| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08770933B2 |
Turbine nozzle assemblies and methods for repairing turbine nozzle assemblies
A method is provided for repairing a turbine nozzle assembly with an insert and a support structure. The method includes positioning the insert on the support structure of the turbine nozzle assembly; and plug welding the insert to the support structure of the turbine nozzle assembly. |
| US08770930B2 |
Joining mechanism and method for interlocking modular turbine engine component with a split ring
A modular airfoil assembly (200) and related method for interlocking components of an airfoil structure (210) including a platform (220), an airfoil (210) having a shoulder (230) and a stem (232) extending outward from the shoulder. A ring element (100) positioned against the stem (232) secures the shoulder (230) against the platform (210). First and second members (100a, 100b) of the ring element (100) are bonded together with a portion (128j) of a surface (112a) of the second member (100b) extending within and bonded to a portion (128i) of a surface (112b) of the first member (100a). |
| US08770929B2 |
Supersonic compressor rotor and method of compressing a fluid
A supersonic compressor rotor. The supersonic compressor rotor includes a substantially cylindrical disk body that includes an upstream surface, a downstream surface, and a radially outer surface that extends generally axially between the upstream surface and the downstream surface. The disk body defines a centerline axis. A plurality of vanes are coupled to the radially outer surface. Adjacent vanes form a pair and are oriented such that a flow channel is defined between each pair of adjacent vanes. The flow channel extends generally axially between an inlet opening and an outlet opening. At least one supersonic compression ramp is positioned within the flow channel. The supersonic compression ramp is selectively positionable at a first position, at a second position, and at any position therebetween. |
| US08770925B2 |
Fan module and air duct thereof
A fan module includes a fan, and an air duct. The air duct includes a mounting bracket mounted to the fan, and a number of guiding plates pivotably mounted in the mounting bracket. Each guiding plate comprises a latching piece mounted to the guiding plate, The mounting bracket defines a number of groups of positioning holes, with each group of positioning holes corresponding to the latching piece of each guiding plate. The latching piece is selectively positioned by one of the corresponding group of positioning holes. |
| US08770923B2 |
Fan assembly
One embodiment of a fan assembly includes a housing having a base member and a lip member extending outwardly from the base member for defining an enclosure. The fan assembly may further include a toothed track assembly, a wheel assembly, a first motor, a second motor, and a fan member. The toothed track assembly includes a toothed track member disposed within the enclosure. The wheel assembly includes a pair of toothed wheels adapted to move on the toothed track member. The first motor is operatively coupled to the wheel assembly and is capable of rotating the pair of toothed wheels. The fan member is coupled to the wheel assembly, such that the fan member moves along the toothed track member when the first motor rotates the pair of toothed wheels on the toothed track member. The second motor is operatively coupled to the fan member for rotating the fan member. |
| US08770921B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing noise from jet engine exhaust
An aircraft jet engine with a longitudinal axis, including a wall enclosing a gas flow ejected from a downstream end of the wall in the longitudinal axis, plural ducts being distributed around the periphery of the downstream end of the wall each including a terminal section, including an outlet opening. Each duct can eject a fluid jet through the outlet opening thereof. The ducts are configured to eject the fluid jets essentially parallel to each other, each fluid jet ejected through the corresponding outlet opening forming a lateral angle with the longitudinal axis in a projection view in a plane with the longitudinal axis. |
| US08770920B2 |
Gas turbine airfoil with shaped trailing edge coolant ejection holes
A turbine blade or vane includes at least one internal radial channel for the circulation of cooling medium bordered on a pressure side by a pressure side wall and on a suction side by a suction side wall joined at a upstream side at a leading edge and at and downstream side at the trailing edge. At least one exit hole extends through at least one of the pressure side wall or the suction side wall for blowing out of cooling medium from the internal radial channel to a medium surrounding the blade or vane. At least one trailing edge exit hole along the trailing edge has a surfacial exit opening disposed at the pressure side of the trailing edge. |
| US08770913B1 |
Apparatus and process for rotor creep monitoring
An apparatus and a process for measuring rotor creep values for a monolithic rotor of an industrial gas turbine engine in order to determine when creep growth of the rotor has exceeded an allowable limit. One or more critical locations of the rotor are measured for real-time radius, and a CPU having rotor creep deflection model is used to compare the real-time data and determine if the rotor creep is within safe and allowable limits. If the creep is determined to exceed allowable values, then an alarm in initiated or engine shutdown occurs. |
| US08770911B2 |
Apparatus and method for collating products
A collating conveyor (4, 6) receives products (2) sequentially from a delivery point and collates them into groups (8). A pusher (9) transfers groups (8) of products from the collating conveyor (4, 6) to a receiving trough (10), where they are turned through a predetermined angle B. The collating conveyor (4, 6) is inclined to the horizontal and is provided with lugs (5, 7), each of which supports a stack (8) of products under the effect of gravity. A pick-and-place head (11) picks up a group (8) of products from the trough (10) by gripping and clamping the products (2) together. |
| US08770904B2 |
Composite non-wood flooring threaded fastener
A threaded fastener including a shank extending along an axis away from an enlarged head to a tip. A thread extends in a helix around the shank from the tip of the shank towards the enlarged head. A driving recess on a top surface of the enlarged head receives a tool for driving the fastener in a rotational manner around the axis of the shank. Cutter teeth are formed on a lower surface of the enlarged head. The fastener may be assembled with a hard composite non-wood material decking and a supporting metal I-beam. |
| US08770896B2 |
Reamer
A reamer has a center axis and includes a single cutting edge, provided for a cutting part that is arranged at a leading end side. The reamer includes three guide pads in the cutting part. The first guide pad is formed so as to project to the side almost opposite that where the single cutting edge is formed. The second guide pad is arranged in one area of areas, along a peripheral face of the cutting part, that are located between the first guide pad and the single cutting edge and that are directed toward sides opposite each other, and the third guide pad is arranged in the other area. |
| US08770892B2 |
Subsea recovery of swabbing chemicals
Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including dewatering and chemical containment. A subsea pipeline service skid has a containment bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pump fluid from the subsea pipeline. A sensor system at the suction side of the pump detects the presence of seawater, water, chemical agent, or gas so the pump can be operated accordingly. The chemical agent used during dewatering operations of the pipeline is selectively pumped to the containment bladder subsea so the subsea vehicle can independently take the chemical agent to the surface. |
| US08770891B2 |
Vapor phase elemental sulfur amendment for sequestering mercury in contaminated soil
The process of treating elemental mercury within the soil is provided by introducing into the soil a heated vapor phase of elemental sulfur. As the vapor phase of elemental sulfur cools, sulfur is precipitated within the soil and then reacts with any elemental mercury thereby producing a reaction product that is less hazardous than elemental mercury. |
| US08770888B2 |
Watering mat for the large-area distribution of water
A watering mat is provided for the large-area distribution of water, particularly in horticulture and landscaping as well as agriculture. The watering mat includes a first and a second carrier layer to accommodate other elements of the watering mat, one or more connections for connecting the first and the second carrier layers, one or more water-feeding elements arranged between the first and the second carrier layers for feeding water into the watering mat and distributing water through the watering mat, an absorption layer for water storage arranged between the first and the second carrier layers and a moisture level detector in the watering mat. |
| US08770887B1 |
Vibratory compacting roller machine and operator control therefor
A vibratory ride-on roller machine includes a chassis supported on front and rear vibrating drum assemblies that compact the surface on which the machine travels. The machine is controlled via a control assembly including a control lever. A number of control elements for controlling operations of the roller machine are located on the control lever, the operations including one or more of turning the exciter assembly on and off, switching between exciter assemblies, controlling the level of vibration of the exciter assemblies, controlling a spray assembly, and sounding a horn element. The control elements are advantageously positioned to enable operator actuation regardless of the operator's orientation on the roller and regardless of the position of the control lever within its operating stroke. |
| US08770882B2 |
Ball joint
A ball joint comprising a housing (4) having a pin opening (12), a ball pin (3) having a joint ball (2), the ball pin being movably supported in the housing (4) by the joint ball (2). The ball pin extends out through the pin opening (12) of the housing (4) and the joint ball (2) has a non-planar control surface (7) which is in contact with an abutment (8) provided on the housing (4). |
| US08770871B2 |
Image processing device, printing device, and medium having recorded image processing program
To provide a technique for outputting printing image data to a printing device using a colored ink, and a special glossy ink having special gloss, including a field discrimination part for discriminating whether there is an adjacent field, in which a special glossy field that is expressed using the special glossy ink and a color production field that is expressed using the colored ink are adjacent in the direction of the image plane; a special gloss boundary processor for adjusting the image data so that the ink volume of the special glossy ink affixed to the special glossy field is gradually reduced from the special glossy field towards the color production field in a case where an adjacent field is present; and an output part for outputting the printing image data based on the adjusted image data the printing device. |
| US08770867B2 |
Lifting unit for pipe inspection systems
A lifting unit for pipe inspection systems for lifting a head unit, comprising a base support with a connection module for connection to a connection unit of a carriage, a lifting system with at least one lifting arm and a drive unit for deflecting the lifting arm relative to the base support via a rotation axis, as well as a head unit with a connection module for connection of inspection units, in particular cameras and illumination systems, wherein connectors of the carriage are at least partially lead to the connection module of the head unit. |
| US08770864B2 |
Receptacle assembly and transceiver module assembly
An optical module receptacle assembly includes a receptacle cage to detachably house an optical module, a receptacle connector housed in a receptacle connector accommodating portion of the receptacle cage, and a connector cover covering the receptacle connector. A given clearance CLE, which is greater than a clearance CLD being set smaller than a clearance CLA, is formed between an upper surface of a tip end portion of a plug connector of the optical module and an inner peripheral surface of a slot of the receptacle connector. |
| US08770855B2 |
Optical connector assembly
The invention provides an optical connector assembly for arrangement on a first optical printed circuit board and for connecting the first optical printed circuit board to a second optical device on a second electro optical printed circuit board, the connector assembly comprising: an electrical connector; and an optical connector; the optical connector being arranged in a housing that is fixed relative to the electrical connector, the optical connector being movably mounted in the housing so that the optical connector can move relative to the electrical connection, such that when electrical connection is made, the optical connector can still move with at least three degrees of freedom. |
| US08770854B2 |
Rolling element cage
The invention concerns a rolling element cage (32) made of a metal strip material that is profiled, stamped, cut to length, and bent into a round shape, wherein the ends of the cut-to-length strip sections are joined together by welding. In order to make it possible to influence the lubricant distribution in the bearing and the vibration characteristics of the cage and thus of the overall bearing system, according to the invention the strip section ends (34, 36) are joined together with a predetermined axial offset (a) and/or radial offset (b). |
| US08770849B2 |
Pivoting ball bearing system
A pivoting ball bearing. The ball bearing includes a first race and a second race and one or more rows of balls disposed therebetween. The first race includes a groove configured to have at least one row of balls track therein at a continuously variable circumferential tracking path while the first race rotates with respect to the second race. Pivoting of the first race with respect to the second race can occur by the balls shifting their circumferential tracking path within the groove of the first race. A collar on either the first race or the second race limits pivoting of the first race with respect to the second race. |
| US08770846B2 |
Zero radial play idler arm bracket bearing
An idler arm bracket bearing includes a plurality of inwardly extending fingers to contact the bracket. The fingers deflect toward the bearing body as the fingers contact the bracket, thereby ensuring a full contact fit that provides a tighter joint assembly. Rib members are located between the fingers to center the bracket and limit the resilient deflection of the fingers. |
| US08770845B1 |
Rotary bearing and method of manufacture
A bearing assembly and method of construction that provides a bearing having a plurality of individual flat bearing disc inserts, such as carbide inserts, supported directly upon a flat insert support surface. The method of construction utilizes a mold for simultaneously brazing the inserts to the bearing surface. |
| US08770843B2 |
Fluid dynamic bearing motor including plastic component
Provided herein is a motor including a plastic component; a stationary component having a thrustplate; and a rotatable component having a sleeve and a counterplate, wherein the plastic component is positioned outside the sleeve, and wherein the thrustplate and the counterplate are positioned to form a fluid dynamic bearing (“FDB”) at a top portion of the sleeve. Also provided is a motor comprising a plastic component; a stationary component comprising a thrustplate; and a rotatable component comprising a sleeve; wherein the plastic component is affixed to the sleeve, and wherein the thrustplate and the plastic component are positioned to form a FDB. Also provided is a motor comprising a plastic component; a stationary component comprising an inner component; and a rotatable component comprising the plastic component and a supporting means for supporting the inner component, wherein the inner component and the supporting means are positioned to form a FDB. |
| US08770842B2 |
Sliding member and manufacturing method thereof
A hemispherical shoe (sliding member) 1 has a flat sliding surface 3, which is quenched to form a quenched portion 7. A part of the quenched sliding surface is partially annealed to form an annealed portion 6. When an oil film pressure acts on the sliding surface 1, the annealed portion 6 is deformed by pressure so that the surface thereof has a concave portion 6A. In the annealed portion 6, a remaining quenched portion 8 may remain at the center part thereof. The concave portion 6A can be used as an oil reservoir or an oil flow path, so that an excellent seizure resistance can be ensured. |
| US08770834B2 |
Thermostat diagnostic apparatus
A thermostat diagnostic apparatus is provided with a cooling medium temperature sensor, an engine operating condition sensor and a malfunction diagnosing device. The malfunction diagnosing device is configured to diagnose a stuck-open malfunction of a thermostat provided in a coolant flow passage of an engine installed in a mobile body based on a comparison of a real cooling medium temperature detected by the cooling medium temperature sensor and an estimated cooling medium temperature estimated based on an engine operating condition of the engine detected by the engine operating condition sensor. The malfunction diagnosing device determines that the thermostat is stuck in an open state upon determining that either the estimated cooling medium temperature or the real cooling medium temperature exceeds a prescribed reference value during a period in which an increased heat exchange rate condition of a radiator is satisfied continuously. |
| US08770828B2 |
Oscillator system
An oscillator system (30) of a mechanical timepiece, comprising: at least one balance wheel (35) that is free to rotate about an axis; and at least one hairspring (31) connecting the at least one balance wheel (35) to a fixed point or to another balance wheel (36), the hairspring (31) including: a first coil (32) connected to the at least one balance wheel (35); and a second coil (33) connected to the fixed point or to the another balance wheel (36); and a transition section (34) connecting the first coil (32) to the second coil (33), wherein an approximately linear restoring torque for the at least one balance wheel (35) is primarily provided by elastic deformation of the transition section (34) and the coils (32, 33), in order to generate an oscillatory motion for the at least one balance wheel (35). |
| US08770827B2 |
Method for coating micromechanical parts with high tribological performances for application in mechanical systems
Method for coating micromechanical components of a micromechanical system, in particular a watch movement, comprising: providing a substrate component to be coated; providing said component with a diamond coating; wherein diamond coating is provide by CVD in a reaction chamber and during CVD deposition, during the last portion of the growth process, a controlled change of the carbon content within the reaction chamber is provided, thereby providing a change of the sp2/sp3 carbon bonds in the vicinity of the surface. Corresponding micromechanical components are also provided. |
| US08770825B2 |
Kneading apparatus with rotary shafts having stirring members
A kneading apparatus has a pair of rotary shafts mounted to undergo rotation in different directions of rotation and at different rotational speeds from one another. Stirring members are helically arranged on outer peripheries of the rotary shafts at predetermined helical and angular pitches for kneading an object during rotation of the rotary shafts. The helical pitch of the stirring members of one of the rotary shafts has an inverse helix from that of the stirring members of the other rotary shaft. The stirring members have surfaces with a first phase configured to move the kneaded object in a feed direction or a second phase symmetrical to the first phase and configured to move the kneaded object in a direction reverse to the feed direction. The stirring members are arranged so that the first and second phases cyclically repeat in a predetermined sequence in axial directions of the rotary shafts. |
| US08770824B2 |
Extruder and process for preparing a mixture of polymer and diluent
The invention relates to a twin screw extruder for preparing a polymeric solution. The extruder includes an elongated housing having an inlet end, an outlet end, an extruder shaft length L and a pair of interconnecting bores disposed within the housing, a pair of elongated extruder shafts, each having an axis of rotation, the pair of elongated extruder shafts disposed within the pair of interconnecting bores and drivable in at least one direction of rotation, a plurality of extruder screw segments positioned along the pair of elongated extruder shafts in a fixed angular relationship therewith, the plurality of extruder screw segments selected to form multiple extruder stages. The invention also relates to a process for extruding a mixture of polymer and diluent. |
| US08770821B2 |
Optical arrangement with a light transmitting layer arranged to cover a portion of light entry surface of light guide and to transmit light diffusively
An optical arrangement comprising a light guide (101) having a light-entry portion (103) with a light-entry surface (105), a tapering portion (107) with a light reflecting surface, and a light-exit surface (109). The light-entry portion (103) is arranged to guide light from the light-entry surface (105) in a first direction (x) towards the light reflecting surface (H I), the light reflecting surface being arranged in relation to the first direction (x) so that incident light from the light-entry portion (103) is reflected towards the light-exit surface (109). A light transmitting layer (113) is adapted to transmit light diffusively and arranged to cover at least a portion of the light-entry edge surface (105) of the light guide (101). The arrangement is e.g. suitable for use in a LED based luminaire and allows for efficiency and forming of a light beam able to fulfill glare requirements. The arrangement may advantageously be used in a downlighting application. |
| US08770818B2 |
Side-edge backlight module
The present invention provides a side-edge backlight module including a light guide plate having first and second mounting sides opposite to each other. The first mounting side forms a first positioning hole, a first positioning slot, and a second positioning slot. The second mounting side forms correspondingly a second positioning hole, a third positioning slot, and a fourth positioning slot. A backplane includes six rivet pins respectively received in the first and second positioning holes and the first, second, third, and fourth positioning slots. The first and second positioning slots and the third and fourth positioning slots are of a right-angled trapezoidal shape having a straight side that is open and an inclined side that is inclined downward in a direction toward the first or second positioning hole. The rivet pins received in the first, second, third, and fourth positioning slots respectively abut against the inclined sides of the trapezoids. |
| US08770816B2 |
Lighting assembly
A lighting assembly includes a light engine and a light guide. The light engine edge lights the light guide and includes a control assembly that controls light output according to one or more parameters to produce light output from the lighting assembly with a desired characteristic. Lighting assemblies are combined to form a modular lighting assembly. |
| US08770815B2 |
Active bezel edge lighting with diffuser layer
A bezel for a TV display has two or more bezel elements, one being more diffusive of light from a source juxtaposed with the bezel assembly than the other element. One element can laterally border the other element or one element can be directly behind the other. More than two bezel elements may be used. |
| US08770814B2 |
Light emitting panel assemblies
An optical assembly comprises light sources and a light emitting panel member having an input edge to which each of the light sources is optically coupled at a different location along the input edge. Different sets of individual optical deformities on or in at least one of the sides of the panel member each have at least one surface that is shaped or oriented to extract light propagating in the same direction through the panel member in different directions for viewing from different angles through one of the sides of the panel member. |
| US08770801B1 |
Apparatus and method for pathway or similar lighting
An apparatus, method, and system for lighting target areas with bollard or pagoda-type lights in a controlled and efficient manner. The apparatus includes a housing with a light source, optic system, and a control circuit. The light source and optic system are configured to produce a highly controlled output beam pattern and shield from normal viewing angles direct sight of the source. This enables control of glare and spill light which can improve effectiveness, efficiency, and energy usage. |
| US08770800B1 |
LED-based light source reflector with shell elements
An optical element that may be replaceably mounted to an LED based illumination device. The optical element includes a hollow shell reflector and a plurality of annular shell elements disposed within the hollow shell reflector at different distances from the input port of the optical element. An annular shell element that is closer to the input port of the optical element has a radius that is less than the radius of an annular shell element farther from the input port. |
| US08770798B2 |
Luminaire
According to one embodiment, a floodlight includes at least one light-emitting part, a thermal radiator, a reflector, and an adapter part attachable to and detachable from the thermal radiator. The light-emitting part includes an LED element. The thermal radiator is thermally connected to the light-emitting part. The reflector is provided on the thermal radiator, and controls luminous intensity distribution from the light-emitting part. The adapter part includes an extension reflector. The extension reflector is continuous with the reflector in a state where the adapter part is attached to the thermal radiator and, together with the reflector, controls the luminous intensity distribution from the light-emitting part to provide a luminous intensity distribution angle narrower than the reflector. |
| US08770795B2 |
Light-emitting device and lighting apparatus
A light-emitting device includes a substrate, and a plurality of light-emitting elements mounted on the substrate. The light-emitting elements are placed to meet conditions that the number B of light-emitting elements per unit area (cm2) of a mounting part is not less than 0.4 and a mean mounting density D is not less than 58 to not greater than 334, when a relationship of formula “D=A×B” is established, assuming D as a mean mounting density of light-emitting elements on a substrate, A as a current (mA) flowing through one light-emitting element, and B as the number of light-emitting elements per unit area (cm2) of a substantial mounting part for light-emitting elements. |
| US08770790B2 |
Continuous arrangement of light cells into a multi-dimensional light source
A novel arrangement of light cells on a flexible or solid background into a multi-dimensional light source capable of unlimited configuration, which comprises of a mother cell that is connected to one source of electrical power and gets charged, subsequently charging all the other light cells and thus illuminating the entire light source with unlimited configuration. |
| US08770786B2 |
Illuminating device with light guiding frame
A light emitting device comprising a light guiding frame and a light source is provided. The light guiding frame has a recess, and an edge of an opening of the recess defines a light-emitting opening. The light guiding frame comprises a first light guiding structure and a second light guiding structure connected to the first light guiding structure. The light source is disposed on a bottom of the recess and has a light-emitting surface. The first light guiding structure is extended along a direction away from the light-emitting surface and the light-emitting opening. The second light guiding structure is extended along a direction away from the light-emitting surface but close to the opening. |
| US08770783B2 |
Torch with a rotationally symmetrical optical attachment
The present invention relates to a flashlight having an auxiliary optical system that is rotation symmetrical to an optical axis, and that has an outer reflector part, an inner converging lens part, and a rear surface having a blind bore, and having a light-emitting diode (LED) arranged on a disk-shaped holder. In order to provide a flashlight having an auxiliary optical system, in which the emission characteristic can be set between a so-called moon setting and a focus setting, wherein the operability of the flashlight is to be as simple as possible and the desired setting can be found rapidly and reliably, according to the invention, the auxiliary optical system is displaceable relative to the LED delimited by two stops in such a manner that a substantially homogeneous light cone is generated in the case of contact of the auxiliary optical system on the holder. |
| US08770780B1 |
Display and illumination units used as part of a building
A building block having at least one shape in the building block which includes a sealed volume surrounded by the shape, where the shape includes a transparent front and transparent rear to allow light to pass through the front and the rear and enter into a building partially or fully covered by the building block. There is at least one iris aperture diaphragm on the rear of each of at least one shape which is positioned to let all light pass into the building, each of the at least one iris aperture diaphragm having an adjustable opening to control how much light passes into the building. |
| US08770779B2 |
Small aperture recessed wall wash downlight
A wall wash lighting fixture includes a light source, a light pipe below the light source and a reflector offset from and surrounding the lower end of the light pipe. The lower end of the light pipe has an oblique, light-emitting face that provides uniform wall illumination up to a high vertical angle. The reflector faces substantially away from the wall and provides room-side illumination below about 45 vertical degrees. A preferred embodiment is suited for retrofit recessed installation, especially where small-aperture downlights are desired. |
| US08770775B2 |
Lighted cup holder assembly
A cup holder assembly having a storage compartment adapted to receive a beverage container is provided. The storage compartment includes a recessed portion, and a top ring having a bottom planar surface is mounted onto the recessed portion. The recessed portion further includes a radiused inner edge exposed to the space of the storage compartment. A light source is mounted along the radiused inner edge. Light from the light source is reflected from the planar surface onto the radiused inner edge. A light shield extends beneath the bottom planar surface of the top ring so as to shield the light source from view of the passengers and driver of the vehicle yet allow light to pass from the light source onto the radiused inner edge of the cup holder assembly. |
| US08770774B2 |
Ventilation fan with lights
A ventilation fan with lights includes an exhaust fan, a lid, and an illumination apparatus. The lid covers an entrance of the exhaust fan. The lid has plural exhaust gratings and an opening. The exhaust gratings are arranged at least adjacent to opposite sides of the opening. The illumination apparatus is embedded in the opening of the lid. The illumination apparatus includes a lamp housing, a lamp plate, plural light emitting diodes (LEDs), a lampshade, and plural scattering microstructures. LEDs are arranged on the lamp plate. The lampshade covers the lamp housing. The lampshade and the lamp housing cooperate to define a lamp chamber therebetween. The lamp plate and the LEDs are disposed in the lamp chamber. The scattering microstructures are disposed on an inner surface of the lampshade facing the lamp chamber. |
| US08770770B2 |
Light assembly
The present invention includes an LED lighting assembly containing: a housing; one or more solid state lighting units contained within the housing and actuated by alternating current power; a night light contained within the housing and operably communicating with the solid state lighting units, the night light actuated by direct current power in the absence of light from the solid state lighting units; one or more light emitting diodes contained within the night light; and a battery source for powering the night light in the event of power interruption.In yet another aspect of the invention, a lighting unit contains: a housing or elongated tube; one or more light emitting diodes contained within the housing or elongated tube; and a battery source contained within the housing or elongated tube, the battery source configured to selectively power the light emitting diodes with direct current energy. |
| US08770769B2 |
Door mirror for an automobile
The present invention has an object to provide a door mirror for an automobile in which a variation in a gap between a bottom wall of a housing and a pedestal portion of a door-mirror base is eliminated. In this door mirror for an automobile, even if distortion, contraction error or the like occurs in a lower housing after molding, if the frame and the shaft are assembled rotatably with accuracy, since a lower end face of a shaft container portion provided on the frame rotatably connected to the shaft fixed to a pedestal portion of the door-mirror base is in contact with the peripheral edge portion of an opening portion in the inner face of a bottom wall of the lower housing, the housing can be fixed to the frame without an error in the positional relationship between the peripheral edge portion of the opening portion of the lower housing and the shaft. |
| US08770766B2 |
Blind spot mirror
A blind spot mirror configured to attach to a face of a side mounted automobile mirror to provide an enhanced view. The blind spot mirror includes a mirror and a mirror housing. The mirror housing includes a plurality of rectangular-column support posts and a plurality of protrusions configured to support the mirror. The blind spot mirror includes a base coupled to a rear surface of the mirror housing. The base includes a flat rear surface configured to couple to a face of a side mounted automobile mirror. The blind spot mirror includes a ball and socket coupling member coupled to the base and the mirror housing. The ball and socket coupling member is configured to functionally pivot the mirror housing about the side mounted automobile mirror. The ball and socket coupling member is disposed substantially off-center on the mirror housing. |
| US08770764B2 |
Programmable de-fogger system for a light projector
A light projector for operation during a show that contains theatrical haze. The light projector may include a light source, a lens, a fan, and a housing having an inner chamber. The lens may have a first side and a second side. The first side of the lens may be contained within the inner chamber of the housing. The second side the lens may be outside of the inner chamber of the housing. The fan may be configured to be operated to generate air flow inside the inner chamber of the housing. A substantial portion of the air flow may be directed to impinge upon the first side of the lens to cause de-fogging of theatrical haze condensate on the first side of the lens. |
| US08770759B2 |
Liquid crystal glasses, projection display system and control method thereof
A projection display system includes a glasses system, a driving unit and a projection apparatus. The driving unit is electrically connected to the glasses system for repeatedly applying or removing a voltage to/from the glasses system. The projection apparatus includes an illumination system and a color wheel. The color wheel is in a transmission path of a light beam provided by the illumination system. The color wheel has a compensation zone and a plurality of color zones. When the color wheel is rotated, the compensation zone and the color zones sequentially pass through the light beam. The compensation zone has first, second and third sub compensation zones. A time for the first sub compensation zone passing through the light beam is substantially equal to a time for the third sub compensation zone passing through the light beam. A liquid crystal glasses and a control method are also provided. |
| US08770758B2 |
Static visual field scanning apparatus
A static visual field scanning apparatus including: visual field scanning screen generating means; fixation image displaying and controlling means; scan line setting means; scanning point setting means; visual target displaying and controlling means; the first detection means; the second detection means; visual field mapping screen generating means; immediate post first detection scan continuation means; immediate post second detection scan continuation means; response waiting means; visual target display coordinates storing means; visual target perception inability symbol mapping means; the first completion judgement means; the second completion judgement means; post first completion judgement the next scanning point calculation means; and post second completion judgement the next scanning point calculation means. |
| US08770757B2 |
Fast wave front measurement
Devices, systems, and methods for measuring wave fronts generated by a lens for an eye are provided. In some embodiments, a device for measuring wave fronts generated by a lens for an eye includes a radiation source for emitting test radiation to be directed at the lens and a sensor device for detecting wave fronts of incident test radiation after interaction with the lens, wherein the sensor device scans the test radiation after interaction with the lens at a scanning frequency which is at least equal in size to the frequency at which changes in wave fronts occur in the test radiation after interaction with the lens. |
| US08770755B2 |
Systems for extended depth frequency domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) and related methods
Systems for extended depth frequency domain optical coherence tomography are provided including a detection system configured to sample spectral elements at substantially equal frequency intervals, wherein a spectral width associated with the sampled spectral elements is not greater than one-half of the frequency interval. Related methods are also provided herein. |
| US08770751B2 |
Hybrid spectral domain optical coherence tomography line scanning laser ophthalmoscope
A method of imaging a retina of an eye includes combining an optical path of an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imager and an optical path of a line scanning laser ophthalmoscope (LSLO) imager using a system of optics. The method also includes using a single detector to switch between an OCT mode and a LSLO mode and acquiring images of the retina while switching between the OCT mode and the LSLO mode. |
| US08770747B2 |
Colored contact lens
A contact lens, comprising a preprint of a first shade and a main print of a second shade, wherein the preprint consisting of a first band of gradient dot matrix, wherein the main print consisting of a second band of evenly spaced circular voids, wherein the second band surrounds the starburst pattern, wherein the first band and the second band have a substantially identical outer diameter and the first band has a smaller inside diameter than the second band, wherein the first shade and the second shade are different, wherein the gradient dot matrix is characterized by dot coverage increases in a radial direction from the center too the peripheral edge or a position near the peripheral edge of the substantially-circular pattern. |
| US08770746B2 |
Methods materials and systems for producing a contact lens and contact lenses produced using said methods materials and systems
Disclosed are methods, materials and systems for producing contact lenses and contact lenses produced using said methods, materials and systems. According to some embodiments, a contact lens produced by said methods, materials and systems includes an extra-ocular indicator (“EOI”) adapted to alter in color upon removal of said lens from an eye. The EOI may be at least partially composed of a pigment adapted to become relatively more visible when the contact lens is outside an eye than when the contact lens is placed in an eye. |
| US08770744B2 |
Laminated composite lens
The present invention is directed to a composite lens, comprising an anterior rigid gas permeable layer, and an annulus of soft material bonded to a posterior surface of the anterior rigid gas permeable layer, wherein a central zone of the composite lens is rigid and without a soft layer, wherein a peripheral zone of the composite lens is generally rigid in its anterior aspect and soft in its posterior aspect. |
| US08770730B2 |
Liquid container and apparatus in which liquid container is mountable
A liquid container enables a liquid contained in a liquid containing chamber to be supplied to an exterior through a supply port. The liquid container includes a first channel, a second channel, and a communication path. The first channel is in communication with a first opening which opens into the liquid containing chamber. The second channel is in communication with a second opening which opens into the liquid containing chamber, the second opening being positioned above the first opening in a direction of gravitational force. The communication path allows the first channel and the second channel to communicate with each other outside the liquid containing chamber to permit a flow of the liquid. |
| US08770725B2 |
Method of manufacturing electromechanical transducer element, electromechanical transducer element, discharging head, and inkjet recording device
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing an electromechanical transducer element including a first process of hydrophobizing a first area of an electrode by forming a self-assembled monolayer film; a second process of applying a sol-gel solution onto a predetermined second area of the electrode so as to produce a complex oxide; a third process of producing the complex oxide by calcining the electrode; a fourth process of acid-washing the electrode on which the complex oxide has been produced; a fifth process of hydrophobizing the first area of the acid-washed electrode by forming the self-assembled monolayer film; a sixth process of applying the sol-gel solution onto the predetermined second area; and a seventh process of producing the complex oxide by calcining the electrode. |
| US08770723B2 |
Piezoelectric element, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus
A piezoelectric element comprises a electrode and a piezoelectric layer made of a complex oxide having a perovskite structure containing at least bismuth, barium, iron, and titanium. A layered compound containing iron, barium, titanium and oxygen is formed between the piezoelectric layer and the electrode. |
| US08770720B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus has a head component that ejects a liquid through nozzle openings to attach the liquid to an object. The liquid contains a particulate material having a particle size of 200 nm to 1 μm, both inclusive, and the head component discharges the liquid in droplets weighing 1 ng to 7 ng, both inclusive, in a way that the droplets reach the object at a velocity of 5 m/s to 9 m/s, both inclusive. |
| US08770718B2 |
Inkjet printer having switched firing of adjacent nozzles applying common color
A printing system includes a printhead having adjacent inkjet nozzles for dispensing a common colored ink and a controller adapted to direct firing of the adjacent inkjet nozzles so that adjacent local areas using the common colored ink are printed on a printing medium with alternate firings of the adjacent inkjet nozzles. |
| US08770714B2 |
Printing system with self-purge, sediment prevention and fumes removal arrangements
A printing head assembly with integrated purge mechanism is disclosed. The printing head assembly comprises: (a) a liquid dispensing head comprising one or more dispensing nozzles enclosed in a nozzle plate, driven by at least first and second pressures, and (b) a shielding mask including an opening in front of the one or more nozzles, wherein the opening being configured such that when printing liquid is dispensed from the head driven by the first pressure, the liquid being dispensed in pulses through the opening in the shielding mask, and (ii) when purge printing liquid is dispensed from the head driven by the second pressure the liquid being drawn to a capillary gap formed between the shielding mask and the nozzle plate thereby removing the purge printing liquid from the nearby nozzles. |
| US08770713B2 |
Nozzle surface cleaning apparatus and method, and inkjet recording apparatus
A nozzle surface cleaning apparatus cleans a nozzle surface of an inkjet head. The nozzle surface cleaning apparatus includes: a wiping device which performs a wiping operation on the nozzle surface with a wiping member having permeability; an observation device which observes a soiled state of the wiping member having been used in the wiping operation; and a judgment device which makes a judgment on appropriateness of a setting of the wiping operation on a basis of the soiled state observed by the observation device. |
| US08770712B2 |
Droplet ejection apparatus
A droplet ejection apparatus includes: a droplet ejection head having a nozzle surface in which a nozzle aperture is formed; and a wiping device which wipes the nozzle surface of the droplet ejection head by moving relatively to the droplet ejection head. The wiping device includes: a wiping device main body which moves relatively to the droplet ejection head; a drive source which is arranged on the wiping device main body; and wiping units configured to be interchangeably installed on the wiping device main body. The wiping units respectively have wiping members configured to be pressed against the nozzle surface to perform respectively different wiping operations to the nozzle surface. When each of the wiping units is installed on the wiping device main body, a corresponding one of the wiping members receives drive force from the drive source to perform a corresponding one of the wiping operations to the nozzle surface. |
| US08770711B2 |
Printhead maintenance system having wiper module
A maintenance system for a printhead is provided having a support frame, a wiper module supported by the support frame, a lift mechanism for lifting the wiper module from the support frame, and a rotation mechanism. The wiper module has a wiper roller on a rotatable shaft and a porous material about the shaft, and a transfer roller in rotatable contact with the wiper roller. The lift mechanism lifting the wiper module to position the porous material of the wiper roller against the printhead. The rotation mechanism rotates the wiper and transfer rollers so that the porous material of the wiper roller rotates against the printhead. The porous material is configured to absorb fluid from the printhead during rotation, and so that the fluid absorbed by the porous material of the wiper roller is transferred to the transfer roller. |
| US08770710B2 |
Fluid ejecting apparatus
Provided is a fluid ejecting apparatus including: a fluid ejecting head; a receiving member which is linear; a support member which supports the receiving member so as to extend in a linear shape; a support member movement unit which moves the support member between first and second positions so that the receiving member is located at a receiving position capable of receiving the fluid ejected from the nozzles at the first position, and the receiving member is located at a retreat position deviating from the receiving position at the second position; and a contact member which comes into contact with the receiving member while moving in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the receiving member relative to the receiving member when the support member movement unit moves the support member from the second position to the first position. |
| US08770709B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of discharging recording liquid
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head oriented upward so as to eject a recording liquid upward. The recording head includes an ejection face, an ejection port, and a waste-liquid port. The ejection port is disposed at the ejection face to eject the recording liquid. The waste-liquid port is disposed separately from the ejection port at the ejection face. The waste-liquid passage is connected to the waste-liquid port and has an opening connected to an outside of the recording head. A residual of the recording liquid on the ejection face is discharged to the outside of the recording head via the waste-liquid port and the waste-liquid passage. |
| US08770705B2 |
Droplet discharge detection device and image forming apparatus including droplet discharge detection device
Disclosed is a droplet discharge detection device including a head array unit in which plural nozzles are arranged in a line; a light emitter configured to emit a light beam in a direction in which the nozzles are arranged, wherein the light emitter is disposed at a first end portion of the head array unit and the light emitter has an aperture for limiting a diameter of a light beam; and a light receiver configured to receive a scattered light beam of the light beam generated by a droplet, wherein the light receiver is disposed at a second end portion of the head array unit, the second end portion being opposite to the light emitter of the head array unit. |
| US08770700B2 |
Image recording apparatus and control method for controlling image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus including: a transport passage which has a curved portion; a first transport roller pair which is disposed at the curved portion; a second transport roller pair which is located downstream of the first transport roller pair; and a controller which selectively executes a first recording mode or a second recording mode, wherein: in the first recording mode, the controller stops driving of the first transport roller pair for a predetermined period in an interposed state in which a recording medium is interposed by both of the first and second transport roller pairs, the controller controls a second driving motor intermittently and controls a recording head to discharge ink during a stopping period in which the second transport roller pair is stopped; and in the second recording mode, the controller controls first and second driving motors in synchronization in the interposed state. |
| US08770699B2 |
Medium convey apparatus and ink-jet recording apparatus
A medium convey apparatus including: a convey mechanism including an endless belt having a medium-placed face; and a first adsorbing mechanism which includes first and second electrodes each facing a face of the convey mechanism opposite to the medium-placed face, and which adsorbs a recording medium to the medium-placed face by applying a specific voltage to between the first and second electrodes; wherein a surface layer member covers the first and second electrodes; and wherein at least one of the endless belt and the surface layer member has at least an area facing the first and second electrodes, wherein the area is formed of a resin material containing an ion conductive resistivity control material, and wherein a volume resistivity of the resin material ranges from 1010 to 1014 Ω·cm when the specific voltage is applied in an environment at a temperature of 22.5° C. and a relative humidity of 50%. |
| US08770694B2 |
Printing element substrate and printhead
A printing element substrate, including a printing element, a switching element which drives the printing element based on an input control signal, a first current source which generates a predetermined current, a second current source which generates a current based on an input voltage, and a current generation circuit which generates the control signal by amplifying a current obtained by adding a current generated by the second current source to a current generated by the first current source, and then generates the control signal by amplifying a current generated by the first current source. |
| US08770690B2 |
Element substrate and printed wiring board
An element substrate includes a plurality of terminals, a first receiving circuit and a second receiving circuit each receiving a differential signal via one of the terminals included in the plurality of terminals, a driving circuit including a first input unit for inputting a first signal and a second input unit for inputting a second signal and driving a driving element based on the first signal and the second signal, and a setting circuit for setting a first connection state of connecting an output from the first receiving circuit to the first input unit and connecting an output from the second receiving circuit to the second input unit, and a second connection state of connecting an output from the first receiving circuit to the second input unit and connecting an output from the second receiving circuit to the first input unit based on an externally input signal. |
| US08770687B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a change detection device detecting a change in a relative position between an ink cartridge and a recording head, and when the change in the relative position exceeds a certain threshold value, a printer controller closes a valve mechanism so that the destruction of a meniscus in the nozzle is prevented. |
| US08770672B2 |
Vehicle wheel end assemblies with hub bearing seals
A vehicle wheel end assembly includes a hub bearing assembly with an inner member having a first side defining a throughbore and a second side defining an inner raceway, a shaft extending through the throughbore of the inner member and configured to receive a torque and to transfer the torque to the inner member such that the inner member rotates with the shaft; and a seal positioned within the throughbore between the shaft and the inner member. |
| US08770670B2 |
Vehicle wheel protection device
This invention relates to a vehicle wheel protection device and a method for protecting wheels from curbing. The wheel protection device includes an elongate member or plurality of elongate members capable of being attached using an adhesive to the side wall of a tire, or the front face of a wheel rim or wheel trim. |
| US08770669B2 |
Cutting tool configuration having wear disc
A cutting tool configuration for a ground milling machine, for example, a cold milling machine or a mining drill, is provided. The cutting tool configuration comprises a cutter holder, which is fastenable or fastened on a milling drum, a cutting tool, which is fastened on the cutter holder, and which is inserted using its cutting tool shaft in a cutter holder bore of the cutter holder and can rotate around its longitudinal axis, and a wear disc, which is situated rotation-locked between a stop surface of the cutter holder and the cutting tool head of the cutting tool, it being provided that the rotation lock between the wear disc and the cutter holder is caused by at least one groove formed on the outer circumference of the wear disc and a guide formed on the cutter holder and engaging in this groove. A wear disc for use in such a cutting tool configuration, and a cutting tool having such a preinstalled wear disc, are also provided. |
| US08770667B1 |
Mining methods and equipment
Methods and equipment have been developed that combine the use of continuous miners, flexible conveyor trains, and longwall mining techniques to provide flexible and efficient removal of resources from subterranean formations. Some methods for use in a mining operation include advancing a continuous miner towards an angled face that extends from a headgate to a tailgate; and performing an angled cutting turn in which the continuous miner turns less than 90°. |
| US08770666B2 |
Molded urethane foam pad for vehicle seats, vehicle seat, and processes for the production thereof
An object of the invention is to provide molded urethane foam pads and vehicle seats that can contribute to the reduction of environmental load and have appropriate impact resilience and hardness and excellent durability with good balance, and also have high comfort. A molded urethane foam pad for vehicle seats including a polyurethane is obtainable by foaming and curing materials including a plant-derived polyol (A), a non-plant-derived polyol (B), water, a catalyst, a foam stabilizer and a polyisocyanate, and has a core density of 55 to 65 kg/m3 as measured in accordance with JIS K6400; the plant-derived polyol (A) is a polyol which is obtained by condensing a polyhydric alcohol of 6 hydroxyl groups with a plant-derived, C15 or higher hydroxycarboxylic acid and which has a hydroxyl value of 45 to 55 mg KOH/g; the non-plant-derived polyol (B) is a polyol having a hydroxyl value of 18 to 26 mg KOH/g, and/or a polymer-dispersed polyol in which fine particles of a polymer of a compound having an unsaturated bond are dispersed in the polyol; and the polyurethane contains a plant-derived molecular structure and the content of the plant-derived molecular structure is 15 to 20 wt % based on 100 wt % of the molded urethane foam pad. |
| US08770664B1 |
Reclining chair with two positions of repose
A reclining chair having two stable positions of repose: an upright position and a reclined position. The chair having two peripheral supports and multiple intermediate supports disposed between the peripheral supports. Both the peripheral supports and the intermediate supports having integrated legs with three contact areas. In the upright position, only the first and the second contact areas contact the support surface, while in the reclined position only the third contact area contacts the support surface. The chair has a seat, a backrest, and an optional headrest. Armrest supports may be positioned on exterior sides of the peripheral supports to form an armrest and provide additional lateral stability. |
| US08770663B2 |
Combination shopping cart and high chair cover with plush character
Provided is a seat cover for use with a seat, such as a seat of a shopping cart, high chair or the like. The seat includes a front wall, rear wall and a pair of opposed side walls. The seat cover includes a liner having a front panel, a pair of opposed side panels, and a rear panel. The linear is configured to be placeable within the seat such that front panel resides adjacent the seat front wall, the rear panel resides adjacent the seat rear wall, and the pair of opposed side panels reside adjacent respective ones of the pair of opposed seat side walls. The seat cover additionally includes a character connected to the liner and positioned relative to the liner such that when the liner is placed within the seat, the character appears to be seating within the seat. |
| US08770662B2 |
Vehicle seat cover
A seat cover for use with vehicle seats with or without side deployed airbags. In an example, the seat cover is made of a uni-body construction with upper and lower sections for respectively covering a seat back and seat cushion. Openings are provided in the upper and lower sections for insertion of the seat back and seat cushion. A side panel is disposed on each lateral side of the upper section that aligns with an expected path of the airbag when deployed. A frangible seam couples the panel to the remaining portion of the seat cover. The frangible seam fails at a force sufficiently less than the force of a deploying airbag. Thus when the airbag is deployed the force consumed by cleaving the frangible seam panel does not impede airbag deployment. Also included is an alignment member to position the panel in the expected path of the deploying airbag. |
| US08770660B2 |
Convertible rocking chair
A convertible rocking chair can be converted to use as a rocking-bed, a chair and a rocking-horse. The convertible rocking chair has an arched base rack and a seat frame. The arched base rack has a curved downside for rocking and rolling back and forth against ground. The seat frame includes a left-side rack and a right-side rack for stretching a fabric cover therebetween to form an accommodating space. The left-side rack and right-side rack can be locked in a first position when converted to the rocking-bed or chair, and rotatable to close together in a second position for engaging with a seat board so as to convert to the rocking-horse. The seat frame may pivot to the arched base rack and adjust inclination by a lifting rack when being converted to a chair. |
| US08770659B2 |
Self-stowing jumpseat for aircraft
A self-stowing jumpseat consists of a seat frame that is deployed by pulling the seat frame out of a pocket formed in the edge of a bulkhead. Once the seat frame has been deployed and locked in position, the seat pan is folded down to enable a user to be seated. The seat pan is spring-loaded to fold up, so that when the user vacates the seat, the seat pan automatically folds up into the closed configuration. As it does so, an interlock lever attached to the seat pan trips the seat frame locks from their locked to their unlocked positions. The seat frame has a retraction mechanism that urges the seat into the pocket. Accordingly, as soon as the seat pan interlock lever releases the seat frame locks, the retraction mechanism causes the folded seat frame to move into the stowed position within the bulkhead. |
| US08770658B2 |
Sliding roof system
A sliding roof system for a motor vehicle, having at least one guide rail, a cover holder which is adjustable relative to the guide rail, and a slide which is shiftable in the guide rail, wherein the slide and the cover holder each have a locking member provided thereon, each locking member being configured to engage into each other at least when the cover holder is in the closed position. |
| US08770655B1 |
Inner protective frame for wheel wells
A protective frame for placement within enlarged wheel wells of motor vehicles having dual wheel rear fenders includes outer and inner frame rails that are attached together using multiple cross-frame supports. Attachment panels extend from the joined frame rails for attachment to the vehicle frame. An additional attachment panel is optionally provided for attachment of the protective frame to a rear hitch frame, where the latter is also attached to the motor vehicle. A rock kick-out plate can be attached to the protective frame and positioned between the two wheels for off-road use in removing wedged rocks, avoiding damage from thrown rocks upon the resumption of on-road use of the vehicle. |
| US08770652B2 |
Upper vehicle body structure of vehicle with sun roof
An upper vehicle body structure of a vehicle with a sun roof in which an edge of a roof panel at which the sun roof is installed may be connected to a center pillar positioned at a center among a plurality of pillars formed to extend in a height direction of the vehicle and arranged in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, may include a ring reinforcement member attached to the roof panel so as to form a closed section with the roof panel, a gusset unit mounted under the center pillar and the ring reinforcement member, Wherein the sun roof may be connected to the gusset unit. |
| US08770650B1 |
Variable geometry aerodynamic fairing for reducing base drag of tractor trailers
A variable geometry aerodynamic fairing is described for reduction of the base drag of a tractor trailer traveling at highway speed. The base drag reduction is provided by a set of two adjustable rectangular fairings which can be opened from a flat configuration when folded one against each side door, into a set of curved airfoil shaped fairings extending into the boundary layer adjacent to the trailer sides and cambered such as to turn a portion of the mainstream side air flow into the base wake region of the trailer. The cambered fairings thus reduce the strength of the standing base wake vortices and hence, the resultant negative base pressures (drag) formed in the trailer wake region. A direct application of this device would be to improve the fuel economy of a large portion of the U.S. trucking fleet during highway transit, while still providing rapid fairing retraction into a thin, flat stowed position against the trailer doors for unloading at destination. |
| US08770648B2 |
Device for receiving a container for a charging socket in a motor vehicle
A charging socket for a hybrid or electric vehicle is arranged in a container which is held in an opening in a body sheet of the vehicle body. A frame surrounds the opening on the inside of the body sheet. The frame is fixed to the body sheet and retains the container in a supported manner. |
| US08770646B2 |
Adjustable floating seat
A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a support base. A seat is supported on the support base and cantilevered forwardly therefrom. The support base includes a first brace operably connecting the frame with a first slide assembly disposed on a rocker panel of the vehicle. A second brace operably connects the frame with a second slide assembly disposed on a transmission tunnel of the vehicle. |
| US08770644B2 |
Vehicle having an overhead console
A vehicle having a roof lining which is bounded at the front by a front windscreen and has an overhead console which is extended toward the front by a front windscreen unit in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the covering element of the windscreen unit being attached to a front windscreen-end support at at least a first attachment point and to the overhead console at at least a second attachment point. The covering element being mounted so as to float with play in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and/or in the lateral direction of the vehicle at the first attachment point, and is mounted without play at the second attachment point for accurate alignment with the overhead console. |
| US08770641B2 |
Dumpster
Several embodiments of plastic dumpsters with improved strength and durability are disclosed. In one embodiment, gussets connect pockets to bevel walls, connecting the side walls to front and rear walls of the dumpster. The bevel walls are stronger than the side walls of the dumpster. Other embodiments disclose gussets integral with front and rear walls of the dumpster for improved strength. Other embodiments disclose removable, separately formed sleeves that are secured to the sides of the dumpster to form pockets for receiving the forks of a truck. |
| US08770639B2 |
Bumper assembly
A method of making a beam-box crash management system comprises forming a first shell (100a) from a fist sheet metal blank by a hot forming process. The first shell has a high tensile strength beam portion (102a) and integrally formed there-with a first low yield strength crash box portion (104a)proximate a first end of the beam portion and second low yield strength crash box portion proximate a second end of the beam portion. The first shell also has an open face extending continuously along the beam portion and each of the first and second crash box portions (104a, 106a). A closing element (100b) is formed from a second sheet metal blank, and is fixedly secured adjacent to the open face of the first shell. |
| US08770637B2 |
Module for absorbing energy
The invention relates to a module for absorbing energy from an impact to which the module (3) has been subjected, via deformation, comprising a core (5) made of a polymer foam with a density of at most 0.2 g/cm3 and with a compressive modulus of elasticity of at most 200 MPa measured to DIN EN 826, wherein the core (5) has an at least to some extent enclosing shell (7) made of a polymer material, and/or comprises an insert (15) made of a polymer material, where the density of the polymer material of the shell (7) and/or of the insert (15) is at most 2.0 g/cm3 and its tensile modulus of elasticity is at least 700 MPa, measured to DIN EN ISO 527. |
| US08770634B2 |
Two assembly parts latch system
A bolt mechanism comprising a backing plate adapted to be mounted on a complementary surface of a flat panel, a bolt assembly housing attached to the backing plate, a sliding bolt assembly carried on the bolt assembly housing one end of which has a bolt mechanism adapted to engage and latch to a striker, a spring on the housing for keeping the end of the bolt extending out of the bolt assembly housing, the backing plate being adapted for attachment to and detachment from an actuator housing assembly. |
| US08770632B2 |
Bayonet connection for burner tube
A quick-connect fitting for connecting a burner tube to a barbecue grill. The quick-connect includes a female connector and a male connector. In one embodiment, the female connector is attached to the burner tube and the male connector is connected upstream of the fuel supply. The female connector has an inwardly directed protrusion while the male connector has a corresponding longitudinal entry portion and circumferential groove. In the first step of assembly, the female connector is mated with the male connector by aligning the protrusion with the entry portion and urging the connectors together. In the second step of assembly, the female connector is rotated relative to the male connector such that the protrusion enters the groove to effectively prevent relative axial movement between the connectors. |
| US08770628B2 |
Seal assembly for nested dual drill pipe
A seal assembly for a nested dual drill pipe includes a tube having a female seal assembly and a male seal assembly at the longitudinal ends. The female seal assembly includes a larger internal diameter portion, a taper adjacent thereto and a smaller internal diameter portion adjacent to the taper. The male seal assembly includes a smaller external diameter portion, a seal groove adjacent thereto and a larger external diameter portion adjacent to the seal groove. The smaller internal diameter portion and the larger external diameter portion have diameters selected to enable free longitudinal movement of the male seal assembly into the female seal assembly while limiting axial displacement to maintain the seal ring fully energized. |
| US08770627B2 |
Product security pattern based on simultaneous color contrast
A product package article has an HVS-perceivable security pattern on its surface. The security pattern is based on simultaneous color contrast. The security pattern can provide protection against counterfeiting. |
| US08770626B2 |
Method and apparatus for superposed application of shipping labels over packing slips
The invention provides a method and apparatus for applying shipping labels over both folded or non-folded packing slips, or the like, at a single print-and-apply station, either through use of a label configured for application to a substrate and also in a superposed registered manner to another label of identical construction previously attached to the substrate, or by using a shipping label having a non-aggressive adhesive applied to a removable center section of the shipping label for attachment of the packing list, or the like, to the shipping label prior to application of the shipping label to the substrate. |
| US08770620B2 |
Airbag apparatus
Inside of an airbag is partitioned by a partitioning member into an upstream inflation portion, which is inflated by a supply of gas, and a downstream inflation portion, which is inflated by inflow of the gas from the upstream inflation portion. The partitioning member includes a wide portion where an external force to be applied accompanying an occupant restraint by the airbag becomes largest. In the partitioning member, slits are formed at portions other than the wide portion. The slits cause the gas to flow into the downstream inflation portion from the upstream inflation portion upon the inflation of the airbag. The slits are opened by the force to increase the flow rate of the gas into the downstream inflation portion from the upstream inflation portion during the occupant restraint by the airbag compared to the gas flow rate before the occupant restraint by the airbag. |
| US08770616B1 |
Deployable footrest assembly
A deployable footrest assembly includes a top plate that is actuated by an actuator such that the top plate is operable between stowed and deployed positions. During deployment, the top plate is released from a housing by moving a latch mechanism to an unlatched position. Once the top plate is released from the housing, the actuator provides an in-line assist feature to linkage arms of a linkage assembly. Powered by the actuator, the linkage arms rotate to a fixed or set position thereby allowing a vehicle occupant to use the unit as a deployed footrest. During stowage, the latch assembly is coupled to a stowage mechanism, such that when the latch assembly is actuated, the stowage mechanism pulls the linkage arms beyond the set locking threshold angle thereby enabling the top plate to collapse back to a stowed position. |
| US08770613B1 |
Shock protection apparatus
A shock protection apparatus that include, in combination, a machine being towed, a towing vehicle coupled to and for towing the machine being towed, and an electrically insulating insert coupled between the vehicle and machine to prevent the transfer of an electrical shock from the vehicle to the machine. The machine includes a towing tongue and the electrically insulating insert is constructed and arranged in the tongue so as to provide a gap between separate metal portions of the tongue. |
| US08770612B2 |
Automatic tractor hitch system for trailing implements
A hitch system for automatically hitching a tractor to a trailing implement is provided. The hitch system may allow an operator that is in a cab of the tractor to remotely connect and electrical system and/or a hydraulic system of a tractor an implement to each other and to remotely secure a hitch pin that connects a tongue of the implement to a drawbar of the tractor. The hitch system may include implement and tractor connector bank assemblies that are respectively provided on the implement and tractor. The tractor connector bank assembly may be moveable in multiple directions for allowing the tractor connector bank assembly to be remotely controlled from the cab of the tractor to align and move into engagement with the implement connector bank assembly. |
| US08770607B2 |
Embarking and/or disembarking extension having braking means
The invention relates to an embarking/disembarking device (1) for a vehicle. The embarking/disembarking device has an extension (2) that can be moved back and forth between a retracted position and an extended position, a driven carrier (4), which carries along the extension, a motor and an associated transmission (3) in order to drive the carrier (4), braking means (5) in order to at least brake the extension (2), wherein the embarking/disembarking device is characterized in that the extension (2) is supported so as to be movable relative to the carrier (4), and the braking means (5) are moved at least from the released position thereof to the braking position thereof by the relative motion between the extension (2) and the carrier (4). |
| US08770605B2 |
Chassis frame
A chassis frame (1) including connection members (13) each configured by a pipe that is connected to a vehicle body frame. Each connection member (13) is provided with an attachment part (2) at an end of the pipe. The attachment part (2) includes a flat attachment face (21) formed by flatly crashing an end of the pipe to form the overlapped portion where a plate of the pipe is overlapped. The flat attachment face (21) is provided on a center in left and right direction of the overlapped portion. A shape of the end of the pipe is a substantially gate shape in its cross section. The attachment part (2) further includes longitudinal ribs (22) bending from the flat attachment face (21) to both left and right sides of the overlapped portion. Each longitudinal rib (22) is formed with a through hole (221) communicating an outside and an inner side of each connection member (13) by expanding a folded edge of the overlapped portion, the through hole is shortened by cutting the plate of the pipe surrounding an opening of the through hole (221). |
| US08770603B2 |
Divided roll stabilizer
A divided roll stabilizer of a motor vehicle between whose two stabilizer parts (2a) an actuator (1) can be arranged for a torsion of the stabilizer parts (2a). At least one of the stabilizer parts (2a) is provided with a torsion transmitting connecting part (4a) for connection to the actuator (1), and the connecting part (4a) is magnetically coded. |
| US08770596B2 |
Device for steering a toboggan
The invention is made up of an intact interiorly hollow body portion unit having a flat posterior side, a flat topside and a flat, laterally curvaceous bottomside together with correspondingly curvaceous lateral sides extending from the locus of the posterior side and tapering to frontal edging. It has a pair of arched handle units affixed to the topside and three elongated runner units affixed to the bottomside thereof. There is an elongated strut glued to interior walling of the bottomside that runs from the posterior side to the frontal edging collinearly with the medially positioned one of the three runner units. The handle units are affixed to the flat topside via screws into centerholes within each one of each of two pairs of support stud units located interiorly within the body portion unit, and; the three runner units are adhesively affixed parallelwise to exterior walling of the flat bottomside. |
| US08770592B2 |
Suspension with hydraulic preload adjust
A shock absorber for a vehicle having a damper and a first and second springs mounted coaxially around the damper and a preload adjuster for partially compressing at least one of the springs independently of the compression stroke. In one embodiment the preload adjuster is remotely controllable. In another embodiment the shock absorber includes an additional mechanism for preloading at least one of the springs. |
| US08770588B2 |
Novelty beverages straw
A novelty item for parties and other amusement which is a straw containing a jellied shooter, a granita or a slush. Preferably the jellied shooter, the granita or slush contains a potable alcohol. Alternative embodiments incorporate a holder for multiple straws which may be operably connected to each other. |
| US08770583B2 |
Game of chance ensuring a single winner
A game of chance played between a plurality of players, which ensures there can be only one winner. Each player is associated with a set of indicators, and a winner is determined if a set of indicators associated with a player matches a unique set of indicators randomly selected from a pool of possible indicators. For a pool of a given size, the game calculates the unique combinations of a smaller number of indicators that can be generated from the pool. Each player is associated with one or more unique combinations, but each unique combination is associated with one and only one player. Indicators are randomly selected from the pool until all of the indicators in a first unique combination have been selected. The player associated with the first unique combination is the single winner of the game. |
| US08770578B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding apparatus restricts a position of an upstream end of a sheet by a restricting member supported rotatably to a restricting mechanism body. The restricting member moves between a hold position and a project position by interlocking with a rotating operation of an sheet supporting plate by engaging with an interlock member. An unlock mechanism unlocks the restricting mechanism body from a cassette body and also disengages the restricting member from the interlock member. When the restricting member is disengaged from the interlock member by the unlock mechanism, the restricting member is biased to the hold position by a bias portion. |
| US08770576B2 |
Sheet feed unit and image forming apparatus including same
A sheet feed unit includes a medium container configured to contain sheet-like recording media; a bottom plate disposed in the medium container and configured to accommodate the recording media thereon; a sheet feed device configured to feed out the recording media contained in the medium container; a main body of the sheet feed unit, which the medium container can be inserted into and pulled out from, including the sheet feed device; and a displaying member configured to display a remaining level of the recording media in the medium container, the displaying member including a first display oriented in a first direction and a second display oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The sheet feed unit improves a freeness in the observable range of the displaying member and the remaining level of the recording media in the medium container can be more accurately ascertained. |
| US08770575B2 |
Sheet supply device and image forming apparatus
A sheet supply device includes a first separation unit for applying a transportation load to a medium supplied from a stored state with a sheet supply member to separate the medium, and a second separation unit disposed on a downstream side of the first separation unit for separating the medium passing through the first separation unit. The first separation unit is disposed outside an extension area of the second separation unit in a medium transportation direction. |
| US08770573B2 |
Recording device
To provide a recording device that can inhibit the occurrence of a recording media jam state in a shared passage part that is shared as a recording media shared path with a plurality of media supply paths, this is equipped with a plurality of conveyance paths for supplying paper, a shared passage part, a moving unit that moves the paper, a printing unit that performs printing on the paper, an insertion port that is able to insert paper in the conveyance path by paper being inserted, an opening and closing lid provided so that the insertion port can be opened and closed, a detection sensor for detecting an open lid state when the opening and closing lid opens the insertion port, and a movement control unit that, when the detection sensor detects the open lid state. |
| US08770571B2 |
Sheet stacking apparatus
A sheet stacking apparatus includes an alignment unit configured to align a sheet stacked on a stacking tray in a width direction which is orthogonal to a direction in which the sheet is discharged. The alignment unit includes first and second alignment members configured to move in the width direction. The first and second alignment members come into contact with side ends in the width direction of the sheet stacked on the stacking tray to align the sheet. When a second sheet of a different length in the width direction from that of a first sheet is stacked while shifted in the width direction on the first sheet which is already stacked on the stacking tray, the sheet stacking apparatus prohibits an alignment operation of the alignment unit on the second sheet. |
| US08770568B2 |
Apparatus for separating stacked pallets
An apparatus for vertically separating stacked pallets a sufficient distance such that each pallet in the stack can be cleaned, with the pallets then immediately restacked after cleaning. |
| US08770566B2 |
Removably supporting mechanism for workpiece holding device and workpiece holding device replacement and support apparatus
A removably supporting mechanism is provided for a workpiece holding device that can hold and release a workpiece. The workpiece holding device is removably supported on a crossbar extending substantially orthogonal to a workpiece conveying direction of a press machine. The removably supporting mechanism has a guide pin and a guide pin hole. The guide pin is fittable into and engageable with the guide pin hole. One of the guide pin and the guide pin hole is disposed on the workpiece holding device side, whereas another of the guide pin and the guide pin hole is disposed on the crossbar side. The guide pin and the guide pin hole can perform alignment of the workpiece holding device and the crossbar in a direction substantially orthogonal to an inserting direction of the guide pin. |
| US08770561B2 |
Method and apparatus for vehicle repair and painting
A method, process and apparatus for repairing and repainting vehicles and vehicle components, specifically auto body repair and vehicle body components. The method and process reduce vehicle painting preparation time and eliminate material and waste material in the repair and repainting process. The apparatus is directed a vehicle component support stand which simulates the mounting of the body components on a vehicle to reduce time and expenses in the component repair and replacement process. |
| US08770557B2 |
Humidifier with improved heated scent mechanism
A portable appliance includes a humidifier and a heated scent mechanism. The heated scent mechanism includes a scent generator that harvests excess heat produced by a liquid heating chamber, or heat produced as a byproduct of motor operation. The humidifier may be controllable such that the appliance can serve as either a humidifier or air-freshener, individually or simultaneously. |
| US08770555B2 |
Method and device for treating charged hot gas
The invention relates to a process and a device for the treatment of charged hot gas, in particular hot pressure gasification gases from fly stream gasifiers during the partial oxidation of dust-type and/or liquid ash-containing feed in the fly stream. |
| US08770554B2 |
Generator of oxygen-rich water
Disclosed is a generator of oxygen-rich water. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a generator of oxygen-rich water, including: a housing; a water tank provided in the housing; an oxygen generator provided in the housing; and a mixing unit mixing water supplied from the water tank and oxygen generated from the oxygen generator, wherein the mixing unit includes a hollow fiber membrane therein, and the hollow fiber membrane includes an inlet to which at least one end of a hollow fiber is fixed and a protrusion in which a body of the hollow fiber protrudes and is provided so that water and oxygen flows into an opening of at least one end fixed to the inlet and is discharged to the protrusion. |
| US08770553B2 |
Fence rail and picket assembly
A fence rail and picket assembly includes a retainer for joining a picket upright to a fence rail. The retainer includes a forward portion including locking heads and a tongue portion. A picket upright formed of sheet material including rear flanges and defining a retainer cavity for receiving the forward portion of the retainer therein. The picket upright includes apertures along rear flanges for receiving the retainer heads there through. A fence rail receives the tongue portion of the retainer there on for operably securing the tongue to the rail. |
| US08770551B2 |
Single-wave beam guardrail plate and single-wave beam steel guardrail
A waveform beam guardrail plate and a waveform beam steel guardrail are provided. In which, the guardrail plate includes a main body (15) and two rings (16, 17) with a same structure installed axial symmetrically on an upper and a lower edges of the main body; furthermore, a transverse section of the main body has an arc shape, and the upper and lower edges of the main body of the guardrail plate are curled inwardly and helically toward a protruding direction of the main body of the guardrail plate for forming the two rings (16, 17). The waveform beam steel guardrail includes numbers of guardrail plate units (1, 11), upright posts (2) and preventing blocks (3), and the guardrail plate units (1, 11) are connected with the upright posts (2) by the preventing blocks (3). |
| US08770546B2 |
Ball or half-ball valve with drain-proof mechanism
A ball or half-ball valve with drain-proof mechanism comprises a body; inner side of the body being formed as a chamber and a through hole communicated to the chamber; an annular seat received in an annular trench of a wall of the through hole; a drain-proof unit; a valve unit installed to the inner side of the annular seat; the valve unit having an axial hole for receiving the stem; and a cover having a size corresponding to that of the through hole of the body; the cover being locked to an outer side of the through hole. The drain-proof unit has three different structures. The elements of the structures are replaceable with each other for being installed to the valve. Each mode is suitable for different environments. In the present invention, the cover can be detached easily for repairing or maintaining the elements therein. It is easy and convenient. |
| US08770545B2 |
Slide gate with fall-protection feature
A slide gate comprising: a frame assembly which defines an opening through which fluid flows; a slide plate movably mounted to the frame assembly for vertical movement relative thereto so as to selectively open and close the opening in the frame assembly; an operating mechanism for vertically moving the slide plate between its open and closed positions so as to regulate fluid flow through the opening in the frame assembly, wherein the operating mechanism comprises a threaded operating stem which is secured to the top of the slide plate and which extends through a threaded operating nut which is rotatably mounted to the frame assembly, and means for rotating the threaded operating nut so as to cause longitudinal movement of the threaded operating stem relative to the threaded operating nut, so as to raise or lower the slide plate, whereby to open or close the opening in the slide gate; and a threaded fall-protection nut disposed on the threaded operating stem in spaced relation to the threaded operating nut and configured to rotate in unison with the threaded operating nut, the threaded operating nut being spaced from a fall-protection stop plate which is connected to the frame assembly. |
| US08770544B2 |
Electric waste gate actuator for turbocharger
Provided is an electric waste gate actuator for a turbocharger, in which the inside of a housing is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion to thereby prevent foreign particles generated in a decelerator from being introduced into a driving motor. The electric waste gate actuator for a turbocharger includes: a housing having an installation space inside; a decelerator installed in an upper portion of the installation space; a lever coupled to an upper end of the decelerator and installed outside the installation space; a driving motor installed in a lower portion of the installation space; a blocking plate dividing the installation space into the upper portion, where the decelerator is installed, and the lower portion, where the driving motor is installed, and preventing foreign particles generated in the decelerator from being introduced into the lower portion of the installation space; and a sensor unit installed under the blocking plate to measure a rotation angle of the decelerator. |
| US08770541B2 |
Sealing apparatus and method
A sealing apparatus and method is disclosed, particularly for sealing around an elongate member which passes through a throughbore of a valve device, the apparatus having an upper sealing element and a lower sealing element, each being adapted to change configuration from an open configuration to a sealed configuration within the valve device to seal the throughbore of the valve device around the elongate member. The upper and lower sealing elements are separate and moveable independently from one another, and are configured to be actuated between open and sealed configurations by a common actuator. This actuation reduces the stack height and the weight of the valve, and reduces the number of well seals. |
| US08770538B2 |
Supporting structure for electronic device
A supporting structure for an electronic device is provided to reduce the thickness or volume of device structures in conventional skills. The supporting structure includes a connecting arm having a first end and a second end which are substantially pivoted to a side region of a sliding and/or rotating module and an edge portion of a substrate module, respectively. With the connecting arm being rotated in response to the movement of the sliding and/or rotating module, the rotation or combination type can be provided between the first and second ends of the connecting arm and the side regions of the sliding and/or rotating module and the edge portion of the substrate module, thereby improving difficulties of the internal structure and design of the assembly of conventional supporting structure and electronic device. |
| US08770531B2 |
Bag-supporting frame apparatus which is mountable on a substrate, and method of using same
A bag-supporting frame apparatus is removably mountable on an edge portion of a horizontal or vertical substrate. The apparatus includes a gripping portion for contacting the substrate and holding the apparatus in place on the substrate. The apparatus also includes a bag-supporting portion configured to support an open end portion of a flexible plastic bag thereon, the bag-supporting portion including an outer loop portion and a downwardly-extending short portion attached to the outer loop portion at each end thereof. A projecting catch is defined, at each end of the outer loop portion, at the juncture of the downwardly-extending short portion and the outer loop portion. The outer loop portion is sized and configured to support a plastic bag of a predetermined size thereon. The apparatus also includes a connecting portion interconnecting the bag-supporting portion and the gripping portion. Methods of using the apparatus are also described. |
| US08770529B2 |
Adjustable angle bracket
The adjustable angle bracket of the present application includes a plurality of tangs configured to engage a mounting device such that a top shelf support surface supports a shelving unit and provides a desired angle for the shelving unit. The device further includes a plurality of shelf coupling apertures compatible with various types of shelving units. The devices further include a cam that rests against the mounting device, providing variable positions of the device relative to the mounting bracket effectuating a variable angle of the shelf support surface. |
| US08770525B2 |
High density cable management bracket
A bracket for routing cables in a cable management system that has a mounting portion which is used to mount the bracket to the cable management system and is provided on a mounting end of the bracket. The bracket also has a holding portion that has a plurality of apertures which are to hold the cables. Each of the apertures are provided at a different distance from the mounting end of the bracket. |
| US08770522B1 |
Deployable space boom using bi-stable tape spring mechanism
A spacecraft deployment mechanism employing a pair of bi-stable tape springs attached to a cylinder such that rotation of the cylinder extends or retracts the tape springs in opposite directions. The tape springs are fabricated such that they are stable when wrapped around a cylinder (stowed configuration) or when deployed and have a higher energy state when stowed than when deployed. A plurality of bi-stable tape spring mechanisms may be combined to create a deployment device that does not impart rotational torques to the spacecraft during deployment. Deployment may be accomplished by release of the stored energy in the coiled or packaged state progressing to the lower energy deployed state. Alternatively, a motor may be employed to rotate the cylinders for deploy or retrace the tape springs. |
| US08770521B2 |
Device for protecting an optical instrument of a satellite
A device for protecting an optical instrument of a satellite comprises a body on which the optical instrument is mounted, said protection device having a folded-down position and a deployed position, and further comprising a plurality of rigid panels in the deployed position, the device forming a tube, the section of which is a polygon, arranged so as to protect the optical instrument, the longitudinal axis of the tube being substantially parallel with the focal axis of the optical instrument, the faces of the tube of polygonal section being formed by panels, in the folded-down position, said panels being held against the body of the satellite. |
| US08770520B2 |
Device for the mounting of connectors
A device for mounting at least one connector in an aircraft fuselage includes a first and a second traverse configured to connect the device to a structural section of the aircraft fuselage at end sections of the first and second traverses. A frame element extends transversely between the first and the second traverses and is configured to accommodate the at least one connector. A first and a second connecting profile respectively connect the frame element to the first and second traverse. |
| US08770518B2 |
Connection of a fuselage to an aircraft wing
A wing box rib, joining an aircraft wing to the wing box and to the rest of the structure, extends advantageously over an adjacent part of the fuselage, having in particular an upper line situated above a junction line of the wing upper surface panel. The connection is simplified, as is the structure of the aircraft and its manufacture, a lightening is possible, and the transmission of stresses takes place in a more favorable manner. |
| US08770517B2 |
Aircraft lavatory and galley separated by an internal wall having an intermediate notch that improves the lavatory environment
An internal wall in an aircraft cabin separates a lavatory and a galley of the aircraft. The internal wall has an intermediate notch that increases a lateral width dimension of the lavatory above the notch and thereby improves the spatial environment of the lavatory. |
| US08770516B2 |
Overhead luggage compartment
An overhead luggage compartment for a passenger aircraft is provided. The overhead luggage compartment has a receptacle which has a base and two side walls extending from the base. The receptacle can be moved from a closed position into an open position. A device for adjusting a maximum opening width of the receptacle is provided on at least one of the side walls. |
| US08770515B1 |
Movement assistance system for a storage bin
A method and apparatus for assisting movement of a bin into a closed position. An assistance system associated with the bin may be activated in response to a manipulation of a switch associated with the bin. The assistance system may comprise a biasing system and a switch. The biasing system may be configured to generate a force in a direction towards a closed position for the bin. A switch may be connected to the biasing system and configured to activate the biasing system when a selected amount of weight is present in the bin. The force in the direction towards the closed position for the bin may be generated in response to activating the assistance system. |
| US08770509B2 |
Bobbin for roll stock
In one embodiment of the present invention, a device for supporting and storing wound material thereon may include a substantially cylindrical, hollow bobbin having a thickness defined by an inner and outer diameter for supporting and storing material wound around the exterior surface thereof, and a reinforcing apparatus located at one end of the bobbin, the apparatus having generally a cylindrical shape and a length comprising two zones, the outside surface of the first zone being in contact with a portion of an inner surface of the bobbin, and the second zone of the apparatus extending beyond the end of the bobbin. |
| US08770508B2 |
Recording apparatus and roll paper lifting device
A recording apparatus includes a roll paper holder including a shaft portion which holds a roll paper such that the roll paper is capable of being fed, a temporal placement portion on which the roll paper is temporarily placed, and a roll paper lifting device which includes a placement portion on which the roll paper is placed, and lifts the roll paper to a height position of the shaft portion of the roll paper holder while an end of the roll paper in the temporarily placed state is placed on the placement portion so as to position a core port of a roll core of the roll paper and the shaft portion. |
| US08770507B2 |
Self-locking belt retractor
A self-locking belt retractor has a vehicle-sensitive controlled blocking system in which a mass (14) moves a locking lever (17) engaged in the toothing (29) of a controlled disk. The sensor mass (14) is fitted in a holder part (10) on a support surface (23) that can be tilted in case of vehicle accelerations, the locking lever (17) on the end (19) facing away from the engaging tip (18) being connected to the sensor mass (14) in a form-fitting manner and forming a support (21). A form fit occurs in an extension (15) of the sensor mass (14) which protrudes through a hole (33) in the contact surface (23) of the holder part (10). A projection (31) projecting into a hole (33) is provided at the border of the hole (33) facing the locking lever (17) that is contacted by the locking lever (17) in case of a deflection. |
| US08770503B2 |
Staged paper shredder
This invention relates to a paper shredder. A first stage shredder accepts paper from a hopper. The first stage shredder includes two knife shaft assemblies with a plurality of sequentially oriented knives and spacers on hexagonal shafts. A second stage shredder accepts the output of the first stage shredder. The second stage shredder has two counter rotating shafts with saw tooth disk knives and separating spacers and cuts the paper finer than that of the first stage shredder. A third stage shredder may be connected to the second stage shredder providing even further paper size reduction. |
| US08770499B2 |
Method for manufacturing powder
A method for manufacturing a powder includes a mixing step in which a powder and a liquid additive are mixed together, a drying step in which the powder mixed in the mixing step is dried, a loading step in which the powder dried in the drying step is loaded into a pulverizer, a heating step in which a high-pressure gas is heated, a supplying step in which the high-pressure gas heated in the heating step is supplied to the pulverizer, and a pulverizing step in which the powder is pulverized by the pulverizer. |
| US08770498B2 |
Fuel injector
A fuel injector includes a solenoid coil, which cooperates with an armature acted upon by a restoring spring, the armature forming an axially displaceable valve part together with a valve needle. A valve-closure member, which forms a sealing seat together with a valve-seat body, is provided on the valve needle. Furthermore, a reliable sealing of a thin-walled valve sleeve or of the magnetic coil exists that is made of a sealing body that is secured beneath the magnetic coil. The sealing body is tetragonal in cross-section, in particular, it has a trapezoid-like shape, and is put in between the magnetic coil and a valve housing. In its installed state, the sealing body is clamped and compressed. In its compressed state, the sealing body assumes an elliptical or egg-shaped cross-section. |
| US08770496B2 |
Circuit for displaying the relative voltage at the output electrode of an electrostatically aided coating material atomizer
A coating dispensing device includes a trigger assembly for actuating the coating dispensing device to dispense coating material and a nozzle through which the coating material is dispensed. The coating dispensing device further includes a source of voltage and a voltage multiplier for multiplying the voltage. The voltage multiplier is coupled to the source. An output terminal of the voltage multiplier is charged to a high-magnitude electrostatic potential and is adapted to charge coating material as the coating material is dispensed from the dispensing device. The coating dispensing device further includes a circuit for providing a visual indication of the voltage at the output terminal. The circuit for providing a visual indication of the voltage at the output terminal comprises a first impedance across which a portion of the voltage at the output terminal appears and an amplifier. The output terminal of the amplifier is coupled to a light source for providing the visual indication of the voltage at the output terminal of the voltage multiplier. |
| US08770494B2 |
Systems and devices for fluid decoking
A decoking tool includes a tool body, a diverter plate, a diverter body, a plurality of flow paths and a shifting apparatus. The plurality of flow paths may include a clearing flow path, a cutting flow path and a boring flow path each having a nozzle. The nozzle that terminates the clearing flow path can be directed substantially upwards during normal operation. The shifting apparatus can be operatively coupled to the diverter plate and/or the diverter body such that upon operation of the shifting apparatus, the diverter plate and the diverter body rotate relative to one another to substantially align a selection orifice and at least one of a clearing orifice, a cutting orifice and a boring orifice to establish fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the respective nozzle. |
| US08770484B2 |
Data exchange using streamed barcodes
A system and method for data exchange between a first device and a second device includes encoding data as a series of barcode frames on the first device and then successively displaying each barcode frame of the series of barcode frames on the first device. The second device captures the barcode frames being displayed by the first device to obtain the series of barcode frames and then decodes the captured series of barcode frames to complete the data exchange. |
| US08770483B2 |
Light pipe illumination system and method
Systems and methods provide for illuminating a subject using a light pipe that transmits light from a source. A method includes providing a light pipe, the light pipe defining an inner lumen through which the image sensor views the subject; providing a light source in alignment with a proximal portion of the light pipe; and using the light source, projecting a light into the light pipe and through the light pipe, the light pipe including a distal portion for providing a high-angle bright field illumination pattern on the subject with a first portion of the light and for reflecting a second portion of the light for providing a low-angle dark field illumination pattern on the subject. |
| US08770482B2 |
Apparatus and method to administer and manage an intelligent base unit for a handheld medical device
Apparatuses and methods thereof to administer and manage a base unit for a handheld medical device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a base unit of the invention is in communication with a handheld medical device. The base unit is configured to provide an electrical connection to a power source to charge a battery of the handheld medical device. The base unit is also configured to perform an update to the operation of the base unit, wherein the update is initiated by the base unit upon receiving from the handheld medical device a data stream with information indicating that an update is contained in the data stream. |
| US08770481B2 |
Ballistic nomograph for small arms fire
A ballistic nomograph for determining a firing solution for small arms fire includes a first member and a second member. Alignment of first indicia on the first member with the first indicia on the second member aligns the value of a range to a target with a first environmental condition to align a first adjustment value with an indicator positioned on the first member to provide a firing solution adjustment to a user. A method of determining a firing solution for a small arm by manually manipulating a ballistic nomograph includes determining environmental conditions and aligning the value of a range to a target with a value of environmental condition. The method also includes visually identifying a firing solution adjustment value that corresponds to the particular combination of the range to the target and environmental condition, and making a firing solution adjustment based on the firing solution adjustment value. |
| US08770475B2 |
System and method for setting connection between information processing devices, communication apparatus, setting information identifier outputting apparatus, and computer program
A system for setting a connection between information processing devices, according to the present invention includes: a server apparatus which is arranged on a network, collectively manages setting information necessary for a connection between other devices, and distributes requested setting information according to a request from another apparatus; and a communication apparatus which transmits information to the server apparatus. The communication apparatus includes: a first reading unit which makes displayed or printed code information readable, the code information indicating a location of setting information necessary for a connection to another device; a second reading unit which reads the code information; a converting unit which converts the code information into the location of the setting information; an acquiring unit which acquires the setting information from the location of the setting information; and a connection setting unit which performs a connection setting based on the setting information. |
| US08770470B2 |
Device including form factor indicator
A consumer device is disclosed. The device comprises a body, and a memory comprising a computer readable medium disposed on or within the body. The computer readable medium comprises a form factor indicator element coupled to the body. The form factor indicator element indicates the form factor for the consumer device. |
| US08770467B2 |
Device made from foldable planar material for forming compartments for receiving containers, template for forming the device and packaging formed by the device
Device made from foldable planar material for forming compartments for receiving containers comprising at least two parallel longitudinal strips and at least two transverse ribs joined via first fold lines to the longitudinal strips, transverse ribs joined to adjacent longitudinal strips being joined together in overlapping regions. |
| US08770465B2 |
Corner lock board
A rigid packaging container having an integral locking assembly is a rigid U-board having a bottom wall, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall, the bottom wall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall forming a channel. The first and second sidewalls each have a cut therethrough, forming a first channel section and a second channel section. An integral tab in the first sidewall of each of the first channel section and the second channel section is configured to form an integral locking assembly which may be pushed inwardly or pulled outwardly to secure the first channel section at an angle relative to the second channel section. |
| US08770463B1 |
Head gimbal assembly carrier with adjustable protective bar
A head gimbal assembly (HGA) carrier comprises a body; an HGA mounting location on the body to mount an HGA mounting member to the body; and an adjustable protective bar coupled to the body, the adjustable protective bar being moveable from a first position to a second position to provide access to an HGA mounted on the HGA mounting member. |
| US08770460B2 |
Shield for surgical stapler and method of use
A surgical stapler that may have a head assembly, a stapling assembly, a shield, a base head, a handle assembly, and a shaft assembly. A head assembly may have an anvil and anvil shaft, as well as a stapling assembly. A stapling assembly may have a trocar that can be removeably detachable with the anvil, a cannula extension, and a plurality of staples. A shield may be configured to retract from a first extended position where the shield generally covers the stapling assembly or the head assembly, to a second retracted position where the shield generally exposes the stapling assembly or the head assembly. The shield may be integral with the stapler, or provided after-market as an add-on. A surgical stapler may additionally or alternatively include an air or gas pump assembly that can be used to insufflate the rectum and intestinal tract during insertion and advancement of the stapler. |
| US08770459B2 |
Surgical stapling device with independent tip rotation
A surgical stapling device is disclosed which includes a handle assembly, an endoscopic body portion and a tool assembly. The tool assembly is rotatably and pivotally supported on a distal end of the endoscopic body portion. A tool assembly rotation mechanism is provided which includes a rotation knob, a substantially rigid tube and a flexible member interconnecting the rigid tube to the tool assembly. The substantially rigid tube translates rotation of the rotation knob to rotation of the flexible member and provides a channel for passage of other components of the surgical stapling device. |
| US08770458B2 |
Surgical instrument having a plastic surface
A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, a movable handle, a tool assembly, a drive beam and a closure apparatus is disclosed. At least one of the closure apparatus and a contact surface of the tool assembly include a plastic surface. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The movable handle is located on the handle portion and is in mechanical cooperation with a drive member. The tool assembly includes an anvil, a cartridge assembly and a contact surface. The drive beam includes a proximal engagement portion and is configured to engage a portion of the drive member. The closure apparatus is configured to engage the contact surface of the tool assembly. At least a partial actuation of the movable handle moves the closure apparatus distally into engagement with the contact surface to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly. |
| US08770457B2 |
Actuation system
A device includes an actuation system with a dose chamber including an inlet for high pressure fluid. A working chamber extends away from the dose chamber. An annular wall separates a portion of the working chamber from the dose chamber such that the dose chamber encompasses the portion of the working chamber. In use an item to be driven along the working chamber is at least partially within the surrounded portion of the working chamber with the item at one end of its travel in the working chamber. A valve mechanism selectively allows high pressure fluid from the dose chamber to flow into the piston chamber. |
| US08770455B2 |
Adjustable belt mount for securing articles to belts of varying width
An adjustable belt mount includes a belt mount body and a generally L-shaped belt sizing insert. The belt mount body defines a belt aperture adapted to receive a belt therethrough, and first and second belt sizing slots being spaced and extending parallel to each other and communicating with the belt aperture. The belt mount body also includes a forward extension adapted to releasably connect an accessory thereto. The belt aperture is adapted to receive belts of various widths therethrough. The belt sizing insert is arranged in the belt aperture, and includes a planar portion carrying a retaining body extending from a first side thereof and releasably received by either of the first and second belt sizing slots, to accommodate belts of differing widths, and a delimiting portion extending generally perpendicular from a second side thereof. The delimiting portion can thereby form varying predetermined width passageways within the belt aperture. |
| US08770449B2 |
Dispenser
A dispenser (10) for dispensing a fluid from a container T comprises an inlet (14) for connecting to the container so as to receive the fluid therethrough, and an outlet (16). The outlet comprises at least two walls (18), each with a respective slit (22) thereon adapted to open to release fluid therefrom when a predetermined pressure is applied to the fluid in the dispenser at the outlet, and to close to retain fluid in the dispenser at a pressure less than the predetermined pressure. |
| US08770446B2 |
System and method for dispensing a predetermined amount of a fluid
A system and method for dispensing a predetermined portion of a beverage or drink additive using a cost effective portion control valve that replaces electrical components with mechanical components. The present invention dispenses a controlled portion of a beverage when a lever is activated. A magnetically coupled linkage system can control the exact amount of fluid dispensed. A valve block contains a beverage input, a beverage outlet, and a valve seal. A lever arm is connected to the valve seal and connected to a magnetic housing containing a valve magnet. A yoke pivots about the valve block where the yoke contains a yoke magnet aligned to interface with the valve magnet. A lever arm return spring is connected to the lever arm and the valve block to bias the lever arm return spring to a resting position. As the yoke pivots beyond a predetermined distance, the yoke magnet separates from the valve magnet allowing the lever arm to return to the resting position closing the valve. |
| US08770444B2 |
Fluid material dispensing kit including a pouch and a dispensing case
A fluid material dispensing kit including a pouch, provided with a flexible casing and a dispensing case provided with a cover that is to be mounted onto a base. The cover includes an upper recess that has a manually flexibly deformable wall mounted thereon. The wall has a dispensing opening, and the cover is provided with a lower reinforcement that defines, with the wall, a pumping chamber. The reinforcement has a supply opening. The distribution opening and supply opening are provided with, respectively, an output valve and an input valve. The pouch has, built therein, a coupling provided with a well that is sealably covered by the casing of the pouch, and the reinforcement includes a nipple that is to be placed into the well. The nipple is set up so as to enable the perforation of the casing during the placement thereof into the well. |
| US08770443B2 |
Foam pump
A foam pump is disclosed which includes a fluid cylinder, an air cylinder, and a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber includes a fluid throughflow axis, a fluid inlet and an air inlet. The fluid cylinder and the air cylinder both include a stroke axis which is substantially normal to the fluid throughflow axis. The fluid cylinder is adapted to draw a fluid therein in a priming stroke and to pump the fluid into the mixing chamber through the fluid inlet in a dispensing stroke. The air cylinder is adapted to draw air therein in a priming stroke and to pump the air into the mixing chamber through the air inlet in a dispensing stroke. The fluid inlet and the air inlet face in substantially opposite directions. |
| US08770440B2 |
Countertop automatic foam soap dispenser
A countertop automatic foam soap dispenser includes an automatic foam soap dispenser body, a soap liquid container, a circular connecting tube and a battery compartment. The soap liquid container is filled with an appropriate quantity of liquid soap. The battery compartment supplies electric power to the automatic foam soap dispenser body. The automatic foam soap dispenser body is passed through the circular connecting tube by a soap transmission tube and installed to the bottom inside the soap liquid container. The automatic foam soap dispenser body includes a foam soap valve, a control circuit board, a sensor, a motor controlled by the control circuit board, and a transmission gear set. When a user's hand approaches a sensor of the automatic foam soap dispenser body, the motor drives a cam of the transmission gear set to rotate and compress a foam soap valve to supply the appropriate quantity of foam soap. |
| US08770434B2 |
Floating insulating beverage container
A self righting floating insulating beverage container consists of a double walled beverage container which is adequately buoyant and balanced to remain upright in a body of water.The adequate buoyancy and balanced is achieved by the buoyant forces available from an annular cavity created by the double wall container configuration and the balance by the non-buoyant or ballasted bottom of the container. The double wall annular space and ballasted weight are determined to maintain the drink container upright in a body of water, without sinking when filled with beverage, and not capsizing when empty. The double wall configuration also provides insulation for the beverage due to the void between the inner and outer walls. |
| US08770426B2 |
Shock-resistant and environmentally sealed container
A shock-resistant and environmentally sealed container comprising a first section and a second section. A latching system for the container comprises a deflectable pin coupled to the first section of the container with a latch coupled to the second section. The latch includes a deflectable pin engaging member. When the deflectable pin engaging member is engaged with the deflectable pin, the deflectable pin absorbs relative movement between the first section and the second section of the container. Another embodiment of the container employs a latch containing a deflectable member. The latch is pivotally coupled to a latch pin that is mounted to either the first section or the second section of the container. The deflectable member is positioned between the latch pin and the latch, and the deflectable member is configured to absorb relative movement between the first section and the second section. |
| US08770423B2 |
Container closure with measuring spoon
A closure for a container has an integral measuring spoon (40). A spout (10) is adapted to fit over a mouth of a container (4) and is induction heat sealed to the rim by a foil (6). The foil is torn by removing a removable strip (20) that also provides a frame to support the spoon. One corner (32) of the spout can be raised to provide a holder for the spoon after the closure has been opened. |
| US08770418B2 |
Single component twist lock socket clip
A twist lock socket clip employs a cam over member for engagement and locking of a socket for storage or transport. A post of the clip receives the socket bore thereover and upon twisting of the socket, a cam over member depresses from engagement with the walls of the socket bore, and upon continued twisting, the cam over member relaxes and secures the socket by interaction of the socket bore detent and corresponding members on cam over arms. |
| US08770415B2 |
Filter element for a liquid filter
A filter element for a liquid filter, especially a fuel filter, having an annular, rotationally symmetrical filter medium closed on at least one axial end by an end disk to sealingly separate an exterior space surrounding the the filter medium from an interior space inside the filter medium, with a connecting opening provided in the end disk such that the opening is arranged eccentrically of the axis of the filter medium, and a filter system in which such a filter element is disposed. |
| US08770411B2 |
Method and device for the separation of fine particles from granulate-type bulk materials in a pipeline
A method for the separation of fine particles from granulate-like bulk material conveyed in a pipeline as a product flow by means of a compressed air or vacuum conveyance, characterized in that the product flow is radially dispersed at the intake end of a pipe screen integrated in the pipeline in an airtight manner, and aerated there by a cleansing airflow, flowing at an angle to the direction of the dispersed product flow, in the region of a cleansing plane, which deflects the lighter particles, fibers, clusters, dust or similar items carried in the product flow from the trajectory of the heavier granulate, and conveys said into an annular sheath through which the cleansing air flows, from which they are removed by means of a separator. |
| US08770410B2 |
Substrate storage container
A substrate storage container includes an attachment structure in a container body for storing substrates so that a transport component is removably attached to the attachment structure. The attachment structure includes a supporting rail portion provided on an outer wall of the container body, a guide piece provided on the outer wall of the container body, and an engagement part formed with the guide piece. A forked portion formed of a combination of the guide piece and the engagement part. The transport component includes a hollowed frame-shape main part member supported by the supporting rail portion of the attachment structure. |
| US08770407B2 |
Stackable package and a packaging assembly made therewith
The present invention concerns a flexible or semi-flexible stackable package (1) for flowable products, comprising a package body (2) with side (3), top (4) and bottom (5) walls, and a neck (6) adapted to receive closing and/or dispensing means (15) that extends outwardly from one of said walls (3, 4, 5) characterized in that: (i) said neck (6) is off-centered and tilted relative to the vertical axis (V) of said package (1) with an angle (α) comprised between 1° and 179°, preferably comprised between 20° and 60°, more preferably an angle of 45°, and (ii) the package body walls (3, 4, 5) comprise at least one flattened, rounded, or recessed portion (7), such that when stacked in a package assembly (10), the neck (6) of said package (1) fits in between a space (8) defined by similar packages disposed adjacent to said neck (6). |
| US08770405B2 |
Dispensing packages for medical devices having two components that are mechanically interlocked and methods therefor
A package for a flat medical implant includes a flexible outer component, such as Tyvek®, including a first panel and a second panel foldable over said first panel for closing the package, and an inner component, such as paper, mechanically interlocked with the flexible outer component. A flat medical implant is held by the inner component. While the outer and inner components remains mechanically interconnected to one another, the upper ends of the first and second panels of the outer component are peelable away from one another for opening the package and accessing the flat medical implant at an upper end of the package. |
| US08770395B2 |
Container filling device
A device for filling containers, in particular bottles and beakers with food products, in particular with low viscosity to pasty dairy and fat products, juices, waters and similar, comprising: an upper main element, a lower main element and lateral elements connecting the upper main element and the lower main element; and a plurality of support elements which are endlessly supported on rollers through the device past operating stations along the upper main element, the lateral element and the lower main element, wherein the support elements include receivers for containers which receivers are arranged in series transversal to a feed direction, wherein at least two support elements are arranged on a common frame and are run by the frame on rollers through the device in an endless manner. |
| US08770394B2 |
Steel cord conveyor belt having a connecting hinge for coupling two belt ends
A conveyor belt includes first and second conveyor belt portions and each one of the conveyor belt portions includes top and bottom layers made of elastomer material. A reinforcement layer is sandwiched between the top and bottom layers and includes mutually parallel steel cords. Each conveyor belt portion further includes an end section whereat the top and bottom layers are removed to expose the steel cords. First and second part hinges are assigned to respective ones of the end sections and each includes a hinge plate having bores to accommodate the exposed steel cords. The hinge plates are pressed to fix the cords securely in position. The part hinges each include a plurality of crenellated projections at a free end thereof. The part hinges are assembleable to conjointly define a hinge connecting the first and second connecting belt portions to each other. |
| US08770385B2 |
Device and method for transferring goods between conveyors
The present invention relates to a device and a method for transferring goods (6) from a first (2) to a second conveyor (4), comprising a substantially upright extending frame (8), —an endless drive arranged on the frame (8) and • drivable by a motor; at least one support member which is connected to the endless drive (24) and which is drivable in a circuit by means of the endless drive (24), —at least one product carrier (28) connected to the support member, wherein the product carrier (28) is connected to the support member for rotation about a lying shaft extending transversely of the frame, wherein the product carrier (28) is connected drivably to no more than one endless drive. |
| US08770381B2 |
Bread conveying apparatus and bread packaging system
A bread conveying apparatus includes a pair of rolling members spaced apart from each other along a loaf bread conveying path, an endless revolving member wound around the pair of rolling members and laid along the conveying path, a first flight mounted to the endless revolving member to urge the loaf bread along the conveying path and carry the loaf bread to a predetermined position, and a second flight mounted to the endless revolving member upstream of the first flight along the conveying path to urge the loaf bread so as to align the loaf bread with the predetermined position. |
| US08770374B2 |
Braking system for escalators and moving walkways
A braking system for escalators and moving walkways, includes a braking device (3) with a main brake (30) of the type which is released when there is no voltage in its electric activator, and an auxiliary brake (31) of the type which is closed when there is no voltage in its electric activator. A controller (1) controls the braking device (3), prepared for obtaining the load of the escalator or moving walkway, and calculates the braking torque required for each braking device (3) depending on the load and activating the braking device (3) for obtaining the corresponding torque while braking when a braking command is received. The auxiliary brake is activated (32) for taking the escalators or moving walkway to a safe position when there is a system failure. |
| US08770364B2 |
Modular powertrain component for hybrid electric vehicles
A powertrain module includes an input, a first bulkhead supporting the input for rotation, a hub, an electric machine including a stator connected to the first bulkhead and a rotor connected to the hub, a clutch for alternately opening and closing a drive connection between the input and the rotor, a servo for actuating the clutch and supported on the input, and a second bulkhead supporting the hub for rotation. |
| US08770362B2 |
Hydrodynamic retarder
A hydrodynamic retarder having a first blade wheel and having a second blade wheel concentric thereto, together forming a hydrodynamic circuit grouped about a common rotary axis. Each blade wheel is made of a base body and a blade arrangement fixed thereto including a plurality of blades. The hydrodynamic circuit is supplied by a fluid inlet, while the fluid removal from the hydrodynamic circuit is performed by a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet has an inlet spiral enabling tangential fluid flow and the fluid outlet has an outlet spiral enabling tangential fluid flow. At least one inlet spiral is associated with a flow guide guiding the fluid into the hydrodynamic circuit with at least one axial component. |
| US08770360B2 |
Front bicycle suspension assembly with inertia valve
A front bicycle suspension assembly having an inertia valve is described. The front bicycle suspension assembly may include at least upper and lower telescoping tubes and include a damping tube containing an inertia valve. The inertia valve may include an inertia mass movable along the outer surface of a valve shaft as the inertia valve moves between first and second positions. |
| US08770359B2 |
Colloidal damper
A colloidal damper includes: a cylinder; a piston guided and supported by the cylinder and defining a closed space in association with the cylinder; a porous body having a multiplicity of first pores and being housed in the closed space; a liquid contained in the closed space together with the porous body, the liquid flowing into the first pores of the porous body when pressurized, and flowing out from the first pores of the porous body when the pressure is relieved. The damper may include a partition wall which has a multiplicity of second pores and which isolates the porous body from a frictional area, each of the second pores having a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the porous body. The porous body may have an outer diameter larger than the size of the gap formed between the cylinder and the piston. |
| US08770356B2 |
Brake disc and method for producing such a brake disc
The invention relates to a brake disc (8) having a friction ring (10) made of a frictional pair (11a, 11b) connected to each other by means of ribs (4), having a pot (9) and expansion elements (2) disposed radially to the pot (9), preferably at the outer circumference of the pot (9), and the ends thereof facing away from the pot (9) are connected to the friction ring (10). At least one expansion element (2) at least partially forms a rib (4) for connecting the friction pair (11a, 11b). The invention further relates to a method for producing such a brake disc (8), wherein expansion elements (2) are connected by casting to a friction ring (10) and/or to a pot (9). The friction ring (10) and/or the pot (9) comprise at least one protective element after being connected, wherein the friction ring (10) and/or the pot (9) is cast in a single piece with the protective element. |
| US08770350B2 |
Access control system and access control method for a people conveyor control system
An access control system for a people conveyor control system, includes an authentication proving device adapted to communicate with a people conveyor control system. The authentication proving device has a central processor unit and a read protected memory protected from read and write access by external applications. The authentication proving device stores in its read protected memory program code to carry out a verification procedure in response to a verification request from the people conveyor control system, and sends a verification signal to the people conveyor control system. The people conveyor control system in response to the verification signal selectively allows or denies access to at least one of specific sections of said people conveyor control system or specific functions implemented in the people conveyor control system. |
| US08770346B2 |
Method and apparatus for reaching from outside an upper level of a tall structure
An embodiment of the invention is directed to a system having a pulley attached to a building. A closed loop of cable is installed around the pulley. The loop is of sufficient length so as to reach, when deployed outside of the building, below the pulley to where emergency personnel gather in an area next to a base of the building (when responding to a disaster situation in the building). A winch around which the loop is to be operatively installed is located in the area next to the base. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08770342B2 |
Muffler
A muffler (1) for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle, has a housing (2), which encloses a muffler volume (7) and has at least one flat wall area (6), with at least one inlet tube (3) and with at least one outlet tube (4) and with at least one bracket (5) for fastening the muffler (1) to a holding structure. A lightweight construction is simplified if at least one wall section (11) of such a flat wall area (6) is formed by a flat lightweight panel (12) with sandwich structure. |
| US08770338B1 |
Earpieces, systems, and methods
The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to devices, systems, and methods for modifying received and/or perceived sound. For example, a device for altering sound received at a subject's ear may comprise an elongated earpiece having a proximal portion and a distal portion and defining a longitudinal axis (e.g., together defining a longitudinal axis). A proximal portion may comprise an insert configured for at least partial insertion in the canal of the subject's ear. A distal end may comprise a handle configured to guide insertion of the insert in the subject's ear canal. |
| US08770331B2 |
Battery pack mounting structure of vehicle
Disclosed is battery pack mounting structure for a high capacity battery in a vehicle. More specifically, a battery pack that includes a plurality of modules is mounted lengthwise in a center console installation space between a driver seat and a passenger seat. A cooling air providing means is configured to supply cooling air to a front protion of the battery pack, and a cooling air distributing means is configured to distribute the cooling air provided by the cooling air providing means to each of a plurality of battery modules individually. Finally, a discharge duct means is configured to receive cooling air that has already passed over each of the individual battery modules and discharge the cooling air through a rear portion of the battery pack to outside of a vehicle body. |
| US08770324B2 |
Earth-boring tools including sinterbonded components and partially formed tools configured to be sinterbonded
Partially formed earth-boring rotary drill bits comprise a first less than fully sintered particle-matrix component having at least one recess, and at least a second less than fully sintered particle-matrix component disposed at least partially within the at least one recess. Each less than fully sintered particle-matrix component comprises a green or brown structure including compacted hard particles, particles comprising a metal alloy matrix material, and an organic binder material. The at least a second less than fully sintered particle-matrix component is configured to shrink at a slower rate than the first less than fully sintered particle-matrix component due to removal of organic binder material from the less than fully sintered particle-matrix components in a sintering process to be used to sinterbond the first less than fully sintered particle-matrix component to the first less than fully sintered particle-matrix component. Earth-boring rotary drill bits comprise such components sinterbonded together. |
| US08770323B2 |
Apparatus and method for installing ground anchoring systems
An apparatus and method for forming a borehole in an earthen formation includes a side cutting device comprised of a laterally extendable side cutting element that can be actuated from a retracted position to an extended position in which the side cutting element is selectively employed to create a larger borehole diameter in a down hole location than the remaining portion of the borehole that is closer to the borehole opening. |
| US08770322B2 |
Latch body components having multiple functions, and drilling head assembly incorporating same
A latch body for use in a drilling head assembly including a fluid control subassembly, a check valve element, and/or a hollow spindle. A distal end portion of the latch body includes a port section that defines a chamber for receiving the check valve element and promoting movement of the check valve element between a blocking position and an open position. The hollow spindle of the fluid control subassembly is operatively coupled to the chamber of the port section and supports the check valve element in the blocking position. A proximal end portion of the latch body supports the fluid control subassembly of the drilling head assembly in an operative position. The latch body includes male protrusions extending inwardly toward and spaced from a longitudinal axis of the latch body. A plurality of channels extend radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the latch body, spanning between adjacent male protrusions. |
| US08770319B2 |
Pump-in seal
An assembly may be disposed within a drill string. The assembly may be moved within and along the drill string using hydraulic pressure. A core sample may be collected within the assembly, and the assembly may be retrieved to obtain the core sample. The assembly may include a seal that may be configured to form a seal with different inner diameters of a variable-diameter drill rod of the drill string. |
| US08770312B2 |
Cam driving device and processing method
A cam driving device for a processing device including a cylindrical member, a rotational shaft that has a mount hole formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, a cam, and a tool that is mounted in the mount hole of the cylindrical member so that the tool can be protruded and retracted through the mount hole in a radial direction of the rotational shaft in accordance with a profile of the cam. The cylindrical member and the rotational shaft are axially reciprocated to process a non-circular bore, including a storage unit for storing a data table representing associating relationship between a rotational angle of the cam and a protrusion amount of the tool which is provided on the basis of the rotational angle of the cam, and a controller for advancing or retarding the rotational angle of the rotational shaft according to the data table stored in the storage unit. |
| US08770306B2 |
Inert gas injection to help control or extinguish coal fires
A method of locating and controlling subsurface coal fires is provided that includes mapping a subsurface coal bed fire using a magnetometer, where the mapping includes locating a combustion zone and an air inlet to the combustion zone of the coal bed fire, drilling an injection port from the earth surface to a previously burned zone of the combustion zone, where the injection port is disposed between the air inlet and the combustion zone, inserting a tube in the injection port, where the tube has an exterior tube seal disposed around the tube, and the exterior tube seal isolates the earth surface from the combustion zone along an exterior of the tube. The method further includes injecting an inert gas through the tube to the combustion zone, where the inert gas controls the combustion zone of the coal bed fire. |
| US08770305B2 |
Modular hydraulic packer-and-port system
Modular hydraulic packer-and-port system and corresponding methods of operation. The system may be installed for temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent deployments. The system and method may provide for hydraulic isolation of target zones in a well while allowing pass-through tubes to the target zones for taking samples, inserting monitoring sensors, and the like. |
| US08770300B2 |
Debris barrier for hydraulic disconnect tools
A hydraulic connection mechanism for use in a wellbore comprises an upper connection tool, a lower connection tool configured to engage the upper connection tool and form a fluid communication pathway through the hydraulic connection mechanism, and a debris barrier disposed in the fluid communication pathway. The debris barrier comprises a body element, and a spring element configured to maintain the body element in a closed position when the upper connection tool is disengaged from the lower connection tool. |
| US08770298B2 |
Safety mechanism for blowout preventer
Blowout preventer (BOP) stack and lower marine riser package for sealing an undersea well. The blowout preventer stack includes a frame extending along an axis and configured to be attached to a head of the well; an accumulator attached to the frame and configured to provide high pressure; two or more BOPs attached to the frame, the two or more BOPs being disposed within the frame and attached one on top of the other along the axis; each BOP having a body and a pair of bonnets attached to the body, where the bonnets are configured to be detachably attached to the body; each BOP having a corresponding cavity extending along the axis through which a fluid from the well is circulating; each BOP being configured to seal the well when the high pressure from the accumulator is released to the BOPs; plural brackets attached to the body of at least one BOP; and a safety bar attached to the plural brackets and configured to partially encircle the body of the at least one BOP. |
| US08770296B2 |
High density breaker fluids and methods of use thereof
A wellbore fluid that includes an aqueous base fluid; a chelating agent; and at least one enzyme, wherein the wellbore fluid has a pH of at least 6.5 is disclosed. |
| US08770294B2 |
Proppant having a polyamide imide coating
A proppant comprises a particle and a polyamide imide coating disposed on the particle. A method of forming the proppant comprises the steps of providing the particle, providing the polyamide imide coating, and coating the particle with the polyamide imide coating. |
| US08770293B2 |
Multiple activation-device launcher for a cementing head
A multiple activation-device launching system for a cementing head comprises a launcher body and at least one launching chamber that are sized to receive one or more activation devices therein. The activation devices are launched into the principal process-fluid stream inside the cementing head, and may be darts, balls, bombs, canisters and combinations thereof. The launching chambers are in fluid communication with an external power source for launching the activation device into the principal process-fluid stream. |
| US08770288B2 |
Deep steam injection systems and methods
Systems and methods for creating high-pressure mixtures of steam and one or more noncondensable gas species, which may be injected into deep, high-pressured oil reservoirs to supply heat and aid oil recovery. These systems and methods may include generating these mixtures, also referred to as a combined stream, controlling the total pressure of the combined stream, controlling the partial pressure of steam within the combined stream, supplying the combined stream to a subterranean formation that includes hydrocarbons, such as viscous oil, reducing the viscosity of the oil, and/or producing oil from the subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the total pressure of the combined stream may approach or even exceed the critical pressure of water while still retaining significant amounts of latent heat for delivery. In some embodiments, the partial pressure of steam may be less than the critical pressure of water. |
| US08770286B2 |
Downhole fluid filter
An apparatus for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising a tool having a sample flow line an inlet disposed with the tool and configured to establish fluid communication between the formation and the sample flow line to draw a fluid sample into the sample flow line, and an active filter positioned in the sample flow line and providing a filter flow route and a bypass flow route in the sample flow line. |
| US08770279B2 |
Nanohybrid phase interfaces for foaming in oil field applications
Methods of using nanohybrid-containing fluids in a well are provided. The methods include the steps of: (a) forming or providing a well fluid comprising a nanohybrid; and (b) introducing the well fluid into a well. The methods can be used in various applications, such as in drilling, completion, or intervention operations. |
| US08770276B1 |
Downhole tool with cones and slips
A downhole tool with a frangible cone and slip system is disposable in a casing of an oil or gas well and includes a slip ring and a cone disposal on a mandrel. An interior of the slip ring and an exterior of the cone have mating flat facets circumscribing the interior or the exterior of the respective slip ring or cone, and forming an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the mandrel. The flat facets of the cone are contiguous with or bordering one another around a circumference of the cone, or are separated by a flush region substantially flush with adjacent flat facets, to form a substantially smooth circumference around the flat facets. |
| US08770275B2 |
Fill up and circulating tool with well control feature
A high-pressure casing fill-up and circulating assembly and method of use is disclosed. The fill and circulating assembly, when inserted into the uppermost portion of the casing, will allow the casing to be filled while each section of casing is added. In one configuration there can be a cup type seal that seals in the casing simply by inserting the circulator into the casing. In yet another configuration the casing circulator portion can be anchored in the casing by manipulating the setting apparatus of the circulator thus anchoring the circulator to the casing and a settable seal unit will be energized to seal between the casing and the circulator. |
| US08770272B2 |
Managing tensile forces in a cable
A well servicing system includes a frame adapted to mount to a pipe handling system that includes a hanger adapted to guide a load coupled to a cable towards a wellhead, where the load exerts at least a portion of a tensile force on the cable; and a winch including a drum and a brake. The brake is adapted to control rotational motion of the drum to spool a portion of the cable over the drum and set the drum to substantially prevent rotational motion of the drum. The well servicing system also includes a hydraulic piston-cylinder coupled to a sheave. The piston is adapted to stroke into or out of the cylinder when the tensile force exceeds a desired load when the drum is set to substantially prevent rotational motion to spool the cable from the drum. |
| US08770271B2 |
Electric submersible pumping system for dewatering gas wells
A pumping system includes a submersible high speed electric motor operable to rotate a drive shaft; a high speed pump rotationally fixed to the drive shaft; an isolation device operable to expand into engagement with a tubular string, thereby fluidly isolating an inlet of the pump from an outlet of the pump and rotationally fixing the motor and the pump to the tubular string; and a cable having two or less conductors, a strength sufficient to support the motor, the pump, and the isolation device, and in electrical communication with the motor. A maximum outer diameter of the motor, pump, isolation device, and cable is less than or equal to two inches. |
| US08770268B2 |
Plate-type exchanger, heat exchanger plate and method for producing same
A heat exchanger plate (3a) for a plate-type heat exchanger having throughflow openings (4-7), which are arranged adjacent to one another in the plane of the plate, for fluid media is provided. The heat exchanger plate (3a) is formed from a first material, in particular steel or high-grade steel, and those surfaces (18a, 19a, 20a) of the heat exchanger plate (3a) which come into contact with one of the fluid media are formed from, or lined, with another material which is in particular more corrosion resistant than the first material. |
| US08770265B2 |
Method and system for manufacturing railcar couplers
A casting apparatus for casting a railcar coupler, which includes a shank portion and a head portion, includes cope and drag portions that define an external shape of the coupler. The casting apparatus also includes one or more cores that define an interior of the shank portion and a separate head core with an exterior that defines an interior of the head portion that includes lock chamber, guard arm side portion, and knuckle side portions of the head. The head core is a single piece with a hollow center section that defines a front face gating system that includes at least one in-gate configured to direct molten material to top and bottom regions of the head to define the lock chamber, guard arm side portion, and knuckle side of the head. |
| US08770264B2 |
Device, gutter, method for tilt-casting components made of light metal, and components cast therewith
A device for casting components preferably made of light metal, according to the tilt-casting principle, has a casting mold that can be tilted about its longitudinal axis, a casting channel that is disposed on the casting mold, in the longitudinal direction of the casting mold, the longitudinal side of which, facing the casting mold, has at least two outlets to the mold cavity, or at least one outlet, in each instance, to at least two mold cavities that are disposed next to one another and do not stand in a flow connection with one another. The casting channel has a subdivision device that is configured in such a manner that when the casting mold, together with the casting channel, is tilted, predetermined volumes of the casting melt flow through the outlets. |
| US08770262B2 |
Stainless steel-and-amorphous alloy composite and method for manufacturing
A stainless steel-and-amorphous alloy composite includes a stainless steel part and an amorphous alloy part. The stainless steel part has nano-pores defined in a surface thereof. The amorphous alloy part is integrally bonded to the surface having the nano-pores. A method for manufacturing the composite is also described. |
| US08770261B2 |
Methods of manufacturing degradable alloys and products made from degradable alloys
A method of making a degradable alloy includes adding one or more alloying products to an aluminum or aluminum alloy melt; dissolving the alloying products in the aluminum or aluminum alloy melt, thereby forming a degradable alloy melt; and solidifying the degradable alloy melt to form the degradable alloy. A method for manufacturing a product made of a degradable alloy includes adding one or more alloying products to an aluminum or aluminum alloy melt in a mold; dissolving the one or more alloying products in the aluminum or aluminum alloy melt to form a degradable alloy melt; and solidifying the degradable alloy melt to form the product. A method for manufacturing a product made of a degradable alloy includes placing powders of a base metal or a base alloy and powders of one or more alloying products in a mold; and pressing and sintering the powders to form the product. |
| US08770259B2 |
Apparatus for cast-product production line
An apparatus for cast-product production line includes a kneader for kneading casting sand for making mold; a mold maker for making a sand casting mold from the casting sand for making mold, the sand casting mold being provided with a molding cavity for forming a singular cast product or plural products; a molten-metal pourer for pouring molten metal into said molding cavity of the sand casting mold; and a mold disassembler for disassembling the sand casting mold having undergone molten-metal pouring. Upon disassembling the sand casting mold by the mold disassembler, the sand casting mold is disassembled in such a state that the cast product is supported by means of a cast-product supporter element. |
| US08770257B2 |
Slat rotation, slat winding and unwinding control device of window blind
A slat winding and unwinding control device of window blind includes flexible snap fit portions that are provided on the base to engage directly into the upper beam so that the mounting of the base into the interior of the upper beam is easy. A cord spool is designed to be capable of continuing its rotation in a fitting member so that there is no limitation on the winding direction of the pull cord. Moreover, the fixing of either a connecting strap or a connecting string for connecting each slat of the window blind on a housing member is very easy. Therefore, easiness and handiness in operation can be improved in the overall implementation of the system. |
| US08770255B2 |
Door release mechanisim
A door hoist includes a bracket, drive sprocket, ring gear, hub assembly, set of planetary gears, and governor shaft. The drive sprocket has a drive sprocket axis. The ring gear is fastened to the drive sprocket. The ring gear has a ring gear axis that is in alignment with the drive sprocket axis. The hub assembly includes a connector to receive a door drive shaft and secure the door drive shaft in a fixed rotational alignment with the hub assembly. The set of planetary gears is rotationally mounted to the hub assembly. The set of planetary gears is configured to mate with the ring gear. The governor shaft includes a sun gear, brake assembly, and link. The sun gear is configured to mate with the set of planetary gears. The brake assembly has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The sun gear is rotationally fixed relative to the bracket in response to the brake assembly being in the engaged position. In response to the brake assembly being in the disengaged position, rotation of the sun gear is unfixed relative to the bracket. The link secures the brake assembly in the engaged position. The link is configured to melt in response to an ambient temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature. |
| US08770253B2 |
Cutting and splicing apparatus for conveyor belts and method
A belt cutting and splicing apparatus is provided for joining together the ends of one or more monolithic conveyor belts. In one form, a belt support is configured to support the belt ends in spaced relation to each other and a non-contact heating device is provided for being disposed between the belt ends to generate thermal radiation for joining the belt ends together. In another form, a drive mechanism is operable to cause relative movement of a pair of platens, for supporting belt ends, toward and away from each other and a heating device between heating and stowed positions. An actuator of the drive mechanism is movable by an operator between at least three operation positions corresponding to three different operation positions of the platens. An on-board belt cutting mechanism is provided for precision cutting of the belt ends using the same apparatus for both belt cutting and splicing operations. |
| US08770251B2 |
Tyre building drum for building an unvulcanised tyre
Tire building drum having a drum shaft and two drum halves arranged around the drum shaft. In the drum shaft one threaded spindle is arranged. On either side of the center of the tire building drum a driving nut is arranged on the spindle. Each driving nut is fixedly connected to the drum half in question via a connection part. Each drum half has a folding arm unit that is connected to the drum half in question so as to swing. The folding arm unit is movable in axial direction of the tire building drum. Each drum half further has a bead ring core clamping unit intended for supporting and clamping a bead ring core. The bead ring core clamping unit is arranged on a cylindrical part. The cylindrical part is provided with a cylinder slot for accommodating the connection part and with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can be brought into engagement with the drum shaft. At engagement of the locking mechanism in the drum shaft the folding arm unit can be moved with respect to the cylindrical part in axial direction of the tire building drum. |
| US08770245B2 |
Tyre for two-wheeled vehicle and process for manufacturing the same
In the manufacture of a tire, a belt structure is made by means of strip-like segments or elements, each comprising parallel cords embedded in an elastomeric layer, sequentially laid along the circumferential extension of a toroidal support, in such a manner that: each strip-like element is laid in a laying trajectory defining, at each point, a laying angle; at each point of the laying trajectory a laying gap is formed between adjacent strip-like elements, the laying trajectory being formed starting from preselected laying angles on the shoulder and on the crown of the tire, the laying gap between adjacent strip-like elements varying along at least one section of the laying trajectory between crown and shoulder so as to cause variation of the laying angle and to obtain the preselected angles on the shoulder and on the crown. |
| US08770243B2 |
Bicycle tire
The present invention relates to a bicycle tire. More particularly, the bicycle tire is formed by foaming synthetic resin materials and is mounted to a rim of a bicycle, wherein the tire is prevented from being unexpectedly separated from the rim in use. That is, the bicycle tire formed by injection-foam molding is characterized in that: a rim coupling portion of the bicycle tire is formed with a plurality of coupling holes at predetermined intervals; and stoppers formed of synthetic resin materials are fixed in the coupling holes, stopped by annular holding protrusions when the tire is mounted to the bicycle rim, and formed of arch surfaces, horizontal surfaces and tilted both end surfaces so that the tilted both end surfaces are protruded when the stoppers are fixed to the coupling holes. |
| US08770239B2 |
Funnel for food processing and related method
A funnel for use in juice making processes and related method of using the funnel are disclosed. |
| US08770238B2 |
Suspended delivery device and a container-filler installation including such devices
A delivery device for delivering composition in a container filler installation, the device comprising a tube having at least an end provided with a nozzle and an opposite end provided with means for fastening to a feed line of the filler installation, and the device further including a plate fastened to the tube and provided with a support having a portion extending in register with the nozzle to support a container. The invention also provides a filler installation including at least one such device. |
| US08770237B2 |
Vapor recovery pump regulation of pressure to maintain air to liquid ratio
A method of operating a vapor recovery system that recovers vapors expelled from a vehicle during refueling at a fuel dispensing point and returns the vapors to an underground storage tank through a vapor flow path that is in fluid communication with an air to liquid regulator valve and a vapor pump. The method includes dispensing fuel into the vehicle through the fuel dispensing point, regulating an amount of vapor that is recovered through the fuel dispensing point with the air to liquid regulator valve in proportion to the fuel dispensed into the vehicle, detecting a parameter of the vapor recovery system, and maintaining a substantially constant pressure level in a first portion of the vapor return path that is disposed between the vapor pump and the air to liquid regulator valve. |
| US08770236B2 |
Inflator apparatus, system and method for utilizing the same
An inflator apparatus for inflating more than one un-inflated tire-wheel assembly is disclosed. The inflator apparatus includes a support structure; an interface portion rotatably-attached to the support structure, wherein the interface portion includes a plurality of inflator heads, wherein each inflator head of the plurality of inflator heads includes a fluid inlet; a plunger portion movably-connected to the support structure, wherein the plunger portion is movably-connected to the support structure to permit selectively coupling of the plunger portion with one inflator head of the plurality of inflator heads; and a fluid conduit connected to the plunger portion, wherein the fluid conduit is fluidly connectable with the fluid inlet of the one inflator head of the plurality of inflator heads. A system for processing more than one un-inflated tire-wheel assembly is also disclosed. A method for utilizing an inflator apparatus for inflating more than one un-inflated tire-wheel assembly is also disclosed. |
| US08770233B2 |
Flexible hose structure with a interlaced reinforcement
A flexible hose structure includes at least one inner tubular layer of a first polymeric material defining a longitudinal axis, at least one meshed intermediate reinforcement layer arranged on the inner layer and having at least one first series of yarns defining first chained wales and first courses arranged according to a helical progression with a first pitch of predetermined length, and at least one second series of yarns defining second chained wales and second courses arranged according to a helical progression with a second pitch of predetermined length. The first pitch is a multiple of the second pitch, and the first wales (and the second wales are mutually interlaced with respective meshes not in a chain to exert an independent resistance to radial expansion on the inner layer. |
| US08770232B2 |
Method for manufacturing climate control duct, and climate control duct
The invention provides a method for manufacturing a climate control duct, the method capable of improving a characteristic of transferring a shape of a protrusion onto a surface of a duct and capable of preventing reduction in ventilation efficiency. In order to manufacture a climate control duct having a protrusion formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof, the method includes subjecting an extruded foamed resin to blow molding by use of a duct-shaped mold in which a groove for transfer of a shape of the protrusion is formed on at least part of a surface thereof. Herein, the following relations are satisfied: 0.5 mm |
| US08770229B2 |
Fluid stream powered pulse generating fluidic oscillator
A fluidic device which produces fluid pulses having a selected pulse repetition frequency, pulse duration, pulse peak pressure and pulse peak flow rate includes first, second and third fluid flow controlling channels or lumens which converge in a junction, defining a “Y” configuration having a base leg and right and left diverging arms. The first leg portion has a fluid input and terminates downstream at the Y junction of the base and the two diverging arms. The first leg has converging walls which reduce the cross sectional area of the flow to thereby increase the fluid velocity to make a fluid jet. The second or right leg, begins at the Y junction and terminates distally in an enclosed, fluid-tight container having a selected blind volume. The third, or left leg, begins at the Y junction and terminates distally in a fluid outlet passage having a selected cross-sectional area. |
| US08770225B2 |
End cover and four-way reversing valve using the same and assembling method thereof
The present invention relates to a four-way reversing valve for refrigerating cycle system, in particular to an end cover for fitting with a valve body of a main valve of a four-way reversing valve, a four-way reversing valve using the same and an assembling method thereof. The end cover has a larger diameter section and a smaller diameter section sequentially provided in an axial direction, wherein an outer periphery of the larger diameter section of the end cover is adapted to be tightly connected with the valve body, and an end portion of the smaller diameter section of the end cover is adapted to be fitted with a piston of the main valve, so as to define an operating position of the piston, characterized in that the larger diameter section of the end cover has a frustum shape with a larger outer end and smaller inner end, or an end portion of the larger diameter section of the end cover has radially projected flange for abutting against and fitting with an end surface of the valve body. The present invention may meet the requirement for the position precision between the valve body and the end cover and improve the welding precision therebetween. |
| US08770221B2 |
Pressure regulating valve
In order to achieve seal durability and bring about a damping action for a piston-type pressure regulating valve, a pressure regulating valve of the present invention is characterized by a valve moving member moving in such a manner as to cause communication or block communication between a primary chamber and a secondary chamber within a case, wherein a plurality of central members are arranged between the case and the valve moving member and the plurality of central members are taken to be different materials. It is then possible to bring about both a damping action and seal durability using the central members by providing central members of different materials. |
| US08770218B2 |
Fill-up control valve device
A casing has a vessel portion, in which a float valve unit is arranged. A fuel drain through-hole having a small diameter is formed at a closed end bottom of the vessel portion. A cross sectional area of the fuel drain through-hole is extremely smaller than an opening area of an inlet port, so that fuel discharging speed of the liquid fuel from the vessel portion through the fuel drain through-hole is suppressed to a small value. As a result, a fuel holding time of the liquid fuel in the vessel portion, which has entered into the vessel portion from the inlet port, is made longer. |
| US08770217B2 |
Apparatus and methods for purging air from a fluid conveying tube
An apparatus for purging air from a fluid conveying tube includes a housing member comprising an inner bore having an inlet and an outlet (115); and a vented piston member slidably disposed within the inner bore, the vented piston member comprising a filter element and at least one air vent. The filter element is configured to allow air to pass through the vented piston member to the at least one air vent and to prevent fluid from passing through the vented piston member to the at least one air vent. A method of purging accumulated air from a fluid conveying tube includes providing a vented piston member slidably disposed within a housing member; displacing air from the fluid conveying tube through a filter element disposed within the piston member using pressurized fluid; and displacing the piston member with the pressurized fluid; wherein the displacement of the piston member exposes an outlet for the pressurized fluid. |
| US08770215B1 |
Low flow injector to deliver a low flow of gas to a remote location
A low flow injector controls remote delivery of low flows of gas. A higher flow carrier gas is provided by an MFC to a conduit. A remote flow restrictor is located to exhaust a critical process gas directly into the conduit. An electronic regulator controls a pressure of the critical gas responsive to a pressure point received from a controller corresponding to a desired mass flow. Also, a large flow restrictor vents the critical process gas. |
| US08770214B2 |
Gas mixture supplying method and apparatus
A gas mixture supplying method includes supplying plural kinds of gases through gas supply lines connected to a common pipeline and supplying a gas mixture of the plural kinds of gases from a gas outlet of the common pipeline to a region where the gas mixture is used through a gas mixture supply line. When two or more gases having different flow rates are supplied simultaneously, a gas having a relatively low flow rate is supplied from one of the gas supply lines provided at a position closer to the gas outlet than that for a gas having a relatively high flow rate. |
| US08770213B2 |
Floating shade canopy
A floating canopy shade is constructed from a standard fixed or pop-up canopy by adding a set of floats adapted to hold the canopy legs and to provide drag to resist drifting and lifting in a small breeze. A kit converts a standard canopy assembly to a floating one. |
| US08770210B1 |
Travel mouth cleaning device
A travel mouth-cleaning device contains a roll of floss, a plurality of teeth, a pick and a brush. The device may be used in a travel or non-travel capacity. The invention may be placed on a keychain that can be carried in the pants pocket or in a purse or other carrying container. The invention is small enough that it will not protrude the container while being transported. The invention can clean the tongue faster and easier than most conventional tongue scraper devices currently on the market, with a scraping action on the surface of the tongue from the plurality of teeth on the device. Moreover, all the necessary tools to clean the whole mouth are included within the device. Furthermore, the invention is easily transported so a person can clean their mouth after each meal while away from a place like their home bathroom or other facility. Moreover, to facilitate transportation the invention may be constructed of a material like a plastic polymer. Furthermore, the invention can be used in capacities like in the military in a pack called a MRE, (Meal Ready to Eat), while camping, or while traveling. |
| US08770206B2 |
Flow control device for a smoking article
A smoking article such as a filter cigarette includes a rotary flow control device (2) in its filter assembly that comprises first, second and third body portions (3, 4, 5). The first body portion (1) contains a plug (6) of filter material and is attached to a tobacco rod (1). The second portion (4) contains different smoke flavorants in different sectors (18), which can be aligned by manual rotation individually with a smoke flow passageway (13, 35) to impart different flavors to the smoke that passes to the mouth of the consumer. The second body portion (4) is rotated through the agency of the third body portion (5). First and second ratchet mechanisms (14,19; 20, 24) are disposed between the second body portion (4) and the first and third body portions respectively to allow assured rotation of the second portion to select individual flavorants for the smoke passing to the consumer. |
| US08770205B1 |
Cigar holder
A cigar holder for securing a wide variety of differently shaped cigars to a variety of different mounting locations. |
| US08770194B2 |
Gas assisted re-breathing device
A gas assisted re-breathing device is provided for life support of individuals venturing into harsh environments, particularly the underwater environment, which results in reduced work of breathing. In the pressurized gas assisted re-breathing device, pressurized gas, actuated by the breathing pressure local to the mouthpiece, acts to move a flexible gas storage container on behalf of the individual and a loop seal valve is forcibly shut during assisted breathing, which seals the assisted breathing loop to prevent premature venting of breathing gas to the surrounding environment, unless the assisted breathing loop is full, whereupon the loop seal valve opens to allow excess breathing gas to escape into the surrounding environment through forcible exhalation by the individual through one or more conventional one way valves that prevent backflow from the surrounding environment back into the loop. |
| US08770191B2 |
System and method for providing mechanical ventilation support to a patient
A system for providing mechanical ventilation support to a patient and includes a mechanical ventilator. A breathing circuit is pneumatically connected between the mechanical ventilator and a patient connection. An inspiratory check valve is disposed within an inspiratory limb of the breathing circuit. A fresh gas manifold provides fresh gas to the breathing circuit for delivery to the patient. A fresh gas valve is disposed between the fresh gas manifold and the breathing circuit. The fresh gas valve is operable between a first position which directs fresh gas upstream of the inspiratory check valve and a second position that directs fresh gas downstream of the inspiratory check valve. A digital signal processor operates the fresh gas valve selectively between the first position and the second position. A method of ventilating a patient includes introducing a flow of fresh gas into an inspiratory limb of the breathing circuit. A ventilatory support value is sensed with at least one sensor disposed within the breathing circuit. An operational condition of the breathing circuit is identified with a digital signal processor. A fresh gas valve is operated with the digital processor between a first position that directs fresh gas to the inspiratory limb upstream from the inspiratory check valve and a second position that directs the fresh gas downstream from the inspiratory check valve. |
| US08770186B2 |
Apparatus for harnessing solar energy
An apparatus for harnessing solar energy that generates heat from solar radiation, which can be used in various applications. The apparatus for harnessing solar energy comprises a telescope reflector that projects a collimated beam towards a heat accumulator, wherein heat may be generated and used or stored for later use. |
| US08770184B2 |
Collapsible heating apparatus
A collapsible unit for supporting food items over a heat source comprises a collapsible frame enclosure wherein at least one side of the frame is reconfigurable to enable various types of cooking and heating arrangements. |
| US08770183B2 |
Glass article
Provided is a glass article, including: a crystallized glass plate; and an antifouling film formed on the surface of the crystallized glass plate and containing a multiple oxide of silicon and zirconium or a mixture of a silicon oxide and a zirconium oxide, in which the antifouling film has a β-OH content of 1 to 300/mm. |
| US08770182B2 |
Rotisserie barbecue grill
A unitary barbecue heat source bed and fluid removal channel combination, comprising a plurality of heat source beds, an inclined channel for removing fluid, the heat source beds being adjacent to the channel, wherein the heat source beds and channel are unitary and preferably made from a single sheet of metal. |
| US08770180B2 |
Oven range
The present invention relates to an oven range. In the present invention, the air heated by the burner is guided by the air duct and transferred into the oven chamber, and guided so as to flow evenly in the oven chamber by the air guide. Therefore, the cooking food can be more efficiently cooked. |
| US08770178B2 |
Shooting bow
A trigger assembly for a crossbow or other weapon system. The trigger assembly includes a trigger arm coupled between a trigger and a sear. The trigger arm is not parallel to the line of fire, thereby allowing for increased mechanical advantage and a smoother, safer trigger pull. The trigger assembly incorporates various safety measures, including a dry fire mechanism which prevents the unintentional damaging and potentially dangerous release of the bowstring before an arrow is positioned on the rail of the crossbow. The trigger assembly allows for various adjustments to vary the trigger length and pull, while maintaining smoothness and preventing the unintentional or inadvertent release of the bowstring. |
| US08770175B2 |
Evaporation fuel processing system and purging method therefor
An evaporation fuel processing system is equipped with a vapor passage, a canister, a purging passage, a purge control valve, a filling amount detector, and an ECU. The ECU comprises an adsorption amount detecting circuit that detects the adsorption amount of an evaporation fuel, which is adsorbed by the canister upon filling of the fuel at a time when a fuel is filled into a fuel tank, a breakthrough time calculating circuit that calculates a time, based on the detected adsorption amount, at which the canister would experience breakthrough in the event that the evaporation fuel were not purged into an engine from the canister, and a control circuit that carries out purge processing by the purge control valve based on the calculated time. |
| US08770172B2 |
Fuel shortage detecting apparatus for general-purpose engine
In an apparatus for detecting fuel shortage of a general-purpose internal combustion engine connectable to an operating machine to be used as a prime mover of the machine, the engine being supplied with fuel stored in a tank and having an actuator adapted to open and close a throttle valve installed in an air intake pipe so as to achieve a desired engine speed set by an operator, comprising a fuel shortage condition detector adapted to detect whether the engine is in a fuel shortage condition, and an engine stopper adapted to stop the engine when the engine is detected to be in the fuel shortage condition. With this, it becomes possible to detect whether the engine having the electronic governor is in the fuel shortage condition, thereby preventing occurrence of trouble such as afterburning. |
| US08770165B2 |
Automatic engine control device
An ECU in an automatic engine control device predicts a maximum discharging current to be supplied from a battery to a starter during a next restart of the engine based on a present voltage, an internal resistance value of the battery, and a starter total resistance value during automatic engine stop. The ECU further predicts a minimum voltage of the battery during a period until the next restart of the engine based on the present voltage, the present internal resistance value of the battery, and the predicted maximum discharging current. The ECU judges whether or not execution of the next restart of the engine during the automatic engine stop based on the predicted minimum voltage of the battery. |
| US08770163B2 |
Starter device for combustion engine, particularly of motor vehicle
A starter device (10) for a combustion engine (1), particularly of a motor vehicle. The device includes a rotary electrical machine (11) comprising a drive member (12) and a tensioner. A belt (13) collaborates with the drive member of the rotary electrical machine and with the combustion engine in order that the latter can be started using the belt rotationally driven by the electrical machine in a first direction (A). A tensioner (15) presses against a length (16) of the belt that runs between the electrical machine and the combustion engine. As the rotary electrical machine rotates in a second direction (B) the opposite of the first, it is possible for the tensioner to be brought from a stopped position into a position for beginning to start the combustion engine. The movement from the stopped position to the position for beginning to start being accompanied by a lengthening of said length of belt and/or by an increase in the tension in this length of belt. |
| US08770162B2 |
Lifter guide assembly for an internal combustion engine
A lifter guide includes a lifter guide body having an outer surface and an inner surface that extend from a first end to a second end. The inner surface defines at least one push rod passage. A plurality of compression members are provided at the first end. The plurality of compression members project proudly from the first end. The plurality of compression members are configured and disposed to be compressed by a cylinder head to retain the lifter guide in a cylinder block. The lifter guide is devoid of mechanical fasteners. |
| US08770161B2 |
Valve lift device for a combustion engine
A valve lift device for a combustion engine, a camshaft (5), a first unit (16) with a first contact device (9) in contact with a guide surface on the camshaft (5), a motion-transmitting mechanism converting the lifting movement of the unit (16) to a lift of at least one valve (3) of the combustion engine. An adjusting device (20-22) allows linear movements of the first unit (16) and hence of the first contact device (9) in a plane which is perpendicular to the camshaft's rotational axis (5a) between at least a first position of contact (9a1) with the guide surface (6) and a second position of contact (9a2) with the guide surface (6). |
| US08770160B2 |
Engine for small vehicle
There is provided an engine for a small vehicle where driven sprockets, around which a cam chain for transmitting power from a crankshaft is wound, are provided at one end of camshafts that form a part of a valve system provided with hydraulic valve-operation mode changing mechanisms; and a valve-moving hydraulic pressure control device, which controls hydraulic pressure applied to the valve-operation mode changing mechanisms, is provided in the engine body. In the engine, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in disposing the oil passage between the valve-operation mode changing mechanism and the valve-moving hydraulic pressure control device while avoiding the increase in the number of parts and assembly man-hours. A valve-moving hydraulic pressure control device is mounted on the side surface of the engine body on the side opposite to a cam chain in an axial direction of a camshaft. |
| US08770155B2 |
Sootblower having a nozzle with deep reaching jets and edge cleaning jets
A sootblower having a nozzle that includes one or more deep reaching jets aligned with its respective platen bank to clean slag deposits inset from the leading edge of the platen bank. The nozzle also includes one or more edge cleaning jets substantially angled with respect to the platen bank for cleaning the leading edges of the platen bank. For most applications, the major axis of the sootblower is perpendicular to the major axis of its respective platen bank, resulting in a sootblower with a nozzle having angled and perpendicular jets, referred to as angled-perpendicular nozzles. The jet sizes are selected to balance the opposing components of force perpendicular to the sootblower to avoid the imposition of torque on the lance. |
| US08770153B2 |
Water heater
A first period during which drain is not substantially generated on a surface of a water tube (4) of a heat exchanger (B1), and a second period as a transition during which an amount of drain on the surface of the water tube (4) is increased are provided. There are a plurality of kinds of fan-controlling data in which operation control contents of the fan (13) in the first and second periods in correspondence with change of conditions of entering water temperature or combustion level of the burner (1). The fan-controlling data are stored in a data table (90) of a controller (9). The controller (9) controls the fan (13) in accordance with the data, and an initial air-fuel ratio of combustion driving of the burner (1) is stabilized. |
| US08770151B1 |
Pet tail sleeve system
A lightweight sanitary disposable tail cover for pets and animals that provide protection to the injured portion of the tail. The tail cover has elongated optional split access sleeves and resilient cushion enclosure chamber which can be adjustably positioned on the pet's tail according to length and orientation of the injury thereon. |
| US08770150B2 |
Restraint device
A restraint device having a tubular body with a handle at one end and a telescopic extension rod at the other end which allows the overall length of the body to be selectively adjusted. A cuff is attached to a tether at the end of the rod in a non-deployed position. The tether can be released so a law enforcement officer can loosely control a detainee. Electrical circuitry in the body is connected to electrodes on the lower end of the handle and on the cuff so a disabling charge can be delivered. The device is also useful to civilians as a protective device when jogging, walking, bicycling or the like. |
| US08770149B2 |
System for breeding aquatic fauna
The invention provides a breeding system for aquatic fauna that includes a chamber (2) having a wall (4) made from a water impermeable material. In one embodiment the chamber is provided with one or more hatches (20) in the wall where each hatch can be opened to a selectable extent. In another embodiment, the chamber has a selectable volume. The breeding system according to another embodiment includes one or more of the life support systems (30) adapted to be submerged in water. |
| US08770147B2 |
Animal watering device
Disclosed is a watering device for animals and a method of producing the same, including a base unit defining a bowl portion, a housing portion disposed in the base unit and including an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid communication with the bowl portion, a dispensing unit proximate the outlet port to dispense water from the housing portion to the bowl portion via the outlet port such that water flows around the bowl portion to the housing portion via the inlet port, and a filtering unit interposed between the outlet port and the inlet port to filter the water flowing from the bowl portion to the housing portion via the inlet port. |
| US08770144B2 |
Method of milking a dairy animal by means of a milking system
The invention provides a system and method of milking and feeding a dairy animal, wherein feed is dispensed in portions during the milking. At a predetermined moment the portion size is reduced, in order to increase the chance that the animal has actually eaten the last allocated portion at the moment when the milking has been ended, so that it will not hesitate to leave the milking parlor. This will result in a reduction of the time during which the milking parlor is unnecessarily occupied, and in an enhanced efficiency. |
| US08770143B2 |
Multi-region processing system
The various embodiments of the invention provide for relative movement of the substrate and a process head to access the entire wafer in a minimal space to conduct combinatorial processing on various regions of the substrate. The heads enable site isolated processing within the chamber described and method of using the same are described. |
| US08770142B2 |
Electrode for generating plasma and plasma generator
A plasma generator may include a first electrode extending in one direction, and a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode. Facing surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode may have spiral shapes along the one direction. A cross-section of the first electrode and a cross-section of the second electrode, which are perpendicular to the one direction, may have at least partially concentric shapes. An electrode for generating plasma may include a platform extending in one direction, and at least one protruding thread spirally formed on a surface of the platform along the one direction. |
| US08770141B2 |
Substrate coating device with control section that synchronizes substrate moving velocity and delivery pump
A substrate coating device is provided which is capable of reducing non-uniform film thickness areas that take place in a coating start portion and a coating end portion during coating using a slit nozzle coater.The substrate coating device (10) includes at least a slider driving motor (4), a pump (8), a delivery state quantity measuring section (82), and a control section (5). The slider driving motor (4) scans a slit nozzle (1) over a substrate (100) at an established velocity relative to the substrate (100). The pump (8) controls the supply of the coating liquid to the slit nozzle (1). The delivery state quantity measuring section (82) is configured to measure a state quantity indicative of a delivery state of the coating liquid from the tip of the slit nozzle (1). The control section (5) corrects control information to be fed to the slider driving motor (4) in such a manner as to cancel out a difference between control information fed to the pump (8) and measurement information fed from the delivery state quantity measuring section (82) based on difference information indicative of the difference. |
| US08770140B2 |
Marking apparatus having environmental sensors and operations sensors for underground facility marking operations, and associated methods and systems
Marking information relating to use of a marking device to perform a marking operation may be acquired from one or more input devices, logged/stored in local memory of a marking device, formatted in various manners, processed and/or analyzed at the marking device itself, and/or transmitted to another device (e.g., a remote computer/server) for storage, processing and/or analysis. In one example, a marking device may include one or more environmental sensors and/or operational sensors, and the marking information may include environmental information and operational information derived from such sensors. Environmental and/or operational information may be used to control operation of the marking device, assess out-of-tolerance conditions in connection with use of the marking device, and/or provide alerts or other feedback. Additional enhancements are disclosed relating to improving the determination of a location (e.g., GPS coordinates) of a dispensing tip of the marking device during use, a group/solo mode, and tactile functionality of a user interface. |
| US08770139B2 |
Apparatus for feeding cementitious slurry onto a moving web
An apparatus and process for depositing slurry upon a moving forming web. The apparatus includes a pivotally mounted headbox for depositing slurry from the inner bottom surface of the headbox down an inclined spillway as a continuous curtain onto a moving web. The headbox is mounted transverse to the direction of travel of the moving web. The headbox also has vertical edge boards, including a headbox back edge board and two opposed headbox side edgeboards, on three respective sides of the headbox to prevent slurry from spilling over the sides and back of the headbox. The headbox is supplied with slurry from a slurry mixer by a feed line mounted on a reciprocating trolley which moves, transverse to the direction of travel of the moving web, back and forth along the length of the headbox. |
| US08770136B2 |
Retractable boat cover assembly
A cover assembly for use to protect the contents of a boat including a pair of channels, a semi-rigid guide member slidably disposed within a passage of one of the channels, a crossrod supported on each end by one of the pair of channels and connected on one end to the semi-rigid guide member, and a cover sheet connected to the crossrod. The cover assembly configured such that as a retraction mechanism moves the semi-rigid guide member in the passage, the cover is extended or retracted to the desired position. |
| US08770132B2 |
Marine wind turbine whole machine
The present invention provides an offshore wind turbine complete set, comprising a foundation, a tower column and a wind turbine set. The foundation utilizes a steel-concrete structure and comprises a plurality of tanks which are respectively provided with an opening; a lower end of the tower column is installed on the foundation; and the wind turbine set is installed on an upper end of the tower column. When the offshore wind turbine complete set floats on water, the openings of the plurality of tanks are under the water, and the tank is injected with air or water, and the buoyancy and uprighting force are provided by the plurality of tanks, so as to keep the entire structure in a vertical floating state consistent with the state of installation on the offshore site, but without external force on the water. The use of the offshore wind turbine complete set of the present invention eliminates the need for large hoisting machinery and transportation vessels in the offshore operation, the operation can be easily performed with high ratio of success, and greatly reduces the cost. Moreover, the technical solutions of the present invention have advantages such as low construction noise, small area of sea bed disturbance, and no pollutant leakage during the offshore operation and are environment-friendly. |
| US08770131B2 |
Spar hull centerwell arrangement
A floating spar hull for offshore oil and natural gas exploration and production having a centerwell arrangement wherein a supporting wellbay deck is positioned in the centerwell at a level below the uppermost portion of the spar hull in the centerwell. The wellbay deck is attached to the spar hull by any suitable means such as shear plates such that a space remains between the deck and the spar hull for risers. This allows equipment to be placed below the uppermost deck of the topsides and eliminates or minimizes wind loads on the equipment. |
| US08770129B2 |
Dual mode fiber optic cable system for underwater remotely operated vehicle
A cable containing an optical fiber is used to transmit data between an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and a support vessel floating on the surface of the water. The ROV pulls the cable through the water and as the ROV dives away from the support vessel, the optical fiber is released from the support vessel. Excess tension in the cable can damage the optical fiber and the tension can be highest close to the ROV. To prevent potential damage to the optical fiber, the ROV can store a portion of the cable and release the cable if the detected tension approaches the maximum working load. When the tension drops to a lower safe level, the release mechanism can stop releasing the cable. |
| US08770127B2 |
Coupling device for a semi-continuous composite rigging system
A coupling device for a semi-continuous composite rigging system is provided including a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion comprises a first end and a second end. A first passage and a second passage extend from the first end to the second end, where the second passage is coextensive with the first passage at the first end and at the second end. The first body portion is configured to receive a continuous shroud and to allow the continuous shroud to pass therethrough. The second body portion is coupled to the first body portion and is configured to receive an end portion of a discontinuous shroud. |
| US08770125B2 |
Floating support or vessel equipped with a device for detecting the movement of the free surface of a body of liquid
A ship or floating support for transporting/storing liquid constituted by a liquefied having a plurality of beacon devices for detecting roughness of liquid within the tank, each beacon having a vibration sensor for measuring amplitude of the acceleration (g) as a function of time (t) of the vibratory movements of a wall on which the beacons are fastened, and an electronic calculation unit having a microprocessor and memory for processing a signal as measured by the vibration sensor, and a device for transmitting the signal to a supervisor or central unit. |
| US08770123B2 |
Overlock sewing machine
An overlock sewing machine includes an upper knife which is movable to a withdrawn position or a driving position, an upper knife driving unit which moves the upper knife, an interlocking switching unit which switches between an interlocking state in which the upper knife driving unit and the upper knife are interlock and a release state in which the upper knife driving unit and the upper knife are released, an upper knife position switching unit which switches the upper knife to the driving position or the withdrawn position, and an operating unit which drives the interlocking switching unit and the upper knife position switching unit such that the interlocking switching unit is brought into the interlocking state when the upper knife is switched to the driving position, and the interlocking switching unit is brought into the release state when the upper knife is switched to the withdrawn position. |
| US08770121B2 |
Seed distribution element for precision seed drills, seed drill including said element
A seed distribution element (1) includes: —a sowing disc (16) rotated by a motor-driven transmission shaft (20) —a housing (10) with a fixed portion (11) in which the shaft (20) is supported and a portion (12) movable relative to the fixed portion and can be closed against it, with a seed collection chamber (15) in the fixed portion (11) and a pneumatic suction chamber (17) in the movable portion (12), —the sowing disc (16) being interposed between the portions (11, 12) and having opposed surfaces (16a, 16b) delimiting the chambers, and provided with a ring of selector holes (23) extending between the opposed surfaces structure for producing a pressure differential between the opposed surfaces in the region of a circumferential segment of the ring of holes, including the pneumatic suction chamber, and —a seal (24) on the movable portion (12) capable of sliding contact with the facing surface (16a) of the disc (16) when the portions are closed against one another,—a thrust-bearing element (26) of the sowing disc (16), supported rotatably in the movable portion (12), to withstand the axial load produced by the disc (16) on the seal (24). |
| US08770119B1 |
Cover crop residue manager
The residue manager deflects cover crop stalks and flattens cover crop residue during a no-till or minimum-till agricultural planting process. The residue manager apparatus comprises an “A” shaped frame. A leading portion of the frame is designed to deflect cover crop stalks. Press shoes attached to an intermediate portion of the frame depress cover crop residue that is not deflected by the leading portion. The trailing portion of the residue manager frame is configured to attach to existing planting mechanisms, such as seed drills. As the residue manager is propelled across a field of cover crops, the residue manager deflects cover crop stalks and depresses cover crop residue adjacent to the planting mechanism so that the planting process is not obstructed by the cover crop biomass on the surface of the field. |
| US08770114B2 |
Collapsible dual sided privacy carrel
A collapsible dual sided privacy carrel designed to reduce distractibility in academic and work place settings accomplishes this through the use of bilaterally positioned hinged panels and a central section with an open viewing area. The collapsible dual sided privacy carrel securely deploys atop a work surface providing personal privacy partition in various environments. After use the carrel quickly collapses to a compact state allowing for facilitated storage. The collapsible dual sided privacy carrel comprises a central section, a first panel, a second panel, a first hinge, and a second hinge. The first panel and the second panel each comprise a peripheral vision obstruction, a section hinge, and a ground contacting section. The central section comprises a viewing area and a support section. The configuration of these components and subcomponents provides users with a private study carrel that effectively obscures laterally positioned distractions while in use. |
| US08770110B2 |
Selectable yield warhead and method
A warhead 10 with selectable output can provide either a high-yield mode for a wide area of damage or a low-yield mode for restricting damage to a confined area. The warhead 10 includes a casing 14 having one or more partitions 16 that separate the casing 14 into multiple compartments. Each compartment includes an explosive charge. The multiple compartments include at least a first compartment 20 with a first explosive charge 22 and a first igniter 30, and a second compartment 24 separate from the first compartment 20 with a second explosive charge 26 and a second igniter 32. The second compartment 24 has a deflagration charge 34 for selectively destroying the second explosive charge 26 without detonation. |
| US08770107B2 |
Device and method for producing flexographic printing sleeves
Device for producing flexographic printing sleeves starting from photopolymerizable sleeves comprising at least a clean-out unit, a drying unit, and a post-exposure unit, wherein the flexographic printing sleeves are transported within the apparatus by means of a transport device, wherein the sleeves are mounted dually translationally in the longitudinal direction in the transport device, and a method for the production of flexographic printing sleeves using said device. |
| US08770106B2 |
Printer component mounting and alignment system
A printing system includes a frame. A first printer component is mounted to the frame. A second printer component is compliantly mounted to the frame such that the second printer component is free to move in a plane. A first alignment mechanism is kinematically coupled to the first printer component and is kinematically coupled to the second printer component. A second alignment mechanism is kinematically coupled to the first printer component and is kinematically coupled to the second printer component. |
| US08770104B2 |
Equipment for carrying out the quality control of material printed on paper or plastic bands
The machine of the present invention carries out the operations for the quality control of the material printed on a paper or plastic band; the machine has, in the central part, the quality control equipment, preceded by a first part which is constituted of a spool un-winder and of a final part which is constituted of a spool re-winder. The first part, constituted of the un-winder, is comprised between the unwound material and a main drawer, the central part, which constitutes the quality control equipment, is comprised between the main drawer, the control level and an arrest compensator, secondary operations and re-winding. |
| US08770103B2 |
Presser assembly having a presser and an improved mounting arrangement for mounting a pressing member to the presser
A presser assembly is provided in which a presser plate or presser board mounting adapter is clamped to a lower end of a presser stem. A rail having a lower channel and an upper channel is provided for clamping the presser plate or presser board mounting adapter to the stem, and more particularly, a presser foot coupled to the lower end of the stem. The present invention allows the presser plate or the presser board mounting adapter to be mounted to the stem without the use of tools or fasteners. |
| US08770102B2 |
Square baler comprising a control system
The square baler comprises a control system which is operative to determine a desired value for at least one operating parameter based on the inputted operating parameters and the sensor measurements, determine if an operating parameter deviates from its desired value and display to the operator a recommended change to this operating parameter in order to restore this operating parameter to its desired value. |
| US08770101B2 |
Method for controlling a twine brake device of a square baler
A twine brake device is so controlled that during an initial period in which the bale chamber is not filled with harvested material, the average tension in the twine, wire or cord is higher than during a second period in which the bale chamber is completely filled with harvested material. |
| US08770099B2 |
Beverage preparation machine and method for cleaning a beverage preparation machine
The invention relates to a beverage preparation machine comprising an apparatus for frothing or heating milk, which apparatus is connected via a milk suction hose to a milk container, and a cleaning apparatus for cleaning the milk suction hose and the apparatus for frothing or heating milk by means of a flushing fluid. The milk can be sucked from the milk container into the apparatus for frothing or heating milk by means of a vacuum which can be generated in the apparatus for frothing or heating milk. The cleaning apparatus contains a switching valve which can be switched into an operating position in which a milk connection is enabled between the milk container and the apparatus for frothing or heating milk via the milk suction hose and into a flushing position in which a first flushing fluid connection is enabled between a flushing fluid outlet of the beverage preparation machine and the apparatus for frothing or heating milk via a flushing hose, the switching valve switched into the flushing position and the milk suction hose. |
| US08770095B2 |
Infusion device to prepare beverages form single-serving capsules with capsule centering device
An infusion device includes an infusion chamber with first and second portions, movable with respect to each other, one of which defines a seat for a capsule. At least one perforator is disposed in the seat to perforate the capsule. A first duct feeds an infusion fluid into the chamber and a second duct allows delivery of food product from the infusion chamber. A centering member of the capsules is housed in the seat, elastically movable in an axial direction and provided with a guide. |
| US08770094B2 |
Beverage preparation machine for large size beverages
A beverage preparation machine (1) has a fluid circuit (3-10c) that comprises a liquid flavoring arrangement (9a, 3, 4, 5) for circulating a liquid, such as water, through a flavoring ingredient (2, 2′) to flavor this liquid and for dispensing this flavored liquid to a user-receptacle (100). The fluid circuit further comprises a dilution arrangement (9b, 9′, 9″) for mixing the liquid unflavored with the flavored liquid upon flavoring. |
| US08770090B2 |
Methods and systems for managing a clearance gap in a piston engine
A piston engine may include a non-contact bearing between a piston assembly and a cylinder. The piston may be configured to translate in a bore of the cylinder, and a non-contact bearing may be included in a clearance gap between the piston assembly and the bore. A bearing fluid may be supplied to the clearance gap via the piston assembly and/or cylinder to create the non-contact bearing. A bearing element may be used to direct or otherwise manage the flow of bearing fluid in the clearance gap. The bearing element may include one or more holes, porous portions, and/or passages to direct the bearing fluid to the clearance gap. |
| US08770087B2 |
Hydraulic servo-drive device and variable turbo-supercharger using the same
A hydraulic servo drive device includes: a pilot spool for switching supply and shutoff of oil; a servo piston slid in accordance with the pilot spool; a stroke sensor for detecting a displacement of the servo piston; a first hydraulic chamber in which oil for moving the servo piston is flowed; a first piston oil path for communicating a pump port to which oil is supplied from a pump with a first hydraulic chamber; and a discharge circulating oil path for communicating the first hydraulic chamber with a drain port. |
| US08770078B2 |
Sheet hole punching device
A sheet hole punching device has a device frame bearing-supporting a plurality of punching members, a driving rotation shaft, a drive motor, a gear mechanism transmitting a rotation of the driving rotation shaft, cam mechanisms converting the rotational movement into vertical movement, and a motor control device. The gearing mechanism includes drive gears fixed on the driving rotation shaft and receiving gears to engage with the drive gears to transmit the rotational movement to the punching members. The cam mechanism includes cylindrical cams formed integrally to the punching members and cam followers fixed to the device frame. The cylindrical cams are provided with V-shaped groove cams to reciprocate the punching members between an upper dead point and a lower dead point. The punching members are rotated in one direction to punch holes in a sheet, and subsequently rotated in a reverse direction to punch holes in a following sheet. |
| US08770074B2 |
Power saw having a dust cleaning system
A table saw includes a base assembly having a base structure and side walls, a table top assembly top surface, and an undercarriage assembly including a motor. The undercarriage assembly is configured to adjust the vertical and angular position of a blade relative to the table top assembly, and includes an undercarriage frame and cover together defining a narrow housing configured and sized to enclose substantially all of an installed blade under the top surface. The housing has an upper pivot for adjusting the angular position of the blade and is configured to have the motor slidably mounted therein to adjust the vertical position of the blade. A removable port structure attached to a bottom portion of the undercarriage assembly has an outlet port at an outer end that is configured to be connected to a vacuum source. |
| US08770073B2 |
Sheet punching apparatus and control method thereof
A sheet punching apparatus capable of improving the accuracy of movement distance of a movable member and maintaining the durability of a drive unit of the apparatus. A sheet post-processing apparatus controller computes a time period corresponding to an amount of overrun of a slider at the time of stopping the slider in an initial operation. In a punching operation, the sheet post-processing apparatus controller starts a punch motor at a timing earlier by the computed time period corresponding to the amount of overrun than a stop timing of a conveyance motor. |
| US08770072B2 |
Hand-held band saw
A method for single hand operation of a hand-held band saw is provided. The band saw has a frame and a handle extending from a longitudinal edge of the frame at an acute angle and opposite an edge containing a throat for receiving the work piece, and a continuous-loop blade traversing the throat. The orientation of the handle centers the mass of the saw below the hand and positions a cutting section of the blade in a vertical plane so it will engage a work piece at a preferred angle selected by the user. |
| US08770068B2 |
Screwdriver for an inner profile screw
A screw driver for a screw having a drive socket having an axially extending shaft with a bifurcated tip, the tip having a cross-sectional profile for insertion into a cross-sectional profile of the screw socket. The shaft has a tapered section adjacent the bifurcated tip. A bushing is mounted on an outer surface of the shaft for axial movement therealong. The bushing has inwardly extending protrusions for engaging the tapered section on the shaft upon movement in the axial direction along the shaft in a direction away from the tip. This allows the selective capture or release of the screw by the shaft tip by axial movement of the bushing away from and towards the shaft distal tip. |
| US08770059B2 |
Bicycle shift device having a linearly sliding shift lever operated by a pivoting interface member
A bicycle shift control device comprises a control body supported by a mounting member, wherein the mounting member defines a handlebar mounting axis (HB); a movable operating body; a transmission that converts movement of the operating body into rotation of the control body; and an interface member movably mounted relative to the operating body. The interface member pivots around a pivot axis (P) for moving the operating body, wherein the pivot axis (P) is inclined relative to the handlebar mounting axis (HB). The interface member comprises a lever including an operating force receiving member and an operating force applying member extending from the operating force receiving member. The operating force receiving member extends from the pivot axis (P), and free ends of the operating force receiving member and the operating force applying member are spaced apart from each other. |
| US08770055B2 |
Multi-axis pivot assembly for control sticks and associated systems and methods
Multi-axis pivot assemblies for control sticks and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A multi-axis pivot assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, an input shaft, a first axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft, and a second axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft via a series of linkages and pivoting joints. The first and second axis output shafts rotated about corresponding first and second fixed bearing sets to capture a first axis output and a second axis output. The series of linkages are configured to decouple first axis movement of the input shaft from second axis movement of the input shaft such that the second axis output is substantially independent of the first axis output. |
| US08770047B2 |
Apparatus and method for particle analysis
A method for wear analysis. The method includes introducing a lubricant sample into a tube. The lubricant sample includes debris, wear, or other particles of different sizes. The tube includes a number of filter patches, each of a predetermined pore size. The method further includes centrifuging the tube for displacing the lubricant sample, and the wear particles thereof, along a length of the tube. The filter patches impede passage of wear particles of a size larger than their pore size therethrough, thereby separating the wear particles according to the sizes of the wear particles. The tube is attached to a handler of a centrifuge for centrifugation by the centrifuge. Multiple tubes can be attached to multiple handlers of the centrifuge for simultaneous centrifugation by the centrifuge. Centrifugation tubes (or tubes) are also provided by the present disclosure. |
| US08770034B2 |
Packaged sensor with multiple sensors elements
The present disclose relates to sensor including multiple sensor elements. In some cases, the multiple sensor elements may be mounted on a single substrate and each may be configured to sense a single parameter with different resolutions, sensitivities, and/or ranges, and/or the multiple parameters. In one example, multiple pressure sensing die may be mounted in a single package, and each may be configured as a differential pressure sensor, an absolute pressure sensor, and/or a gauge pressure sensor, as desired. |
| US08770033B2 |
Capactive pressure sensor incorporating a temperature measurement and compatible with hot environments
A capacitive measurement device including first measurement device designed to carry out a first measurement function in relation to a nearby object, the first measurement device including a body and, a capacity electrode, both of a substantially conductive material, and a guard electrode placed between the body and the capacitive electrode and insulated from the body on the one hand and from the capacitive electrode on the other hand by dielectric elements; an excitation apparatus which maintains the capacitive electrode and the guard electrode to a desired AC electrical potential; a first electronic apparatus, connected to the capacitive and guard electrodes, for measuring the capacitance between the capacitive electrode and the object; and a second measurement device designed to carry out a second measurement function, which are located in the vicinity of either the capacitive or guard electrode, and maintained by the excitation apparatus to a desired AC electrical potential. |
| US08770032B2 |
Relative pressure sensor
A relative pressure sensor includes: a pressure measuring transducer having a measuring membrane of a semiconductor chip and a platform, wherein, between both of these, a reference pressure chamber is formed; a support body, connected with the platform by means of a pressure-bearing adhesion, wherein a reference pressure path extends through the two former elements into the reference pressure chamber; and a sensor outer body, in which a transducer chamber with a first opening and a second opening is formed. The pressure measuring transducer is brought into the transducer chamber through the first opening, and is held therein by means of the support body. The support body pressure-tightly seals the first opening, and a side of the measuring membrane facing away from the reference pressure chamber is contactable with the media pressure through the second opening. The reference pressure path has a gas-filled, sealed section, which extends from the reference pressure chamber at least through the pressure bearing adhesion, and wherein the sealed section is gas-tightly sealed by means of a flexible, metallized plastic foil. |
| US08770029B2 |
Method and apparatus for ultrasonic testing
A method for ultrasonic testing of an object, the method comprising ultrasonic scanning of a plurality of scan regions of the object; converting ultrasonic echoes of the ultrasonic scanning into a plurality of electrical signals; gating the electrical signals to provide gated signals; and wherein different gating times are used for the electrical signals. |
| US08770027B2 |
Pulse-echo method by means of an array-type probe and temperature compensation
The invention relates to a nondestructive ultrasonic test method in which at least one ultrasonic pulse is emitted into a workpiece under test by at least one ultrasonic transmitter (3), the ultrasonic pulse is reflected on boundary surfaces within the workpiece, the reflected ultrasound is received by at least one ultrasonic receiver (2), and the associated signals are evaluated, the ultrasound penetrating a damping block (4) that is arranged between the workpiece and the transmitter or receiver. The method is characterized in that it includes at least one step for determining at least one dimension (alpha, d1, d2) of the damping block (4) that is relevant for the ultrasonic test; in said step, the propagation time of at least one ultrasonic pulse which is generated by the ultrasonic transmitter (3), is reflected on a boundary surface (5) of the damping block (4), and is received by the ultrasonic receiver (2) is measured, and at least one dimension (alpha, d1, d2) of the damping block (4) that is relevant for the ultrasonic test is determined from the measurement. |
| US08770022B2 |
Method and system for determining non-uniformity characteristics of a vehicle tire and rim
A method and system for a wheel assembly service system are provided. The system includes a rotatable spindle configured to receive a wheel assembly wherein the wheel assembly includes at least a rim and a tire. The system further includes a load device configured to apply a load to the tire during a rotation of the wheel assembly on the spindle, and a controller configured to determine a first force variation vector of the wheel assembly, prompt a user to rotate the tire with respect to the rim, determine a second force variation vector of the wheel assembly with the tire rotated with respect to the rim, and determine a force variation of at least one of the tire and the wheel using the first and second force variation vectors. The system also outputs at least one of the determined force variation vector values. |
| US08770019B2 |
Test rig for dynamic test assignments on internal combustion engines, and method for operating a test rig of this kind
A test rig for dynamic test assignments on internal combustion engines is equipped with a preferably electrical drive and/or loading device which is coupled to a control device for adapting and controlling setpoint values for a speed and a torque characteristic. For a test rig of this kind, in order to enable the setpoint values determined by a speed and a torque characteristic to be optimally adapted and controlled for the respective test assignment and so that they can be reproduced on the test rig in the best possible manner, the control device can be adapted in terms of adjusting the weighting of speed control to torque control. |
| US08770017B2 |
Method of manufacturing a molded sensor subassembly
A method of producing an insert molded sensor assembly having at least one sensor element accommodated on a first side of a circuit board of the sensor assembly. During a first step, a plurality of pins are introduced and penetrate through the circuit board. The circuit board, including the at least one sensor element, is then disposed, during a second step, into a two-part insert mold tool so that the pins are supported on both sides of the circuit board in a direction transverse to a plane defined by the circuit board. A defined spacing distance, between a surface of the sensor element and the insert mold tool, is produced by the pins. During a third step of the method, the insert mold tool is filled with insert molding material, particularly a duroplast. |
| US08770015B2 |
Fault isolation in electronic returnless fuel system
A method for detecting and isolating an actual fault in a fuel delivery system having a fuel pump and a fuel pump motor, includes monitoring fuel pressure, pump current, and pump voltage. Each of a plurality of fault triggers are designated as one of flagged and un-flagged based on at least one of the fuel pressure, the pump current and the pump voltage. The actual fault in the fuel delivery system is isolated from a plurality of possible faults when a condition respective to one of the possible faults is satisfied based on at least one of the plurality of fault triggers designated as flagged and un-flagged. |
| US08770013B2 |
Evaporation leak check system
A pump characteristics expression of a pump is developed based on a closed-state pressure detected when the pump is driven while a space between a pump passage and a first passage is closed, an open-time pressure detected immediately after the space is opened while the pump is operated, and a flow rate characteristics expression of the pump passage. A reference pressure is determined by an intersection point between the pump characteristics expression of the pump and a flow rate characteristics expression of an orifice having a predetermined passage area. A leak check portion determines whether a leak of fuel evaporation generated from a fuel tank is within an allowable range by comparing the reference pressure and a pressure detected when the pump is operated for a predetermined period while the space is opened. |
| US08770004B2 |
Rolling mill roll and rolling mill machine
The present invention is to provide a rolling mil roll including a rolling mill ring and a metal base in which a tensile stress applied to the rolling mill ring located along the outer circumferential face side is reduced; and then cracks thereon are prevented from occurring. The rolling mill roll 10 includes: the rolling mill roll 11 made of cemented carbide having rolling sections 13 on its outer circumferential face 11a; and the metal base 12 located on the inner circumferential face of the rolling mill roll 11. The circumferential interface 14, where the rolling mill ring 11 and the metal base 12 face each other, is fixed radially around its axis L by a contact pressure derived from a fitting section, and also is bound with an adhesive agent M. |
| US08770000B2 |
Programmable cylinder lock which does not require a special change key
A lock with a programming device, includes a stator, a rotor rotatably inserted therein, a keyhole, a longitudinal groove, a set of key followers and a set of locking pins which, under control of a change bar, can be mutually engaged for normal operation and disengaged in a change condition, and can be moved or blocked under control of a stop bar provided with springs which stress the stop bar outwards. The change bar is arranged to keep or assume, even in the change condition, a position in which it retains the engagement among at least some of the key followers and locking pins. A change element displaces the change bar to the position in which it disengages all the key followers from the locking pins, when the user intends to proceed with the change of the key. A device for preventing a faulty programming is provided. |
| US08769997B2 |
Laundry machine
A laundry machine is disclosed. A laundry machine includes a main laundry machine washing or drying laundry and an auxiliary laundry machine comprising a body installed in a predetermined portion of the main laundry machine, a drawer detachably from the body and a steam supply device installed in the main laundry machine, the drawer supplying steam to the drawer selectively. |
| US08769992B2 |
Panel-cooled submerged combustion melter geometry and methods of making molten glass
A melter apparatus includes a floor, a ceiling, and a substantially vertical wall connecting the floor and ceiling at a perimeter of the floor and ceiling, a melting zone being defined by the floor, ceiling and wall, the melting zone having a feed inlet and a molten glass outlet positioned at opposing ends of the melting zone. The melting zone includes an expanding zone beginning at the inlet and extending to an intermediate location relative to the opposing ends, and a narrowing zone extending from the intermediate location to the outlet. One or more burners, at least some of which are positioned to direct combustion products into the melting zone under a level of molten glass in the zone, are also provided. |
| US08769991B2 |
Production of fluorophosphate optical glass, and production of optical element
In a method for producing a fluorophosphate optical glass comprising melting a glass raw material to give a molten glass, and refining, homogenizing and then quickly quenching the molten glass to produce the fluorophosphate optical glass, even if the glass is flown from a refining tank that is set to a high temperature to an operation tank that is set to a low temperature, bubbles are not generated in the glass.The content of Fe in terms of Fe2O3 and the content of Cu in terms of CuO is controlled so that the total of the contents of Fe and Cu is 20 ppm or more, and the obtained fluorophosphate optical glass has such transmittance property that the internal transmittance in terms of a thickness of 10 mm becomes 98% or more at a wavelength region of at least from 400 to 500 nm. |
| US08769990B2 |
Method for tempering glass sheet, and apparatus therefor
The method for tempering a glass sheet of the present invention comprises a heating step of heating the glass sheet to a temperature close to the softening point of the glass sheet, a quenching step of blowing a cooling medium to both surfaces in the thickness direction of the heated glass to cool it, and a pre-quenching step between the heating step and the quenching step and further has an internal heating substep of selectively heating the vicinity of the center portion in the thickness direction of the glass sheet at least in the quenching step, to create such a state that when the temperature at the center portion in the thickness direction of the glass sheet is close to the tempering point, the temperature at the surfaces in the thickness direction of the glass sheet is not higher than the annealing point. |
| US08769989B2 |
Cleaving apparatus for a band-like glass film and cleaving method for a band-like glass film
A cleaving apparatus holds at least one surface (effective surface) of a band-like glass film in a non-contact state to suppress a situation that wavy portions reach a region in which the band-like glass film is to be cleaved. The cleaving apparatus cleaves the band-like glass film, which is being conveyed in a longitudinal direction thereof, along a conveyance direction thereof using a thermal stress generated through localized heating and cooling of a heated region. The localized heating and the cooling is performed on a preset cleaving line extending along the conveyance direction of the band-like glass film. The cleaving apparatus includes an air knife for supplying air to a front surface of the band-like glass film to retain the film on a conveyor at a position on an upstream side of a cleaving region in the conveyance direction. |
| US08769985B2 |
Low temperature air separation process for producing pressurized gaseous product
A compressed air stream is cooled in an exchanger to form a compressed cooled air stream. The stream is then cryogenically compressed in a first compressor to form a first pressurized gas stream. The first pressurized gas stream is further cooled in the exchanger, cryogenically compressed in a second compressor, and then it is cooled and partially liquefied. The cooled and partially liquefied product is then fed to a system of distillation columns. A liquid product is removed from the system of distillation columns. This product is then pressurized, vaporized and warmed in the exchanger to yield pressurized gaseous product. |
| US08769983B2 |
Refrigeration cycle apparatus
The present invention provides a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a first compressor and a second compressor driven by an expander and including a high and low pressure heat exchanger, in which a low-pressure-side outlet of the high and low pressure heat exchanger is bypassed to a low pressure portion or an intermediate pressure portion to adjust an inlet density at the expander and thereby provide high efficiency. The high and low pressure heat exchanger of the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the present invention changes an amount of heat exchange between a high-pressure refrigerant and a reduced-pressure refrigerant branched from the high-pressure refrigerant at an inlet portion of the high and low pressure heat exchanger and reduced in pressure to adjust the density of the refrigerant flowing in the expander so that power recovered by the expander and power required by the second compressor match. |
| US08769981B2 |
Refrigerator with ice maker and ice level sensor
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a storage compartment and a refrigerator door opening and closing the storage compartment. The refrigerator door includes an ice compartment, an ice maker in the ice compartment, the ice maker generating ice cubes, an ice bin storing the ice cubes generated in the ice maker, and a cool air duct guiding cool air to the ice maker. |
| US08769980B2 |
Apparatus for purifying water
An apparatus for purifying water comprises: an ice making unit configured to make introduced water into ice cubes, and to store the ice cubes; a cold water unit configured to generate cold water by receiving the ice cubes made by the ice making unit; and a cooling unit configured to supply cold air to the ice making unit. Firstly, since cold water is generated by using ice cubes made by the ice making unit, may be solved the conventional problem that the ice cubes cling to each other due to contact with the cold water. Secondly, the ice making unit, the cold water unit, etc. may be installed so as to be stacked with each other in upper and lower directions, the apparatus for purifying water may have a slim configuration. |
| US08769973B2 |
Refrigeration systems having prescriptive refrigerant flow control
A refrigeration system for a frozen product dispenser is controlled to have a variable cooling capacity that is determined by variable cooling load demands of the dispenser. This is accomplished, in part, by providing the refrigeration system with a variable speed compressor and one or more adjustable expansion valves for metering refrigerant to associated evaporators that are heat exchange coupled to associated freeze barrels of the dispenser, and by controlling the metering setting of the expansion valves and the speed of operation of the compressor in accordance with the cooling load demands of the dispenser. The arrangement provides for efficient operation of the refrigeration system from an energy standpoint and for a reduction in on/off cycling of the system. |
| US08769971B2 |
Indirect evaporative cooler using membrane-contained, liquid desiccant for dehumidification
An indirect evaporative cooler for cooling inlet supply air from a first temperature to a second, lower temperature using a stream of liquid coolant and a stream of exhaust or purge air. The cooler includes a first flow channel for inlet supply air and a second flow channel adjacent the first for exhaust air. The first and second flow channels are defined in part by sheets of a membrane permeable to water vapor such that mass is transferred as a vapor through the membrane from the inlet supply air to a contained liquid desiccant for dehumidification and also to the exhaust air as heat is transferred from the inlet supply air to the liquid coolant. A separation wall divides the liquid desiccant and the coolant but allows heat to be transferred from the supply air to the coolant which releases water vapor to the counter or cross flowing exhaust air. |
| US08769967B2 |
Electrocaloric heat transfer
A heat pump, including first and second chambers enclosing phase change material, each chamber having an evaporator end with hydrophilic material and a condenser end with a hybrid hydrophobic/hydrophilic material. Each chamber is also operably connected to a respective electrocaloric element. |
| US08769960B2 |
Gas turbine engine mixing duct and method to start the engine
A combustion chamber device having a field static pressure gradient adapted to expel a flame kernel or hot spot from a fuel-air mixing duct. The swirling flow passing through an annular mixing duct is turned from a radial direction to an axial direction before entering the combustion chamber. An ignition source located within the fuel-air mixing duct can then be used to start the combustion process in the gas turbine. |
| US08769959B2 |
Nozzle with an adjustable throat
One embodiment of the present invention includes a nozzle defining a passage to receive and discharge working fluid to produce thrust. The nozzle includes the first wall structure opposite a second wall structure. The first wall structure includes a first convergent flap pivotally connected to a first divergent flap. The second wall structure includes a second convergent flap pivotally connected to a second divergent flap. The first wall structure and the second wall structure define the throat along the passage and are reconfigurable to adjust dimensional area of the throat. One or more control valves modulate flow of the pressurized fluid into the passage through a first opening in the first wall structure and a second opening in the second wall structure approximate to the throat to change effective area of the throat by fluidic control. |
| US08769956B2 |
Multi-premixer fuel nozzle support system
A system comprising a fuel nozzle. The fuel nozzle includes a mounting base and an inlet flow conditioner extending directly from the mounting base in a downstream direction. Moreover, the inlet flow conditioner structurally supports the fuel nozzle without a central support member extending directly from the mounting base inside the inlet flow conditioner. |
| US08769950B2 |
Axial turbine
A turbocharger including a turbine wheel having a hub-to-tip ratio of no more than 60% and blades with a high turning angle, a turbine housing forming an inwardly spiraling primary-scroll passageway that significantly converges to produce highly accelerated airflow into the turbine at high circumferential angles, and a two-sided parallel compressor. The compressor and turbine each produce substantially no axial force, allowing the use of minimal axial thrust bearings. |
| US08769945B2 |
Work vehicle and work vehicle control method
A pump displacement control cylinder is configured to control the displacement of a hydraulic pump according to pressure of hydraulic fluid and switches the discharge direction of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump according to the supply direction of the hydraulic fluid to the pump displacement control cylinder. A forward and backward progression switching valve is configured to switch the supply direction of the hydraulic fluid to the pump displacement control cylinder. A pressure control valve is configured to control the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the pump displacement control cylinder according to a command value input to the pressure control valve. A control section is configured to execute pump shuttle control which reduces the command value to the pressure control valve when switching between forward and backward progression using a forward and backward progression operation member. |
| US08769943B2 |
Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control. |
| US08769942B2 |
Exhaust manifold for an internal combustion engine
An exhaust manifold for an internal combustion engine has at least one exhaust pipe and a flange which can be fastened to an engine block of the internal combustion engine. On the side facing away from the engine block, the flange is provided with a channel which is connected to a fluid line and which is in fluid communication with the interior of the exhaust pipe via a lateral opening in the exhaust pipe. The fluid line opens into the channel on the side of the flange that faces away from the engine block. |
| US08769941B2 |
Support system for an exhaust aftertreatment system for a locomotive having a two-stroke locomotive diesel engine
A support system for an exhaust aftertreatment system for a two-stroke locomotive diesel engine providing a secure mounting of certain components of the exhaust aftertreatment system to the locomotive structure while at the same time allowing for differential thermal expansion (and the resulting physical displacement) of the components. The support system further carries the physical mass of the components of the aftertreatment system while at the same time effectively isolating the aftertreatment system from external loads and forces caused by motions of the locomotive engine and the locomotive frame. |
| US08769938B2 |
Exhaust treatment device with electric regeneration system
The present disclosure relates to a diesel exhaust treatment device including a catalytic converter positioned upstream from a diesel particulate filter. An electric heater is positioned between the catalytic converter and the diesel particulate filter. A shore station can be used to provide power and combustion air to the diesel exhaust treatment device during regeneration of the diesel particulate filter. |
| US08769929B2 |
Exhaust system with a NOx sensor
Various systems and methods are described for controlling a NOx sensor coupled to an engine exhaust system in a motor vehicle. One example method comprises generating an offset of the sensor based on an ambient air flow drawn into the exhaust system, the ambient air flow having circumvented cylinders of the engine, and adjusting an output of the sensor based on the generated offset. |
| US08769928B2 |
Exhaust system having cross-sensitive sensor
An exhaust system for use with a combustion engine is disclosed. The exhaust system may have an exhaust passage, a reduction catalyst disposed within the exhaust passage, and an injection device configured to inject reductant into the exhaust passage. The exhaust system may also have a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a concentration of an exhaust constituent and the reductant, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the injection device. The controller may be configured to make a comparison of a value indicative of a rate of change of the signal for a period of time with a threshold amount, and make a determination of whether the sensor is sensing a concentration of the exhaust constituent or the reductant based on the comparison. The controller may also be configured to adjust operation of the injection device based on the determination. |
| US08769926B2 |
Thrust reverser having an aerodynamic coupling for a front frame
A thrust reversal device for a turbojet engine nacelle is provided that includes a deflection means and at least one cowl moveable relative to at least one fixed structure including at least one at least partly peripheral front frame and equipped with means for connection to a corresponding upstream portion. The front frame has a deflection edge having an upstream extension forming a deformable flap intended to become an aerodynamic interface with the corresponding upstream portion to which is attached the front frame, and in that a portion of the moveable cowl is conformed so as to, in the closing position, interface with said upstream attachment portion by forcing withdrawal of the deformable flap. |
| US08769923B2 |
Liquid-fuel storage vessel and vapor jet system using the same
Disclosed is a liquid-fuel storage vessel for use in a vapor jet system to store liquid fuel, wherein the vapor jet system is adapted to jet the fuel in a state after being vaporized inside the liquid-fuel storage vessel, outside the liquid-fuel storage vessel, to obtain a thrust. The liquid-fuel storage vessel comprises: a hollow tank for storing the liquid fuel, wherein the tank has an ejection port for ejecting the vaporized fuel, outside the liquid-fuel storage vessel therethrough; a heating device for heating the tank; and a porous metal formed to have a plurality of interconnected cells and provided inside the tank, wherein at least a part of the liquid fuel is held in the cells of the porous metal, and heat energy given from the heating device to the tank is transferred to the liquid fuel through the porous metal to cause vaporization of at least a part of the liquid fuel. The liquid-fuel storage vessel of the present invention can obtain a stable thrust level and ensure spacecraft attitude control. |
| US08769922B2 |
Guidance chain for guiding cables or other lines in a medical diagnostic apparatus
A guidance chain for guiding a connection line, such as a cable, electrical cable, fiber glass cable, water line, gas line or fluid line, between parts of a medical diagnostic apparatus which are moved relative to each other, includes plural chain elements, where consecutive chain elements are moveable relative to each other about a respective imaginary or real rotation axis for realizing a folding movement of the guidance chain. The guidance chain is constructed such that it has a pre-set curvature in an unfolded state, and the radial extensions of the rotation axes are originating from substantially the same point in a folded state of the guidance chain. |
| US08769921B2 |
Method and device for protecting the end of an anchored cable
To protect the end of a cable composed of a set of tendons individually held in an anchorage system, the device comprises a skirt extending from the front of the anchorage system and placed around the set of tendons, and several sleeves. The tendons have respective end portions which extend beyond the front of the anchorage system and which are individually received in the sleeves, said sleeves being sealed off beyond the end portions of the tendons. A connection between the skirt and the sleeves encloses a chamber delimited by the front of the anchorage system, the skirt, and the sleeves, the connection comprising an active stuffing box kind of system. The volume of this chamber is filled in with a filling product. |
| US08769919B2 |
Crop harvesting header with sealing member between draper and cutter bar
A crop harvesting header with a cutter bar and a draper assembly has a draper which includes a front edge of the upper run of the draper arranged at a position adjacent to but spaced from the cutter bar and there is provided a sealing member extending along the cutter bar. The sealing member is co-extruded to form a constant cross-sectional shape along the full length and to define a first portion of a stiffer plastics material attached to the cutter bar and a second blade portion of a more flexible plastics material which extends rearwardly from the first portion at the cutter bar to lie over and in contact with a bead along a front edge portion of the draper. |
| US08769916B2 |
Farm implement for harvesting and mowing that is relesably couplable to and powered by a tractor
A farm implement configured to be releasably coupled to a tractor equipped with a rearwardly oriented power take of device. The farm implement includes a central frame; at least two forward crop engaging arms mounted on the frame, that extend outward from a central axis to a first width and; at least two crop rearward engaging arms mounted on the frame. The rearward crop engaging arms extend outward from a central axis to a second width. A plurality of crop engaging members, are positioned on each of the forward and rearward crop engaging arms. The implement also includes a power transmission mechanism operatively connected to the forward crop and rearward engaging arms and engageable with the power take off apparatus on the associated tractor. |
| US08769915B2 |
Tablet supply apparatus
A tablet supply apparatus including a main body having a case accommodating unit at the upper portion thereof, plural tablet cases provided in the case accommodating unit, each of the tablet cases having tablets accommodated therein, a hopper provided at the lower side of the tablet case in the main body, a nozzle for filling tablets received by the hopper into a container, the nozzle comprising a passage through which tables drop, a shutter which is freely opened and closed so as to allow or prohibit passage of dropping tablets through the nozzle, and a sensor for detecting passage of the tablets dropping through the passage at an upper side of the shutter. Furthermore, a tablet feeder for adding deficient tablets to the hopper comprises plural cells for accommodating tablets and an endless belt on which the cells are arranged on a line side by side. |
| US08769912B2 |
Method of forming a wood board incorporating embedded sound attenuating elements and stiffening elements
A board comprised of a wood structure having a first surface, a second surface, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge and opposing ends. Sound attenuating elements embedded within the wood structure and stiffening elements positioned within the wood structure to coincide with the location of floor joist to which the board will be secured. The boards further forming a ceiling/floor structure by laying a single set of the boards adjacent to each other and securing them to the floor joists. |
| US08769907B2 |
Construction elements and method of using and making same
Construction elements and methods of using and making them in a structurally strong manner are disclosed. The construction element and the method of making it may be in the form of an elongated beam, a post or other. The element may include a generally tubular open frame formed of a series of conjoined octahedral sections constructed and arranged in a side by side manner joined together by conjoined pairs of tetrahedral sections disposed intermediate the octahedral sections. Each pair of octahedral sections may be constructed and arranged such that they are conjoined together by a common member, also common with the intermediate tetrahedral sections. The method may include forming an upright structure, using at least one large construction element having a plurality of octahedral and tetrahedral sections, and positioning at least one small construction element within an opening within the sections of the large construction element and affixing thereto. |
| US08769902B2 |
Tile systems and methods of making and using same
A tile system, comprising: —a mounting unit, e.g. a rail fixed to a wall; —a tile unit, e.g. a frame holding a decorative tile; —a tile unit-fastening device configured to fasten the tile unit to the mounting unit, e.g. a pin engaging recesses formed on the mounting and the tile unit, the tile unit-fastening device preferably comprising a repositioning mechanism configured to allow the tile unit to move in one or two directions parallel to the wall after the tile unit is fastened to the mounting unit, e.g. the pin having ribs on its outer surface and the recesses being elongated and having cooperating ribs on their elongated inner faces. |
| US08769900B2 |
Building construction system
A panel assembly for a building structure including a support frame that is mountable relative to a building substrate, the support frame including a plurality of first members extending in a first direction and at least one member extending in a second direction and overlaying the members in the first direction, at least one sheeting member provided on at least one side of the support frame so that the support frame and the structural sheeting define a zone for a cementitious material, and a layer of cementitious material positioned against the structural sheeting to at least partially fill the zone. |
| US08769898B2 |
Structural infill wall panel module
A facade/wall system comprises a number of modules. Each module comprises a plurality of insulating panels which have connection means on opposite sides thereof for interengaging the panels together at joints between the panels. Reinforcing elements in the form of top hat sections bridge the joints between adjacent panels. The top hat reinforcement elements used to interconnect adjacent panels in a module ensure that the composite panels act together as monolithic structure that creates a diaphragm while providing a surface to which cladding can be fixed and also providing a cavity between the panels and the cladding attached to the modules. They stiffen the panels and thereby enhance resistance to deflection. The system is cost effective and relatively easy and quick to install. |
| US08769893B1 |
Twist lock portable building footing
A twist lock portable building footing preferably includes a block anchor device, a threaded adjustment shaft, a pocket projection device and a cast concrete block. The block anchor device preferably includes a threaded tube, a plurality of rebar projections. The pocket projection device preferably includes a support base, an H-shaped spherical roller bearing and a twist lock projection. The support base includes a base threaded tube. The block anchor device is cast in the cast concrete block. One end of the threaded adjustment shaft is threaded into the threaded tube and the other end is threaded into the base threaded tube. The block anchor device is cast in the cast concrete block. The twist lock portable building footings are positioned, such that projection members of the twist locks may be inserted into grappler pockets of a cargo container. |
| US08769889B2 |
Spacer for insulating glass panes
A method for the production of a frame-shaped spacer for insulating glass panes which includes individual glass plates spaced by adhering the spacer to them, including the steps of selecting a metallic hollow profile bar, which includes an outer wall, an inner wall opposite the outer wall and two flanks which are parallel to one another, the inner wall and the outer wall being narrower than the hollow profile bar, and forming the spacer from the hollow profile bar, so that their flanks face the glass plates. |
| US08769888B2 |
Protective assembly for doors, windows and the like
A protection assembly for covering a window/door, said protection assembly comprising at least one rigid protective panel dimensioned to fit against a frame of said window/door; at least one protecting member for supporting said at least one rigid protective panel against said frame of said window/door; and at least one coupling member for coupling said at least one rigid protective panel against said frame of said window/door, and for further securing said at least one protecting member against said at least one rigid protective panel. |
| US08769885B2 |
Awning brackets and panel
An apparatus and system to removably install, or replace, an awning panel. The awning panel is mounted on a wall or structure or similar vertical surface by insertion into a pair of mounting brackets that have been affixed to the wall. The mounting brackets may be mounted at any distance apart, and thus may accommodate awnings of different sizes. The mounting brackets comprise a right and left bracket, each comprising an angled support art, a holding member, a vertical support member, and a top support member. Supporting members along the sides of the awning panel slide into the space or slot formed by the angled support arm and the holding piece, and is further supported by the angled support arm extending along the underside of the supporting members. The angled support arm may be fixed at a set angle, or may be adjusted to different angles. A cover panel may be used to shield the awning panel, with the cover panel mounted on separate brackets or on the same brackets with the awning panel. |
| US08769876B2 |
Weatherstrip adapted to be captured in t-slots
A weatherstrip for use with a T-slot. The weatherstrip includes a scaling element, such as a pile of yarn, on one side thereof and a bead on the opposite side thereof. The bead includes a curved surface for engaging an interior surface of the T-slot. Preferably, the bead is a material which adheres to the weatherstrip and comprises a hot melt glue such as ethylene vinyl acetate. |
| US08769871B2 |
Tilt-up door
A tilt-up door for a building having an opening, a pair of substantially vertically juxtaposed members, cam surfaces extending laterally from the vertical members at the upper portion and a door sized to span the opening. The door can be pivotally coupled to carriages arranged for vertical movement along the vertical members and can have cam followers extending laterally from the upper portion of the door to contact the cam surfaces. An actuator or actuators can be connected to the carriages to move the carriages along the vertical members. When the actuator or actuators are operated to move the carriages vertically along the members the cam followers can move along the cam surfaces to tilt the door to a horizontal position as the door is moved vertically upward into an open raised position. |
| US08769865B2 |
Rodent management system having housing
A rodent management station includes a housing having a base and a lid together at least in part defining an interior space of the housing. The base has a floor panel and an upstanding wall extending up from the floor panel about at least a portion of the circumference thereof. The upstanding wall has an upper edge and at least one gutter disposed in and extending along at least a portion of the upper edge of the upstanding wall to facilitate water drainage from the upstanding wall. The lid is positionable relative to the base between a closed configuration and an opened configuration. The housing has an entry opening through which rodents enter the interior space of the housing. The rodent management station further includes least one of a trap and a bait positionable within the interior space of the housing. |
| US08769856B2 |
Voltage-free connector integrated in a weapon rail
A universal rail for a firearm has a plurality of through holes and a plurality of attachment points for ancillary equipment along a length of the universal rail, a fastener so as to be fastenable to the firearm, and a power or signal connection point arranged in at least one attachment point of the plurality of attachment points. The power or signal connection point has at least two contact pins surrounded by a seal, and a resilient portion and inner contact faces. The power or signal connection point is further connected to conductors arranged in the universal rail. The resilient portion ensures that the at least two contact pins and contact points are out of contact with each other when the ancillary equipment is not mounted on the universal rail. |
| US08769855B2 |
Folding stock adaptor for military-style assault rifles and a method for its use
The present folding stock adapter can be used with many types of military-type assault rifles that typically comprise a receiver extension, buffer and action spring. The present folding stock adapter can be used to add a folding capability to a standard stock allowing it to fold against a rifle's receiver when the weapon is not in use, thus reducing the overall length of the weapon. This reduction in length can facilitate its maneuverability, storage and transport in cramped quarters. The present device can also allow for the quick unfolding of the stock in order to allow the weapon to function and be fired normally. |
| US08769853B1 |
Quick-detatchable handguard mechanism for firearms
A detachable handguard for firearms having a receiver defining a handguard mounting flange. Clamp members have hook-like ends that engage the handguard mounting flange and are attached to clamp actuating levers that are pivotally mounted to the handguard. The clamp members are positioned in clamping engagement with the mounting flange and are pivoted to clamping positions to force the handguard into tight assembly with the receiver and to move the connection of the clamp members with the actuating levers over-center, thus causing the clamp actuating levers to remain at their clamping positions. Lock members secure the clamp actuating levers at their clamping positions. |
| US08769850B1 |
Medallion display apparatus for motorcycles
A display apparatus for a medallion, challenge coin, or the like, provides a generally circular or other shape holder with an integral recess on the front surface thereof for receiving and retaining the medallion for display. The rear surface of the mount is preferably secured to the desired mounting surface by adhesive, and may includes a reservoir for the adhesive material in the form of a pair of arcuate channels. The display apparatus may be installed on a variety of surfaces, including several locations on a motorcycle, by shaping the rear surface of the mount to correspond to the shape of the surface of the desired mounting location. |
| US08769837B2 |
Apparatus for marking guideline for transportation vehicle
The device relates to a device for marking, during nighttime riding through a transport vehicle such as bicycles, two-wheeled vehicles, electric wheelchairs, etc., a rider's temporary dedicated road lines by laser-emitting means mounted at the rear side of the transport vehicle, thereby ensuring the safety of the rider of the transport vehicle. The device includes: laser-emitting modules adapted to form luminous lines spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance on the road beside or behind the transport vehicle; a power supply module adapted to supply power to the laser-emitting modules; an external housing adapted to accommodate the laser-emitting modules thereinto; and a fixing module adapted to fix the external housing to the transport vehicle. |
| US08769833B2 |
Utility knife blade
A utility knife blade includes a portion made of a first material; and an elongated portion made of a second material, the second material being harder than the first material and coated on the first material by melting a powder of the second material on the first material, the elongated portion forming the tip of the blade, wherein the second material includes tungsten carbide particles embedded in a soft binder, and wherein the size of at least 90% of the tungsten carbide particles is lower than about 5 micrometers. |
| US08769832B1 |
Utensils having elevated distal ends for preventing germs and contamination
The present invention relates to eating utensils including a support configuration adapted for elevating the utensil above a horizontal surface to prevent the contamination of germs or bacteria that may linger on the surface. The eating utensils are also adapted for use by children or adults having limited motor skills or dexterity. In one embodiment, a utensil such as a fork, knife or spoon is attached to an egg-shaped member having a weighted base and designed for preventing the utensils from coming into contact with horizontal surfaces such as a table. |
| US08769824B2 |
Animal shearing machine
The invention relates to an animal shearing machine with a housing, a shearing head connected to the housing and a drive unit arranged in the housing. The drive unit comprises an electric motor and a reduction gear connected to the shaft of the electric motor. The shearing head of the animal shearing machine has a stationary shearing blade and a movable shearing blade. A planetary gear is used as reduction gear. The driven shaft of the planetary gear is arranged parallel, in particular coaxially to the shaft of the electric motor. If oscillatingly driven shearing heads are used, the drive unit comprises an eccentric connected to the driven shaft of the reduction gear and an oscillating lever. The oscillating lever is in engagement with the movable shearing blade via the first front end and with the eccentric via a sliding element in the area of the second rear end. |
| US08769821B2 |
Method of manufacturing a modular pulling roll
Methods for the preparation of a pulling roll including a sleeve (800) and/or a cartridge (1330) are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for the change or repair of at least a portion of a heat resistant material of a pulling roll. Also disclosed are a sleeve and a cartridge for use with a pulling roll, each including a heat resistant material. |
| US08769819B2 |
Methods of fabricating combination gear for stacked planetary gearset
Three methods of fabricating an intermediate, center or combination gear for a stacked planetary gear assembly are presented. A first method comprehends forming male splines on the outer surface of the inner (ring) gear and female splines on the inner surface of the outer (sun) gear. The gears are then heat treated and assembled. A second method comprehends broaching internal splines in the outer (sun) gear as well as end milling, broaching or polygon turning face splines on one end of the outer gear and an opposing, adjacent end of the inner (ring) gear. A third method includes fabricating and heat treating the inner and outer gears. A small area of the hardened case is then removed by, for example, machining. The gears are mated, heated rapidly by a pulse of electric current and upset in the heated region. |
| US08769814B2 |
Device and method for repairing a forward frame V-blade in an aircraft engine
A repair device and method for repairing a forward frame v-blade on an aircraft engine are described in which the repair device replaces a section of the forward frame v-blade. In one embodiment, the repair device includes a supplemental part, which is secured to the forward frame v-blade. The supplemental part includes a central web and a pair of legs with a leg thickness that is greater than the thickness of corresponding flanges on the forward frame v-blade. Fasteners such as rivets are used to couple the supplemental part to the forward frame v-blade. |
| US08769813B2 |
Method of manufacturing a wiring material
A wiring material is provided by electrically connecting a connecting terminal with two single line conductors arranged in parallel. The connecting terminal is provided with a tube-shaped section for storing two single line conductors, the two single line conductors are inserted into the tube-shaped section, resistance welding is performed by carrying electricity from the external of the tube-shaped section in a status where the tube-shaped section and the single line conductors are mutually brought into contact, and the connecting terminal is electrically connected with the two single line conductors. |
| US08769811B2 |
Method of shielding an electronic component from electromagnetic interference (EMI)
An electronic circuit component is provided with shielding for electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) by covering at least part of the component with a layer of electrical insulation that conforms to the shape of the surface to which the insulation is applied. At least part of the surface of the insulation is then covered by a layer of EMI shielding that conforms to the shape of the surface of the insulation to which the shielding is applied. |
| US08769810B2 |
Part mounting method
A part mounting method of mounting first mounting parts and a second mounting part to a board includes taking an image of a configuration of the second mounting part and performing an image-recognition, mounting the first mounting parts to the board based on a result of the image-recognition of the configuration of the second mounting part, and mounting the second mounting part to the board based on a result of an image-recognition of the first mounting parts mounted to the board. |
| US08769806B2 |
Method of manufacturing thermal head
In a method of manufacturing a thermal head, a groove portion is formed in one surface of at least one of a first substrate and a second substrate, and a width dimension of the groove portion is measured. The first and second substrates are bonded to each other in a stacked state so as to close an opening of the groove portion. A heating resistor is formed on a surface of the second substrate in a region opposed to the groove portion. A protective film for covering and protecting the heating resistor is formed on the surface of the second substrate. A thickness dimension of the protective film is set so as to increase with an increase in the measured width dimension of the groove portion and so as to decrease with an increase in a thickness dimension of the second substrate. |
| US08769801B2 |
Biomass bale processing system with automatic binding remover
A bale processing apparatus for processing a bale of biomass that is bound by a binding includes a cutting device that is operable to automatically cut the binding. The bale processing apparatus also includes a binding remover that is operable to automatically move the binding from the bale after the binding has been cut by the cutting device. Furthermore, the bale processing apparatus includes an arranging member that cooperates with the binding remover to automatically arrange the binding generally into a predetermined position. |
| US08769797B2 |
Method for mounting a bush around a part of a shaft by means of a tight fitting
Method for mounting a bush round a part (2) of a shaft with a force fit, which method comprises the following steps: providing a guide element (7, 23) with an outer surface (8) which is at least partly conical; providing the guide element (7, 23) in the extension of the aforesaid part (2) of the shaft (1); pushing the bush (5) over the guide element (7, 23) on the part (2) of the shaft (1). |
| US08769793B2 |
Methods and apparatus for structural reinforcement of vehicle suspension members
A method and apparatus for assembling a suspension. In one embodiment, a method includes altering a temperature of a first suspension component and then pressing the first suspension component and a second suspension component into engagement while the temperature remains substantially altered. |
| US08769792B2 |
Flushness shims
A media player according to the invention is provided. The media player may include a scroll wheel and a housing including a retention ledge. The retention ledge may maintain the position of the scroll wheel with respect to the housing. A flexible printed circuit may also be included in the media player. The flexible printed circuit may include a first face and a second face. The first face may contact the scroll wheel. The second face may include tactile dome switches. Compressible shims may also form a portion of the media player and may be adjacent the second face. The compressible shims may control the distance between the scroll wheel and the retention ledge. |
| US08769789B2 |
Die for rivet machine
A rivet machine is provided. The rivet machine employs a die including a die body that has an inner wall with a pair of retaining ribs or projections extending inwardly therefrom. In use, the rivet pushes a slug from a workpiece within which it is mounted and into an opening of the die. The projections engage and retain the slug within the inner wall. According to further aspects, the pair of retaining ribs are diametrically opposed around the inner wall. Each of the retaining ribs has two converging surfaces that form an angle of between 90 and 150 degrees. In yet another aspect, the projections can be discontinuous such that a first retaining rib is longitudinally offset on the inner wall from a second retaining rib. |
| US08769786B1 |
Trim and flame robot end effector with optional automatic blade change feature
A combination trimming/flame treatment end effector adapted for mounting to the end of a robotic arm. A trimming blade extends from a main body portion of the end effector for performing a trimming operation. The trimming blade may be mounted in an exchangeable cartridge to facilitate blade changing. Also extending from the main body portion is a flame treatment element for performing a flame treatment operation. The flame treatment element generally comprises a torch or burner. Because both the trimming blade and the flame treatment element are part of the same end effector, the robot simply manipulates the end effector such that the desired one of the trimming blade or the flame treatment element is properly positioned for use. As such, a tooling change can be avoided. While not restricted thereto, it is contemplated that an end effector of the present invention may be used to process vehicle bumper fascias. |
| US08769782B2 |
Resin molded parts lock mechanism
The first projecting portion (12) which is situated close to the entrance of the lock hole (11) imparts a reaction force to the lock arm (21) from therebehind so as to push the lock arm (21) towards the second projecting portion (13). Therefore, the engagement force of the permanent locking projection (23) on the lock arm (21) with the second projecting portion (13) on the lock hole can be enhanced, thereby making it possible to enhance the lock holding force. In addition, without the pressure imparted from the first projecting portion (12) to a back of the lock arm (21), the lock arm (21) would flex about the proximal end portion thereof, as a fulcrum, which is a support portion where to support the lock arm (21) which is the cantilever-shaped arm. |
| US08769777B2 |
Pipe clamping device
A pipe clamping device that clamps a first pipe and a second pipe each other, the pipe clamping device having an annular case with a central opening into which the first pipe and the second pipe are inserted; a tightening member movable between a tightening location where the tightening member tightens outer circumferential surface of the first pipe and the second pipe and a disengagement location where the tightening member does not impose pressure on the outer circumferential surface of the first pipe and the second pipe; and a stopper restricting radial movement of the tightening member such that the diameter of the tightening member at the disengagement location does not extend beyond a predetermined number, the stopper being prepared in the annular case. The pipe clamping device provides easy clamping of pipes since the tightening member at a disengagement location has a predetermined diameter by the stopper of the case. |
| US08769767B2 |
Removable cyclone chamber and dirt collection assembly for a surface cleaning apparatus
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus also comprises a main body comprising a front end, a rear end, first and second opposed sidewalls. A cavity having an open upper end may be positioned between the first and second opposed side walls. A suction motor may be provided in the air flow path. A cyclone bin assembly may be provided in the air flow path. The cyclone bin assembly may have opposed end walls and may be removably mounted in the cavity. The cyclone bin assembly may include a locking member lockingly secures the cyclone bin assembly to the surface cleaning apparatus. The locking member may engage at least one of the side walls. |
| US08769766B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for self-cleaning handheld dust removal
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for self-cleaning dust removal. The apparatus may be provided with a brush housing 202 having an opening 204, one or more axles 206 disposed around the opening 204, and a plurality of brush fibers 208 emanating from the one or more axles 206 that rotate inward into the opening 204. In addition, the system may include a scraping edge 106, disposed around the opening 204, farther into the brush housing 202 than the one or more axles 206, that scrapes 1408 dust off of the brush fibers 208 as they rotate inward against the scraping edge 106, and a vacuum cleaner intake port 110 inside the brush housing 202 that draws 1410 dust from off and about the brush fibers 208 as they rotate inward 1406. The system may further include a handle 112 connected to the brush housing 202 and a switch 114. |
| US08769765B2 |
Surface treating appliance
A surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a device generating a flow of fluid in the form of a motor and fan, housed in a main body. A hose and wand assembly, a surface treating head and a rotary change over valve are also provided. The valve is selectively rotatable so as to allow fluid flow from either the surface-treating head or the hose. A support assembly is moveable between a supporting position, in which it supports the main body, and a retracted position. The change over valve and support assembly are arranged so that motion of the support assembly between the supporting and retracted positions induces rotary motion of the change over valve. |
| US08769758B2 |
Force sensing oral care instrument
An insert for an oral hygiene handle having a cavity is described. The insert has a load member capable of pivoting with respect to the housing and an output source disposed in electromagnetic communication with the load member, a power source in electrical communication with the output source having first and second contact areas, and an indication element forming an outer facing surface. When the load member pivots a predetermined amount, a first contact arm makes contact with a first contact area and/or a second contact arm makes contact with the second contact area thereby causing the power source to deliver power to the output source, wherein the output source provides electromagnetic energy to the load member, wherein the load member transmits the electromagnetic energy from the output source to the indication element, and wherein load member, the indication element, and the engagement section are integral with one another. |
| US08769756B2 |
Vehicle tire coating apparatus
A tire coating apparatus for applying fluid to vehicle tires in a vehicle washing system, includes a pair of mechanical applicators, which each have at least one coating applicator disposed thereon for contacting the vehicle tires to apply the fluid. One mechanical applicator is intended to engage the tires on a right side of a vehicle while the other mechanical applicator is intended to engage the tires on a left side of the vehicle. The mechanical applicators also include a guide portion for guiding the vehicle wheel when a patron had elected not to have a coating fluid applied to the vehicle wheels. The mechanical applicators are rotatable between an initial position where the coating applicators are in a non-coating position to a second position where the coating applicators are intended to contact a vehicle tire. |
| US08769754B2 |
Electric toothbrush
Disclosed is an electric toothbrush including a toothbrush plate having a cleaning brush installed thereon; a toothbrush head having a storage within which the toothbrush plate is stored; a toothbrush body that is connected to the toothbrush head and has a storage space formed therein; a flat type vibration motor that is disposed between the toothbrush plate and the toothbrush head; and a power supply unit that includes a power supply that is disposed in the storage space of the toothbrush body and supplies the vibration motor with power, a power supply switch connected to the power supply and a wire that is electrically connected to the vibration motor and the power supply switch and supplies the vibration motor with power. |
| US08769751B2 |
Method of attaching a traction cleat to a shoe mounted receptacle
A thinner shoe mounted receptacle results from a thin cleat attachment flange received in a shallow receptacle cavity. An angled interface between the cleat and receptacle provide a friction fit engagement to minimize inadvertent disengagement of the cleat and receptacle. Rotational locking occurring inside or outside the cavity further prevents inadvertent cleat rotation. Multiple positionally synchronized angular stops positively define the final angular orientation of the cleat in the receptacle. |
| US08769750B2 |
Boot machine-device
Boot machining device for angular adjustment of a boot sole. The device includes a support frame, a substantially flat board, or flat frame, connected to the support frame and provided with an opening larger than the sole of the boot in order to provide access, securing arrangement fixed in the support frame for securing the boot in the device such that it is accessible from the top side, arrangement for adjusting and locking the angular position of the boot sole around a transverse axis of rotation, and a machining tool carrier for supporting a machining tool, said tool carrier is slidably arranged on the substantially flat board, or flat frame. The sole of the ski boot, after adjustment of the desired angle in transverse and/or longitudinal direction is machined to be substantially parallel by moving the tool carrier in the plane of the substantially flat board, or flat frame. |
| US08769747B2 |
System and method for improved pressure adjustment
A method for adjusting pressure within an air bed comprises providing an air bed that includes an air chamber and a pump having a pump housing, selecting a desired pressure setpoint for the air chamber, calculating a pressure target, adjusting pressure within the air chamber until a pressure within the pump housing is substantially equal to the pressure target, determining an actual chamber pressure within the air chamber, and comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure setpoint to determine an adjustment factor error. The pressure target may be calculated based upon the desired pressure setpoint and a pressure adjustment factor. Furthermore, the pressure adjustment factor may be modified based upon the adjustment factor error determined by comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure setpoint. |
| US08769744B1 |
Neck support device
Systems and methods for providing support to the head and/or neck, wherein the support may provide tension and desired orientation of the head and/or neck. In one embodiment, a cushioned saddle-shaped neck support is positioned at an upper end of a moveable support structure. A lower part of the saddle-shaped neck support is movably connected to an upper part of the support structure. A lower part of the support structure is movably supported by a surface on which a person's body can be positioned. The person's body is positioned on this surface with his neck over the neck support. As the person's neck comes into contact with the neck support, the weight of the person's head and/or neck pushes down on the neck support, which moves down and away from the person's shoulders to provide the desired tension and orientation. |
| US08769743B2 |
Cover and related products, and production thereof
The present invention relates to covers and in particular covers for beds which are characterized by the presence of two or more groups of strips, wherein each group comprises two or more strips arranged relative to one another in different directions and in particular woven together. |
| US08769742B2 |
Device with roll mechanism
The present invention discloses a device that is comprised of a flexible material and a roll mechanism associated with the flexible material. A bistable resilient member maintains the flexible material flat due to a tension force within the body of the bistable resilient member in a first stable state, and maintains the flexible material to a rolled-up, bundled closed position after the tension force within the body of the bistable resilient member is fully released (the second stable state). Further, the bistable resilient member compels the flexible material to a self-roll-up motion (during a transition state) while a tension force within the body of the bistable resilient member is released. |
| US08769741B2 |
Sleeping assembly
A cover for a sleeping assembly with a mattress portion (1) comprising a sheet material envelope having an opening into a first cavity which is capable of substantially enclosing a mattress (4) and a duvet portion (2) comprising a sheet material envelope having an opening into a second cavity which is capable of substantially enclosing a duvet (11) wherein the duvet portion (2) is attached along at least one edge to the mattress portion (1). |
| US08769736B2 |
Device for concealing a plate associated with overflow plumbing
An overflow plate concealing device for bathtubs that is associated with a plate of an overflow system of the bathtub. This aspect of the invention allows the overflow plate to be concealed to allow the user to alter the aesthetic appearance of their bathtub or repair the same. |
| US08769734B2 |
Remote-controlled vehicle for transporting bio-waste
A remote-controlled vehicle for collecting and transporting bio-waste that is capable of compacting bio-waste, dumping the waste in a variety of ways, and that has a rechargeable battery, among other functions, is disclosed. A system for collecting the bio-waste material also is provided. The system includes a plurality of collection receptacles associated with a structure, each of the plurality of collection receptacles receiving the bio-waste material without the use of water as a carrier. A transport network extends from each of the plurality of collection receptacles to at least one storage receptacle located at the structure. A plurality of vehicles, or carts, is disposed within the transport network and collect the bio-waste material. |
| US08769733B2 |
Computer-controlled hydrotherapy system
A hydrotherapy system uses a plurality of water sources, each of which produces water at a fixed temperature. The water from the fixed temperature sources can be mixed to form several mixed water streams, each with a predetermined temperature, by an array of computer-controlled on-off solenoid valves. Solenoid valves can also be used to apply the mixed water streams with different flow rates selectively to different body zones. The solenoids are controlled via sequences that can be created and maintained with an intuitive graphical user interface. |
| US08769732B2 |
Disposable sanitary waste receptacle
A disposable sanitary waste receptacle includes a water impermeable bag member manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size. Such bag member has an opening at one end thereof and is removably disposable within a waste receiving portion of at least one of a potty chair, a toilet trainer, a bedpan, a commode, and a combination thereof such that such opening is held open for bodily waste to be deposited into such bag member. A securing mechanism is disposed around a perimeter of such opening for securing such bag member to such at least one of such potty chair, such toilet trainer, such bedpan, such commode, and such combination thereof. A disposable sanitary waste receptacle kit is also provided. |
| US08769726B2 |
Lower torso garment system
An article of clothing includes a front portion, a rear portion oppositely positioned from the front portion, a waistband encircling a top of each of the front portion and the rear portion, a right leg panel and a left leg panel extending downward from the waistband in the rear portion, a rear right band extending downward from the waistband and flanking a lateral edge of the right leg panel, a rear left band extending downward from the waistband and flanking a lateral edge of the left leg panel, a sacrum guide that runs horizontally between the rear right band and the rear left band, and a pubis guide. |
| US08769725B2 |
Sports memorabillia article and method for making the same
An article is formed of one or more Lacrosse netting materials. In the case of two nettings, one is placed behind the other in a staggered arrangement. A Lacrosse shooting string is interwoven between the openings of the netting material to from an article as a sports memorabilia item to be worn. The shooting string can be pulled together and tied at its end in order to adjustably fit the wearer's neck, waist, and wrist, depending on whether the article is, for example, a necklace, belt or bracelet. A metal or plastic or other suitable material plate with a name, design, logo on it to promote and advertise a product or for any other purposes or to enhance decorative appearance of the article. This plate can be affixed at preferably the center of the front surface of the article by adhesive material or by any other known affixation technique. |
| US08769724B2 |
Garment with crotch part
A conditioning bottom 1 has a main body 2 and a strong tightening portion 3 which is in the form of a belt and has a tightening force stronger than a tightening force of the main body 2. This strong tightening portion 3 has first strong tightening portions 3a and a second strong tightening portion 3b. When the conditioning bottom 1 is worn, the first strong tightening portions 3a extend so as to surround gastrocnemius muscles of a wearer along outer edges of the gastrocnemius muscles, and the second strong tightening portion 3b is coupled to the first strong tightening portions 3a and extends through the inside of the wearer's lower leg and thigh to a position of the wearer's crotch. Also, a first mesh portion 4 having a tightening force weaker than the tightening force of the strong tightening portion 3 is formed in a section surrounded by the first strong tightening portions 3a. |
| US08769719B2 |
Swim cap, particularly for users having long hair
A swim cap (1) for persons having long hair comprises a generally dome shaped external cap (2) having an annular bottom edge (3) extending from a front portion (4) of the external cap (2) to a neck portion (5) thereof and a neck fastener (9) connected with the neck portion (5) of the external cap (2) and configured to fixate the external cap (2) at the neck of a wearer (10) while it can be pulled over the wearers head (11) from the neck (12) towards the forehead (13). |
| US08769718B2 |
Garment
A garment including an inner layer of material adapted to be disposed adjacent to a wearer's skin. The inner layer preferably forms a body suit with legs formed of elastic, body-shaping material that includes a bodice portion and torso/legs portion. The garment also includes at least one exterior layer that may be fashioned as a skirt, a dress, a long-legged pants, a jumpsuit, or similar attire. A construction of a body suit with legs as well as a method for making the torso/legs portion is also disclosed. |
| US08769717B2 |
Collapsible swimsuit
A collapsible swimsuit includes a loop for supporting the suit on the human body. The swimsuit also includes a pair of fastening devices which, when disengaged, make it possible to fold the body of the swimsuit and store it compactly into a pouch on the swimsuit. |
| US08769712B2 |
Gravity-loading body suit
An elastic skin suit simulates gravitational loading. By selecting material(s) of appropriate dimensions and appropriate module of elasticity, and optionally integrating inelastic portions to maintain a desired surface distribution, the suit can be adapted to impose a loading regime that simulates the loading of terrestrial gravity in a more continuous, shoulder-to-ankle manner than current loading suits. |
| US08776259B2 |
DRM system
A method of and system for digital rights management, in which access to a piece of content is granted in accordance with a license owned by a license owner to a client who is a member of a domain. This requires successfully verifying that a membership relation exists between the client and the domain as reflected in a first state variable, and that an association relation exists between the license owner and the domain as reflected in a second state variable. Both relationships are revoked by executing an online protocol between the parties in the relationship after which both remove the corresponding state variable. The domain controller propagates the state administration relating to the domain is propagated to the client so that the client can update its state administration. |
| US08776258B2 |
Providing access rights to portions of a software application
Techniques for providing access rights to different portions of a software application to one or more authorized users are described herein. An issuance license may be inserted into the software application that divides the software application into one or more portions and identifies, for each portion, one or more users that are authorized access to the portion. Each portion of the software application may then be encrypted using, for example, a different cryptographic key. When the software is executed, an end user license may then be requested that corresponds to a particular user and that entitles the particular user access to each portion of the software application that the issuance license identifies the particular user as being authorized to access. The end user license may then be used to decrypt each portion of the software application that the issuance license identifies the particular end user as being authorized to access. |
| US08776255B2 |
Claims-aware role-based access control
The formulation of a security token that specifies role information corresponding to one or more roles of a requesting entity that is to request an action to be performed on a resource. The formulation begins by accessing one or more claims, each having an expression regarding the requesting entity. The expression for at least one of the claims is evaluated to thereby assign the requesting entity to one or more identities. The identities are then used determine role information to include in a role-based security token that may be submitted to the computing system that manages the resources. |
| US08776254B1 |
System and method for the secure unidirectional transfer of software and software updates
A system is disclosed that provides an authenticated payload, e.g., a software program or update, to a recipient device. A storage device stores a payload. A provider server coupled to the storage device outputs the payload and a manifest table. The manifest table includes information identifying the payload. A manifest engine TX server receives the payload and the manifest table from the provider server, generates information about the received payload, compares the information generated about the payload with the contents of the received manifest table, and, if the information about the received payload matches information for a particular one of the at least one payloads included in the received manifest table, forwards the payload to a one-way data link. The output of the one-way data link is coupled to a manifest engine RX server, which in turn forwards any received payload to a recipient device coupled to an output of the manifest engine RX server. |
| US08776251B2 |
Data exchange between a secure element and a terminal
A method for data exchange between a secure element and a terminal, the secure element including a CRS (Contactless Registry Service) application, a CREL (Contactless Registry Event Listener), and at least one service application, the terminal including a SEUI (Secure Element User Interface) configured to interact with at least one out of the CRS application, the CREL application, or the service application, includes exchanging, between the secure element and the terminal, an STID (Service Type Identification) information relating to the at least one service application. The STID information indicates the service type of the at least one service application of a predetermined set of different service types. |
| US08776250B2 |
Method of comparing private data without revealing the data
Disclosed in this specification is a method and program storage device for comparing two sets of private data without revealing those private data. If the comparison deems the two data sets sufficiently similar, helper data may be provided to permit reconstruction of one of the private data sets without transmission of that private data set. |
| US08776248B2 |
Method and apparatus for booting a processing system
Machine-readable media, methods, apparatus and system for booting a processing system are described. In an embodiment, whether to launch an open operating system or a closed operating system to boot a processing system may be determined. A key may be retrieved from a processor register of the processing system and used to decrypt an encrypted version of the closed operating system based at least in part on a determination of booting the processing system with the closed operating system. In another embodiment, the processor register stored with the key may be flushed based at least in part on a determination of booting the processing system with the open operating system. |
| US08776244B2 |
System and method for the generation of a content fingerprint for content identification
A system and method for the generation of a content fingerprint for content identification are described. Various embodiments include encoding content without any available identifying information, performing a technical analysis of the encoded content for one or more technical attributes, and pairing the available identifying information with the one or more technical attributes to form a content fingerprint, where the content fingerprint identifies the content. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08776240B1 |
Pre-scan by historical URL access
A Web browser or operating system of a computer maintains a historical URL list of Web sites and Web pages that have been accessed in the past. When a prescan module of antivirus software performs an initial prescan of a computer before the antivirus software is installed, it queries this historical URL list to obtain the URLs that have been accessed in the past. These URLs are sent to a URL online query service located remotely over the Internet in order to determine the status of any of these URLs. Each URL is attempted to be matched with a database of known malicious URLs including associated malicious files and associated cleanup patterns. The query service then informs the requesting computer of the status of a particular URL sent, sending back any related malicious files and any appropriate cleanup pattern. A time period associated with each URL in the database indicates when it is known that the URL was malicious. |
| US08776234B2 |
System and method for dynamic generation of anti-virus databases
A method for reducing the size of the AV database on a user computer by dynamically generating an AV database according to user parameters is provided. Critical user parameters that affect the content of the AV database required for this user are determined. The AV database for the single user is generated based on the user parameters. When the parameters of the user computer change or when new malware threats are detected, the user AV database is dynamically updated according to the new parameters and the new malware threats. The update procedure becomes more efficient since a need of updating large volumes of data is eliminated. The AV system, working with a small AV database, finds malware objects more efficiently and uses less of computer system resources. |
| US08776233B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for removing malware from a system while the system is offline
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for removing malware from a system while the system is offline. In use, a system is identified as being infected with malware. Additionally, it is determined whether the malware can be fully removed from the system while the system is online. Further, at least part of the malware is conditionally removed from the system while the system is offline, based on the determining. |
| US08776231B2 |
Unknown malcode detection using classifiers with optimal training sets
A method for detecting unknown malicious code is provided. A data set is created, which is a collection of files that includes a first subset with malicious code and a second subset with benign code files, whereas the malicious and benign files are identified by an antivirus program. Subsequently, all files are parsed and a set of top features of all-n grams of the files is selected and reduced by using features selection methods. After determining the optimal number of features, they will be used as training and test sets. |
| US08776230B1 |
Master security policy server
A master policy server manages security polices for client computers through a network of local policy servers. Each local policy server is responsible for the security policies on a group of clients and maintains a data store containing the security policies and security information pertaining to the clients. Periodically, the master policy server and the local policy server synchronize, at which time the master policy server replicates updated policies to the local policy servers and the local policy servers upload client security statistics to the master policy server for consolidation into a global status. |
| US08776223B2 |
Dynamic execution prevention to inhibit return-oriented programming
A method, apparatus, and/or system for execution prevention is provided. A state indicator for a first subset of a plurality of memory pages of executable code in a memory device is set to a non-executable state. A state indicator for a second subset of the plurality of memory pages is set to an executable state, where the second subset of the plurality of memory pages includes indirection stubs to functions in the first subset of the plurality of memory pages. Upon execution of an application, a function call is directed to a corresponding indirection stub in the second subset of the plurality of memory pages which modifies the state indicator for a corresponding function in the first subset of the plurality of memory pages prior to directing execution of the called function from the first subset of the plurality of memory pages. |
| US08776221B2 |
Distinguishing between voice traffic and data links
Techniques are provided for receiving a transmitted first packet that was formatted using a known scrambling algorithm with an unknown scrambling seed. An encoded packet payload is extracted from the first packet header. The encoded packet payload header is decoded to obtain a first scrambled packet payload header. For each potential value of the unknown seed, the first scrambled packet payload header is descrambled to produce a first set of descrambled packet payload headers and for each potential value of initial register values associated with a cyclic redundancy check, the cyclic redundancy check is executed comprising polynomial division on each of the descrambled packet payload headers such that when the polynomial division results in a zero remainder, a potential unscrambled payload header for the first packet is obtained. Information about the first packet is obtained from the potential unscrambled payload header. |
| US08776211B1 |
Processing commands according to authorization
Devices, systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with processing commands according to authorization are described. In one embodiment, a chip includes an unsecure module configured to control unsecure firmware to process a command on data flowing in a datapath. The unsecure module processes commands from untrusted sources and trusted sources. The chip includes a secure module configured to determine if a command is from a trusted source and when the command is from a trusted source, the secure module controls secure firmware to further process the data flowing in the datapath. When the command is from an untrusted source, the secure module controls the secure firmware to not process the data flowing in the datapath. |
| US08776210B2 |
Statistical message classifier
A system and method are disclosed for improving a statistical message classifier. A message may be tested with a machine classifier, wherein the machine classifier is capable of making a classification on the message. In the event the message is classifiable by the machine classifier, the statistical message classifier is updated according to the reliable classification made by the machine classifier. The message may also be tested with a first classifier. In the event that the message is not classifiable by the first classifier, it is tested with a second classifier, wherein the second classifier is capable of making a second classification. In the event that the message is classifiable by the second classifier, the statistical message classifier is updated according to the second classification. |
| US08776209B1 |
Tunneling session detection to provide single-sign on (SSO) functionality for a VPN gateway
A VPN gateway is described that provides single sign-on (SSO) functionality with respect to remote users who have established tunneling sessions with the VPN gateway and who attempt to access a protected resource. The VPN gateway may receive, from a client device, a security assertion request that includes a request for a security assertion to be made by the VPN gateway with respect to a user of a private network associated with the VPN gateway, determine whether the security assertion request was received via a tunneling session established for the user between the client device and the VPN gateway, and issue a security assertion for the user in response to determining that the security assertion request was received via the tunneling session. In this way, a VPN gateway may act as an SSO identity provider for users that have an established tunneling session with the gateway. |
| US08776201B2 |
Method for implementing unified authentication
A method for implementing unified authentication for user logon, the method comprising the steps of: establishing an authentication server; creating a user authentication account number in the authentication server; storing user information which the user uses in a plurality of systems into the authentication server; associating, in the authentication server, the created user authentication account number with the user information which the user uses in the plurality of systems; and providing an authentication flag to the client of the user by the authentication server based on the association between the user authentication account number and the user information which the user uses in the plurality of systems established in the authentication server so that the user can log on the plurality of systems using the authentication flag. The present invention is applied to provide a unified mechanism of user logon authentication in integration and mergence of the service processes provided by a plurality of Internet information systems or Internet providers, and thus the user can access all authorized application systems or service providers with only one logon authentication. |
| US08776196B1 |
Systems and methods for automatically detecting and preventing phishing attacks
A computer-implemented method for automatically detecting and preventing phishing attacks may include (1) maintaining a credentials store for a user of the computing device that identifies both at least one known-legitimate website and credentials associated with the known-legitimate website, (2) detecting an attempt by the user to enter the same credentials that are associated with the known-legitimate website into a new website that is not associated with the credentials in the credentials store, and then, prior to allowing the credentials to pass to the new website, (3) automatically warning the user that the new website potentially represents an attempt to phish the credentials associated with the known-legitimate website from the user. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08776193B2 |
Method, device, and system to share information between mobile computing devices
A mobile computing device comprising a first application adapted to provide information to a server. The information is adapted to be shared by the server with at least one additional mobile computing device when the at least one additional mobile computing device is located within a specified range of the mobile computing device. Additionally, a password entered through a second application located on the additional mobile computing device may be required to correspond to a password received from the mobile computing device in order to share the information. Furthermore, the additional mobile computing device may be required to access the information within a specified time period. |
| US08776192B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for automatically verifying and populating digital certificates in an encryption keystore
Methods for automatically verifying and populating an encryption keystore are provided. Pursuant to these methods, the keystore may be automatically checked to determine if it is missing a required digital certificate; if so, the missing required digital certificate may be automatically inserted into the keystore. The methods may also include automatically obtaining the required digital certificates and a list of the required digital certificates, and automatically comparing the list of required digital certificates with the digital certificates in the keystore to determine if the keystore is missing a required digital certificate. The methods may further include sending an informational alert if a missing required digital certificate was automatically inserted into the keystore, and may include checking the keystore to determine if any required digital certificates have expired, will expire within a predetermined time period, or are inoperative. Related keystore verification and population systems and computer program products are also provided. |
| US08776187B2 |
Providing guest users network access based on information read from a credit card or other object
Guest user are enabled to access network resources through an enterprise network using a guest user account. A guest user account may be created for a guest for a limited time. Guest account credentials of the guest account may be provided to the guest to use the guest account using any of a variety of techniques described herein, for example, by scanning a guest access card, credit card or mobile telephone of guest user, and providing the guest account credentials to the user based on the information obtained. A guest access management server may be configured to generate and maintain guest accounts, authenticate guest users, and track and log guest activity. A VLAN technology may be used to separate guest traffic from host enterprise traffic on the host enterprise network. After a guest user is authenticated, communications to and from the guest user may be routed to a guest VLAN. |
| US08776185B2 |
Integrated service identity for different types of information exchange services
A service provisioning method includes providing a differentiated set of information exchange services to a user. In some embodiments, differentiation between or among the provided services may include differentiated access networks, differentiated physical network layers, and/or differentiated service providers. An integrated service identity may be generated and/or maintained by the service provider(s) or by a third party. The integrated services identity may enable the user to define preference settings applicable to the information exchange services, to process billable events and activity and to issue integrated statements encompassing all of the information exchange services provided to the user, and enabling the user to access customer support services for any of the information exchange services and further enabling the logging of all customer support activities to the integrated service identity. |
| US08776183B2 |
Networks
A Personal Area Network Security Domain (PSD) is formed between devices (142, 150, 152, 154 and 156). The PSD allows the sharing of data and/or resources between the devices within the PSD. The devices within the PSD are located remotely from one another. For example, communication between device (150 and 156) will be performed via mobile or cellular telephone network (120), the Internet (140) and mobile or cellular telephone network (126). Each network (120, 126) is provided with a PSD Hub, which enables an IPsec secure connection between the devices (150 and 156) to be established. |
| US08776182B2 |
Secure boot of a data breakout appliance with multiple subsystems at the edge of a mobile data network
A secure boot is provided for a breakout system having multiple subsystems at the edge of a mobile data network. The secure boot utilizes two trusted platform modules (TPM) to secure multiple subsystems. Further described is utilizing a first TPM to boot a service processor and then utilizing a second TPM to secure boot two additional subsystems. Booting of the final subsystem is accomplished in a two step process which first loads a boot loader and verifies the boot loader, and then second loads an operating system load image and verifies the operating system code. |
| US08776180B2 |
Systems and methods for using reputation scores in network services and transactions to calculate security risks to computer systems and platforms
Instrumented networks, computer systems and platforms having target subjects (devices, transactions, services, users, organizations) are disclosed. A security orchestration service generates runtime operational integrity profiles representing and identifying a level of threat or contextual trustworthiness, at near real time, of subjects and applications on the instrumented target platform. Methods and systems are disclosed for calculating security risks by determining subject reputation scores. In an embodiment, a system receives a query for a reputation score of a subject, initiates directed queries to external information management systems to interrogate attributes associated with the subject, and analyzes responses. The system receives a hierarchical subject reputation score based on a calculus of risk and returns a reputation token. In another embodiment, a method provides real time attestation of a subject's reputation to a service provider using an endpoint trust agent, and a trust orchestrator comprising a reputation broker and a trust broker. |
| US08776177B2 |
Dynamic content preference and behavior sharing between computing devices
A remote user persona is received at a computing device. The computing device includes a local user persona having a plurality of subsets relating to preferences of a user of the computing device. The remote user persona is synchronized with the local user persona at the computing device and, accordingly, the behavior of the computing device is adjusted. |
| US08776176B2 |
Multi-factor password-authenticated key exchange
Apparatus, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that enable a first computer and a second computer to mutually authenticate each other over a network. A first computer sends first authentication evidence to a second computer. The first authentication evidence is used to prove to the second computer that the first computer has access to a first plurality of authentication secrets without exposing the first plurality of authentication secrets. In addition, the second computer sends second authentication evidence to the first computer. The second authentication evidence is used to prove to the first computer that the second computer has access to a second plurality of authentication secrets without exposing the second plurality of authentication secrets. The first plurality of authentication secrets is related to the second plurality of authentication secrets. Thus, the first computer is authenticated to the second computer and the second computer is authenticated to the first computer. |
| US08776172B2 |
Information sharing device, information sharing method and information sharing system
The load of setting and managing the access rule for access control is large. Provided is an information sharing system comprising an information gathering means, a transportable storage device for storing at least first information and second information, a certified acquisition request generation means, and a certified acquisition request processing means, sheering the information gathering means gathers the first information and the second information from the transportable storage device, the certified acquisition request generation means transmits a certified acquisition request including certification information comprising at least part of the second information, and the certified acquisition request processing means determines, on the basis of the result of checking whether or not the certification information included in the received certified acquisition request matches any part of the first information, whether or not to transmit the first information to a device equipped with the certified acquisition request generation means that is a transmission source of the certified acquisition request. |
| US08776171B2 |
Generating log with location and accelerometer history
A method and system for generating a log with location and accelerometer history and verifying the authenticity of the user based on the log. A stroke and capture module captures stroke data from a user. A location identifier module identifies the portable computing device's location. An accelerometer determines the portable computing device's acceleration. A logging module generates metadata that includes the location and accelerometer history. A verification module receives the location and the accelerometer history. The verification module determines the user's mode of transportation based on the accelerometer history. The location and the mode of transportation are compared with information from an authority. If the data matches, the verification authenticates the document. |
| US08776170B2 |
Policy-based selection of remediation
Methods and systems for remediating a security policy violation on a computer system are provided. According to one embodiment, information is received by one computer system regarding a program-code-based operational state of another computer system at a particular time. It is determined whether the program-code-based operational state represents a violation of security policies that have been applied to or are active in regard to the computer system at issue by evaluating the received information with respect to the security policies. Each security policy defines at least one parameter condition violation of which is potentially indicative of unauthorized activity or manipulation to make the computer system at issue vulnerable to attack. When a security policy violation is detected, then a remediation is identified that can address the violation; and the remediation is caused to be deployed to the computer system at issue. |
| US08776168B1 |
Applying security policy based on behaviorally-derived user risk profiles
Security policy changes can be implemented for a user or a user group based on behaviorally-derived risk information. A behavior-receiving module receives information about user behaviors for the user across various clients with which the user interacts. An attribute-receiving module receives one or more user attributes identified for a user. A profile-generating module generates a user risk profile for the user based on the received information about the user behaviors and the received user attributes. A user scoring module assigns the user a user risk score based on an evaluation of the user risk profile for the user. Similarly, groups of users can be given group risk scores, or users can have combined group/user scores. Finally, a remediation module automatically establishes a security policy requiring remediative actions for the user (or user group) based on the user risk score or combined score (or group score). |
| US08776162B2 |
Plug and play fiber distribution hub
Methods and apparatus are provided for delivery of telecommunications data over fiber. In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a fiber distribution hub including a distribution panel mounts, and the distribution panel mounts are configured to receive distribution panels, while the distribution panels are configured for establishing a connection between a feeder cable and a distribution cable, and at least one of the distribution panel mounts is not attached to a distribution panel. |
| US08776158B1 |
Asynchronous shifting windows caching for forward and backward video streaming
Three contiguous segments of video data are kept in video cache memory for streaming video data to a host application from a video file in data storage. For example, three buffers are allocated in the cache memory for each video stream, and at any given time during sequential access, a particular one of the three buffers is a middle buffer from which pre-fetched data is streamed to the host application. For forward or backward streaming, the buffers also include a backward buffer as well as a forward buffer on opposite sides of the middle buffer. In order to simplify the assembling of the buffers, a shift or rotation of the roles of the buffers and an asynchronous pre-fetch for continuance of a stream or for a switched direction of a stream is triggered by the cache state of the offset requested by the video application. |
| US08776157B2 |
Methods and systems for a current channel buffer for network based personal video recording
A “pause live television” service is implemented, where in one embodiment, a continuously streaming video from a broadcast programming source is copied into a circular buffer. A set top box (“STB”) requests a trick function, such as “pause,” by sending a message to the system, which in this case suspends the present broadcast video in the STB. The system determines an offset and when the user requests resumption of the broadcast video (e.g., “play”), the system uses the offset for that particular STB to determine the appropriate resumption point in the particular buffer to resume streaming of the video for that STB. In various embodiments, the network may begin streaming of the video at the resumption point on another channel and direct the STB to then tune to that channel. Thus, the program appears to have been seamless suspended and resumed using a network based capability. |
| US08776154B2 |
Method for sharing messages in image display and image display device for the same
A method for controlling display of information includes displaying content on a first display device, receiving a signal to share information, generating a message including information corresponding to the displayed content, and transmitting the message for display on at least a second display device. The message is transmitted to a provider of a network-related service, and the first and second display devices have access to the network-related service which may be but is not limited to a social network service. |
| US08776153B2 |
Method and system for transferring content to a networked unit
A system for transporting content to subscriber premises includes a centralized content repository, a subscriber unit, and a network connecting the subscriber unit and repository. The content can be video, image, or other files and the network can include a digital subscriber line (DSL) link. The repository stores higher quality parts of decomposed content files. The subscriber unit locally stores lower quality parts of the content files corresponding to the higher quality parts in the repository. The lower quality parts can be downloaded to the subscriber unit during off-peak hours. During operation, a subscriber selects a locally stored file. In response to the selection, the repository downloads at least one of the higher quality parts corresponding to the selected file to be combined with one of the lower quality parts stored by the subscriber unit for real-time presentation of the content. |
| US08776149B1 |
Preference-based media alerts
When a user is consuming media content from a first source, one or more other available sources of media content may be monitored and the user may be notified if other available content matches the user's profile. |
| US08776146B2 |
Aircraft in-flight entertainment system including a distributed digital radio service and associated methods
An aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system includes an antenna for receiving digital satellite radio signals, and an intermediate frequency (IF) down converter is connected to the antenna for down converting the digital satellite radio signals. A plurality of seat electronic boxes (SEBs) are spaced throughout the aircraft. Each SEB includes at least one IF tuner in communications with the IF down converter. |
| US08776145B2 |
In-transit electronic media with location-based content
Exemplary methods, systems and components are implemented on a multipassenger transit vehicle to provide passenger access to a pre-assigned interactive electronic media device associated with a passenger identification (ID) code or associated with an on-board situs location. The electronic media device may include a storage component, and a battery module that can periodically be replaced or recharged. Security techniques may provide protection against unauthorized usage of each electronic media device, and also help prevent unauthorized removal of the electronic media device from its approved location in the transit vehicle. Selective content may be accessible or downloaded via a communication node, wherein such content may include application programs or informational data specifically correlated with a media device location or a designated vehicle passenger. Selective content and/or operation capability for the electronic media device may be varied based on predetermined qualifications or passenger request. |
| US08776140B2 |
Enhanced television services
A method and system to permit TV viewers to interact with program content broadcast over a subscriber network, such as cable, satellite, internet, or cellular telephone. The details of the ability for the viewer to interact is embedded as data in the program signal. The subscription provider broadcasts a visual indicator as a small icon during programming that informs the viewer that interaction is permitted. The viewer then uses a remote control to purchase products, vote on events, respond to polls, download files, request information, and request callback actions. The TV viewer uses the remote control to send information to a set-top box front-end application, and to iteratively create transactions that are batched and then sent to a back-end core application and database which then handles fulfillment. |
| US08776133B2 |
System for presenting an electronic programming guide in a media system
A system for presenting an electronic programming guide in a media system is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media receiver having a controller element to transmit to a portal information associated with an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG). The portal processes the information to present a Graphical User Interface (GUI) window corresponding to a slideable canvas of the EPG in an Internet browser of a communication device requesting the EPG. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08776131B2 |
Differentiated PSIP table update interval technology
An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT. |
| US08776122B2 |
Unified recording listing across multiple devices
A method may include requesting aggregated index information relating to media content stored on a least two digital video recorder (DVR) devices. The aggregated index information is received in response to the request. The aggregated index information includes a number of content entries, each entry including location information identifying a DVR device on which the associated media content is stored. A listing of the media content is displayed based on the aggregated index information. |
| US08776121B2 |
Social aspects of media guides
A computer-implemented method, including receiving, at a computing device, a request from a user to display descriptors of media programming content for a time period; identifying people associated with the user employing information stored in a computer database, and identifying time-associated media programs electronically scheduled on behalf of the identified people; and providing for display, to the user, the descriptions of the identified people and of the time-associated media programs. |
| US08776118B1 |
Using web based information to select television programs
Variables incorporated into a hypertext markup language program guide enable location of hypertext elements. Once the variable is located, the information contained within the identified hypertext element may be used to tune to a particular channel. |
| US08776117B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing expanded displayable applications
An approach is provided for presenting, via a set-top box, a widget. The widget includes content retrieved over a data network and augmented content. |
| US08776112B2 |
Content hosting and advertising systems and methods
In an exemplary system, a data store includes at least a subset of media content, media content attribute data associated with the media content, user profile data associated with at least one consumer having access to the media content, advertising content, and content matching data associated with the advertising content. An access module is communicatively coupled to an access device and configured to receive a request sent by the access device, the request being for access to a media content instance included in the media content. A matching module is configured to match at least one advertising content instance included in the advertising content to the media content instance based on the media content attribute data, user profile data, and content matching data. The access module is configured to provide the matched advertising content instance to the access device for user presentation. |
| US08776111B1 |
Methods and systems for generating subscriber usage profiles in a multi-platform targeted advertising system
A method and system for creating a subscriber profile based on a subscriber's use of a multi-platform system capable of being accessed by a subscriber over a transmission medium includes a central computer sending a first data request to a first computer configured to monitor data transmitted over a first telecommunication platform. A second data request is sent by the central computer to a second computer configured to monitor data transmitted over a plurality of other telecommunication platforms. The central computer receives a first data log indicative of the subscriber's use of the first telecommunication platform and a second data log indicative of the subscriber's use of the other telecommunication platforms. A subscriber access pattern is detected by the central computer based on the first data log and the second data log. The central computer creates the subscriber profile using the detected subscriber access pattern. |
| US08776108B2 |
System and/or method for distributing media content and providing an option to maintain an advertising experience
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to distribution of media content and a system and method for presenting a user-selectable option to permit a user to change a setting for an advertising experience during presentation of such an advertising experience. |
| US08776107B2 |
System and method for internet TV and broadcast advertisements
A system and method for providing targeted advertising messages to a user, in particular users viewing Internal TV or broadcast programs. Advertising data files from one or more advertising entities are stored in a centralized location, such as a server or similar platform. Data relating to the user is acquired from the user's device settings and/or identification, so that a targeted advertising message may be selected from one of the stored advertising data files. The content data is transmitted to the user, the data having a cue for insertion of the selected targeted advertising message prior to or after the content file has been transferred. |
| US08776104B2 |
Information providing system using video tracking
Provided is an information providing system using video tracking, such that tracking of an original image can be performed without editing/processing the original video and without requiring a high level programming knowledge, and information can thus be easily provided. The system is configured so that an overlay screen (10) is superimposed on an original video screen (2) and displayed in synchronization with the original video, said overlay screen (10) provided with a transparent or translucent object graphic (5) acting as control information corresponding to a predetermined purpose of providing information, with respect to an object (4) represented by an original video image which is displayed on the original video screen (2) once or a plurality of times in accordance with the situation. |
| US08776094B2 |
Runtime system
Various embodiments provide an ability to describe, independent of a programming language, one or more interfaces associated with an operating system. Alternately or additionally, a compiler associated with a specific programming language can be configured to map the independent interface description(s) to the specific programming language. In some embodiments, an application can be configured to programmatically determine one or more interfaces of the operating system. |
| US08776093B2 |
Failed process reporting
An application programming interface (API) that leverages operating system instrumentation to provide a chain of threads and processes may alleviate some debugging complications. Specifically, the chain may start with the first thread in the process that experienced the original failure and end with the last thread upon which the first thread directly or indirectly depends. The API may aid debugging efforts by classifying all threads related or dependent upon an original failed thread into specific categories of failures, requesting further information from the originating OS concerning specific failed threads, and using that information to debug the failed application or process more thoroughly. |
| US08776092B2 |
Multiple interface support
Aspects describe multiple interface support that provides dynamic switching between new and old interface revisions. A first interface application is selected from a set of alternative interface applications for an industrial automation system. Support for each interface application included in the set of alternative interface applications is provided. A second interface application is downloaded and associated with the first interface application. The second interface application is enabled during runtime. If needed, the second interface application can be selectively disabled and an operation resumed with the first interface application. |
| US08776090B2 |
Method and system for network abstraction and virtualization for a single operating system (OS)
A device may abstract access to hardware resources in the device to a single operating system (OS) running in the device utilizing an abstraction layer and a software partition. The abstraction layer and the software partition may enable virtualizing the hardware resources during interfacing between the single OS and the hardware resources, such that the actual characteristics and/or number of the hardware resources may be abstracted. The abstraction layer may comprise a hypervisor, which may be optimized to support network abstraction based operations. The software partition may enable managing configuration and/or use of the hardware resources via the abstraction layer. The hardware resources may comprise networking resources. Accordingly, operations of a plurality of virtual drivers within the OS corresponding to each of one or more of the plurality of hardware resources may be supported. Data transfers between the OS and the hardware resources may be performed via the software partition. |
| US08776085B2 |
Common message header bearing method and apparatu for converting soap API into rest API
A common message header bearer method for converting a SOAP API into a REST API includes: determining a REST API common message bearing field, where the common message bearing field is a field in a REST API message header and complies with a following format: one header field name+one header field value+multiple attribute-value pairs (10); and bearing a relevant content of a SOAP message header in the common message bearing field in a format of the attribute-value pairs (11). Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an apparatus for converting a SOAP API into a REST API. |
| US08776084B2 |
Executing an accelerator application program in a hybrid computing environment
Executing an accelerator application program in a hybrid computing environment with a host computer having a host computer architecture; an accelerator having an accelerator architecture, the accelerator architecture optimized, with respect to the host computer architecture, for speed of execution of a particular class of computing functions; the host computer and the accelerator adapted to one another for data communications by a system level message passing module, where executing an accelerator application program on an accelerator includes receiving, from a host application program on the host computer, operating information for an accelerator application program; designating a directory as a CWD for the accelerator application program, separate from any other CWDs of any other applications running on the accelerator; assigning, to the CWD, a name that is unique with respect to names of other CWDs of other applications in the computing environment; and starting the accelerator application program on the accelerator. |
| US08776082B2 |
Method and system for providing a client access to an external service via an application services platform
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for providing a client access to an external service via an application services platform. These mechanisms and methods for providing a client access to an external service via an application services platform can enable embodiments to provide effective access to such external service without necessarily forcing the client to access the external service separately with respect to the application services platform. The ability of embodiments to provide such technique can enable the integration of an external service with an application services platform, thus allowing the client to access the external service in a more effective manner. |
| US08776080B2 |
Management component transport protocol interconnect filtering and routing
A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes rerouting a Vendor Defined Message (VDM) sent from a first device is targeting a second device, to a third device. The method also includes keeping the first device unaware of the rerouting. |
| US08776079B2 |
Task processor
A task processor includes a CPU, a save circuit, and a task control circuit. A task control circuit is provided with a task selection circuit and state storage units associated with respective tasks. When executing a predetermined system call instruction, the CPU notifies the task control circuit accordingly. When informed of the execution of a system call instruction, the task control circuit selects a task to be subsequently executed in accordance with an output from the selection circuit. When an interrupt circuit receives a high-speed interrupt request signal, the task switching circuit controls the state transition of a task by executing an interrupt handling instruction designated by the interrupt circuit. |
| US08776075B2 |
Energy consumption optimization in a data-processing system
A method for optimizing energy consumption in a data-processing system comprising a set of data-processing units is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method includes indicating a set of data-processing jobs to be executed on a data-processing system during a production period. An ambient temperature expected for each data-processing unit during the production period is estimated. The method calculates an execution scheme for the data-processing jobs on the data-processing system. The execution scheme optimizes the energy consumed by the data-processing system to execute the data-processing jobs based on the ambient temperature of the data-processing units. The method then executes the data-processing jobs on the data processing system according to the execution scheme. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed. |
| US08776072B2 |
Control apparatus, control system and computer program
A system management layer changes a current program with a program (door lock failure diagnosis judgment program, security judgment program, door lock judgment program, keyless entry judgment program or the like) to be executed by an application layer, in accordance with an operation mode of on-vehicle equipment. Priorities of programs are previously stored for each operation mode, and a priority judgment program contributes to judge the priority of operation request based on the operation mode. Thus, plural programs of each hierarchal layer are categorized into groups per operation mode, although complicating in the single hierarchal layer. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the priority judgment processing from complicating for the operation request output by each computer program. |
| US08776069B2 |
Energy and performance optimizing job scheduling
Energy and performance optimizing job scheduling that includes queuing jobs; characterizing jobs as hot or cold, specifying a hot and a cold job sub-queue; iteratively for a number of schedules, until estimated performance and power characteristics of executing jobs in accordance with a schedule meets predefined selection criteria: determining a schedule in dependence upon a user provided parameter, the characterization of each job as hot or cold, and an energy and performance optimizing heuristic; estimating performance and power characteristics of executing the jobs in accordance with the schedule; and determining whether the estimated performance and power characteristics meet the predefined selection criteria. If the estimated performance and power characteristics do not meet the predefined selection criteria, adjusting the user-provided parameter for a next iteration and executing the plurality of jobs in accordance with the determined schedule if the estimated performance and power characteristics meet the predefined selection criteria. |
| US08776063B2 |
Method and system for hardware feedback in transactional memory
Multi-threaded, transactional memory systems may allow concurrent execution of critical sections as speculative transactions. These transactions may abort due to contention among threads. Hardware feedback mechanisms may detect information about aborts and provide that information to software, hardware, or hybrid software/hardware contention management mechanisms. For example, they may detect occurrences of transactional aborts or conditions that may result in transactional aborts, and may update local readable registers or other storage entities (e.g., performance counters) with relevant contention information. This information may include identifying data (e.g., information outlining abort relationships between the processor and other specific physical or logical processors) and/or tallied data (e.g., values of event counters reflecting the number of aborted attempts by the current thread or the resources consumed by those attempts). This contention information may be accessible by contention management mechanisms to inform contention management decisions (e.g. whether to revert transactions to mutual exclusion, delay retries, etc.). |
| US08776059B2 |
Moveable access control list (ACL) mechanisms for hypervisors and virtual machines and virtual port firewalls
A computer implemented method of virtual machine migration with filtered network connectivity includes enforcing network security and routing at a hypervisor layer which is independent of guest operating systems via dynamic updating of routing controls initiated by a migration of said virtual machine from a first device to a second device. |
| US08776058B2 |
Dynamic generation of VM instance at time of invocation
Responsive to a request to invoke a given virtual machine (VM) instance, a base VM instance corresponding to a number of VM instances, including the given VM instance, is retrieved. A VM change file particular to just the given VM instance is also retrieved. The VM change file indicates how the given VM instance varies from the base VM instance. The VM change file is applied to the base VM instance to dynamically generate the given VM instance, and the given VM instance is then invoked. Responsive to a request to subsequently shutdown the given VM instance, the VM change file is updated to reflect how the given VM instance varies from the base VM instance. The given VM instance is then shutdown and deleted. |
| US08776055B2 |
Combining profiles based on priorities
Combining profiles based on priorities associated therewith to create an effective profile are provided. A plurality of profiles defining one or more rules that are applicable to a functional computing object are identified. A priority corresponding to each applicable profile is determined. The applicable profiles are combined by the computing device based on the corresponding priorities to create an effective profile that includes no conflicting rules. |
| US08776053B2 |
System and method to reconfigure a virtual machine image suitable for cloud deployment
A system and method for reconfiguring a virtual server image suitable for cloud deployment. In accordance with an embodiment, the system comprises providing a virtual server image, which can be executed on one or a plurality of hypervisors, and which contains a bootable part of a virtual machine, a non-bootable part of the virtual machine, a software application code for a software application, and a software application data for the software application. Information in a virtual server image patch can be used to reconfigure the contents of the virtual server image from its original content to a reconfigured content, to create a reconfigured virtual server image. In a particular embodiment, the virtual machine can be a Java Virtual Machine. |
| US08776051B2 |
Method of providing partially isolated execution environment for multiple applications and digital information apparatus using the same
A method of providing a partially isolated execution environment for multiple applications in a digital information apparatus having a virtual machine and middleware is provided. The method includes initializing an application manager by driving the virtual machine, and loading and initializing a main class of the middleware, executing an action for each application through a method of the application manager while executing a main method of the main class of the middleware, and finalizing all threads and ending a process during execution in the virtual machine. |
| US08776048B2 |
Early configuration in deploying an enterprise application
Illustrative embodiments include a method, system, and computer program product for early configuration of an application in a deployment of an enterprise application. A section is located in an enterprise application deployment file of the enterprise application. The section includes configuration information of the application. The configuration information of the application is loaded before completing loading of the enterprise application deployment file such that the application is configurable without waiting for the loading of the enterprise application deployment file to complete. Loading the enterprise application deployment file is continued without waiting for a configuring of the application using the configuration information of the application that is loaded. |
| US08776046B2 |
Recording medium, computer program and method for software installation with divided install execution files
n (where n is a natural number) divided software components divided from software to be installed are individually recorded in n recording mediums. Each of the second to n-th recording mediums from among the n recording mediums includes an install execution file that executes an install processing of a corresponding divided software component, an install assistant file that executes a run determination processing for determining whether or not the install of the divided software component recorded in the first recording medium is executed and when the install is not executed, runs the install execution file, and an autorun setup file that enables the install assistant file to be automatically run on an operating system. |
| US08776045B2 |
Device, method and program for creating installer
There is provided a computer readable medium having computer readable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, are configured to extract driver configuration files forming a device driver from the computer in which the device driver for controlling a device has been installed, to acquire an initial setting file describing control parameters that have incorporated inputs made in regard to the control parameters to be used by the device driver for controlling the device, and to create an installer which installs a device driver, including the driver configuration files and the initial setting file and controlling the device according to the control parameters described in the initial setting file, in a computer. |
| US08776043B1 |
Service image notifications
An electronic marketplace for service images permits users to browse descriptions of service images implementing desired functionalities of a virtual machine image. The described service images may contain one or more software applications and may be further offered for purchase through an electronic service image marketplace. Notifications, such as updates, regarding software applications contained within a service image can be uploaded to the electronic service image marketplace. The electronic service image marketplace identifies customers associated with service images containing outdated software applications and generates notifications for the customers. |
| US08776039B1 |
Interfacing a device driver with an application using a virtual driver interface and a strategy
In one embodiment, a test and measurement application executing on a computing device is interfaced with one or more external device coupled to the computing device. A device driver is selected for use with one of the external device from two or more available device drivers that are each compatible with the external device. The device driver is coupled to a virtual driver interface that provides the test and measurement application with a standardized interface to any of the two or more available device drivers. The test and measurement application communicates with the external device through the virtual driver interface. |
| US08776037B2 |
Apparatus and method to update multiple devices disposed in a computing system
A method is disclosed to update multiple devices disposed in a computing system comprising a plurality of devices. The method receives a request to perform a firmware image update for a plurality of designated target devices, where each of those designated target devices comprises a first firmware image, and where the request comprises a second firmware image. The method uploads the second firmware image to a shared memory device, where each of the designated target devices is in communication with that shared memory device, and broadcasts an update command to each of the plurality of devices. The method determines the device state of each of the designated target devices, and if each of the designated target devices reports either an operational device state or an error device state, then the method reports that the firmware update is complete. |
| US08776035B2 |
Providing performance tuned versions of compiled code to a CPU in a system of heterogeneous cores
A compiler may optimize source code and any referenced libraries to execute on a plurality of different processor architecture implementations. For example, if a compute node has three different types of processors with three different architecture implementations, the compiler may compile the source code and generate three versions of object code where each version is optimized for one of the three different processor types. After compiling the source code, the resultant executable code may contain the necessary information for selecting between the three versions. For example, when a program loader assigns the executable code to the processor, the system determines the processor's type and ensures only the optimized version that corresponds to that type is executed. Thus, the operating system is free to assign the executable code to any processor based on, for example, the current status of the processor (i.e., whether its CPU is being fully utilized) and still enjoy the benefits of executing code that is optimized for whichever processor is assigned the executable code. |
| US08776032B2 |
Automatic region-based verification of garbage collectors
Systems and methods that add specifications to procedures in a garbage collector for indicating what each procedure does. Such annotations can be added in the source code, to indicate what the source code is to do when it runs—hence enabling an automatic verification of the garbage collector by a verification component. The specification can be presented as a logical formula that can be readily processed by a theorem prover, which is associated with the verification component. Such logical formulas can further employ regions to specify correctness of the garbage collector. |
| US08776030B2 |
Partitioning CUDA code for execution by a general purpose processor
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for translating application programs written using a parallel programming model for execution on multi-core graphics processing unit (GPU) for execution by general purpose central processing unit (CPU). Portions of the application program that rely on specific features of the multi-core GPU are converted by a translator for execution by a general purpose CPU. The application program is partitioned into regions of synchronization independent instructions. The instructions are classified as convergent or divergent and divergent memory references that are shared between regions are replicated. Thread loops are inserted to ensure correct sharing of memory between various threads during execution by the general purpose CPU. |
| US08776027B2 |
Extracting and collecting platform use data
A system for reporting information about how selected components of an operating system are used by applications on a computing device. A manifest of components is provided from a management server to a computing device. The manifest specifies components of the operating system for which usage information is to be collected. The computing device surveys applications for calls to the components specified in the manifest. Surveys may be performed by static scanning and/or dynamic monitoring. In static scanning, application files are scanned for keyword strings specified in the manifest. Keyword string matches are recorded to a log file. In dynamic monitoring, calls from executing applications to components specified by the manifest are identified and logged. A report is generated from the log and sent to the management server. The management server then aggregates and analyzes reports from multiple computing devices to enable developers to assess how the components are being used. |
| US08776025B2 |
Integrated debugger and code coverage tool
A method, information processing system, and computer program product integrate a code coverage tool with a debugger. A debugging process is performed on a set of source code for an application program. A set of code coverage information associated with the set of source code is analyzed with respect to a set of debugging information. The set of code coverage information at least identifies a set of instructions that has been executed. A set of source code lines in the set of source code that correspond to the set of instructions that has been executed is identified based on the analyzing. A user is notified through a user interface that the set of instructions associated with the identified set of source code have been executed. |
| US08776024B2 |
Software application fine-tuning method, system, and corresponding computer program product
The invention relates to a method for fine-tuning a software application that is written in a source programming language and is executable on a target platform. According to the invention, such a method includes: a stage of compiling said software application that is written in said source language and supplies the code of an intermediate software application that is written in an intermediate language, said stage comprising a step of inserting, into the code of said intermediate software application, a specific construction for intercepting events by means of complementary instructions, and a step of formatting the intermediate code of said software application such that the matching of a line of source code with a line of intermediate code is the most frequent possible matching; a stage of compiling the code from said intermediate software application into an executable software application; and a stage for fine-tuning said software application, said stage including at least one step of converting at least one piece of fine-tuning information between a program for fine-tuning said intermediate language and a program for fine-tuning said source language. |
| US08776018B2 |
System and method for restartable provisioning of software components
A system and method for associating a state with a distributed system and transitioning component states with recovery to reverse transitioning attempts includes defining a global state representing an overall provisioning state of a plurality of components involved in a system wherein a set of global states are employed as provisioning checkpoints. Individual software component methods are defined for transitioning from one state to another. Individual states are associated with a global state. A rollback method is defined by which a destination global state may be rolled back to a previous global state in an event of a failure. |
| US08776014B2 |
Software build analysis
A method or software program that provides an analysis of a build, which can provide a developer with views of the build processes, is disclosed. Data is collected from the build. The collected data can include information regarding file access patterns from determining which files are accessed for read and which files are accessed for write by one or more software build tools and project interdependencies. The collected data can also include certain project properties, build configurations, intermediate directories such as logs, and other metadata of the build. The collected data is injected into a relational database that can be queried. Reports can be generated from the information stored in the database by tools that depict built projects and interdependencies. For example, the tools can be used to generate visualizations such as graphs. |
| US08776013B2 |
Flow-optimization system and method for cloud computing
A cloud computing interface includes a high-level compiler uses a modified flow language referred-to as “Resilient Optimizing Flow Language” (ROFL) that converts inputs relating to source program and data definitions to generate bytecode objects that can be used by an execution engine to allocate input data to “processes” created by the execution engine based on available resources, so as to evaluate or perform particular tasks on the input data. |
| US08776007B2 |
Assessment of software code development
A cost per unit of processed code metric is determined based on a quantity of processed code during a given time period that is attributable to one or more developers, and a cost to develop the quantity of processed code during the time period attributable to the one or more developers. Also, a quality scaling factor is calculated based on quality measurements for the quantity of processed code. Thereafter, the cost per unit of processed code metric is scaled (or discounted) by the quality scaling factor to provide a cost of development index (CDI). Because the inputs to the quality scaling factor may be determined in an automated fashion, this CDI determination permits more rapid response to any adverse assessments. Furthermore, because direct measurement of code quality is employed, more meaningful insight is provided into the likelihood that end product, i.e., the software code, is of good quality. |
| US08776005B1 |
Modeling mechanical behavior with layout-dependent material properties
Computer-implemented techniques for modeling the mechanical behavior of integrated circuits using layout-dependent material properties are disclosed. The back end of line wiring that connects an integrated circuit to a substrate undergoes stresses and strains due to many heating and cooling cycles during a chip's packaging and lifecycle. Depending on integrated circuit design style, there may be vastly different thermal profiles across the integrated circuit. The mechanical behavior caused by the thermal cycles of the wire, vias, and insulators comprising the BEOL materials is simulated. Extraction of the integrated circuit structural information, regarding the BEOL materials, yields anisotropic information. Layout-dependent material volume fractions are computed using integrated circuit structural information. Anisotropic mechanical properties are determined based on the structural information. Mechanical responses are calculated based on the anisotropic material properties and the calculated material-volume fractions. |
| US08776004B2 |
Method for improving static timing analysis and optimizing circuits using reverse merge
Determining static timing analysis margin on non-controlling inputs of clock shaping and other digital circuits using reverse merge timing includes: selecting one or more circuits within the logic design having a plurality of inputs and using reverse merge; identifying a controlling input of the selected circuit from among this plurality of inputs; and determining for at least one non-controlling input of the circuit, a timing value that may be used to drive design optimization based on the difference between arrival times of the controlling and non-controlling inputs. |
| US08775997B2 |
System and method for testing and configuring semiconductor functional circuits
The present invention systems and methods enable configuration of functional components in integrated circuits. A present invention system and method can flexibly change the operational characteristics of functional components in an integrated circuit die based upon a variety of factors including manufacturing defects, compatibility characteristics, performance requirements, and system health (e.g., the number of components operating properly). Functional component operational behavior is tested and analyzed at various levels of configuration abstraction and component organization (e.g., topological inversion analysis). The testing and analysis can be performed in parallel on numerous functional components. Functional component configuration related information is presented in a graphical user interface (GUI) at various levels of granularity and in real time. The graphical user interface can facilitate user interaction in recognizing failure patterns, production test tuning and field configuration algorithm adjustment. The testing and analysis information can also be organized in a variety of convenient database formats. |
| US08775996B2 |
Direct current circuit analysis based clock network design
A design tool with a direct current (DC) transformation analysis unit determines combinations of candidate sink locations for sector buffers within a sector of a clock network design. For each of the combination of candidate sink locations, the design tool transforms resistances of the sector with the combination of candidate sink locations into resistances of an electrical circuit. The design tool transforms capacitances of the sector with the combination of candidate sink locations into current sources of an electrical circuit. The design tool performs a DC circuit analysis, wherein results of the DC circuit analysis include a variance of voltage at nodes of the sector and a maximum value of current from currents flowing between pairs of the nodes of the sector. The design tool determines which of the combination of candidate sink locations has the minimum variance of voltage with the results of the DC circuit analysis. |
| US08775990B1 |
Alignment of microarchitectural conditions
Techniques for controlling alignment of conditions between modular functional blocks in an integrated circuit having a hierarchical network of modular functional blocks. The output of each functional block can be logically determined by its external inputs combined with internal state feedback and internal state and is derived from a pattern of prior external inputs. Alignment of output conditions from independent and interdependent functional blocks within the hierarchical network of functional blocks is induced to provide unique conditions by modifying internal state and timing alignments with internal data and internal controls within one or more of the modular functional blocks. Functional outputs from one or more of the modular functional blocks can be monitored based on the modified internal state and timing alignments. Pattern results can be generated based on the monitoring. Test results based on the pattern results can be stored. |
| US08775987B1 |
Generation of a replay module for simulation of a circuit design
Approaches are disclosed for testing a module of a circuit design. The module is simulated a first time using a testbench on a programmed processor. Event data is captured to a first file during the simulating. For each event, the event data describes a signal identifier, an associated signal value, and an associated timestamp. The event data of the first file is transformed into a hardware description language (HDL) replay module. |
| US08775982B2 |
Optical proximity correction for active region design layout
The present disclosure provides an integrated circuit design method. In an example, a method includes receiving an integrated circuit design layout that includes an active region feature, a contact feature, and an isolation feature, wherein a portion of the active region feature is disposed between the contact feature and the isolation feature; determining whether a thickness of the portion of the active region feature disposed between the contact feature and the isolation feature is less than a threshold value; and modifying the integrated circuit design layout if the thickness is less than the threshold value, wherein the modifying includes adding a supplementary active region feature adjacent to the portion of the active region feature disposed between the contact feature and the isolation feature. |
| US08775979B2 |
Failure analysis using design rules
The use of design rule checks for failure analysis of semiconductor chips is described. The smaller geometries of recent semiconductor devices lead to a much higher level of sensitivity of devices to photolithography related systematic problems. Failure analysis to date has focused on physical, randomly distributed defects of devices rather than systematic problems caused by the mask manufacturing or mask application process. Methods and systems are described which allow for online searches of a layout database for geometric features defined by a set of rules. The rules may be defined as two-dimensional Boolean operations including shape or distance based as well as any kind of combination. The result is graphically and interactively presented. |
| US08775977B2 |
Decomposition and marking of semiconductor device design layout in double patterning lithography
Provided is a system and method for assessing a design layout for a semiconductor device level and for determining and designating different features of the design layout to be formed by different photomasks by decomposing the design layout. The features are designated by markings that associate the various device features with the multiple photomasks upon which they will be formed and then produced on a semiconductor device level using double patterning lithography, DPL, techniques. The markings are done at the device level and are included on the electronic file provided by the design house to the photomask foundry. In addition to overlay and critical dimension considerations for the design layout being decomposed, various other device criteria, design criteria processing criteria and their interrelation are taken into account, as well as device environment and the other device layers, when determining and marking the various device features. |
| US08775972B2 |
Apparatus and method for single action control of social network profile access
A computer implemented method includes allowing a user to access a user-controlled social network profile page with posts in a specified order. A user is permitted to traverse an interface element across the specified order to establish a set position for the interface element. Access to posts is provided on a first side of the set position to define a viewable profile. Access to posts is blocked on a second side of the set position to define a non-viewable profile. |
| US08775971B2 |
Touch display scroll control
A scroll control recognizes a touch input directed to a selectable item while the selectable item is scrolling on a touch display. The scroll control determines if the selectable item is scrolling above a threshold velocity when the touch input directed to the selectable item is recognized. If the selectable item is determined to be scrolling above the threshold velocity, scrolling of the selectable item is stopped. If the selectable item is determined to be scrolling below the threshold velocity, the selectable item is selected. |
| US08775964B2 |
Method and mobile terminal device for mapping a virtual user input interface to a physical user input interface
The present invention provides a method an a device for mapping a virtual user input interface to a physical user input interface. The method is provided for mapping a virtual user input interface to a physical user input interface on a mobile terminal device. The mobile terminal device comprises a first physical user input interface, a display and a processing unit being connected to said display and said physical user interface, wherein an application is configured for use with a second user interface. The method of the invention comprises detecting an event indicative of an application to be executed that is configured for use with said second user interface and displaying a virtual user input interface representing said second user input interface on said display. If a physical user input is received on said first physical user input interface, it is mapping to said displayed virtual user input interface, and displayed as an indication of a virtual input on said displayed virtual user input interface. |
| US08775963B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a display to generate notifications
The present specification provides a method and apparatus for controlling a display based on signals received from one or more input devices. In one implementation, a mobile device with a touch screen and a touch pad is provided. A notification module executable on the mobile device configures the processor of the mobile device to control the display to generate a notification bar and a content region. The notification bar contains an icon representing each application from which a notification has been generated and a number adjacent the icon for indicating how may notifications have been generated by the application. The content region includes data associated with the notifications, and is arranged in rows beneath a header identifying the application. The layout of the applications may be varied as well as the priority of ordering the application sin the content region. |
| US08775962B2 |
Step-wise, cumulative object and relationship aggregation in a graphical system management topology
A graphical user interface (GUI) in which a user may navigate through states of an information technology (IT) management process by selecting or deselecting the selectable objects in the GUI. When the user selects a first object in a first display window of the GUI, the first display window is changed to represent a first state of the IT management process based on the selected object, and the second display window is changed to show computing objects and relationships associated with the selected object. When the user selects another associated object in the first display window, the first display window is changed to represent a second state of the IT management process based on the selected object, and the and the second display window is changed to show computing objects and relationships associated with the selected object. |
| US08775959B2 |
Graduated visual and manipulative translucency for windows
Methods and systems for providing graphical user interfaces are described. Overlaid, information-bearing windows whose contents remain unchanged for a predetermined period of time become translucent. The translucency can be graduated so that, over time, if the window's contents remain unchanged, the window becomes more translucent. In addition to visual translucency, windows also have a manipulative translucent quality. Upon reaching a certain level of visual translucency, user input in the region of the window is interpreted as an operation on the underlying objects rather than the contents of the overlaying window. |
| US08775951B2 |
Graphical user interfaces for supporting collaborative generation of life stories
Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) support the collaborative generation of life stories by helping the user view the development of the life stories of other users and facilitating interaction with them through these GUIs. A GUI according to a first type helps the user keep track of recent life stories and comments posted by other users of the collaborative system, and a GUI according to a second type helps the user view life stories of any user in a chronological manner. |