body, a multilayer ceramic body with an integrated winding being created from the green sheet composite and a magnetic core comprising the ferritic core material being created from the green sheet composite. |
| US08695206B2 |
Tissue clamp for noninvasive physiological measurement
A device includes a clamp and a sensor. The sensor can be attached to the clamp and tissue by the force exerted by the clamp. The clamp includes a first jaw member having a jaw face and a second jaw member having a complementary face. The first and second jaw members are held in alignment by a joint. The joint has an elastic member configured to exert a compressive force. The joint allows movement of the jaw face relative to the complementary face in directions corresponding to pitch, roll, yaw, and heave. The compressive force is distributed over a surface of the jaw face. The sensor is coupled to the jaw face or held in place by the compressive force of the jaw face. The sensor is configured to generate a sensor signal corresponding to a physiological parameter of tissue proximate the jaw face. |
| US08695205B2 |
Method and apparatus for attaching a cutting blade to a substrate
A method and apparatus are provided for attaching a safety cutting blade onto a substrate, such as a cardboard blank. A piece of cutting blade material is cut to length and fed to a forming station that bends the piece to form a safety cutting blade having a plurality of cutting teeth. The cutting blade is fed to a crimping station where the cutting blade is mated with a substrate and affixed with the substrate. A transport then conveys the combined cutting blade and substrate away from the crimping station. |
| US08695203B2 |
Process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank and internal accessory
Process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank (FT) equipped with an internal accessory, by molding a parison using a mold comprising two cavities and a core, said process comprising the following steps: the parison is introduced into the mold cavities; the core is introduced inside the parison, the core having first been fitted with the accessory; the mold is closed so that the cavities come into leaktight contact with the core; the parison is pressed against the cavities by blowing through the core and/or applying a vacuum behind the cavities; the accessory is fastened to the parison by snap riveting using a device attached to the core; the mold is opened to withdraw the core; and the final molding of the parison is carried out by blow molding and/or thermoforming. The accessory comprises an orifice for the snap riveting and at least one protuberance which, during the fastening of the accessory by snap riveting, will at least partially melt to form a local weld which is at another location than the obtained rivet to obtain two different attachment points. |
| US08695194B2 |
Weighted ribbons and dumplings for curtains and other applications, and method of manufacture therefor
Apparatus and methods for the manufacture of weighted ribbons are disclosed, and which weighted ribbons are for use in association with curtains and in other applications. |
| US08695193B2 |
Weighted ribbons and dumplings for curtains and other applications, and method of manufacture therefor
Apparatus and methods for the manufacture of weighted ribbons are disclosed, and which weighted ribbons are for use in association with curtains and in other applications. |
| US08695191B2 |
Method and device for assembling swash plate-type fluid machine
An assembly device includes a shaft assembly having a plurality of pistons installed on an outer peripheral portion of a swash plate via shoes. The assembly device has a shaft support portion which supports a shaft having the swash plate in a vertical axis posture, a guide member, a shoe incorporation mechanism, a carriage which conveys the plurality of pistons in the vertical axis posture, and a piston holding portion which holds the plurality of pistons. The guide member is equipped with a first guide surface and a second guide surface. |
| US08695190B2 |
Electromagnetic crawler assembly system
A method and an apparatus for performing operations on a workpiece is provided. A first frame in a frame system may be held on the workpiece by applying a vacuum to the first frame. A second frame in the frame system may be detached from the workpiece by applying a pressure to the second frame. The second frame may be moved to a location on the workpiece. The second frame may be attached to the workpiece by applying the vacuum to the second frame. An operation may be performed on the workpiece. |
| US08695184B1 |
Method and apparatus for preserving human and animal remains
An apparatus for preserving human or animal remains comprising a burial chamber further comprising a hermetically sealed interior containing gas or water vapor, wherein the gas creates a gas pressure within the hermetically sealed interior, and a vacuum pump, wherein the vacuum pump is in functional communication with the hermetically sealed interior, wherein the vacuum pump operates to evacuate the gas or the water vapor from the hermetically sealed interior, and wherein the vacuum pump is intermittently activated to reduce the gas pressure within the hermetically sealed interior for a desiccating duration. |
| US08695179B2 |
Hook article
A hook article that is constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment between two or more objects includes a fixed frame member and gate member. The gate member includes a first end that is pivotally hinged to the frame member, a second end movable with respect to the frame member to allow access into an interior space and a handle that is integral with the gate member. The position of the handle facilitates the process of and enables a user to easily open and close the gate member with a single hand, while protecting the fingers of the user against jamming. Upon applying pressure to the handle, the gate member pivotally retracts towards an interior space of the hook article. |
| US08695176B2 |
Adjustable tarp strap
An adjustable tarp strap assembly is described herein. The adjustable tarp strap assembly may include a buckle assembly a strap and a securing strap. The buckle assembly may include a first slot, a second slot, a tab and a catch. The tarp strap assembly may also include a hook secured to the buckle assembly. The strap may include a first end and a second end, wherein the first end may be intertwined within the slots. The securing strap may include a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein the first aperture may be engaged with the tab and the second aperture may be engaged with the catch. The securing strap may secure the strap within the buckle assembly. The strap may include a length that may be adjustable within the slots. |
| US08695174B1 |
Anchor apparatus for bead chain of window covering
An anchor apparatus for a bead chain of window covering comprises a first anchor member, a second anchor member, an anchor plate and a main fastener. The first anchor member has a first space to hold the second anchor member. The anchor plate is held in a lower side of the first space and a second space of the second anchor member to form a coupling relationship with the main fastener. The main fastener runs through the lower sides of the first and second anchor members and the anchor plate for closing while the upper sides of the first and second anchor members are opened, thereby allow the bead chain to be moved. The main fastener can be released to allow the anchor plate to push the second anchor member to move with the upper sides of the first and second anchor members closed to fix the bead chain. |
| US08695169B2 |
Drawing frame having a guide table for a guide apron
A drawing frame (1) is described for drawing a fiber slubbing (14) of a workstation of a textile machine having two roller pairs (2, 3) which are arranged behind one another in the transport direction (A) and in each case contain a drafting roller (4, 6) which can be driven, wherein the first drafting roller (4) in the transport direction (A) is assigned a guide apron (8) which wraps around this drafting roller (4) and a guide table (10) which is arranged between the first (4) and the second (6) drafting roller. It is provided according to the invention that the first drafting roller (4) is mounted in a bearing slide (19) which can be displaced in the transport direction (A), and the second drafting roller (6) is mounted in a bearing block (22), and that the guide table (10) is fixed on the bearing block (22) of the second drafting roller (6). |
| US08695167B2 |
Handle device of work machine
A work machine handle device having a foldable handle is disclosed. As the handle is to be changed from a folded-up state to a use state, the handle is turned about a frame as a turning fulcrum. An actuating protuberance provided integrally to a turning member of a clamp body is pushed by a handle engaging/disengaging part provided to a front end of the handle, and the turning member is caused to turn. The handle engaging/disengaging part is held from either side and automatically restrained by a clamp mechanism. When the handle is changed from the use state to the folded-up state, a restraining mechanism is operated to release the engagement between the restraining mechanism and a distal end of the turning member. The turning member is turned by a return force of a spring provided to the clamp body, the handle engaging/disengaging part ceases to be restrained, and the handle can be folded up. |
| US08695165B2 |
Bogey assembly
A bogey assembly including a body for supporting a cantilevered hanger bolt, a wheel to support the body on a rail and a roller, spaced lengthwise of the body and offset relative to the wheel, so as to bear against an overhead surface and resist rotation of the body away from the rail when load is applied to the hanger bolt. |
| US08695164B2 |
Check link assembly with adjustable detent feature
A check link assembly for positioning a vehicle closure has a selectively positionable detent feature. The check link assembly includes an elongated link having a distal end. At least one cover is attachable to the link in a first orientation and in a second orientation. The cover has a first end, a second end, and a contoured surface between the first end and the second end. At least one member is biased against the link and is configured to ride against the contoured surface of the cover. The contoured surface at least partially defines a detent feature that interferes with the biased member to increase resistance to relative movement of the link and the biased member, thereby establishing a stop position. The detent feature is further from the distal end of the link when the cover is in the first orientation than when the cover is in the second orientation. |
| US08695162B2 |
Electric blower and vacuum cleaner comprising same
Disclosed is an electric blower having a stator, a rotor, a bracket, a rotary fan, an air guide and a fan case. The air guide comprises a partition plate, a diffuser disposed around outer periphery of the rotary fan in the air guide, a partition-plate sloped portion and a guide vane. The fan case has a fan-facing portion, a fan case shoulder bent at the outermost part of the fan-facing portion, and a cylindrical portion extending cylindrically in an axial direction from the fan case shoulder. The fan case shoulder is so bent that it forms substantially a right angle. |
| US08695157B2 |
Vacuum cleaner with filter cleaning
A vacuum cleaner with a vacuum, a filtering unit, a switching device for switching between a vacuum cleaning and filter cleaning modes, and a separating unit is disclosed. In the vacuum cleaning mode, the vacuum forces a first air stream in a first air stream path through the filtering unit, in a first direction, to filter out dust from the dust laden air stream. In the filter cleaning mode, the vacuum forces a second air stream in a second air stream path through the filtering unit, in a second direction reverse to the first direction, to remove dust from the filtering unit. In the filter cleaning mode, the separating unit is in the air path between the vacuum and the filtering unit to separate dust removed from the filtering unit. In the vacuum cleaning mode, the separating unit is not in an air stream path. |