| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08708981B2 |
Systems and methods of stimulation and activation of fluids for use with instillation therapy
Systems and methods of stimulating or activating fluids for use in wound treatment systems. |
| US08708977B2 |
Blood collection device
A safety needle assembly has a needle hub and a needle cannula projecting from the hub. Wings project transversely from the hub to facilitate manipulation and positioning of the needle assembly. A shield is hingedly attached to the needle hub and can be rotated from a first position where the needle cannula is exposed to a second position where the needle cannula is shielded. At least one latch may be disposed on the shield for secure locked engagement with the hub, the wings and/or the tubing extending from the hub. A spring may also be provided for propelling the shield into the second position. |
| US08708973B2 |
Medicament delivery device powered by volute spring
The present invention relates to a medical delivery device comprising a housing (10); a medicament container (16) arranged to be placed in said housing; a stopper (18) movable within said container; a medicament dispensing means attachable to said housing and to said container through which medicament can be expelled; characterized in that the device further comprises a power unit (22) comprising a cover (24), a volute spring (26) arranged within said cover, and a pressure member (28) having a pressure pad (30) in contact with the stopper, a guide rod (34) extending into the volute spring and an annular ledge (32) in contact with the edges of the volute spring; activation means (36) mechanically connected to the cover and to the housing; and a spring locking means mechanically connected to said activation means, wherein said spring locking means (39) comprises a deformable ring-shaped member having (40) an inner diameter somewhat larger than the annular ledge, such that said ring-shaped member presents an oval shape when it is in contact with the annular ledge for locking the volute spring in a tensioned state. |
| US08708972B2 |
Medical delivery system with a rotatable coding element
A medical delivery system (100) having a container (102) and a dosing assembly (104), and wherein one of the container and the dosing assembly comprises a rotatable element (106) adapted to engage the other one of the container and the dosing assembly. A container suitable for use in said medical delivery system. A dosing assembly suitable for use in said medical delivery system. |
| US08708971B2 |
Medicament dispensing device
A portable medicament dispensing device having a mechanism which is not susceptible to jamming for dispensing the medication to a user. The device employs a coupling for coupling the relative motion between reciprocating body members housing the ancillary components and a barrel plunger associated with the syringe. One embodiment provides a pivoting coupling whereas an alternate uses a rack and pinion system. The advantage of simplifying such mechanisms results in a structure which has smooth unencumbered motion with fewer parts to avoid mechanical jamming during use. |
| US08708967B2 |
Anchoring system for use with neonates
A catheter securement device holds a medical article by securing an anchor member to an attachment region of a neonate. The attachment region is located on the body of the neonate. The catheter securement device defines a central channel into which at least a portion of the medical article is inserted. The catheter securement device includes at least one mounting wing and a body member. The mounting wing contacts the anchor member over the attachment region and lifts the medical article away from the neonate's skin. At least a portion of the body member is located in a distal direction from the attachment region and does not directly contact the neonate's skin. A soft material may be inserted between the distal portion of the body member and the neonate's skin to further inhibit rocking of the medical article upon the neonate. |
| US08708966B2 |
Microneedle devices and methods of manufacture and use thereof
Microneedle devices are provided for transport of molecules across tissue barriers and for use as microflameholders. In a preferred embodiment for transport across tissue, the microneedles are formed of a biodegradable polymer. Methods of making these devices, which can include hollow and/or porous microneedles, are also provided. A preferred method for making a microneedle includes forming a micromold having sidewalls which define the outer surface of the microneedle, electroplating the sidewalls to form the hollow microneedle, and then removing the micromold from the microneedle. In a preferred method of use, the microneedle device is used to deliver material into or across a biological barrier from chambers in connection with at least one of the microneedles. The device preferably further includes a means for controlling the flow of material through the microneedles. Representative examples of these means include the use of permeable membranes, fracturable impermeable membranes, valves, and pumps. |
| US08708965B2 |
Scalable parallel gene therapy injector array
A scalable parallel injector array has a support structure for holding injector tubes in a spatial pattern in order to enable delivery of fluidic materials simultaneously to a group of specific target areas in the brain or a body part. Each injector is individually connectible at one end to a displacement-controlled pump and is designed at the other end to be inserted into the brain or body part. The injector tubes are connected to the pump by fluid-filled tubing. The spatial pattern is patient- and/or application-customizable, and the length of the injector tubes is customizable in order to more precisely reach individual target areas. A clamping device may be used to attach the injector array to a stereotaxic arm or other support structure. The action of the pump permits controlled simultaneous delivery of the fluidic materials to the target areas. |
| US08708963B2 |
Gel seal for a surgical trocar apparatus
A seal assembly for use with an access device during a surgical procedure includes a housing having a passageway therethrough dimensioned to permit passage of a surgical instrument and being adapted for mounting to a trocar device, and a seal comprising a gel material and being mounted to the housing across the passageway. The seal includes inner seal portions defining an access channel dimensioned to form a substantial sealing relation with an object therethrough and substantially close in the absence of the surgical instrument. The seal preferably comprises a second material having a hardness greater than a hardness of the gel material. The gel material may be selected from the group consisting of urethane gel, silicon gel. |
| US08708962B2 |
Floating spinal cannula and method of use
A spinal cannula for delivering a therapeutic agent to a spinal cord target includes proximal and distal end portions, a middle portion, and a deployable cannula member having distal and proximal end portions and a first lumen extending between the end portions. The spinal cannula includes a fluid delivery line operably connected to the proximal end portion of the deployable cannula member, and a fluid delivery line including a second lumen in fluid communication with the first lumen. The spinal cannula includes a support cannula proximally located from the deployable cannula member and securely connected to a portion of the fluid delivery line. Additionally, the spinal cannula includes a delivery cannula having distal and proximal end portions and a third lumen extending between the end portions for receiving the support cannula. The proximal end portion includes a locking mechanism for releasably engaging the proximal end portion of the support cannula. |
| US08708956B2 |
Multi-lumen catheter with protected tip
A multilumen catheter assembly including an elongated body defining a first lumen having a sidewall extending between its proximal end and a first lumen distal end proximate the body distal end and a first distal opening disposed proximate the first lumen distal end, and a second lumen connected to the sidewall and extending between the proximal end and a second lumen distal end proximate the body distal end, the second lumen distal end distal of the first lumen distal end. The second lumen includes a second distal opening disposed distally of the first distal opening. A self-expanding protector adjoins the elongate body distally of the first distal opening and extends from an inner edge along the elongate body outwardly and proximally to a free proximal edge that extends circumferentially about the elongate body proximate the first distal opening. The protector defins through-ways that permit blood flow past the protector. |
| US08708955B2 |
Inflatable medical devices
Inflatable medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. The inflatable medical devices can be medical balloons. The balloons can be configured to have a through-lumen or no through-lumen and a wide variety of geometries. The device can have a high-strength, non-compliant, fiber-reinforced, multi-layered wall. The inflatable medical device can be used for angioplasty, kyphoplasty, percutaneous aortic valve replacement, or other procedures described herein. |
| US08708952B2 |
Remotely controlled catheter insertion system
A system for remotely controlling the positioning within the body of a patient of an elongated medical device optionally having a control handle, comprises a robotic system and a remote controller configured to control the robotic device. The robotic system comprises a handle controller; a sled member coupled to the handle controller, the sled member being configured to position the medical device within the body of the patient; and a sled base configured to advance the sled member towards the body of a patient, the sled bed being coupled to a sterile barrier effective to maintain sterility inside the sled base. A medical device introducer is effective to guide the elongated medical device into a patient's body. |
| US08708947B2 |
Tampons including moisture-activated compositions
The present disclosure is directed to alleviating the uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations that may accompany insertion and removal of personal care devices. Specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a personal care device that includes a moisture-activated composition that becomes lubricious only upon contact with moisture, such as from mucosal surfaces in the body. |
| US08708943B2 |
Hemo(dia) filtration apparatus
An apparatus for hemo(dia)filtration comprises an extracorporeal blood circuit and a supply line of a replacement fluid to the extracorporeal blood circuit. The supply line has a bifurcation which divides a main branch (24) into a pre-dilution branch (25) and a post-dilution branch (26). A pump tube tract (29) is predisposed in the supply line for coupling with a circuit pump of the replacement fluid. An expansion chamber is predisposed in the extracorporeal blood circuit and is fluidly connected to the pre-dilution branch. The invention provides a disposable fluid circuit usable for performing a hemodiafiltration treatment with pre-dilution and post-dilution which is couplable simply, rapidly, economically and reliably to a machine for monitoring the treatment. |
| US08708938B2 |
Low density medical bandage substrate, medical bandage, and medical bandaging product
A low density fabric substrate for a medical bandaging product. The substrate has a plurality of longitudinally-extending voids formed in the fabric for permitting water penetration through the fabric thickness from one of the major faces to the other major faces. A reactive system is impregnated into or coated onto the substrate and remains stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardens upon exposure to sufficient moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. A soft, flexible protective material covers at least one of the major faces of the substrate along its length to provide a cushioning barrier between the substrate and the skin of a patient when the material is in use. |
| US08708934B2 |
Reorientation of patient posture states for posture-responsive therapy
In general, the disclosure relates to medical devices and systems configured to deliver posture-responsive therapy to a patient. For example, a medical system may detect a posture state of a patient and deliver therapy based at least in part on the detected patient posture state. In some examples, the system comprises a posture state sensor configured to generate first posture sensor data when a patient is in a first posture state. The system may further comprise a processor configured to define posture state reference data corresponding to the first posture state based at least in part on the first posture sensor data, and redefine the posture state reference data based on second posture data generated by the posture state sensor when the patient is in the first posture state. |
| US08708933B2 |
Guidewire having linear change in stiffness
The invention is directed to a guidewire having a distal section with multiple distally tapered core segments with at least two contiguous distally tapering core segments in which the most distal tapered core segment preferably has a greater degree of taper than the proximally contiguous tapered core segment. The invention is also directed to an elongated intracorporeal device, preferably a guidewire or section thereof, that has a core member or the like with a plurality of contiguous tapered segments having taper angles that are configured to produce a linear change in stiffness over a longitudinal section of the device. The device may also have a core section with a continuously changing taper angle to produce a curvilinear profile that preferably is configured to produce a linear change in stiffness of the core over a longitudinal section of the device. |
| US08708920B2 |
Method and system for detecting apnea
Existing monitors for apnea miss many serious events because they do not adequately distinguish the heart signal in chest impedance from the respiratory signal. Described herein is a respiratory monitoring system and method for improved detection and response to apnea, particularly in a NICU setting but also useful in a home setting. This method filters from the chest impedance the part of the impedance that is caused by the beating of the heart in a human subject, and then identifies in real time significant silence in the filtered chest impedance signal, including determining the probability of apnea. If the probability of apnea exceeds a threshold value, the apneic subject can be stimulated using automated interactions such as a vibrating mattress or air blower. |
| US08708913B2 |
Ultrasonic imaging apparatus
There is provided an ultrasonic imaging apparatus capable of optimizing parameters in frequency compound imaging. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an optimal parameter calculation unit that calculates optimal values of processing parameters in the frequency compound imaging, and the optimal parameter calculation unit outputs a result that satisfies c1√σ1=c2√σ2= . . . cn√σn where the number of divided frequency bands is n, a bandwidth of a divided signal is σi and a signal intensity at the time of addition is ci (i=1, 2, . . . , n). |
| US08708908B2 |
Access disconnect detection system
An access site disconnection system and method are disclosed. Radio frequency transmitters and receivers are placed near an access site. When a patient receives dialysis treatment, wetness may arise from blood if the access needle becomes disconnected from the access site. Radio-frequency transmitters are mounted on or near gauze or other absorbent material placed adjacent the access site, as are radio-frequency receivers. After the sensors are placed, the dialysis machine and radio-frequency control circuit may be initialized or baselined, and dialysis treatment, such as hemodialysis, begun. If blood leaks from the access site, such as if the access needle is dislodged, the blood attenuates the radio frequency transmissions, which are detected by the receivers. A signal is sent to a controller or to an output device to raise an alert or sound an alarm. |
| US08708907B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining one or more blood parameters from analog electrical signals
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for in vivo measurement of blood parameters by processing analog electrical signals from a plurality of photodetectors. In some embodiments, it is possible to determine one or more blood parameters according to (i) a first electrical signal from a first detector and (ii) a second electrical signal from a second photodetector. A difference analog electrical signal is generated, indicative of a difference between the light response signal at the first location and light response signal at the second location, is generated. One or more blood parameters may be detected according to the difference analog electrical signal. |
| US08708905B2 |
Method, device and computer product for EEG monitoring, analysis and display
A method, device, and computer program product for monitoring the physiological state of a subject is disclosed. A first plurality of physiological signals are acquired from the subject and a second plurality of signal parameters are determined based on the first plurality of physiological signals. Relevant signal information is selected from among the signal information produced and at least one screen page is displayed at a time, thereby to make at least part of the signal information visible to a user. The signal information visible to the user on the at least one screen page may then be revised based on the selection and without user interaction, thereby to accelerate clinical decision-making and to diminish the possibility of undetected changes in the state of the subject. |
| US08708903B2 |
Patient monitoring appliance
A wireless system for a person includes a wearable appliance monitoring one or more body parameters; a plurality of wireless nodes in communication with the wearable appliance; and a remote computer coupled to the wireless nodes to provide information to an authorized remote user. |
| US08708901B2 |
Health monitoring system with a waveguide to guide a wave from a power source
A health monitoring system includes a waveguide that receives a wave transmitted from an external power source and that guides the wave to reach within a width of a rectenna. The waveguide may include a negative refractive index medium and/or a surface plasmon medium. |
| US08708894B2 |
Method for variably flexing and steering an insertion device
A method for variably flexing and steering an insertion device that receives an instrument, which comprises providing a hollow body having tendons disposed therewithin and a distal end, changing a condition of the hollow body by selectively applying suction to create a vacuum in the hollow body to place the hollow body in a relatively stiff condition and relieving the vacuum to place the hollow body in a relatively flexible condition, maintaining the hollow body in the relatively flexible and relatively stiff conditions with the tendons, the vacuum created by the applied suction frictionally locking the tendons in place in the relatively stiff condition, and individually adjusting at least one of the tendons in length to steer the distal end of the hollow body. |
| US08708890B2 |
Endoscope apparatus and method of measuring subject
An endoscope apparatus includes: a display device that displays a first image and a second image, the first image and the second image being contained in image data of a subject captured by an imaging unit of an endoscope apparatus; a designation section that designates a first position on the first image in accordance with an instruction input through an input device; a position calculation section that calculates a second position on the second image, the second position corresponding to the first position on the first image; a display control section that, when the first position is designated, performs a control of displaying a mark at the first position, subsequently displaying a mark at a third position which is different from the first and second positions, and subsequently displaying a mark at the second position; and a measurement section that performs measurement relating to the subject based on the first and second positions. |
| US08708887B2 |
Minimally invasive levator avulsion repair
Described are pelvic implants and methods of surgically placing pelvic implants that provide treatment for pelvic floor disorders by support of the levator by creating an incision that allows access to a region of tissue of the pelvic floor and inserting a pelvic implant comprising a tissue support portion delivered by a delivery tool. A pelvic implant for supporting levator tissue comprising: a tissue support portion having a first end and a second; a tissue fastener disposed on the first end of the tissue support portion for fastening it to levator tissue; a guide extension portion disposed on the second end of the tissue support portion; and a support backer member attachable to the guide extension portion to adjust a tension of the tissue support portion and concomitantly the levator tissue. |
| US08708878B2 |
Functional roll incorporating a structure of a lattice-shaped fluid (gas-liquid) guidepath
Conventional art has a structure consisting of a roll axis incorporating a structure of fine pores, and a roll unit provided around the outer circumference of a roll axis, wherein internal pressure of the roll axis is dispersed to the roll unit to make a fluid (gas-liquid) suction action, thus reducing the pressure loss and obtaining even distribution of the fluid (gas-liquid). As such, instead of a tubular roll axis, the structure of a roll axis is made fin-shaped or groove-shaped to maximize the action surface area that works on the inner pressure of the roll axis of the roll unit. However, other problems such as inefficiency of the fluid (gas-liquid) suction action and lack of mechanical strength of the roll axis remains. To solve these problems, this invention provides a functional roll incorporating a structure of a lattice-shaped fluid (gas-liquid) guidepath made of high-density porous sheet material to activate the internal pressure of the roll axis, therein the structure of the lattice-shaped fluid (gas-liquid) guidepath, consisting of an internal pressure action space made of a cut-out portion provided on the circumference of the roll axis, and in the axis direction of the roll unit, and an internal pressure branching guidepath made of low-density porous sheet material, or a space communicating with the internal pressure action space, as well, being provided in the radial direction of the roll unit. |
| US08708876B2 |
Resistance chair with wheels
A resistance chair with wheels assists users with performing correct abdominal crunches by guiding the user's effort. The resistance chair includes a seat operably coupled to at least one hinged arm with back support that extends to support the user's back and assist in the crunch recovery following the crunch extension. |
| US08708874B2 |
Abdominal exercise equipment
An abdominal exercise equipment is provided with two front wheels and two rear wheels to ensure that the abdominal exercise equipment can move stably without tipping over during movement, preventing the exerciser from losing balance and getting hurt. A return gear assembly is disposed between the two rear wheels to produce a recovering force. Therefore, when the abdominal exercise equipment is pulled back, the recovering force will assist the exerciser to pull the abdominal exercise equipment back, which consequently lowers the difficult level of exercise. Furthermore, the abdominal exercise equipment is provided with a vibration device which is capable of softening the muscles and fat, and speeding up fat loss by producing vibration. |
| US08708873B2 |
Assisted-resistance-control, free-form, exercise apparatus and method
An apparatus and method provide an elastic resistance to a free-range of motion of a user. A cord running through a pulley and connected at either end to handles permits assisted resistance control (ARC) and a leverage advantage. In ARC, release by an anchor hand, still maintaining a load, may provide consistent or reduced force on the other, active, hand. One bodily member, such as a hand, may selectively halt and move as an “anchor” member, thereby simultaneously exercising itself and exerting control over another “active” bodily member operating in a “free range of motion.” Thereby, motion of the active hand may continue throughout a range desirable for a physical therapy regimen, a sporting activity, a work activity, or the like, without excessive stress or strain on joints due to a mismatch of position and load. |
| US08708871B2 |
Training machine for strength training and rehabilitation
The invention relates to a training machine for strength training and rehabilitation comprising pull or press means (42, 43), which are arranged to be moved to and fro, while a predetermined number of weights (18) of a weight package via connection means (22) are brought to be lifted and lowered, respectively, along an inner frame (8), and driving means (48, 49, 50) for lifting said predetermined number of weights in a continuous cycle by means of a first user force towards said pull or press means, and for lowering said predetermined number of weights by means of a second user force, wherein said first force is smaller than said second force. The inner frame is turnable along a substantially horizontal axis of oscillation (9), which is arranged at the lower end of the inner frame and said driving means (48, 49, 50) is arranged at a predetermined distance above the geometric center of the inner frame, so that the upper end of the inner frame is arranged to be moved to and fro from a predetermined angled position turned about said axis and an essentially vertical position. |
| US08708867B2 |
Exercise methods and apparatus simulating stand-up paddle boarding
An exercise apparatus includes a frame; a platform configured to receive a person in a standing position, the platform connected to the frame; a handheld component configured to be held by a person standing on the platform; and an impeller-driven fluid circulation system. Manipulation of the handheld component by a person standing on the platform results in driving of the impeller and circulation of fluid within the fluid circulation system. The platform may rock from side to side, whereby a person standing on the platform must maintain balance while manipulating the handheld component. The handheld component may simulate a paddle and may include an elongate shaft. In this respect, the paddle component is used by a person standing on the platform as if the paddle component were a paddle used in paddleboarding, including manipulating the paddle component through a rowing motion that preferably would be experienced when actually paddleboarding. |
| US08708866B2 |
Abs-cycle
An exercise machine adaptable to perform a cardiac workout and an abdominal workout simultaneously includes a frame structure, a resistance provider, a pair of pedals, a first sprocket, a second sprocket, a sprocket rotating means, an axis, an engaging means, a cable, a seat, an elastic band, a pair of shoulder straps, a monitor and a pulley system. The sprocket rotating means allows the first sprocket to engage and disengage with the exercise bike. The pedaling of the pedals allows the user to perform the cardiac workout. The pair of shoulder straps designed to insert along the shoulders of the user is connected to the cable and creates a tensional force thereon by getting stretched with the pedaling of the pedals. The tensional force pulls the user backward and the user in turn resists the backward movement by manually contracting abdominal muscles to perform the abdominal workout. |
| US08708865B2 |
Pedal apparatus for electric motorcar or for motor vehicle having throttle mechanism
A pedal apparatus for an electric motorcar or for a motor vehicle having a throttle mechanism, includes: a brake pedal having a brake auxiliary pad to which a brake arm is connected; and an accelerator pad configured to be rotated in the lateral direction within a predetermined angle range for an accelerating operation. The accelerator pad is formed of a reinforced plastic and is formed with a convex-shaped projection at a midsection thereof, a distal end of the accelerator arm extending from a throttle position sensor mounted on a vehicle body and rotating a predetermined angle range is disposed so as to be in abutment with the accelerator pad, and the rotation angle detected by the rotation of the accelerator arm is transmitted to an accelerator or a throttle mechanism that controls a driving motor via the throttle position sensor. |
| US08708863B2 |
Epicyclic gear train
An epicyclic gear train includes a carrier that supports star gears that mesh with a sun gear. A ring gear surrounds and meshes with the star gears. Each of the star gears is supported on a respective journal bearing. Each journal bearing includes an internal central cavity and at least one passage that extends radially from the internal cavity to a peripheral journal surface of the respective journal bearing. The epicyclic gear train has a gear reduction ratio of greater than or equal to about 2.3. |
| US08708860B2 |
Multi-speed transmission having three planetary gear sets
A transmission includes an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes. |
| US08708856B2 |
Continuously variable transmission apparatus
The present invention relates to a continuously variable transmission apparatus, which is characterized by comprising: an input shaft transferred with torque inputted from the outside; a plurality of driven gears which are arranged around the circumference of the input shaft as a certain phase difference and transferred with the power from the input shaft; a variable cam of which the turning radius can be varied by an external load; a variable input link which is coupled to and transferred with the torque of the input haft and allows the rotation thereof; a one-way clutch which is transferred undirectionally with the bidirectional torque to be transferred to the driven gears, respectively, and rotates the driven gears in one direction; a plurality of cam shafts which contact the one-way direction clutch internally or externally; and a plurality of output links, each of which one end revolves together with the variable cam around the center of rotation of the variable input link and the other ends of which are coupled to the cam shafts respectively and allow swiveling thereof. |
| US08708855B2 |
Vehicle drive system
A vehicle drive system, including a motor generator; a gear group having a plurality of gears; and a motor cooling circuit for cooling the motor generator. The system further includes a lubricating circuit for lubricating the gear group; a cooler circuit in which an oil cooler is provided; and an oil pump that supplies oil to each circuit. The motor cooling circuit is arranged in series with and downstream of the cooler circuit, and the lubricating circuit is arranged parallel to the cooler circuit with respect to the oil pump. |
| US08708853B2 |
Hybrid transmission with three planetary gear sets and two interconnecting members and with synchronous shift between series and compound-split operating modes
A hybrid transmission is provided that has both a hybrid series operating mode and a compound-split operating mode. The transmission includes an input member operatively connected with the engine, an output member, and a plurality of selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms. A gearing arrangement and first and second motor/generators operatively connected with the gearing arrangement are also provided. The gearing arrangement includes a first, a second, and a third planetary gear set, each having a first, a second, and a third member. A first interconnecting member connects a respective one of the members of each of the planetary gear sets for common rotation with one another. A second interconnecting member connects another one of the members of one of the planetary gear sets for common rotation with another one of the members of another of the planetary gear sets. |
| US08708852B2 |
Vertical spring return valve actuator
A vertical spring return valve actuator includes a motor, a first worm gear and a second worm gear driving a sun gear of a planetary gear unit. The sun gear and planetary gears are rotated in a state where a ring gear is fixed by a brake unit during time of a normal operation. Also, a spring shaft, which is coupled to an output shaft of a planetary gear carrier operated cooperatively with the planetary gears , is rotated to permit a valve to be closed. At the time of a blackout, the brake unit is released, so that a spiral spring is unwound to permit the valve to be opened. Further, the valve is opened or closed manually through a valve manual opening and closing unit having a rotation member, a variable worm and a steering wheel. |
| US08708850B2 |
Link plate
A link plate for a transmission chain composed of a plurality of link plates flexibly connected to one another has a guide-contacting edge for direct sliding contact with a chain guide. The guide-contacting edge is composed of a plurality of surface portions in alternating relationship with a plurality of grooves along the direction of chain travel. |
| US08708848B2 |
Tensioning device
To increase the pressing force on a chain as the chain undergoes greater elongation. [Resolving Means] Provision is made for: a tensioner arm 2 in which a through-hole 21a is formed at a free end 21 which can pivot about a pivoting end 20; a hydraulic tensioner 3 for causing the tensioner arm 2 to pivot about the pivoting end 20; a lever arm 4 having a boss part 40 which is rotatably supported in the through-hole 21a at the free end 21 and comprises a pin insertion hole 40a at a position which is offset from the center O of the through-hole 21a, said lever arm also having a lever part 41 which extends from the boss part 40 toward the hydraulic tensioner 3 with the tip end of a piston 3a of the hydraulic tensioner 3 in abutment against it; and a pin 5 of which one end is fitted in a fixed wall 50, and of which the other end is inserted into the pin insertion hole 40a of the boss part 40 of the lever arm 4. When the piston 3a of the hydraulic tensioner 3 extends, the lever arm 4 pivots about the pin 5, whereby the amount of pushing by the free end 21 of the tensioner arm 2 into a chain 104 is increased. |
| US08708843B1 |
Ball training system for pitchers
A ball training system for pitchers for effectively improving the pitching abilities of a baseball or softball pitcher. The ball training system for pitchers generally includes a ball training device including a core having a first side and a second side, an exterior cover surrounding a portion of the core, a plurality of seams attached to the exterior cover, a first cover attached to the first side of the core, and a second cover attached to the second side of the core. The first side and the second side of the core are each preferably planar and parallel to one another. When the ball training device is properly thrown by a pitcher, the ball training device's flight is substantially smooth and if the improperly thrown the ball training device will wobble inflight. |
| US08708842B2 |
Soccer training apparatus
An elegantly simple training apparatus that helps soccer players quantify, and improve, their kicking skills. The soccer training apparatus includes a cage having a base, and at least one hand railing connected to the base. The base has a front portion and a rear portion with a ball moveably affixed, or tethered, to the front portion of the base by an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism may include, or be connected to, a force measuring mechanism that measures the force exerted on the ball after a user kicks the ball. The soccer training apparatus may also include a force display unit that displays that force to the user. The hand railing may extend over the base rear portion and may have a resistance band attached, that may exert a force on a user's kicking foot during a kick. |
| US08708841B2 |
Systems and methods for golf performance analytics
Systems and methods providing statistical analytics of golf performance including text, tabular, graphic, and image-based outputs that include trends information for the golfer, all based upon actual golf play on course situations, wherein the golfer inputs shot data during play, without interrupting the flow of the game, and uploads the shot data for analytics and review online. |
| US08708840B2 |
Low lift golf ball
A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas, a first group of areas containing a plurality of first dimples and a second group of areas containing a plurality of second dimples, each area of the second group abutting one or more areas of the first group, the first and second groups of areas and dimple shapes and dimensions being configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, and such that the golf ball exhibits a lift coefficient (CL) of less than about 0.255 over a range of Reynolds Number (Re) from about 120,000 to about 180,000 and at a spin rate of about 4,000 rpm. |
| US08708838B2 |
Hollow golf club with high density weights
A golf club with a new innovative construction to attach a high density weight to an external surface of the sole of a golf club head is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention relates to utilizing a thickened sole portion having a specific surface area to thickness ratio to provide adequate support for a high density weight having a significant amount of mass. The new innovative method of attachment also incorporates a unique mechanical lock to properly secure the high density weight to the club head, as materials used for high density weighting may not be easily weldable to the titanium material currently used for metalwood type golf club head. |
| US08708836B1 |
Golf club head with improved aerodynamic characteristics
A golf club head (40) with a face component (50), an aft body (70), and an aerodynamic hosel (50) is disclosed herein. The hosel (50) has one or more joints (80, 85, 87) around which pieces or segments of the hosel (50) may be rotated or pivoted to modify the way in which a shaft is oriented with respect to the club head (40) when the hosel (50) is rigidly affixed to the club head (40). The present invention may be used to modify the loft, lie, and/or face angle parameters of the golf club head. |
| US08708833B2 |
Method for measuring behavior of golf club and ball
A method for measuring behavior of a head of a golf club and of a ball includes obtaining two-dimensional data of three or more marks on a face surface at two points in time before impact; identifying three-dimensional positions of the marks on the two points in time from the two-dimensional data; identifying behavior of the face surface of the three-dimensional position of each mark at the two points in time; identifying time of a contact of the face surface with the ball; estimating behavior of the head at the time of contact of the face surface with the ball; obtaining two-dimensional data of the ball at the two points in time; identifying three-dimensional position and posture of the ball at the two points in time; and estimating a behavior value of the ball from the three-dimensional position and posture of the ball. |
| US08708831B2 |
U-joint arrangement and method of attaching a propeller shaft to a pinion flange
A U-joint arrangement for attaching a propeller shaft to a pinion flange is disclosed herein. At least one of the pinion flange and the propeller shaft has a pair of full-round receivers. The U-joint arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a U-joint having a cross member and a plurality of bearing cups rotatably mounted to the cross member. A pair of the bearing cups each have an outer diameter that is substantially less than an inner diameter of the pair of full-round receivers. The U-joint arrangement further includes a pair of retaining members that engage the pair of bearing cups and that are configured to engage the pair of full-round receivers. The pair of retaining members are further configured to support the pair of bearing cups within the pair of full-round receivers when the pair of retaining members are engaged with the pair of full-round receivers. |
| US08708821B2 |
Systems and methods for providing interactive game play
A method of interactive game play is provided wherein a seemingly magical wand toy is provided for enabling a trained user to electronically send and receive information to and from other wand toys, a master system and/or to actuate various play effects within a play environment. The toy wand or other seemingly magical object is configured to use a send/received radio frequency communications protocol which provides a basic foundation for a complex, interactive entertainment system to create a seemingly magical interactive play experience. |
| US08708819B2 |
Video game processing apparatus, video game processing method, and video game processing program
To increase a variety in playing a game, while achieving an effective utilization of a communication function, by actively using, in a video game, various kinds of information communicated between game apparatus when exchanging information relating to the game by means of wireless communication. Referring to various kinds of information, such as terminal category information, which indicates a category of a terminal transmitted and received by means of wireless communication between a game apparatus main body 10 and another game apparatus main body, terminal identification information for identifying the terminal, software identification information for identifying software of a video game being used in the apparatus main body, and communication history information, which indicates a history of the communication, exchangeable information, which indicates information exchangeable between the apparatus main bodies, is transmitted and received, and the received exchangeable information is converted into usable information, which indicates information usable in a video game of the game apparatus main body 10, and used. |
| US08708817B1 |
Graphic card animation system for virtual card games
The disclosure relates to a graphic card animation display system for electronic card games. The system may be configured to display one or more electronically generated images of an electronic game card based on an orientation of the system. Animating the display of the one or more electronically generated images of an electronic game card based on an orientation of the system may increase and/or enhance the interest level of a user playing the electronic card game. In some implementations, the system may comprise a display, one or more sensors, one or more processors, a user interface, electronic storage, a housing, and/or other components. |
| US08708816B2 |
System gaming
A method provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded. |
| US08708812B2 |
Game rating system for gaming devices and related methods
Game rating systems and related methods for using game ratings are disclosed herein. According to one method, the game rating system is used to assist a player in selecting a game for play on a gaming machine having one or more games. In this method, a game rating icon is presented on the gaming machine. The game rating icon corresponds to and represents a unique game style of each game on the gaming machine. The gaming machine receives player input select a game style, and a game having the selected game style is presented to the player for game play. |
| US08708811B2 |
Pool wagering apparatus, methods and systems
The present invention is directed to a system, method and apparatus for providing a unique pool betting product where players make selections in a number of different events which occur in sequential legs or time periods. After some and preferably most of the legs have been completed, players who have correct “win” predictions for each of the events or legs that are completed and thus remain in contention for the Jackpot Pool, and potentially those still eligible for consolations prizes, will be offered an opportunity to sell their tickets, in whole or in part, to the game operator or through the game operator. |
| US08708810B2 |
Gaming machine
A gaming machine has a symbol display region composed of cell columns, where cells are continuously disposed in each cell column. Symbols are displayed on each cell column in such a manner that one or more symbols correspond to one of the cells. The gaming machine comprises: a symbol movement control unit that makes each symbol column move along each cell column where a symbol is changed in turn according to an alignment order of the symbols, and makes each symbol column stop; a prize winning determination unit; and a dividend generation unit. The symbol movement control unit comprises: a symbol check unit that determines whether a symbol reaching a filtering position is a specific symbol; and a specific symbol control unit that generates a specific change different from a change to be generated according to the alignment order when the specific symbol reaches the filtering position. |
| US08708808B2 |
Collective enabling elements for enriched game play environment (single and/or multiplayer) for casino applications
Methods and systems for gaming are provided. A transpiring of a collective element in an entertainment game portion of a hybrid game is determined where the collective element is shared by two or more players of the entertainment portion of the hybrid, and where the hybrid game includes a gambling game portion and the entertainment game portion. A wager is triggered in the gambling game portion of the hybrid game based on the transpiring of the collective element in the entertainment game portion of the hybrid game. A real world credit gambling game result is distributed in the gambling game portion of the hybrid game between the two or more players. The distribution may be made on the basis of various parameters of the use of the shared collective element by the players. In addition, an allocation of an amount of a real world credit for the wager may also be based on various parameters of the players use of the shared collective element. |
| US08708805B2 |
Gaming system with identity verification
A gaming system is provided. The 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. The gaming system may incorporate a user profile feature according to which certain information regarding users of the system may be maintained. Such information can include, without limitation, information relating to preferences, finances, activities participated in by the users, and trends and habits of the users. |
| US08708804B2 |
Gaming system and method providing a collection game including at least one customizable award collector
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a collection game including at least one customizable collector. The gaming system displays a field including a plurality of different obstacles and a plurality of awards, provides a player with a collector, and enables the player to associate an item with the collector. The item is associated with one of the obstacles such that the item enables the collector to overcome that obstacle. The gaming system enables the player to position the collector within the field, and displays the collector moving within the field. If the collector intersects with an award, the gaming system accumulates that award. If the collector intersects an obstacle, and if the item associated with the displayed collector does not enable the displayed collector to overcome that obstacle, the gaming system ends the play of the collection game with respect to the collector. |
| US08708800B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a strategy game having a plurality of awards
The disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a game including a plurality of awards, each of the awards associated with a plurality of award characteristics, including an award value and a level of difficulty. Based at least in part on the award characteristics associated with the awards, a player strategically chooses which award or awards to play for (i.e., which award or awards to attempt to collect) in the game. In certain multiplayer embodiments, two or more players can work together to obtain awards. |
| US08708799B2 |
Gaming machine
A game machine has a back side display unit composed of reels for displaying back patterns, and a front side display unit composed of transparent EL panels for displaying overlapping patterns overlapping with the back patterns. The back side display unit and the front side display unit are disposed not to produce blind spot regions of the back patterns. The game machine can provide various overlapping patterns with good visibility and a high game selection capability to a player. |
| US08708788B2 |
System to route airflow through dynamically changing ducts
The invention generally relates to ventilation systems, and more particularly to selectively configurable climate control systems for use in data centers and the like. A system includes a first structural element and a second structural element spaced apart from first structural element to define a space between the first and second structural elements. The system also includes partitions moveable into the space between the first and second structural elements and a controller arranged to control movement of the partitions. |
| US08708787B2 |
Active material enabled pressure release valves and methods of use
A pressure relief valve includes a housing and vane that is movable to one of an open position and a closed position. A linear actuator mechanically couples between the movable vane and the housing. The linear actuator is a wire device fabricated from a shape memory alloy. An actuable latching system is configured to retain the movable vane in one of the open position and the closed position for an indeterminate time period. |
| US08708785B2 |
Poultry processing apparatus having one or more transfer units
A processing apparatus for poultry is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more transfer units placed intermediate of, conveying poultry from, a first line to a subsequent second line, wherein both the first line and the second line are selected from the group including a slaughtering line, an evisceration line, a chilling line, a sorting line and a cutup line. Each transfer unit is embodied with a circulating support that includes material that is magnetically conductive and transfer means are provided with at least one magnet so as to induce eddy currents in the circulating support that counteracts relative motion between the transfer means and the circulating support. |
| US08708783B2 |
Apparatus for hanging sausage on rod and method of hanging sausage on rod
An apparatus is provided for hanging sausage on a rod that does not need the task for suspending sausage on hooks to be paused when a chain of sausages hung on a rod is to be removed or when closure processing is to be performed on the front end portion or the rear end portion of a chain of sausages. Hook units are transferred and each include: a unit body that moves along a rail; a rod portion that is rotatably supported to the unit body and has attached thereto a hook portion at one end for hanging a joining portion of the chain of sausages, and a support portion that supports the chain of sausages suspended on the hook portion; and a rod receiving portion that is attached to the unit body, and has formed thereon a recessed portion in which a rod is to be placed. |
| US08708777B2 |
Sharpener for rotary cutters
Apparatus, systems and methods in accordance with the present invention are related to sharpening blades for rotary cutters. In one illustrative embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention, an elongated sharpening stone is held at a desired angle between underlying support structures on a base and a securing cap. A planar edge of the stone is exposed in an adjustable channel between the stone and a slidably adjustable sidewall. The angle of the sharpening stone corresponds to correct angle for a sharpened edge on a rotary blade disposed on a hand held rotary cutter, which is inserted into the channel. By advancing the cutter through the channel an edge of the rotary blade may be honed and/or sharpened. |
| US08708776B1 |
Optical fiber polishing machines, fixtures and methods
Polishing machines, fixtures and methods for polishing one or more optical fibers upon distinct wear paths are provided. For example, in some embodiments a polishing fixture is provided with a number of ports for fixing optical fibers. The ports may be positioned within the fixture to follow a number of distinct wear paths when the fixture is moved relative to a platen retaining an abrasive film. In some embodiments, the ports may have an angular separation or be positioned at one or more radial distances in order to provide distinct wear paths on the abrasive film. |
| US08708773B2 |
Asymmetrical bosom corrective brassiere
An anomaly-correcting brassiere of assumed positions of asymmetrical bosoms using interconnecting patches of loops and hooks for shoulder straps constituted as closed loops and non-elastic construction material to maintain symmetrical and obviate asymmetrical bosom conditions. |
| US08708772B2 |
Brassiere for sleeping for the prevention and correction of sagging breasts and wrinkles
A brassiere consisting of an integral body having a front portion, and a rear portion as a lateral extension of the front portion. The edge considered to be the lower edge, of the front portion as well as of the rear portion, has an elastic band which supports the entire structure of the brassiere. The center of the elastic band extends into an ascending sector defining a bridge having concave lateral edges and a lower edge which is also curved-concave, while the tops of the lateral edges also have divergent sections suitable for adapting to the contour of the breasts of the user. The bridge has cushioned padding, which affects the intermammary area up to the neckline as well as the semi-perimeter of the lower contour of the breasts including the lateral portions or sides of the armholes. |
| US08708770B2 |
Model motor vehicle highway system
An elongated flexible sliding member with spaced apart coils, slots, or holes to engage a guide pin on a slot car is placed in the slot of a model slot car track. Cars positioned where the flexible sliding member engage the coils, slots, holes or detents in the sliding member to be carried around the track by a powered car held by the flexible sliding member. |
| US08708769B2 |
Toy
A toy figure is disclosed herein, the toy figure having a main body portion; a pair of appendages movably secured to the main body portion for movement from a first position to a second position and back to the first position; and a removably body portion removably secured to the main body portion, wherein the pair of appendages grasp the removably body portion when they are moved to the second position and the removably body portion is removably secured to the main body portion, wherein the removably body portion is subsequently removed from the main body portion by the pair of appendages as they are moved back towards the first position from the second position. |
| US08708768B2 |
Whirlpool toy
A whirlpool toy for use in a partially enclosed household fixture having water therein and having a drain. An example of the whirlpool toy comprises a generally cylindrical body having a generally cylindrical upper chamber, the body having a top allowing a clear view of the upper chamber and at least one generally vertical side wall. A first outlet aperture is formed in a bottom of the upper chamber, located near a center of the bottom of the upper chamber. A lower chamber is connected to the upper chamber by the first outlet aperture, and has an open bottom offering a flow connection to the exterior of the device. The lower chamber extends beyond and is offset from the upper chamber. At least one inlet slot extends vertically up a portion of the at least one generally vertical side wall. A third chamber may be connected above the lower chamber offset to allow for the removal of objects drawn down into the lower chamber. |
| US08708764B2 |
Switchable color particle-based display and method of manufacturing same
The invention in one relates to a method for manufacturing a switchable particle-based display having a plurality of display units spatially arranged in a matrix form, wherein each display unit comprises one or more cells. In one embodiment, the method includes filling a plurality of first-type particles into the one or more cells of each display unit, filling one or more solutions into the one or more cells of each display unit, respectively, so that each cell contains one of the one or more solutions, where each of the one or more solutions comprises a respective colorant, and the respective colorant in each cell reacts with or adsorbs on the first-type particles therein, and filling a plurality of second-type particles into the one or more cells of each display unit. |
| US08708762B2 |
Rescue device
A throwable rotatable rescue device having a cord wound therein including a cord reel for storing and unwinding the cord therefrom as the rescue device is thrown. One end of the cord is detachably mounted to the rescue device to enable a person receiving a thrown rescue device to reach into an interior region of the rescue device and detach the cord from the rescue device. Thereafter one can attach the cord to an object that can be retrieved by pulling on the cord. |
| US08708761B2 |
Vessel propulsion apparatus
A vessel propulsion apparatus includes an exhaust passage guiding exhaust generated at an engine, a water jacket cooling at least a portion of the exhaust passage, a cooling device supplying water outside the vessel propulsion apparatus to the water jacket, an exhaust sensor detecting a concentration of a component in the exhaust in the exhaust passage, and a non-catalytic porous member disposed in the exhaust passage at an upstream side relative to the exhaust sensor. The non-catalytic porous member is a porous member that does not hold a catalyst. |
| US08708760B2 |
Trimmable pod drive
Disclosed herein is a trimmable pod drive assembly that includes a pod drive unit having a transmission assembly secured to a steering unit, a gear case assembly coupled to and rotatable by the steering unit about a steering axis, and a propeller rotatable about a propeller driveshaft axis extending through the gear case assembly so as to generate thrust along a thrust vector. The trimmable pod drive assembly further includes a trim assembly secured to the pod drive unit in a manner allowing for rotation of the pod drive unit about a trim axis that is substantially perpendicular to the steering axis, wherein actuation of at least one component of the trim assembly causes movement of the pod drive unit and the thrust vector about the trim axis. |
| US08708759B2 |
Terminal fitting and connector
A terminal fitting (10) includes a tubular main portion (11) into which a mating male tab (91) is insertable from the front. A resilient contact piece (22) which is to be resiliently held in contact with the male tab (91) is resiliently deformably formed in the main portion (11), and a contact portion (32) which receives the male tab (91) is fixedly formed at a position facing the resilient contact piece (22). The contact portion (32) includes a folded part formed by folding a backward extending part of an outer wall of the main portion (11) inwardly and forwardly. A curved R surface (41) is formed on the outer surface of the folded part of the contact portion (32). |
| US08708758B2 |
Electrical receptacle structure
An electrical plug receptacle includes a base seat, a first conductive strip, and a second conductive strip, wherein the first conductive strip and the second conductive strip respectively have a bottom part and a top part, the bottom parts of the first conductive strip and the second conductive strip are connected to the base seat, a slot is formed between the top parts of the first conductive strip and the second conductive strip, and the top parts of the first conductive strip and the second conductive strip are connected by an elastic element. |
| US08708757B2 |
Electrical contact configured to impede capillary flow during plating
An electrical contact including an elongated contact body that has a compliant tail, a mating beam, and a channel section extending between the compliant tail and the mating beam. The channel section has a base wall and sidewalls that extend from the base wall. The base wall and the sidewalls extend around a central longitudinal axis to define a flow channel. The channel section includes a flow-limiting feature that is configured to impede capillary flow of a plating solution along the channel section from the compliant tail to the mating beam. |
| US08708756B2 |
Reinforced connector with a crosstalk prevention feature
A connector includes terminal elements each having a base, multiple terminals securely received in the base with first ends and second ends, positioning blocks formed on one side face of the base and cutouts defined in a top portion of the base, a casing having receiving spaces defined in the casing for receiving the second ends of the terminals, positioning holes each defined to communicate with a corresponding one of the receiving spaces to position therein the second end of the terminals and ribs formed inside the casing to isolate each of the terminals from influence from the other terminals and an insert having receiving holes defined to receive therein the terminal elements and transverse columns corresponding to the cutouts of the terminal elements such that with the transverse columns received in the corresponding cutouts, connection between the insert and the terminal elements is secured. |
| US08708753B2 |
Electrical connector with different contacts sharing a same soldering leg
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing defining a tongue plate, a first set of contacts disposed upon the tongue plate, a second set of contacts disposed upon the tongue plate, and an inner PCB retained in the housing. The inner PCB defines at least one input connecting portion, at least one output connecting portion electrically connected with the at least one input connecting portion, and a first soldering leg connecting with the at least one output connecting portion. At least one of the first set of contacts connect with the first soldering leg, and at least one of the second set of contacts connect with the at least one input connecting portion to share the first soldering leg for mounting onto the mother PCB. |
| US08708745B2 |
Dual orientation electronic connector
A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. Each individual contact in the first plurality of contacts is electrically connected within the tab or body to a corresponding contact in the second plurality of contacts. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations. |
| US08708744B2 |
Electrical connector having shield with soldered terminal portions
A shell of a modular jack includes soldered terminal portions connected to a substrate. The soldered terminal portions include first soldered terminal portions and second soldered terminal portions. The first soldered terminal portions are formed to extend toward the substrate from first side wall portions folded from a front surface of the housing toward a right-side surface and a left-side surface. The second soldered terminal portions are formed to extend toward the substrate from second side wall portions folded from an upper wall portion toward the right-side surface and the left-side surface of the housing, the upper wall portion being folded from the front surface of the housing toward a top surface. The first side wall portions and the second side wall portions cover the right-side surface and the left-side surface of the housing. |
| US08708742B2 |
Card connector
A card connector includes an insulating housing having a pair of side walls of which one protrudes outward to form two stop blocks spaced along a front-to-rear direction, a plurality of electrical terminals disposed in the insulating housing, an upper shielding shell covered downward on the insulating housing, and a lower shielding shell covered upward under the insulating housing. The upper shielding shell has a top plate and a pair of side plates of which one is die-cut to form a positioning slice restricted between the stop blocks of the corresponding side wall. A front of each side plate is punched outward to form a vertical arched restricting portion. The lower shielding shell has a bottom plate and a pair of lateral plates of which a front of each top edge is concaved downward to form a restricting gap buckling the corresponding restricting portion therein. |
| US08708741B2 |
Electrical connector with thermal conductive substrate
A connector includes: a housing; and a connector module; the connector module including: a projection portion that projects outside from the housing; a substrate composed of a material with thermal conductivity; and a terminal that is fixed to a lower part of the substrate and contacts on an external substrate. |
| US08708728B2 |
Power plug locking device
A power plug locking device that prevents unauthorized removal of a power plug from an inlet includes a lock member pivoted about its axis. The lock member is pivoted between a lock position, at which the lock member locks the power plug to the inlet, and an unlock position, at which the lock member releases the power plug from a state locked to the inlet. A manual operation unit is manually operated to pivot the lock member from the unlock position to the lock position. A position holding unit is formed to hold the lock member at the lock position and maintain the power plug in a locked state with the lock member. |
| US08708726B2 |
Electrical connector system with replaceable sealing element
A replaceable sealing element for sealing together two mating electrical connectors includes a sealing body having two opposed ends, a side wall extending between the two opposed ends, a threaded portion that is defined on the side wall for releasably mating with a first electrical connector of the mating electrical connectors, and either a slot or a protrusion at one of the opposed ends of the sealing body that is configured to be accessed by a tool for replacing the sealing element. A first seal is positioned on the side wall for sealing contact with the first electrical connector. A second seal is positioned on the side wall for sealing contact with a second electrical connector of the mating electrical connectors. Also described is an electrical connector having a replaceable sealing element. |
| US08708724B2 |
Patch cord insertion detection and light illumination capabilities
A patch cord for an intelligent patching system is provided. The patch cord is a ten-wire patch cord having a patch panel plug and a switch plug. The patch panel plug contains ninth and tenth wire contacts that interface with ninth and tenth wire contacts of an intelligent patch panel port. The switch plug is provided with a plunger-style switch that enables the intelligent patch panel to determine when the switch plug is plugged into a switch port. The switch plug is also provided with LED's and circuitry that controls the LED's. |
| US08708723B2 |
Electrical connection between conductive elements
A method of forming an electrically conductive connection between two or more electrically conductive elements (2, 6) is provided, as is the resulting connection. Wherein the two or more electrically conductive elements (2, 6) are coated with a non-conductive coating (7), wherein an at least partially electrically conductive pasty medium (8) is located in a region (12) between the electrically conductive elements (2, 6) at regions of the electrically conductive elements (2, 6) which are substantially free from any non-conductive coating (7). The method comprising positioning one or more sealing elements (20) such that they completely isolate the partially electrically conductive pasty medium (8), such that after the electrically conductive elements (2, 6) are connected together, the sealing element (20) is held, and preferably compressed, between the electrically conductive elements (2, 6) and form a seal separating the at least partially electrically conductive pasty medium (8) from the surrounding environment. |
| US08708721B2 |
Connector
A connector is able to accommodate an object (for example, a tray on which a card is mounted). The connector comprises an ejection member and a backup portion. The ejection member includes a receiver and an ejecting portion. The receiver is able to be pressed by an operating member (for example, a pin). The ejection member pivots from an accommodating position to an eject position when the receiver is pressed. The ejecting portion ejects the object when the ejection member pivots toward the eject position. When the receiver receives an excessive force from the operating member, the backup portion is brought into abutment with the receiver so as to backup the receiver. |
| US08708720B2 |
Device for inserting, extracting and locking an electronic card in a slot
A device for clamping in a slot an electronic card including contacts insertable into connectors, guided by the slot between a first position of the electronic card, the extraction position, where the contacts are not inserted into the connectors, and a second position, the insertion position, where said contacts are fully inserted into the connectors; the device includes clamping means, means of controlling the clamping means, tightening means comprising a first eccentric having a pivoting connection with the electronic card able to control the clamping means, and the tightening means in a second eccentric working with means forming a bearing surface to produce an instantaneous center of rotation of the tightening means on the bearing surface when the electronic card is in the insertion position and the tightening means are operated around the pivot axis for inserting the electronic card. |
| US08708713B2 |
Connecting terminal structure, manufacturing method of the same and socket
A connecting terminal structure includes a plurality of connecting terminals, each including a connecting part to be in contact with an object to be connected at an end of the connecting terminal and a plate-like fixing part at another end of the connecting terminal, a first face of the plate-like fixing part being configured to be electrically connectable; and electronic components, each including at least two electrode terminals, wherein the two electrode terminals of the electronic components are mounted on faces opposite to the first faces of the fixing parts of the connecting terminals. |
| US08708711B2 |
Connecting terminal structure, socket and electronic package
A connecting terminal structure includes a supporting body; a plurality of first electrode pads provided on a first side of the supporting body; a plurality of second electrode pads provided on a second side of the supporting body; a flexible substrate configured to electrically connect the first electrode pads to the second electrode pads; and a plurality of connecting terminals joined to at least one of the first electrode pads and the second electrode pads. |
| US08708710B2 |
Contact configuration for undertaking tests on circuit board
An electronic structure (for example a reliability board or a cycling control module) has a body including a body portion insertable into a connector. A plurality of contact structures are provided on a side of the body portion, each contact structure comprising a first contact and a second contact spaced from the first contact, with the first and second contacts of each contact structure being aligned in the direction of insertion of the body portion into the connector. A corresponding second plurality of contact structures is provided on a side of the body portion opposite the first-mentioned side. These contacts connect with respective corresponding contacts of the connector. |
| US08708709B2 |
Method and apparatus for educating and influencing an individual
A method and apparatus for influencing a person to develop, accept and/or understand a concept, position or idea using questioning, including a technique sometimes known as the Socratic Method. A universe of question and answer subsets comprising questions and respective multiple choice answers to each question designed in advance, arranged and inter-connected on a stand-alone computer, a computer on a local area network or computer network, or any computer network and displayed in such a way as to allow the participant to follow the individual's own path by selecting answers he accepts, which tend to logically lead the individual toward agreement and or understanding on the subject. |
| US08708708B1 |
Respirator test accessory
A head form for testing a variety of respirators. The head form can prevent false leak failures by having a mask registration member upon which the mask under test is mounted, the mask registration member being self lubricating. In one embodiment, the registration member is an inflatable bladder. The bladder can be configured to limit lift away of the inflatable bladder from the recess, thereby mitigating leaks in the head form assembly. The bladder may be configured to limit roll away of portions of the bladder that register against the head form, thereby reducing or eliminating leaks between the inflatable bladder and the mask under test. |
| US08708706B2 |
Water skier training device and method of using the same
A floatable skier training device that includes a first floatable support comprising a first leading end and a second end, a second floatable support a first leading end and a second end, a seat (e.g., an arcuate seat) extending from the first floatable support to the second floatable support, the arcuate seat having a first forward section, a second rearward section, a top and a bottom, when the device is placed on a body of water, the bottom forms an angle with the surface of the body of water that is no greater than 45 degrees, and a method of using the same to allow a user to start from a position above the water. |
| US08708705B1 |
Consciousness raising technology
An individual can be presented with information which could provide such individual with an improved understanding of how people with different personality types and levels of consciousness could perceive and address disruptive events. This presentation of information can be in the form of a computer game in which a player can guide an avatar through increasing levels of consciousness, observing how the avatar perceives and addresses disruptive events at each level. Such a computer game can include multiple avatars representing different personality types, and can be configured so that the player would use avatars representing each personality type in the course of completing the game. |
| US08708703B2 |
Method and apparatus for teaching mathematics
An improved method of teaching mathematics which enables students to take an active and enjoyable role in their own learning via an interactive puzzle is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, each of the ten digits, zero through nine, is “hidden” within one of ten value positions (52). Students must deduce the value of each position by forming sums, differences, products, and/or quotients of the positions. Freedom of selection of positions and operations provides for individualized approaches to puzzle solutions, and the interplay of values and operations promotes number sense. Mathematical reasoning is intrinsic to the puzzle. Programmable settings (72) allow the teacher to modify the puzzle, including substituting more challenging values in place of the digits (98), supplying more complex functions (106) in place of the four elementary arithmetic operations, and adjusting the format of the answers. |
| US08708696B2 |
Swirl-counter-swirl microjets for thermoacoustic instability suppression
Combustor. The combustor includes an axially symmetric tube along with means for introducing fuel and air into the tube. A swirler is disposed within the tube to impart rotation in a first direction to the air/fuel mixture. A plurality of holes downstream of the swirler are disposed around the tube and offset at an angle relative to an inward normal to the tube wall. Air is injected through the offset holes to impart rotation to the air/fuel mixture in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A combustion chamber having a diameter larger than that of the tube receives and burns the air/fuel mixture from the tube. |
| US08708694B2 |
Wooden wicks including a booster for a candle and method of making
A wooden wick for use in a wax candle comprising a strip of a predetermined wood having each of a first predetermined length, a first predetermined width and a first predetermined thickness. Such wick further includes a booster member having each of a second predetermined length, a second predetermined width and a second predetermined thickness adhered to the strip of wood. |
| US08708691B2 |
Apparatus for resin transfer molding composite parts
A composite fabrication apparatus which may include a first tooling die and a second tooling die movable with respect to each other; a temperature control system having induction coils disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die; a first die susceptor provided on the first tooling die and a second die susceptor provided on the second tooling die and connected to the induction coils; and a cooling system disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die. A resin transfer system delivers resin from a resin source to the tooling dies to allow resin transfer molding. A composite fabrication method is also disclosed. |
| US08708690B2 |
Apparatus for the expansion of containers
A blow valve comprises at least one blow valve body, an environmentally controlled first receiving space constructed in the blow valve body and having at least one entry opening and at least one exit opening for receiving and conveying an operating gas, and a second receiving space constructed in the blow valve body for the guidance of a pressure distribution member such as, for example, a piston element. A sealing component prevents exchange of gas between the first receiving space and the second receiving space and is arranged between the first and second receiving spaces. The sealing component has a stationary part for fixing to the blow valve body and a movable part for changing the flow rate of the operating gas, wherein the setting member is surrounded in part by the sealing component and is coupled to the movable portion in order to move it. |
| US08708689B2 |
Co-molding display with body of mobile device
Tooling and methods for co-molding a body with two different materials. An internal die assembly comprising at least two parts allows for placement of a component and co-molding of the body around the component and then removal of the internal die assembly without disturbing the body. |
| US08708687B2 |
Apparatus for making a micro-textured web
Apparatus for making micro-textured webs. The apparatus comprises a pair of mated forming structures having a first forming structure, a second forming structure, and a deformation zone; wherein at least the first forming structure comprises voids, and wherein at least the second forming structure comprises protrusions wherein at least one protrusion has center-to-center spacings of less than about 800 microns with at least three of its adjacent protrusions. The voids of the first forming structure are engagable with the protrusions of the second forming structure at an engagement position to form a micro-textured web. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a pair of counter-rotating rollers wherein the first roller comprises grooves having a length, wherein the length of the grooves are oriented at an angle different from the machine direction. |
| US08708680B2 |
Apparatus for shaping plastic preforms, comprising a sterile chamber
An apparatus for shaping plastic preforms into plastic containers includes a transport device on which a plurality of blow molding stations are arranged. Each of these blow molding stations comprises a blow mold inside which a plastic preform can be shaped into a plastic container. The apparatus includes a clean chamber inside which the plastic preforms can be transported. The region of the transport device in which the blow molding stations are arranged is arranged in the clean chamber and at least one further region of the transport device is arranged outside the clean chamber. |
| US08708675B2 |
Systems and methods of using subsea frames as a heat exchanger in subsea boosting systems
Systems and methods of cooling a motor of an electrical submersible pump (ESP) assembly employed in an electrical submersible subsea booster pumping system, are provided. A supporting frame structure such as an ESP mounting skid or top end assembly of a caisson having structural members exposed to environmental seawater, is modified or designed to include fluid conduits within the structural members to establish lubricant pathways for lubricant to flow. A heated/hot lubricant line connects between a supporting structure lubricant inlet port and an ESP motor lubricant outlet port. A cooled lubricant line connects between a supporting structure lubricant outlet port and an ESP motor lubricant inlet port. A pump or other fluid moving device circulates lubricant from the ESP motor to the lubricant pathways within the supporting frame structure, whereby the seawater cools the lubricant contained therein, which is then circulated back into the motor to assisting cooling the motor. |
| US08708664B2 |
System to measure vibrations using fiber optic sensors
A vibration monitoring system for an electrical submersible pump (ESP) that includes a fiber optic cable coupled with the ESP and an optical sensor coupled with the fiber optic cable. The optical sensor emits electromagnetic radiation into the fiber optic cable, some of which reflects back from optical discontinuities provided in the fiber optic cable. By receiving the reflected electromagnetic radiation, the optical sensor estimates the location of the optical discontinuities. Displacement and rate of displacement of the optical discontinuities can be estimated when the reflections are received over a period of time. Because the fiber optic cable, and the optical discontinuities, move with the ESP, displacement measurements of the optical discontinuities correlate to ESP movement, including ESP vibration. |
| US08708663B1 |
Fugitive gas capture
A fugitive gas capture system includes a variable volume gas storage assembly (e.g., a bag) that expands and deflates between a first position and a second position, respectively, where the positions influence control of a switch coupled to a throttle on a gas engine that powers a compressor or coupled to a valve input to a gas booster compressor. The compressor is coupled to an output pipeline to provide the compressed gas in liquid or gas form to a pipeline under consistent pressure. Alternatively, the compressed gas may be on-site in a separator, in a heater treater, for various controls, as engine fuel, or with any other energy source employed on site, e.g., electric power from offgas vapors used to generate on-site electricity. |
| US08708654B2 |
Horizontal axis wind turbine with ball-and-socket hub
A horizontal axis wind turbine with a ball-and-socket hub is disclosed. The hub provides for a second vertical axis, the hub axis, intersecting the center of the hub that enables a change in orientation of the rotor axis without changing the orientation of the main shaft axis. The cause for the rotation around the hub axis is an imbalance in torque applied by the blades across a wind shear axis due to a gradient in wind velocity. Rotation around the hub axis will continue until back-and-forth rotation of the blades is such that the torque is balanced across a wind shear axis and the rotor axis is set at an optimal angle. As changes in wind direction occur, the torque will become imbalanced, and the hub will rotate until a new optimal angle is achieved. The present turbine design allows for the hub to freely rotate ±20° around the hub axis and continuously maintain orientation of the rotor axis at an optimal angle. When a control limit is reached, a computer signals the yaw axis motor to rotate the main shaft axis until it is aligned with the rotor axis. Laser measuring devices and linear actuators located in the front of the nacelle provide for monitoring and control of the hub movement. |
| US08708653B2 |
Fan structure having a first impeller and a second impeller
A fan structure comprises a first impeller and a second impeller, wherein the first impeller is composed of a first annular substrate, a plurality of first ribs and a plurality of first blades. The first ribs and the first blades are formed on the first annular substrate, each of the first ribs comprises an engaging hole, and a first accommodating space is formed between each of the adjacent first blades. The second impeller is composed of a hub, a second annular substrate, a plurality of second ribs, a plurality of second blades and at least one engaging member formed on the second ribs. The second ribs and the second blades are formed on the second annular substrate, and a second accommodating space is formed between each of the adjacent second blades. The first blades and the second blades are arranged in a staggered relationship. |
| US08708648B2 |
Device for a horizontally split turbomachine housing, guide vane ring segment and guide vane carrier for a horizontally split turbomachine housing
A guide disc segment for a horizontally split turbomachine housing is provided. The guide disc segment includes a plurality of guide blades and an outer ring segment. The guide blades are fixed to the outer ring segment along an inner circumference. The outer ring segment can be rolled into or out of a guide blade carrier of the turbomachine housing. The outer ring segment has, along an outer circumference, a toothing into which a drive device engages. A tangential force can be applied to the outer ring segment by the toothing such that the guide disc segment can be driven during the rolling into or rolling out of the outer ring segment. |
| US08708643B2 |
Counter-rotatable fan gas turbine engine with axial flow positive displacement worm gas generator
A counter-rotatable fan turbine engine includes a counter-rotatable fan section, a worm gas generator, and a low pressure turbine to power the counter-rotatable fan section. The low pressure turbine maybe counter-rotatable or have a single direction of rotation in which case it powers the counter-rotatable fan section through a gearbox. The gas generator has inner and outer bodies having offset inner and outer axes extending through first, second, and third sections of a core assembly. At least one of the bodies is rotatable about its axis. The inner and outer bodies have intermeshed inner and outer helical blades wound about the inner and outer axes and extending radially outwardly and inwardly respectively. The helical blades have first, second, and third twist slopes in the first, second, and third sections respectively. A combustor section extends through at least a portion of the second section. |
| US08708641B2 |
Turbine blade and gas turbine
Provided are turbine blades and a gas turbine capable of damping the vibrations caused by an excitation force and facilitating mounting/disassembly. Included are a shroud portion disposed at an end portion of an airfoil portion; a holder casing that can slide relative to the shroud portion, that can also be attached thereto/detached therefrom, and that forms a space with the shroud portion therebetween; and an elastic portion that is disposed in the space, that biases the shroud portion in a direction that separates it from the holder casing, and is disposed in a movable manner relative to the shroud portion; and a pressing portion that is disposed between the elastic portion and the holder casing and that can be moved toward and away from the shroud portion. |
| US08708639B2 |
Turbine bucket shroud tail
The present application provides an axial flow turbine. The axial flow turbine may include a stator casing and a turbine bucket positioned about the stator casing. A tip shroud may be positioned on the turbine bucket. A shroud tail may be attached to the tip shroud at a downstream end of the tip shroud. |
| US08708636B2 |
Reciprocating slat for use adjacent to trailer wall
An improved outer reciprocating floor slat for use in a truck trailer or the like. The outer floor slat is located adjacent to a trailer's side wall. The floor slat has a portion that extends laterally upwardly and outwardly until it reaches the trailer's side wall at an elevation above the normal load-carrying floor elevation of the reciprocating floor slats. The upwardly extending portion facilitates material movement away from the corner region where the reciprocating floor normally intersects the trailer's side walls. |
| US08708634B2 |
Vehicle carrier for motor home
A vehicle carrier assembly adapted to be mounted to the rear of a recreational vehicle which is designed to carry and transport a secondary vehicle. The carrier assembly includes a lift system which includes a pivoting subassembly combined with a deployable ramp. The ramp extends from the pivoted subassembly at an angle until it reaches the ground. The ramp extends from the pivoted subassembly in a direction perpendicular the longitudinal axis of the recreational vehicle. The secondary vehicle would then drive onto the angled ramp. The ramp is then retracted back to its first position, atop the pivoting subassembly. The pivoting subassembly is then pivoted back from its deployed angular position back to an original horizontal position. The secondary vehicle is secured to the vehicle carrier. The recreational vehicle is now ready to travel with an easily mountable and demountable secondary vehicle aboard. |
| US08708633B2 |
Container tilting apparatus and method
The present invention relates to a container tilting apparatus which includes at least one base section, and at least two tilt arms, with each of the tilt arms being pivotably connected to a base section. The apparatus also includes at least two container locks with each container lock being configured to engage a tilt arm with a side wall of a container. Also included is at least one tilt arm drive configured to pivot a tilt arm relative to a base section. The apparatus is arranged so that at least one tilt arm is pivotably connected to a base section at a point offset from the center of the tilt arm. |
| US08708630B1 |
Fastener apparatus with self-leveling head
Fastener apparatus including a self-adjusting and automatically self-leveling head separate from a threaded shank portion. An embodiment self-leveling head portion defines an annular conical recess and lip portion sized to receive a seal. A threaded shank resides within an annular cup center of the self-leveling head and has a thread-free portion seated by the compressed seal creating a water tight seal. Embodiments for sheet metal screw and bolt fasteners not requiring seals are disclosed. |
| US08708629B2 |
Thread clamping device
The present invention relates to a thread clamping device including a plurality of movable nut segments around a threaded rod, and spring members flexibly holding the segments against the rod. The thread clamping device has a structure adapted to accommodate substantially planar outer surfaces of the segments engaging planar surfaces of the end housing of the device, leading to a more robust device and improved performance. Such a thread clamping device can advantageously be used as a component of a self-adjusting shrinkage compensation device, a coupler for threaded rods, hold-downs, among other uses. Various embodiments of the thread clamping device include a multi nut configuration, a quick release, and including mechanical or magnetic clip attachments. |
| US08708627B2 |
Wheel lug nut locking device
A wheel lug nut locking device having first and second planar sections, each with an opening adapted to be fitted around a wheel lug nut. The planar sections are connected by a flexible section that allows the planar sections to be moved relative to one another. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible section has a concertina-like structure. In use, the locking device is used to lock a wheel lug nut to an adjacent wheel lug nut, so as to prevent or reduce rotation of the wheel lug nut. A plurality of locking devices can be fitted to a single wheel so that all of the lug nuts are operatively locked to an adjacent lug nut. The resulting locking system can be rapidly installed on each lug nut on all wheels, so as to provide improved safety aspects. |
| US08708626B2 |
Freight carrier
A freight carrier (10) in the form of a flatbed road trailer of the side loading type, has a load deck (16) and includes two bulk container tanks (20.1) and (20.2) for carrying liquid freight. The carrier includes lifting arrangements at opposite ends of the tanks for lifting the tanks into the raised positions illustrated, so as to define stowage compartments under the tanks within which general dry freight can be supported on the load deck. The trailer transports liquid freight when the tanks are in their lowered positions adjacent the load deck. When the tanks are empty, they are raised for the transport of dry freight. |
| US08708625B1 |
Wind turbine blade railroad transportation system and method
A system for transporting an airfoil over a railroad utilizing a first railcar coupled to a second railcar. The system includes a root bracket that supports a root end of the airfoil on the first railcar, and is oriented to align a tip end of the airfoil toward the second railcar. A blade support is fixed to the second railcar and is disposed to support the airfoil along its midsection. A weight is hung from a tension member on the second railcar such that the force of gravity induces tension forces along the tension member. An urging member is disposed on the second railcar and oriented to engage the airfoil between the blade support and the tip end of the airfoil. The urging member is coupled to the tension member such that the tension forces are transferred to the urging member to induce lateral forces against the airfoil. |
| US08708621B2 |
Spiral fluted tap and method for manufacturing the same
A spiral fluted tap is provided which includes a threaded portion having an external thread corresponding to an internal thread to be cut and a cutting edge formed along a spiral flute formed to divide the external thread, and being screwed into a prepared hole that is provided on a workpiece to cut an internal thread by the cutting edge on an inner circumferential surface of the prepared hole with discharging chips toward a shank via the spiral flute, the spiral flute having a stepped portion at a rear end of a chamfer portion or in a portion on a shank side from the rear end of the chamfer portion in the threaded portion, and a flute bottom diameter on a distal end side of the spiral fluted tap from the stepped portion being smaller than a flute bottom diameter on a shank side from the stepped portion. |
| US08708617B2 |
Internal groove insert and tool holder therefor
An internal groove insert includes a rectangular main body having a top surface, a lower surface, and first to fourth lateral surfaces; and first and second projections each projecting from the adjacent first and second lateral surfaces. The first projection has a first cutting edge at the side of the top surface of the main body, while the second projection has a second cutting edge at the side of the lower surface. The first and fourth lateral surfaces are inclined by an obtuse angle with respect to the top surface, while the second and third lateral surfaces are inclined by an acute angle with respect to the top surface. The central axis of the clamping hole is inclined to be parallel to the insert corner edge where the first and fourth lateral surfaces meet. |
| US08708612B2 |
Milling cutter having serrated cutting inserts spaced apart with varying axial offsets
A milling cutter includes a cutter body and at least three circumferentially spaced insert pockets, axially offset one with respect to the other, each having a replaceable cutting insert secured thereto. Each cutting insert has at least two identical straight serrated cutting edges and all the cutting inserts are identical. A first insert pocket (30) is an axially forwardmost insert pocket. A second insert pocket is axially offset from the first insert pocket by a first offset distance that is smaller than an offset distance associated with any other pair of axially adjacent insert pockets. |
| US08708611B2 |
T-slot cutter having separate centering and torque-transmitting portions
A cutting head (14) for a T-slot cutter (10) includes opposing cutting head top and intermediate surfaces (18, 20) extending perpendicular to a head rotation axis (A), and a head peripheral surface (22) extending therebetween. The cutting head (14) also includes cutting portions (24) located along the head peripheral surface (22) and a head protrusion (32). The head protrusion (32) extends from the cutting head intermediate surface (20) and includes a head torque-transfer portion (42). The cutting head (14) further includes a cutting head abutment surface (34), and a head bore (36) coaxial with the head rotation axis (A). The head bore (36) extends between, and opens out to, the cutting head top surface (18) and the head protrusion (32). The cutting head (14) also includes a head centering portion (40) distinct from the head torque-transferring portion (42) and located at an axial position different therefrom, along the head rotation axis (A). |
| US08708610B2 |
Cutting body and cutting insert having a stopping recess for a rotary cutting tool
A rotary cutting tool has a disc-shaped tool body and a cutting insert. The cutting insert is resiliently retained by jaws having tangentially-oriented abutment surfaces and defining, together with a holding member, an insert pocket of the tool body. The holding member is configured to bend in a radially-outward direction during rotation of the tool body about the rotation axis, and to engage a stopping recess of the cutting insert to oppose dislodgement of the cutting insert from the tool body. |
| US08708608B2 |
Stackable segmental retaining wall block
A multi-component segmented retaining wall (SRW) block that may form a mortarless retaining wall. Each SRW block includes an interlocking face unit and an anchor unit that may be interlocked by complementary connector elements. The face units each have a front face that has one or more coplanar stacking surfaces to provide greater stability when the face units are stacked for shipping. |
| US08708605B2 |
Structure for transport and offshore installation of at least one wind turbine or underwater generator, and methods for transport and offshore installation of at least one wind turbine or underwater generator
A structure for transport and offshore installation of at least one wind turbine or underwater generator includes a U-shaped floating hull having lateral arms. Each lateral arm has at least one leg vertically movable by the hull in flotation, and at least one assembly for supporting a wind turbine or underwater generator. The assembly includes two shuttles opposite each other and each combined with a leg and each having higher and lower pairs of arms which are pivotably movable between a retracted position and an active position tilted against a mast of the wind turbine or underwater generator. |
| US08708603B2 |
Apparatus for aerating and draining
An aeration and drainage system includes an aeration & drain pipe which contains slots on its upper surface, a stand which holds said aeration & drain pipe above a bottom surface, an air and liquid transfer element attached to the aeration & drain pipe and positioned over said slots. Additionally the air and liquid transfer element extends upward from the slots, and the air and liquid transfer element contains openings on its top to allow fluids to flow into the air and liquid transfer element and through the slots in the aeration & drain pipe. |
| US08708595B2 |
Panel member locking device
A panel member locking device includes a bracket affixed to a frame shell, a driving rod vertically movably set in the bracket, a locking rod connected to the driving rod and vertically movable by the driving rod into a through hole at a first panel member and an oblong locating hole at a second panel member and rotatable by the driving rod between a locking position to lock the first and second panel members to the frame shell and an unlocking position to unlock the first and second panel members from the frame shell, a guide tube axially movably set in the bracket to guide the driving rod to move axially and rotate relative to the bracket, a spring member to impart an upward pressure to the guide tube, and a constraint member coupled between the driving rod and the bracket to limit the rotation angle of the driving rod. |
| US08708594B2 |
Motor vehicle, particularly commercial vehicle, and joint arrangement
A joint arrangement (1) comprising a journal-like retaining body (5) and a joint head (4) is provided, at the axial head end thereof, for engaging with one of a one-piece or multi-piece supporting device. The base region (5a, 5b) of the retaining body (5) is connected to an axle body (10), particularly of a utility vehicle, and designed such that, in addition to the retaining body (5) extending in a journal-like manner, the joint arrangement (1) also comprises a separate flange body (8) which can be used to apply force to the retaining body (5) in the direction of the base region (5a, 5b) thereof for the purpose of connecting the retaining body (5) to the axle body (10). |
| US08708593B2 |
Cross-flexural pivot
A cross-flexural pivot includes a first structure with a first longitudinal axis; a second structure with a second longitudinal axis; an inner flexure member, and an outer flexure member. The inner flexure member includes a face disposed obliquely to the first and second longitudinal axes and is coupled to the first structure at a first side and the second structure at a second side opposing the first side. The outer flexure member includes a tubular face surrounding the inner flexure member, the tubular face being disposed obliquely to the first and second longitudinal axes. The outer flexure member is coupled to the first structure at the second side and to the second structure at the first side. |
| US08708592B1 |
Adjustable tree stand frame
An adjustable tree stand frame has a housing attached to a tree with a spindle rotatably disposed within the housing. One or more spring loaded pins are removably receivable within openings on an outer periphery of the spindle such that when so received within an opening, spindle rotation is prevented. A frame is pivotally attached to the spindle and uses a threaded shaft and a receiver to pivot the frame back and forth with respect to the spindle. |
| US08708589B2 |
Transport device, recording apparatus, transport method
The transport control section controls, at the time of cutting of the long sheet by the cutting unit, the motor for pinching such that a downstream portion in the transport direction, which is cut from the sheet, remains pinched by the first roller and the second roller at the point of time of completion of cutting, and controls, after the completion of cutting, the motor for discharge such that the downstream portion is discharged downstream in the transport direction by rotation of the respective rollers which pinch the downstream portion. |
| US08708588B2 |
Horizontal adjustment device of upper base of barcode printer
A horizontal adjustment device of upper base of barcode printer includes a barcode printer chassis formed with at least one threaded hole. A printing-device upper base is mourned to a chassis side wall of the barcode printer, and having a through bore. At least one adjustment bolt has an end received through the through bore, and is rotatably coupled with an end of the through bore. The adjustment bolt has an opposite end forming at least one screwing engagement section. The screwing engagement section engages with the threaded hole, and another end of the adjustment bolt is rotatably received in the opposite end of the through bore. At least one adjustment threaded fastener engages the adjustment bolt so that the printing-device upper base is adjusted to move horizontally by rotating the adjustment threaded fastener and the adjustment bolt. |
| US08708581B2 |
Mirror arrangement for reflex cameras
A mirror arrangement for reflex cameras is provided. A main mirror is pivotably connected to a steering lever, which is rotatable about a rotary spindle, such that the main mirror is pivoted and lowered during transition into the lower position. A secondary mirror is rotatably mounted to a housing via a pivot arm that is arranged pivotably about a rotary spindle that is fixed to the housing. The rotary spindle of the pivot arm is parallel to the rotary spindle of the steering lever. The mirror arrangement further comprises an actuating lever, which is connected to the main mirror and the pivot arm of the secondary mirror. The actuating lever is configured to provide simultaneous movement of the main mirror and of the secondary mirror from the upper position into the lower position and vice versa. |
| US08708580B2 |
Cable assembly having movable optical modules
A cable assembly includes an insulative housing having a main portion, and a mating portion extending forwardly from the mating portion. An optical device is attached to the housing and has a pair of optical module movable accommodated in the mating portion along a front-to-back direction for optical transmitting. The optical modules each has a seat and a number of lenses supported by the seat. The pair of optical modules are adapted for connecting two corresponding connectors, respectively, and a combination of the pair of the optical modules is also adapted for connecting a single corresponding connector. |
| US08708571B2 |
Rolling bearing unit with combined seal ring and manufacturing method thereof
Construction of a rolling bearing unit with a combined seal ring that enables press fitting of a cylindrical section 15 of a slinger 13 to be pressure fitted on to a slinger fitting surface 20 of an inner ring 19a without losing the seal between the slinger fitting surface 20 and the cylindrical section 15 is achieved. Of the surface of the inner ring 19a, the continuous section that comprises a portion corresponding to the slinger fitting surface portion 20, a portion corresponding to the chamfered section 25a and a joining section 27a between these portions are simultaneously ground with a formed grindstone. As a result, the continuous section is entirely formed into a flat surface with no non-differential corners in the cross section, or in other words, with no sharp corners. |
| US08708570B2 |
Bearing device for wheel
A hub wheel (21) and an outer joint member (3) are coupled to each other through intermediation of a recess-projection fitting structure (M). The recess-projection fitting structure (M) can be separated by being applied with a pulling-out force in an axial direction under a state in which a bolt member (30) is removed, and can be re-formed by re-screwing the bolt member (30) into a bolt hole (5d). The hub wheel (21) comprises a receiving portion (23a) for receiving the bolt member (30). The shaft portion (5) has a small diameter portion (5a) serving as a fit-in portion to be fitted along an inner periphery of the receiving portion (23a) under a state in which the recess-projection fitting structure (M) is formed. The small diameter portion (5a) is used as a part for confirming the accuracy and the state of the recess-projection fitting structure (M). |
| US08708564B2 |
Bearing elements, bearing apparatuses including same, and related methods
Bearing apparatuses including contacting bearing surfaces comprising superhard materials are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to bearings including polycrystalline diamond inserts or compacts defining a plurality of surfaces that move relative to one another and contact one another. For example, apparatuses may include radial bearings, or other bearings including arcuate bearing surfaces that more in relation to one another, without limitation. In one embodiment, a superhard bearing element may comprise a superhard table (e.g., polycrystalline diamond) forming an arcuate bearing surface. Further, such a superhard bearing element may comprise a chamfer formed about at least a portion of a periphery of the arcuate bearing surface. Bearing apparatuses including such bearing elements and various mechanical systems are disclosed. |
| US08708561B2 |
Mobile imaging apparatus
In an exemplary embodiment, an imaging apparatus comprises an arm assembly coupled to an imaging arm. The arm assembly includes a shoulder joint, an elbow joint, and an articulation assembly. The shoulder joint is configured to travel a vertical distance in a substantially linear fashion and provide rotational movement. The imaging arm comprises a first end and a second end. As such, the imaging apparatus is configured to provide radial motion along a path equal to the length of the arm assembly and the imaging arm along the vertical distance and the horizontal distance of the shoulder joint. The imaging apparatus may also comprise a movable cabinet, a monitor, and a control, with the arm assembly coupled to the movable cabinet. Furthermore, the imaging arm may comprise an x-ray source and a sensor, with the monitor displaying data detected by the sensor. |
| US08708559B2 |
Pile sensing device and method of using the same
A system for monitoring the forming of a solid object having a sensor string positionable in a forming structure before the curing process and a communication line extending along a string axis between a first and second end. The string further including a plurality of sensors joined to the communication line between the ends and each sensor being mounted at a set position on the line. Each sensor having a sensor body and a sensor housing and the sensor body including an electrical connecter to electrically join an electrical structure to the communication line at the set position. The electrical structure including a temperature sensor configured to monitor temperature near the set position and further including an electronic identification code corresponding to the set position of the sensor along the axis. The system further including a transmitting device for selectively communicating the temperature and identification code. |
| US08708558B2 |
Temperature detecting apparatus
A temperature detecting apparatus for adjusting heat dissipating angle of a fan according to status of heat sources, includes detection module, a comparison module, a control module, and a driver module. The detection module detects temperatures of the heat sources, and converts the detected temperatures to voltage signals. The comparison module receives the voltage signals, and compares the voltage signals with a reference voltage to output control signals. The control module receives the control signals, and turns on according to the control signals. The driver module drives a plurality of air guiding fins rotating thereon. A direction of current flowing through the driver module is adjustable when the control module turns on. The driver module drives the air guiding fins turning toward to guide air flowing to one of the heat sources according to the direction of the current. |
| US08708557B2 |
Apparatus for measuring thermal diffusivity
An apparatus for measuring thermal diffusivity includes a Raman spectroscope, a heating device, and a signal analyzing unit. The Raman spectroscope is utilized to measure a Raman scattering intensity of different sites of a film to be measured. The heating device is utilized to provide a controllable thermal driving wave. The signal analyzing unit is utilized to analyze the Raman scattering intensity from the Raman spectroscope and the thermal driving wave so as to evaluate the thermal diffusivity of the film to be measured. |
| US08708555B2 |
Methods and systems for verifying sensor bond integrity and structures employing such systems
Methods and systems are disclosed for determining an amount of bond between a structure and sensor. A method may include performing a process associated with a sensor bonded to a structure and generating measured data in response to the process. The method may further include comparing the measured data to known reference data to determine integrity of a bond between the sensor and the structure. A system may include a sensor system including at least one sensor bonded to a structure. The system may further include a sensing system configured to initiate an application of one or more stimuli to the at least one sensor and monitor a property associated with the at least one sensor. The sensing system may further be configured to determine an amount of bond between the at least one sensor and the structure based on the monitored property. Structures having one or more sensors bonded thereto and an associated sensing system for determining bond integrity between the one or more sensors and the structure are also disclosed. |
| US08708552B2 |
Damping member, shock damping structure in electronic device, and electronic device using the shock damping structure
A damping member includes a body provided between a device case and a module encased within the case and damping an external shock applied on the case. The body includes a holding member having upper and side surfaces and disposed between an inner peripheral surface of the case and an outer peripheral surface of the module, a first shock absorbing member covering a predetermined part of the upper and side surfaces of the holding member, deformed elastically when the shock is applied on the case, and elastically absorbing the shock, and a second shock absorbing member covering the other part of the holding member, getting the shock earlier than the first shock absorbing member when the shock is applied on the case, each changing its volume in accordance with the shock, and absorbing and escaping the shock. A damping structure used for an electronic device uses the damping member. |
| US08708546B2 |
Backlight module
A backlight module includes a backboard, a reflection plate mounted inside the backboard, a light guide board arranged on the reflection plate, and an optic film arranged on the light guide board. The light guide board includes a main body and a plurality of upper and lower positioning pegs projecting from upper and lower surfaces of the main body. The optic film forms first positioning holes corresponding to the upper positioning pegs. The reflection plate forms second positioning holes corresponding to the lower positioning pegs. The backboard forms positioning channels corresponding to the lower positioning pegs. The first positioning holes of the optic films are fit over the upper positioning pegs of the light guide board and the lower positioning pegs are respectively set through the second positioning holes of the reflection plate to be received in the positioning channels of the backboard. |
| US08708542B2 |
Backlight module and liquid crystal display device
A backlight module and a liquid crystal display device are provided. The backlight module at least comprises a light source assembly and a light guide plate. The light source assembly provides multiple groups of parallel incident beams having different intensity. A light incidence surface is used to receive the parallel incident beams and then refract them to be multiple groups of parallel refracted beams. The parallel refracted beams can directly arrive at a bottom surface, and be emitted out from a light-emitting surface after reflected and dispersed by the bottom surface. There forms an included angle between a normal of the light incidence surface and the parallel incident beams, and the included angle is an acute angle. The backlight module and the liquid crystal display device of the present invention can reduce the reflection times of light in the light guide plate for improving the light use efficiency. |
| US08708539B2 |
Vehicular lamp
A vehicular lamp is provided with a light source and a projector lens. An incidence plane of the projector lens includes a first light distribution control surface configured to form a first light distribution pattern and a second light distribution control surface configured to form a second light distribution pattern which is formed above the first light distribution pattern. |
| US08708537B2 |
Lighting apparatus, headlamp, and mobile body
A lighting apparatus is provided that, while suppressing an increase in size, can change the illuminating direction. The lighting apparatus has: a laser generator which emits laser light; a light emitting member which is irradiated with the laser light emitted from the laser generator to emit light; an irradiated position changer which moves and thereafter stops an irradiated position at which the light emitting member is irradiated with the laser light; and a light projecting member which projects the light emitted from the light emitting member. |
| US08708532B2 |
Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device includes: a transparent substrate including a mounting surface, a circuit path formed on the mounting surface, and two opposite contacts formed on the mounting surface; a light-emitting diode chip that includes two electrodes and that is mounted on the mounting surface; and a reflecting cup disposed on the mounting surface to cover the light-emitting diode chip. The reflecting cup is formed with an inner recess that faces the mounting surface, and a reflecting layer formed on a recess-defining wall that defines the inner recess. The reflecting layer is capable of reflecting light from the light-emitting diode chip toward the transparent substrate. |
| US08708530B2 |
Lighting fixture
A lighting fixture with a housing having an opening and containing a fan and at least one heat-generating light bulb to produce light at the opening and a protective lens assembly below the housing opening. The protective lens assembly includes a top clear or translucent lens and a bottom clear or translucent lens having an opening and spaced from the top lens to provide a first ventilation gap between the lenses while protecting the interior of the housing. The fan may be operated to cool the light bulb by moving air through the ventilation gap and across the bulb. |
| US08708527B2 |
Light module and optical lens for the light module
A light module includes a light source and an optical lens. The light source emits light to the optical lens. The light source is a single unit and has a parallelizing surface, a first plane, a wave surface, and a second plane in sequence. The light source emits light to the optical lens and through the parallelizing surface, the first plane, the wave surface, and the second plane in sequence to form a parallel linear light. |
| US08708520B2 |
Illumination device and electronic apparatus
An illumination device includes a light emitting element chip and a plurality of lens array units. The light emitting element chip has a plurality of light emitting elements. Each light emitting element is a first light emitting portion provided in the light emitting element chip, or is a second light emitting portion provided at a position closer to the end portion of the light emitting element chip than the first light emitting portion. The lens array unit has a plurality of micro lenses each of which is opposed to each of the plurality of light emitting elements. Each micro lens is a first lens opposed to the first light emitting portion, or a second lens opposed to the second light emitting portion. The optical center of the first lens coincides with the geometric center thereof, and the optical center of the second lens is different from the geometric center thereof. |
| US08708518B1 |
Luminaire with thermally isolated compartments
A luminaire includes a single luminaire housing that includes thermally isolated light source and power control device compartments. At least one light source is disposed within the luminaire housing, and at least one power control device is disposed within a second, thermally isolated compartment. The light source and power control device compartments are separated by a chamber that includes a substantially nonconductive member, which prevents heat from the light source compartment from travelling to the power control device compartment. Thermally isolating the power control device from at least a portion of the heat generated by the light source allows the power control device to be disposed relatively close to the light source without becoming overheated and damaged. A hollow, threaded rod extends between and couples together the light source compartment and power control device compartment. Electric wires connecting the light source and power control device extends through the threaded rod, providing necessary electrical power in an aesthetically pleasing design. |
| US08708517B2 |
LED roadway luminaire
The luminaire comprises a housing including at least one optical module. The optical module has a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed within a reflector. The reflector includes opposed curved longitudinal walls and opposed curved end walls. |
| US08708515B2 |
Combination solar and oil torch
A hybrid torch having a liquid fuel reservoir, a flame bowl, a wick that moves fuel from the reservoir to the flame bowl for combustion, and a cap that selectively covers the flame bowl and provides at least one light emitting diode (LED) for illuminating an area under the cap. |
| US08708505B2 |
Door mirror and assembly method therefor
The present invention provides a door mirror and assembly method therefor with improved assembly performance. A housing support member, housing, and base of a manually retractable door mirror are assembled using screws, a coil spring, and a plate. During assembly, the housing support member is supported in an upside-down position by a jig, and the housing and base are placed in sequence in an upside-down position on the housing support member from above. An electric drive mechanism, fitting, housing, and base of an electrically retractable door mirror are assembled using screws. During assembly, the electric drive mechanism is supported in an upside-down position by a jig, and the fitting, housing, and base are placed in sequence in an upside-down position on the electric drive mechanism from above. |
| US08708502B2 |
Projection type image display apparatus with shielded circuit board
The projection type image display apparatus is equipped with a lamp unit (22), an optical block (21) which modulates light from the lamp unit and projects an image signal, a circuit board (24) having via holes and on which an external connector (25) is mounted, and a cabinet (2) for housing the aforementioned elements. The display apparatus is equipped with a back cover (26) provided to cover around the external connector from the outside and a dustproof cover (29) provided to cover around the external connector from the inside. A closed space is formed by the circuit board, the back cover (26) and the dustproof cover (29), and the dustproof cover closely shields at least a space below the circuit board from the exterior. Excellent dustproof characteristics enabling use even in installation environments with a large amount of dust and dirt can be obtained. |
| US08708500B2 |
Projection device for effectively performing the light utilization
A projection device capable of effectively performing the light utilization is disclosed, particularly comprising polarized beam components and reflective components regarded for controlling polarizing of light, reducing light missing during light transferring from a light source to a projection lens set, increase light utilization efficiency, wherein the polarizing beam components are regarded for separating the light into two orthogonal polarization waves; the present invention further comprises two modulated diaphragms regarded for controlling the strength of said two orthogonal polarization waves, equaling brightness of the polarization waves at final vision, keeping a good quality in final vision. |
| US08708499B2 |
Illuminating device and projection display device using the same
An illuminating device includes: light source (101); light guiding means (102) where light from light (101) is supplied to one end surface, and light incident from the one end surface is propagated inside to exit from the other end surface; illuminating optical systems (103 to 107) that form an optical image formed on the other end surface of light guiding means (102) on display element (22); reflective polarizing plate (109) that is located between illuminating optical systems (103 to 107) and display element (12), and transmits first polarized light while reflecting second polarized light whose polarized state is different from the first polarized light toward illuminating optical systems (103 to 107); phase plate (108) located between light guiding means (102) and reflective polarizing plate (109); and reflecting means (21) that is located on a side opposite the one end surface of light guiding means (102), and reflects, among lights by reflective polarizing plate (109), light incident via phase plate (108), illuminating optical systems (103 to 107), and light guiding means (102) toward the one end surface of light guiding means (102). The light emitting center of light source (101) is shifted from a center axis of light guiding means (102). |
| US08708498B2 |
Display apparatus for vehicle and display method
A display apparatus for vehicle includes: an image projector configured to project a light flux including an image having a display object toward a one eye of an image viewer; and a position detector configured to detect the one eye of the image viewer. The image projector changes at least one of a position, a shape and a size of the display object in the image on the basis of a position of the one eye detected by the position detector. |
| US08708497B2 |
Three dimensional measurement apparatus and three dimensional measurement method
A three dimensional measurement apparatus includes a projection unit that projects, to a measurement target object, a first pattern light including alternately arranged bright parts and dark parts and a second pattern light in which a phase of the first pattern light is shifted, and an imaging unit that images the measurement target object on which the first or second pattern light is projected. When a period of repetitions of the bright parts and the dark parts of the pattern light is one period, a range of imaging on the measurement target object by one pixel included in the imaging unit is an image distance, and the length of one period of the projected pattern light on the measurement target object surface is M times the image distance, the projection unit and the imaging unit are arranged to satisfy “2×N−0.2≦M≦2×N+0.2 (where N is not less than 2)”. |
| US08708489B2 |
Aberration correction method, photographing method and photographing apparatus
A fundus image photographing apparatus with adaptive optics generally corrects an aberration by feedback control using a wave front sensor and a wave front correction device. The reduction in the time required to correct the aberration to a high-resolution photographing level is demanded. Aberration correction information of last photographing is stored for each subject, and a stored correction value is used to correct the aberration to reduce the time before the completion of the aberration correction. If there is no stored information, a correction value for a preset reference aberration amount is used. |
| US08708488B2 |
Eye surgery system and methods of preparing and performing an eye surgery
A method for carrying out eye surgery comprises a comparison of images recorded before surgery with images recorded during surgery in order to generate a marker which represents a target orientation of an intraocular lens or a difference between a current orientation and the target orientation of the intraocular lens. An eye surgery system respectively comprises an imaging system which is used during a surgery and has a camera, and a diagnostic system which is used before surgery and which also has a camera. The imaging system used during surgery comprises an image processing device in order to perform a computation based on the recorded images, and in order to determine a respective orientation value, from which a representation of a marker representing the target orientation of the intraocular lens is obtained. |
| US08708479B2 |
Method to reduce the curling of a printing substrate in a printer, and device to print to a printing substrate
In a method or device to reduce curling of a printing substrate in a printer, at least one print region of the printing substrate is printed with ink. A moisture level of the printing substrate is increased in at least one unprinted partial region of the printing substrate that is arranged on a same side of the printing substrate as the print region. |
| US08708478B1 |
Method for printing on a shiny surface by a UV inkjet printer with transparency and high color density
A method for printing on a shiny surface by a UV inkjet printer with transparency and high color density is described. Steps of the method include: (a) according to a conveying direction of a workpiece, dividing the workpiece with a reflective film into a plurality of continuous printing areas; (b) performing a printing operation on each printing area of the reflective film of the workpiece for at least three times; and (c) turning on a UV lamp at one side of an inkjet module when a final printing operation is performed on each printing area, to cure ink jetted from the inkjet module, thereby enabling the reflective film of the workpiece to still retain high shininess and high transparency after printing of the workpiece with a transparent reflective film surface is completed, and enabling a pattern printed thereon to have high color density. |
| US08708474B2 |
Ink composition, ink set and image forming method
An ink composition includes a compound having a structure represented by the following Formula (I), a polymerization initiator and water; wherein, in Formula (I), R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; X1 represents —O— or —NH—; A1 represents —O— or —NH—; M1 represents a metal atom; and n represents an integer of from 1 to 10. |
| US08708473B2 |
Inkjet recording treatment liquid, inkjet cartridge, inkjet recording ink set, and inkjet recording method
Inkjet recording treatment liquids include: at least one water-soluble organic solvent; water; at least one compound according to formula (I) wherein: each of R1 and R3 independently represents H, a lower alkoxy group, or a lower perfluoroalkoxy group; each of R2 and R4 independently represents a lower perfluoroalkyl group; each of p, q, and r is independently an integer of 1 to 24; m is an integer of 1 to 28; and n is an integer of 0 to 10; and at least one compound according to formula (II) wherein: each of R5, R6, and R7 independently represents a lower alkyl group, a lower perfluoroalkoxy group, or F; and M is Li, Na, or K. Methods of inkjet recording, inkjet recording apparatus, storage bags, and cartridges employing the inkjet recording treatment liquids are also provided. |
| US08708471B2 |
Waste liquid recovery apparatus and liquid ejecting apparatus
A waste liquid recovery apparatus includes a container body; a liquid absorbing body which is accommodated in the container body and absorbs liquid discharged as a waste liquid; and a sealing member which seals the container body, wherein a first space into which liquid is discharged from a liquid ejecting head and a second space which links with the outside through a ventilation hole formed in the sealing member are formed in a space closed by the container body and the sealing body, and the first space and the second space are connected with each other at the ventilation hole side. |
| US08708470B1 |
Ink system
A fluid container for an ink jet printer includes a collapsible reservoir, a cap, and an electronic storage device. The collapsible reservoir is for containing a printing fluid and includes walls enclosing an internal space having a variable volume for storage and dispensing of a liquid. The cap for attachment to the reservoir includes a port for connection to the printer. The port is adapted to prevent air from entering the internal space from outside the reservoir as liquid is dispensed. An electronic storage device is configured to store data relating to the contents of the container. At least one electrical contact is associated with the electronic storage device and provided on a substrate. |
| US08708469B2 |
Cartridge and printing material supply system
A cartridge comprises an ink supply structure, a terminal bearing structure, and a first restriction portion. The terminal bearing structure has terminals arranged in a terminal plane which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to a plane defined by a mounting direction leading edge of the ink supply structure, so that the contact portions of the terminals receive a force in a direction opposite (RD) from the mounting direction. An engagement portion of the first restriction portion is provided at a position adjacent to the terminal bearing structure. |
| US08708466B2 |
System for coupling fluid supply to printhead
A system for coupling a media width printhead to a fluid supply is provided having a printhead having a fluid inlet coupling at one longitudinal end of the media width and a fluid outlet coupling at the other longitudinal end of the media width, an inlet supply coupling having fluid ports defined in a port plate for engagement with fluid ports of the inlet coupling, an outlet supply coupling having fluid ports defined in a port plate for engagement with fluid ports of the outlet coupling, and a coupling drive mechanism connected to the port plates of the supply couplings via pre-compressed compression springs. The coupling drive mechanism is operational to move the port plates relative to the printhead so as to drive the ports of the supply couplings into engagement with the respective ports of the printhead couplings. |
| US08708465B1 |
Method for protecting piezoelectric transducer
Disclosed is a process for preparing an ink jet printhead which comprises: (a) providing a diaphragm plate having a plurality of piezoelectric transducers bonded thereto with an adhesive; (b) placing an encapsulant thin film on the piezoelectric transducers; and (c) applying heat, pressure, or a combination thereof to the encapsulant thin film to a degree sufficient to cause the encapsulant to encapsulate the adhesive. |
| US08708463B2 |
Piezoelectric device, piezoelectric actuator, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus
A piezoelectric device includes a first electrode and a facing second electrode, with a piezoelectric layer therebetween. The first electrode includes a first conductive layer, a first intermediate layer that contacts the first conductive layer, a second intermediate layer that contacts the first intermediate layer, and a second conductive layer that contacts the second intermediate layer and the piezoelectric layer. The first conductive layer contains a metal and an alloy. The metal is Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ag, or Au, and the alloy contains at least one of the foregoing metals. The first intermediate layer contains a nitrogen compound. The second intermediate layer contains a metal and an alloy. The metal is Ti, Zr, W, Ta, or Al, and the alloy contains at least two of the foregoing metals. The second conductive layer contains a conductive oxide. |
| US08708462B2 |
Nozzle assembly with elliptical nozzle opening and pressure-diffusing structure
A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead includes: an ink chamber having an elliptical nozzle opening defined in a roof of the ink chamber and an ink inlet; a heater element positioned in the ink chamber, the heater element having an elongate linear beam for generating a vapor bubble in the ink chamber, the elongate linear beam having a longitudinal axis extending parallel with a major axis of the elliptical nozzle opening; and a pressure-diffusing structure positioned relative to the ink inlet. The pressure-diffusing structure is configured for diffusing pressure pulses in ink supplied to the ink chamber via the ink inlet. |
| US08708459B2 |
Droplet ejection head, method of manufacturing droplet ejection head, and droplet ejection apparatus
A droplet ejection head that is attachable to and removable from a droplet ejection apparatus, includes: a nozzle plate having multiple nozzle holes to eject droplets; an individual-channel substrate in which multiple individual-liquid-chambers to supply liquid to the nozzle holes are formed; a common-channel substrate to supply liquid to the individual-channel substrate; a base plate made of metal and including a first positioning part to be engaged with a part of the droplet ejection apparatus at a given position to perform positioning with respect to the droplet ejection apparatus in a direction along an opening surface of the nozzle plate at which the nozzle holes are opened; and a housing made of resin and including a second positioning part to perform positioning with respect to the droplet ejection apparatus in a direction intersecting with the opening surface. |
| US08708458B2 |
Superoleophobic glass devices and their methods
Various embodiments provide materials and methods for a superoleophobic device, which can include a conformal oleophobic coating disposed on glass pillars and/or stripe-shaped glass structures on a glass substrate to provide the device with a textured superoleophobic surface. |
| US08708456B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a carriage including a recording head that discharges liquid droplets for forming an image on a recording medium; a rail that supports the carriage in such a manner that the carriage reciprocates; a fixing part that fixes the rail; and an air stream creation part that creates an air stream. The fixing part is hollow, has a first inflow opening part and a discharge opening part, and the air stream created by the air stream creation part flows from the first opening part to the discharge opening part. |
| US08708450B2 |
Indirect media flatness measurement
An indirect media flatness measurement system, and method, by which the appropriate level of hold-down force may be determined with some degree of quantitative accuracy. In an ink jet printer that is operative to subject a substrate media to a hold down force during printing, the method including printing a predetermined test image having a predetermined pattern on a substrate media using an ink jet print apparatus to produce a test print. Optionally, pattern may be an array of test symbols. The test symbol may include a line printed on the substrate media in a direction perpendicular to a process direction of the printer. The test print is compared with the predetermined test image, including measuring drop placement errors of test symbols. The height of the substrate media at the location of each test symbol is calculated based upon the drop placement error. |
| US08708447B2 |
Temperature monitoring system for a media preheater
A temperature monitoring system for a media heater of an imaging device comprises a temperature indicator overlying a surface of a media heater of an imaging device. The temperature indicator is configured to vary an optical property in response to changes in temperature at the surface of the media heater. The system includes an optical scanner for scanning the temperature indicator to detect the optical quality. The optical scanner is configured to generate a signal corresponding to the detected optical property. |
| US08708444B2 |
Inkjet printer and ejection timing correction method
A head includes first and second outlet rows, and records uniform images in check regions. In each uniform image, a combination of a first dot row formed with the first outlet row and a second dot row formed with the second outlet row while being spaced apart from the first dot row in a movement direction is repeatedly arranged with a repeat pitch in its direction. When recording the uniform image in each check region, a distance obtained by changing a reference distance, which is half the repeat pitch, by a set shift amount is assigned as a distance between each first dot row and each second dot row, the set shift amount being progressively changed for the check regions. A maximum density check region is specified, and ejection timing of the second outlet row is corrected based on the set shift amount corresponding to the maximum density check region. |
| US08708441B2 |
Ink jet printing
In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method of driving an inkjet module having a plurality of ink jets. The method includes applying a voltage waveform to the inkjet module, the voltage waveform including a first pulse and a second pulse, activating one or more of the ink jets contemporaneously to applying the first pulse, wherein each activated ink jet ejects a fluid droplet in response to the first pulse, and activating all of the ink jets contemporaneously to applying the second pulse without ejecting a droplet. |
| US08708440B2 |
Ink jet printing apparatus and method of manufacturing printed goods using ink jet printing apparatus
An ink jet printing apparatus includes a printing unit having a printing head that discharges an ink onto a surface of a material to be subjected to printing being transported by a transport device to thereby print a predetermined pattern, and an ink fixing unit that solidifies and fixes the ink applied to the material, the fixing unit being located downstream of the printing unit in a transport direction of the material, and an ink removal unit that removes, in the case where the material has a nap on a surface thereof and a pigment ink is employed for printing, an unsolidified ink stuck to the nap. The ink removal unit is located between the printing unit and the ink fixing unit, and includes an ink removing element that contacts the nap on the surface so as to remove the ink stuck to the nap. |
| US08708437B2 |
Ink jet multi-color printing system
A system for optimizing RGB digital color images to print a high speed textile conveyed substrate using a series of modular single color specific ink jet print engines. The system mounts a rotary screen upstream and in operable combination with the ink jet print engines consequentially providing a broad array of printing modes and effects. Each print engine extracts print engine specific instructions from a server to provide a sequential cascade of printings to print the desired image. Internetworking extends operable control to remote client and expands RGB image archive to galleries of the World Wide Web. Present commercial rotary screen machines can be retrofitted to utilize the present system. |
| US08708433B2 |
Storage and organization system and components thereof
A storage system includes a shell having a plurality of walls and a plurality of rails. The plurality of walls are coupled to one another to form a storage chamber therebetween and to define a plurality of intersection edges. Each of the plurality of intersection edges is formed at a corresponding boundary of two adjacent ones of the plurality of walls. The plurality of rails each extend outwardly from a corresponding one of the plurality of intersection edges with an angled orientation relative to each of the two adjacent ones of the plurality of walls. A cross-sectional thickness of each of the plurality of rails increases as each of the plurality of rails extends away from one of the plurality of intersection edges. |
| US08708432B2 |
Track and drive sprockets for a tracked vehicle
A drive track of a tracked vehicle includes a belt having an inner side and an outer side. The belt has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. The inner side has a plurality of internal lugs forming at least one longitudinal row. The outer side has a plurality of external lugs forming a plurality of lateral rows. The plurality of lateral rows is disposed at a first pitch from each other. The plurality of internal lugs of the at least one longitudinal row is disposed so as to form a repeating sequence where some consecutive internal lugs are disposed at a second pitch from each other, and other consecutive internal lugs are disposed at a third pitch from each other. The second pitch is smaller than at least one of the first pitch and the third pitch. A sprocket wheel and drive track assembly is also presented. |
| US08708431B2 |
Arrangement for controlling a track tension wheel of tracked vehicle
Arrangement for controlling a track tension wheel of a tracked vehicle, comprising a guide arm system (12), which is swivel-mounted in a part fixed to the vehicle and which carries a wheel axle journal (29) for rotatably supporting the track tension wheel, in such a way that this can be swiveled by means of a first drive element (34) between a raised position and a lowered position, and a second drive element (36) for varying the center-to-center distance between the center axis of the track tension wheel and the swivel axis of the guide arm system in the part fixed to the vehicle. The guide arm system (12) comprises a first guide arm (14), which is swivel-mounted in the part fixed to the vehicle and which via a joint pin (18) pivotally supports a two-armed lever (16), a second guide arm (20), which is swivel-mounted in the part fixed to the vehicle and is pivotally connected to a linearly displaceable part (34b) of the first drive element (34), and a third guide arm (24), which is pivotally connected to the second guide arm (20) and is pivotally connected to the two-armed lever. One end of the lever (16) carries the wheel axle journal (29), while a linearly displaceable part (36b) of the second drive element (36) is effectively connected to the two-armed lever (16) carrying the wheel axle journal (29). |
| US08708417B2 |
Seat and related leg rest and mechanism and method therefor
In one embodiment now described, and according to one aspect of the invention. There is provided a leg rest mechanism 100. The leg rest mechanism is suitable for use with a seat pad 200 of a seat arrangement 300 in a passenger vehicle (not shown). The leg rest mechanism 100 comprises a support member 110 adapted for at least partially supporting a passenger's weight; and an extension arrangement 400. The extension arrangement 400 comprises a pair of horizontal support mechanisms 120 for supporting the support member 110, an adjustable support mechanism 160 and a drive arrangement 20. The support member 110 is moveable between a stowed position in which it is stowable under the seat pad 200 of the passenger vehicle seat arrangement 300, an intermediate position up to which the support member 110 can be adjustably supported; and wherein the support member is moveable directly from its intermediate position to an extended position in which the support member 110 cooperates with the seat pad to defines a substantially horizontal surface on which a passenger is supportable. |
| US08708416B2 |
Rotatable cervical pillow for heavy equipment and other vehicles
A rotatable circular crossection cervical pillow is manually rotated in a continuous fashion as desired by a person whenever a fresh clean contact spot is sought, or a contact spot of variable support is sought, while the pillow is still attached to a seat back. The rotatable pillow is a cylinder of medium and/or firm high density polyurethane foam. An axial through-hole in the center permits the snug insertion of a rigid length of tubing to give the pillow axial rigidity. Swivel fixtures are attached at each end of the pillow by virtue of the central tube. A fabric cover with an opening closure covers the entire polyurethane cylinder snugly. Optionally the cover may carry therapeutic imparting elements therein. Straps with adjustable buckles are attached to each swivel fixture. Therefore, the cervical pillow rotates easily while still strap-attached to the seat back. |
| US08708413B2 |
Locking device for a vehicle seat
A locking device (1) for a vehicle seat, particularly for a motor vehicle seat, has a housing (5), a catch (11) mounted in a movable manner on the housing (5) for locking with a mating element (B). At least one safety element (25, 31) is provided for securing the catch (11) in the locked state and can be moved relative to the catch (11) for unlocking the locking device (1). A query device (40) queries the locking state of the locking device (1) and has at least one transducer (41, 42) and at least one sensor (43). The query device (40) is designed in a contactless manner. The transducer (41, 42) and the sensor (43) interact with each other due to the relative positioning and/or movement thereof. |
| US08708412B2 |
Round recliner mechanism
A recliner mechanism may include a guide plate and a ratchet plate selectively rotatable relative to the guide plate. At least two pawls may be disposed between the guide plate and the ratchet plate and may be movable between a first position removed from engagement with the ratchet plate to permit relative rotation between the guide plate and the ratchet plate and a second position in contact with the ratchet plate to prevent relative rotation between the guide plate and the ratchet plate. A cam may be disposed between the guide plate and the ratchet plate and may move the at least two pawls between the first position and the second position. A control ring may be fixed to the ratchet plate and may be in selective engagement with the at least two pawls to prevent the pawls from moving from the first position to the second position. |
| US08708409B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat is provided that includes a seat back frame, a headrest, a pressure receiving member that moves independently from the headrest, and pivoting members that are disposed in at least one of both side portions of the seat back frame, are linked to the pressure receiving member, and move independently from the headrest under a predetermined impact load. The pivoting members are linked via coupling members to a biasing element that biases the pressure receiving member toward the front of the seat back frame. The force that restores the pivoting members into an initial state is greatest during normal seating, and covers a range in which the force decreases when the pivoting members move due to a rear-end collision. |
| US08708408B2 |
Armrest assembly having beverage holder
A cupholder assembly has a housing with an opening and first and second support members movably mounted on the housing. The first support member moves along a first direction between a retracted position and an extended position. The second moves along a second direction that is normal to the first direction between a first position and a second position that is further spaced from a distal portion of the first support member. The distal portion of the second support member includes a support surface adapted to provide support for an item when the distal portion of the second support member is in the second position. A support rod has a first end connected to the first support member and a second end connected to the second support member. The support rod is angled relative to a third direction normal to the first and second directions when the distal portion of the second support member is in the second position. |
| US08708407B2 |
Golf bag stool
A golf bag stool is provided for comfortable seating at locations where golf if played, or where users would like to be reminded of the game of golf. The golf bag stool has a small or miniature sized golf bag, a base, a central vertical column comprised of a pneumatic device and a seat such that the stool can be conveniently used for seating at conventional tables and countertops. The device permits the user to rotate universally in any 360 degree direction and to tip the golf bag stool toward or away from center, while still maintaining axial alignment between the vertical column and the golf bag structure. The golf bag stool can be adapted to display a wide array of insignia to remind the user of, e.g., a favorite team, tournament, university or golfer. |
| US08708402B2 |
Battery protection structure for automobile
A battery protection structure for an automobile includes a rocker placed in a side portion of a body, a floor panel whose outer end in a body width direction is secured to the rocker, a reinforcement located more inward in the body width direction than the rocker, and secured to the floor panel, the reinforcement forming a part of a frame of the body, a battery located more inward in the body width direction than the rocker, and placed below the floor panel in the body, and an input member that connects between the rocker and the reinforcement, and configured to input, upon input of a collision load directed inward in the body width direction to the rocker, a part of the collision load to a midsection of the floor panel between the rocker and the reinforcement as a component directed upward of the body. |
| US08708394B1 |
Torsion rod isolator
A vehicle may include a body, a closure member, a hinge assembly and a sleeve. The body may define a cavity having an opening. The closure member may be movable relative to the cavity to provide access to the cavity. The hinge assembly may be attached to the body and the closure member and may include first and second torsion rods extending between first and second sides of the opening of the cavity. The first and second torsion rods may urge the closure member toward an open position. The sleeve may be attached to the first torsion rod and may include an outer surface having a profile defining a plurality of peaks and valleys. The outer surface may contact the second torsion bar to prevent direct contact between the first and second torsion rods. |
| US08708389B2 |
Extendable support device utilized with a cargo bed
The present invention is an extendable support device utilized with a pick-up truck that includes a cargo bed with a back that includes a trailer hitch, an adjustable horizontal member, an adjustable vertical member and an adjustable width member. There is also a pair of brake lights disposed on a pair of vertical members of the adjustable width member and a pair of signal lights disposed on a pair of vertical members of the adjustable width member. |
| US08708385B2 |
Reaching device
A reaching device that in one embodiment comprises an elongated member, a jaw, and an actuator for opening and closing the jaw. The jaw includes a pair of holding members, one of which has a tapered lateral side edge. In one embodiment, the reaching device may allow a rural mail carrier to remain seated in the driver's side of a conventional (North American) vehicle, reach through the passenger's window, and perform the following tasks: open a mail box, retrieve mail from the mail box, place mail into the mail box, close the mail box, and raise or lower the indicator flag on the side of the mail box. |
| US08708384B2 |
Carrying handle
The present invention is a light weight, rigid, carrying handle that allows a single user to safely and securely transport multiple cylinders with one hand. The carrying handle consists of a rectangular grip plate, a tab at each end of the grip plate extending away from the grip plate about perpendicular to the surface of the grip plate, and a grip guard on each side of the grip plate also extending away from the grip plate about perpendicular to the surface of the grip plate. The tabs and grip guards all preferably extend in the same direction away from a inner surface of the carrying handle. The tabs are configured thin such that it can be inserted into and through an opening in a cylinder collar bracket. |
| US08708381B2 |
Multifunctional packaging container and methods of use thereof
Multifunctional packaging containers and methods of use are disclosed. An exemplary container typically comprises a body section having a generally flat rectangular shape when in a flattened configuration. The container transforms into a generally elongated cylindrical shape when in the closed configuration. The exemplary container also comprises a first and second side wall. A handle assembly may also be included. Additionally, the container typically includes one or more securing mechanisms adapted to lock the contents therein. Methods of using the container include using it as a disposable pet waste scooper or general storage compartment. |
| US08708379B2 |
Vehicle bumper structure
A rear bumper includes a bumper central part configured to cover a rear end portion of a vehicle, a pair of bumper side parts configured to extend from both ends of the bumper central part toward respective wheel housings, a wheel arch portion disposed at an end of each of the bumper side parts, a flange formed integrally with an inner surface of each of the bumper side parts, and a wheel arch bracket disposed on the flange and configured to support fender components. The wheel arch bracket includes a component supporting portion configured to support the fender components, a flange mount portion disposed opposite to the component supporting portion and attached to the flange, and a plurality of vertical walls configured to extend from the component supporting portion toward the flange mount portion. |
| US08708378B2 |
Gate latch
A gate latch includes a bracket including a vertical backplate, a lower plate, and an upper plate. Each of the plates is attached to and extends in the same direction away from the backplate. Each of the plates includes first and second throughholes, in which the first throughhole of the lower plate is vertically aligned with the first throughhole of upper plate, and the second throughhole of lower plate is vertically aligned with the second throughhole of the upper plate. The latch includes a rigid bolt including first, second, and third elongate portions, with the first and third elongate portions being connected together, the second and third elongate portions being connected together, and the first and second elongate portions being parallel. The first elongate portion is movably positioned in the first throughholes of the upper and lower plates, and the second elongate portion is movably positioned in the second throughholes of the upper and lower plates. |
| US08708374B1 |
Concrete sealing ring for set screw electrical fittings or connectors
A sealing ring having a flexible ring body and a front and rear seal separated by a channel and a set screw recess adjacent one end. The sealing ring is placed on the end of a set screw electrical fitting or connector and forms a seal between the body of the set screw electrical fitting or connector and the exterior surface of an electrical conduit. The sealing ring prevents concrete from entering a gap formed between the body of the set screw electrical fitting or connector and an electrical conduit during pouring of concrete. Concrete entering the gap may interfere with electrical connections. |
| US08708372B2 |
Device for holding sheets in a binder which form a folded stack
The invention relates to a device for holding sheets in a binder which form a folded stack, comprising a holding element (3) connected to the spine (2) of the binder (1). According to the invention, the holding element (3) engages behind the innermost sheet of the stack (4) at its fold (9). |
| US08708371B2 |
Reconfigurable snowboard/downhill skis
Combination ski-snowboard devices reversibly configured in both: a ski configuration comprising two skis each with both an inside and outside edge and a ski binding mounting systems, and in a snowboard configuration having two outside edges and two binding mounting systems. Methods for converting ski-snowboard devices from a snowboard configuration to a ski configuration and from a ski configuration to a snowboard configuration. |
| US08708367B2 |
Gas generation for a safety device, the charge of which is initiated by a heat-generating means
A gas generator for a safety device for a motor vehicle, comprises at least two distinct chambers which communicate with each other through at least one opening or nozzle. A first chamber is isolated from the outside. A second chamber or “diffusion” chamber is able to receive gases generated by the combustion of a solid pyrotechnical charge placed in the first chamber, and to discharge them towards the outside. The solid charge is a mixture consisting of at least one oxidizing charge and a reducing charge, the oxygen balance of which is equilibrated. A heat generator is provided which generates sufficient heat for triggering and sustaining the combustion of the charge without any other interaction, notably of the chemical type, between the heat generator and the charge. |
| US08708366B2 |
Vehicle side impact detection using vehicle yaw
A safety system for a motor vehicle includes a sensor suite detecting a lateral impact and a vehicle yaw, an occupant safety system, and a control module receiving signals from the sensor suite. The control module activates the occupant safety system if either: a) an impact magnitude detected by the sensor suite is greater than a first impact threshold and a vehicle yaw magnitude detected by the sensor suite is greater than a yaw threshold; or b) the impact magnitude is greater than a second impact threshold higher than the first impact threshold. The system may be operated to determine a longitudinal location of the impact on the vehicle by comparing a magnitude of the impact and a magnitude of the vehicle yaw. The occupant safety system may then be activated in a mode based upon the longitudinal location of the impact and/or appropriate for a spinning vehicle. |
| US08708365B2 |
Side curtain airbag assembly
In at least one embodiment, a side curtain airbag assembly for protecting an occupant of a vehicle is provided. The side curtain airbag assembly comprises an inflatable cushion configured to be installed between a roof rail and an upper vehicle trim of the vehicle. The inflatable cushion is deployable from an uninflated state to an inflated state by gas from a gas generator. The inflatable cushion includes a side protection panel having an upper perimeter portion and one or more sub chambers. The sub chambers inflate downward from the upper perimeter portion. An upward deploying chamber is in fluid communication with the side protection panel and inflates upward between the roof rail and the upper vehicle trim. |
| US08708362B2 |
Automatic lock system for vehicle hitch assembly
A hitch coupler includes a frame having vertically spaced apart plates extending outwardly therefrom. Each plate includes a pin receiving aperture adapted to receive a pin member therethrough. The pin member is moveable between extended and retracted positions. The pin member includes a pin housing having a vertical guide slot disposed thereon. A lock mechanism is pivotally coupled to the frame member and includes a locking flange which is adapted to engage the guide slot when the pin member is in the extended position. The lock mechanism is biased towards a lock position such that the locking flange of the lock mechanism is adapted to automatically engage the guide slot disposed on the pin housing of the pin member when the guide slot is aligned with the locking flange of the lock mechanism. In the locked position, the locking mechanism acts to retain the pin member in the extended position. |
| US08708361B1 |
Bicycle outrigger support assembly
An outrigger support assembly is for use with a frame of a bicycle. Front and rear wheels are coupled to the frame. Handle bars are coupled to and extend upwardly from the frame. Pedals are secured to and extend laterally from the frame adjacent to the forward end of the frame. A drive chain operatively couples the pedals and the rear wheel. A seat is mounted on the frame between the front and rear wheels. The support assembly includes two outrigger wheels positionable on opposite sides of the frame and on opposite sides of the front and rear wheels. Support structures on each side of the frame, each have an interior end couplable to the frame and an exterior end with an outrigger wheel rotatably supported on an associated exterior end. Hinges on each support structure move between lowered and raised orientations. |
| US08708353B1 |
Toe or camber adjustment mechanism
A toe/camber adjustment mechanism comprising: a first ear section having an aperture; a second ear section having an aperture; at least one cam plate positioned on at least one aperture in the ear sections, the cam plate comprising: a rod aperture offset from a center of the cam plate; a plurality of positioning apertures; and a torque application point; at least one locking insert member aligning and fixing at least one of the positioning apertures in the cam plate with at least one aperture in the ear sections; and a pivot rod extending through the apertures in the ear sections and the rod aperture. A method of adjusting a toe/camber comprising the steps of: providing a member having an aperture; providing a cam plate positioned on the aperture in the first member, the cam plate comprising: a rod aperture; and a plurality of positioning apertures; removing a fastener from a one of the positioning apertures and the aperture in the member; rotating the cam plate; and inserting the fastener into one of the positioning apertures and the aperture in the member. |
| US08708350B2 |
Wheeled structure for handling and fitting panels or plates
The wheeled structure includes two connected sub-assemblies articulated relative to each other, with conversion capability between three wheels in a single plane for ground running operations, two main wheels for conveyance like a hand truck, or two secondary wheels for transverse positioning when fitting panels vertically. The first sub-assembly accommodates main wheels and secondary wheels and the second sub-assembly accommodates a pole, telescopic column assembly and support frame for the plates. The two sub-assemblies are rigidly connected by an assembly unit having an arm ending in a caster. The sub-assemblies, depending on their relative angular position, fulfill various vertical and horizontal panel fitting functions. The pole is mobile vertically relative to the main wheels, to the rear thereof when running on the ground, and to the fore thereof when fitting the panels vertically by lifting action on the first sub-assembly. |
| US08708347B1 |
Multi-section vehicle chassis access and inspection platform
A vehicle chassis inspection platform, or creeper, comprising a frame, a cushion layer, and several wheel assemblies is disclosed. The creeper includes a wheel assembly designed to minimize vertical clearance of the creeper wherein the wheel assembly includes a wheel platform with multiple possible positions for joining of the wheel platform to the creeper. |
| US08708343B2 |
Seal device
A seal device where a seal lip reliably maintains shaft sealing relative to high-pressure fluid that is to be sealed and where the equivalent Mises stress occurring in the seal lip is reduced to extend the durable term of the seal lip longer. A backup ring has a tapered section continuously extending from a fixation section of the backup ring and also has a forward end section. A rounded surface (E) with a curvature radius (R-1) is formed at least at a boundary where a surface (D) of the tapered section changes to a surface (F) of the forward end section. A portion of the surface (D) of the tapered surface, which portion is in contact with the rounded surface (E) at the boundary, is a projected curvature surface having a curvature radius greater than the curvature radius (R-1) of the boundary. |
| US08708341B2 |
Parlay poker
A player makes a wager and initiates game play, dealing a first hand of at least five cards all face up to the player. The player may hold none, one or more of the face up cards and draw replacement cards for the unheld cards. The player also has the options to wager on and duplicate none, one or more of the dealt cards into one or more five-card hands. If the player holds none of the cards and duplicates the dealt cards only, the player can hold the cards in the dealt hand and the duplicated hands in any traditional manner the player selects. The player is also given the option to select none, one or more winning outcomes for one or more of the five card hands. |
| US08708324B2 |
Spring loaded corrugated stitcher head and method of stitching
A stitching head is provided for stitching books or printed products. The stitching head includes a supporter and a driver. The supporter has a corrugated supporter surface including first ridges and first grooves. The driver interacts with the supporter and has a channel and a corrugated driver surface which includes second ridges and second grooves. The first grooves and first ridges of the supporter mesh with the second ridges and second grooves of driver and the channel supports stitching material between the corrugated supporter surface and the corrugated driver surface. A method is also provided. |
| US08708322B2 |
Payload launch lock mechanism
A payload launch lock mechanism includes a base, a preload clamp, a fastener, and a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. The preload clamp is configured to releasibly restrain a payload. The fastener extends, along an axis, through the preload clamp and into the base, and supplies a force to the preload clamp sufficient to restrain the payload. The SMA actuator is disposed between the base and the clamp. The SMA actuator is adapted to receive electrical current and is configured, upon receipt of the electrical current, to supply a force that causes the fastener to elongate without fracturing. The preload clamp, in response to the fastener elongation, either rotates or pivots to thereby release the payload. |
| US08708321B2 |
Insulating film attaching jig and battery cell manufactured by using the same
A secondary battery, a jig suitable for fabrication of the secondary battery, and a method for producing a secondary battery constructed with a case accommodating the electrode assembly. The case includes a front portion terminated along opposite edges by a first wing portion and a second wing portion, and a back portion positioned opposite to the front portion, with insulating film bent along a length of a junction between the front portion and each of the first wing portion and the second wing portion, a pair of holes in the insulating film are held in parallel alignment with respect to the length of the junction, with the insulating film adhering to and covering the front portion and a corresponding one of the first wing portion and the second wing portion, in order to prevent leakage of electrolyte, and resulting corrosion of the electrically conducting metal components of the secondary battery. |
| US08708316B2 |
Lock for a portable protective fence
A lock for a fence, the lock including a seat having an opening configured to receive a socket and a lock plate rotatably coupled to the seat and configured to be coupled to a fence pole protruding from the socket. |
| US08708306B2 |
Tunable valve assembly
A tunable valve assembly reduces valve-generated vibration. One embodiment comprises a valve body and valve seat having substantially collinear longitudinal axes. A rebound characteristic frequency is associated with rebound of the elastic valve body base plate from forceful contact with the valve seat. A central cavity in the valve body encloses a spring-mass damper optionally immersed in a dilatant liquid and having a damper resonant frequency approximating a pump housing resonance. A lateral support assembly adjustably secured to the valve seat has a support resonant frequency designed in conjunction with the rebound characteristic frequency and the damper resonant frequency. Combined hysteresis heat loss associated with the above three vibration frequencies is reflected in lower closing energy impulse amplitude and damping of associated vibrations. Compliance of the elastic valve body base plate mating with the valve seat increases closing energy impulse duration and narrows the corresponding induced vibration spectrum. |
| US08708303B2 |
Hanging device
A device for hanging an object on a vertical structure, such as a framed picture or painting on a wall. The device comprises a body having a planar portion that lies in a plane defining a first direction and a second direction transverse to the first direction. A plurality of openings are present in the planar portion, and the openings are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern so that each opening is offset in the first and second directions from at least a second of the openings. The device further includes a feature for securing the body to the object. |
| US08708302B2 |
Wall calendar holder apparatus
A wall calendar holder that includes a base plate operable to be attached to a vertical surface and a face plate pivotally connected to the base plate. A stanchion extends from a central portion of the base plate and operable serves to support a wall calendar. The face plate snaps into engagement with the stanchion and the combination of the base member and face member serve to hold an upper edge of the wall calendar is a secure and flush condition upon a vertical presentation surface. |
| US08708300B2 |
Sliding device for a vehicle
A sliding device for a vehicle comprises a lock member received and attached within a section area of one of relatively movable first and second rails for locking the relative movement between the first and second rails; and a manipulation lever provided for moving the lock member to permit the relative movement between the first and second rails. A movement permitting portion is formed on at at least one of the lock member and the rail attaching the lock member so that the relative movement between the lock member and the rail attaching the lock member in the rail axis direction is allowed with the lock member locking the relative movement. Further, a movement restraining portion is formed on the rail attaching the lock member to restrain the movement in a lock release direction of the lock member after the relative movement at the movement permitting portion. |
| US08708296B2 |
Article holding device
The article holding device (9) of the present invention includes a base (1), a holding member (2) capable of sliding along a grip width of gripping an article (K), and a locking device (4) for holding in a position after sliding and adjusting the holding member (2), wherein the locking device (4) include a gear (40), an engaging portion 33 capable of coupling with the gear (40), an urging member (S2) for applying an urging force for causing the engaging portion (33) to couple with the gear (40), a rack (23) provided on the holding member, a pinion (44) engaging the rack (23) and being placed roughly coaxially with the gear (40), and a one-way clutch (46) interposed between the gear (40) and the pinion (44) and configured to become disconnected from the gear (40) and to be slipped only when the pinion (44) is rotated in one direction. |
| US08708295B2 |
Workpiece-carrier
Improved workpiece-carrier in the form of a high-temperature-grating 10 assembled from mutually engaging elements consisting of carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon-composite-board-strips comprising comb-shaped elements, having a frame surrounding a horizontal grating as well as at least one workpiece-support (40) which is inert in relation to the supported workpiece and provides a workpiece-support-area (50) at a distance above the grating (3O)7 said work-piece-support (40) being arranged within at least one enclosing cut-out-section of at least one element wherein furthermore said elements comprise at least one element having interlocking cut-out-sections in alternating arrangement, at least one auxiliary element, said workpiece-support (40) is a single-piece part of high temperature ceramic of rod-shaped elongation being arranged parallel to the plane of said grating (30) and being an integral part of the grating by being enclosed beneath the workpiece-support-area (50) by cut-out-sections of a multitude of crosswise arranged grating-elements while also being framed at its ends by crosswise arranged continuous elements, the enclosed, non-removable work-piece-support being floatingly integrated within the grating and the workpiece-carrier being fastened in assembled position by the at least one auxiliary element, wherein each comb-shaped element has at least one auxiliary bore with an auxiliary element arranged tightly and form-fittingly in said auxiliary bore and each auxiliary element being furthermore arranged tightly and form-fittingly in at least one auxiliary bore of the at least one element having interlocking cut-out-sections in alternating arrangement. |
| US08708294B2 |
Mounting bracket
An improved mounting bracket that provides an indication to an installer when a mount is not correctly aligned. The mounting bracket comprises a mounting contact portion and at least one side portion integrally connected to the mounting contact portion, with the at least one side portion defining a receiving region for accepting one or more retaining portions of a mount. The at least one side portion includes a first ramped surface at least partially outside of the receiving region. The first ramped surface configured to contact a retaining portion when the retaining portion is misaligned with the receiving region, thereby informing an installer of the misalignment. |
| US08708293B2 |
Device substrate attachment structure
In a device substrate attachment structure, when a substrate including a terminal holder attached to an end portion thereof is attached to a frame made of sheet metal, the substrate is attached to the frame via the terminal holder without using a screw fastening structure. The terminal holder is attached to the frame via an engagement/disengagement mechanism. The engagement/disengagement mechanism includes through-hole portions on a side of the frame, a seat portion, claw portions, and leg portions on the side of the terminal holder, and a positioning mechanism on the side of a cabinet. The positioning mechanism includes rim portions of an opening window of the cabinet. |
| US08708288B2 |
Cable fixing structure and automatic teller machine
There is provided a cable fixing structure which improves actuation reliability of a device and facilitates decision of a wiring layout. The cable fixing structure A for fixing cables including a group of signal cables and a group of power cables includes: a support member; a first cable clamp which is mounted on the support member and in which a cable insertion hole for retaining the group of signal cables inserted therethrough is formed; and a second cable clamp which is mounted on the support member, in which a cable insertion hole for retaining the group of power cables inserted therethrough is formed, and which is disposed away from the first cable clamp in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the cables. |
| US08708285B1 |
Micro-unmanned aerial vehicle deployment system
A micro-unmanned aerial vehicle deployment system is provided for a cruise missile having submunition compartments. The system includes a vehicle launch module releasable from the cruise missile submunition compartment. The vehicle launch system has a control circuit and at least one micro-unmanned aerial vehicle contained therein. Structure is provided in the launch module for deploying the micro-unmanned aerial vehicle. A separable tether can be joined between the cruise missile and the vehicle launch module that separates when subjected to tension after deployment of the vehicle launch module. |
| US08708284B2 |
Adjustable parachute cargo harness
An article of manufacture, an optimal adjustable parachute cargo harness device for use with a parachute system is disclosed. A double adjustable upper attachment point used to attach cargo to personal parachute systems is also disclosed. |
| US08708282B2 |
Method and system for loading and unloading cargo assembly onto and from an aircraft
A system for loading and unloading a cargo assembly onto and from an aircraft. The system comprises an aircraft and a movable platform. The aircraft comprises a forward fairing, an aft fairing, a spine disposed between the forward fairing and the aft fairing and a plurality of mounts coupled to the spine and configured to structurally engage the cargo container onto the spine. The aft fairing is movable between a fixed position for flight and an open position for at least loading and unloading of the cargo assembly. The aircraft is configured such that an unobstructed passageway is provided in an area underneath the spine during loading or unloading of the cargo assembly. An aft access is provided when the aft fairing is moved to the open position. The movable platform is used to maneuver the cargo assembly for loading and unloading onto and from the spine, respectively. |
| US08708278B2 |
Method and apparatus for retrieving a hovering aircraft
For retrieval of a hovering aircraft, a cable, bar, or similar fixture is suspended in an approximately horizontal orientation across the retrieval area between two well-separated supports. The aircraft slowly flies into this fixture, which then slides along the aircraft in a direction approximately parallel with the aircraft's thrust line. This leads to the aircraft becoming fastened to the fixture by an interceptor or aircraft capturer, which in alternative embodiments are respectively on the aircraft or the fixture or both. Thrust is then reduced, and the aircraft comes to rest hanging from the fixture for subsequent removal. Retrieval is thus accomplished with simple and economical apparatus, light and unobtrusive elements on the aircraft, low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy. |
| US08708276B1 |
Lighter than air emergency beacon platform
A lighter than air emergency beacon platform as part of a hydrogen generation and filtration apparatus includes at least one power source having at least one activation switch. At least one reaction chamber is electrically connected to the at least one reaction chamber by at least one low-resistance electrical conductor. The reaction chamber is configured to house a hydrogen generating material. At least one flow disruption chamber is in fluid communication with the reaction chamber. The flow disruption chamber(s) are configured to provide fluid communication with the next flow disruption chamber in the direction of fluid flow. At least one inflatable housing is configured to carry payload and is in fluid communication with the flow disruption chambers. The inflatable housing is detached from a fill tube to lift the payload above terrain blocking line-of-sight signal communication. |
| US08708273B2 |
Three-wing, six tilt-propulsion unit, VTOL aircraft
A vertical takeoff and landing aircraft having a fuselage with, preferably, three wings and six synchronously tilt-able propulsion units, each one mounted above, below, or on each half of the aforementioned three wings. The propulsion units are oriented vertically for vertical flight and horizontally for forward flight. Each propulsion unit comprises a propeller having a plurality of blades, where the pitch angle associated with the distal end of each blade and the proximal end of each blade are independently adjustable. As such, each of the propellers can be adjusted to exhibit a first blade pitch angle distribution optimized for vertical flight and a second blade pitch angle distribution optimized for forward flight. |
| US08708270B2 |
Dispenser and dispensing method having communication abilities
Dispensers and dispensing systems and methods having communication abilities are provided. Various embodiments include the ability to communicate reminders and other messages to users and maintenance personnel. An embodiment of the present invention has two sensors, one for detecting when to dispense a product and the other for detecting when to communicate pre-recorded messages. Another embodiment also includes the ability to record multiple messages into the dispenser for later playback upon triggering events. Still yet other embodiments provide messages upon dispensing of product. |
| US08708269B2 |
Webbing take-up device
There is provided a webbing take-up device including: a spool to which an end of webbing is anchored and that takes up the webbing by rotating in a take-up direction; a lock portion that restricts rotation of the spool in a pullout direction, in a coupled state capable of transmitting rotation force to the spool; a sensor portion that actuates in a rapid vehicle deceleration state in which a vehicle is being decelerated with a deceleration of a specific value or greater, a state in which the spool is rapidly rotated with an acceleration of a specific value or greater in the pullout direction, or a combination thereof; a drive portion that rotates the spool in the take-up direction by forward driving force output and that actuates the sensor portion; and a clutch portion that couples the spool and the lock portion by actuation of the sensor portion. |
| US08708266B2 |
System for crushing with screw porition that increases in diameter
Exemplary embodiments are for a system for crushing a material that may include a compaction chamber and a screw assembly that generally extends between the proximal and distal ends of the compaction chamber. A portion of the screw assembly increases in diameter along a length of the shaft of the screw assembly such that the system is configured to crush material between the compaction chamber and the portion of the screw assembly that increases in diameter. The portion of the screw assembly that increases in diameter may be integral with the shaft of the screw assembly. An exemplary embodiment of the system may also include at least one wear member that is removably associated with the distal portion of the compaction chamber such that the wear member may assist with the crushing of material. |
| US08708265B2 |
Roller crusher with balancing cylinders
The present invention relates to a roller crusher having two generally parallel rotatable rollers separated by a gap, and a feeding arrangement for feeding material to the rollers. The roller crusher includes a base frame and a first and a second roller frame section, each of the first and second roller frames sections being pivotably connected to the base frame and arranged for carrying one of the rollers in bearings arranged at opposed ends of each roller. The roller crusher also includes at least one balancing cylinder extending between one of the roller frame sections and the base frame such that when the at least one balancing cylinder is activated, the interconnected roller frame sections will pivot relative to the base frame, thus adjusting the position of the rollers relative to the base frame. |
| US08708258B2 |
Method for decladding nuclear fuel and crushing machine by cladding deformation
A machine comprising two rollers for ovalizing a nuclear fuel cladding to crush the content thereof allowing its easy release even if the pellets are arranged in the cladding with little clearance. The opposite inclinations of the rollers promote automatic forward travel of the claddings. The opening and the inclination of the claddings lead to release of the crushed fuel. The rollers are biconical, with an input portion of increasing diameter and an output portion of decreasing diameter, to apply sufficient ovalizations to crush the fuel while restoring rotundity to the cladding when it leaves the machine, to facilitate the outflow of debris. |
| US08708256B2 |
Fuel injection valve
A fuel injection valve 30 includes: a nozzle body 31 provided with a jet hole 32 at an end portion thereof; and a needle 33 slidably arranged within the nozzle body 31, defining a fuel introduction path 34 between the needle 33 and the nozzle body 31, and provided with a seat portion 33a seated on a seated position 31a within the nozzle body 31. The fuel injection valve 30 includes: a rotational flow generation portion 36 formed in an upstream side of the seat portion 33a of the needle 33, and provided with a spiral groove 36a giving a rotational component to a fuel introduced from the fuel introduction path 34; an air introduction path 37 formed inside the needle; and a rotation stable chamber 45 formed at the end portion of the nozzle body 31, the fuel that has passed through the rotational flow generation portion 36 and the air that has passed through the air introduction path 37 being introduced into the rotational stable chamber 45. |
| US08708255B2 |
Shower attachment having a joint
A shower attachment which can be adjusted about a joint is proposed. The shower attachment comprises in one shower-attachment housing two water guides with in each case one outlet option. A changeover device can be used to change over between the two water guides. The changeover device comprises a valve having a valve closing body. In order to actuate the changeover device, an actuating element is provided on the shower-attachment housing and can be adjusted in two opposite directions relative to the shower-attachment housing. The two adjusting directions of the actuating element are at the same time directions which lead to a pivoting of the shower attachment about the joint axis. |
| US08708253B2 |
Hand application device
The invention relates to a hand application device (1) having improved handling capability, in that its individual elements (2, 7, 12) are rotatable and adjustable to one another around four rotational axes (8, 10, 13, 28). |
| US08708251B2 |
Tank sprayer assembly including tank component and sprayer package subassembly
A tank sprayer assembly includes a tank component and a subassembly, the tank component having a neck that defines a first access opening. The subassembly includes a sprayer component and a packaging container, the packaging container defining a cavity and having a lower wall defining a second access opening. The sprayer component includes a cap and a pump attached to the cap, the cap and the neck being configured to threadingly engage each other. The tank sprayer is positionable in an assembled configuration and disassembled configuration. In the assembled configuration, the cap is aligned with the second access opening, the neck is extended through the second access opening into the cavity, and the neck and the cap are threadingly engaged to secure the sprayer component to the tank component. In the disassembled configuration, the cap is aligned with the second access opening and the neck is spaced apart from the cavity. |
| US08708250B2 |
Fuel injection device
A fuel injection device includes a cylinder that defines a pressure chamber at an end portion of a nozzle needle. A floating plate as a control member is placed in the cylinder. A cutout portion and multiple grooves are formed in the floating plate. The cutout portion and the grooves causes a gap between a large-diameter inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface to communicate with the pressure chamber. The cutout portion and the grooves reduce a contact surface portion between the cylinder and the floating plate and divide the contact surface portion into multiple island portions. As a result, it is possible to reduce the contact surface portion. |
| US08708249B2 |
Fuel injector with an improved valve control arrangement
A fuel injector for a compression ignition internal combustion engine which comprises a fuel injection valve having an injection valve member which is moveable in use, under the influence of fuel pressure within an injection valve member control chamber acting upon it, between a closed position and an open position. The fuel injector further comprises a high pressure fuel supply passage to the injection valve member control chamber, and an actuator operable to open and close a discharge valve connected between the injection valve member control chamber and a fuel outlet passage to a low pressure reservoir or drain. A shut-off valve is provided in the high pressure fuel supply passage and the shut-off valve has a shut-off valve member which is moveable in use, under the influence of fuel pressure within a shut-off valve member control chamber acting upon it, between a closed position and an open position. The shut-off valve member control chamber is connectable to the low pressure reservoir or drain via the discharge valve, and a fuel transfer passage is provided between the injection valve member control chamber and the low pressure reservoir or drain. |
| US08708246B2 |
Positive displacement dispenser and method for dispensing discrete amounts of liquid
A dispenser for applying small amounts of liquid to a substrate. The dispenser includes a dispenser body, an actuator in the dispenser body, and a dispensing element including a dispensing element body removably coupled to the dispenser body. A valve stem is mounted for reciprocating movement within the dispensing element body. Additional aspects include a deformable valve seat, a deformable and resilient valve stem tip and a method of applying liquid in discrete amounts to a substrate. |
| US08708245B2 |
Controlled-friction track for gravity race cars
The present invention comprises an improved track which increases the speed of a gravity-driven racing car. Firstly, a micro-grooved wheel rolling surface increases the friction for lateral movement of the car wheels through a fingerprint effect, thus straightening the trajectory of the path to the finish line. Secondly, this effect also reduces the amount of sideways movement towards the central guide strip and the associated bumping velocity. Thirdly, a low-friction material on the central guide strip reduces the frictional drag when contacted by a car's wheels. Fourthly, the micro-grooved surface also reduces the contact area between the wheel and the track surface causing a reduction in rolling friction. Finally, the micro-grooved rolling surface in combination with the low-friction guide strip material have a synergistic effect since the coefficient of sliding friction between a wheel and low-friction guide strip material is lessened because of a reduction in lateral velocity of contact. |
| US08708244B2 |
Control of a system with a large thermal capacity
The invention provides a method and a system for controlling floor heating or climate regulating systems with long time constants. According to the invention, a flow of a fluid is provided through the floor or through a similar medium with large thermal inertia. An induced heat is determined by adding up a plurality of differences between an inlet temperature of the fluid when it enters the medium and an outlet temperature of the fluid when it leaves the medium. The temperatures are sampled with a fixed sampling time and within a fixed period of time, and a corresponding change in temperature of the medium over the fixed period of time is determined. In the future, the temperature of that medium is controlled by use of a ratio between the induced heat and the change in temperature. |
| US08708243B2 |
Thermal valve
A valve includes a housing and a valve seat and a structure fixedly disposed remote from the valve seat, a valve head to open and close the valve seat, fluid being permitted to flow when the valve seat is open and an elastic system anchored on the structure and coupled to the valve head, the elastic system including a biasing element and an elastic element formed of memory metal alloy disposed to contact fluid permitted to flow, the biasing element and the elastic element being configured to cooperatively move the valve head toward a valve seat open position when a fluid temperature is below a lower limit, and the biasing element and the elastic element being further configured to cooperatively move the valve head toward a valve seat closed position in opposition to the biasing element when the fluid temperature is above an upper limit. |
| US08708241B2 |
Radio frequency certificates of authenticity and related scanners
Radio frequency certificates of authenticity (RFCOAs) and associated scanners and methods are presented. In one implementation, an array of miniaturized antenna elements in an RFCOA scanner occupies an area smaller than a credit card yet obtains a unique electromagnetic fingerprint from an RFCOA associated with an item, such as the credit card. The antenna elements are miniaturized by a combination of both folding and meandering the antenna patch components. The electromagnetic fingerprint of an exemplary RFCOA embeddable in a credit card or other item is computationally infeasible to fake, and the RFCOA cannot be physically copied or counterfeited based only on possession of the electromagnetic fingerprint. |
| US08708232B2 |
Bank card with display screen
To allow the display of the latest transactions completed, a smart card 100c comprises at least one secure chip 101c with at least one communication interface in order to communicate with a card reader in order to carry out a transaction. The card further comprises an electronic display 103, an independent battery 104, and an interception circuit 150c connected to the at least one communication interface of the secure chip in order to be able to intercept at least one type of command and save at least one piece of information so as to be able to display it on the display. |
| US08708224B2 |
Mobile device audio from an external video display using a barcode
An electronic screen shows video that has a barcode wrapping an URL. A user images the barcode with a mobile device and decodes it into a web page with an audio feed corresponding to the video. Or the barcode wraps a phone number which the user's device contacts to get an audio feed. The web page lets the user pick between several audio feeds, where the feeds might be in different languages. Several users get audio feeds for the same screen. An electronic screen controlled by a user with a mobile device shows a barcode. Another user with a mobile device images the barcode and causes the screen to be 2 split screens, where the original user has one and the new user has the other. Each split screen can offer via barcode a separate audio track that can be heard by a user with a cellphone. |
| US08708223B2 |
Systems and methods for scanning a user environment and evaluating data of interest
According to various embodiments, a mobile device continuously and/or automatically scans a user environment for tags containing non-human-readable data. The mobile device may continuously and/or automatically scan the environment for tags without being specifically directed at a particular tag. The mobile device may be adapted to scan for audio tags, radio frequency tags, and/or image tags. The mobile device may be configured to scan for and identify tags within the user environment that satisfy a user preference. The mobile device may perform an action in response to identifying a tag that satisfies a user preference. The mobile device may be configured to scan for a wide variety of tags, including tags in the form of quick response codes, steganographic content, audio watermarks, audio outside of a human audible range, radio frequency identification tags, long wavelength identification tags, near field communication tags, and/or a Memory Spot device. |
| US08708216B2 |
Remote-controlled joining system
A remote-controlled joining system for subsea pipelines for joining two smooth pipeline ends (pipe ends) that are arranged facing in line a distance apart. The system includes an apparatus arranged to move at least one of the pipeline ends sideways and in the longitudinal direction. The joining system includes a pipe sleeve having internal seals for sealing against each pipeline surface. The pipe ends are inserted into the sleeve to a facing position within the seals. The system also includes a welding clamp with an integrated welding tool for remotely welding of a first end of the pipe sleeve to the first pipeline and a second end of the pipe sleeve to the second pipeline. The welding clamp can be remotely fastened sealingly around the pipe ends and the sleeve and is equipped with means for establishing and maintaining a welding atmosphere in a volume that is delimited by the seals of the clamp and the seals of the sleeve. |
| US08708209B2 |
Driving tool
A driving tool includes a housing, a magazine, a cylinder head, a push lever, a cylinder, a combustion chamber frame, a piston, an injection part, and a fastener feeding unit. The housing has one end portion and another end portion. The magazine is connected to the housing and accommodating a fastener. The cylinder head is disposed at the one end portion. The push lever is movable relative to the housing upon pressure contacting a workpiece in a moving direction. The cylinder is fixed to the housing. The combustion chamber frame is movable in the housing in accordance with the push lever and selectively defining a combustion chamber in cooperation with the cylinder. The piston is slidably reciprocally movable relative to the cylinder and displaced upon expansion of air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. The injection part is connected to the another end portion of the housing and having an injection passage in communication with the magazine. The fastener feeding unit feeding the fastener to the injection passage in accordance with the movement of the push lever. The push lever includes a first guiding part configured to be slidably engaged with the fastener feeding unit. The fastener feeding unit is movable between an initial position and a feed position positioned downstream of the initial position in a feeding direction in which the fastener is fed. The fastener feeding unit slidably moves from the initial position to the feeding position with respect to the first guiding part for feeding the fastener downstream in the feeding direction in accordance with the movement of the push lever upon pressing the workpiece. |
| US08708207B2 |
Adjustable cushioning system for shoulder strap
Embodiments are disclosed that relate to a removable and adjustable cushioning system for a shoulder strap. In one example, a base pad comprising cushioning material is contoured to conform to a person's shoulder. A plurality of fastener receivers are coupled to the base pad, and a fastener is removably coupled to at least one of the fastener receivers. The fastener is configured to engage the shoulder strap to removably secure the base pad to the shoulder strap. |
| US08708202B2 |
Pressure canisters for automated delivery of coating compositions
Systems for delivering coating compositions are disclosed. The system may include a support base for supporting a container of a coating composition and a pressure canister movable in relation to the support base from an open position to a closed position in which the pressure canister surrounds the coating composition container and forms a seal with the support base. The system may include a pressure canister that is movable from a delivery position in which the canister is pressurized to a cleaning position in which the canister may be cleaned by a cleaning fixture. The pressure canisters are useful in automated systems for delivering various types of coating formulations. |
| US08708198B2 |
Dispenser with lockout device
A dispenser housing that receives a refill unit including a container and pump associated with the container to pump contents from the container. The dispenser housing includes an actuator carriage moveable between a rest position and an actuated position. The dispenser housing also includes a lockout device moveable between an open position and a closed position. When the lockout device is in the open position, the actuator carriage is movable, and, when the lockout device is in the closed position, movement of the actuator carriage is blocked by the lockout device such that the actuator carriage cannot be moved from the rest position to the actuated position. |
| US08708193B1 |
Vending machine
A vending machine having an internal storage compartment operable to store beverage containers wherein the internal storage compartment is configured to utilize thermal transfer to maintain the beverage containers at a temperature that is lower than that of the external surroundings of the vending machine. The vending machine further includes a control panel operable to facilitate sales transactions for the beverage containers stored within the internal storage compartment wherein the control panel further includes a credit card acceptance apparatus. The internal storage compartment further includes four walls having a plurality of layers and further includes a plurality of dividers forming beverage container columns. A cooling apparatus is included having a condenser, a distribution manifold and a network of coolant tubes wherein a portion of the network of coolant tubes are disposed within the plurality of dividers. |
| US08708188B2 |
Beverage can marketing device
A “clean can” beverage can includes a beverage can body and a beverage can top coupled to the body. The can top is shaped to define a groove between a lower inside edge of the rim of the can top and an upper surface of the can top. A groove cover is disposed to cover the groove along at least a portion of the groove that is located adjacent to the openable section of the can top. The groove cover prevents collection of debris in the groove. The groove allows the can top to be wiped clean without debris getting stuck in the groove by sloping upwards towards the top of the tim. The groove cover can also cover the rim and an upper portion of the can body. The groove cover provides a more sanitary drinking experience and serves as a marketing surface. |
| US08708187B2 |
Container with an annular ridge locking feature
A container having a cup and a lid, which in turn includes locking features, wherein the lid engages in a secure relation to the cup, is disclosed. In other embodiments, the invention is directed to a container having a lid that fits over an open end of a cup and a lid that fits inversely and inside the open end of a cup. The lid of the invention comprises at least one protruding annular ridge, allowing for secure placement on the cup when the cup is in motion. The lid fits in a complementary (positive/negative) relation to the protruding ridge(s) on the cup. This container is designed for the purpose of being in motion: while walking, driving, and all aspects of travel and carrying. Additional embodiments include novel spout designs for the cup portion and lid portion. |
| US08708186B2 |
Box for storing, protecting, and transporting containers
The present invention relates to a box (10) for storing, transporting, and protecting vertically suspended containers with an upper opening (11), a rectangular bottom (12), lower side walls (13) connected to said bottom (12), and a step (14) connected to said lower side walls (13) and forming a bearing for supporting a plate (15). Said box (10) includes upper side walls (16) connected to said step (14), and each comprises at least one portion (17; 43) extending to the end of the box, each of said upper side walls also being connected to an upper edge (22) extending outside the box. An edge (20) is positioned on the upper corners (21) of said box (10). The present invention also relates to a container for transporting such boxes and to a method for palletizing and depalletizing said boxes. |
| US08708183B2 |
Lid-lift hole liner and containment box for utility vault lids
A lid-lift hole assembly for an underground utility vault lid comprises a liner positioned in an open-ended lid-lift hole, and a receptacle positioned below the liner. Opposite side walls of the receptacle contain thru-holes aligned with fastener holes in opposite side walls of the liner, Fasteners extending through the thru-holes and into the fastener holes (from the underside of the lid) are tightened (to apply pressure to the juncture between the receptacle and the liner) to lock the liner in the lid-lift hole. The receptacle forms an enlarged-volume, box-like enclosure rigidly (but releasably) held beneath an open passage through the liner. The space inside the receptacle can contain debris kept from entering the working area of the vault. The space inside the receptacle is shaped to receive a tool for removing the lid. |
| US08708182B2 |
Method and container lid to manipulate a container opening liner
A container includes a body forming an interior and having a sidewall with a distal edge portion forming an opening to the interior. A liner is disposed over the opening and includes an inner portion and an outermost radial portion disposed radially outwardly of the distal edge portion. A lid including an interior surface and at least one tab projecting inward from the interior surface is disposed over the liner and engages the body. The liner is sized to be releasably rotatably secured within the lid while the lid is initially attached to the body so that the at least one tab remains generally rotationally fixed relative to the outermost radial portion while being assembled to the body. The at least one tab is arrange to press the outermost radial portion while the lid is being removed from the body so that the outermost radial portion maintains a bent orientation. |
| US08708180B2 |
Container comprising an inner lining, a method of applying such a lining to a container and use of a peelable coating as an inner lining in a container
The invention relates to a container (1) for holding fluid or particle compositions which container (1) comprises an inner lining (6) applied to an inner side (2) of the container (1), where the container (1) is provided with an inner lining (6) of a peel-able coating. The peel-able coating can be applied as water based, as Acetone based emulsion or as UV curable lacquer. The invention relates further to a method of manufacturing such a container (1), where the lining (6) is applied to the container (1) by following process steps: Applying a peel-able coating to the inner side of the container (1); Curing and/or drying the peel-able coating by heating, blowing or radiating by UV-light. Further the invention relates to the use of a peel-able coating as an inner lining (6) in a container (1) for fluid materials, such as paint or other materials able to leave residues on or in the container. |
| US08708179B2 |
Product packaging
A product packaging device includes side portions. Each of the side portions includes a first end portion, a second end portion and a loading portion. The side portions fold together for closing the product packaging device. |
| US08708177B2 |
In-situ foam core dielectrically-resistant systems and method of manufacture
A dielectrically-resistant system includes a first component of a first plastic shell having opposed and spaced apart walls, defining a first cavity. The first plastic shell includes a first rib. Disposed within the first cavity is a first in-situ foam core including expanded polymer beads. The first in-situ foam core has a thermal bond with the first plastic shell. A second plastic shell and in-situ foam core component essentially mirroring the first component is connected to the first component by a connection. The dielectrically-resistant system is capable of resisting an electric potential difference of at least 50 kV. |
| US08708172B2 |
Multi-stage trolley for a crane and a crane therewith
A crane for loading and unloading a cargo includes multi-stage trolley. The multi-stage trolley for a crane includes a first trolley movable in a longitudinal direction along a boom of the crane; a second trolley movable in a lateral direction on the first trolley; a hoisting wire provided in the longitudinal direction along the boom; a spreader connected to the hoisting wire through the first trolley and the second trolley and supported by the hoisting wire, the spreader being movable in a vertical direction according to a movement of the hoisting wire. The multi-stage trolley further includes a sheave block unit for changing a direction of the hoisting wire to maintain a vertical level of the spreader constant when the first trolley and/or the second trolley is moved. |
| US08708171B2 |
Boom for receiving loads on the end thereof, boom assembly with at least two such booms and method of manufacturing such a boom
A boom (1) is used for receiving loads on the end thereof. The boom (1) has a metal boom hollow profile (2) extending along a boom longitudinal axis (3), and also a reinforcing layer (7) made of a fiber-plastic composite, connected to the boom hollow profile (2) at least in sections. At least one sensor element (12) is arranged in the region of the reinforcing layer (7). The sensor element (12) is used to detect strains in the boom (1). |
| US08708165B2 |
Apparatus configured to store media cases and boxes
An improved apparatus configured to store different kinds and types of media cases and boxes includes at least two similar constructed apparatuses which are releasably connected together by at least one pair of mating connecting members. |
| US08708164B2 |
Internal seals for server racks
An air sealing device for installation in server racks to minimize the internal mixing of cooling air with warm air without passing through a server. The device has an elongated support strip of ABS or similar plastic material, to one portion of one side of which is secured a double side foam mounting strip, with an outside adhesive surface covered by a removable strip. A Neoprene foam, resiliently flexible sealing strip is adhesively secured by one edge margin thereof to the available surface portion of the support strip, on the same side as the mounting strip. The sealing strip can be mounted on a rack element to extend across an air space and into contact with a cover panel to prevent bypass air flow along sides of the rack. The device can also be mounted on a frame element to extend over surface areas thereof to close openings therein. |
| US08708159B2 |
Manufacture of microspheres using a hydrocyclone
This disclosure features a system for processing microspheres. A vessel contains a suspension of solidified microspheres comprising polymer and an active agent. A hydrocyclone has a fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet. The fluid inlet is in fluid communication with the vessel and receives the suspension. The second fluid outlet contains a flow of the suspension having concentrated microspheres. The first fluid outlet contains a flow of a relatively large amount of liquid compared to the flow from the second fluid outlet. Also featured is a method of processing the microspheres using the hydrocyclone. |
| US08708157B2 |
Material sorter
A material sorter using guide rails of various configurations on an inclined panel to assist in sorting mixed density materials into higher density and lower density piles. In some embodiments, the guide rails may be repositioned via actuators or manually to adapt to requirements for different types of mixed-density materials to be sorted. The guide rails may be fixed in various discrete positions. Combinations of diverging and converging guide rails are used in some embodiments. Arrangements of multiple material sorters, each configured for different types of mixed-density materials, are disclosed. |
| US08708155B2 |
Ore screening panel frame cover
An ore screening deck frame system which consists of a machine frame having a machine attachment portion and a panel attachment portion having holes spaced along the length there of and a cover which is adapted to extend parallel to the panel attachment support portion has dependent edge skirts that depend below the surface of the panel attachment support portion and also has dependent tubular bosses spaced to fit in the holes of said panel attachment support portion. The frame is made from an inverted L section steel frame member with the upper flange providing the panel attachment support portion. The cover is molded from polyurethane or rubber and encloses the upper flange. The tubular bosses extend from recesses in the surface of the cover and the recesses incorporate an annular shoulder that corresponds to the top of the tubular bosses. The tubular bosses are adapted to receive fastening pins that extend into the bosses and end below the lower surface of the upper flange. |
| US08708154B1 |
Adjustable spring grizzly bar material separator
An adjustable spring grizzly bar material separator provided and includes a plurality of flexible tines, a cassette, wherein the plurality of flexible tines are each coupled on an end to the cassette, and a first set of spacers removably coupled within the cassette between the plurality of tines, wherein the first set of spacers separate the plurality of flexible tines a first predetermined distance to set the size of material that is to be separated from an amount of aggregate flowing over the tines. The material separator may also include a second set of spacers; the first set of spacers is replaceable with the second set of spacers, wherein the second set of spacers separates the plurality of flexible tines a second predetermined distance, the second predetermined distance being different from the first predetermined distance. |
| US08708153B2 |
Grape processing apparatus
A grape processing apparatus and method is described and which includes a screen, a cleated conveyor belt with a bottom flight and which is spaced from the screen, and a source of bunches of grapes which have associated stems, and which are fed into a predetermined space between the bottom flight of the cleated conveyor belt and the screen, and wherein the bunches of grapes move along the screen in a rolling and tumbling motion to separate the individual grapes from the associated stems, and wherein the individual grapes are collected thereafter. |
| US08708150B2 |
Pallet-like base frame for transport and storage containers for liquids
A pallet-like base frame-includes a floor for supporting the inner container. Corner feet and central feet are mounted on a foot frame attached to the floor of the base frame. At least one of the corner feet includes a corner foot body with a front wall and partial bodies formed laterally of a center axis of the front wall. The partial bodies respectively include an upper supporting surface formed on the circumferential rim of the front wall for connecting the corner foot with the floor and a lower supporting surface with a connecting region for connecting the corner foot with the foot frame. The lower supporting surface of at least one partial body has a stop body arranged between a circumferential rim of the front wall and the connecting region, which stop body, due to its distance from the circumferential rim, defines a bearing rim for supporting the base frame on an outer casing of a transport and storage container. |
| US08708147B2 |
Composite package
A composite package having a folded paperboard card and two plastic components shaped to interfit with one another when the package is closed. The plastic components define a space for containing one or more articles. The folded paperboard card may be a dual-panel card with two panels joined to one another along a fold line or other hinge. Each paperboard panel may define an opening to seat a plastic component. The paperboard is configured to bring the two plastic components into registration when the panels are folded together along the hinge. The plastic components may be configured to releasably interlock with one another when the package is closed. One of the two plastic components may include a shoulder that is configured to be snap-fitted or otherwise frictionally into the other plastic component. The opening may include a seat shaped to closely receive and provide a stop for the shoulder. |
| US08708146B2 |
Twist reclosable blister package
A package is disclosed comprising a blister with a flange enclosed between paperboard cards, arranged so that upon rotation of the blister the flange emerges from between the cards allowing the blister to be separated from the cards. |
| US08708145B2 |
Package cushioning structure for module
The present invention provides a package cushioning structure for module, which includes a cushioning bottom board and a cushioning band extending through and interlaced with the cushioning bottom board. The cushioning bottom board forms a plurality of spaced hollow sections. A bar is arranged between every two of the hollow sections. The cushioning band includes a plurality of cushioning air columns mounted thereto at interval. The cushioning air columns are arranged alternately on the bars. To package, modules are each positioned on and born by each of the bars between two of the cushioning air columns. An alternate package cushioning structure includes a cushioning bottom board having a surface forming slots and a cushioning band arranged in the cushioning bottom board through a mounting channel extending through the bottom board from a side surface thereof. Air columns of the cushioning band are located in the slots to support modules. |
| US08708140B2 |
Mobile device enclosure system
A mobile device enclosure system is an apparatus that is provided as a means to protect a mobile device from the wear and tear of daily usage without limiting the portability of the mobile device or the accessibility of said mobile device's hardware keys or charging ports. The apparatus accomplishes this through the use of an inner sleeve and an outer case. The inner sleeve is enclosed within the outer case. The inner sleeve houses the mobile device and protects it from everyday wear and tear while the outer case houses both the inner sleeve and the mobile device protecting them from accidental damage. Additionally, the configuration of the inner sleeve and the outer case permits the mobile device to be particularly oriented and positioned in order to conform to a tradition landscape and portrait display view as well as alternative configurations. |
| US08708137B2 |
Article transporting device
The object is to provide an article transporting device in which dust generation can be prevented and in which it is hard for the operator at the operator's transfer location to be injured. The device comprises a reciprocating movable body configured to move in a forward and backward directions on a travel path extending between an operator's transfer location P and a non-operator's transfer location Q, a cover body 22 which partially covers an area above the reciprocating movable body which travels over an entire length of the travel path, an article support 20 connected to the reciprocating movable body by a connecting portion which extends upwardly from the reciprocating movable body and vertically through the slit 24 provided to the cover body, the article support being configured to move above the cover body along a direction of the travel path. The slit is formed such that the connecting portion remains out of contact with the cover body, when the reciprocating movable body moves along the travel path. A flexible and resilient cover 22s which can be elastically deformed is provided in an end forming portion 22E of the cover body which forms an end of the slit on a side of the operator's transfer location. |
| US08708134B2 |
Star wheel conveyor outfeed mechanism and method
A method and apparatus for inspection of containers including a circular star wheel conveyor having a plurality of intermediate annular inspection pockets and at least one non-inspection position. The method includes the steps of providing an outfeed stripper configured to engage a container disposed in the non-inspection position aligning the outfeed stripper inside the circumference of the star wheel conveyor and aligning the outfeed stripper with the conveyor and with the rotational path of the star wheel. Positioning an outfeed mechanism adjacent to the star wheel conveyor and operating the outfeed mechanism at a desired conveyor speed. Controlling the movement of the star wheel conveyor to align the container with the outfeed stripper and the outfeed mechanism only at the non-inspection position regardless of the number of angular inspection positions. |
| US08708133B2 |
System for loading and unloading foodstuffs
A system for loading and unloading food products. In one implementation the system includes a transport device with a plurality of parallel belts upon which the products to be loaded move, and a tool adapted to load the products. The tool has a support adapted to pass through the gaps between the belts to load the product and to support the product when it is unloaded, and to perform the loading of the product moving it in an ascending vertical direction, the support lifting the product from the transport device. The support is adapted to rotate in relation to the support structure to unload the product, when they rotate, the support has a peripheral speed equal to the speed at which the product moves during the unloading. |
| US08708131B2 |
Stopper cylinder
A stopper cylinder is equipped with a body having a drive unit, a piston mechanism being displaceable along an axial direction in the interior of a tube connected to the body, and a stopper lever connected to the piston mechanism for stopping conveyance of a workpiece. Displacement of the piston mechanism is restricted by an electromagnetic lock mechanism, which is disposed on the body and is excited by supply of electric power. After approaching the workpiece, by releasing a locked state of the electromagnetic lock mechanism, the piston mechanism is displaced to a position facing the workpiece by an elastic force of a spring. |
| US08708130B2 |
Start-up sensor with entrance way monitoring for escalators or moving walkways
A moving device including a driven conveyor, a control device for controlling the speed of the conveyor and a start-up sensor, which monitors a monitoring region in front of the moving device and outputs a start-up signal to the control device upon detecting an object, wherein, upon a provided start-up signal, the control device sets into motion or accelerates the moving device. The start-up sensor is a TOF sensor having (i) a light source for emitting modulated light, (ii) at least one receiving sensor for receiving light from the light source that is reflected at the object, and (iii) an evaluation electronic system configured for detecting, from the comparison of emitted and received light, the distance of the object from the TOF sensor and the position of the object in the space in front of the moving device. |
| US08708128B2 |
Paper currency deposit-withdrawal mechanism
Provided is a means whereby improvement in fund efficiency of stored paper currency of a paper currency storage vault and reduction in withdrawal processing time are effected, and whereby a count value of a number of stored sheets and an actual number of sheets are matched. An accumulation order table, which stores an accumulation order of paper currency which is stored in a paper currency storage vault (8) and serial number information of the paper currency in accumulation sequence, is stored in a storage unit of a paper currency deposit-withdrawal mechanism (1). When making a withdrawal, if the paper currency which is dispensed from the paper currency storage vault (8) is withdrawal anomaly paper currency which is differentiated with a differentiation unit (6) as a conveyance anomaly, the serial number information of the next successive paper currency of the withdrawal anomaly paper currency is detected by the differentiation unit (6). Based on the detected serial number information and the accumulation order table, a corrected number of sheets, which is the number of sheets of paper currency which configures the withdrawal anomaly paper currency, is counted, the corrected number of sheets is subtracted from the current count of the stored number of sheets of the paper currency storage vault (8), the current stored number of sheets is corrected, and the withdrawal anomaly paper currency of the counted corrected number of sheets is conveyed to and accumulated in a deposit-withdrawal unit (5). |
| US08708126B2 |
Bill validator—dispenser with improved security
A method is shown providing a Bill Validator that is adaptable for bill payback by utilizing an attachable bill hopper module to fit between the bill Stacker and the Bill Validator.A construction is shown providing a bill Validator utilizing an attachable bill hopper module fitted between the bill Stacker and the bill Validator that fits in the same “envelope” with an existing Bill Validator with Stacker.A method and construction is shown where higher bill security is provided when the power is off.A method and construction is shown where higher bill security is provided when humidity and icing occur in and around the inlet. |
| US08708120B2 |
Multi-plate clutch and manufacturing method of clutch hub
A multi-plate clutch including a clutch hub having a cylindrical portion; a plurality of clutch plates splined to the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion of the clutch hub, and a plurality of spline teeth being formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion of the clutch hub. A recessed portion is formed on the inner side of each spline tooth, and a weir portion is formed at one end of each recessed portion by depressing one portion of the spline tooth to the inner side on one end side of the cylindrical portion. Thus forming a depressed portion, and removing, with one portion of the depressed portion left behind, a portion of the cylindrical portion on the one end side of the one portion of the depressed portion. |
| US08708119B2 |
Power tool
A reciprocal switching structure of a ratchet wrench is provided and includes a case, a gear assembly, two gear racks, a reciprocal switching mechanism, and a transmission unit. The case has a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is adjacent to a gripping part of the ratchet wrench and is opposite to the first end. The gear assembly is pivotally disposed in the case. The two gear racks engage or disengage from the gear assembly reciprocally. The reciprocal switching mechanism is disposed in the case and includes two push rods and at least one reciprocal switching member. The transmission unit pivotally is disposed in the case, and is pivotally connected between the two gear racks for driving the two gear racks to be displaced. |
| US08708117B2 |
Damper unit and force-transmitting device comprising such a damper unit
A damper unit having at least two series-connected damper units arranged offset from each other in a radial direction, each including two damper parts that are coupled to each other by means of spring units and a speed-adaptive absorber which is at least indirectly coupled to the connection between the two dampers, wherein the speed-adaptive absorber is arranged between the spring units of both dampers in a radial direction. |
| US08708116B2 |
Vibration damping device
To provide a simply-structured vibration damping device having excellent vibration damping capacity.A vibration damping device is configured to damp torsional vibrations of a rotary member of a hydraulic transmission 1, in which the rotary member is rotated integrally with a drive side impeller 2 or with a driven side impeller 5, and in which the drive side impeller 2 and the driven side impeller 5 are connected with a lockup clutch 26 actuated by fluid pressure. The vibration damping device comprises: a holding chamber 24 rotated integrally with the driven side impeller 5; a rolling member 25 held in the holding chamber 24, which is rotated in a rotational direction of the driven side impeller 5 but allowed to rotate relatively with the driven side impeller 5; and a movable member 23 configured to lock the rolling member 25 in the holding chamber 24 when actuated by the fluid pressure for disengaging the lockup clutch 26, and to unlock the rolling member 25 in the holding chamber 24 when actuated by the fluid pressure for engaging the lockup clutch 26. |
| US08708115B2 |
Device for damping vibrations
A device is described for vibration damping, which is attachable on a mechanical structure or integratable therein, having at least one mass which is indirectly or directly operationally linked to the structure via elastic means, referred to as the so-called damper mass, and at least one actuator for changing a stiffness which can be associated with the elastic means. The invention provides an electrical power source, which is capable of generating electrical power exclusively using an oscillating relative movement resulting along the operational link between the damper mass and the structure, and a regulating unit, which is connected to the electrical power source, which activates the at least one actuator as a function of the vibration behavior of the structure based upon a vibration damping rule. |
| US08708113B2 |
Brake system and method for producing friction material
A brake system includes a pad having a frictional surface, and a disc having a frictional surface sliding on the frictional surface. The frictional surface includes hard particles supported elastically and a plurality of protrusions arranged along a direction in which the frictional surface slides on the frictional surface, and when the frictional surface slides on the frictional surface, hard particles abut respective protrusions continuously while being displaced in the direction perpendicular to the frictional surface. Thus, wear resistance can be improved Since only the vicinities of the peaks of the hard particles and the vicinities of the peaks of the protrusions abut, the hard particles do not follow irregularities of the frictional surface, and thereby the hard particles and the protrusions repeat point contact. Thus, since the distance between the hard particles and the protrusions is stabilized and the adhesion frictional force is stabilized, a stable frictional force can be obtained. |
| US08708107B2 |
Method for monitoring a lifting system
The invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring a lifting system (11) for lifting loads, particularly vehicles, in which for lifting a load (14), the lifting movement is initiated by a starting phase, and lifting devices (12) are individually driven in the starting phase. Load holding means (18) of the lifting devices (12) are raised until a pre-set minimum load is detected by the pressure sensor (24), and the load holding means (18) are raised by a pre-selectable displacement distance in a load recognition phase of the lifting process following the starting phase, and after the pre-selected displacement distance is passed through, a load inquiry is carried out and the determined load is stored as a reference value for the further lifting process. |
| US08708105B2 |
Transmission with splash lubrication system
A transmission is provided with a transmission case partially defining a cavity containing unpressurized fluid. The transmission case has a first feature configured to collect splashed fluid and a second feature configured to direct the collected fluid to a chamber at least partially formed by the transmission case. A cap connected to the transmission case has an opening and an orifice offset from the opening. Fluid flows from the chamber through the orifice to a component when fluid reaches a first level in the chamber and flows through the central opening through an axial passage in the shaft to other components when fluid reaches a second level in the chamber. Fluid flow is provided to components through an axial passage from both ends of a rotatable shaft, such as an input shaft. The axial passage may have a threaded end to pump oil away from the end and prevent backflow. |
| US08708104B1 |
Rotatable tree stand
The present invention is a 180° rotatable tree stand that has an embodiment that allows the tree stand to be manually manipulated to control the rotation. Another embodiment has the rotation operated and controlled by electric motors and controls in the seat. Another embodiment allows the user to use a remote control to manipulate the seat. The seat will rotate 360° . The tree stand is secure to the tree by a hanger and a cable and pulley system manipulate the rotation and leveling both forward and back ward. It also allows for adjustment from side to side to perfectly level the platform. |
| US08708099B2 |
Safety anchoring device
A portable anchor for use in a fall arrest protection system. The anchor comprises a base for abutment to a solid support structure, a post extending perpendicular from the base, at least one attachment point connected to the post for receiving a connector, and a rod adapted to be inserted through a central bore through the base and post. The rod has an anchoring section at a first end of the rod for frictionally engaging a portion of the solid support structure and a locking section in the vicinity of a second end of the rod for reversibly securing the rod to the post. Also disclosed is a fall arrest protection system that includes the portable anchor described above. Furthermore, a method of attaching the portable anchor to a solid support structure is also disclosed. |
| US08708091B2 |
Corded hearing protective device and method of manufacturing the same
A hearing protective device is provided including a first sound attenuating element, a second sound attenuating element, a flexible elongated member connecting the first sound attenuating element and the second sound attenuating element, and a knot formed in the flexible elongated member, the knot is untied by moving the first sound attenuating element in a direction away from second sound attenuating element. |
| US08708086B2 |
Saddle-ride type vehicle
A saddle-ride type vehicle in which the body frame can be reinforced without using a special reinforcing member includes left and right rear frame portions extending rearward and upward from a down frame. The right and left rear frame portions each include a rear frame front half portion and a rear frame rear half portion that are joined together at a joint. The left and right rear frame front half portions are connected to each other by a cross frame. The rear frame rear half portions extend further forward from its joint with the rear frame front half portion and are also joined together by the cross frame, which supports a seat through a storage box. |
| US08708085B1 |
Convertible motorcycle trailer
The present invention is a trailer assembly with two wheels having a tongue hitch attached to a belly plate. The belly plate is connected to a main frame chassis. The tongue hitch has engagement means which allows the trailer to be attached to a vehicle. The tongue hitch is removable and the plate is secured to the frame of a motorcycle creating a four wheel vehicle. Height adjustment risers and length adjustment risers are mounted to the plate and are engaged with the main frame rail. The trailer assembly can be adjusted to different types of motorcycles. A cross brace/bumper is secured to a distal end of the frame chassis. Decking material mounts on the frame chassis to provide storage capability. |
| US08708084B2 |
Bicycle with auxiliary power unit
A power-assisted bicycle with an auxiliary power unit that improves positional stability of a torque sensor and inhibits the position of the sensor from being misaligned, wherein the power-assisted bicycle includes an annular hollow member inserted over an outer periphery of a crankshaft and a one-way clutch disposed on the hollow member for transmitting, when a pedaling torque in a direction in which the power-assisted bicycle traveling in a forward direction, is applied to the crankshaft, and wherein a magnetic film is formed in a recess disposed in an outer periphery of the hollow member, and a magnetostrictive torque sensor is positioned and fixed by a support member for rotatably supporting the magnetostrictive torque sensor relative to the annular hollow member at both ends of the recess, such that the magnetostrictive torque sensor faces the magnetic film in the recess. |
| US08708083B2 |
Gas turbine energy storage and conversion system
The present invention combines the principles of a gas turbine engine with an electric transmission system. A method and apparatus are disclosed for utilizing metallic and ceramic elements to store heat energy derived from a regenerative braking system. The subject invention uses this regenerated electrical energy to provide additional energy storage over conventional electrical storage methods suitable for a gas turbine engine. The subject invention provides engine braking for a gas turbine engine as well as reducing fuel consumption. |
| US08708079B2 |
Vehicle body structure
A vehicle body structure is provided with a vehicle body member, a charger, a structural support member. The charger includes an upper end portion and a lower end portion. The lower end portion of the charger is supported on the vehicle body member. The structural support member extends in a widthwise direction of the vehicle body structure in a position rearward of the upper end portion of the charger and adjacent the upper end portion of the charger. |
| US08708074B1 |
Selectable four-wheel drive system
A drive system for a vehicle having a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels is disclosed having a rear drive assembly having a first pair of axles extending from opposite sides of the vehicle, each axle of the first pair of axles drivingly engaged to one of the pair of rear wheels, a prime mover drivingly engaged to the rear drive assembly, a power source disposed on the vehicle, a front drive assembly in selective electrical communication with the power source and having a second pair of axles extending from opposite sides of the vehicle, each axle of the second pair of axles is drivingly engaged to one of the pair of front wheels and has a pivotable segment along its length, a steering mechanism in communication with the pivotable segment of each of the second pair of axles, an accelerator mechanism in communication with the rear drive assembly and the front drive assembly, a selector switch having a first position which prevents electrical communication between the front drive assembly and the power source and a second position which places the front drive assembly in electrical communication with the power source, where the rear drive assembly can power the vehicle when the selector switch is in the first position, and both the rear drive assembly and the front drive assembly can power the vehicle when the selector switch is in the second position. |
| US08708072B2 |
Modulated vehicle retardation system and method
An articulated vehicle is provided having a cab portion, a trailer portion, and a coupling assembly positioned between the cab portion and the trailer portion. A front wheel assembly may support the cab portion, and a rear wheel assembly may support the trailer portion. The vehicle may include a modulated retarder system configured to slow the vehicle when descending a slope. |
| US08708069B2 |
Vehicle suspension system
A vehicle equipped with a double tandem members suspension system to suspend the vehicle, the double tandem members being operatively interconnected together and adapted to receive idling wheels adapted to support and guide an endless belt thereon to provide significant suspension travel and prevents an endless belt disengagement from the idling wheels. |
| US08708068B2 |
Frictional drive device and traction wheel
A friction drive device comprises a pair of drive disks rotatably supported by a frame opposite to each other in a coaxial relationship, a power source for individually rotatively actuating the drive disks, a traction wheel interposed between the drive disks and including a plurality of articulation members pivotally connected in tandem into a loop and a free roller rotatably support by each articulation member so as to be rotatable around an axial line extending along the loop, and drive rollers pivotally supported along a peripheral part of each drive disk at a regular angular interval and engaging the free rollers at an oblique angle. The articulation members allow the free rollers to be held in a loop without requiring a stiff annular member. |
| US08708065B2 |
Vessel to condition dry drill cuttings
Dry earthen material from an oil/gas well drilling rig is injected into an elongated vessel with a number of rings of nozzles that are arranged in conjunction with a number of water and/or chemical spray nozzles and a baffling system to knock the air/gas out of the cuttings and vent it. A relatively thick muddy waste is produced which may be easily disposed of. |
| US08708062B2 |
Machine tool, in particular a handheld power tool
The invention relates to a machine tool having a two-part housing. The housing parts of the machine tool are connected by a connection device that has at least two connection projections. According to the invention, the connection projections in one housing part are arranged adjacent to each other and engage in corresponding connection recesses, in a positive fit, arranged in the other housing part. |
| US08708060B2 |
Clutch mechanisms for power screwdrivers
A synchronization mechanism of a clutch mechanism includes a drive side contact member and a driven side contact member provided on a drive side clutch member and a driven side clutch member of a clutch mechanism at positions radially inwardly of a drive side clutch portion and a driven side clutch portion, respectively. The driven side contact member does not contact the drive side contact member when the driven side clutch member is in a disengaging position. As the driven side clutch member moves from the disengaging position to an engaging position, the driven side contact member contacts the drive side contact member, so that the rotation of the drive side clutch member is transmitted to the driven side clutch member through frictional contact between the driven side contact member and the drive side contact member before the driven side clutch member reaches the engaging position. |
| US08708059B2 |
Mounting assembly for handle for power tool
A mounting assembly for moveably mounting a handle of a power tool to a housing of the power tool is disclosed. The mounting assembly has a metal bar (324) mounted to a housing (290) of the power tool and a vibration damper (332) mounted to a handle (294) of the power tool and slidably mounted to the metal bar. The vibration damper includes a vibration damping member (344) for damping vibrations tending to cause the vibration damper to pivot relative to the metal bar about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the metal bar. |
| US08708055B2 |
Apparatus and methods for wedge lock prevention
In one embodiment, a tubular handling apparatus is provided with a wedge lock release mechanism that creates a clearance to allow movement by the mandrel having mating wedge surfaces relative to the tubular to release the wedge slips. In another embodiment, a tubular handling apparatus for handling a tubular includes a mandrel; a carrier coupled to the mandrel; a gripping element for engaging the tubular; an engagement member coupled to the carrier for engaging an upper portion of the tubular; and an abutment device adapted to engage the engagement member, wherein a length of the abutment device is adjustable to allow movement of the engagement member. |
| US08708053B2 |
Riser installation from offshore floating production unit
A method for installing risers so they extend from a FPU (floating production unit) to multiple subsea hydrocarbon wells of an oil field, which avoids damage to the pipe sections and that is economical. As pipe sections are connected to a near end (56) of a pipe string portion (68B-68D) that lies at the FPU, a tug boat (30) pulls the far end (65) of the pipe string toward a well head. Initially, a long pull line (34) extends from a winch (32) on the tug boat, in a double catenary curve to the far end of the pipe string. The winch is operated to shorten the pull line until the pipe string extends in a double catenary curve (60). Tension in the pipe string is maintained at a proper level during installation by maintaining the near end portion of the pipe string so it extends at a near end angle (70) to the vertical that continually lies within a predetermined range, such as from 3° to 12°. |
| US08708051B2 |
Isolation valve with debris control and flow tube protection
The present invention generally relates to an isolation valve with debris control. In one aspect, an isolation valve for use as part of a casing string is provided. The isolation valve includes a housing having a bore and a valve cavity. The isolation valve further includes a valve member movable between a first position in which the valve member obstructs the bore of the housing and a second position in which the valve member is disposed in the valve cavity. Further, the isolation valve includes a flow tube configured to allow movement of the valve member between the first and second positions. Additionally, the isolation valve includes an engagement assembly adapted to engage the flow tube to substantially prevent debris from entering the valve cavity when the valve member is in the second position. In another aspect, a method of operating an isolation valve in a wellbore is provided. |
| US08708050B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow using movable flow diverter assembly
Apparatus and methods for controlling the flow of fluid, such as formation fluid, through an oilfield tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. Fluid flow is autonomously controlled in response to change in a fluid flow characteristic, such as density. A fluid diverter is movable between an open and closed position in response to fluid density change and operable to restrict fluid flow through a valve assembly inlet. The diverter can be pivotable, rotatable or otherwise movable in response to the fluid density change. The diverter can control a fluid flow ratio through two valve inlets. The fluid flow ratio is used to operate a valve member to restrict fluid flow through the valve. The fluid diverter can move in response to a change in the fluid to affect fluid flow patterns in a tubular, the change in flow pattern operating a valve assembly. |
| US08708048B1 |
Gas recovery component heating system
A gas recovery component heating apparatus and method of use. The apparatus includes an insulating shell and at least one heating element positioned along the interior of the insulating shell. The apparatus further includes one or more apertures configured to allow a portion of the gas recovery component to pass through said aperture when the apparatus is secured about the gas recovery component. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for securing the apparatus about the gas recovery component. |
| US08708046B2 |
Closed loop energy production from geothermal reservoirs
Apparatus and methods for recovering and using geothermal energy. Such methods include at least partially vaporizing a working fluid by passing it through a flow loop that at least partially extends into a heated subterranean zone and employing the vaporized working fluid to power a turbine. At least a portion of the flow loop can comprise a depleted or partially depleted hydrocarbon well. |
| US08708042B2 |
Apparatus and method for valve actuation
An apparatus for controlling fluid flow that includes a chamber having a first valve and a second valve; a sensor that senses a pressure parameter associated with the chamber; and a controller programmed to operate the first valve and the second valve in response to the sensed pressure parameter may be used to control for flow and to obtain data relating to a formation and/or formation fluid. |
| US08708038B2 |
Pipe grapple
A grapple for controlling, monitoring and stopping the flow of oil, natural gas and the like from a broken, flanged pipe. A housing encloses a ring of material that is more ductile than the broken pipe flange. The force applied by a weight, presses a driving device against the broken pipe flange periphery, the force so applied distorts the ductile ring, thereby establishing a fluid-tight seal between the flange and the housing. |
| US08708036B2 |
Heat exchanger for cooling high-temperature gas
A heat exchanger for cooling high-temperature gas includes a gas tank portion into which the high-temperature gas is supplied through an inlet port of the gas tank portion, a plurality of tubes configured such that the high-temperature gas flowing from the gas tank portion passes therethrough, and a cooling-medium tank portion covering each of the tubes with a gap defined therebetween. Each of the tubes has an expansion portion located at a side of the inlet port. A cooling medium flows in the gap on an outer peripheral surface of the tube. The gas tank portion, the cooling-medium tank portion, and the expansion portion of the tube are stacked such that a partition portion between the gas tank portion and the cooling-medium tank portion has a thickness larger than a thickness of the gas tank portion or the cooling-medium tank portion. |
| US08708034B2 |
Air conditioner
Disclosed is an air conditioner for attempting to improve on the corrosion of the outdoor unit. The air conditioner of the present invention for performing a cooling operation and a heating operation by switching a four side valve, that includes an outdoor side heat exchanger operating as a condenser during the cooling operation and an evaporator during the heating operation, and having fins and heat transfer tubes, wherein the outdoor side heat exchanger is placed on a baseboard which configures a lower portion of a chassis of the outdoor unit, comprises the fins and the heat transfer tubes of the outdoor side heat exchanger that are constructed with aluminum or aluminum alloy, and the baseboard that is constructed with Zn—Al plated steel board or Zn—Al—Mg plated steel board. |
| US08708032B2 |
Method and system for internal cleaning of complex castings
A decoring method and system is provided. The method includes the steps of providing the casting having a core material disposed in the internal passage; providing the decoring apparatus configured to selectively oscillate the casting and selectively rotate the casting; securing the casting in the decoring apparatus; introducing a quantity of shot into the internal passage of the casting; oscillating the casting; and rotating the casting. A decoring apparatus configured to selectively oscillate the casting along a first axis, rotate the casting about a second axis, and rotate the casting about a third axis, is also provided. |
| US08708029B2 |
Injection mold for a wax model of a turbine blade having an isostatic core holder
An injection mold producing a model of a turbine engine blade, including: a top surface that folds onto a bottom surface, both surfaces including long rods for supporting a core generating cooling cavities inside the blade, wherein the long rods of the bottom surface are configured to contact a first surface of the airfoil at bearing points, and the long rods of the top surface are configured to contact a second surface of the airfoil at clamping points; at least one short rod extending from one of the surfaces of the mold and pointing towards a false point located on one of the surfaces of the airfoil, the length of the short rod being shorter than the distance between the surface of the mold and the surface of the blade at the false point, and the difference between the length and the distance being equal to tolerance in relation to positioning of the false point in event of deformation of the core. |
| US08708027B2 |
Portable privacy shield for an automobile
Portable privacy spaces are described that include an open door of a vehicle, and an opaque sheet attached to a first fastener and a second fastener. The first fastener is attached to the open door of the vehicle and the second fastener is attached to another surface of the vehicle. The door, the sheet, and the vehicle form a perimeter for the privacy space. Also, methods of forming a privacy space are described that include the steps of opening a first door of a vehicle, and attaching a first fastener to the open door, where the first fastener is also attached to an opaque sheet. A second fastener is attached to another surface of the vehicle, where the second fastener is also attached to the opaque sheet. The open door, the opaque sheet and the rest of the vehicle form the privacy space. |
| US08708025B2 |
Device for covering a surface
The present invention relates to a device for covering a surface comprising a drum mounted to rotate and able to wind up or unwind a cover. Said drum is mounted on a longitudinal-translation mechanism comprising: (a) two flexible belts fixed only at each of their ends to the four corners of the surface that is to be covered and arranged along the two lengths of the perimeter of the surface that is to be covered; and (b) a carriage transversely overhanging the surface to be covered and supporting the drum, said carriage comprising, at each of its ends: (i) a drive wheel the rotation axle of which is parallel to that of said drum; (ii) at least two casters resting on the surface directly adjacent to the surface that is to be covered and allowing for the longitudinal translational movement of the carriage, these being mounted on each side of the drive wheel and together with the latter constituting a triangle of which the drive wheel forms the vertex; so that the sections of each flexible belt comprised between their points of attachment and the casters, are pressed against the length of the periphery of the surface that is to be covered, and so that the section of each belt comprised between the at least two casters runs over the drive wheel without slipping. |
| US08708020B2 |
Embossing device for at least two-layered planar products such as toilet paper, tissues, or similar
The aim of the invention is to create an embossing device for at least two-layered planar products such as toilet paper, tissues, or similar, which makes it possible to easily make high-quality planar products that are provided with decorative patterns. The aim is achieved by an embossing device for at least two-layered planar products such as toilet paper, tissues, and similar. Also, the embossing device has at least one first and at least one second couple of rollers, each of which is composed of an embossing roller and a squeezer. |
| US08708018B2 |
Arrangements and methods for applying a label to a moving object
The present application describes an arrangement for applying a label to the periphery of a moving object. The arrangement may include an initial label dispensing an application station, a label tacking station, and a label wrapping station. Associated methods are also described. |
| US08708016B2 |
Process for manufacturing tyres for vehicle wheels
A process and apparatus for manufacturing tires for vehicle wheels, includes building, on a toroidal support, a carcass structure including at least one carcass ply associated, at axially opposite end edges thereof, with annular anchoring structures, the building step of the carcass structure includes forming at least one reinforcing structure, operatively associated with the annular anchoring structures through deposition on the toroidal support of at least one reinforcing element along a predetermined curvilinear deposition path. The deposition of the at least one reinforcing element includes the steps of: cutting to size a piece of at least one reinforcing continuous band-like element fed by a feeding device along a predetermined feeding direction, deforming the piece obtained according to the curvature of a deposition part of the deposition path intended to receive the piece, and depositing the deformed piece at the deposition part. |
| US08708015B2 |
Label manufacturing device and label printer
A base material sheet is fed from a base material supplying unit by a feeding drive unit. A raw film made up of an adhesive film temporarily attached with a first and release liner and a second release liner is supplied from an adhesive film supplying unit and the second release liner is peeled off from the adhesive film by a peeling unit. A label printer prints on the base material sheet and attaches the adhesive film onto the base material sheet. A label sheet that includes the base material sheet, the adhesive film and the first release liner is supplied to a cutter. After a cut line corresponding to a shape of a label is provided on the base material sheet by the cutter, the base material sheet is further transferred by a guide roller and is wound up by a product winding unit. |
| US08708012B2 |
Anti-skid device for a tire of a vehicle wheel
An anti-skid device for a tire of a vehicle wheel includes an anti-skid raceway designed to be placed on the circumferential tread of the tire. An elongate element extends in sliding manner through rear attachment means arranged along the periphery of the rear edge of the raceway. Means for tightening the raceway include at least one guide member passing through the raceway to let a part of the elongate element slide freely transversely to the raceway, in front of the front edge of the raceway, elastically extensible means arranged along the elongate element, and securing means to connect at least one end of the elongate element to the front element. |
| US08708011B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having sipes
The present invention has an object to provide a pneumatic tire having a sipe, which can increase ice braking performance without reducing anti-wear performance. The pneumatic tire includes: a plurality of land portions 4 partitioned by grooves 2 and 3 and formed in a tread surface 1a; and at least one sipe 5 formed in each of the land portions 4, wherein the sipe 5 is formed so that sipe inner wall surfaces 6 and 6 are formed perpendicularly to the tread surface 1a, one or more recesses 7 exposed on the tread surface 1a are formed in at least one of the sipe inner wall surfaces 6 and 6 opposed to each other, the recess 7 has a sectional area gradually decreasing from an opening end of the sipe 5 toward a sipe bottom 8 and converges on the sipe inner wall surface 6 before reaching the sipe bottom 8. |
| US08708008B2 |
Shaped carbide tips, carbide-tipped teeth, and tools with same
A carbide cutting tip including a rear surface and a bottom surface for mounting the tip to a cutting tool tooth, a top surface having a pair of peaks separated by a trough, the top surface including a frontward facet and a rearward facet sloped downwardly and rearwardly at a non-zero angle α with respect to the frontward facet, and a front surface having a substantially flat lower portion and a concave upper portion having a shape defined by a segment of an ellipse, the lower portion being disposed substantially perpendicularly to the frontward facet of the top surface, the lower portion and the upper portion joining at a break point located at the apex of the major axis of the ellipse, the major axis of the ellipse being canted frontwardly from the break point at a non-zero angle β with respect to the lower portion of the front surface. |
| US08708007B2 |
Woodturning tool
A hand-held cutting tool for use in cutting a turning timber workpiece, the cutting tool including a handle end, a tool shank having a width and a height wherein the width is greater than the height, and a curved neck that includes a cutting head. The curved neck is integral to the tool shank and has a width and a height wherein the height is greater than the width. The tool shank defines a tool rest portion having a planar surface. The cutting head includes a top surface that is coplanar to the tool rest portion and defines a centrally disposed threaded bore for threadably receiving a replaceable carbide cutter. The cutting head and a length of the tool shank extend parallel to each other and parallel to a longitudinal axis. |
| US08708001B2 |
Electric wire end treatment device and electric wire end treatment method
An end treatment portion 1a which treats ends Wa and Wb of an electric wire W and a transfer portion 7 which transfers the electric wire W are provided; a discharge portion 6, which discharges the electric wire W which is subjected to an end treatment by the end treatment portion 1a and transferred by the transfer portion 7, is also provided; the discharge portion 6 includes a discharge beam 11 for securing the electric wire W in a predetermined arrangement pattern; a calculation portion 20, which controls a securing treatment for securing the electric wire W to the discharge beam 11 in the discharge portion 6, is provided; and the predetermined arrangement pattern is set by the calculation portion 20 based on a content of processing the electric wire W at a subsequent process. |
| US08707998B2 |
Volume accumulator
A volume accumulator (15), including a guide housing (33) and a separating element (34), wherein the separating element (34) is slidably mounted on an inner lateral face of the guide housing (33). At least one indentation (41) is located on the guide housing (33), with the indentation protruding into the guide housing (33), wherein in the direction of the separating element (34) the indentation (41) has an open end that serves as a stop for the separating element (34). |
| US08707995B2 |
Constant temperature control device
A constant temperature control device contains a base including a central wall and a peripheral wall to define a chamber; the peripheral wall including a tunnel and hooks; the central wall including a first and a second holes and two grooves; a pressure balanced valve engaged in the chamber and including a first and a second inflow orifices and a first and a second outflow orifices; a controlling assembly including an operating shaft and a stainless steel piece; two plug sets, each including two springs and two stoppers, and each stopper including an aperture; a covering member including projections and a pore; between the covering member and the disk being defined with a second cavity; an outlet member fixed in the tunnel of the base and including a twisted passageway arranged therein so that the mixed water flows vertically from the tunnel and then is guided to jet horizontally. |
| US08707994B2 |
Solenoid valve and oil pressure control device
A solenoid valve has a linear solenoid, a common cylindrical sleeve, one axial end of which is fixed to the linear solenoid, and a common spool movably accommodated in the sleeve, and a return spring. The solenoid valve further has a first three-way valve formed by a first portion of the sleeve and a first portion of the spool for operating as a normally-closed type valve, and a second three-way valve formed by a second portion of the sleeve and a second portion of the spool for operating as a normally-opened type valve. |
| US08707988B2 |
Water inlet arrangement
The invention relates to a water inlet arrangement for the use in fish tanks in aquaculture, including a pipe to feed water into the tank, the pipe having a plurality of openings and, for a better adjustment of the flow, a surrounding second element having a plurality of openings and/or a fixed or adjustable shield are provided. |
| US08707987B2 |
Boiling water tap
A water tap is disclosed, which comprises an operating element for operating the tap, a sensor for detection of the touch of at least a portion of the tap by an object and generation of a detection signal and signalling means for generation of a warning signal based on the detection signal. The sensor and the signalling means are configured to generate a warning signal at a touch of at least a portion of the tap. A hot water system comprising the water tap is also disclosed. |
| US08707981B2 |
System for increasing the efficiency of a water meter
Disclosed is a system and an associated valve assembly that are adapted to increase the efficiency of an upstream water meter. By way of the valve assembly entrained water bubbles can be removed from a water supply. This, in turn, increases the density of the water running through the water meter. This ensures that the water meter is not inaccurately including entrained air as metered water. The result is more accurate water readings and reduced utility bills. |
| US08707976B2 |
Portable painting apparatus
A portable painting apparatus comprises a combination of a portable paint booth for holding an object to be painted, removable handles for moving objects coated with wet paint, an optional drying rack for wet painted objects, and accessory hangers adapted for suspending objects inside the portable paint booth or from the drying rack. The portable paint booth includes a support frame with a rotatable hub assembly for painting all sides of an object and a replaceable tent for providing a paint overspray and splatter barrier. The tent may optionally include exhaust ports for withdrawing paint vapor and airborne paint droplets from within the tent. The support frame, removable handles, and drying rack are adapted to hold painted objects coated with wet paint on all sides and edges without damaging the coating of wet paint. |
| US08707975B2 |
Crutch
An articulated grip pad is disclosed which includes a vertical supporting member that has a generally spherical bottom end. The crutch also includes a gripping pad having a bore. The generally spherical end of the vertical support is securely received into the bore. |
| US08707970B2 |
Portable oral hygiene system
An integrated oral health hygiene system including at least one oral health care product such as an electric toothbrush, dental floss and dental rinse/wash. In addition, the system includes a retractable toothbrush and an aperture to storage multiple devices including but not limit to batteries, pills, toothpick and others. |
| US08707968B2 |
Combination weave removal tool apparatus and method for use
A hair weave removal tool comprising a shaft having first and second ends; and at least one peripheral, each peripheral having a base, including the capability of attaching the peripheral to the shaft, wherein at least one peripheral comprises a fork and razor peripheral, comprising: a prong extending from the base generally opposite the point of attachment to the base, at least two arms extending from the prong, and a blade extending between the arms. |
| US08707967B2 |
Banded papers, smoking articles and methods
Wrapper for cigarette manufacture includes transversely extending band regions applied by a printing technique, such as gravure printing. The band regions comprise starch, an anti-wrinkling agent such as 1,2 propylene glycol or glycerin, and optionally calcium carbonate. Any suitable printing technique can be used to apply the aqueous solution to the banded regions. The pattern of banded regions may be bands, stripes, two-dimensional arrays, undulated regions, and the like along and/or around the tobacco rod. The pattern can be applied in one or more layers. The pattern may be configured so that when a smoking article is placed on a substrate, at least two longitudinal locations along the length of the tobacco rod have film-forming compound located only on sides of the smoking article not in contact with the substrate. |
| US08707957B2 |
Contraceptive system and method of use
A device and method of using the device for contraception or sterilization and particularly for reversible contraception by occluding a reproductive lumen to prevent the passage of reproductive cells through the lumen for a desired period of time until the patient wishes to become fertile again and then be reopened. The occluding member preferably comprises a tubular framework formed from a shape memory material configured to be implanted in a reproductive lumen. The occluding member is implanted within a body lumen, secured to the wall of the reproductive lumen and then collapsed to collapse the wall and occlude the lumen. Alternatively, the occluding member may be collapsed upon a solid plug. The closure of the reproductive lumen may be reversed by introducing a balloon catheter and by a series of inflations of the balloon reexpanding the collapsed occluding member or by removing the plug. The occluding member and the plug may be configured to facilitate endothelialization, to provoke an inflammatory responses or to deliver a drug. |
| US08707955B2 |
Methods and devices for improving breathing in patients with pulmonary disease
Methods, apparatus, and kits for enhancing breathing in patients suffering from chronic pulmonary obstructive disease are described. The methods and apparatus rely on increasing flow resistance to expiration in a manner which mimics “pursed lip” breathing which has been found to benefit patients suffering from this disease. In a first example, a device is implanted in a trachea or bronchial passage to increase flow resistance, preferably selectively increase resistance to expiration relative to inspiration. In a second embodiment, a mouthpiece is provided, again to increase resistance to expiration, preferably with a lesser increase in flow resistance to inspiration. In a third embodiment, the patient's trachea or bronchial passage is modified by the application of energy in order to partially close the lumen therethrough. |
| US08707952B2 |
Leak determination in a breathing assistance system
Systems and methods for estimating a leak flow in a breathing assistance system including a ventilation device connected to a patient are provided. Data of a flow waveform indicating the flow of gas between the ventilation device and the patient is accessed. A specific portion of the flow waveform is identified, and a linear regression of the identified portion of the flow waveform is performed to determine an estimated leak flow in the breathing assistance system. |
| US08707951B2 |
Process for operating a respirator
A process for controlling a respirator with reduced gas excess, wherein a load situation (37) of an expiration valve is polled in a continuous sequence and a flow value (36) is reduced step by step from a preset starting flow value (41) and wherein the flow value (36) is again increased when a predetermined value (44) is exceeded. |
| US08707946B2 |
Household appliance, in particular a kitchen range
The invention relates to a household appliance (1), in particular a kitchen range with at least one control and/or display circuit board (2) that is set in an appropriate mounting recess (3), said control and/or display board (2), when installed, being tightly pressed against another component (4) (specifically against the bottom surface of a glass-ceramic stovetop or of a control panel. To ensure good tolerance compensation in cost-effective fashion and, thus, secure pressure contact between the control and display board and the said other component, the invention proposes the placement of the control and/or display board (2) in a socket (5) in the mounting recess (3), which socket (5) is provided with several spring elements (6) so configured and arranged as to press against the control and/or display board (2) on its side facing away from the said other component (4). |
| US08707945B2 |
Multiple oven
A multiple oven, especially a double oven, with at least one lower oven and an upper oven arranged above it, features an upper fan for sucking in air over a surface of the upper oven, which features an upper vapor outlet, and also a lower fan for sucking in air over a surface of the lower oven, which features a lower vapor outlet. The multiple oven further features at least one vapor suction duct which is present for directing vapor exiting from the vapor outlet to one of the associated fans. |
| US08707940B2 |
Launcher
A launcher has a base having a pair of opposite supports that define a channel therebetween, a hub having a body that defines a hollow interior, an inlet tube extending through the body into the hollow interior, and an outlet tube extending through the body into the hollow interior. A first tube connects the bellows to the inlet tube, and a second tube connects the outlet tube to the object. The base and the hub are constructed so that the position of the hub inside the channel can be adjusted to allow the outlet tube to be oriented at different angles. |
| US08707939B2 |
Percussion and magazine revolving device of toy grenade launcher
A percussion and magazine revolving device of toy grenade launcher includes a magazine. The magazine forms annularly arranged cylindrical accommodation chambers receiving therein grenades and has a circumference along which holding pegs are arranged. A release plate is attached to the magazine and forms a pawl for selective engagement with the holding pegs. A trigger and a percussion mechanism coupled to the trigger are arranged on a carrier seat. The percussion mechanism has a top edge o which a drive bar is mounted. The magazine is rotated to compress an elastic element arranged therein. When the trigger is pulled, the percussion mechanism is caused to fire one grenade, and at the same time, the drive bar pushes the release plate away to make the pawl disengaging the holding pegs, thereby allowing the magazine to rotate an angle for being ready to fire the next grenade. |
| US08707938B2 |
Minimizing alcohol use in high efficiency alcohol boosted gasoline engines
A number of systems and methods are disclosed which increase the replenishment interval for anti-knock fluid. This is especially important during activities which require a large amount of anti-knock fluid, such as towing. In some embodiments, the systems and methods are used to reduce anti-knock fluid consumption. For example, changes to engine operation, such as rich operation, spark retarding, upspeeding, and variable valve timing, all serve to reduce the amount of anti-knock fluid required to eliminate knocking. In other embodiments, the composition of the anti-knock fluid is modified, such as by using a higher octane fluid, or through the addition of water to the anti-knock fluid. In other embodiments, the replenishment interval is increased through a larger anti-knock fluid storage capacity. In one embodiment, a three tank system is used where the third tank can be used to store gasoline or anti-knock fluid, depending on the driving conditions. |
| US08707927B2 |
Oil squirter
An oil squirter includes a housing in fluid communication with a source of oil pressure, a first nozzle in fluid communication with the housing, and a second nozzle in fluid communication with the housing. The oil squirter also includes a mechanism arranged within the housing and configured to open the first nozzle and close the second nozzle when the oil pressure is below a threshold value. The mechanism is also configured to open the second nozzle and close the first nozzle when the oil pressure is at or above the threshold value. An engine having a cylinder defined by a cylinder bore, a piston configured to reciprocate within the cylinder bore, and the oil squirter, along with a vehicle having such an engine, is also disclosed. In the engine, the first nozzle sprays oil onto the cylinder bore and the second nozzle sprays oil at the underside of the piston. |
| US08707926B2 |
Cylinder head cover structure of miniaturized vehicle
A cylinder head cover structure of a vehicle which can shorten a longitudinal length of a vehicle while avoiding the restriction on the layout of an engine. A motorcycle includes a vehicle body frame, an engine which is mounted on the vehicle body frame in a suspended manner and includes a cylinder head cover and a radiator which is arranged in front of the engine and behind a front wheel. A recessed portion which is recessed toward a rear side of the vehicle is formed in the cylinder head cover so as to allow a lower portion of the radiator to enter the recessed portion. |
| US08707923B2 |
Method for heating the combustion air of an internal combustion engine, and internal combustion engine for carrying out a method of said type
Embodiments for operating an internal combustion engine are provided. One example method for operating an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder head and at least two cylinders, in which each cylinder has at least one inlet opening for the supply of combustion air into the cylinder, comprises activating a heating device for heating the combustion air when a fuel supply of the internal combustion engine is deactivated, the heating device arranged in an overall intake line coupled to the internal combustion engine, the overall intake line including at least two merged intake lines, each intake line leading to an inlet opening of a respective cylinder. |
| US08707918B2 |
Valve train of a combustion piston engine
A valve train of a combustion piston engine having an actuating device which comprises a phase shift gearbox with two inputs and an output for phase adjustment of a camshaft. The first input is connected with a crankshaft, the second input is connected with a controllable braking device and the output is rotationally fixed with the camshaft. The brake is an electromagnetically controlled friction brake which comprises an electromagnet and magnetic coil. A brake rotor is connected with the second input and can be biased, by the magnetic field of the electromagnet, against a friction surface. A permanent magnet is positioned axially adjacent the brake rotor such that, by its magnetic field, the brake rotor can be pressed against a fixed friction surface for the adjustment of a basic brake torque with the respective basic pressing force. |
| US08707916B2 |
Lost-motion variable valve actuation system with valve deactivation
Devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve the selective deactivation of one or more engine valves. In one embodiment, a split-cycle internal combustion engine is provided in which a high-speed trigger valve is used to fill and drain a hydraulic tappet that forms part of a lost-motion system of an engine valve. A spool valve can be used to selectively disconnect the tappet from the trigger valve, thereby deactivating the associated engine valve (i.e., preventing the engine valve from opening). The devices and methods disclosed herein also have application in conventional internal combustion engines and can be used with inwardly-opening and/or outwardly-opening valves. |
| US08707914B2 |
Engine having integrated waste heat recovery
A waste heat recovery system connects a working fluid into passages formed within an internal combustion engine. The fluid passages transport the working fluid to high temperature areas of the engine, raising the temperature of the working fluid near the phase change point or above the phase change point. The heated working fluid drives an energy conversion portion located downstream from the engine. The heat absorbed by the working fluid decreases the load on an engine cooling system as well as driving an energy conversion portion, improving fuel efficiency. |
| US08707911B2 |
Cooling system for ports in a boiler
A cooling system for air ports and other ports in furnace walls includes a cooling medium pumping system and ports provided with a cooling medium piping or channels inside the metallic port material. The liquid flow generated by the cooling medium system cools the ports. The ports are constructed of a casting material, and the ports are provided with a cooling liquid flow, which passes in a piping or pipings or channels inside the casting material of the ports. |
| US08707904B2 |
Heatable floor for livestock stalls
The invention relates to a heatable floor for livestock stalls comprising a plurality of hollow, right-angled plate elements whose hollow spaces are filled with a heat transfer fluid and can be heated by means of heating lines (11) running through the hollow spaces, wherein each plate element comprises one upper shell (1) having an inlet opening (5) and forming a standing surface for the livestock and one lower shell (7) supporting the upper shell (1), the shells being connected to one another liquid-tight at their edges and having means for suspending carriers and being supported on one another by supports (6, 9) that run through the hollow space. In order to enable filling of the plate element without bubbles in the floor with increased stability of the plate element, the invention proposes that the supports be formed by laterally open pipe nozzles with round or cornered cross-sections, at least in the region adjacent to the upper shell (1) from below, the lateral openings of the pipe nozzles all being aligned to a filling opening (5) located on the edge of the upper shell (1). |
| US08707903B2 |
Animal enclosure floor seal
Devices, apparatuses, systems and/or methods related to animal enclosures. Specifically, the disclosed devices, apparatuses, systems and/or methods relate to animal enclosure floor seal systems that may be coupled to an animal enclosure wall and may impede, restrict and/or reduce debris from entering or exiting the animal enclosure. In this manner, likelihood of contamination of the animal enclosure may be reduced. |
| US08707902B2 |
Methods for producing cultured pearls in conch and other gastropods
The subject invention provides methods for producing cultured pearls in gastropods, such as the queen conch, Strombus gigas, and other gastropod species (e.g., families Strombidae, Haliotididae and Volutidae), with high success rates. The subject invention also provides cultured pearls produced by the methods as described herein. |
| US08707901B2 |
System toilet for dogs
Disclosed is a system toilet for dogs that can reduce wetting of dog feet and that dogs can appropriately use for excretion. The system toilet for dogs is provided with: an excretion receptacle having an excrement containing section that can contain excrement and at which an absorbent sheet can be disposed; and a water-absorbent, disposable, liquid-permeable panel that is disposed in a manner so as to cover the top of the excrement containing section. The thickness of the liquid-permeable panel is 3-25 mm, and the height from the bottom end of the excretion receptacle to the top surface of the liquid-permeable panel is no greater than 65 mm. Also, the system toilet for dogs is further provided with a support section that is disposed between the excrement containing section and the liquid-permeable panel, and that supports the liquid-permeable panel. |
| US08707900B1 |
Method and system for remote monitoring, care and maintenance of animals
A system for remote animal care is presented. The system includes a housing and a mobility portion coupled to the housing and operable to move the housing. The system further includes a wireless data communications system. In addition, the system includes food, water and medicine storage portions disposed within the housing. Further, the system includes a removable tray coupled to the housing, the tray having a food tray portion, a water tray portion and a medicine tray portion. Also, a docking portion is coupled to the housing and connectively coupled to the food, water and medicine storage portions. Also, the system includes an internal electronic fence transceiver in wireless communication with an external electronic fence, wherein the internal electronic fence transceiver activates the external electronic fence transceiver when the external electronic fence transceiver is at least a predetermined distance from the housing. |
| US08707898B2 |
Apparatus for fanfolding media
Fanfold and/or perforated media comprising a substrate including one or more friable coatings and an overcoat covering at least a portion of the one or more friable coatings proximate to one or more associated fanfolds and/or perforations is provided, wherein the overcoat mitigates spallation of the one or more friable coatings. Methods and apparatus for making the same are also disclosed. |
| US08707896B2 |
Apparatus and method for manufacturing an integrated circuit
An apparatus for manufacturing an integrated circuit having a thick film metal layer includes an applicator for applying a layer of metal paste onto a heat-conducting substrate. The metal paste includes metal particles of a predetermined size. An RF generator selectively inductively couples RF energy into the metal paste. The predetermined size of the metal particles of the metal paste corresponds to a coupling frequency of the RF energy for heating the metal particles. In this way, the metal particles of the metal paste are heated with only a small fraction of the power of conventional processes, and without the need to pre-sinter the metal paste. |
| US08707891B2 |
Spreading head particularly for spreading one or more adhesives or mixtures of adhesives
A spreading head particularly for spreading one or more adhesives or mixtures of adhesives, of the hot-melt or cold type, comprising a body which has two or more ducts, which are all separate or of which two or more converge, each duct being connected to one or more feed channels for conveying the one or more adhesives or mixtures of adhesives to one or more extrusion chambers formed on the upper surface of the body; an abutment element for the one or more adhesives or mixtures of adhesives which exit from the one or more mixing chambers is associable in an upper region with the body. |
| US08707888B2 |
Rotation indicator
A rotation device for a wheel nut comprising a body having a bore formed with equi-spaced grooves enabling the device to be releasably but non-rotatably secured to the wheel nut in one position of a plurality of positions, and a cap which fits removably into or onto one end of the body to close off the bore. The cap comprises a means to indicate the rotational position of the device relative to a reference. So that the height of the body may be chosen to allow it to extend through a raised wheel trim, but not project too far above, the body is formed at its end to which the cap fits with at least one removable top section strip, which may be delimited by respective continuous notches around the periphery of the body at the interior and/or exterior thereof. |
| US08707887B2 |
Temperature sensing indicator and temperature sensing indicator device
A temperature sensing indicator provided with a capsule having a temperature sensing material contained that can be used without being affected by the temperature of fingers and allows the capsule to be easily broken. The temperature sensing indicator irreversibly indicates that a sensed temperature is not lower than a predetermined temperature or not higher than the predetermined temperature when a capsule containing a temperature sensing material is broken. The temperature sensing indicator has a body base made of a plastic material having a recess section formed therein; the capsule contained in the recess and containing the temperature sensing material, an absorbing member mounted on the upper part of the recess, and in which a through hole that exposes a portion of the upper surface of the absorbing member is formed. Pressing the display label crushes the recess in the body base to break the capsule. |
| US08707884B2 |
Trim tab
A trim tab assembly for a watercraft includes a enclosure. A support structure is positioned in the enclosure. At least one trim tab is disposed in the enclosure. The trim tab includes a generally planar top, bottom, side and front surfaces linked by a curved surface defining a wedge shaped body. An actuator is linked to the trim tab pivotally moving the trim tab relative to the enclosure. |
| US08707881B2 |
Trimaran vehicle deck arrangement
A multi-hulled vessel (10) configured as a trimaran. The multi-hulled vessel (10) comprises a main hull (15) and at least one outer hull (17) to each side of the main hull, the main hull (15) and each side hull (17) adjacent thereto being interconnected by a bridge structure (19). The bridge structure (19) and the hulls (15, 17) connected thereby cooperating to provide a deck surface (21) adapted to carry a load. The main hull 15) is configured to define at least one engine room (45) below the deck surface (21) and trunking (70) for provision of services to the engine room. The trunking (70) is routed below the area of the deck surface (21) required for carrying a load. Because the trunking (70) is routed below the area of the deck surface (21) required for load-carrying, it does not extend through that area of the deck surface to impede load movements. This is particularly applicable for air trunking (70) for the delivery of ventilation air to the engine room (45) and discharge of ventilation air from the engine room. The air trunking (70) comprises one or more intake air trunks (71) and one or more discharge air trunks (73). |
| US08707879B2 |
Offshore drilling vessel
A monohull offshore vessel includes a hull having a moonpool and a pipe storage. A multipurpose tower is mounted on the hull at the moonpool, and a pipe handling system is provided for handling pipes to be used with the multipurpose tower. The pipe handling system includes a gantry beam provided at opposite ends thereof with guides for interacting with horizontal guide tracks extending along opposite sides of the pipe storage for movement along the pipe storage. The guides supporting the gantry beam extend beyond the pipe storage, such that the pipe handling system can cover parts of the vessel other than the pipe storage to transport pipes and/or other objects. |
| US08707876B2 |
Stepped floor for solid fuel boilers
A design and method of operation for the floor of solid fuel boilers is described. The combustion region includes a stepped-floor that improves combustion in the lower furnace. In some embodiments, the fuel is moved between the steps of the floor by a gas, rather than by mechanical means, and the fuel is moved from an upper to a lower step as it is burned. In some embodiments, the steps are fixed steps having a layer of a refractory material. |
| US08707875B2 |
Gasification combustion system
A two stage refuse gasification combustion system for processing refuse is disclosed. The system may contain features such as an advancer, a first and second gasifier, a gas regulator, and a post combustor. Additionally, methods for regulating gas and advancing refuse through a two stage refuse gasification combustion system are disclosed. |
| US08707874B2 |
Molded part for accommodation and fixation of storage containers rectangular in outline
A molding for accommodating and fixing rectangular-outline storage containers, wherein an accommodating surface of the molding covers an even-numbered multiple of the area covered by the container surface, and in each case two containers are arranged adjacent to one another such that their facing side walls are located symmetrically in relation to the short center longitudinal axis of the molding. The underside of the molding is directed away from the accommodating surface and is provided, along the course of the center longitudinal axis, with an encompassing groove which brings together the facing side walls of two adjacent storage containers arranged beneath the molding and of which the side peripheries extend into the respective container. |
| US08707873B2 |
Bodyshell structure of railcar
A bodyshell of a railcar includes side outside plates and end bodyshells. The side outside plates are respectively provided at both end portions of an underframe in a vehicle width direction. The end bodyshell includes end outside plates and corner posts. The end outside plates are respectively provided at front and rear end portions of the underframe. The corner posts are respectively provided at four corners of the underframe and are joined to the end outside plates and the side outside plates. Moreover, the corner post includes a side plate joining portion. The side plate joining portion overlaps a front end portion of the side outside plates from an outer side in the vehicle width direction and is joined to the side outside plate. |
| US08707871B2 |
Self-steering device for railway vehicle
The present invention relates to a self-steering device for a railway vehicle, which includes axles installed on a truck supporting a vehicle body of the railway vehicle, wheels, each of which is connected to the axle and has a wheel tread moving on a top surface of a rail and supporting a vertical load of the railway vehicle, and a wheel flange protruding from the wheel tread to prevent the railway vehicle from derailing and being in contact with a lateral surface of the rail during straight movement of the railway vehicle to form an interference section, and guide rollers, each of which is in rolling contact with a top surface edge or a lateral surface of the rail in front or to the rear of the wheel when the railway vehicle enters curved rails and supports a greater transverse load than the interference section. The guide rollers can be directly installed on the railway vehicle or at least one of the vehicle body, the truck, and the axle. |
| US08707867B2 |
Drill cartridges, adaptors and methods for multi-caliber drill cartridge training
A caliber specific drill cartridge and an adaptor assembly for transforming the caliber specific drill cartridge for use in a first firearm chamber into a caliber specific drill cartridge assembly for use in a second firearm chamber. The adaptor assembly may include a drill cartridge having a first central axis, a rear casing, and a front casing with a first maximum outer dimension perpendicular to the first central axis. The front casing may be connected to the rear casing such that the front and rear casings cooperate to form a housing, which may be configured and dimensioned for chambering in a first firearm chamber. The adaptor assembly further may include a cartridge specific adaptor with a second central axis. The drill cartridge and the cartridge specific adaptor may be combined such that the adaptor assembly is configured and dimensioned for chambering in a second firearm chamber. |
| US08707866B2 |
Rail guide mounting assembly for mandrel trip apparatus
An independent mandrel trip system wherein a mandrel support block retaining a mandrel is connected to a shaft mounting block in a manner such that the mandrel support block can be reciprocatingly retracted and extended relative to the shaft mounting block in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. The system includes parallel front and rear plate members to which are mounted linear bearing assemblies such that mandrel support block is supported in the front and the rear. |
| US08707865B2 |
Continuous baler with surge bin
A continuous-operation baler assembly is provided which includes a separate and leading surge bin followed by a baler. The surge bin and baler each comprise a separate pick up mechanism for collecting agricultural material. When the baler has collected material and is ready to finish a bale the surge bin receives a signal and begins collecting agricultural material. Once the bale nears finish, the material collected by the surge bin is metered out into the path of or otherwise transferred to the baler during the next bale formation cycle, where it is picked up and formed into a bale. |
| US08707864B2 |
Integrated vehicle galley trash compactor
A space-saving in-flight trash compactor, comprising a trash chute, a compactor mechanism disposed above a level of the trash chute, and a storage chamber removably positioned below the compactor mechanism and below a level of the trash chute. The storage chamber is vertically aligned with the compactor mechanism. The trash chute is configured to channel trash disposed through an opening of the trash chute at a level of a counter top and above a level of a top of the storage chamber into an opening of the storage chamber at the top of the storage chamber. The opening of the trash chute may be horizontally offset from the vertical alignment of the storage chamber and compactor mechanism. |
| US08707861B2 |
Dry food pasteurization apparatus and method
An apparatus for pasteurizing a dry food product comprises an impingement chamber, a conveyor for conveying the dry food product through the impingement chamber; a heater and water supply assembly for generating heated, moist air, and a fan for circulating the heated, moist air through the impingement chamber and onto the dry food product. In operation, the moisture in the heated, moist air condenses on the surface of the dry food product and produces a heat of condensation which heats the surface of the dry food product. Moreover, this heat of condensation is sufficient to kill a percentage of any pathogenic microorganisms which may be present on the surface of the dry food product. |
| US08707858B2 |
Oven for heat-treating food pieces
An oven serves for heat-treating food pieces laid upon a grid in a cabinet by a heat source. The grid has an upper part of an endless chain running around a number of chain supports of which a lower and upper support defines a lower and upper end of the upper chain part. Portions of food pieces such as French fries can be quickly and easily heat-treated in rapid succession in this oven in a simple and economical manner. |
| US08707852B2 |
Cantilever feedback mechanism for a proportional bellows assembly
A cantilever feedback mechanism includes an upper cantilever and a lower cantilever. The upper cantilever and lower cantilever have a resistance spring rate to facilitate movement of the bellows over a selected range of resistances. The upper cantilever has downwardly oriented upper cantilever stops. The lower cantilever has upwardly oriented lower cantilever stops that engage the upper cantilever stops. Mean are provided for applying a preload to maintain the lower cantilever stops and the upper cantilever stops engaged until a force urging movement exceeds the preload. |
| US08707851B2 |
Positioner apparatus and methods
Disclosed herein are embodiments of inventive multipositioner technology relating to multipositioner apparatus having discrete positioning capability and, relative to each discrete position, incremental positioning capability. As compared with prior art apparatus, embodiments of the inventive technology may afford: operational resolution for larger positional ranges, reduced cylinder length to achieve positioning as desired, enhanced positioning capability and/or robustness of design. |
| US08707845B2 |
Case activation bullet feeder
A bullet feeding device has an expandable collet insertable into a die body. The die body receives bullets from a source and directs the bullets to the expandable collet. The expandable collet restricts the passage of the bullet through the die body until the mouth of a cartridge case is inserted into the die body opposite the bullet. The mouth of the cartridge case causes the expandable collet to expand and allow the single bullet to pass through the expandable collet and be placed in the mouth of the cartridge case. As the completed cartridge is drawn from the die body, the expandable collet and prevents the passage of additional bullets until a new cartridge case is inserted. The bullet feeding device may accept bullets of different lengths and shapes. The collet is interchangeable with expandable collets of other sizes to be compatible with bullets of different sizes. |
| US08707844B2 |
Case annealer
A portion of a work-hardened essentially tubular work piece such as a metallic firearm cartridge case is annealed by contact with solid or granular tooling material which has been heated to a temperature approximately that of the appropriate annealing temperature, thereby reducing the possibility of overheating the work piece, and also thereby permitting the annealing of only that portion of the work piece contacted or in close proximity to the point(s) of contact. |
| US08707843B1 |
Kinematic countermeasure
The present invention provides an improved kinematic countermeasure flare and method of constructing the same wherein the housing has integrated internal features. The flare nose weight is set at the end of a die core prior to molding for integration with the housing. Longitudinal grooves and other recesses in the die core allow for the formation of internal longitudinal ribs which propellant can bond to and a retaining bead for retaining the nose weight in the housing which are integrated with the housing. Propellant is cast into the formed housing. A propellant shaping mandrel is then inserted into the formed housing thereby forcing the propellant into the internal cavity created by the integrally molded longitudinal ribs, the shaping mandrel and the wall of the flare housing such that the propellant is bonded to the interior housing wall and the longitudinal ribs. This improved housing and method of construction eliminates the need to apply a non-flammable coating to propellant surfaces after its addition to the flare housing which a an imprecise and time consuming process. |
| US08707841B2 |
Punch assemblies and universal punch therefor
A punch tip design configured to be universal in its application with wide varieties of punch assemblies, and various punch body designs from which universal application of the punch tip is exemplified. In some cases, ancillary components used with the various punch body designs enhance ease by which the operator can selectively manipulate the same for alternately securing or releasing the punch tip. The ancillary components comprising a cam, a carrier body, and a plurality of wedge members, the cam coupling the punch body and the carrier body, the cam adjustable with respect to the punch body and the carrier body, adjustment of the cam resulting in corresponding movement of the carrier body. |
| US08707834B2 |
Device for repair of defects in a structure
A device for repairing defects in an internal layer of a structure, for example, an aircraft. The device includes a cylindrical body which rotates around its axial direction, a movement conversion device housed in the cylindrical body and assembled such that it is able to move in the axial direction, a configuration device able to cause the displacement of the conversion device by an axial traveling motion, and a cutting element coupled to the cylindrical body and to the conversion device such that the cutting element is able to be made to rotate by the cylindrical body and to be made to move with a radial displacement by the conversion device between a folded position and a deployed position through an opening defined in the cylindrical body in order to machine the internal layer with a cut which depends on the axial displacement of the conversion device. |
| US08707830B2 |
Socket
A socket for driving a fastener, having a damaged head, includes a hole defining an inner peripheral edge. The inner peripheral edge defines a plurality of engaging sides and slots. Each engaging side includes first, second, and third sections. The first section extends from one slot and approaches to a center of the hole, the second section extends from the first section and away from the center of the hole, and the third section extends from the second section and towards and connects to another slot. |
| US08707829B2 |
Tire repair kit
A tire repair kit is disclosed which includes a plurality of tubes containing repair plugs, a clearance tool for clearing debris in a tire, and stopper to prevent air loss during the repair. The kit also includes a handle for storing the tools and for attaching the tools to make the appropriate repairs to the tire. |
| US08707825B2 |
Method of making a convertible push-bicycle
The teachings provided herein relate to an articulable crankset for converting a pedal-powered vehicle into a push-powered vehicle having the articulable crankset in a retracted position to provide at least less of an obstruction to a user's legs during use of the push-powered vehicle than a non-retractable crankset. The vehicle can be a bicycle, and the articulable crankset can be a component of a production bicycle or a component of a conversion kit that will convert a bicycle from a pedal-powered bicycle to a convertible bicycle that can also function as a push-powered bicycle. |
| US08707824B2 |
Bottom bracket
A bottom bracket, which has a shaft, a first pedal crank, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the shaft, a second pedal crank, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the shaft, and a chainring carrier, which is connected to the shaft. The object of providing a bottom bracket with a chainring carrier that is easy to assemble is achieved by the chainring carrier being connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a chainring shaft and by the chainring shaft being connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the shaft. |
| US08707822B2 |
Active electric torsional vibration damper and method to realize the same
The present invention provides an active electric torsional vibration damper and a method to realize the same. The invention relates to the field of vibration reduction technology for rotating machinery. The damper comprises a fixed module, a relative rotating module, conducting coils, magnetic-field producing elements. The present invention can be used to produce transient anti-torsion which is same in frequency, opposite in direction and corresponding in amplitude to achieve the effect of eliminating torsional vibration on the original shaft system. The damper realizes a prominent effect of eliminating torsional vibration without complex measures. |
| US08707819B2 |
Parking brake
A park brake includes a brake lever that is movable about a pivot. A release mechanism is associated with the brake lever. The release mechanism is actuable for allowing selective movement of the brake lever. A cable is connected to the release mechanism. The cable is isolated from movement of the brake lever. |
| US08707818B2 |
Steering device
A steering device is provided in which fastening of a column is carried out smoothly, meshing of a movable tilt lock gear and a fixed tilt lock gear is carried out smoothly when tilting is clamped, and a rigidity can be increased when the tilting is clamped. A side plate on a left side to which a fixed tilt lock gear is attached is restrained from being elastically deformed by a rib. Therefore, in tilting and clamping and telescopically clamping, positions of the fixed tilt lock gear and a movable tilt lock gear in a vehicle width direction relative to each other is not varied, and therefore, the movable tilt lock gear and the fixed tilt lock gear are brought in mesh with each other smoothly. |
| US08707816B2 |
Right angle drive with center support
A right angle drive is provided. The right angle drive includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a housing a pair of input shaft bearings and a pair of output shaft bearings. The input shaft carries an input gear for rotation about an input axis. The output shaft carries an output gear for rotation about an output axis. The input and output gears are coupled to transfer rotational motion therebetween. The input and output axis being non-parallel to one another. The pair of input shaft bearings carry the input shaft within the housing for rotation about the input axis. One bearing is on either side of the input gear. The pair of output shaft bearings carry the output shaft within the housing for rotation about the output axis. One bearing is on either side of the input gear. The bearings may interlock with one another. |
| US08707812B2 |
Ball screw drive having an axially supported threaded spindle
A ball screw (7, 24), having a threaded spindle (8, 28) which is mounted in a rolling fashion by balls (9, 27) on a threaded nut (10, 26) and which is supported on an axial bearing (13, 25), wherein the threaded spindle (8, 28) is axially supported with its first bearing surface (18, 23), which is convexly shaped with a radius of curvature (R1), on a preferably conically designed second bearing surface (19, 22), wherein the first bearing surface (18, 23) and the second bearing surface (19, 22) make contact with one another along a contact path (37), wherein a quotient formed from the ratio of the radius of curvature (R1) to the radius (R2) of the contact path (37) assumes values of between 1.2 and 2.4 inclusive. |
| US08707807B2 |
Particulate filter diagnostics
A system includes an internal combustion engine producing an exhaust stream, a particulate filtering device that treats the exhaust stream, a particulate sensor operatively coupled to the exhaust stream at a position downstream of the particulate filtering device, and a temperature sensor operatively coupled to the exhaust stream. The system includes a controller that interprets a particulate sensor particulate stability condition, interprets a particulate sensor input value and a particulate sensor temperature, compensates the particulate sensor input value in response to the particulate sensor temperature, and filters the compensated particulate sensor input value. The controller determines a soot accumulation value in response to the filtered compensated particulate sensor input value, interprets a diagnostic enable condition, and determines a particulate filter diagnostic value in response to the active diagnostic enable condition and the soot accumulation value. The controller provides the particulate filter diagnostic value to an output device. |
| US08707806B2 |
Sampling and monitoring of particulate suspension material
Apparatus for use in measuring properties of media formed from a particulate suspension. The apparatus includes a media sampler coupled to feed pipes to allow media to flowing therethrough to be sampled and a connector for coupling the media sampler to a sensor for sensing properties of the sampled media. |
| US08707805B2 |
Transfer apparatus and transfer method
A transfer apparatus for mounting and transferring a transferred component on a driven means, the transfer apparatus includes: a driving means for rotating a driving side pulley by a rotational driving force of a motor to move a belt wound around the driving side pulley, thereby moving the driven means coupled to the belt in a predetermined direction; and a transfer monitoring means for monitoring a transfer state of the driven means, wherein the transfer monitoring means detects a torque value of the motor required to move the driven means, calculates a torque differential value of the torque value with respect to time based on the detected torque value, and detects the transfer state using the calculated torque differential value. |
| US08707803B1 |
Torque measurement device
An apparatus for measuring torque in a rotary encoder between the encoder body and encoder shaft. The apparatus includes a rotary stage for mounting and rotating the body of the rotary encoder, a probe arm having a first end for engaging the shaft of the rotary encoder in a stationary position, and a force sensor mourned on an adjustable assembly. The adjustable assembly enables the force sensor to be placed in contact with a second end of the probe arm, such that the plane of the force sensor is parallel to a plane defined by the vertical center plane of the probe arm passing through an axis of rotation of the shaft of the rotary encoder. By rotating the encoder body at a constant speed in clockwise and counterclockwise directions and measuring torque at regular time intervals, the range of torque, torque grittiness, and torque hysteresis may be determined. |
| US08707795B2 |
Method for measuring fatigue
A method for measuring fatigue on a metal or metal alloy structural part, which includes mounting a fatigue gage on a surface of the part, the fatigue gage being the same material as the part, applying electrical power on the gage and measuring the resistance of the fatigue gage, inspecting the fatigue gage at various time intervals by applying electric power on the gage and measuring the resistance of the fatigue gage; and analyzing the change of resistance of the fatigue gage at the various time intervals to determine fatigue on the part. |
| US08707792B2 |
Drug delivery device and method
A drug delivery device (10) includes a pressurized reservoir (14) in communication with a flow path to an outlet (12). The flow path includes two normally-closed valves (16, 18) and a flow restriction (18). A pressure measurement arrangement (22) measures a differential fluid pressure between two points (24, 26) along the flow path which span at least part of the flow restriction (18), one of the points being between the valves (16, 18). A controller (28) selectively opens the valves (16, 18) to deliver a defined quantity of the liquid medicament to the outlet (12). |
| US08707791B2 |
Tunable pressure transducer assembly
A tunable pressure transducer assembly that comprises a sensing element disposed within a housing, wherein the sensing element is adapted to output a signal substantially indicative of an applied pressure, and a filter assembly also disposed within the housing. The filter assembly comprises a cap and a tube, wherein the cap is spaced from the sensing element within the housing such that it encloses a set volume around the sensing element, and wherein the tube controls access of the applied pressure to the set volume. The filter assembly is operative to substantially reduce high frequency pressure ripples and allow static and quasi-static pressures to pass through to the sensing element, and may be manipulated to tune the pressure transducer assembly to achieve a desired dampening frequency. The filter assembly therefore enables one pressure transducer assembly outline to accurately measure pressure in various systems. |
| US08707784B2 |
Laminated structure provided with movable portion
A structure having a first movable portion displaced perpendicular to a substrate surface and a second movable portion displaced parallel to the substrate surface is realized by a laminated structure employing a nested structure for the first portion and the second portion. The laminated structure is provided with inner and outer movable portions. A y spring is connected to the outer portion, and the outer portion is supported in a y-axis direction by the y spring at a height apart from an outer substrate. A z spring is connected to the inner portion, and the inner portion is supported in a z-axis direction by the z spring at a height apart from the outer substrate. The outer portion and the z spring are at different heights from the substrate, and the z spring overpasses across the outer portion at a height apart from the outer movable portion. |
| US08707782B2 |
Prosthetic component for monitoring synovial fluid and method
A prosthetic component suitable for long-term implantation is provided. The prosthetic component includes electronic circuitry and sensors to measure a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The prosthetic component comprises a first structure having at least one support surface, a second structure having at least one feature configured to couple to bone, and at least one sensor. The electronic circuitry and sensors are hermetically sealed within the prosthetic component. One or more sensors can be used to monitor synovial fluid in proximity to the joint to determine joint health. The prosthetic component includes a transmissive region. One or more optical sensors are mounted in proximity to the transmissive region. Periodic measurements of the synovial fluid are measured through the transmissive region. The measurements can include color and turbidity of the synovial fluid. The color and turbidity data can be compared against known data to determine joint status. |
| US08707777B2 |
Position detection apparatus for tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors and method thereof
Position detection apparatuses of TPMS sensors and a method thereof are provided. One aspect of the invention provides a position detection apparatus for tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors mounted on each wheel of a vehicle. The apparatus includes: a receiver programmed to receive TPMS signals from each TPMS sensor; and a controller programmed to (i) sequentially arrest rotation of each wheel of the vehicle and (ii) detect a position of each TPMS sensor by associating a TPMS signal that is not received at the time of arresting a specific wheel with a position of the specific wheel that is arrested at that time. |
| US08707776B2 |
Tire pressure monitoring device having power supplied by magnetic induction
A vehicle having a device for acquiring and transmitting at least one measurement signal that characterizes the state of a vehicle tire, such as tire air pressure and/or tire air temperature, having at least one sensor module that is supplied with electrical energy by an energy supply device and that contains at least one tire air pressure sensor and/or at least one tire air temperature sensor, the energy supply device having at least one generator that rotates with the vehicle tire as well as at least one magnetic field generator, an electrical voltage being produced in the generator by electromagnetic induction. The magnetic field generator is situated on a brake caliper of a disc brake of the vehicle. |
| US08707775B2 |
System and method for testing a rail car brake system
A system for testing a rail car brake system includes a valve manifold having valves that selectively supply and vent test air to or from the brake system. A control circuit is operatively connected with the valve manifold and configured to operate in a first mode to automatically position the valves according to a prescribed test and to operate in a second mode to allow manual positioning of the valves. A method for testing a rail car brake system includes connecting test air to a valve manifold, connecting the valve manifold to the brake system, and testing the brake system using a control circuit configured to automatically position valves in the valve manifold according to a prescribed test. The method further detects a failed test result in the brake system and troubleshoots the brake system using the control circuit to manually position valves in the valve manifold. |
| US08707769B2 |
Power plant analyzer for analyzing a plurality of power plants
A power plant analyzer for analyzing a plurality of power plants, comprising: an analyzing apparatus for analyzing a first parameter indicative of fuel flow to a first power plant, a second parameter indicative of fuel burned in the first power plant, a third parameter indicative of fuel flow to a second power plant and a fourth parameter indicative of fuel burned in the second power plant; and an alert generation apparatus, responsive to the analyzing apparatus, for generating an alert for the first or the second power plant, and wherein analyzing the first, second, third and fourth parameters comprises carrying out a differential analysis between the first and third parameters to produce a first result, and to carry out a differential analysis between the second and fourth parameters to produce a second result, and comparing the first and second results. |
| US08707764B1 |
Assembly and method for standardized insensitive munitions testing
A test assembly for building a safety profile and a sensitivity profile of an explosive, by impacting the test assembly with a projectile. The safety profile of the explosive is built by determining a detonation threshold of the explosive in reaction to the projectile. The sensitivity profile is built by measuring a pressure difference between pressures acquired by the top sensor and the bottom sensor, resulting from a shock wave that travels through the explosive. |
| US08707761B2 |
Particulate matter detection element
A shielding part is formed on a detection part in a particulate matter detection element. The detection part has a pair of detection electrodes formed in a comb structure. A shielding layer is made of heat insulating material and formed on the detection part in order to shield a predetermined area having non-uniform electric field intensity. An area having uniform electric field intensity on the detection part is exposed only to exhaust gas as target detection gas when a predetermined voltage is supplied between the detection electrodes in order to detect electric characteristics of the detection part. This structure prevents the area other than the area having the uniform electric field intensity on the detection part from being exposed to the exhaust gas. |
| US08707759B2 |
Flue gas sensor with water barrier member
A flue gas sensor of a combustion device is disclosed. The flue gas sensor may include a housing and a gas detector disposed within the housing, wherein the gas detector detects or measures at least one gas in a flue gas stream of the combustion device. The housing may also include a water barrier member through which the at least one gas comes into contact with the gas detector. |
| US08707758B2 |
Sobriety monitoring system
A system and method of monitoring sobriety using a hand-held breath testing device that, on receipt of a user's breath, generates a breath test signal comprising substance content data and user identification data, and wirelessly transmits the breath test signal to a breath test signal receiving station. The breath test signal includes substance content data and user identification data. The substance content data includes at least one of: a blood alcohol level and a narcotics presence. The user identification data includes compressed image data. The signal receiving station is monitored by a supervisor who is able to intervene should the substance level be greater than a predetermined threshold, or should the user identification data no match with a reference user identification data. |
| US08707757B2 |
Seat belt test apparatus
A test apparatus collects performance data for a seat belt system having components providing operating stages of pre-tensioning, locking, and load limiting of the seat belt. A bench plate mounts the components of the seat belt system and includes first and second pulleys spaced apart on the bench plate and having the seat belt extending horizontally therebetween. At least one load sensor senses the load experienced by the seat belt. A resistor engages the seat belt between the first and second pulleys and pulls downwardly to introduce slack in the seat belt. An impactor mass is suspended above the seat belt and is released to free-fall onto the seat belt and impose a load on the seat belt simulating the load of a seated occupant being imposed on the seat belt. A control module energizes the pre-tensioning stage and a plotter records force versus time performance data. |
| US08707754B2 |
Methods and apparatus for calibrating flow controllers in substrate processing systems
Methods and apparatus for calibrating a plurality of gas flows in a substrate processing system are provided herein. In some embodiments, a substrate processing system may include a cluster tool comprising a first process chamber and a second process chamber coupled to a central vacuum transfer chamber; a first flow controller to provide a process gas to the first process chamber; a second flow controller to provide the process gas to the second process chamber; a mass flow verifier to verify a flow rate from each of the first and second flow controllers; a first conduit to selectively couple the first flow controller to the mass flow verifier; and a second conduit to selectively couple the second flow controller to the mass flow verifier. |
| US08707752B2 |
Composite materials and calibration assemblies using the same
A calibration assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, a calibration assembly calibrating a downhole formation evaluation tool includes a calibration base having a first geometry, a calibration insert including a first material and having a second geometry, and a second material having a third geometry and being different from the first material. The second geometry enables the calibration insert to receive the second material to form a first composite region, wherein the first and second materials and the second and third geometries are selected such that a calibration property of the calibration assembly apparatus substantially matches a corresponding calibration property of a third material. Additional apparatuses, devices, and methods are also disclosed. |
| US08707751B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing hardened formed parts
In a method of producing a hardened formed part, in particular for a structure or body part of a motor vehicle, a metal blank is heated and then hot formed in a cavity of a thermoforming mold to produce a formed part. The formed part is hardened in the cavity of the thermoforming mold through contact with a coolant fed into the cavity via feed channels, whereby a state of aggregation of the coolant is adjusted or the coolant is maintained at a pressure above the steam pressure. |
| US08707749B2 |
Roll forming system and roll forming method
A roll forming system and a roll forming method are disclosed. The roll forming system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a bending unit provided with synchronizing means moving a synchronizing table in keeping pace with a forming speed of a shaped beam along a process line, clamping means clamping both sides of the shaped beam, position conversion means converting a position of the shaped beam between a cutting position and a bending position, cutting means cutting one side of the shaped beam by a cutting wheel, and a bending means stretch-bending the shaped beam to have a predetermined curvature. |
| US08707747B1 |
Forming a shaped sandwich panel with a die and a pressure vessel
A process for manufacturing a shaped sandwich panel includes arranging a sandwich panel adjacent a die. The sandwich panel includes a core layer arranged between and connected to a first layer and a second layer. The core layer includes a plurality of apertures that extend through the core layer to the first layer. The first layer engages the die. Fluid within the apertures is pressurized to a pressure adequate to at least partially form the sandwich panel to a geometry of the die. |
| US08707746B1 |
Lock with replaceable bottom pins
A lock includes a housing having an axial space and multiple radial top pin holes. Multiple through holes are defined through the housing and located corresponding to the space. A core is located in the space and has multiple radial bottom pin holes which communicate with the top pin holes respectively. A key hole is defined in the first end of the core and a connection member is connected to the second end of the core. The key hole communicates with the bottom pin holes. The housing has a connection portion located corresponding to the connection member. The through holes are located alternatively to the bottom pin holes. When the bottom pin holes are rotated to the through holes and the core moves axially, the connection member is connected to the connection portion. The through holes communicate with the bottom pin holes. |
| US08707744B2 |
Lock having simplified structure
A lock includes a movable unit and a lock core structure including a restriction unit and a lock core. The restriction unit has a passage penetrating therethrough to form a first opening and a second opening on two opposite sides of the restriction unit. An extension wall is formed in the passage to face the second opening. The lock core is disposed in the passage to couple with the restriction unit and is selectively movable relative to the restriction unit in an axial direction. The lock core has an end face facing the extension wall and an extension portion disposed on one side of the lock core close to the first opening and selectively protruding outside the first opening. The movable unit selectively contacts the lock core and is able to reciprocally rotate, wherein rotation of the movable unit is linked to axial movement of the lock core. |
| US08707741B2 |
Method of manufacturing optical fiber preform using plasma torch
A method of manufacturing an optical fiber preform by depositing glass fine particles onto a surface of a glass rod while the glass rod is reciprocated relative to a plasma torch, including: moving the glass rod in a first direction relative to the plasma torch while the plasma torch is applied to the glass rod and supplied at least with a dopant material and a glass material to deposit the glass fine particles onto the surface of the glass rod, in such a manner that a plasma power is set higher during a first time interval starting from a beginning of the movement of the glass rod in the first direction than during a second time interval starting from an end of the first time interval; and moving the glass rod in a second direction relative to the plasma torch, where the second direction is opposite to the first direction. |
| US08707739B2 |
Apparatus, systems and methods for conditioning molten glass
Channel apparatus for use with submerged combustion systems and methods of use to produce glass. One channel apparatus includes a flow channel defined by a floor, a roof, and a wall structure connecting the floor and roof, the flow channel divided into sections by a series of skimmers. Channel apparatus include both high and low momentum combustion burners, with one or more high momentum combustion burners positioned immediately upstream of each skimmer in either the roof or sidewall structure, or both, and one or more low momentum combustion burners positioned immediately downstream of each skimmer in either the roof, the sidewall structure, or both, and positioned to transfer heat to the molten mass of glass without substantial interference from foamed material. Certain embodiments include increased height of glass-contact refractory, in particular immediately upstream of the skimmers. |
| US08707737B2 |
Method and apparatus for pressure control of glass-making thickness-control zone
Managing pressure within a thickness-control-zone (muffle door) housing (20) relative to pressures in a glass-making machine enclosure (60) and an upper chamber (40)—that is disposed outside the enclosure—so as to minimize or control undesired airflows that would adversely affect thickness (9) of glass ribbon (8). According to one pressure-management technique, the pressure at a location (25) in the housing (20) is managed so as to be less than the pressure at a location (65) that is within the enclosure (60) as well as both outside and adjacent to the housing. In the event of a leak, as by a crack or unintended opening in the housing, for example, this pressure difference reduces or prevents airflow toward the ribbon and, thereby, undesired thickness variation in the ribbon. According to a second pressure-management technique, the pressure at location (25) is managed so as to be greater than the pressure in the upper chamber. |
| US08707735B2 |
Narrow neck glass container with integral embossments and method of manufacture
A narrow neck glass container includes a container body and a container neck finish. The container neck finish has an external closure attachment diameter of not more than 36 mm, and the container body has at least one internal embossment of predetermined geometry. The at least one internal embossment preferably comprises a plurality of internal embossments in a geometric pattern. |
| US08707733B2 |
Cut gemstone providing a specific optical pattern
A gemstone cut with a table facet, where the gemstone receives existing light from around the viewer and the facets on the bottom of the diamond effectively reflect the existing light back into the eyes of the beholder in such a manner as to maximize light performance, and to produce a unique and distinct look of light in the form of a Maltese cross under the table facet which can be observed in natural ambient light. |
| US08707727B2 |
Apparatus for collecting liquids
A dispensing unit includes a liquid collecting apparatus having a drip tray and a drip tray cover. The drip tray cover has an upper surface which comprises a plurality of troughs for collecting liquids. The tray includes an intermediate wall about which the drip tray cover pivots thereby allowing easy removal of the drip tray cover. |
| US08707725B2 |
Ice making device with tank
An ice making device with a manually removable water tank is provided. When mounted, this tank has a system for opening a valve that allows dispensing water into an ice making tray of the ice making device. The ice making tray is rotatable so that the ice cubes formed in the tray can be removed. The ice making tray may be rotated by a pair of gears, one of them holds the ice making tray in position and transmits a rotation force to the tray; this gear has a preload spring which generates an appropriate return force. The other gear is part of the lever, giving torsion to the tray and may be operated by a user. When rotating the tray, the ice cubes may fall directly into an ice bucket which can be removed from the system to externally serve ice. |
| US08707723B2 |
Multiple refrigerant thermal energy storage and cooling system with secondary refrigerant isolation
Disclosed are a method and device for a refrigerant-based thermal storage system wherein a condensing unit and an ice-tank heat exchanger can be isolated through a second heat exchanger. The disclosed embodiments provide a refrigerant-based ice storage system with increased reliability, lower cost components, and reduced power consumption compared to a single phase system such as a glycol system. |
| US08707722B2 |
Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger, having a unit for draining condensed water collected in a lower portion of a heat exchanger core, is provided. The heat exchanger includes an upper header tank and a lower header tank; a plurality of tubes communicating with both the upper header tank and the lower header tank; a plurality of fins provided between neighboring tubes; and a plurality of condensed water drain units provided with respective fitting parts closely fitted onto ends of the tubes, wherein the condensed water drain units drain condensed water, collected in a space defined by the lower header tank, the tubes and the fins. |
| US08707719B2 |
Air conditioner
An air conditioner includes a refrigerant circuit, a switching valve, an outdoor fan and a controller. The refrigerant circuit sequentially circulates refrigerant through a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a decompression mechanism and an outdoor heat exchanger during a heating operation. The switching valve is connected to the refrigerant circuit to switch a flow direction of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor. The controller executes a defrosting operation control in which the outdoor fan is deactivated and the switching valve directs refrigerant discharged from the compressor towards the outdoor heat exchanger during a defrosting operation. The controller further maintains the switching valve so refrigerant discharged from the compressor is directed towards the outdoor heat exchanger and executes a fan defrosting operation control in which the outdoor fan is rotated for a predetermined period of time after completion of the defrosting operation when a predetermined condition is satisfied. |
| US08707711B2 |
Sealing apparatus with multistage brush seal
An apparatus is provided for sealing a channel fluidly connecting between a high pressure zone and a low pressure zone. The apparatus has at least two brush seal elements provided in the channel in series in a direction from the high pressure zone toward the low pressure zone to define an intermediate zone between the brush seal elements. The intermediate zone is fluidly connected to the low pressure zone through a bypass or passage, allowing a fluid in the intermediate zone to flow in part through the bypass to the low pressure zone. |
| US08707702B2 |
Method and device for utilizing heat transported by a discontinuous flow of exhaust gases
In a method and a device for utilizing heat transported by a discontinuous flow of exhaust gases (1), the discontinuous flow of exhaust gases (1) is emitted in phases (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5) with, in each case, constant output values for volume flowing (Va) and temperature (Ta) from an industrial installation, particularly an industrial furnace, wherein the discontinuous flow of exhaust gases (1) is converted into a continuous working flow (2) with adjustable, constant target values for the volume flowing (Vz) and the temperature (Tz). The continuous working flow (2), with the heat contained therein, is used for the conversion of thermal energy into useful energy. |
| US08707701B2 |
Ultra-high-efficiency engines and corresponding thermodynamic system
A thermodynamic system and method of producing useful work includes providing a working fluid and a fluid pump, or compressor, for pumping the working fluid in a cycle. A thermal input is provided for supplying heat to the working fluid. An expansion device downstream of the thermal input converts motion of the working fluid to useful work. A heat pump is provided. A number of different means of implementing the heat pump are presented, including direct transfer of working fluid mass flow. The heat pump pumps heat from one portion of the working fluid to another portion of the working fluid. For some applications, a regenerator, or recuperator, may be used to transfer heat from a high temperature portion of the working fluid to a lower temperature portion. |
| US08707697B2 |
System integration to produce concentrated brine and electricity from geopressured-geothermal reservoirs
A systems design is disclosed which converts Geopressured-Geothermal (GPGT) brine into saturated brine in concert with the production of electricity from GPGT brine energy. The design integrates a GPGT conversion system which super-concentrates a portion of the GPGT brine, utilizing that portion's thermal energy, with a system designed to produce electricity from the remainder of GPGT brine energy. The end-brine from the electricity producing system is concentrated (sub-saturated) in a spray evaporation pond, which serves as a heat sink for both systems, and is combined with the super-saturated product brine from the GPGT conversion system, resulting in a saturated brine end-product. The saturated brine can be used for beneficial purposes, including for use as bulk material in the construction of salinity gradient solar ponds (SGSP), which collect, store, and deliver solar thermal baseload power (e.g., for electricity generation). |
| US08707695B2 |
Heat engine
A heat engine includes a container in which a liquid piston made of a liquid operation fluid is sealed to flow therein, an exterior evaporator located outside of the container to generate vapor of the operation fluid, a suction portion arranged at one end side of the container to draw the vapor generated in the exterior evaporator into the container, an expansion portion in which the vapor drawn into the container is expanded to cause a displacement of the liquid piston, an output portion arranged at the other end side of the container to convert the displacement of the liquid piston to a mechanical energy, a liquid piston discharge portion for discharging a part of the liquid operation fluid as the liquid piston from the container, and a vapor discharge portion configured to discharge the vapor without being condensed in the container to outside of the container. |
| US08707693B2 |
Vehicle energy harvesting device having a continuous loop of shape memory alloy
An energy harvesting system comprises a first region and a second region having a temperature difference therebetween. A plurality of heat engines are located proximate to the conduit and configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy. The heat engines each include a shape memory alloy forming at least one generally continuous loop. The shape memory alloy driven to rotate by heat exchange contact with each of the first region and the second region. At least one pulley for each of the plurality of heat engines is driven by the rotation of the respective shape memory alloy, and each of the at least one pulleys is operatively connected to a component to thereby drive the component. |
| US08707686B2 |
Flexible regeneration time of diesel particulate filter based on fuel efficiency
A method of controlling an exhaust gas treatment system includes measuring a quantity of fuel used by the vehicle during a defined time period of a regeneration event, and estimating a quantity of particulate matter being burnt from a particulate filter during the defined time period to define a particulate matter burn rate. The quantity of fuel used is compared with the calculated particulate matter burn rate to define a regeneration fuel efficiency ratio. The regeneration fuel efficiency ratio is compared to a minimum regeneration fuel efficiency rate to determine if the regeneration event is an efficient use of fuel or is not an efficient use of fuel. The regeneration event is stopped prior to an estimated completion of the regeneration event when the comparison of the regeneration fuel efficiency ratio to the minimum regeneration fuel efficiency rate indicates that the regeneration event is not an efficient use of fuel. |
| US08707684B2 |
Control method and apparatus for regenerating a particulate filter
Control methods for regenerating particulate filter and an apparatus that includes an internal combustion engine, an exhaust gas conduit in fluid communication with and configured to receive exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine, and a particulate filter assembly in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and configured to receive exhaust gas flowing therethrough. The particulate filter assembly includes a particulate filter to remove particulates from the exhaust gas, a heater device disposed near a front face of the particulate filter, to supply heat for regeneration of the particulate filter after shut-off of the internal combustion engine, and an air pump to input air into the particulate filter to transfer the supplied heat from the heater device to the particulate filter. |
| US08707680B2 |
Exhaust purification system of internal combustion engine
In an internal combustion engine, inside of an engine exhaust passage, air-fuel ratio sensors each of which has a solid electrolyte, electrodes which respectively cover the two side surfaces of the solid electrolyte, and a diffusion resistance layer which covers one of electrodes are arranged. In operation, the greater the amounts of deposition of sulfur ingredients at the air-fuel ratio sensors, the smaller the amounts of change of the air-fuel ratios detected by the air-fuel ratio sensor and the longer the time period of change of the air-fuel ratios. The amounts of sulfur poisoning of the air-fuel ratio sensors are detected from the changes of the air-fuel ratios detected by the air-fuel ratio sensors. |
| US08707678B2 |
System for an engine having a particulate matter sensor
A system for improving operation of an engine having a particulate matter sensor is presented. The system may be used to improve engine operation during cold starts especially under conditions where water vapor or entrained water droplets are present in vehicle exhaust gases. In one embodiment, an engine controller that activates a heater of an exhaust gas sensor after an output of a particulate matter sensor exceeds a threshold value after an engine is started. |
| US08707676B2 |
Radial flow rapid prototyping rocket motors
A hybrid rocket motor is manufactured by photopolymerizing the solid fuel grain in a stereolithography method, wherein fuel grains in a plastic matrix are deposited in layers for building a solid fuel rocket body in three dimensions for improved performance and for a compact design, the hybrid rocket motor including radial channels for defining a desired burn profile including the oxidizer to fuel burn ratio. |
| US08707668B2 |
Wrapped yarns for use in ropes having predetermined surface characteristics
A blended yarn comprises a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is greater than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers. Abrasion resistance characteristics of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A gripping ability of the second fibers is greater than a gripping ability of the first fibers. The plurality of second fibers are combined with the plurality of first fibers such that the first fibers extend along the length of the blended yarn and the second fibers do not extend along the length of the blended yarn at least a portion of the second fibers are engaged with and extend from the plurality of first fibers effectively to define surface characteristics of the blended yarn. |
| US08707664B1 |
Pallet roping and wrapping apparatus
Pallet roping and wrapping machines having a plurality of spools of stretch film supported on one or more spools and guides that form ropes of stretch film without cutting. Specific implementations of guides include guides formed or rings and rollers. Positions of guides may be adjustable. A first roll of stretch film may be positionally coupled to a first spool core, and a second roll of stretch film may be positionally coupled to a second spool core. Rotationally coupling of the first and second spool cores to each other results in the rolls of film and the spool cores all rotating at the same rate when the stretch film is unrolled and passed through a plurality of a guides. |
| US08707662B2 |
Packaging machine
A packaging machine for producing sealed packages from a web of packaging material having a surface of uneven thickness comprises a pressure roller to press the surface against a corresponding forming roller for sealing the package. The pressure roller comprises an elastically deformable body; and a core of greater rigidity housed therein, with the core comprising a first end surface cooperating with the body, and a radially inner second end surface. The core includes a first portion and a second portion, with the radial distance between the first and second surface at the first portion being greater than at the second portion. |
| US08707661B2 |
Packaging and filling machine
A packing and filling machine produces a container by forming web-shaped packing material into a tube, filling the tube with liquid food up to a liquid level, and laterally sealing the tube with a seal jaw and a counter jaw under the liquid level. The machine includes a diagnostic device having a pressure flange above the position of the lateral sealing under the liquid level and including sterilized gas to detect a vibration propagated when the packing material is clamped by the seal jaw and counter jaw and to diagnose the residual quantity of sterilized gas from the vibration thus detected. The packing and filling machine operating at high speed does not damage the external surface or the longitudinal sealing portion of a packing container, and even the forming/lateral sealing pressing from the opposite sides at high speed does not have a tendency to vary or oscillate the liquid level. |
| US08707659B2 |
Method of and apparatus for manufacture of a squeezable flexible package
A method and apparatus for manufacturing a non-rectilinear flexible package comprising an in-line process including application and selective sealing of a semi-rigid strip to an inner wall of the package and further including a dual-stage die-cutting technique to remove and cut a non-linear shape into a formed web of film. The semi-rigid strip is sealed to one interior wall of the package but not the other to provide a reinforced opening to the package through which a material can be dispensed. Additionally, the dual stage die-cutting method comprises first cutting and removing a portion of the web material prior to filling the package and again cutting and removing a portion of the web material after filling, resulting in a package having a narrowed neck adjacent the closed reinforced opening at an upper portion of the package and a body of the package that is tapered towards the reinforced opening. |
| US08707657B2 |
Proceeding and means to fasten mounting element into a wall
The present invention relates to both a proceeding and means for, in connection with hole making in a wall (1), for the mounting of items on the moisture-proof walls (1) of a wet area by means of an expandable mounting element (2), providing sealing of the hole. According to the invention, in addition to an expansion (I) of the mounting element (2) behind said wall (1), there is also provided an internal expansion (II) of the mounting element (2) in the receiving hole (3) of the mounting element (2) in question in the wall (1). There is furthermore provided a liquid-proof cover (III) around the entire mounting element (2) in question introduced and expanding in said receiving hole (3). |
| US08707651B2 |
System of at least two panels
The invention concerns a system comprising at least two panels, particularly floor panels for forming a covering. The panels have first and second lateral edges, which can be connected by a movement substantially perpendicular to the covering. The first lateral edge has a locking member coupled to a spring so that an inner position exerts a restoring force on the locking member in the direction of the outer position. The second lateral edge has a locking element that cooperates with the locking member. The locking member and locking element each have a locking face. To withstand higher vertical extraction forces, the first and second lateral edges are designed to connect by a movement directed from top to bottom of the second lateral edge, and the locking faces, when connected, lock the second lateral edge against upward lifting, while the locking member is supported with respect to the panel. |
| US08707648B2 |
Retainer and panel with insert for installing wall covering panels
Systems and methods for installing one or more modular panels onto a wall or other surface. Such systems may include at least one panel retainer mounted to a substrate and at least one panel connected to the panel retainer in a removable fashion. In these systems, the interaction of at least one panel insert and at least one attachment structure facilitates connecting the panel to the panel retainer in a removable fashion. |
| US08707647B2 |
Single-ply roofing system
A roofing system for application on a roofing substrate wherein flexible supports alleviate fatiguing of the roofing sheeting which typically occurs due to thermal expansion and contraction, thus enabling thicker roofing sheeting to be used and thus extending the usable life of the roofing sheeting. |
| US08707643B1 |
Roofing element and roof covering comprised thereof
Roofing elements of the shingle, tile or panel types are applied for mounting onto a roof of a building, as well as a roof covering comprised of such elements. The roofing elements include at least one heat-sensitive weatherproof, protective layer for protecting the building from weather-related intrusions. The roofing elements have one or more continuous venting channels disposed below the heat-sensitive weatherproof, protective layers to form one or more airflow channels beneath the protective layers, with the airflow channels disposed between a lower roof deck of a building and upper heat-sensitive, weatherproof, protective layers of the roofing elements in the installed condition on a roof. |
| US08707638B2 |
Staircase and method for construction
A staircase and method for producing the same. The staircase is produced by double routing channels for sub-treads and sub-risers and capping risers and capping treads. These sub-treads and sub-risers are assembled into staircase stringers that have pre-routed channels that are sufficient to install sub-treads and sub-risers having a particular thickness and having room for subsequent placement or installation of capping treads and risers by sliding them laterally into the channels created by the double routing of the stringers. This creates a more finished look to be (the) staircase while avoiding damages to the capping treads and risers that might occur during building construction. |
| US08707634B2 |
Collapsible modular building with canvas seams
A collapsible structure comprising four collapsible walls and a roof member, each of the four walls and roof member comprising two foam panels joined by a canvas seam. The canvas seam extends along one side of each foam panel. The invention further comprises vinyl flashing around all or part of the perimeter of each foam panel except on the side of the foam panel where the canvas seam is located. Preferably, the canvas seam is comprised of duck canvas. |
| US08707630B1 |
Pharmacy workspace with clinic station
A retail pharmacy workspace that has a clinic station where common acute health issues such as the flu and ear infections can be addressed by a medical assistant; boundary walls that at least partially surround the clinic station and include a doorway and a screening wall that has front and back ends and no doorway between those ends; at least one examination room within the boundary walls; a waiting room within the boundary walls, between the examination room and the doorway; a prescription station where prescriptions are filled; a pharmacy waiting area outside the boundary walls of the clinic station; and parallel rows of seating in the pharmacy waiting area that define front and back limits of a seating area that are arranged on lines that intersect the screening wall. |
| US08707626B2 |
Magnetic system for supporting a sliding closure
A system for reducing an effective weight of a horizontally sliding object, wherein the object such as a door or window is retained in a track that allows substantially horizontal movement along a predetermined path. The door has an upper surface with a longitudinal cavity therealong, a metallic channel is disposed within the longitudinal cavity, and the channel receives a plurality of permanent magnets. The system also includes an elongate strip coinciding with the predetermined path and positioned adjacent the upper surface of the door. An adjustment mechanism is also provided for releasably adjusting the distance between the magnets and the elongate strip. |
| US08707625B2 |
Arrangement for securing a panel closure
A closure includes a panel closing against a frame. A set of abutment surfaces for supporting the panel against applied forces is completed by a displaceable abutment block which selectively assumes an engaged state disposed between an abutment surface of the panel and an abutment surface of a strike jamb. The geometry of engagement is such that forces acting on the abutment block opposing opening of the panel are primarily compressive forces. Certain implementations additionally, or alternatively, employ abutment blocks for locking along the lintel or the threshold of the opening. |
| US08707622B1 |
Door opening system
A door opening system for assisting an individual to open a door without having to touch a handle. The door opening system generally includes a connecting member rotatably attached to a wall adjacent a door, a foot pedal attached to a lower end of the connecting member, and a lever attached to an upper end of the connecting member. An engaging member is attached to an upper end of the door to be opened and is engaged by the lever when a user pushes upon the foot pedal causing rotation of the connecting member and the lever. The lever forces the door open so the user does not have to engage handle of the door. |
| US08707621B2 |
Outswinging window assembly having an operational mode and a wash mode and method of operation
A window assembly including a frame having an interior portion with an inner surface, and a sash having an interior portion and an exterior portion. The window assembly includes an operational mode and a wash mode. In the operational mode, the sash is movable from a closed position to a position in which the sash is generally perpendicular with the frame. In the wash mode, the sash is movable to a position where the exterior of the sash faces toward the interior frame. |
| US08707620B2 |
Seedling tray
A seedling tray includes a top body member constructed of a rigid solid plastic material having a plurality of planting cells formed in an upper surface with each of the cells converging downwardly and inwardly to define an opening at the bottom thereof. A plurality of air chambers are formed between adjacent ones of the cells which are closed at the bottom by a bottom plate member constructed of a rigid plastic material which is fixedly attached to the body member and which has openings therein corresponding in number and alignment with the openings of the bottoms of the cells which are sealingly engaged with the openings in the bottom plate member. |
| US08707619B2 |
Biological air filter
A novel apparatus for the treatment, e.g., cleaning, humidifying, filtration and/or detoxifying, of ambient air incorporates a plant, soil, roots and a water reservoir to allow for effective filtration of air over an extended period of time. In particular, the device is designed with an air impeller system such that external “dirty” air is circulated within the device in the proximity of the plant, soil, roots and/or water reservoir, thereby removing impurities, toxins and other undesirable chemicals from the air. The apparatus and methods of the present invention are readily applicable to a number of applications where air treatment is desired, e.g., household use. Moreover, by incorporating a plant system, the apparatus serves not only a functional but an aesthetic purpose as well. |
| US08707617B2 |
Greenhouse and forced greenhouse climate control system and method
A greenhouse generally comprising a growing section and a climate control system adjacent to the growing section. The climate control system controls the environment within the growing section by flowing ambient air from outside the greenhouse into the growing section, re-circulating air from the growing section back into the growing section, or a combination thereof. A method for controlling the temperature within a greenhouse growing section comprises flowing air into the growing section from outside the greenhouse to reduce the temperature in the growing section. Warm air is flowed into the growing section to increase the temperature in the growing section, and air within the growing section is re-circulated when the temperature therein is at the desired level. |
| US08707612B2 |
Phosphorescent fishing lure charging box
A charge box for charging phosphorescent fishing lures. The box includes a bottom, top and walls, the bottom and walls being connected to define an interior space, the top is hinged to the walls such that the box can be opened and closed. A reflective material covers the interior surface, along the bottom, top and walls. A light source is housed within the interior space and a power source is provided to energize the light source. Once the light source is energized it is reflected by the reflective surface, so the a phosphorescent fishing lure can be charged when placed into the interior space with the top closed. |
| US08707610B2 |
Scope mounting apparatus for firearm
Scope mounting apparatus including a base designed to mate with a dovetail mounting rail on a firearm, and a mounting ring including arcuate elements pivotally joined together and movable between an open and a closed orientation. The ring is designed to receive a scope body in the open orientation and to enclose the scope body in the closed orientation. Mounting elements are fixed to the ring and positioned together in the closed orientation. A mounting block receives mounting elements therein. A mounting screw extends upwardly through the mounting block and into threaded engagement with a nut carried by the mounting elements. In the threadedly engaged orientation, the mounting screw and nut firmly hold the ring in the closed orientation. |
| US08707605B2 |
Flexible fasteners for use in rifle construction
A rifle construction includes an action and barrel that seat within a stock. The action is fastened to the stock with flexible fasteners that allow the action to seat properly and maintain alignment in the presence of recoil forces or other forces acting on the fasteners. The fasteners can thus compensate for forces created by misalignment during assembly, temperature changes and/or recoil without adversely affecting the zero of the firearm. |
| US08707604B2 |
Angled bipod foregrip for firearm
A bipod foregrip includes a longitudinally extending mounting base constructed to slidingly engage a mounting rail of a firearm. A fixed gripping portion is affixed to the base adjacent the rear end. A movable gripping portion has a first end pivotally attached adjacent a lower extremity and pivotal between a stored orientation and an extended orientation. The opposed end is positioned in abutting engagement with a lower surface of the mounting base in the stored orientation. Two legs form the movable gripping portion in the stored orientation and extend angularly outwardly and downwardly into a bipod rest in the extended orientation. |
| US08707602B1 |
Electric fire muzzle loader
An electrically-ignited muzzle loader is provided having a stock portion, a trigger assembly, and a barrel portion. The trigger assembly is electrically coupled to a spark plug which extends partially into the barrel portion of the gun. Within the stock is a hand cranked magneto for generating an electric charge. The magneto is electrically coupled to capacitor and coil portions to configure the electrical charge so as to cause the spark plug to generate an igniting spark. |
| US08707599B2 |
Adjustable sign holder
A sign holder has a main portion, a sign or display holding member, a detachable portion, and a breakaway portion. The main portion has a first gripping member and at least first and second receiving members. The sign or display holding member is attached to the main portion and is arranged to releasably and frictionally hold a sign or display. The detachable portion includes a second gripping member and an engagement member. The breakaway portion detachably attaches the main portion and the detachable portion to one another. The engagement member is arranged to engage one of the first and second receiving members in a manner permitting the first and second gripping members to grip a fixture so as to hold the sign holder to the fixture. |
| US08707596B2 |
Method and apparatus for mounting signs and other displays
A street sign mounting assembly has a universal sign post cap and at least one sign holder bracket. The cap is universally adapted to fit common street sign posts including, without limitation, square, round and U-channel posts. The sign holder brackets are designed to hold street signs of varying thicknesses. |
| US08707594B2 |
Card reader accessible multiple transaction card holder
A card holder assembly for holding multiple transaction cards, such as gift cards, to a common backer panel for presentation and sale. Cards mounted on the backer panel may be lifted for scanning by a card reader without necessitating removal of the cards from the assembly. |
| US08707592B2 |
Spiral wrapping for an ironer roller of a chest ironer and a chest ironer provided with such a spiral wrapping
A spiral wrapping for an ironer roller for a chest ironer. Chest ironers have at least one rotatably drivable ironer roller, the lower half of which is surrounded by a stationary ironer bed. The ironer roller is surrounded by an outer spiral wrapping which comes into contact with the item of laundry to be treated. The spiral wrapping is provided with an outer layer produced from a coarse woven fabric which has a higher coefficient of friction. The coefficient of friction of the coarse woven fabric does not alter as the age of the spiral wrapping increases. This means that even in the case of older spiral wrappings, there is sufficient frictional engagement between the spiral wrapping, namely the outer layer, and the item of laundry to be smoothed out. |
| US08707591B2 |
Method for operating multi-clothes styler system
The method for operating a multi-clothes styler system having a first styler and a second styler each with a hanger for applying vibration to clothes hung therefrom, includes an antiphase control step for controlling a vibration phase of a second hanger of the second styler to become an antiphase of the vibration phase of a first hanger of the first styler, if the first hanger of a first clothes styler and the second hanger of a second clothes styler are operated at the same time, and vibration frequencies of the first hanger and the second hanger are the same, whereby minimizing noise produced from the vibration of a plurality of hangers, and preventing the multi-clothes styler system from damaging due to intense variation to prevent a lifetime thereof from reducing. |
| US08707590B2 |
Failure mechanism for mechanical connection
A lock for an attachment system that connects a ground engaging tool to a bucket lip. The lock is disposed, in use, between lug of a lip of the bucket and the ground engaging tool. The lock has a body, a force applying member and a force receiving member. Application of force by the force applying member causes the force receiving member to protrude from a first side of the body and to engage the lug. Relative hardnesses of the lug, the body, the force applying member and the force receiving member are such that application of a sufficiently large force via the lug to the protruding portion of the force receiving member preferentially deforms the protruding portion of the force receiving member ahead of deformation of the body or the force applying member as a preferred lock failure mode. |
| US08707589B2 |
Excavator bucket
An excavator bucket including containment portion and associated attachment means in order to attach the bucket to a piece of earthmoving equipment, the containment portion defined by a base wall, an opposed top wall, and a pair of opposed sidewalls located between the base wall and top wall, each of these walls having a forward edge together defining an opening to the containment portion, and a rear wall wherein the base wall, top wall and each side wall taper rearwardly to the rear wall. |
| US08707585B2 |
Removable footwear cleat with cushioning
A removable cleat for footwear. The cleat includes a disc with opposing faces. A shoe coupling element is attached to one face of the disc. The other disc face supports a cushioning layer. Traction elements are supported by the cushioning layer. When a user steps on a surface wearing a shoe outfitted with these cleats, the resilience of the cushioning layer at once both lessens the impact of the traction elements on the ground surface and lessens the reaction force on the user's foot transmitted through the shoe's outsole. The user's comfort is thereby enhanced. |
| US08707584B2 |
Boot in particular ski or snowboard boot
A boot includes a lacing system having an upper zone of action associated with an upper portion of the boot body and a lower zone of action associated with a lower portion of the boot body. The lacing system includes a single bootlace, the first end of which is anchored in the upper zone of action and the second end of which is anchored in the lower zone of action. The boot also includes a common lace-tightening device, having a handpiece, for the upper zone of action and the lower zone of action of the lacing system. The common lace-tightening device cooperates with the bootlace in such a way that, on operation of the handpiece, the upper zone of action and the lower zone of action of the lacing system are acted upon simultaneously in respect of lacing up and opening the boot. |
| US08707583B2 |
Air cushioning outsole window
A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided and includes an insole and an outsole. The outsole includes a ground-contacting surface and an inner surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole from the ground-contacting surface. The outsole further includes a first aperture extending through the outsole and between the ground-contacting surface and the inner surface. A midsole is disposed between the insole and the outsole and includes a second aperture at least partially aligned with the first aperture. A window is disposed between the midsole and the outsole and extends over the first aperture and the second aperture. A bladder is disposed between the insole and the midsole and is visible through the window. |
| US08707578B2 |
Sheet processing machine, in particular sheet-fed printing press and method of drying sheets
A sheet processing machine, in particular a sheet-fed printing press, includes a varnishing unit and at least one combination drier for applying radiation energy and heated air to a newly varnished sheet. The at least one combination drier includes a plurality of circular or polygonal air nozzles and narrow-band high-power infrared light sources disposed between the air nozzles. The infrared light sources apply radiation at a radiation density of at least 25 kW/m2 in total to the varnished sheet. The temperature of the heated air passing through the nozzles is below 100° C., preferably below 80° C. A method of drying sheets is also provided. |
| US08707568B2 |
Top-handle working machine
A top-handle portable working machine includes a grip configuration that makes it easy for a worker to manipulate the implement as intended in order to adapt to tasks in which accuracy, fineness, or an attractive finish is needed. The direction of an axis in which the top grip extends and the direction of a working axis of the implement are inclined from each other in a vertical direction so as to intersect at a point to the rear of the housing at angle between 15 and 25°. |
| US08707564B2 |
Hand saw
A hand saw includes a saw blade, a handle, and a blade carrier. The saw further includes a blade clamp assembly having a locking member that removably couples the saw blade to the blade carrier so that the saw blade pivots with the blade carrier about a pivot axis. An actuating button is manually movable generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the saw blade by the user between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the actuating button engages the blade carrier to retain the blade carrier and the saw blade in one of an extended position and a folded position. In the disengaged position, the actuating button is disengaged from the blade carrier so that the blade carrier and the saw blade can be pivoted between the extended and the folded positions of the saw blade. |
| US08707563B2 |
Cutting tool with multiple scissors tools
A cutting tool having a body, a first scissors tool coupled with the body and having a first pair of blades cooperating to define a first cutting pattern, and a second scissors tool coupled with the body and having a second pair of blades cooperating to define a second cutting pattern. |
| US08707556B2 |
Injector nozzle sleeve replacer and method
An injection nozzle sleeve servicing system is provided. The system includes: a guide having two ends and an interior chamber, the guided having threads on one end; an installer screw dimensioned to fit inside the interior chamber, the installer screw having a threaded end and a pushing end; an external nut having two sets of threads wherein each of the two sets of threads on the external nut are threaded in different directions wherein one of the sets of threads on the external nut is configured to communicate with the threads on the guide and the other set of threads on the external nut is configured to communicate with the threads on the installer screw; and a rotational lock in the guide configured to prevent the installer screw from rotating with respect to the guide, wherein when one set of threads on the external nut is engaged with the threads on the guide and the other set of threads on the external nut is engaged with the threads on the installer screw, and the external nut is turned with respect to the guide and the installer screw to cause relative axial movement between the external nut and the guide, the installer screw moves axially with respect to the guide at a different rate than the axial movement of the external nut and the guide. A method for installing a fuel injector nozzle sleeve may also be provided. |
| US08707552B2 |
High-dielectric sheet, a printed circuit board having the high-dielectric sheet and production methods thereof
A high-dielectric sheet for a printed circuit board includes a first electrode, a first sputter film formed on the first electrode, an intermediate layer formed on the first sputter film by calcining a sol-gel film, a second sputter film formed on the intermediate layer, and a second electrode provided on the second sputter film. |
| US08707550B2 |
Bonding machine incorporating dual-track transfer mechanism
A bonding apparatus for bonding electronic devices including substrates comprises first and second rails arranged adjacent to each other which are configured to align the substrates in vertical orientations during transportation along the rails. A bonding system is locatable over a first bonding site which is located along the first rail and a second bonding site which is located along the second rail. A first indexer is located adjacent to the first rail and a second indexer is located adjacent to the second rail wherein each indexer is independently operative to transport a substrate along one rail while a substrate held on the other rail is being bonded. A container located at one end of the rails for holding multiple unbonded substrates is operative to feed unbonded substrates directly to the rails. |
| US08707548B2 |
Electronic component mounting apparatus
An electronic component mounting apparatus includes a head unit, component supply device, camera unit, and controller controlling the head unit and component supply device. The component supply device has a holder holding electronic component accommodating tapes, each having storage cells arranged in a row, the storage cells storing electronic components, and a feeder forwarding the electronic component accommodating tapes and moving the storage cells to a suction area where the electronic component can be suctioned by the nozzle. The camera unit is fixed to a head support, and captures an image of the suction area. The controller analyzes the image of the suction area obtained by the camera unit. When the controller determines that a portion of the electronic component accommodating tape in the suction area is a spliced portion based on a result of the analysis, the controller determines that the electronic component accommodating tape is changed. |
| US08707545B2 |
Single layer PCB microfluidics
A printed circuit board structure is coated with an encapsulant within which microfluidic channels have been formed. The microfluidic channels are formed by soldering fluidic connections to metal traces on a surface of the printed circuit board structure prior to encapsulation. The metal traces are removed by etching after encapsulation to form microchannels within the encapsulant. |
| US08707543B2 |
Process for making high electrical conductivity aluminium plates
The process can include obtaining a rectangular aluminum panel size; obtaining a cast aluminum ingot having a length and width housing said aluminum panel size; sawing the annealed aluminum ingot along its length and across its width, thereby yielding a plurality of aluminum panels having said aluminum panel size and a given plate thickness; and cutting the plates across the thickness of the aluminum panels. |
| US08707542B2 |
Rotary foam insulation cutter
A power tool for trimming soft materials has a power driver with a drive train engaged with a cylindrical cutter body wherein the power driver rotates the cutter body about its longitudinal axis. A plurality of mutually spaced apart cutter teeth are fixed to an exterior surface of the cutter body. The cutter teeth each have a top surface and a sidewall surface, the sidewall surface extensive between the top surface and an exterior surface of the cutter body. The top surface of each of the cutter teeth is a four-sided convex polygon and the sidewall surface includes four mutually discrete surfaces corresponding to the sides of the polygon, with each of said discrete surfaces extending between the top surface and the cutter body. |