| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08820926B2 |
Method for manufacturing lens for electronic spectacles, lens for electronic spectacles, and electronic spectacles
A first recess (102) of a lower substrate (100) is coated with conductive ink to form a first auxiliary electrode layer (104), a lower electrode pattern (105) is formed thereon by vacuum deposition, a second recess (202) of an upper substrate (200) is coated with the conductive ink to form a second auxiliary electrode layer (204), an upper electrode pattern (205) is formed thereon by vacuum deposition, the upper and lower substrates are bonded to each other with an electric element (300) interposed between the lower substrate (100) and the upper substrate (100), and the upper and lower substrates are cut at positions on the overlap portion of the first auxiliary electrode layer (104) and the lower electrode pattern (105) and the overlap portion of the second auxiliary electrode layer (204) and the upper electrode pattern (205) so as to expose the cut surfaces of the substrates. |
| US08820924B2 |
Inversion marking for contact lenses
An ophthalmic lens incorporating clearly identifiable, highly visible inversion marking(s) that become invisible when placed on the eye may be utilized to allow an individual to easily distinguish between the normal state of the lens and the inverted state of the lens. The ophthalmic lens comprises a thin material layer capable of changing its optical state from diffusive light scattering, colored, or both, to invisible transparent at the corneal temperature of a normal person, at the influence of ambient light, or a combination thereof. |
| US08820923B2 |
Optical element for correcting color blindness
Described herein are devices, compositions, and methods for improving color discernment. |
| US08820920B2 |
Eyeglass frame securement apparatus
The present invention provides an eyeglass frame securement apparatus comprising an eyeglass frame with upper and lower frames for eyeglasses to be mounted thereon, two outer sides of said upper and lower frames attached to eyeglass temples, a protection strip frame locked into inner circumference of said eyeglass frame; protruding pins extending forward and rearward from a center of the lower frame pivotally attached to the upper frame; a rib extending from outer sides of the upper frame and inserted into grooves to restrict the eyeglasses; protrusions on upper end of supporting shaft of the eyeglass temples inserted into the spaces on the outer side of said lower fame. Therefore, once the upper frame is completely assembled, said eyeglass temples can be outwardly bent to allow said protrusions on the upper end thereof to extend outward from the horizontal hole of the upper frame to restrict said eyeglass temples directionally. |
| US08820912B2 |
Liquid droplet discharging device
A liquid droplet discharging device is provided with a discharge head capable of relative movement through a predetermined plane with respect to a substrate, and adapted to discharge liquid droplets cured by activation light; and an irradiation section for irradiating the liquid droplets on the substrate with the activation light. Also provided is a retaining device whereby a cover member that transmits the activation light is detachably retained in a direction parallel to the predetermined plane. |
| US08820904B2 |
Air removal and ink supply system for an inkjet printhead
A microfluid ejection system includes a fluid path having proximate and distal ends, the proximate end having an inlet to receive fluid from a fluid supply, a vacuum chamber for suctioning of air from both the proximate and distal ends of the fluid path, and a pre-ejection chamber disposed in the fluid path between a proximate end and a distal end. The pre-ejection chamber includes a ceiling inclined upward toward each of the proximate and distal ends from a low point to direct air toward either the proximate or distal end for suctioning from the pre-ejection chamber. The microfluid system further includes a first and second air chambers disposed respectively at the proximate and distal ends of the fluid path to receive and direct air to the vacuum chamber. |
| US08820902B2 |
Liquid storage container
A liquid storage container includes a liquid storage body storing ink supplied to a printer consuming the ink. The liquids storage body includes an ink chamber which can store the ink, a filler port through which ink can be poured into the ink chamber, a lead-out port which leads out the ink stored in the ink chamber to the printer side, and a lead-out channel which connects a channel opening formed in the ink chamber and the lead-out port. |
| US08820896B2 |
Droplet ejecting head, droplet ejecting apparatus, piezoelectric device, and ceramic
A droplet ejecting head including: a pressure chamber connected to a nozzle hole; and a piezoelectric device having ceramic member provided with an electrode. The ceramic member is made from a solid solution containing bismuth ferrate, bismuth potassium titanate, and bismuth manganate. |
| US08820890B2 |
Head maintenance device and inkjet recorder
A head maintenance device includes a wiping section which wipes a nozzle plane, on which a plurality of nozzles to eject ink are provided, of an inkjet head. The wiping section includes a wiping member including a cloth, an elastic body and a support, in the order named from a side where the wiping section comes into contact with the inkjet head. The cloth is moved parallel to the nozzle plane at a relative moving velocity of not less than RMV×0.2 and not more than RMV×0.9 with respect to the nozzle plane so as to wipe the nozzle plane. |
| US08820889B2 |
Maintenance method of liquid ejection head and liquid ejection apparatus
A maintenance method of a liquid ejection head including a nozzle forming surface where a plurality of nozzles having a polygonal planar shape including a plurality of corners which each have two sides and an angle between the two sides are formed, includes the step of causing a relative movement of a sweep member and the head so as to sweep the nozzle forming surface of the liquid ejection head in such a manner that the sweep member is moved in a direction making an angle within π/8 radian with respect to a direction in which any of the sides extends. |
| US08820886B2 |
Liquid discharging head and liquid discharging apparatus with liquid repellant film
A liquid discharging head includes a liquid discharging head that has a nozzle plate on which a nozzle is formed, a cover that is provided at a periphery of the nozzle plate, and a liquid repellent film that are provided on surfaces of the nozzle plate and the cover which are opposed to a discharge target. In the liquid discharging head, a recess defined by the cover and the nozzle plate is filled with a filler and inner surfaces of the recess are covered by the filler. |
| US08820884B2 |
Recording device and recording device control method
A recording device includes a conveying part that conveys a roll paper, a support part that supports the roll paper, a recording part that ejects a liquid on the roll paper supported by the support part to record an image on the roll paper, a heating part that heats the support part to dry the liquid ejected on the roll paper, a cleaning part that cleans the recording part, and a controller that controls the conveying part to convey the roll paper while controlling the cleaning part to carry out a cleaning operation for cleaning the recording part. |
| US08820880B2 |
Defective nozzle detection mechanism
A method is disclosed. The method includes receiving image data from one or more image readers and analyzing the image data to locate and classify artifacts on the medium caused by defective print engine nozzles. |
| US08820874B2 |
Ink jet textile printing apparatus
A tray mounting unit in which it is possible to replace a plurality of types of set trays; a detector capable of detecting the type of set tray mounted on the tray mounting unit in a state where the target textile printing material is set; a determining unit determining whether the type of set tray detected by the detector and the type of set tray recognized in advance are matched or mismatched; and a control unit performing a predetermined operation based on the determining result of the determining unit, are provided. Thus, inconsistencies in the type of set tray may be detected thereby preventing textile printing defects caused by such inconsistencies. |
| US08820871B2 |
Valve jet printer with inert plunger tip
A valve jet printer includes a solenoid coil and a plunger rod having a magnetically susceptible shank. A first end of the shank and at least a portion of the shank are received within a bore of the solenoid coil. The printer also includes a nozzle including an orifice extending therethrough and a spring biasing a second end of the shank toward the nozzle. The second end of the plunger rod includes a tip formed of perfluoroelastomer (FFKM). The second end of the shank includes a cup-shaped cavity having a convex bottom and a circular side. The tip includes a concave base and an annular flange. In an assembled state, the concave base of the tip contacts the convex bottom of the cup-shaped cavity, and the end of the circular side opposite the convex bottom is rolled over the annular flange thereby securing the tip in the cup-shaped cavity. |
| US08820870B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a carriage that is provided with a recording head which performs recording on a recording medium and is movable in a scan direction of the recording head, a guide member that guides the carriage in the scan direction, and a gap adjusting unit that is interposed between a housing of the carriage and the guide member so as to displace the housing of the carriage in a direction in which a gap varies between the recording medium and the recording head, the gap adjusting unit being mounted on the carriage. |
| US08820869B2 |
Recording device
A recording apparatus includes a recording head performing recording on a recording medium, a carriage movable in a scanning direction of the recording head; a first guide member guiding the carriage in the scanning direction; a second guide member provided positioned at a predetermined distance in a direction intersecting the scanning direction with respect to the first guide member; a first gap adjusting unit provided on the carriage, and causing the housing of the carriage to displace in a direction changing the gap between a support face supporting a recording medium and the recording head; a second gap adjusting unit causing the housing of the carriage to displace by being synchronized with the first gap unit in a direction changing the gap; a synchronization unit. |
| US08820867B2 |
Control circuit for light emitting diode indicator
A control circuit for a light emitting diode for indicating power-on in a normal operating mode, power-on in a sleep mode, and power-off, the control circuit includes: a first voltage source having a DC voltage that is greater than a nominal forward voltage drop of the light emitting diode, the first voltage source connected to a first resistor in series with an anode of the light emitting diode; a second voltage source having a DC voltage that is greater than the DC voltage of the first voltage source; a first transistor connected between a cathode of the light emitting diode and ground; a control signal connected to an input of the first transistor; a second transistor connected between the first voltage source and the second voltage source, wherein an output of the first transistor is connected to an input of the second transistor. |
| US08820865B2 |
Recessed shelf and drawer support for refrigerator
Provided is a refrigeration appliance (2) that includes a fresh food compartment (8) and a freezer compartment (4). A refrigerator liner (14) is located within the fresh food compartment. The liner includes one or more recesses for receiving brackets (10). Each bracket may be removably inserted into a recess (12) such that when the bracket is inserted into the recess, the bracket and recess form a substantially planar plane across the liner. |
| US08820863B2 |
Support device for bracket and rail of slide assembly
A slide assembly includes a bracket having two support portions and a side portion which extends between the support portions. A path is defined by the side portion and the support portions. Each support portion has a protrusion extending toward the path and the protrusion has a supporting face. A rail is longitudinally connected to the path of the bracket and has two outer walls and a side wall. The outer walls are located adjacent to the support portions and the side wall extends between the outer walls and is located adjacent to the side portion. Each of outer walls has a protruding portion which has a contact face and the contact face is located corresponding to the supporting face. When the outer walls move relative to the support portions, the contact face of the protruding portion contacts the supporting face of the protrusion. |
| US08820854B2 |
Bicycle wheel quick release assembly with clockable handle
A bicycle wheel quick release assembly that includes an axle having a handle engaged with one end thereof. The handle is operable to alter a working length of the axle and securable to the axle at a variety of radial positions to manipulate the radial direction or clocking of the orientation of the handle relative to a longitudinal axis of the axle. |
| US08820853B1 |
Wheel axle assembly
A wheel assembly quick release lever pivots against a thrust washer to apply a force along the length of an axle. The thrust washer is pressed toward a sleeve nut at the opposite end of the axle, which displaces the thrust washer relative to the axle, drawing the sleeve nut and a pair of compression rings toward one another deeper into conical cavities of dropouts. The radially outwardly facing surfaces of the compression rings firmly seat against the tapered cavities of the closed bore dropouts, and the radially inwardly facing surfaces of the compression rings firmly seat against the axle to provide resistance to rotational movement of the axle relative to the dropouts. The inboard surfaces of the dropouts seat against the load-bearing axle faces of the hub, which provides resistance to lateral movement. |
| US08820843B2 |
Vehicle seat supporting body
A vehicle seat supporting body has padding which has a honeycomb body of elastic material and is covered with upholstery permeable to air and defining a user supporting surface; the cells of the honeycomb body extend along axes crosswise to the supporting surface, are open at the ends, and, in use, vary in volume in response to oscillating movement of the user; on the opposite side to the supporting surface, at least one opening connects the cells to the outside, and is opened/closed automatically by valves in response to compression and decompression of the air in the cells. |
| US08820842B2 |
Vehicle seat with a support structure
The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a seat part, with a backrest and with a support structure for supporting the seat part as well as the backrest, in which the support structure is capable of being fastened to a bodywork component and in which forces acting upon the vehicle seat by means of the support structure are capable of being introduced into the bodywork component, and in which the support structure has an asymmetrical framework with main force braces extending substantially vertically. |
| US08820840B2 |
Headrest for motor vehicle seat
A headrest for a motor vehicle seat comprises at least one spindle for assembling the headrest in a backrest of the seat; and a body provided with at least one housing in the shape of a sleeve for receiving one end of said spindle, the spindle comprising, in an upper portion, a shoulder capable of cooperating with a horizontal rib, protruding inside of a housing of the body, to lock any translation of the spindle in its housing. |
| US08820837B2 |
Locking device, especially for an adjustment fitting and especially for a vehicle seat, and vehicle seat
A locking device for an adjustment fitting of a vehicle seat has a locking cam rotatable about a first axis, and an actuation element rotatable about a further axis. The locking device has a locking position and a release position. The actuation element has a toothing system and the locking cam has a mating toothing system. The toothing systems have respective opening flanks, at least one of which is flattened to bring about an initially increased opening transmission ratio in comparison to a further course of the toothing systems. |
| US08820832B2 |
Active head restraint with wiring pass-through
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a wire harness assembly for routing a wire harness through a vehicle seat back having an active head restraint system. The assembly can comprise a movable member configured to move relative to a seat frame in a vehicle fore-aft direction and can have a sleeve with a first end configured to receive a headrest. A harness guide is included with a guide tube and an attachment member that is connected to the guide tube and to the movable member, the guide tube having a first open end and a second open, and a guide passage that extends through the guide tube from the first open end to the second open end. A second end of the sleeve opposite the first end is located within the attachment member and configured such that the sleeve and the attachment member move with the movable member. |
| US08820831B2 |
Safety bar for vehicles
A passenger restraint system for a vehicle is disclosed. Embodiments provide an automatic release mechanism to automatically lift a restraint bar in the event of a rear-end collision, thereby reducing the risk of occupants getting rammed by the safety bar due to seat deflection from the seat in front of the occupant. A linkage is connected between the seat and an interior surface of the vehicle, such as wall or floor. During a rear-end collision, occupants are pushed back into their seats, and depending on the force of the impact, the seats will deflect rearward. The linkage is coupled to a lifting mechanism, such that when the seat back deflects during a collision, tension in the linkage operates to lift the restraint bar, thereby reducing the risk of injury for occupants sitting in the seat behind the restraining bar, such as in a school bus, for example. |
| US08820830B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat arrangement includes a seat body that includes a seat and a seat back at a rear of the seat. The vehicle seat arrangement also includes displaceable seat components which produce a lateral bracing as a function of accelerations in the direction of a transverse vehicle axis. The displaceable seat components are at least partly extendable in a necessitating situation. In a retracted state, the displaceable seat component is situated entirely within the seat back. In an actuated state, the displaceable seat component extends forward from an interior of the seat back, thereby forming an interior sidewall of the seat. |
| US08820829B2 |
Vehicle seat and method of producing an upholstered vehicle seat part
A vehicle seat with a seat part, with a seat back and with at least one air-permeable upholstered part having at least a main upholstery, a barrier coat and an upholstery cover. The barrier coat is disposed between the main upholstery and the upholstery cover or a carrier layer thereof. The upholstered part has an additional air-permeable upholstery core that is different from the main upholstery. The air-permeable upholstery core in the region adjoining the main upholstery may be ventilated. |
| US08820827B2 |
Removable seating system
A removable seating system includes a mounting receptacle, a seat, and a retractable coupling device coupled to the seat. The retractable coupling device couples the seat to the mounting receptacle when inserted into the mounting receptacle. The retractable coupling device disengages the seat from the mounting receptacle when retracted from the mounting receptacle. The retractable coupling device retracts into the seat when the seat is disengaged from the mounting receptacle. The system further includes a mounting face in the mounting receptacle and a mounting slot in the mounting face. The retractable coupling device includes a rotating bolt that couples the seat to the mounting receptacle by entering the mounting slot, rotating, and engaging the underside of the mounting face. The rotating bolt disengages the seat from the mounting receptacle by rotating so as to become aligned with the mounting slot and retracting from the mounting slot and into the seat. |
| US08820823B1 |
Vehicle frame structure
A vehicle body structure includes a floor connected to a main frame assembly. The main frame assembly includes first and second side rails and interconnecting cross-members. A front frame structure located near a forward part of the vehicle body structure is connected to the main frame assembly. The front frame structure includes first and second diagonal members and a laterally extending member. Each of the first and second diagonal members includes a forward end portion connected to the main frame assembly and a rearward end portion connected to the lateral member. The rearward end portions converge toward one another and the lateral member is connected to the first and second side rails. The front frame structure transfers an impact load caused by a narrow offset frontal collision from the first side rail to the second side rail by transferring the load through the front frame structure. |
| US08820821B2 |
Operating machine
An operating machine comprises a machine body mounted on a lower propelling body. The machine body comprises an upper frame, and a line member mutually connecting a plurality of devices installed to the upper frame. The upper frame has a bottom plate, a pair of longitudinal plates each provided to stand on the bottom plate and extend in a front-rear direction, while being disposed in spaced-apart relation to each other in a right-left direction, and a transverse plate provided to stand on the bottom plate and extend in the right-left direction, while being joined to each of the longitudinal plates. A specific plate consisting of at least one of the pair of longitudinal plates and the transverse plate has an upper edge on which a pair of protrusions are provided in opposed relation to each other, and the line member is set to pass through between the pair of protrusions. |
| US08820817B1 |
Tractor trailer rear door air drag reduction system to reduce fuel consumption
An air deflection device having first and second expandable modules that can also be folded up for storage that include first and second panels for each module and a flexible chamber cover connected to said first and second panels that expand into a 90° pie-shaped cylinder. Each of said modules can be attached to the rear of a truck trailer and expanded into the operating mode forming an air deflection device in the shape of a 180° half cylinder which reduces air drag and eddy currents behind a truck trailer traveling at highway speeds for improving gas mileage. The air deflecting modules may be expanded by inflation using air pumps or manually. Each module includes a series of pie-shaped spacers internally to add rigidity to the shape of each module. The device when deployed can also support an additional load on the top rear of the truck. |
| US08820814B2 |
Vehicle seat
In a vehicle rear seat, slits are respectively formed in side wall portions of retainers provided on a vehicle body side and are respectively open at upper end sides of the side wall portions. Hinge pins respectively provided at lower end sides on side portions of a rear seat back are inserted in the corresponding slits to thereby couple the rear seat back to the vehicle body side via the retainers. Furthermore, in the vehicle rear seat, distal end sides of the hinge pins, that is, portions that protrude outward of the rear seat back, are respectively covered with covers attached to the corresponding retainers. |
| US08820813B2 |
Structural member
A structural hydroformed joint member has projecting portions (30a, 30b) formed integrally on an outer peripheral face of a hollow main tube part (20) by hydroforming an element tube with an outside diameter D. In this case, both intersecting planes (35a, 35b), which are projecting planes of end faces (33a, 33b) of the projecting portions (30a, 30b) toward the main tube part (20), share a plane perpendicular to the main axis (40) of the main tube part (20) only in portions (36a, 36b) of the intersecting planes (35a, 35b). At that time, by setting areas of the portions (36a, 36b) to 30% or more and 90% or less relative to an area of each of the intersecting planes (35a, 35b), a projecting height of each of the projecting portions (30a, 30b) is 0.3 D or higher for functioning as a joint. |
| US08820810B2 |
Steering column cover structure of automotive vehicle
An acceleration pedal is arranged on one side, in a vehicle width direction, of a steering column cover covering a steering column so as to move forward or slant forward through a press operation of a press face thereof. A guide face is provided at a specified portion of a lower face of the steering column cover which is positioned in front of a lower-face rear end portion in a steering-shaft axis direction and on an acceleration-pedal-arrangement side, wherein the guide face is configured to project downward below an extension line extending from the lower-face rear end portion in the steering-shaft axis direction and extend forward. Accordingly, a passenger's foot can be properly restrained from moving, in the vehicle width direction, off the pedal in a vehicle head-on collision, ensuring an appropriate ingress-and-egress performance of a passenger. |
| US08820808B1 |
Duct belt
The duct belt is constructed of an adjustable belt member of no specific length that includes a first magnet member at a first distal end. The adjustable belt member includes a second magnet member at a second distal end. The first magnet member and the second magnet member each include lip protuberances that enable release of the magnet with respect to a ferrous object. The duct belt is configured to attach itself to a ferrous object, such as a roll of sheet metal or a metal plate in order to carry the ferrous object. The duct belt may further include an auxiliary handle member that utilizes magnets to provide an additional gripping member with respect to a metal plate. |
| US08820807B2 |
Container carrying apparatuses and related methods
A carrier for hoisting a load from a first height to a second height. The carrier comprises a substantially bucket-shaped frame configured to support a load while the load is being hoisted from the first height to the second height and a bail for affixing a hoisting mechanism in order to enable the hoisting. The frame includes a base, an upper portion, and a plurality of vertical supports that extend between the base and the upper potion. The base comprises at least one lower support that defines a support surface for supporting the load, which may include a standard five gallon bucket. |
| US08820805B2 |
Crash box for a vehicle
Disclosed is the outer support member and the inner support member each have a vertical wall and upper and lower horizontal walls. The vertical walls of the outer support member and inner support member are formed on the outer surfaces of the respective support members. The inner edges of the upper and lower horizontal walls are inclined from the rear portions thereof toward front center portions thereof. Thus, the performance of the crash box of the present invention may satisfy the requirements for both an offset test and a barrier test, reduce the weight of the bumper beam assembly to thereby reduce costs, and improve the performance and fuel efficiency of the vehicle. |
| US08820804B2 |
Vehicle end section structure
A vehicle end section structure capable of securing coupling rigidity at a coupling section between bumper reinforcement and a framework member where a hook attachment section is provided. The vehicle front section structure includes bumper reinforcement of B-shaped cross-section formed with a rearwards opening indented portion between a top and bottom pair of closed cross-sections, a crush box disposed at the rear of one length direction end portion of the bumper reinforcement, bolts and weld nuts for joining the bumper reinforcement at the top-bottom closed cross-sections to locations inside the closed cross-section of the crush box as viewed along the front-rear direction, and a pipe nut that is disposed in an indented portion facing an access hole to enable access to a hook member through the access hole and that is fixed to the crush box inside the closed cross-section of the crush box as viewed along the front-rear direction. |
| US08820802B1 |
Latch
A latch has a hook having, in turn, an arcuate portion and a stem. An annular member pivots within a void formed in the stem of the hook. A portion of the annular member is retained within the interior of the arcuate portion of the hook. The annular member is large enough so that it is retained within the arcuate portion of the hook. With the opening of the arcuate portion of the hook opening toward a lower portion of the hook, the annular member will fall against, and be retained within, the arcuate portion of the hook that is opposite the stem of the hook. |
| US08820799B2 |
Tube coupling
A coupling having a housing with an internal bore sized to receive a tube therein, a spacer bushing non-movably retained against axial movement within the bore, and first and second gripper rings each having a peripheral portion non-movably retained against axial movement within the bore prior to and during operation of the coupling with the tube therein with teeth protruding inwardly into the bore sufficient to engage the tube. The gripper teeth being non-retractable, and the gripper rings and spacer bushing being held tightly together within the housing. The coupling may include a seal for application of pressurized fluid to the tube. |
| US08820798B2 |
Interfacial seal with a groove
A ring-shaped interfacial seal for a connector assembly includes an internal radial surface, inward oriented, surrounding a sealing surface of a connector, an external radial surface, outward oriented, surrounded by a second sealing surface, opposed top and bottom surfaces, and a groove in the bottom surface. The groove receives a sealing ring of a second connector. An internal sealing portion of the seal, located between the groove and the internal surface, and/or an external sealing portion of the seal, located between the groove and the external surface, is compressed radially. |
| US08820796B2 |
Transitional elements for the transfer of dispersions during processing in a rotor-stator dispersion machine
To avoid even in rotor-stator dispersion machines with high suction power that the drawn liquid is set into a rotational movement whereby the dispersion performance is impaired, the invention provides transitional elements, such as an intermediate piece, for establishing the connection between a rotor-stator dispersion machine and a container. The rotor-stator dispersion machine comprises a rotor-stator system having at least one toothed ring. The container has a longitudinal axis and an outlet. The intermediate piece has a first opening for the connection with the outlet of the container and a second opening for the connection with the rotor-stator dispersion machine. The intermediate piece comprises a tube line that extends between the first and the second opening and has at least in some sections a longitudinal axis that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the container by an angle α30 in the range of 0° to 90 °. |
| US08820794B1 |
Hose-in-hose coupler
A hose-in-hose system defined by a first inner hose assembly, a second inner hose assembly, a first outer hose assembly and a second outer hose assembly. The first inner hose assembly is carried within the first outer hose assembly. The second inner hose assembly is carried within the second outer hose assembly. A first spacer member is nested between the first inner hose assembly and the first outer hose assembly. A second spacer member is nested between the second inner hose assembly and the second outer hose assembly. Said first outer hose assembly is mateable to said second outer hose assembly such that said first inner hose assembly is held in mated contact with said second inner hose assembly. |
| US08820793B2 |
Security devices
Improvements in security devices are provided that are used for authenticating or security applications. The security device includes a first color-shifting layer and a second color-shifting layer, which exhibits different reflective characteristics to the first color-shifting layer. A partial first light absorbing layer is between first surfaces of the first and second color-shifting layers and a second light absorbing layer applied to a second surface of the second color-shifting layer. The color of the partial first absorbing layer is selected to substantially match the color of light reflected at a normal angle of incidence by the combination of the second color-shifting layer and the second absorbing layer. |
| US08820792B2 |
Inside leaflet of book
An inside leaflet of a book is provided which is bond-bound with pages of the book to provide an advertisement. The inside leaflet includes an advertisement printed part and a binding part. Catchphrases or illustrations for advertisement are printed on at least one side of the advertisement printed part. The binding part is configured to be bound with the pages along an edge of the inside leaflet such that the binding part has less binding portions than those of the pages in order to leave no traces or marks when the inside leaflet is detached from the book. Accordingly, since the inside leaflet is able to be bound to pages of various kinds of books and easily removed from the books without leaving any traces or marks in the books, the inside leaflet contributes to extension of the application range of advertisements and improvement of advertisement efficiency. |
| US08820790B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat includes a sitting part structure and a seatback structure which is arranged so as to pivot at its lower end on the sitting part structure and is covered by a seatback cover and to which, in its upper region on the vehicle sill side, is secured a belt deflector. The belt deflector has a belt runner opening for a seatbelt, which faces in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The seatbelt is guided out of an automatic belt roller mechanism, which accommodates one end of the seatbelt, through the belt runner opening in the belt deflector. The belt deflector is covered by the seatback cover which has a belt-passage through-opening which coincides with the belt runner opening and is covered on the front face of the seatback by a belt cover which has a belt-guide slot and is connected to the seatback cover. |
| US08820788B2 |
Occupant restraint system
A tongue assembly for use in an occupant restraint system also having a buckle mechanism and a webbing. The tongue assembly includes a tongue member configured to selectively engage the buckle mechanism, a body formed over a portion of the tongue member, a cam, and a biasing member configured to rotationally bias the cam. The body includes a contact surface. The cam includes a cam surface and is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation between a first locking position and a second free position. When the cam is positioned in the second free position the tongue assembly is free to slide along the length of the webbing, and when the cam is positioned in the first locking position a portion of the webbing is clamped between the cam surface and the contact surface thereby preventing the tongue assembly from sliding along the length of the webbing. |
| US08820787B2 |
Knee bolster of vehicle
A knee bolster comprises a curved arm projecting rearward from its one end portion and extending downward in a side view, the other end portion of which is configured as a free end, an inside arm provided inside the curved arm and interconnecting an upper portion and a lower portion of the curved arm, and an impact absorbing member arranged at the other end portion of the curved arm so as to be deformable when the curved arm is deformed by receiving an impact load so that the impact absorbing member is caught between the curved arm deformed and a vehicle-body-side member attached to a vehicle-body member. Accordingly, a load from a knee of a passenger moving forward in a vehicle collision can be received surely and the collision impact can be absorbed properly, thereby protecting the passenger's knee effectively, avoiding improper interference with any surrounding components. |
| US08820783B1 |
Gas generating system
A gas generating system includes a housing structured to form a booster tube mounting structure therein, and a booster tube engaged with the mounting structure so as to form a gas-tight seal therebetween and so as to be movable with respect to the mounting structure, and such that the seal is maintained during movement of the tube with respect to the mounting structure, while the tube is engaged with the mounting structure. |
| US08820782B2 |
Arrangement for sensing weight of an occupying item in vehicular seat
Vehicle including a seat support structure, a cushion arranged thereon and having an upper surface for supporting an occupying item and that deflects downward as a function of weight of the occupying item, and a sensor system including a force-measuring device that responds to downward deflection of the cushion. An interrogator sends a signal to the force-measuring device and the force-measuring device transmits, after receipt of the signal from the interrogator, a return signal to the interrogator related to the response of the force-measuring device to the downward deflection of the cushion. In a method for obtaining an indication of weight of an occupying item of the seat, a signal is transmitted from the interrogator on the vehicle to the force-measuring device and from the force-measuring device, the transmitted return signal related to the response of the force-measuring device to the downward deflection of the cushion is received. |
| US08820778B2 |
Airbag device for front passenger's seat
At an airbag device for a front passenger's seat, due to an inflator being fixed to a front side bottom wall portion that is formed at a vehicle front side and upper side of a rear side bottom wall portion, the inflator is offset toward the vehicle front side with respect to a central axis of a case. Further, the front side bottom wall portion is inclined with respect to the rear side bottom wall portion such that a central axis of the inflator intersects a normal line of the rear side bottom wall portion further toward a vehicle upper side than airbag doors, and due thereto, the inflator is tilted. |
| US08820771B2 |
Safety fastening heelpiece for ski boot
Safety fastening heelpiece (10) for ski boot comprising a moving body (11) mounted to pivot about an articulation axis (14) suspended by two lateral arms (20) linked to a base (12), the moving body including a release spring (15) acting on a moving piston (17) cooperating with a release surface (18) of the articulation axis, so as to be able to occupy a first position corresponding to a closed position of the heelpiece in which a heel grip (13) arranged at one end of the moving body is intended to hold the heel of a ski boot on the ski, and to be able to occupy a second position corresponding to an open position of the heelpiece, characterized in that the release surface is formed by a protrusion (21) arranged in relief relative to the rest of the articulation axis. |
| US08820770B2 |
Ski, snowboard, or monoboard with depth indicator
A ski, snowboard, or monoboard includes a base layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, a blade disposed on an outer edge of the top surface of the base layer, a lower body layer disposed on the top surface of the base layer and the blade, a core disposed on the lower body layer, an upper body layer disposed on the core, and a depth indicator disposed in the base layer and extending inward from the bottom surface of the base layer. The depth indicator has a visually perceivable characteristic that varies as a function of depth in the base layer. |
| US08820760B2 |
Wheel axle suspension
A wheel axle suspension comprises an axle body, a flexible trailing arm extending crosswise to the axle body, an axle pad arranged between the axle body and the trailing arm, and a clamping assembly for tightening the axle body, the axle pad and the trailing arm together. The axle body is provided with an elongated indent in the region where it is clamped, which indent extends in a longitudinal direction of the axle body. The axle pad has an elongate protrusion that fits in the indent in the axle body. The axle pad furthermore has a rigid rear portion, which comprises a rear engagement zone engaging on the rear half of the axle body, and a front portion which comprises a front engagement zone engaging on the front half of the axle body. The axle pad comprises a flexible intermediate portion interconnecting the front and the rear portion. |
| US08820758B2 |
Additional axle for agricultural machine weight redistribution
A tag axle assembly for an agricultural machine, such as a harvester, and method for redistributing weight of the harvester from the rear axle of the harvester when a header is removed, or when replaced by a lighter header, at the front of the harvester. The tag axle assembly includes a tag axle with tires that may be lowered so that the tires contact the ground when no header is attached to the machine to absorb loads transferred from the front of the harvester to the rear axle and rear tires at the rear of the harvester. The tag axle and tires may be raised up from the ground, or the tag axle assembly may be removed from the harvester, when a header is attached to the front of the harvester causing redistribution of load from off the rear axle and rear tires. |
| US08820757B2 |
Universal paint tray cart
The disclosed universal paint tray cart has a top surface for setting various sizes of paint trays on, wheels for moving the universal paint tray cart and one or more paint tray coupling devices. Each paint tray coupling device is coupled to a slot opening in the universal paint tray cart body. Each paint tray coupling device has a first end that is coupled to the slot opening of the universal paint tray cart, and a second end which couples to a paint tray. The paint tray coupling devices hold the paint tray to the universal paint tray cart so that the cart and the paint tray can be moved about without the paint tray falling off of the universal paint tray cart. The paint tray coupling devices slide along the length of the slot openings to adjust to the size of the paint tray being held. |
| US08820756B2 |
Carrier for transporting bulky, relatively heavy objects
A carrier for transporting bulky, relatively heavy goods, the carrier capable of being operated by a single individual. |
| US08820755B1 |
Mechanic's creeper
A creeper (20) for a mechanic includes a top surface (21) and a bottom surface (22). The top surface (21) includes a headrest section (30), a shoulder-receiving section (31), a back-receiving section (32), and a buttocks-receiving section (33). The shoulder-receiving section (31) is wider than any of the other sections for comfortable full shoulder support of the user. The back-receiving section (32) and the buttocks-receiving section (33) are generally flat and the shoulder-receiving section (31) is generally uniformly inclined from the back-receiving section (32) upwardly to the headrest section (30) for the comfort of the neck of the user.Pockets (39) are formed on each side of the buttocks-receiving section (33), and radiused surfaces (41) extend from the side surfaces of the buttocks-receiving section (33) to the pockets (39) for the comfort of the user. The bottom surface (22) includes a plurality of parallel recesses (47) extending under all of the sections of the top surface (21). The bottom surface (22) also includes a plurality of caster receiving pockets (46) which allow the complete rotation of caster assemblies (42) positioned therein. |
| US08820754B2 |
Turbine blade seal assembly
A seal assembly for an axial flow gas turbine engine includes a rotatable component having a radially extending mate face, a seal slot formed in the mate face, and a seal member slidably disposed in the seal slot. The seal slot includes a radially outer wall and an opposing radially inner wall extending into the component in a circumferential direction from the mate face. The radially outer wall is angled radially inwardly from the mate face toward an inner end portion of the seal slot. Rotation of the seal assembly during operation of the engine produces a centrifugal force on the seal member to effect movement of the seal member in the circumferential direction out of the seal slot. |
| US08820750B2 |
Internal combustion engine oil ring
A high-quality internal combustion engine oil ring which stably keeps oil consumption low for a long period and in which the shapes of an upper rail and a lower rail can be formed at low cost with high accuracy. The internal combustion engine oil ring has a recessed stepped portion formed at a corner of a sliding surface of an outer peripheral sliding projection in sliding contact with a cylinder inner wall surface of at least one of a first rail and a second rail constituting an oil ring main body, in a shape in vertical cross-section along a sliding direction of the first rail and second rail, and a wall surface of the recessed stepped portion has an arcuate surface having a radius of curvature of 0.02 mm to 0.08 mm. |
| US08820749B2 |
Flooded bearing isolator
A labyrinth sealing device is disclosed for use between a rotating shaft and a bearing housing. In some embodiments, an internal stator engages the housing and a rotor engages the shaft. A labyrinth pathway is defined between the rotor and stator to prevent the migration of lubricants and/or contaminants in either direction. The rotor acts as a running surface for the sealing element, but may also with a ground surface of the rotor to provide a pump that continuously draws lubricant away from the sealing lip toward a sump. In another embodiment, the stator and sealing element are combined as a single element formed from a sealing material. A recess in the sealing lip creates a pressure differential at the sealing surface and minimizes wear. |
| US08820743B2 |
Printing device
A printing device is provided with a housing, and a card stacker is disposed above the housing. The card stacker stores cards to be placed parallel in a laminate manner. The housing houses a card rotating section, linear card transport path each being disposed below the card stacker, printing section provided below the card transport path, various sensors, and control section. A card storage section is disposed on the most downstream side of the card transport path. The card storage section stores processed cards to overlap in a laminate manner. The card stacker enables the supply number of cards to be increased, and it is possible to increase the height of the card storage section by the card transport path positioning in the upper portion inside the housing. |
| US08820740B2 |
Sheet conveying apparatus
According to one embodiment, a link member is arranged on a conveying path where a sheet is conveyed in a direction substantially perpendicular to an access door. In conjunction with the opening operation of the access door, the link member is raised. On the raised portion of the link member, an upper side conveying guide has one side supported in a free rotatable way and forms a portion of the upper side of the conveying path where the sheet is conveyed in the direction substantially perpendicular to the access door. By interlocking with the opening operation of the access door, the link member is raised, and the upper side conveying guide is opened. |
| US08820738B2 |
Sheet conveyance apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a conveyance roller pair and a mechanism. While following movement of the sheet nipped by the conveyance roller pair, the mechanism moves the conveyance roller pair from a home position, and, in response to a trailing edge of the sheet passing through a conveyance roller pair nip portion, the mechanism returns the pair to the home position. The mechanism includes a movement supporting portion, a cam, a pressing member, and an urging member. The pressing member urges the conveyance roller pair toward the home position by exerting an urging force to the cam. In response to the conveyance roller pair and one of the cam and the pressing member moving in the width direction from the home position, the pressing member exerts the urging force to the cam in a direction reverse to a direction in which the conveyance roller pair has moved. |
| US08820736B2 |
Sheet post-processing apparatus and image formation system using the apparatus
To provide a post-processing apparatus for preventing a sheet from becoming misaligned in dropping the rear end side of the sheet carried in a processing tray from a sheet discharge path to store on the tray, and enabling the mechanism to be simplified, compact and configured at low cost, a sheet guide that guides a sheet from the sheet discharge path to the processing tray is comprised of a pair of right and left guide members, at the same time in the processing tray are disposed a pair of right and left side edge alignment members, and each guide member and each side edge alignment member are configured to shift to positions in the sheet width direction in an integral manner using a common drive motor. |
| US08820732B2 |
Image forming apparatus that uses sheets in sets, method of controlling the same, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus which prevents lowering of productivity when sets of tab sheets are used in one print job. The apparatus includes first sheet feeding units storing tab sheets, and a second sheet feeding unit storing plain paper. The apparatus produces print products in each which at least part of each set of tab sheets and plain paper are mixed. A print job processor causes print products to be produced by repeating a sequence of processing for feeding the at least part of each set of tab sheets and feeding plain paper. The processor causes surplus tab sheets to be discharged which have not been used for the print products and remaining in the first sheet feeding units, after a print product is produced through sheet feeding from a last one of the first sheet feeding units in order. |
| US08820719B2 |
Draw-works for maneuvering of drilling devices
A draw-works (10) is for maneuvering drilling devices that includes a winder (11) for winding at least one rope (12), which is centered on a shaft (13) having one first end and one second end and rotating in one first direction and in one second direction opposite to the first. The winder (11) is at least partially substantially cylindrical in shape. One or more supports (14) rotatably support the shaft (13). Motors (19) are designed to enable rotation in the first direction and in the second direction of the shaft (13) and of the winder (11). The supports (14) and the motors (19) are fixed to a frame base (16). The motors (19) are set on both sides of the winder (11) and connect to them without speed-reducing elements, with direct drive on the shaft (13). |
| US08820718B2 |
Winch mount for all-terrain vehicle
A mount for attaching a winch to an all-terrain vehicle. The mount allows the winch to pivot to face the cable anchor during use, thereby preventing improper spooling of the cable. Alternatively, the mount allows the winch to face a predetermined direction during use. |
| US08820717B2 |
System and method for placing a tarpaulin over a load
A system is mounted onto a forklift truck for covering and/or uncovering a cargo with a tarpaulin. The system comprises a tube frame assembly having a telescoping frame slidably attached to it. The telescoping frame is configured to be capable of being extendable and/or retractable within the tube frame assembly. The telescoping frame comprises a plurality of rollers configured to be capable of rotating when engaged with the plurality of flexible members and the flexible cover. A powertrain device is installed onto the tube frame assembly for causing to retract and/or to extend the telescoping frame within the tube frame assembly. A winch assembly is configured to be coupled to the tube frame assembly and having a plurality of straps engaged with the tarpaulin to cover and/or uncover the cargo. |
| US08820709B2 |
Wastegates and wastegate components
A turbine housing includes a wastegate chamber with a wastegate opening; and a wastegate disposed in the wastegate chamber where the wastegate includes a plug configured to plug the wastegate opening and where the plug includes a surface; a shaft configured for receipt by a bore in a wall of the wastegate chamber; and a rotatable arm extending from the shaft where the arm has a surface configured for contacting the surface of the plug for a closed orientation of the plug with respect to the wastegate opening to transmit force from the arm more centrally to the plug. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08820708B2 |
Seal assemblies for use with fluid valves
Seal assemblies for use with fluid valves are described. An example valve trim assembly for use with fluid valves includes a cage and a seal assembly to be positioned in at least one of the cage, a cage retainer or a plug. The seal assembly includes a first seal and a first scraper. The first seal is to provide a load to the first scraper to prevent the ingress of contaminate to a dynamic sealing surface to be engaged by the first seal. Additionally, the seal assembly includes a second seal and a second scraper. The second seal is to provide a load to the second scraper. Further, the seal assembly includes a spacer between the first and second seals. |
| US08820703B2 |
Double action directional fluid flow valve
A double action directional fluid flow valve includes a stepped piston connected with a poppet valve and moveable by a controller between open and closed positions by applying a continuous pressure to a small diameter piston face and selectively applying and removing pressure from a large diameter piston face to move the poppet valve between an open position and a closed position. |
| US08820701B1 |
Mounts, mounting arrangements, and methods of making mounting arrangements for supporting outboard motors with respect to marine vessels
A mounting arrangement is for supporting an outboard motor with respect to a marine vessel extending in a fore-aft plane. The mounting arrangement comprises first and second mounts that each have an outer shell, an inner wedge concentrically disposed in the outer shell, and an elastomeric spacer between the outer shell and the inner wedge. Each of the first and second mounts extend along a axial direction, along a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction, and along a horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction and perpendicular to the vertical direction. The inner wedges of the first and second mounts both have a non-circular shape when viewed in a cross-section taken perpendicular to the axial direction. The non-circular shape comprises a first outer surface that extends transversely at an angle to the horizontal and vertical directions. The non-circular shape comprises a second outer surface that extends transversely at a different, second angle to the horizontal and vertical directions. A method is for making the mounting arrangement. |
| US08820699B2 |
Torque support for a converter tilting drive
A torque support for a converter tilting drive mounted on a shaft journal. The supports are provided on the gear housing that accommodates the shaft journal to be driven. The supports support the gear housing on the structure carrying the converter. To this end, the supports are embodied in each case as dual action hydraulic piston-cylinder units that are independently anchored on the structure in an articulated manner. |
| US08820695B2 |
Soft cover for tablet PC
A support for an object is provided. The support may comprise a bottom part, a sidewall, and a plurality of fasteners. The plurality of sidewalls may be connected to the bottom part. The bottom part and the plurality of sidewalls may be made of essentially one piece of flat member. The bottom part and the plurality of sidewalls form an easel to accept the object. The plurality of fastener may be disposed on the plurality of sidewalls. |
| US08820693B1 |
Telescoping support stand apparatus
A telescoping support stand comprising an extendable leg that includes a first tube partially defining a first enclosed area and a second tube partially defining a second enclosed area. A first end of the second tube may be telescopically slidable within the first tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a locking mechanism attached to the second tube. The locking mechanism may releasably secure the first tube to the second tube to prevent longitudinal movement of the first tube relative to the second tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first air exchange aperture dimensioned to allow air to flow between the first and second enclosed areas. The telescoping support stand may include a plurality of extendable legs and a single release member that operates all of the locking mechanisms of the plurality of extendable legs. Corresponding methods of assembly and operation are also disclosed. |
| US08820687B2 |
Flat panel display including a hinge assembly
An apparatus for a flat panel is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a flat panel assembly and a hinge mechanism coupled to the flat panel assembly. The hinge mechanism is adaptable to an industry standard mount and a non-industry standard mount. A system and method in accordance with the present invention allows for the replacement of a non-VESA standard compatible display mount with a display mount that is compatible with the VESA standard. Utilizing the system and method in accordance with the present invention, such a replacement can be accomplished with minimal effort, and in an efficient manner. |
| US08820686B2 |
Apparatus and system to mount objects in proximity to ceiling structure
A mounting apparatus for automatic fire sprinkler systems and other objects to be securely attached to the structure of a ceiling of a building, and additionally relates to a mounting clamp for securely gripping the tee of a suspended ceiling in order to mount an object to be held in proximity to the ceiling and a mounting clamp for mounting the sprinkler head of a fire protection system or other type of water system. The system provides means for more rigidly mounting various components of the system to the existing piping and ceiling structure found at an installation location. |
| US08820681B2 |
Lighter-than-air craft docking system using unmanned flight vehicle
A hydrogen airship for efficiently transporting hydrogen from where it can be economically made to where it is most needed using specially designed airships. Hydrogen can be delivered from the place where it is produced to the place where it is needed using an airship in which the hydrogen gas can also be used for generating lift, providing propulsion energy and serving ancillary needs. A unique docking system can use a remotely piloted unmanned aircraft flown from the mother craft to carry a guide line into a receiving attachment point. |
| US08820679B2 |
Unlocking of a stabilizing member of a folding strut of aircraft landing gear
The invention relates to landing gear mounted on an aircraft in such a way as to be movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the landing gear incorporating: a barrel mounted in a hinged way on the aircraft; a folding strut with two arms; a stabilizing member to stabilize the strut in an aligned position, having two rods hinged to each other; a telescopic unlocking member having one end coupled to one of the rods, the telescopic member being selectively activatable to break an alignment of the rods. According to the invention, said rod has an aperture in which the end of the telescopic unlocking member engages and which is arranged in such a way that, when the telescopic member is activated, said end interacts with an end of the aperture to move the associated rod toward a non-aligned position which said rod reaches when the telescopic member reaches an internal stop, the aperture allowing any hinged movement of the rod beyond the non-aligned position. |
| US08820677B2 |
Aircraft power systems and methods
One embodiment of the present application is directed to a unique method for powering one or more critical loads in an aircraft. Another embodiment is a unique apparatus for powering one or more critical loads upon failure of one or more engines. Other embodiments include unique methods, systems, devices, and apparatus' for powering power loads in an aircraft. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith. |
| US08820676B2 |
Airplane with pitch and yaw command by propulsion system
Swiveling engines attached to the fuselage by struts, for example to the rear part of the fuselage are used to control the pitch and yaw movements of an aircraft.The swivel axes of the engines are oriented to form a V so that swiveling one engine creates a variation of the vertical and lateral components of the engine thrust. Controlled swiveling of the two swiveling engines makes it possible to generate a component of the resultant thrust in a vertical plane that can be controlled in direction and intensity to generate pitch and yaw torques.The swiveling engines also include pods provided with jet deflection flaps for the engine considered, and the struts are profiled and provided with a trailing edge control surface using ruddervator architecture. |
| US08820673B2 |
Rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft
An aircraft (1) having a fuselage (2), the aircraft (1) comprising a rotary wing (9) above the fuselage (2) and an extra fixed wing (10), the rotary wing (9) being above both the fuselage (2) and the fixed wing (10), said fixed wing (10) comprising at least one closed wing (20) comprising a first half-wing (21) and a second half-wing (22). Each half-wing (21, 22) is provided with a top lift portion (30) and a bottom lift portion (40), said bottom lift portion (40) of a half-wing being arranged in the wake (S) of the top lift portion (30) of that half-wing, the wake (S) being generated by a stream of air (F) coming from said rotary wing (9) and impacting against the top face (30′) of the top lift portion (30) when said aircraft (1) has a forward speed less than a predetermined threshold. |
| US08820665B2 |
Fluid dispensing nozzle
A nozzle is provided for dispensing a liquid from a container in a desirable, nearly rectangular spray pattern. The nozzle includes an actuator having an inlet end adapted to receive liquid from the container and an outlet end, the actuator outlet end defining an outlet chamber. An insert is coupled to the actuator outlet end and defines an insert passage in fluid communication with the outlet chamber. The insert includes at least a first convex shoulder disposed downstream of the outlet chamber, and a nozzle outlet disposed downstream of the first convex shoulder. The convex shoulder may have a radius of curvature and side walls may be provided at an angle of convergence. The radius of curvature and the angle of convergence may be provided within certain ranges to obtain the desired spray pattern at the desired flow rate using typical aerosol can pressures. |
| US08820663B2 |
Pressurized air assisted spray nozzle assembly
A pressurized air-assisted liquid spray nozzle assembly having an air direction member that defines a central longitudinal airflow passage having an upstream end for coupling to a pressurized air supply and a plurality of cross-passages for directing a plurality of pressurized air streams radially outwardly, a liquid direction guide disposed in surrounding relation to the air direction member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced liquid passages extending transversely across the cross-passages for intersecting pressurized liquid and air streams and pre-atomizing the liquid, a downstream expansion chamber for receiving pre-atomized liquid, and discharge orifice communicating centrally with the expansion chamber for emitting a predetermined atomized liquid spray pattern. |
| US08820662B2 |
Nozzle and nozzle holder for an aerosol generator
A nozzle for generating an aerosol from a fluid and a gas is described. The nozzle comprises at least one wettable cone-shaped gas exit channel that widens in a direction of gas flow from a cone apex to a cone base of the wettable cone-shaped gas exit channel and is connected at the cone apex to a nozzle gas supply channel. The nozzle further comprises at least one annular fluid exit port at the circumference of the cone base that is connected to a nozzle fluid supply channel. Further, a nozzle holder is described. The nozzle holder comprises a cylindrical crown comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced grooves that are connected to the ring-shaped fluid exit port. |
| US08820661B2 |
Hose end sprayer with multi-size bottle connectors and bottle adapter
A hose end sprayer has a sprayer lid and a container. The sprayer lid has a cap with a pair of bottle connectors formed of single-ended, fixed diameter, threaded sleeves of different radii mounted on the underside of the sprayer lid's cap. The connectors and a threaded adapter allow the sprayer lid to be connected with containers having mouths of different sizes, including containers in which liquid chemicals are sold. A liquid conduit extends across the cap between a hose inlet on one end and a spray nozzle on the other end, with a siphon tube intersecting the conduit within the periphery of the smaller of the bottle connectors, with mixture of pressurized carrier water entering the liquid conduit at the hose inlet with liquid chemical siphoned from the container through the siphon tube. The chemical/water admixture is expelled from the spray nozzle. |
| US08820660B2 |
Aromatic shower head device
A shower head assembly having a fragrant releasing device operable to release a scent when water is passed through the shower head assembly is provided. Preferably the fragrant releasing device is formed in part by a gelatinous material operable to release a predetermined scent when placed in contact with water. The shower head assembly includes a housing and an outlet. In one embodiment, the shower head assembly includes a spacer disposed in a gap between the face of the outlet and an outer edge of the housing. The fragrant releasing device is disposed within the chamber so as to be in fluid communication with the inner space of the housing. In another embodiment, the chamber is disposed on the face. A cartridge is configured to be fittingly disposed within the chamber. The cartridge releases a scent when water is introduced into the housing and through the nozzles of the face. |
| US08820657B2 |
Temperature changing device
A temperature changing device has a tubular member with a restricting portion that changes the air speed and pressure of liquids flowing there. An air inlet is provided to allow cooling or warming air to be drawn in and mix with the liquid in a mixing region. The air inlet is placed close to the bottom portion of the restricting portion. The restricting portion and inlet opening are placed far enough from the open top portion to allow for sufficient temperature change. In one embodiment, a stirring portion is provided to allow a user to stir a beverage such as coffee or tea. |
| US08820653B2 |
Water control fixture having bypass valve
A water control fixture includes a fixture body in fluid communication with a pressurized supply of hot water and a pressurized supply of cold water. The fixture body interconnects the supply of hot water and the supply of cold water. The fixture body has a spout outlet configured to dispense water from the fixture body. At least one operating valve is coupled to the fixture body for controlling a flow of water to the spout outlet. A bypass valve is disposed in the fixture body for controlling a recirculating flow of water through the fixture body. The bypass valve blocks and permits recirculating flow from the supply of hot water to the supply of cold water based on a temperature of the water. |
| US08820648B2 |
Precious metal authentication system and method
Structures, systems, and methods verify the authenticity of a precious metal unit. A “ping bar” is designed to have a distinctive sound only if authentic and unadulterated. A “waffle bar” is shaped to discourage adulteration, damage, or counterfeiting and to facilitate easy core sampling and assay of the constituent metal's purity. Reeded edge features may additionally be employed to discourage tampering. An RFID device and a global registry system verify various attributes and ownership of the precious metal units. |
| US08820646B2 |
Remote control device capable of reading dot patterns formed on medium display
A remote control device with excellent convenience, operability, and affinity, which can be intuitively operated and does not require much time to learn its operation, is provided. The remote control device comprises an optical reading unit for reading an optically readable dot pattern, a main body that is connected to the optical reading unit and can be held by gripping or just like holding a pen, a converter equipped inside the main body, for analyzing a dot code and/or a coordinate value from a dot pattern read out by the optical reading unit and converting into one or two or more corresponding transmission codes, an operation unit, equipped at the other end of the main body on the opposite side to the optical reading unit, operable at least in longitudinal and lateral directions, and a transmission unit, equipped at a predetermined position of the main body, for outputting a transmission code converted by the converter and an operation instruction attributable to the operation unit and an operation instruction attributable to another button as a signal to the control-subject apparatus. |
| US08820645B2 |
Method and system for optimizing system settings of a laser scanner control system
A scanning device includes a laser source emitting a laser scanning beam, a movable scanning mirror reflecting the laser scanning beam towards an on object to be scanned, a mirror moving element moving the movable scanning mirror and a controller receiving an input corresponding to a range estimate from the scanning device to the object and adjusting a setting of the scanning device based on the range estimate. |
| US08820642B2 |
XML printer system with RFID capability
An XML system is configured to encode RFID devices embedded in media, based upon an extensible markup language (XML) input data stream. The computer system further includes an XML processor configured to receive and process a format template, associate the XML data contained in the XML input data stream and the format template, a formatting engine configured to format the associated XML data according to a format governed by the format template, and/or generate encoding information for an RFID device. |
| US08820639B2 |
Security feature RFID card
A reader and method to allow verification or access to an RFID component of a device using analog optical properties of the RFID device. In the method, a reader analyzes optical properties of the device, obtains information on these properties from the reader or from data on the device. These optical analog properties are required to be verified prior to access to the RFID data from the RFID component. |
| US08820636B2 |
Automated banking machine operated responsive to data bearing records with improved resistance to fraud
A banking system machine is controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader, a keypad, a cash dispenser, a cash outlet, a deposit accepting opening, and other transaction locations that may be susceptible to the installation of fraud devices. An anti-fraud sensing system is associated with the machine to sense the probable installation of unauthorized devices on the machine. Such unauthorized devices may include fraudulent card reading devices, fraudulent keypad input intercepting devices, cash outlet trap devices, and deposit input diversion devices. |
| US08820632B1 |
Systems and methods for displaying current consumer card status on a wireless device
A system for object tracking may comprise a system for displaying consumer account information on a wireless device comprising at least one subsystem that receives transaction information regarding a purchase of the consumer, at least one subsystem that sends selected transaction information regarding the transaction to a wireless device, and at least one subsystem that displays on the wireless device account information based on the sent selected transaction information. |
| US08820627B2 |
Contactless test system
In some embodiments, a first apparatus may be provided that may comprise a processor and a storage medium coupled to the processor. The storage medium comprises code executable by the processor for performing a first method. The first method may include the step of receiving data comprising a plurality of profiles. Each of the profiles may be associated with a contactless transaction device. The first method may further comprise the steps of communicating with a test contactless transaction device using short range wireless communication, and using the plurality of profiles to emulate each of the contactless transaction devices associated with each of the profiles in a simulated transaction with the test financial transaction device. |
| US08820625B2 |
Systems and methods for barcode integration in packaging design and printing
Methods and systems for barcode integration in packaging design and printing are described. A barcode server may supply an FPO barcode to a designer, and the FPO barcode may include a selectable link that, when selected, generates an HTTP request to the barcode server associated with the specific FPO barcode. The barcode server manages the finalization and approval processes from design to prepress and printing. |
| US08820624B2 |
Cooking information book, cooking system, cooking method, and using method for the cooking system
A cooking system is provided. The cooking system includes: a radio frequency tag; a cooking appliance provided with a radio frequency reader to receive food related data from the radio frequency tag, the cooking appliance comprising at least a heating element; and a server receiving at least the food related data from the cooking appliance, the server transmitting food cooking data for cooking a food suitable for the cooking appliance using the food related data, wherein the cooking appliance operates using the food cooking data. |
| US08820622B2 |
Cash box provided with self-locking mechanism
A cash box (1) used for storing cashes and provided with a self-locking mechanism comprises a box body (11), a box door (12) and a box door self-locking mechanism. The cashbox (1) is arranged on a cashbox bracket (3). The box door self-locking mechanism comprises a lock (21) for locking the box door (12) and a door switch structure (22) which is fixed on the cashbox bracket (3) and used for opening or closing the box door (12). The lock (21) comprises a movable lock tongue (211) connected with the box door (12) and a lock cylinder (212) which is fixed on one wall of the box body (11) and movably buckled with the movable lock tongue (211). A triggering element which acts on the door switch structure is arranged on the box door (12) which is opened by the door switch structure when the box body (11) is pushed into the cashbox bracket (3) and which is locked by the door switch structure when the box body (11) is drawn out of the cashbox bracket (3). The cashbox has self-locking function while being forcedly dismantled and ensures the safety of articles inside the box while being displaced and transported. |
| US08820621B2 |
Blank and methods of constructing a food holder from the blank
A food holder for retaining a food product is provided. The food holder is formed from a continuous blank of sheet material. The food holder includes a top tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines. The food holder further includes a bottom tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines. The bottom tray is rotatably coupled to the top tray along a hinge line. The top tray is rotatable relative to the bottom tray from an open position to a closed position. The food holder further includes a moveable section including a portion of at least one of the top tray side panel and the bottom tray side panel. The moveable section facilitates movement of the top tray relative to the bottom tray for retaining the food product. |
| US08820620B2 |
Drawer box stabilizing system
Folded storage boxes are assembled into an array of joined folded storage boxes provide a sliding drawer at a front face of each box, such that stacked and laterally joined boxes are accessible from the front of each box. Fasteners join side walls of juxtaposed boxes at intermediate heights to define short beam wall structures. A drawer retention device limits the degree of front withdrawal of each drawer so that drawers on higher courses than the ground course are protected from accidental falls. A divider system in the drawer is supported on side rail sheets that are secured by inertia hooks. |
| US08820619B2 |
Paperboard container for application to a bed rail
A foldably assembleable generally rectangularly-shaped box-like container with spaced lateral and longitudinal walls where one longitudinal wall has a greater height and has two hooks, or folds into a hook-like shape, for placing the container upon a bed rail. The container preferably has dividers that divide the interior into compartments for storage of things therein and which also stiffen the container. Optional stiffener box or shelf constructions may be employed to strengthen the container against collapse and to effect shallower compartments. The container can be foldably formed from one or two layers of material, often cardstock or cardboard. |
| US08820615B2 |
Method for manufacturing a steel component, a weld seam, a welded steel component, and a bearing component
The invention concerns a method for manufacturing a steel component (6, 11) comprising a first steel part (7) and a second steel part (8), the first (7) and second (8) steel part having a carbon content up to 1.5 weight percent, The method is comprising: Heating (1), at least partly, the first steel part (7), and at least partly, the second steel part (8), to above the alpha/gamma transformation temperature, and joining (2) the first steel part (7) and the second steel part (8) by welding, the welding taking place at a temperature above the alpha/gamma transformation temperature, and cooling (3) such that hardening effects are avoided. The invention further concerns weld seams (9), welded steel components (6, 11), and bearing components (11, 15, 20, 22, 26, 27, 31). |
| US08820613B2 |
Method of reattaching an end assembly to a well car
A method of shortening an end of a well car includes removing a plurality of parts that would inhibit the shortening process; cutting a shear plate and a set of side sill angles at a location on the well side of the end assembly; detaching the end assembly from a main body of the well car; on each side of the main body: cutting the top tube at a location above a monument plate that is just beyond a reinforcement plate attached to the monument plate; cutting through a weld between the monument and reinforcement plates and a side sheet; cutting through the side sheet generally at the attachment location of the monument and reinforcement plates; and cutting the shear plate of the main body with a contoured cut such that the remaining shear plate has a contoured pattern substantially matching the cut shear plate under the removed end assembly. |
| US08820608B2 |
Medical instrument
A medical instrument includes a first grasping member and a second grasping member that approach and separate from each other, a rotating body that is rotatably installed on a rotation shaft fixed to the first grasping member, an open-close link whose first end is rotatably connected to a first rotation shaft provided on the second grasping member and whose second end is rotatably connected to a second rotation shaft provided on the rotating body at a distance from the rotation shaft, and a manipulating member rotating the rotating body. When the rotating body is rotated in a predetermined direction, the first grasping member and the second grasping member approach each other while the second rotation shaft approaches an imaginary straight line connecting axes of the rotation shaft and the first rotation shaft. |
| US08820606B2 |
Buttress retention system for linear endostaplers
An end effector for use with a surgical stapler comprising a staple cartridge having a tissue contacting surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface opposite the first side surface, an anvil plate having a tissue contacting surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface opposite the first side surface, wherein the first and second side surfaces of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate have overmolded zones, a buttress releasably disposed on the tissue contacting surfaces of each of the staple cartridge and the anvil plate, and a pair of sutures wherein each suture is bonded to the respective overmolded zones of the first and second side surfaces configured to retain the respective buttress atop the respective tissue contacting surfaces. |
| US08820604B2 |
Combined severing and stapling device
An apparatus includes grasping ends movable between an open position to a closed position and a shaft coupled to the grasping ends. The apparatus also includes a handle coupled to the shaft and configured to cause the grasping ends to move from between the open and closed positions and a stapler actuator that causes a stapling mechanism within the grasping ends to deploy one or more staples. The apparatus also includes a blade coupled to the shaft and a blade actuator that causes the blade to translate between extended and detracted positions. |
| US08820600B2 |
Accumulator with tensioning device
The present application provides a yarn accumulator for use with a yarn sausage in a heat setting line. The yarn applicator may include a sled in contact with the yarn sausage and a tensioning device in communication with the sled. The tensioning device applies a variable tension to the sled based upon the length of the yarn sausage. The tensioning device may include a sled pulley in communication with the sled, a ratioed pulley set in communication with the sled pulley, a counterweight pulley in communication with the ratioed pulley set, and a counterweight in communication with the counterweight pulley. |
| US08820598B2 |
Vehicle mounted equipment carrier
A rack for retaining a plurality of modular accessory cubes at the rear of a motor vehicle includes a hitch mounted swing-away carrier supporting an upright post carrying a number of planar platforms which the cubes may be attached to. The cubes may have drawers for supporting equipment such as grills and the like useful for outdoor activities and other modules may comprise electronic entertainment equipment such as audio players, radio and TV receivers, and the like. The platforms and the bases of the modules are formed with complementary engaging sections for positioning the modules on the platform, and threaded fasteners projecting upwardly through the platforms may quickly allow the modules to be secured and released from the platforms. |
| US08820597B2 |
Vehicle garment hook and guard mounting assembly
A garment hook assembly for use in a vehicle includes a housing, a cover slidingly coupled to the housing and having an aperture therethrough, and a garment hook pivotally mounted to the housing. The housing is mounted to a trim component having a complementary aperture therethrough such that pivoting the garment hook away from the housing exposes a passageway through the cover and trim component apertures for access to an underlying vehicle body structure. |
| US08820595B2 |
Method for using a hanger system
A hanger system with hooks attached to and suspended from a hanging or stationary frame, and from one to a multiplicity of rods capable of holding garments or other items, which rest in the hooks. The hooks are designed to allow the rods to rest in vertical relation to one another within the hooks although, depending on the hanging orientation of the hanger system, the rods may hang adjacent to or diagonal from one another. The frame may be hung from a closet rod or similar support, or may be attached to a surface such as a wall or a shelf, either directly or with spacers between the frame and the surface. |
| US08820593B2 |
Removable water bar for vehicles
A water dispensing system for an automobile includes a docking mechanism in a trunk of the car to detachably hold a water bar that is linked by a water pipe to supply water to a water dispenser in a cabin of the automobile. The water bar includes a rechargeable power unit to provide power to the water bar when the water bar is removed from the automobile. |
| US08820592B2 |
Ladle shroud transport/storage device for transferring liquid metal
A device enables the transporting and storing of at least one ladle shroud for a liquid metal casting plant, the ladle shroud having a channel through which liquid metal passes and essentially extending along an axis. The device also includes a rack designed to store the ladle shroud in a use position wherein the axis of the channel is vertical, the rack providing an access from the outside to a lateral face of the shroud when the latter is in its use position. |
| US08820589B2 |
Liquid dispensing apparatus
A discharge assembly for discharging a metered volume of a liquid held in a pressured container includes an elongate tubular housing, a valve stem having a body locating within the housing, a chamber provided within the body of the valve stem and having a liquid inlet, and a liquid discharge element moveable along the chamber from a liquid primed position to a liquid discharged position to effect discharge of the metered volume of liquid, wherein a second fluid transfer passageway is formed along the outside of the valve stem between the inlet of the housing and the first fluid transfer passageway, and a seal is provided for relative sliding movement onto a seat as the valve stem moves to close the second fluid transfer passageway to fluid flow. |
| US08820588B2 |
Liquid dispensing apparatus
A discharge assembly apparatus for discharging a metered volume of a liquid when used in combination with a liquid-containing, pressurized or pressurizable container includes an actuator assembly incorporating a valve stem having a discharge conduit arrangement with an inlet and an outlet, a metering chamber formed within the valve stem and incorporating a liquid discharge element, an inlet/outlet arrangement, and a housing wherein the valve stem and the inner surface of the housing define a fluid transfer passageway therebetween, the discharge conduit arrangement of the valve stem providing communication between the outlet of the metering chamber and the outlet of the valve stem via the fluid transfer passageway. |
| US08820587B2 |
Connector
A connector is described that is capable of reducing an amount of liquid remaining in a container when the liquid is drawn out therefrom. The connector includes a connecting unit having a threaded portion that is screwed onto a container-side threaded portion; a main body coupled so as to have a common a central axis with the connecting unit, and a siphon tube that is secured to the main body and that extends to a bottom portion of the container. The connecting unit and the main body are connected so as to be capable of relatively rotating about the central axis. |
| US08820585B1 |
Foam dispenser with a porous foaming element
A foaming assembly includes a porous foaming element, a liquid chamber and an air chamber. The porous foaming element has an air inlet, a liquid inlet and an outlet. The porous foaming element has at least two zones of different pore sizes. The liquid chamber is in flow communication with the porous foaming element. The liquid chamber has a volume that is movable between an at rest postion to an activation position. The air chamber is in flow communication with the porous foaming element. The air chamber has a volume that is movable between an at rest position to an activation position. Liquid and air are forced into the porous foaming element under pressure wherein they mix to form foam which exits through the outlet. A dispenser may include a foaming assembly and a liquid container. |
| US08820579B2 |
Fluid reservoir shell
Disclosed is a fluid reservoir shell that provides protection for the fluid reservoir of a personal hydration system. The fluid reservoir shell is rigid and does not collapse easily under external pressure. The fluid reservoir shell is sized to contain the fluid reservoir but still fits in a personal hydration system pack. The shell protects the fluid reservoir and prevents the fluid reservoir from leaking due to excessive external pressure. The fluid reservoir shell disclosed includes a shell top piece and a shell bottom piece, which couple together to enclose the bladder of the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir shell provides ready access to the fill port and the drink tube of the fluid reservoir when the fluid reservoir is contained in the fluid reservoir shell. |
| US08820576B2 |
Cosmetics container
A cosmetic container includes a piston in which content contained in the container always reaches a content inlet of an airless discharge pump as the piston rises upward along and on an inner wall of the container with operation of the airless discharge pump. More specifically, the content amount remaining in the container is indicated in association with the rising movement of the piston. The cosmetic container includes a container body, an airless discharge pump installed to the container body, a piston installed in the container body so that a topmost level of content contained in the container body reaches a content inlet of the airless discharge pump as the piston moves upward along and on an inner wall of the container body with operation of the airless discharge pump, and an indicator indicating content amount remaining in the container body in association with rising movement of the piston. |
| US08820572B2 |
Insert to hold a can for use with an inverted bottle holder
A holder intended to hold a can upside down inside a container when attached thereto is described. The holder includes a clip having an inner wall and an outer wall spaced to accept an exterior wall of the container in between, where the clip is formed at an arc corresponding to the arc of the exterior wall of the container and a deck connected in a permanently fixed relationship to the clip and extending into the container, the deck including an aperture. The holder also includes an insert inserted into the aperture in the holder, the insert formed by a can receptacle having a first ledge to hold the top of the can when inserted therein and a neck insert, the neck inserted into the aperture until a second ledge on the insert comes to rest against the deck of the holder. |
| US08820570B2 |
Clamped liner-boss connection
A pressure vessel for storing a fluid, the pressure vessel including an annular inner boss having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface forming a passage adapted to receive a utility device therein, wherein the inner boss includes a liner channel formed intermediate the inner surface and the outer surface, a vessel liner having a portion thereof disposed in the liner channel of the inner boss, and an outer boss secured to the outer surface of the inner boss. |
| US08820567B2 |
Talking trash receptacle
The present invention is a talking trash receptacle that includes a lid that is removably placed on the receptacle, a plurality of speakers that are disposed on the lid that emit an audio message alerting one or more users that the receptacle is full, a beam sensor that runs across the receptacle and senses when trash and debris contained and piled-up in the receptacle intersect the beam sensor and a trash bag that is disposed within the receptacle that contains the trash and debris that are contained and piled-up within the receptacle. The receptacle also includes a trash can that contains the trash bag and the trash and debris, a speaker board that serves as a base of the speakers that are disposed on the speaker board and a plurality of sensor holding arms that secures the beam sensor in place that runs across the top portion of the receptacle. |
| US08820566B2 |
Ventilated barrel cover system
A ventilated barrel cover system for effectively covering a barrel while allowing for ventilation of the contents of the barrel. The ventilated barrel cover system generally includes a base positionable upon an upper rim of a barrel, an upper opening extending through the base, and a cover removably attached to the base for selectively closing the upper opening. The base includes at least one vent for allowing ventilation of the interior of the barrel. |
| US08820564B2 |
Container LID with T-shaped opening
One container lid embodiment includes a body and a cap pivotably attached to the body via a hinge assembly. The body has internal threads configured to engage external threads on a fluid port of the container. The body has an opening corresponding to less than all of an area of the fluid port. The opening, configured as a modified teardrop opening through the body, includes an arc portion adjacent a circumference of the body opposite the hinge in fluid cooperation with an elongate vent extending perpendicularly from the arc portion towards the hinge. The body has a lip adjacent to the arc portion of the opening, extending radially away from the opening. The cap is configured to seal the body when articulated in proximity with the body. |
| US08820561B2 |
Closure
In a closure for closing the orifice (13) of a neck (12), in particular the orifice of a fuel filler neck for automotive vehicles, a spring mechanism is provided which takes the form of a tightening device for drawing the closure part (14) automatically into its final closed position. The movement of the closure part (14) is controlled by a first guide slot (19). The operating lever (35), by means of which the closure part is moved, is furthermore hinged to the closure part (14) by means of a second guide slot (39), which, when an opening force is introduced via the closure part (14), blocks the movement of the closure part (14) from its closed position in the opening direction so that the closure part (14) cannot be manually opened from outside. |
| US08820560B2 |
Collapsible bin
A collapsible bin is provided. The bin includes a pair of opposing side panels. The bin further includes a pair of opposing end panels. At least one of the end panels has a first plurality of male interlocking members extending outward a first distance along an upper portion of a first side edge, and a second plurality of male interlocking members extending outward a second distance greater than the first distance along a lower portion of its first side edge. At least one of the side panels includes a plurality of female interlocking members along a first side edge for receiving the first and second pluralities of male interlocking members extending along the first side edge of the at least one side panel. |
| US08820558B2 |
Large container
A large container (2) comprises a bottom part (3) and four side walls (4, 8), of which at least one is fastened with at least one hinge to the bottom part (3) and, by these means, can be folded down to the bottom part (3). At least one of the side walls (4, 8) has a movable side part (10), which is constructed so that by moving the movable side part (10), the corresponding side wall (8) can be opened partially. |
| US08820557B2 |
Dual mode funnel member
A bottle has a funnel member defining a pouring spout attached thereto by a retainer which allows the spout to rotate relative to the bottle. The funnel member retains the spout in a storage/transport mode wherein it is affixed to the exterior of the bottle and in a use mode in which the spout is attached to the neck of the bottle so as to facilitate transfer of a fluid. |
| US08820554B2 |
Vessel cap having a cutter and hook for removing and retaining a seal
A vessel cap is comprised of a body mounted at a vessel inlet through which a liquid material stored in a vessel is discharged outwardly and having a certain space therein. A pressing plate is disposed in the body to be movable in upper and lower directions. A cutter is formed at an edge of a lower surface of the pressing plate in a circumferential direction for penetrating a sealing member when the pressing plate is pressed and which cuts the sealing member when the body is rotated. A hooking member downwardly protrudes at the lower surface of the pressing plate for storing the sealing member cut by the cutter in the body. A connection portion is formed between an outer circumferential surface of the pressing plate and an inner circumferential surface of the body for guiding the pressing plate to be moved in upper and lower directions. |
| US08820548B2 |
Tray device
A tray device that is detachably connectable to a surface, such as a table surface, providing an eating and/or playing surface for a child. The tray is provided with a lip that extends upwardly and outwardly toward the child's body so as to catch items and/or food or drink dropped by the child and direct the slipped item onto the tray surface. The tray may also be provided with a removable insert and various attachment mechanisms to firmly hold the tray onto the table surface. |
| US08820545B2 |
Position lock for product display rack
A locking mechanism is provided for a product display tray of the type having a base formed of longitudinal wires and having a product pusher slideable on the wires and urged forwardly by a spring to maintain products at the front of the tray as items are removed by customers. A locking member is positioned to slide on the wires and is pushed forwardly by the spring. The locking member has angled edges which engage the wires when the element is tilted. When the pusher is moved toward the rear of the tray, the geometry of the pusher causes it to tilt the locking member such that its angled edges lock onto the wires, preventing the spring from moving the pusher forward during loading of the tray. Pressing rearward at the top of the pusher reorients the locking member and frees the pusher to be moved forward by the spring. |
| US08820544B2 |
Adjustable dishwasher rack
A dishwasher includes an adjustable dishwasher rack that accommodates certain types of dishes (e.g., bowls) of varying sizes and shapes. The dishwasher rack includes a pair of parallel guide rails. A plurality of retainer assemblies ride along the guide rails. Each of the retainer assemblies has (i) a first clip positioned on the first guide rail, (ii) a second clip positioned on the second guide rail, and (iii) a retaining wire having a first end that is secured to the first clip and a second end that is secured to the second clip. |
| US08820543B2 |
Apparatus for displaying a bicycle on a post
A display assembly includes a post, a first shackle provided around the post, a second shackle provided around the post, and a suspension unit pivotally connected to the second shackle. The second shackle is elastically connected to the first shackle so that the first and second shackles are normally pivoted from each other and hence abutted against the post to position the first and second shackles on the post. |
| US08820542B2 |
Shopping cart corral for displaying one or more advertisements and method of providing same
Some embodiments disclose a corral configured to hold one or more shopping carts and display one or more advertisements. The corral can include: (a) an enclosure having an opening configured to receive the one or more shopping carts, the enclosure having a first side; and (b) at least one first panel located at the first side and configured to display at least a first advertisement of the one or more advertisements. The advertising panels can be configured to be coupled adjacent the opening of the corral to facilitate better visibility. |
| US08820541B2 |
Method for producing curable composition for imprints
A method for producing a curable composition for imprints includes the step of passing a curable composition containing a polymerizable monomer (A) and a polymerization initiator (B) through a filter having an effective filter area of 200 cm2 or more at least one time. The method suppresses pattern-peeling when peeling the mold employed in forming a pattern using the curable composition for imprints, and thus provides excellent patternability. |
| US08820540B2 |
Method for preparing a filtration membrane and filtration membrane prepared by said method
Method for preparing a filtration membrane and a filtration membrane prepared by the method. According to one embodiment, the method involves casting a polymer solution onto a porous support to form a coated support. The coated support is then quenched to form a membrane/support composite, and the membrane/support composite is then dried. Next, a first end of a first piece of adhesive tape is applied to the membrane side of the composite, and the second end of the first piece of adhesive tape is applied to a first rotatable winder. In addition, a first end of a second piece of adhesive tape is applied to the support side of the composite, and the second end of the second piece of adhesive tape is applied to a second rotatable winder. The two winders are then rotated so as to pull apart the membrane from the support. |
| US08820538B1 |
Method and apparatus for particle sorting
Apparatus and methods for sorting and dispensing microparticles using a flow switch mechanism wherein changing flow rate into the flow switch changes flow path. The present invention is well-suited for precisely sorting microparticles, such as cells, for applications such as cell line development, monoclonal antibody selection and single cell research, etc. |
| US08820536B2 |
Platform and ladder interface for variable slope vibrating screens
A compact mobile variable angle vibrating screen with climbing and access systems configured to accommodate variable angles and exhibit increased ease and safety for users. The system comprises a stationary ladder and ladder top platform positioned adjacent to a variable angle walkway platform, such that stepping between the platforms is a lateral step when the angle of inclination of the screen is at a halfway point between minimum and maximum inclination. |
| US08820533B2 |
Sorting mined material
A method of sorting mined material for subsequent processing to recover valuable material, such as valuable metals, from the mined material is disclosed. The method includes a combination of selective breakage of mined material, for example, by using microwaves and/or high pressure grinding rolls, subsequent size separation, and then particle sorting of a coarse fraction of the separated material based on differential heating and thermal imaging. |
| US08820532B2 |
Leak-proof packaging for wet batteries
A leak-proof package for at least one defective battery containing corrosive liquid. The inventive package has at least three layers and includes an inner container configured to accept the battery therewithin, a fluid-impermeable intermediate container sealing the inner container therewithin, and an outer container enclosing the intermediate container such that the liquid-containing defective battery is protectively packaged for leak-free transportation. Another aspect of the present invention is a method for packaging at least one battery containing corrosive liquid by loading the battery into the inner container which is sealed within the intermediate container inside the locked outer container such that the liquid-containing defective battery is protectively packaged for leak-free transportation. |
| US08820531B2 |
Pad tray for accomodating an electrode
A pad tray includes a base portion and a recessed region that is formed in the front side of the base portion and is for accommodating an electrode pad, the recessed region having a bottom region and a sidewall region that extends up from the bottom region and is provided so as to surround the electrode pad. |
| US08820530B1 |
Airport baggage tub
An airport baggage tub, comprises a molded sheet. The molded sheet further comprises a large radius corner and a slick surface edge. The molded sheet is mechanically coupled to a material region. |
| US08820526B1 |
Safety razor assembly having facial features
A unique and fanciful packaging assembly consists of at least one safety razor having a disc-like handle and an attached, generally tangential blade-holding head, the razor or razors being arranged in various combinations, and with optional enhancements, so as to simulate a face. |
| US08820522B2 |
Apparatus and kit for containing sports equipment
An apparatus for containing sports equipment includes: a wall defining an enclosure and a closeable opening in the enclosure, the wall being see-through at the closeable opening; and divider members configurable to an expanded configuration defining compartments within the enclosure and configurable to a substantially planar collapsed configuration, each compartment being dimensioned for receiving sports equipment, the divider members being removably insertable into the enclosure when in the expanded configuration and in the collapsed configuration. The sports equipment includes soccer balls or other types of balls, marker cones, a first aid kit, cooler for ice and pinnies. A lower section of the apparatus has a see-through front cover and a drain. An upper section may be watertight. The apparatus may include a rigid cylindrical compartment for containing marker cones. A kit may include the apparatus and sports equipment contained within the apparatus. |
| US08820520B2 |
Sorter slat attachment
A positive displacement sorter includes a plurality of parallel laterally extending slats and a pair of wheel assemblies, each interconnecting common end portions of the slats thereby defining an endless web that travels in a longitudinal direction. An upper surface of the web defines an article-conveying surface. A plurality of pusher shoes travel along the slats in order to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface. A plurality of attachment mechanisms are provided. Each of the attachment mechanisms attaches an end portion of one of the slats to one of the wheel assemblies. Each of the attachment mechanisms includes a shoulder and a collar and at least one locking member. The collar engages the shoulder thereby providing retention of the slat to the wheel assembly. The locking member provides retention of the collar on the shoulder. |
| US08820511B2 |
Modified handrail
Modified handrails for use in escalators, moving walkways and other transportation apparatus are provided. Handrail can include a configuration for a cable array as a stretch inhibitor that reduces cable buckling under severe flexing conditions. Handrail can also include a configuration for first and second thermoplastic layers in the lip portions that reduces strain and bending stresses and increases fatigue failure life under cyclic loading conditions. Handrail can also include, for the stretch inhibitor, the use of cables comprising large outer strands and small inner strands that enable penetration and adhesion within the first layer and can reduce incidence of fretting or corrosion. |
| US08820508B2 |
Bill handling apparatus
A bill handling apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention has a frame provided with a bill feeding path in which a bill is fed and with side wall portions provided in the width direction of the bill feeding path, a bill reading section installed in the frame to read a fed bill, and a bill identifying section for identifying authentication of the bill read by the bill reading section. The bill reading section is provided with a light guide member to which light is input from a light-emitting device as a light-emitting portion that applies the light to the fed bill, and the light guide member is installed to enter inside the side wall portions. |
| US08820504B2 |
Hydraulic system
A hydraulic system is preferably used in combination with a motor and a clutch of a hybrid vehicle. The hydraulic system is comprised of a pump coupled with the motor to pressurize fluid; a pressurized fluid path coupled with the pump to conduct the pressurized fluid; an operating fluid path connecting the pressurized fluid path with the clutch to actuate the clutch; a depressurized fluid path to conduct depressurized fluid; and an on-off valve operated in cooperation with the clutch to selectively permit fluid connection of the pressurized fluid path to the depressurized fluid path so as to relieve pressure in the pressurized fluid path. |
| US08820503B2 |
Isolator decoupler
An isolator decoupler comprising a pulley, a shaft, the pulley journalled to the shaft on a low friction bushing, a spring carrier disposed within the pulley, a torsion spring coupled between the pulley and the spring carrier, a wrap spring one way clutch wrapped about the shaft and having a frictional engagement therewith, the wrap spring one way clutch coupled to the spring carrier, the wrap spring one way clutch is disposed radially inward of the torsion spring, and the pulley temporarily engagable with an end of the wrap spring one way clutch in an unwinding direction whereby a temporary contact between the wrap spring one way clutch end and the pulley will temporarily diminish the frictional engagement of the wrap spring one way clutch with the shaft. |
| US08820502B2 |
One-way pulley system for an alternator assembly
A one-way pulley for an alternator assembly includes an outer wheel, a clutch assembly, and a spindle. The outer wheel includes an axial hole extending longitudinally therethrough, whereby the axial hole forms an inner surface of the outer wheel. The clutch assembly is disposed within the axial hole of the outer wheel and includes a housing with an outer surface for contacting the inner surface of the outer wheel, and a plurality of rolling elements operable to extend into a pivot hole. The spindle is disposed within the pivot hole of the clutch assembly, the spindle having an outer surface for contacting the plurality of rolling elements and a coupling portion for connecting to a rotor shaft. The outer surface of the clutch assembly housing is fixedly attached to the inner surface of the outer wheel. |
| US08820501B2 |
Pumping device for vehicle seat cushion
A pumping device for a vehicle seat cushion, which rotates a link gear mounted to the seat cushion as an actuating lever is rotated, thereby controlling the height of the seat cushion. This pumping device generates a uniform clutch force at the same position at all times and prevents undesired movement of the actuating lever so that the actuating lever can be located at the regular position at all times. In addition, when operating the actuating lever in the same direction continuously, the pumping device can minimize the degree of angle at which the actuating lever idles, so that the pumping device can improve the controllability of the actuating lever, thereby effectively transmitting the operating force of the actuating lever to the link gear. Therefore, this invention causes the user inconvenience and improves the quality of the vehicle seat, and remarkably improves assemblability and productivity of the pumping device. |
| US08820488B2 |
Brake lining assembly
A brake lining assembly for a disc brake is configured for road vehicles and includes a brake caliper and brake linings located on either side of the brake disc. An unchecked dismantling of the brake linings is effectively prevented by having a mounting assembly formed from the two brake linings and the lining retaining bracket. To achieve this, the end regions of the lining retaining bracket are connected to at least one of the brake linings in a positive fit. |
| US08820487B2 |
Rope arresting apparatus
A rope arresting apparatus for use with a rope having a first end and a weighted second end is disclosed. The rope arresting apparatus includes a cam portion for exerting frictional force on the rope and a pinching portion. The cam portion has a resting position and a pinching position. At the resting position, the cam portion is in frictional contact with the rope when the tension on the weighted second end of the rope is less than or equal to tension on the first end of the rope. A pinching point is formed when the cam portion at the pinching position engages the rope against the pinching portion. |
| US08820486B2 |
Method for determining a destination call for use by an elevator installation, and an elevator installation
A method for determining a destination call for use by an elevator installation with a control unit and at least one destination call device includes ascertaining several destination calls and making them known to the user by the destination call device. A destination call is selected by a change in position of the user and/or a data communication is activated between the destination call device and a communications unit, which is carried by the user, within a defined range of a radio link section of the destination call device and thereupon a destination call is selected by a change in position of the communications unit inside or outside the radio link section. The selected destination call is communicated to the control unit for serving the destination call. |
| US08820484B2 |
Circuits and methods for controlling elevator braking system
Circuits and methods for controlling an elevator braking system are provided. A circuit for controlling an elevator braking system includes a contracting brake signal generating circuit, wherein a door lock relay DJ and a contracting brake contractor ZJ are series connected; a contracting brake signal processing circuit, for converting between high and low level to trigger a braking controller; and an isolation control switch CK jointly connected in the contracting brake signal generating circuit and the contracting brake signal processing circuit. |
| US08820481B2 |
Center store design, method and arrangement for retail markets
A shelving layout concept which allows selective configuration and reconfiguration of the orientation of certain shelving systems within the central portion of a store to create a PrimeZone area including an assembly of End Caps, Center Caps, Power Sets, Corner Boards, Hot Spots and Banner Boards, the combination of which provides a solution for enabling retailers to re-invigorate their Center Store, increase their vendor promotional revenue, and increase their in-store sales due to more favorable consumer response to greater promotional activity and the continuing change of product venues in key areas of the store layout. The concept also includes novel hardware which enables the reconfiguration of the shelving layout to accommodate vendors' desire to change display schemes. |
| US08820477B1 |
Acoustic panel
An acoustic panel for sound attenuation employs a septumized cellular core sandwiched between a backsheet and a linear acoustic facesheet. The linear acoustic facesheet employs a linear material layer that impedes acoustic waves entering the core substantially linearly over a wide range of frequencies and sound of pressure levels. |
| US08820476B2 |
Assembly wall body having improved sound absorbing and screening performance and a assembly structure comprising the same
The present invention relates to an assembly wall having improved sound absorption/insulation performance and an assembly structure thereof. The assembly wall includes plate members separated from each other to face each other and each forming at least one layer; stud members alternately placed on different inner surfaces of the plate members and comprising a web formed with a plurality of first perforated holes having at least one diameter; an insulation member interposed in a space defined between the plate members and the stud members; and a sheet member adjoining an outer surface of the insulation member and being formed with a plurality of second perforated holes having at least one diameter. With this structure, the assembly wall has excellent sound absorption and insulation performance over various frequency bands including a low frequency band without increasing wall thickness. |
| US08820473B1 |
Gas dispersion nozzle for a fire arm silencer
A gas dispersion nozzle for a gun silencer having a nozzle portion with a front end and a rear end and walls enclosing a hollow interior therein. The rear end of the nozzle portion is attached to the gun silencer and the nozzle portion extends into the interior of the gun silencer. The rear end also attaches to a firearm. The walls have channels which direct flow of propellant gases out of the hollow interior and into the interior of the gun silencer at an angle to a path along which the projectile passes when the firearm is discharged. The channels cause the flow of propellant gases to become turbulent or rotational or both and can cause the flow rate of said propellant gases to decrease. The gas dispersion nozzle reduces the report and/or flash produced by the discharge of a firearm. |
| US08820472B2 |
Device and method for reducing noise
The present invention relates to a device for the passive reduction of the sound vibrations in a liquid resulting from a sound source arranged below the liquid level of a body of water, the device comprising an elongate tube which can be arranged over the sound source, the tube comprising an outer wall and inner wall, wherein the tube is designed to maintain a certain desired pressure in the intermediate space between the inner and outer wall. In this case, the pressure is reduced with respect to the ambient pressure. As a result of the reduced pressure, the sound vibrations will less readily travel to the outside and the noise level in the area around the tube is reduced. |
| US08820469B2 |
Electric power steering apparatus
An electric power steering apparatus that is capable of obtaining a more safe and comfortable handling performance by signal processing of road information and disturbances is performed to realize easy tuning, and vibration absorption level for brake is improved by a filter and a gain unit considering a frequency characteristic and a decelerating acceleration. |
| US08820468B2 |
Dump truck
A dump truck includes a cab being located behind an engine compartment in which an engine is enclosed, a body being located behind the cab, and an exhaust aftertreatment device being adapted to purify an exhaust gas from the engine. The exhaust aftertreatment device includes a DPF device being adapted to capture a particulate matter in the exhaust gas and being located on a top of a fender provided alongside the cab, an SCR device being adapted to purify a nitrogen oxide in the exhaust gas and being located between the cab and the body, and a communication pipe through which the DPF device and the SCR device are in communication with each other. |
| US08820462B2 |
Occupant restraint system and occupant restraint method
An occupant restraint system of the present invention includes a curtain airbag (2), a side airbag (4), a seat belt (6) with a built-in pretensioner, and a rollover detection device (11) configured to detect or predict rollover of a vehicle (1). The occupant restraint system further includes a control device (11) configured to perform control of deploying the side airbag when the rollover of the vehicle is detected or predicted by the rollover detection device, activating the pretensioner (19) after a predetermined time elapses from the deployment of the side airbag, and then deploying the curtain airbag. |
| US08820460B2 |
Powered personal mobility vehicle with rotating wheels
An electric powered personal mobility vehicle that includes at least one front wheel and an electric motor that provides rotational force to a wheel of the vehicle. The electric motor is supported by the vehicle and is powered by a rechargeable battery that is also supported by the vehicle. The vehicle can also include swivel caster wheels each configured to rotate about a wheel axis. |
| US08820459B2 |
Assistive power control apparatus for motor-assisted bicycle
An assistive power control apparatus for a motor-assisted bicycle controls a motor to generate an assistive torque depending on the pedaling force of a rider. The assistive power control apparatus detects a rotating torque value of a crankshaft rotated when a rider steps on pedals by a torque sensor, controls a motor to generate an assistive power determined using the rotating torque value, calculates a rotation angle of the crankshaft when a present rotating torque value is detected from a time period from a timing of detection of a peak position of the rotating torque value to a timing of detection of the rotating torque value, calculates a pedaling force applied when the rider steps on the pedals from the calculated rotation angle of the crankshaft and the detected present rotating torque value, and determines the assistive power of the motor according to the calculated pedaling force. |
| US08820458B2 |
Snowmobile rear suspension
A snowmobile rear suspension is shown comprised of a linear force element (LFE) positioned outside the envelope of the snowmobile endless track. The LFE is attached at one end to the frame and at the other end to a bell crank. The bell crank is operatively connected to the slide rails. When the slide rails collapse in normal operation, the bell crank strokes the LFE, and the suspension is progressive throughout the range. |
| US08820456B2 |
Cab suspensions
A tractor cab suspension system has a single support unit which mounts one end of the cab from a chassis of a tractor. The single support unit acts as a noise isolator and does not allow significant vertical oscillation of the cab relative to the chassis but allows the cab to pivot relative to the chassis in pitch and roll modes. A cab support is provided at the other end of the cab which supports the cab from the chassis and damps pitching of the cab about the single support. A roll damper is also provided to damp rolling of the cab about the single support, and a control bar extends between the cab and chassis which controls transverse movement of the cab relative to the chassis. |
| US08820446B2 |
Vehicle and method for controlling vehicle
A vehicle is equipped with a battery, an electric motor configured so as to generate the driving force of the vehicle by use of the electric power stored in the battery, a charger configured so as to supply the electric power outputted from the power supply outside of the vehicle to the battery, and an ECU configured so as to control the state of charge of the battery when the battery is charged. The ECU calculates an index value indicating the state of charge of the battery, and sets the control range thereof. The ECU raises the upper limit of the index value so that the possible travel distance of the vehicle becomes not less than the target distance when predetermined conditions on degradation of the battery are satisfied. |
| US08820445B2 |
Charge/discharge control device and charge/discharge control method for power storage device, and electric-powered vehicle
A maximum dischargeable current Idmax obtained when electric power output from a battery is increased from a battery current Ib and a battery voltage Vb at present under internal resistance R at present (an operating point 510) until the battery voltage reaches a lower limit voltage Ve (an operating point 520), is shown as follows: Idmax=Ib+(Vb−Ve)/R. Therefore, in accordance with multiplication of the lower limit voltage Ve and the maximum dischargeable current Idmax, it is possible to predict maximum dischargeable electric power at which the battery voltage does not become lower than the lower limit voltage even if discharge limitation is temporarily relaxed, as a relative value with respect to the battery voltage and the battery current at present. When the discharge electric power limitation for the battery (the power storage device) is temporarily relaxed in accordance with a discharge request made by a load, a discharge electric power permissible value is set to correspond to the maximum dischargeable electric power, such that the output voltage of the power storage device does not fall outside a controlled voltage range from the lower limit voltage to an upper limit voltage. |
| US08820444B2 |
Electric vehicle having exchangeable battery modules and method of resupply therefor
An Electric Vehicle Having Exchangeable Battery Modules and Method of Resupply Therefor. The device of the present invention is a electrically-powerable vehicle that provides the user with a usage pattern very similar to one experienced through use of an internal-combustion-powered vehicle. That is to say that the operating cost for the vehicle is “pay as you go,” rather than the user needing to pay an exorbitant up-front fee in order to purchase the vehicle. In order to accomplish this, the battery modules for use in the vehicle are exchangable by an individual driver. As a battery module becomes discharged, the user is able to visit a recharging station and exchange his or her discharged battery module with a fully charged module. The user is then be charged an amount that is relative to the number of exchanges and/or re-charge energy consumed. In order to enable this sort of system, and the battery modules are of standard size, and interface with a module tracking and monitoring system. The vehicle purchaser is able to purchase a vehicle without purchasing the battery modules, and then simply rent or lease the battery modules, as desired. Finally, the vehicle has an internal power mode selector switch system that permits the user to select different circuitry alignments for the power being supplied by the battery modules, including parallel, serial and individual. This allows the driver to control the trip length and our propulsion power available to the driver. |
| US08820440B2 |
Drill bit steering assembly
In one aspect of the present invention, a steering assembly for downhole directional drilling comprises an outer bit comprising a bore and an outer cutting area and in inner bit comprising an inner cutting area and connected to a shaft that is disposed within the bore. At least one biasing mechanism is disposed around the shaft. At least one fluid channel is disposed within the outer bit and redirects fluid to the at least one biasing mechanism causing the at least one biasing mechanism to push the shaft and alter an axis of the inner bit with respect to an axis of the outer bit. |
| US08820438B2 |
Method for cleaning oil from drill cuttings
This application relates to an apparatus and method for cleaning drill cuttings recovered from a wellbore. Specifically, the apparatus includes an effective system for handling and washing drill cuttings at a well site to remove hydrocarbon contaminants. The system successively washes hydrocarbon contaminated drill cuttings in organic solvent and water to remove and recover the hydrocarbon contaminates, and produce cleaned drill cuttings that may enable disposal of clean drill cuttings without further treatment. |
| US08820436B2 |
Coring tool and method
A method for operating a coring tool includes moving a handling piston of a coring tool from a first position to a second position with respect to the coring tool where the handling piston moving through a coring bit to the second position. The method also includes measuring the distance of the movement of the handling piston between the first position and the second position to determine a core length, comparing the measured distance with a predetermined threshold, and operating a coring bit of the coring tool to obtain a core sample in response to determining that the measured distance is less than the predetermined threshold. |
| US08820434B2 |
Apparatus for advancing a wellbore using high power laser energy
Delivering high power laser energy to form a borehole deep into the earth using laser energy. Down hole laser tools, laser systems and laser delivery techniques for advancement, workover and completion activities. A laser bottom hole assembly (LBHA) for the delivery of high power laser energy to the surfaces of a borehole, which assembly may have laser optics, a fluid path for debris removal and a mechanical means to remove earth. |
| US08820432B2 |
Pneumatic impulse wrench with operation control means
A pneumatic impulse wrench for tightening screw joints includes a housing with a pressure air inlet passage, an exhaust air outlet passage, a rotation motor, a hydraulic impulse generator, and is connected to a stationary programmable control unit. The impulse wrench also includes a torque indicating mechanism connected to the control unit for feeding back electric signals responsive to the output torque of the wrench, an electromagnetically activated inlet valve arranged in the air inlet passage, and an electromagnetically activated exhaust valve which controls the exhaust air flow from the motor. The exhaust valve is a proportional valve activated by a linearly operated electromagnetic actuator and arranged to continuously adapt the exhaust air flow and, hence, the motor power to the characteristics of the actual screw joint being tightened in response to feed back signals from the torque indicating mechanism and in accordance with a programmed tightening strategy. |
| US08820424B2 |
Fire fighting nozzle
A fire fighting nozzle includes a nozzle body with an inlet, an outlet, and a passageway extending from the inlet to the outlet. A stem is located in the passageway about which fluid flows when fluid is flowing through the passageway. And, a projecting body projects outwardly from the nozzle body away from the stem, which at least partially fills the space beyond the nozzle outlet where water exits the nozzle assembly. |
| US08820415B2 |
System for enabling selective opening of ports
A system and method for selectively enabling fluid communication between two volumes includes a tubular having a port housing with at least one port and a member disposed with the tubular and movable between a closed position in which the port is closed and an open position in which the port is open. The system further includes a lock element positively engaged with both the member and the tubular for maintaining the member in the closed position. Further, an actuator is in keyed engagement with the lock element for biasing the lock element for enabling the member to move relative to the tubular to the open position for opening the port. |
| US08820414B2 |
Flow control device and flow control method
The present invention relates to a method of improving flow stability for a multiphase fluid flowing through a tubular element (1), comprising arranging a flow control device (2) along a flow path (F) through the tubular element (1), the flow control device (2) comprising a housing (4), an inlet (10) arranged on an upstream side of the control device (2), an outlet (23, 13) arranged on a downstream side of the control device (2), and a movable body (9) provided within the housing (4) along an internal flow path (11) through the control device (2) from the inlet (10) to the outlet (23, 13), the body (9) being arranged such that changes in velocity and/or properties and/or composition of the fluid flowing along the internal flow path (11) result in changes to the forces acting on the body (9) as a result of the Bernoulli principle, thereby adjusting the flow of fluid through the control device (2). |
| US08820411B2 |
Deepwater blow out throttling apparatus and method
A deepwater blow out throttling apparatus and method. The apparatus is sized to reach an equilibrium between the force of the oil flow against the equipment that constitute the apparatus during its assembly and the forces available from the ROV and the drill ship and connexion pipe to hold the pieces in position for assembly. This solution is applicable to all wells and requires sizing the diffusion transition spool and the throttling valves such that the forces of the flow of the free discharging oil can be overcome by the forces available from the ROV and drill ship. Downward loading from the drill ship during the throttling is applied as throttling generates forces and vibration that can exceed the physical strength of the riser piping and connections. Slow closing of the throttling device must be assured to avoid shocking (or water hammering) the oil well installation. |
| US08820410B2 |
Control system for blowout preventer stack
A modular control system consisting of multiple, remotely retrievable functional modules for controlling a blowout preventer stack. The various functional modules can be located on the lower marine riser package and blowout preventer stack positioned near the equipment with which they are associated, wherein this distribution of modules nearly eliminates the complex interface connection between the lower marine riser package and blowout preventer stack. Each of the functional modules is capable of being installed, retrieved or replaced with a single remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployment from a vessel. The functional modules can be used to operate as a complete control system for a blowout preventer stack or can be used selectively individually or in various combinations to accommodate multiple control applications or upgrades of other control systems. |
| US08820409B2 |
System for protecting against undersea oil spills
The system includes a containment housing with an open bottom which is configured to fit over an undersea oil well pipe which is spilling oil, the housing being lockable to a platform or ring surrounding the oil well pipe or positionable on the sea floor. A pipe is positioned internal of the housing into which the oil well pipe can be fitted, the vertical pipe being directed to or connectable to an evacuation pipe which extends to the surface of the sea, through which the oil from the well moves by means of an evacuation pump. The oil is pumped at a rate approximately at least as great as the rate of the oil spill. An infusion line and associated pump is connected to the chamber for pumping mud and/or cement and/or concrete into the chamber to stop and seal the spill and to ensure the housing remains positioned over the oil spill well pipe. |
| US08820404B2 |
Water well pumping and control system
A well watchman pumping and control system that is capable of operating in a wide range of ambient conditions. The system automatically maintains water level in a water storage vessel, while protecting the pump and generator from operating in conditions outside preset operating parameters to prevent premature failure and reduce repair. By operating to pump water only when preset operating conditions exist, e.g. low water level, ambient temperature, etc., the system reduces labor, fuel, and maintenance operating costs to the owner, improves well pumping reliability and production, reduces generator fuel consumption, reduces emissions, and conserves ground water. |
| US08820402B2 |
Downhole shock absorber with guided crushable nose
A shock absorbing system has a nose assembly that is formed to inwardly collapse on impact and is guided by a sleeve that can slide with the nose as the nose collapses or can extend for a portion of the length of the nose while being held fixed. In the latter instance the nose can have a leading end that has a biasing member in a resilient material so that on impact some of the shock is taken up by compression of the biasing member with subsequent extension of the biasing member retracting the resilient covering so that it is less likely to bind in the surrounding tubular. The leading end of the sleeve or the resilient material encasing the biasing member also soften the blow to a closed ball when the tool is dropped so that the ball surface is less likely to mar. |
| US08820398B2 |
Down hole tool with adjustable fluid viscosity
A down hole tool includes a tool body, a fluid cavity, a magnetorheological fluid disposed in the fluid cavity, and an electrical control unit in communication with the MR fluid. The electrical control unit is configured to adjust a viscosity of the MR fluid by varying a magnetic field. |
| US08820395B2 |
Cooling systems and heat exchangers for cooling computer components
Computer systems having heat exchangers for cooling computer components are disclosed herein. The computer systems include a computer cabinet having an air inlet, an air outlet spaced apart from the air inlet, and a plurality of computer module compartments positioned between the air inlet and the air outlet. The air inlet, the air outlet, and the computer module compartments define an air flow path through the computer cabinet. The computer systems also include a heat exchanger positioned between two adjacent computer module compartments. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange elements canted relative to the air flow path. |
| US08820390B2 |
Methods and composition for boride distribution in metal matrix composite
A method for controlling a boride distribution in a metal matrix compost includes controlling a distribution of the boride particles are controlled during a solidification of a molten composite material. The controlling of the redistribution of the boride particles includes applying a heat to the composite material to form a molten composite material. The method includes, holding, by a mold (120, 715), the molten composite material. The method also includes focusing, by a reinforcement particle unit (100, 700), a location of the boride particles during a cooling of the molten composite material. The reinforcement particle unit could include a directed solidification unit (100). The reinforcement particle unit could also include centrifugal casting system (700). The arm includes a center mounting point (725). |
| US08820387B2 |
Winding device for covering wall openings or windows
The invention relates to a winding device and to a method for covering wall openings or windows. The winding device comprises a covering element that can be rolled up, a deflecting element that has a wave-like design, or is simply formed by a bottom hemline, or a bottom woven fabric edge and/or longitudinal edge, and at least on raising and lowering unit. In addition, the covering element is provided with an upper longitudinal edge, which is preferably arranged in parallel to the deflecting element. The lower longitudinal edge is either connected to the deflecting element, or is formed by the same, so that as a result of a rotation of the deflecting element, or of the lower woven fabric edge and/or longitudinal edge, about a horizontal axis, the covering element can be rolled up or down. The raising and lowering unit comprises at least one cord, wherein at least one free end of the cord is connected to the raising and lowering unit. The cord is arranged such that it encloses the covering element, so that the deflecting element, or the lower longitudinal edge, is guided in the bend of the cord. The at least one cord can be guided in two opposite directions of movement that are relative to one another. |
| US08820385B2 |
Control device for cordless blind with willful stop
Disclosed is a control device for a cordless blind with willful stop at any positions according to user needs during switching operation. The control device primarily comprises a force-return mechanism, a shaft connector, and a braking buffer mechanism which are all installed inside a same housing. The force-return mechanism has a flat spring bevel gear and an elastic element. One end of the shaft connector is a transmission bevel gear meshed with the flat spring bevel gear. The braking buffer mechanism includes a friction ring and an impeding spring where the friction ring is immovably fixed inside the housing with a wear-proof annular inwall. The impeding spring is tightly plugged into the friction ring with an extrusion to prevent the rotation of the transmission bevel gear. Specifically, the shaft connector has a trigger to change the friction between the impeding spring and the friction ring. |
| US08820380B2 |
Differential speed shafted machines and uses therefor, including discontinuous and continuous side by side bonding
An apparatus having independently rotating shafts for producing discontinuous and continuous side by side bonding using independently rotating bonding units. |
| US08820375B2 |
Method and apparatus for improved tread splicing
A tread for use in a tire retread process includes a first side and a second, flat side. A plurality of lugs is formed on a first side of the tread and arranged along in a periodically repeating tread pattern. A set of marks is formed in at least one outer lug and defines a finite linear distance along the tread within which the tread is adapted to be cut into the length of tread, such that when the length of tread is deposited around the casing of the tire and the ends of the length of tread are placed in abutting relationship one relative to the other along a seam, the periodically repeating tread pattern appears substantially continuous. The set of marks is predetermined in advance of retreading to be located in positions where at least some of the performance and processing characteristics of the tread may be improved. |
| US08820373B2 |
Tire having ribs, circumferential grooves and sipe pairs
Tire having a tread pattern with superior performance characteristics. The tread pattern includes ribs and circumferential grooves which are at least one of tapered and/or generally V-shaped. The walls of each circumferential groove have a wavy and/or sinusoidal contour extending in a generally circumferential direction. |
| US08820371B2 |
Motorcycle tire for running on rough terrain
A motorcycle tire for running on rough terrain comprises a tread portion having a developed tread width and provided with a plurality of tread blocks. The tread blocks include a plurality of crown blocks defined as having a ground contacting top surface whose centroid is located within a crown region defined as having a developed width of ⅓ of the developed tread width and centered on the tire equator. The crown blocks include a plurality of central crown blocks whose axial distance from the tire equatorial plane to the centroid is not more than 2% of the developed tread width, and a plurality of off-center crown blocks whose axial distance from the tire equatorial plane to the centroid is more than 2% and not more than 6% of the developed tread width. |
| US08820368B2 |
Wallet composed of steel fabric
A smart card with an RFID tag is held in a wallet comprising a back layer and at least one front layer stitched to the back layer around part of a perimeter thereof to define at least one pocket in the wallet dimensioned to hold and completely surround the smart card. Both of the layers are composed of a stainless steel fabric capable of blocking RF radiation. |
| US08820366B2 |
Filler element for filling containers with a liquid fill material, and filling machine
The invention relates to a filling element of a filling machine for filling cans, bottles, or similar containers (2) with a liquid fill material, having at least one dispensing opening (8) for directing the liquid fill material into each container through a container opening (2.1) forming an opening edge, having at least one container contact surface (14) for the opening edge at a tulip (13, 13a, 13b) displaceable on a filling element housing (6) between a raised starting position and a lowered position, and having means for moving the tulip between the starting position and the lowered position and for pressing the tulip against the opening edge of each container with a contact pressure. |
| US08820364B2 |
Flexible hose with smooth inner and/or outer wall
Flexible hose a corrugated wall of which an outer surface comprises a multitude of consecutive protrusions (1) and grooves (2) and of which an inner surface comprises a multitude of internal protrusions (4) and grooves (3), a multitude of barriers for closing off each of the multitude of internal and/or external grooves (2), each of the multitude of barriers comprising a first closing leg (10, 12) of a first profile part and a second closing leg (11, 13) of a second profile part, the second closing leg being directed to the first closing leg, the first and second closing legs having a complementary shape provided to form a substantially smooth inner and/or outer surface. |
| US08820362B2 |
Protection of water conduits against frost
A water-transporting line includes an integrated heater system for protection against frost and the appropriate connection, attachment and control elements. A self-heating water conduit segment is provided that has an integrated heating device, which device encloses the outer surface of the water conduit segment. The various segments may be connected mechanically and electrically using corresponding connecting elements. |
| US08820359B2 |
Seamless fluid storage and transport module
A fluid storage and transport module includes complex plumbing features such as fluid reservoirs, filters, heat exchangers, three-dimensionally routed tubing, valves, mixing chambers, and exit apertures formed in and on a monolithic common bulk material using an additive rapid prototyping process of depositing multiple layers of rapid prototyping materials without welds, adhesives or compression fittings, being made by a method that minimizes leaks, maximizes packing density of the functional components, and increases the plumbing robustness to leaks. |
| US08820356B2 |
Multi-way reversing valve
A multi-way reversing valve includes a valve housing having a valve seat part in which a plurality of fluid in/out ports are formed; a valve member adapted to be rotated; and an actuator adapted to rotationally actuate the valve member. A fluid inlet port and/or a fluid outlet port is/are formed in the valve housing. A passage adapted to selectively place the fluid inlet port or the fluid outlet port in communication with the plurality of fluid in/out ports is formed within the valve member. Flow paths are reversed by rotating the valve member to selectively place the fluid inlet port or the fluid outlet port in communication with one of the plurality of in/out ports via the passage. The rotational axis line of the valve member is laterally eccentric relative to the rotational axis line of an output shaft of the actuator by a predetermined distance. |
| US08820354B2 |
Liquid flow rate control valve
A liquid flow rate control valve is provided in which since a distributor (38) is rotated relative to a sleeve (37) by a first drive source (46) only through a predetermined angle, the total area of overlapping sections of a first opening (37a) of the sleeve (37) and the second opening (38c) of the distributor (38) changes, and a rotor (42) having a third opening (42c 42d) is rotated by a second drive source (47), it is possible to carry out PWM control of the liquid input from an input port (61e) and output it from an output port (61f). In this process, one end in an axis (L) direction of the rotor (42) disposed on an inside in a radial direction is coaxially connected to the second drive source (47), and one end in the axis (L) direction of the distributor (38) disposed on an outside in a radial direction is connected to the first drive source (46) via a gear train (66, 73, 70), and therefore, it is possible to individually rotate the distributor (38) and the rotor (42) while achieving a compact size by arranging the first and second drive sources (46, 47) in a concentrated manner at one end in the axis (L) direction of a liquid flow rate control valve (23). |
| US08820347B2 |
Passive overpressure and underpressure protection for a cryogen vessel
In a magnet system for MRI imaging comprising a superconducting magnet mounted within a cryogen vessel, apparatus is provided for controlling egress of cryogen gas from the cryogen vessel. The apparatus comprises a controlled valve linking the interior of the cryogen vessel to a gas exit path; and a controller arranged to control the valve. The valve is arranged such that a gas pressure in the cryogen vessel exceeding a gas pressure in the gas exit path acts on the valve to open the valve and allow venting of cryogen gas. The valve is also arranged such that a gas pressure in the cryogen vessel inferior to a gas pressure in the gas exit path acts on the valve to urge it closed, so restricting flow of gas into the cryogen vessel. |
| US08820344B2 |
Turbojet engine nacelle
The invention relates to a turbojet engine nacelle (1) comprising: an outer structure including an annular lip defining an air inlet and a cowl (9) extending as a continuation of the annular lip, and an inner fixed structure (19) extending as a continuation of the air inlet and including a region equipped with at least one piece of equipment requiring maintenance or monitoring. The aforementioned outer structure can move in relation to the inner structure between an operating position in which the cowl (9) covers the region equipped with the equipment and a maintenance position in which the cowl (9) reveals said region so as to allow access to the equipment from outside. In addition, the outer structure is equipped with at least one reinforcing beam (10) designed to transmit loads between the annular lip (7) and the cowl (9), said beam (10) extending in the radial plane (P) of the air inlet from the outer structure towards the inner structure and comprising guide means (17) capable of co-operating with complementary guide means (23) belonging to the inner structure. The guide means (17) of the beam (10) and the complementary guide means (23) of the inner structure are offset with respect to the radial plane (P) in which the beam (10) extends. |
| US08820343B2 |
Coupling actuating element of valve to connection element of actuator
The mechanical coupling of an actuating element of a valve to a connection element of an actuator is accomplished with the actuating element able to be displaced along a z-axis for the purpose of adjusting the valve and the connection element, at a corresponding orientation of the actuator, can likewise be displaced along the z-axis relative to the valve by the actuator. The device has (a) a first coupling element which can be coupled to the actuating element so that a certain freedom of movement is provided between the first coupling element and the actuating element along the z-axis, (b) a second coupling element which can be coupled to the connecting element, (c) a connecting element which links the two coupling elements to each other in a movable manner, and (d) a clamping device which is arranged on the first coupling element and/or on the second coupling element and which is embodied such that, upon an actuation of the clamping element the two coupling elements are braced against each other, and an actuating element coupled to the first coupling element is clamped without play to the two coupling elements along the z axis. |
| US08820332B2 |
Cosmetic nail covering
Method and apparatus for cosmetically disguising an unattractive finger or toe nail area of a negatively affected hand or foot digit by using a temporary, cosmetically appealing covering, by providing a cosmetic nail covering that will simulate the appearance of a nearby normal nail when a suitably sized and shaped cosmetic nail covering is applied to cover the nail area of the affected digit, and both the cosmetic nail covering and the nearby normal nails of the hand or foot are coated by a user with identical user-supplied nail polish. The covering is made from adhesive tape suitable for wrapping around a digit, and a pad sized and shaped to resemble a normal nail for the affected digit when the pad is adhered to the tape. The tape should enable forming a coating that is as smooth, level, and uniformly colored as natural nails when coated by conventional polish. |
| US08820331B2 |
Smoking device incorporating a breakable capsule, breakable capsule and process for manufacturing said capsule
A smoking device includes a recipient or able to receive burning (i.e., burnable) products, preferably tobacco, and a filter element connected to the recipient, wherein the filter includes at least one breakable capsule, the capsule having a initial crush strength from 0.5 to 2.5 kp, and keeping a crush strength from 0.5 to 2.5 kp and a deformation of less than two third of its diameter prior to rupture after having been submitted to a smoking test. The invention is also relating to the capsule suitable for being incorporated in a smoking device, and to the process of manufacture of the capsule. |
| US08820330B2 |
Electronic vaporizer that simulates smoking with power control
The claimed subject matter provides a control component that regulates output of an electronic vaporizer used to simulate smoking. The control component manages power to a heating element. A power detect component collects a parameter of the heating element to determine actual power output thereof. The control component dynamically adjusts the power source based on the actual power output. |
| US08820329B2 |
Hands free hookah mouth tip
The present invention generally relates to mouth pieces for hookahs. Specifically, this invention relates to a mouth tip for a hookah that is constructed in a manner to allow for the hands free operation of the hookah. Embodiments of the present invention include a mouth tip or mouth piece for a hookah that comprises an oral attachment means configured to allow retention of the mouth piece in the mouth of a user without requiring the use of the hands of the user. |
| US08820328B2 |
Defibration of tobacco material
The invention relates to a method of producing cut tobacco material, whereby a tobacco initial material is heated and placed under pressure and once heated and placed under pressure, the material is fed through a shearing gap and expanded and defibrated. It further relates to a device for producing cut tobacco material with a pressure chamber, which has a tobacco material inlet at the low-pressure end and a tobacco material outlet at the pressure end and a conveyor system for conveying the tobacco material from the inlet to the outlet, and the tobacco material outlet has a gap through which the material passes and expands, and the gap has walls which can be moved towards one another. It further relates to a smoking article containing such a cut, defibrated tobacco material product and the use of a plug screw feeder-extruder with a shearing gap outlet for defibrating tobacco material. |
| US08820323B2 |
Methods to administer formulations of aminoglycoside and fosfomycin combination for treatment of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) and ventilator associated tracheal (VAT) bronchitis
The present invention is antibiotic compositions, ventilator-based systems and methods relating to ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and ventilator-associated tracheal (VAT) bronchitis. Antibiotic combinations of fosfomycin and an aminoglycoside, preferably amikacin, are administered via an inline nebulizer within the airway of the ventilator. Humidified conditions create an improved aerosol mist to treat VAP and VAT. |
| US08820319B2 |
Guide device for tracheal intubation
A guide adapted for facilitating insertion of a medical device into the trachea of a patient is disclosed. The guide includes an integral curved-shaped member having at least a first leg at one end of the guide. The curved-shaped member essentially includes an outside curved side defining a concave groove. A first angle is defined on the first leg configured and dimensioned to allow for at least the first leg to pass through the mouth and into the trachea of the patient. Insertion of the guide into the trachea allows for elevation of the tongue and surrounding soft tissue of the patient thereby forming an air space that allows for passage of a medical device. |
| US08820318B2 |
Drug dispenser
One aspect provides a drug dispenser device comprising a housing; extending from the housing, an outlet for insertion into a body cavity of a patient; provided to the housing and moveable with respect thereto, a drug discharge device having a longitudinal axis and comprising a container for storing a drug formulation to be dispensed, a discharge mechanism and a discharge channel from the container for discharge of the drug formulation to the outlet; connecting to the container, a container collar connected to the discharge device; connecting to the container collar and moveable with respect thereto along the longitudinal axis of the drug discharge device; connecting to the container collar and moveable with respect thereto along the longitudinal axis of the drug discharge device, a transfer element including an actuating portion; provided to the housing, at least one finger operable member moveable to apply an actuating force to the actuating portion of the transfer element to move the transfer element from an initial position along the longitudinal axis in a first direction; provided to the container collar, a pre-load mechanism to prevent transfer of the actuating force to the container collar to move the drug discharge device along the longitudinal axis in the first direction to actuate the discharge mechanism until a pre-determined threshold force is overcome; and connecting the container collar with the transfer element, a biasing return mechanism acting to bias the transfer element along the longitudinal axis in a second direction to return the transfer element to its initial position. |
| US08820317B2 |
Turbo-inhaler
The invention relates to a turbo-inhaler, comprising an active-liquid container (1) holding a liquid having an active ingredient dissolved therein, a nebulizer (2), by means of which liquid can be converted into an aerosol and introduced into a blade housing (3), in which a bounding dome (4) is suspended, the concave side (41) of which is directed at the nebulizer, an exhaust air duct (5), which is connected to the blade housing in the area of the convex side (42) of the bounding dome, and a supply-air guide (6), by means of which supply air can be introduced between the blade housing and the active ingredient, wherein at least one guide blade (7) is placed on the convex side of the bounding dome and spirally extends thereon. |
| US08820316B2 |
Drug delivery apparatus
A drug delivery apparatus comprising: a drug delivery device for selectively delivering drug-laden air or air not laden with the drug; a sensor for monitoring the breathing pattern of a patient; a controller arranged to control the drug delivery device to deliver drug-laden air in pulses which begin when the patient is monitored by the sensor to begin inhalation, the pulses having a duration which is adjusted by the controller on the basis of the monitored breathing pattern of the patient; a feedback indicator which indicates to a patient whether the monitored breathing pattern is effective for inhaling drug-laden air or not a dose calculator which calculates the dose delivered to the patient; and an indicator which indicates to the patient when a desired dose has been delivered, whereby the apparatus is configured to deliver the full amount of the desired dose in at least 80% of treatments. |
| US08820315B2 |
Solar heating system with overheating protection
A simple solar heating system incorporates a heat dissipater into a heat exchange circuit for bypassing solar collectors when either the temperature or the pressure in the heat exchange circuit exceeds preset limits. In the absence of electric controllers, fluid in the heat exchange circuit is caused to bypass the solar collectors using a valve which is controlled by either the temperature or pressure of the fluid. A solar photovoltaic panel energizes a circulating pump for increasing the rate of pumping as more solar energy is available at the PV panel and decreasing the rate as solar energy decreases. |
| US08820312B2 |
Oxygen transport reactor-based oven
The oxygen transport reactor-based oven is an oven for heating articles, such as bread, using oxygen transport reactor-based combustion in order to recycle carbon dioxide, rather than releasing the carbon dioxide into the environment. The oven includes an upper furnace chamber having a plurality of oxygen transport reactors disposed therein. A mixture of fuel and gaseous carbon dioxide is delivered to the interior of each oxygen transport reactor. Pressurized air is then delivered to the upper furnace chamber, so that oxygen from the pressurized air is driven through an ion transport membrane of each oxygen transport reactor to combust with the fuel. This combustion produces carbon dioxide, water vapor and heat. The generated heat is used to heat the articles to be heated, which are received within a heating chamber positioned beneath the upper furnace chamber. |
| US08820299B2 |
Fuel injection control system for internal combustion engine
An object of the invention is to detect, in a fuel injection control system for an internal combustion engine equipped with a low pressure fuel pump and a high pressure fuel pump, a failure in the fuel injection system including the high pressure fuel pump with high accuracy. To achieve the object, in the fuel injection control system for an internal combustion engine equipped with a low pressure fuel pump and a high pressure fuel pump according to the invention, when a discharge failure in the high pressure fuel pump is detected, the discharge pressure of the low pressure fuel pump is increased. Then, it is determined whether a discharge failure in the high pressure fuel pump occurs or not. If occurs, it is concluded that the fuel injection system including the high pressure fuel pump is in failure. |
| US08820297B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
A control device for an internal combustion engine includes: a variable valve timing portion changing a phase of opening and closing of each of an intake valve and an exhaust valve into a target phase; an EGR valve adjusting an exhaust gas recirculation amount recirculated from an exhaust side to an intake side; a supercharging efficiency control portion controlling a supercharging efficiency of a supercharger; a throttle valve adjusting an intake air amount; and the internal combustion engine feedback-controls at least two of the EGR valve, the supercharging efficiency control portion, and the throttle valve, and feedforward-controls the variable valve timing portion. |
| US08820296B2 |
Control device for engine
An ECU 1 is provided for an engine 50 provided with an exhaust VVT 57 which is capable of varying opening and closing timings of an exhaust valve 55A of plural exhaust valves 55 provided for a combustion chamber 58 with respect to opening and closing timings of an exhaust valve 55B of plural exhaust valves 55. The ECU 1 is provided with a control unit performing the phase control for making the opening timing of the exhaust valve 55A identical to the opening timing of the exhaust valve 55B when the engine 50 accelerates. Specifically, the control unit performs the advance control for making the phase of the exhaust valve 55A identical to the phase of the exhaust valve 55B. |
| US08820295B2 |
Single actuator fuel injector for dual fuels
Fuel injectors are disclosed that are capable of simultaneously delivering liquid and gaseous fuels to the combustion chamber of a compression ignition engine. For example, fuel injectors are disclosed that can deliver liquid diesel fuel, as a pilot liquid, along with a gaseous fuel, such as natural gas or other available fuels that are gases at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature. The fuels are delivered to the needle control valve cavity sequentially via separate passageways. The delivery of the pressurized liquid fuel is actuated by the single actuator that is provided for each fuel injector. The actuator may be of a solenoid type or of a piezoelectric type or other suitable actuator as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. A liquid fuel check valve, in combination with the actuator, controls the delivery of the pilot liquid fuel to the needle control valve cavity. |
| US08820291B2 |
Connecting rod with offset cap holes for internal combustion engine
A connecting rod including a connecting rod body and a cap attached to the connecting rod body by a plurality of bolts. The connecting rod body includes a shank having a centerline. Two of the bolts are positioned at a first distance from the centerline and two of the bolts are positioned at a second distance from the centerline that is greater than the first distance. The plurality of bolts may be disposed symmetrically about a centroid of a planar face of the connecting rod. |
| US08820288B2 |
Steel piston for internal combustion engines
A semifinished product blank, suitable for the production of a steel piston (1) for internal combustion engines having cylinder crankcases made of light metal alloys. Such a steel piston (1) has at least one upper piston part (4) which has a combustion recess (2) and an annular wall (3), and a lower piston part (4′) which has a piston skirt (5) and a connecting rod bearing (6). The semifinished product blank is made of an austenitic steel, that is stabilized with Ni, Mn and N and that has a thermal expansion coefficient in a range of 16 to 21×10−6 K−1. Also disclosed is a steel piston, which at least has a piston skirt (5) made of an austenitic steel that is stabilzed with Ni, Mn, N. The piston skirt (5) has a thermal expansion coefficient in a range of 16 to 21×10−6 K−1. |
| US08820284B2 |
Variable valve gear for internal combustion engine
A variable valve gear for an internal combustion engine that is capable of being disposed in a small compact manner and also capable of reducing the generation of a knocking sound. In a variable valve gear, a camshaft is supported by supporting walls of a cylinder head, and camshaft holders formed separately from the supporting walls, two exhaust rocker arms are disposed adjacent to each other, and a connecting pin is movably inserted into pin holes provided in the exhaust rocker arms by an actuator through a pushrod to connect or disconnect the exhaust rocker arms to or from each other. In the variable valve gear, the pushrod is slidably supported in a rod insertion hole of the camshaft holder with the connecting pin being disposed between the pair of camshaft holders and has an axis that is offset toward the camshaft with respect to an axis of the pushrod. |
| US08820283B2 |
Internal combustion engine
A camshaft may have an inner shaft and an outer shaft, each rotatable relative to the other. An adjusting device may include a first phase adjuster and a second phase adjuster. The outer shaft may be mounted in a stationary counter bearing adjacent to the adjusting device and the adjusting device may have a first phase adjuster and a second phase adjuster. The counter bearing may be designed as a slide bearing and oil supply to the phase adjusters may take place via the slide bearing. The slide bearing may have a first, second and third oil channel. The first oil channel may act on the first phase adjuster with corresponding oil flows, the second oil channel may act on the second phase adjuster with a first oil flow, and the third oil channel may act on the second phase adjuster with a second oil flow. |
| US08820282B2 |
Pressure accumulator arrangement for a camshaft adjusting system
A pressure accumulator arrangement in a camshaft for a camshaft adjusting system of an internal combustion engine, having at least one pressure accumulator and at least one control valve, characterized in that the pressure accumulator and control valve are connected to form a structural unit. |
| US08820278B2 |
Valve timing control apparatus
A valve timing control apparatus includes a driving-side rotary body, a driven-side rotary body, a fluid pressure chamber partitioned into a retard angle chamber and an advance angle chamber by a partitioning portion provided in at least one of the driving-side rotary body and the driven-side rotary body, a fluid control mechanism for controlling feeding of working fluid from a working fluid pump for feeding the working fluid to the fluid pressure chamber and controlling also discharging of the working fluid from the fluid pressure chamber, a first lock mechanism capable of restraining a relative rotational phase to a first predetermined phase between a most retarded angle phase and a most advanced angle phase, and a second lock mechanism capable of restraining the relative rotational phase to a second predetermined phase different from the first predetermined phase. |
| US08820274B2 |
Four-stroke engine and outboard motor
A four-stroke engine includes a cylinder head, a cylinder body connected to the cylinder head, and a fuel injection valve. The cylinder head defines a combustion chamber, an intake port that communicates with the combustion chamber, and an exhaust port that communicates with the combustion chamber. The fuel injection valve is held by the cylinder head on a side extending from the exhaust port to the cylinder body. The fuel injection valve is arranged so as to supply a fuel mist directly to the combustion chamber by jetting the fuel mist toward the combustion chamber. |
| US08820271B2 |
Method for controlling the flow of a cooling liquid
A method for controlling flow of a cooling liquid in a combustion engine, including a casing and a water pump. A material temperature estimate, corresponding to the hottest point in the casing, is carried out from a stored power calculation calculated by a restored power integral corresponding to power restored to the cooling liquid if the cooling liquid were set in motion. |
| US08820269B2 |
Method and system for operating a compression ignition engine on alcohol containing primary fuels
Method of operating a compression ignition engine on ether containing fuel obtained by on board conversion of an alcohol containing primary fuel, and a system for use in the method. The alcohol containing primary fuel is heated within a dehydration reactor by indirect heat exchange with ether containing fuel prepared in the dehydration reactor by dehydrating the alcohol containing primary fuel. The ether containing fuel is cooled prior to withdrawal from the reactor as a result of the indirect heat exchange with the alcohol containing primary fuel. |
| US08820261B2 |
Method for detecting anomalies on a submarine object
A method for detecting anomalies on a submarine object, in particular in the submarine region on a hull of a moored warcraft, which method carries out very reliable sensing of the submarine object by way of an unmanned small submarine vehicle that is equipped with simple sensor equipment, such as an acoustic sensor for measuring distances and a barometric cell for determining depth, and which method obtains a profile of the submarine object by navigating the small submarine vehicle with a constant transversal distance to the submarine object, in which profile an anomaly present on the submarine object becomes is apparent from the profile line. |
| US08820259B2 |
Pendular system for transporting a civil engineering structure in an aquatic medium
A method for transporting a civil engineering structure including a mast in an aquatic medium is presented. In an embodiment, the method includes fastening the civil engineering structure to at least one flotation unit, moving the civil engineering structure and the connected flotation unit in the aquatic medium as far as a desired position. The civil engineering structure may be fastened to the flotation unit in a region situated above the center of equilibrium of the civil engineering structure connected to the flotation unit. The connection may be configured to uncouple the rotational movements of the flotation unit and of the civil engineering structure about at least one axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mast of the civil engineering structure. |
| US08820258B2 |
Chain connector
A chain connector for holding a chain (14) that moors a vessel to the sea floor under perhaps 2000 tons tension, which can be quickly disconnected in an emergency by applying a moderate disconnecting force such as 50 tons. The chain is hold by ratchets (24, 26) that are mounted on arms (34, 36). The arms have upper ends (35) that am pivotally mounted on a housing (38) and have free lower ends (44), with the lower ends being held by cams (50) on locking dogs (52) that have locking dog lower ends (51) pivotally mounted on the housing and free upper ends (60). A hydraulic actuator (70) has pins (58) that engage the upper ends of the locking dogs to prevent the arms and dogs from pivoting apart until the looking dog upper ends (60) are raised. |
| US08820256B2 |
Frictional resistance reducing device of ship
A gas room is arranged in a hull to cross a longitudinal frame and extend in a width direction. A scattering member is arranged in the gas room to cross the longitudinal frame and extend in the width direction. Air blown into the gas room from an air supply pipe hits the scattering member to scatter in the width direction, and is blown from an air blowing hole formed in a bottom of the gas room into water. Because the gas room crosses the longitudinal frame and extends in the width direction, an air bubble flow with a wide width forms in the width direction by the single gas room. Therefore, the number of gas rooms for air bubble flow which covers the whole width of a ship bottom is reduced, and the number of air supply pipes which are provided to every gas room is reduced. |
| US08820251B2 |
Soil tilling and planting implement
A mount for carrying a plurality of field-conditioning implements selected from trash whipping implements, rolling baskets and coulters for connection to a planter is disclosed. A height and force adjustable mounting system is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables the force of such an implement on the soil to be modulated as desired. |
| US08820248B2 |
Continuously variable dynamic brake for a locomotive
This disclosure is directed to a traction motor drive system. The traction motor drive system may include a field winding subsystem comprising a field winding associated with a traction motor. The traction motor drive system may also include an armature subsystem arranged in parallel with the field winding subsystem. The armature subsystem may include an armature having first and second armature terminals and a grid resistor selectively electrically coupled in series with the armature. The armature subsystem may also include an armature chopper arranged in parallel with the grid resistor and electrically coupled in series with the armature. The armature chopper may be configured, when the grid resistor is electrically coupled to the armature, to conditionally conduct current to the armature. |
| US08820244B2 |
Activation unit for munitions-free decoy target
An arc-based active body activation unit is provided. To this end, ignition of the active mass or flare is effected by means of arcing. The arc can be used immediately and is low-maintenance. For that purpose, electrode pairs are disposed around the ejector tube, at least one of which pairs serves the ignition of the arc(s). For that purpose, the electrode pairs are electronically connected via connecting lines to at least one control unit. |
| US08820243B2 |
Integrated electric match initiator module with isolated lift and burst function for a pyrotechnic device
An electric match assembly for initiating a pyrotechnic device, the electric match assembly comprising an element for connection to a leader carrying the signal; a first electric match component for connection to the lift charge of the pyrotechnic device, the first electric match component connected to the element such that when the element is connected to the leader and the first electric match component is connected to the lift charge, the signal in the leader is applied to the lift charge; a second electric match component for connection to the time fuse connected to the burst charge of the pyrotechnic device, the second electric match component connected to the element such that when the element is connected to the leader and the second electric match component is connected to the time fuse, the signal in the leader is applied to the time fuse of the burst charge. |
| US08820232B2 |
Screen printing device and screen printing method
Prior to a mark imaging process executed for the purpose of detecting a position of recognition marks for positioning the substrate and the mask, an optical axis calibration processing process of detecting a horizontal relative position between imaging optical axes, and a surface correction data creation processing process of detecting a local positional deviation of the imaging optical axes, which is caused by the travel of the imaging unit, are executed. Before starting production, a production pre-start precision evaluation process for evaluating a substrate positioning precision is executed by using a verification substrate and a verification mask, and after starting the production, a production post-start precision evaluation process for evaluating a substrate positioning precision after starting the production is executed by using a commercial production substrate and a commercial production mask. |
| US08820231B2 |
Roll-to-roll printing apparatus
Disclosed is a roll-to-roll printing apparatus, which includes n support rollers arranged in an n-gonal shape (where n is an integer equal to or greater than 3), a looped pattern mask having a plurality of pattern sections passing through inner and outer surfaces thereof and disposed so as to interconnect the support rollers, a driver that rotates the pattern mask, a transfer unit having an unwinder and a rewinder of a printing target and a backup roller that is disposed between two of the support rollers adjacent to each other and outside the pattern mask and that supports the printing target transferred from the unwinder to the rewinder, a printing unit disposed inside the pattern mask and discharging ink toward the printing target supported on the backup roller, and a tension adjusting unit adjusting tension of the pattern mask. |
| US08820228B2 |
Tool for use in marking a golf ball
A tool for use in marking a golf ball includes a body having a curved portion configured to receive a golf ball and extend along a portion of an outer surface of the golf ball. The body includes at least one track extending along the curved portion. Each track includes an aperture adapted to receive a writing instrument to permit marking of the golf ball through the aperture. |
| US08820227B2 |
Strapping machine for tying packages, in particular metal strips wound into coils
A strapping machine for securing at least one strap around a package has a binding head engageable against the package, a cincher, and a welder for connecting ends of the tightened strap. The welder has at least one upper advanceable welding electrode in an electrode housing and a counter electrode temporarily interacting therewith. A slide plate movable toward the package, forms the counter electrode, engages underneath overlapping ends of the strapping and directly on the package, and has a projecting tongue spaced from the welding electrode and a plate end part connected to a positioning mechanism. |
| US08820225B2 |
Apparatus and method for sensing and controlling the concentration of pulp in a concentrated pulp stream
A juice processing apparatus includes a concentrator for generating at least one concentrated pulp stream, and a pulp pasteurizer coupled downstream from the concentrator. A flow restrictor is coupled in the at least one concentrated pulp stream for generating a pressure drop therein. The pressure drop is indicative of a concentration of pulp in the at least one concentrated pulp stream. At least one pressure sensor is associated with the flow restrictor for sensing the pressure drop. A controller is for controlling the concentrator based upon the sensed pressure drop. |
| US08820222B2 |
Cooking pan with strainer
Described herein is a cooking assembly, generally comprising two major components, these components being a cooking pan and an insert 24 having a perforated portion which would retain the desired food component within the pan, and allow the fluid component to be removed through the perforations. |
| US08820220B2 |
Pressure vessel
A pressure vessel includes a pot-like receptacle and a lid for placing thereon, the two being detachably locked together and including a circumferential sealing ring made of elastically yielding material which is located in the region of a circular edge of the lid and a circular edge of the pot for the purpose of sealing the interior against a drop in pressure. Sealing lips of the sealing ring come into close contact with the edge of the lid and the edge of the receptacle, in which case, for producing an automatic pressure-control mechanism, the sealing ring is formed over at least one portion of its circumference in such a way that it is deformed, under a pressure inside the vessel which exceeds a given value (response pressure), so as to form a venting gap between the receptacle and the lid. |
| US08820219B2 |
Food preparation system
An automated food preparation system is described. It allows precise, automated control of the food preparation process, and has the ability to perform an automated cleanup. It comprises at least one manipulator to process and move ingredients, a control system, an autonomously accessible ingredient storage system, and at least one cooking receptacle. |
| US08820207B2 |
Braiding mechanism and methods of use
A tubular braid and mechanisms for forming the braid are described. The mechanism for braiding includes a disc, a mandrel, a plurality of catch mechanisms, and a plurality of actuators. The disc defines a plane and a circumferential edge. The mandrel extends from a center of the disc and is adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc. The plurality of catch mechanisms are positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc and are adapted to engage a filament. The plurality of actuators are configured to move relative to one another and are adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc. |
| US08820206B2 |
Bullet projectile and case feeding device
The present invention relates to a bullet-projectile and case feeding device, characterized in that it comprises a drum (1) internally provided with at least two compartments: a concentric inner compartment (6), and another outer compartment (7), wherein the compartments (6, 7) are suitable for housing cases or bullets-projectiles. The bottom of the drum (1) has an inclination of essentially 45° to 70°, the compartments are provided with: first housings (8) and second housings (9) forming positioning means for positioning the bullets-projectiles and cases, and one inner tube (3) and one outer tube (4) per compartment for feeding the assembly press, said bullets-projectiles and cases being moved in a disorderly manner when the drum rotates (1) and accessing said inner tube (3) and outer tube (4). The device is used in a feeding method for feeding bullets and cases to an assembly press and in a case annealing method. |
| US08820201B2 |
Tear-away packaging for engraving
Engraving an article of manufacture by receiving the article of manufacture contained in packaging having a removable portion which covers a targeted engraving area of the article contained therein, removing the removable portion of the packaging to expose the targeted engraving area of the article of manufacture for engraving the exposed targeted engraving area of the article of manufacture. |
| US08820198B2 |
Autofeed screwdriving tool
A screwdriver for collated screws in which a tip of the screw projects forwardly of the tool prior to initiation of the screwdriving sequence and, preferably, a forwardly directed socket carried on a retractable nose portion engages the head of the screw to be driven and urges the screw forwardly into a workpiece such that the pinching of the screw between the nose portion and the workpiece initiates retraction of the nose portion preferably leading to engagement of the screw by a rotating driver shaft. |
| US08820188B2 |
Park-position mechanism for engine
A park-position mechanism includes a selector mechanism that includes a cam mounted on a selector hub shaft, a park gear mounted on a main shaft and corresponding in position to the cam, a park arm arranged between the cam and the park gear. The park arm has a holed base fit over a stud that rotates and supports the park arm in a crankshaft case. A torsion spring is arranged between the park arm and the crankshaft case with ends attached to the park arm and the crankshaft case respectively. The park arm has a driven section and an engaging section respectively extending from opposite sides of the holed base. The engaging section forms a projection. The driven section forms a hole in which a guide rod is received in an axially movable manner. The guide rod is engaged with the earn and is thus selectively driven by the cam to cause engagement of the projection of the engaging section with the park gear. A resilient member is arranged between the hole and the guide rod. The resilient member and the guide rod function to absorb a driving force induced by the earn to eliminate direct application of the force on the driven section thereby protecting the park arm from being damaged by excessive amount of force acting thereon and enhancing operation smooth of switching to the PARK position. |
| US08820187B2 |
Shifting device
A shifting device comprises a selector lever movable relative to a fixed part and selector lever lock for preventing the lever from being moved when in a locking position (P) in which a vehicle transmission is blocked. The lock comprises a slider coupled with lever configured to slide through the fixed part from the locking position (P) to an unlocking position (R, N, D) in which vehicle transmission is unblocked. The slider may comprise one or more stop such that the slider can only be displaced through the fixed part or otherwise allowed to be rotated about an axis for changing into any of the unlocking positions (R, N, D). |
| US08820184B2 |
Manual transmission for vehicles
A manual transmission for vehicles minimizes rotational inertia and improves rattle as a consequence of preventing unnecessary idling of a first speed gear and a reverse speed gear by maintaining a first input gear to be a free gear state at all shift-speeds except a first forward speed and a reverse speed. |
| US08820182B2 |
Apparatus for the wireless remote monitoring of storage tank roofs
This invention relates to the remote monitoring of the floating roofs of large storage tanks, including tanks used for storing liquid petroleum products or other chemicals. The invention is used to monitor the position and flexure of the roof and other conditions such as vibration; the presence of vapors or liquids from water, hydrocarbons, or other chemicals; the presence of snow; or the presence of intruders. The invention can be connected to a monitoring system using wired or wireless means and can be used for routine status monitoring or for notifying plant operators in the event of alarm conditions. The invention can be completely self-contained and is suitable for encapsulation and use in harsh environments. |
| US08820181B2 |
Grain sampler and method of sampling grain flow
A sampler improves sampling and moisture measurements by reducing the introduction of fines, providing a more representative grain sample, and improving the ability to make consistent moisture measurements. The sampler has a body positioned to receive grain from a grain flow path. A primary auger positioned within the body has a shaft and a fin configured to lift and propel a portion of the grain up to and through a sampling opening. A sensor assembly operatively connected to the body and in communication with the sampling opening is configured to receive the portion of grain indicate the moisture content of the portion of grain. |
| US08820180B2 |
Monolithic magneto-strictive load transducer
A load sensor is provided comprising a magnetostrictive material and a wire. The magnetostrictive material may comprise an aperture, a first face, a second face, a thickness, and a first dado. The wire is disposed at least partially in the first dado, wherein the first dado at least partially transverses at least one of the first face and the second face, wherein the wire at least partially transverses the first face and the second face. The load sensor may also comprise a magnetostrictive material comprising an aperture, a first face, a second face, a thickness, and a first channel, and a wire disposed at least partially in the first channel, wherein the first channel at least partially transverses at least one of the first face and the second face, wherein the wire at least partially transverses the first face and the second face. |
| US08820179B2 |
Pressing force input device
An operation body is oscillatably supported by a fulcrum member. One side of the operation body is in contact with a projection of an actuator of a pressing force sensor, and a preload is applied to another side of the operation body by a compression coil spring as a preloading elastic member. By the preload, a detection output of the pressing force sensor is set at a neutral point. An operating force by which the one side of the operation body is pressed and an operating force by which the other side of the operation body is pressed can be distinctly detected with the single pressing force sensor. |
| US08820175B1 |
Sensor for two-phase flow measurements
The sensor for two-phase flow measurements is installed between two sections of pipe, providing an accurate measurement of radial temperature gradient in a two-phase flow. The sensor includes a heated tube having axially opposed first and second open ends. An annular sensor mount is secured about the first end thereof. First and second annular flanges are mounted to the heated tube for fluid-tight connection with the pair of pipe sections such that a two-phase fluid flowing through the pair of pipe sections continuously flows through the heated tube and a circular opening defined by the annular sensor mount. A central temperature sensor is suspended centrally within the circular opening for measuring a central temperature of the two-phase fluid. At least one peripheral temperature sensor is mounted on the annular sensor mount adjacent an inner annular wall thereof for measuring the peripheral temperature of the two-phase fluid. |
| US08820174B2 |
Dual threshold sensor for detecting relative movement
A sensor detects relative mechanical movement between two components. The sensor has two arms, and is to be mounted on one of the two components. Each of the arms has pins received in an opening in two fuse portions. The arms are pivotal within a fuse bracket. The two fuse portions include a thin portion to allow each to fracture. The fuse portions are designed to be distinct such that a distinct amount of relative movement between the first and second arms is allowed before each of the fuse portions fracture. |
| US08820173B2 |
Contact sensors and methods for making same
Disclosed herein are novel contact sensors. The contact sensors disclosed herein include a conductive composite material formed of a polymer and a conductive filler. In one particular aspect, the composite materials can include less than about 10 wt % conductive filler. Thus, the composite material of the contact sensors can have physical characteristics essentially identical to the polymer, while being electrically conductive with the electrical resistance proportional to the load on the sensor. The sensors can provide real time dynamic contact information for joint members under conditions expected during use. |
| US08820172B2 |
Flight unit control system, flight control device including such a system, and use of such a system
A flight unit control system having at least one instrumented fastening bolt connecting an aircraft carrier structure and a load path, the instrumented bolt having at least one measurement area for detecting that the load path is under load and including a fastener for locking the instrumented bolt in a position relative to the aircraft carrier structure and load path and wherein the measurement area has two cavities and at least one strain gauge and wherein the fastener includes a plate which is positioned at a threaded end of the instrumented bolt which bears against one of the aircraft carrier structure and the load path and which extends perpendicularly to an axis of the bolt and a nut which is placed at the threaded end of the instrumented bolt to immobilize the instrumented bolt relative to the aircraft structure or the load path. |
| US08820171B2 |
Method to monitor safe operation of an ultracapacitor
A container of an electrochemical double-layer capacitor for holding electrodes and electrolyte includes a housing having a cavity and a cap portion coupled to the housing forming a fluid-tight reservoir with the cavity. The container also includes a plurality of terminals incorporated into one or more of the housing or the cap portion, where the plurality of terminals adapted to be electrically coupled to the electrodes, and a pressure-compliant membrane incorporated into one of the housing or the cap portion. A pressure monitoring system that monitors the pressure inside the container includes a displacement measuring device adapted to measure a deflection of the pressure-compliant membrane. |
| US08820169B2 |
Compensation of stress effects on pressure sensor components
Pressure sensors having components with reduced variations due to stresses caused by various layers and components that are included in the manufacturing process. In one example, a first stress in a first direction causes a variation in a component. A second stress in a second direction is applied, thereby reducing the variation in the component. The first and second stresses may be caused by a polysilicon layer, while the component may be a resistor in a Wheatstone bridge. |
| US08820168B2 |
Device for reducing pressure pulses in pressure sensors
A device for damping pressure pulses, in particular in a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor includes a housing. A damping insert, on whose peripheral surface runs a damping channel, is located in the pressure channel of the housing. |
| US08820167B2 |
Vibration sensor
A sensor includes a housing adapted to be secured to a component within a system to be monitored by the sensor, an optical fiber, and a membrane spring assembly. The optical fiber includes a sensing portion containing a fiber Bragg grating that is able to undergo expansion and contraction resulting from movement of the optical fiber at a second location relative to a first location. The membrane spring assembly includes a membrane disc, wherein movement of a central portion thereof causes corresponding displacement of the optical fiber at the second location to cause expansion and contraction of the sensing portion of the optical fiber containing the fiber Bragg grating, which expansion and contraction effects a change in a light wavelength reflected by the fiber Bragg grating. The light wavelength reflected by the fiber Bragg grating can be used to measure movement of the central portion of the membrane disc. |
| US08820164B2 |
Retroreflector for ultrasonic inspection
A system for ultrasonic inspection of a structure includes a transducer located at a first surface of the structure to transmit an ultrasonic signal from the transducer through the first surface to a second surface of the structure located substantially opposite the first surface. A plurality of retroreflector elements are located at the second surface to reflect the ultrasonic signal back toward the transducer. A method of ultrasonic inspection of a structure includes transmitting an ultrasonic signal from a transducer located at a first surface of the structure toward a second surface of the structure located substantially opposite the first surface. The ultrasonic signal is reflected back toward the transducer via a plurality of retroreflector elements disposed at the second surface. |
| US08820163B2 |
Nondestructive inspection apparatus and nondestructive inspection method using guided wave
A nondestructive inspection apparatus includes a pair of guided wave sensors disposed on an outer surface of a piping and a guided wave inspection device connected to the pair of guided wave sensors which, outputs a transmitting signal for propagating a guided wave to the guided wave sensors, and obtains a receiving signal by receiving a propagated signal by the guided wave sensors. An inspection-result storage device stores the guided wave as a digitized signal of the received wave and an inspection-result diagnostic device performs arithmetic processing of judging whether or not a signal associated with a defect exists. |
| US08820162B2 |
Pressed workpiece inspection apparatus
Provided is a pressed workpiece inspection apparatus. A main body of a finger mounted on a palletizer robot that transports a finished workpiece W to a palette includes the following components: two vacuum cups configured to attract the finished workpiece W, a vibrating mechanism configured to vibrate the finished workpiece W, a vibration detection sensor configured to detect a vibrational state of the finished workpiece W caused by the vibrating mechanism, a data logger configured to store and retain a detected signal from the vibration detection sensor, a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the detected signal stored and retained in the data logger to an analyzer, and a rechargeable battery configured to drive the vibration detection sensor, the data logger, and the transmitter. The analyzer determines whether or not the finished workpiece W is non-defective, based on the detected signal from the transmitter. |
| US08820149B2 |
Method for oscillation measurement on rotor blades or wind power installations
Method for spectral evaluation of oscillation signals which have been obtained on a rotor blade of a wind power installation with an accelerations sensor. In doing so, instead of the otherwise conventional Fourier transform calculation, the spectral power density is computed. In the evaluation, also signal portions are considered which are not detected in the Fourier transform because they do not go back to oscillations which have been excited in the rotor blade. |
| US08820146B2 |
Cleanliness inspection apparatus and cleanliness inspection method for object to be inspected
An ultrasonic generator tank includes an ultrasonic generator contains a first liquid in which ultrasonic waves propagate. A particle extraction vessel contains a high-purity second liquid, such as ultrapure water, and an object to be inspected. A power unit is turned on to oscillate the ultrasonic generator. The particle extraction vessel, which contains the second liquid and the to-be-inspected object, is inserted into the first liquid from above the surface thereof after the lapse of a first time since the start of oscillation of the ultrasonic generator. As the particle extraction vessel is inserted into the first liquid, the ultrasonic generator continues to produce ultrasonic waves. The quantity of particles contained in the second liquid is measured after the lapse of a second time. |
| US08820141B2 |
Gas detection device
Device for detecting a gas having an excitation device for exciting the gas by an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength corresponding approximately to that of the gas; and a detection device for detecting the excitation of the gas, the detection device having a waveguide connected to the excitation device, a part of which forms a movable element designed to be in contact with the gas and capable of being set into vibration by the impact of the excited gas molecules; and a measurement sensor, for measuring the vibration of the element, the measurement sensor and the element forming the detection device. |
| US08820140B2 |
System for analyzing a gas mixture including at least one chromatography column
A system for analyzing a gas mixture, including at least one chromatography column, a mechanism injecting the mixture into the column, and a mechanism detecting compound(s) forming the gas mixture, the detection mechanism including at least one detector of nanosensor type of an outlet of the column and a detector of nanosensor type in the column, capable of detecting passage of the compounds. It is then possible to determine the velocity of each of the compounds within the system. |
| US08820135B2 |
Auto calibration / validation of oxygen sensor in breathing apparatus
A method for operating an oxygen sensor arrangement senses the oxygen in a breathing loop of a breathing apparatus. The sensor arrangement includes a primary oxygen sensor to measure the oxygen in the breathing loop, a secondary oxygen sensor to measure the oxygen in the breathing loop, and a control arrangement to obtain measures from the oxygen sensor. A test channel arrangement provides a first gas having a first fraction of oxygen from a first gas supply to the primary oxygen sensor at a position adjacent to the primary oxygen sensor. A test valve arrangement opens and closes the flow of the first gas through the test channel arrangement. The control arrangement actuates the first test valve arrangement to provide an amount of the first gas to the primary oxygen sensor via the test channel arrangement and obtain measures from the primary and secondary oxygen sensors. |
| US08820131B2 |
Shot peening apparatus
To correspond to a shape of a shot-peening worked portion and to prevent a situation where shot media scatter around the worked portion. To achieve this object, a shot peening apparatus for hitting shot media B against a welded part W and for applying a compressive stress to the welded part includes a kinetic-energy applying unit 26 that applies kinetic energy to the shot media B by an oscillator 26b, and a surrounding unit that surrounds both a worked portion U including the welded part W and surroundings of the oscillator 26b, and that confines the shot media B within the surrounded region while changing a state to correspond to a shape of the worked portion U. |
| US08820128B2 |
Anti-picking device for lock and key thereof
An anti-picking device for a lock includes a casing, a rotating body, a key guiding seat and a linking member. The casing has a compartment. The rotating body is rotatably received in the compartment and has an actuated member adapted to rotate the rotating body relatively to the casing and an insertion hole axially connecting two end faces of the rotating body. The key guiding seat is received in the compartment and has an arc guiding groove and a receiving hole. The arc guiding groove communicates with the receiving hole, and the receiving hole penetrates through the key guiding seat in the axial direction. The linking member is received in the receiving hole of the key guiding seat and has an engaging part at a first end, while a second end of the linking member extends out of the receiving hole. |
| US08820125B1 |
Padlock assembly
A padlock assembly includes two padlock halves fastened with at least one fastener, and a cylinder lock assembled with the padlock halves. A shackle has legs that are receivable in the padlock halves and lockable with the cylinder lock. The padlock halves are interlocked with the shackle such that even if the at least one fastener is removed, if the shackle is in a locked position with the cylinder lock, the two padlock halves cannot be separated from each other. |
| US08820122B2 |
Titania-doped quartz glass and making method
A titania-doped quartz glass suited as an EUV lithographic member is prepared by feeding a silicon-providing reactant gas and a titanium-providing reactant gas through a burner along with hydrogen and oxygen, subjecting the reactant gases to oxidation or flame hydrolysis to form synthetic silica-titania fine particles, depositing the particles on a rotating target, and concurrently melting and vitrifying the deposited particles to grow an ingot of titania-doped quartz glass. The target is retracted such that the growth front of the ingot may be spaced a distance of at least 250 mm from the burner tip. |
| US08820117B2 |
Attachable ornament with functional features
An attachable ornament for use with short haired, short furred, or hairless animals. In one embodiment, the ornament includes an ornamental portion, a strip of first material having a first side attached to said ornamental portion and a second side having a fur safe adhesive coating thereon. It also includes a strip of second material substantially covering and removably adhered to the adhesive coating, wherein said second strip of material is removable without substantially degrading the effective tackiness of the fur safe adhesive coating. In another embodiment, the ornament includes an ornamental portion having a receptacle having a lip for for slidably receiving an insertable adhesive tab. In either embodiment the ornamental portion may optionally include various functional means such as dispenser of therapeutic scent, powder or ointment, or a portion that changes color when a pet is exposed to too much ultraviolet light. |
| US08820114B2 |
Cooling of heat intensive systems
Disclosed herein is a cooling system that utilizes a supersonic cooling cycle. The cooling system includes accelerating a compressible working fluid, and may not require the use of a conventional mechanical pump. The cooling system accelerates the fluid to a velocity equal to or greater than the speed of sound in the compressible fluid selected to be used in the system. A phase change of the fluid due at least in part to a pressure differential cools a working fluid that may be utilized to transfer heat from a heat intensive system. |
| US08820110B2 |
Ice and water system in refrigerator with stirring fan in ice chamber
A refrigerator includes a freezer compartment and a fresh food compartment which includes an ice chamber. The ice chamber includes an ice maker which includes a first heat exchanger for producing ice. The ice chamber further includes an ice container, a second heat exchanger, an air moving apparatus, and an enclosed loop passageway. The ice container is for storing ice produced by the ice maker and includes an exterior surface. The second heat exchanger is for controlling temperature at the ice container. The passageway forms an air flow path such that air travels in thermal contact with the second heat exchanger. The air moving apparatus is positioned to move air through the passageway. |
| US08820108B2 |
Refrigerator including ice maker
A refrigerator including an ice maker is disclosed. The refrigerator includes an ice maker comprising: an ice making tray rotatably provided therein; a driving unit connected with the ice making tray, to rotate the ice making tray selectively; and a cooling member provided in the ice making tray, contactable with water supplied to the ice making tray. |
| US08820105B2 |
Medium voltage power controller
A medium voltage power controller box is mounted on a chiller unit with the other components of the chiller system. The power controller box can be positioned on the chiller system unit to permit the power controller box to be close coupled to the motor, and specifically to the main motor lead exit hub without the need for any power conduit connections between the power controller box and the motor. In addition, the power controller box also does not require any control interface and receives controls from a control panel. A short conduit connection between the control panel and the power controller box is used to provide the necessary connections between the control panel and the power controller box. |
| US08820104B2 |
Temperature regulation system with active jetting type refrigerant supply and regulation
This invention is characterized by an air conditioning system that jets actively a refrigerant into an evaporator in an active jetting manner so as to enhance the diffusibility and uniformity thereof. |
| US08820100B2 |
Apparatus, method, and system for automatically turning off an actuator in a refrigeration device upon detection of an unwanted condition
An apparatus, method, and system for automatically turning off an electrically powered actuator in a refrigeration mechanism upon detection of an unwanted condition. In one aspect of the invention, the electrically powered actuator can be the motor of an ice maker/dispenser. The detection can be accomplished by sensing the presence of an object along or near an ice dispensing pathway from the ice maker/dispenser. The unwanted condition could be the presence of the object for more than a preset time period. This would allow to distinguish between an unwanted object such as silverware or clogged ice versus a wanted object such as flowing ice cubes, crushed ice, or shaved ice. |
| US08820095B2 |
Vortex-based temperature control system and method
A vortex-based temperature control system comprises a test chamber configured to receive a test article therein, a sensor disposed within the test chamber for detecting a temperature within the test chamber, a first vortex tube coupled to the test chamber for providing a heating airflow to the test chamber, and a second vortex tube coupled to the test chamber for providing a cooling airflow to the test chamber. The system also comprises a temperature controller coupled to the sensor and configured to control an airflow delivered to the first and second vortex tubes to obtain a desired temperature setting within the test chamber. |
| US08820087B2 |
Method and system for controlling fuel to a dual stage nozzle
A method and system for controlling delivery of fuel to a dual stage nozzle in the combustor of a gas turbine. A liquid fuel is conveyed from a single stage fuel supply through a plurality of primary fuel supply lines to a first nozzle stage including a plurality of primary nozzles. A predetermined operating condition of the gas turbine is identified and a signal is produced in response to the identified operating condition. The signal effects actuation of valves located on secondary fuel supply lines extending from each of the primary fuel supply lines to supply fuel to respective secondary nozzles. |
| US08820083B2 |
Thermodynamic cycle with compressor recuperation, and associated systems and methods
Disclosed illustrative embodiments include modular power infrastructure networks, distributed electrical power infrastructure networks, methods for operating a modular power infrastructure network, and methods for fabricating a modular power infrastructure network. |
| US08820081B2 |
Method for operating a power plant
A method for operating a hybrid power plant comprising fuel-operated heating and solar energy heating of carrier fluids, wherein a first portion of total power provided by the power plant is based on fuel-operated heating of carrier fluids and a second portion of the total power is based on solar energy heating of carrier fluids, the heat absorbed by a solar energy heated carrier fluid is transferred to a carrier fluid circuit of a fuel-operated part of the power plant. When a sudden increase or reduction of the total power provided by the power plant is required as compared to a basic state, the second portion is first increased or reduced over a short time period in order to provide a positive or negative reserve power. Subsequently, the first portion is slowly increased or reduced and the second portion based on solar energy heating is correspondingly reduced or increased again. |
| US08820077B2 |
Saturated steam thermodynamic cycle for a turbine and an associated installation
A saturated steam or weakly superheated steam thermodynamic cycle in an electricity generating plant includes at least a nuclear energy source and a turbine having at least a high-pressure module, a medium-pressure module and a low-pressure module. The steam flows successively through the high-pressure, medium-pressure and low-pressure modules. The steam undergoes a first drying and/or superheating cycle between the high-pressure and medium-pressure modules and also a second cycle comprising at least a drying and/or a superheating process between the medium-pressure module and the low-pressure module. |
| US08820076B2 |
Solar heat collecting apparatus and solar power generation system
According to one embodiment, a solar heat collecting apparatus comprises a first heat exchanging unit and a second heat exchanging unit. The first heat exchanging unit includes a first pipe through which a heat medium flows and a first heat receiving face which receives heat of sunlight reflected by a plurality of reflecting units. The first heat exchanging unit heats the heat medium flowing through the first pipe by using heat of the first heat receiving face. A second heat exchanging unit includes a second pipe through which the heat medium heated by the first heat exchanging unit flows, a second heat receiving face which receives heat of the sunlight reflected by a plurality of reflecting units, and a nozzle provided to the second pipe to discharge the heat medium flowing through the second pipe toward a back face of the second heat receiving face. |
| US08820074B2 |
System and method to generate environment-friendly power by tapping solar energy
The system and method to generate electricity from solar energy by multi-tired solar lenses powering a steam-turbine. An insulated container mounted with convex-lenses emits steam to impact turbine blades. Over the greater solar catchment's area in the space around, larger convex lenses gather solar energy and focus beam to smaller convex lenses mounted on the container. There are various levels of lens placement acting as energy amplifiers to super-heat water inside the container. The steam passes through a directed jet nozzle, releasing to impact the turbine blades. A generator coupled to turbine shaft produces electricity. The steam, upon utilization and condensation is recycled, while still hot, to the container. On a small scale, it can be used as a supplementary power source to solar panels. Larger turbines can be placed anywhere, including offshore platforms, to tap large catchments area using multi-layered hierarchy of convex lenses. |
| US08820073B2 |
Compressor
A compressor comprises an impeller wheel mounted within a housing defining an inlet and an outlet. The wheel has a plurality of vanes and is rotatable about an axis. The housing has an inner wall defining a surface located in close proximity to radially outer edges of the impeller vanes which sweep across said surface as the impeller wheel rotates about its axis. The inlet comprises a tubular wall extending away from the impeller wheel in an upstream direction. An enclosed chamber is defined between said inner wall and an outer wall and in communication with at least one opening in said in said inner wall. The outer wall is penetrated by at least one ventilation aperture that is designed to be connected via a conduit to a location upstream of the inlet and downstream of an air filter. |
| US08820067B2 |
Variable displacement hydraulic machine, in particular for a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a variable displacement hydraulic machine, in particular for a motor vehicle, said hydraulic machine comprising a rotating cylinder (10) including a series of axial pistons (12) connected to a first plate (14) axially located on one side of said cylinder within a substantially transverse plane, the slope of which can be controlled, so as to form a first controllable displacement for said machine, wherein said machine is characterized in that the cylinder (10) further comprises a second series of axial pistons (22) connected to a second plate (24), the slope of which is also controllable, said plate being axially located, relative to the first plate (14), on the other side of said cylinder so as to form a second controllable displacement for said machine. |
| US08820050B2 |
Method for minimizing ammonia slip from SCR catalysts
Embodiments for reducing ammonia slip are provided. In one example, a method for reduction of ammonia emissions from an engine exhaust gas aftertreatment device with an SCR catalyst comprises determining a concentration of NOx and/or ammonia in the exhaust gas aftertreatment device, comparing a determined value of NOx and/or ammonia concentration with a nominal value for NOx and ammonia, respectively, and if an actual or shortly forecasted ammonia concentration is above the respective nominal value, triggering engine conditions with higher exhaust NOx concentration. In this way, ammonia slip may be reduced without degrading fuel economy. |
| US08820046B2 |
Methods and systems for mitigating distortion of gas turbine shaft
Methods and systems for mitigating distortion of a shaft of a gas turbine engine are provided. One method comprises at least one step of applying intermittent rotary power to a shaft of a gas turbine engine. The step of applying intermittent power to the shaft is performed during a period where conditions of temperature differential in the engine exist capable of distorting the shaft. The methods and systems shorten the time needed to start a gas turbine engine in such a way that bowing of a shaft is not a significant problem. |
| US08820043B2 |
Method for heatless manufacture of horseshoes
A method for cold manufacturing horseshoes utilizes a laser cutter, a hydraulic press, and a sanding belt to cut horseshoes from a sheet of material without heating up the sheet of material. Information, including dimensions of the horseshoe as well as position and size of a plurality of nail holes, is fed into a control computer for the laser cutter. The laser cutter cuts an outline of the horseshoe from the sheet of material, as directed by the control computer. The laser cutter also creates nail outlines, providing a guide for the second step involving the hydraulic press. Once the nail outlines are created an appropriately sized punch is selected for the hydraulic press. The hydraulic press uses the punch to bore through the outlines, creating beveled nail holes. The horseshoe is then moved to a sanding belt, where a rear surface and edge of the horseshoe is sanded smooth. |
| US08820042B1 |
Landscape rake
A landscape rake for raking a landscape environment in both a forward and backward motion to move debris is provided. The landscape rake comprises a rake head having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, and a second end. A rake handle is releasably secured to the top surface of the rake head approximately equidistant between the first end and the second end. At least one track is formed in the bottom surface of the rake head. At least one tine system is receivable within the at least one track with a plurality of tines secured to the at least one tine system. A securing mechanism releasably secures the at least one tine system within the at least one track wherein the landscape rake allows raking of a landscape environment in both a forward and backward motion. |
| US08820040B2 |
Compression rolls on baler pick up
A baler comprises a pick-up assembly configured to pick-up crop material; a compression assembly comprising at least one pair of opposing compression rollers configured to generate a pressure on the crop material as it passes between the compression rollers; and a bale chamber, wherein the pre-compressed crop forms a bale. The compression rollers define an adjustable gap therebetween. By adjusting the gap, pressure exerted on the crop material as it passes between the compression rollers may be controlled, resulting in bales of varying density. |
| US08820039B2 |
Cornhead crop loss detection
A cornhead row unit including first and second longitudinally extending stripper plates mounted on a frame and having opposed stripping edges which define a gap between them. The frame further includes an adjusting arrangement operatively connecting the frame and at least one of the first and second stripper plates to selectably and transversely move at least one of the first stripper plate and second stripper plate with respect to the other stripper plate to vary the width of the gap. A loss detection device is operatively connected to the frame for permitting measurement of corn kernels lost as a result of drawing corn stalks through the gap to separate corn ears from the stalks. |
| US08820037B2 |
Thermoforming packaging machine and a method for filling packaging troughs with products
A thermoforming packaging machine according to the disclosure comprises a forming station for producing packaging troughs in a bottom foil, and a filler for filling the packaging troughs with products. The filler is arranged at a transition region for conveying the packaging troughs from a first transport plane to a second transport plane. A corresponding method for filling packaging troughs with products is also provided. |
| US08820033B2 |
Steel and wood composite structure with metal jacket wood studs and rods
A composite member provides support to a structure. A wooden core of the composite member has a perimeter and a length. The wooden core provides support to the structure. A metal jacket is tightly wrapped to an optimum circumferential pre-stress around the entire perimeter of the wooden core of the composite member and spans the entire length. The metal jacket provides also support to the structure. Furthermore, the interaction between the wooden core and the metal jacket provide a combination of strength that surpasses the sum of individual strengths. |
| US08820026B2 |
Clip for perimeter trim
A single piece sheet metal clip including a trim engaging part and a mounting part extending or extendable from the trim engaging part at a right angle, the trim engaging part having a limited height when the clip is tilted from a vertical portion and a height greater than the limited height when upright whereby the trim engaging part may be inserted between opposed channels on a rear side of a trim strip and upper and lower edges are trapped in a respective channel when rotated from the tilted position to an upright position, the trim engaging part having an integral element resiliently deflected in a channel when the clip is turned upright, said resilient element releasably locking the clip against a reversal of said movement and thereby maintaining the trim engaging part trapped in said channels. |
| US08820024B1 |
Wall building system and method
The wall building system and method uses a block for building walls and other structures. The block is formed with an external face member and an internal face member connected by an inner core, which has an outer surface formed with a concave profile. The block is fabricated in one piece to enhance strength and stability. Each face is provided with a continuous groove therearound. The continuous grooves are adapted to receive locking elements therein to interlock the blocks. Utilizing a locking element eliminates the need for binding compounds, such as mortar, thereby greatly reducing labor and material costs. |
| US08820014B2 |
Panel of a floor system
The invention concerns a panel of a flooring system, in particular a laminate floor, with a first side edge, and with a second side edge which is arranged opposite the first edge, wherein the side edges can be locked with corresponding side edges of further panels, wherein the side edges can be brought into engagement with each other, wherein the first side edge is fitted with at least one locking lip, and with an elasticity groove adjacent to the locking lip, wherein the second side edge is fitted with a locking element and wherein the locking element in the locked state is in engagement with the locking lip. To be able to set the elasticity of the locking lip more satisfactorily, it is provided that the elasticity groove is at least partly filled with at least one filling compound. |
| US08820010B2 |
Jalousie window with daylighting and shading shelf
A window assembly defines a transom opening above a movably deployable reflective shelf that is positionable to reflect sunlight into the building through the transom, and also can be closed over the transom for protection and/or privacy. The reflective shelf may be associated with a mechanically operated a jalousie window. A plurality of shading shelves may be located on the window below the reflecting shelf and similarly operable to open and close. |
| US08820009B2 |
Method of building elevated water storage tanks
A liquid storage tank has a tower section. A tank shell above the tower section encompasses a tank volume that has a capacity of at least 100,000 U.S. gallons. A reinforced ringbeam at the top of the tower section surrounds an internal area that withstands the downward force of the liquid. The ringbeam has at least one supporting face that resists downward forces. A dome sits on the supporting face and essentially covers the internal area. The dome is made of a series of laterally adjacent dome where each dome segment has an inner end that is positioned above an outer end. |
| US08820001B1 |
Roof valley rain water diverter
A roof valley water diverter is provided herein for changing direction of rain water flowing through a roof valley. The diverter includes at least first and second side plates joined together to form a trough extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to channel a flow of rain water therethrough. A deflector plate, having opposing first and second faces, is secured to at least the first and second side plates such that the first face intersects the longitudinal axis. At least one gap is defined between the first face and at least one of the first and second side plates. Advantageously, the diverter of the subject invention allows for re-direction of flow of rain water from a roof valley. |
| US08819998B2 |
Sliding door module for a motor vehicle door
A door module for a sliding door of a vehicle is disclosed. The door module includes two closing modules. When in a first installation position, the first closing module does not protrude beyond a first outer edge of the door module. When in a first functional position, the first closing module protrudes beyond the first outer edge of the door module. While the second closing module is in a second installation position, it does not protrude beyond a second outer edge of the door module; however, when in a second functional position, the second closing module protrudes beyond the second outer edge of the door module and the first and second outer edges are spatially separated from each other. Finally, at least an actuating rod, comprised of plastic, transmits an actuating force from the first closing module to the second closing module. |
| US08819997B2 |
Fastening device
A fastening device is provided for attaching an exterior trim strip (1) to a carrying structure. In order to simplify attachment of the exterior trim strip to the carrying structure, the fastening device has latching or clipping-connection elements (21-24), which are latched or clipped to an interior trim strip (33) for fastening the exterior trim strip (1) on the interior trim strip (33). |
| US08819996B2 |
Door protection device
A door protection device pivoting about an axis and being applied against a wall when in the open position includes a portion added on to outside surface of the door and a portion added on to the wall, so that, in the open position of the door, the portions nest together, the two portions of the device being aligned along the same axis of direction perpendicular to the pivoting axis of the door. |
| US08819993B1 |
Covering of building's opening
A window includes a frame, a rail module, and two sashes. The rail module includes a first rail, a second rail, and a pulley assembly. The first rail is fixed to the frame, and the second rail is able to turn. The second rail is turned to connect to the first rail so that the pulley assembly can slide in both the first and the second rails. The first sash is pivoted on the frame, and the second sash is hinged with the first sash and connected to the pulley assembly. The pulley assembly is moved to the second rail from the first rail to make the sashes fold up. After the second sash arrives at the second rail, one may turn the folded sashes totally off the window and attach them to a wall besides the window. |
| US08819992B2 |
Monitoring apparatus and pivoting door
Monitoring apparatus for monitoring a movement element pivoted between open and closed states of an opening to be closed, the apparatus having a sensor for detecting an object and for monitoring a spatial angle originating at or near the rotation axis. The sensor is fitted at or near the rotation axis and includes a transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving radiation within the spatial angle. The sensor emits detection signals generated by the receiver when radiation is detected. The monitoring apparatus includes an evaluation unit that evaluates the detection signals depending on the angular position of the detected radiation in the spatial angle and determines whether an object has been detected and/or the position of the detected object. The evaluation unit draws a distinction between the movement element and an object depending on the current angular position of the movement element. |
| US08819991B2 |
Method for seed devitalization
The invention provides a method for devitalizing plant seed, the method comprising the steps of hydrating a viable whole plant seed and freezing the hydrated whole plant seed. The invention further provides a collection of devitalized whole plant seed wherein the integrity of genomic DNA and protein within the devitalized plant seed is preserved. |
| US08819989B2 |
Moisturizing agent with nutrients
The present invention relates to a gelatinous moisturizing substrate for controllably delivering water and oxygen to the root zone of growing plants with micro nutrients, auxins, preservatives and surfactants added comprising a mixture, by percent weight, 97.6% water, 2.0% carboxy methol cellulose, 0.15% aluminum sulfate, 0.04% sodium benzoate, 0.04% potassium sorbate, 0.0167% zinc sulfate (22.23% zinc), 0.07% acetic acid (99%.0 pure) and 0.005% sodium sesquacarbonate. The composition maintains substrates viscosity. As a result, the moisturizing agent releases water, oxygen and the added nutrients, preservatives and surfactant into the root zone of the growing plant at a controlled rate. |
| US08819988B2 |
Method and system for organic cultivating and environmental control of container grown plants
A method and system is provided whereby the environment of the container grown plant is controlled to replicate a natural environment. Since container grown plants are not in direct contact with the soil in the earth, a container grown plant can develop its own local electrical field and static charge that can hinder the development of the plant. A plant media grounding device is provided in which copper prongs fit into a housing that is connected to a power cord. The prongs are inserted at the plant's base in the growing media. The power cord is plugged into an outlet. The plant then becomes grounded to the earth ground of the building's power distribution system. In a further embodiment, the plant media grounding device may further include a variety of sensors in order to monitor the progress of the plant and the plant's environment. |
| US08819986B2 |
Stem guides and replaceable cartridges
The invention relates to a method for adjusting the buoyancy of a fishing bobber. The method includes providing a buoyant member and a stem guide configured to receive the buoyant member, mounting the buoyant member to the stem guide and cutting the buoyant member. The buoyant member is made of a material capable of being severed by a cutting device and having first length, a lower end, and an upper end. The stem guide receives the buoyant member and a fishing line with fishing tackle. The buoyant member is cut such that the buoyant member has a second length shorter than the first length. The buoyant member is cut to a second length such that the buoyancy of the buoyant member when cut to a second length is enough to oppose the tendency of the stem guide and fishing tackle to submerse the buoyant member such that a top surface of the cut buoyant member is adjacent to the surface of the water when the stem guide, buoyant member, fishing line and any fishing tackle are placed in the water. |
| US08819985B1 |
Sight level for firearm
Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a level indicator for a firearm that is configured to be repositioned from a home position, generally above the barrel of the firearm, to an extended position, generally above and to the side of the barrel of the firearm. Several different mounting apparatuses are also disclosed, as well as variations of adjustment mechanisms. |
| US08819984B2 |
Firearm stabilization apparatus
The present disclosure provides a firearm stabilization apparatus having (1) a main body further having a stopped dado which forms a depression on a front surface of the main body; a first magnet positioned within the depression; a slot along a edge of the main body; and a second magnet positioned within the slot; and (2) a firearm further with a third magnet. |
| US08819981B2 |
Under-fold firearm stock assembly
An under-fold firearm stock assembly includes an elongated main body having a longitudinal channel and a firing mechanism opening. A stock and butt stock are positioned along the back of the main body, and a pivot assembly transitions the stock between an open and closed position. |
| US08819978B2 |
Reset assist mechanism
A reset apparatus for use in a firearm, comprising: a compression spring; a biasing member has a first end and a distal end wherein the compression spring is attached proximate to the first end of the biasing member; a notch disposed on the biasing member for cooperation with a trigger bar, wherein the trigger bar comprises a longitudinal axis defined by a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the front portion is mechanically cooperated with a firearm trigger; and wherein the compression spring communicates a force through the biasing member and onto the trigger bar in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trigger bar. |
| US08819976B1 |
Tubular magazine firearm with sheet metal receiver
A novel firearm is lightweight, compact, and the method of manufacture is easy. A single or dual tubular magazine positioned below the barrel of a firearm includes the novel use of an inverted U-shaped stamped sheet metal receiver with a cavity for housing a loading and ejection port. The present invention advances the art of firearm manufacture by disclosing a tubular magazine and stamped sheet metal receiver that encloses the major parts of a firearm. The firearm is simple to manufacture, lightweight, approximately 25 to approximately 27 inches in length, and affords an ammunition capacity that is at least twice the capacity of a comparable firearm, such as the Remington® 870 shotgun. |
| US08819975B2 |
Rifle and kit for making same
A rifle kit comprises a rifle receiver structure having a central passage configured for having a substantially as-manufactured breech bolt of a pistol mounted therein and has one or more shoulder stock mounting portions configured for having a shoulder stock structure engaged therewith. A substantially as-manufactured breech bolt of the kit is configured by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) thereof for being mounted on a pistol receiver body configured by the OEM. The rifle barrel is mountable within the central passage of the rifle receiver structure. A chamber end portion of the rifle barrel is configured for engaging a mating portion of the substantially as-manufactured breech bolt. A shoulder stock structure of the kit includes a receiver structure engaging portion configured for allowing the shoulder stock structure to be mounted on the rifle receiver structure exclusively through engagement with the one or more stock mounting portions of the rifle receiver structure. |
| US08819974B2 |
Photo framing template and mounting bracket assembly
This invention relates to the general field of photo mounting, and more specifically toward a template and mounting assembly that can be used to effectively mount a photograph. The template has a basic design of a hard surface bordered by four open sections, which can be universally applied to a variety of different sizes and configurations of photographs. The mounting assembly includes four brackets that form the underlying frame of the mounted photograph. |
| US08819973B2 |
Front loading frame on rail display system
A front loading frame on rail display system includes a support rail assembly secured to a wall and a display frame assembly secured to the support rail. The rail assembly includes a wall rail secured to the wall with a top rail secured thereto and receiving an apron crown molding. The frame assembly includes a frame unit formed by top and side frame members and closed by a back panel. The frame members have notched glass clips which are aligned in a plane. Display materials are front loaded into the frame unit, and a glass pane is slid into the clips. Fasteners extending from the side frame members are received in rotary lock members positioned in the top rail. The lock members are rotated to lock positions to engage heads of the fasteners to removably secure the frame assembly to the rail assembly. |
| US08819968B1 |
Modular solar powered illuminated alphanumeric identification system
A modular solar powered illuminated alphanumeric identification system which incorporates solar power or other alternative power sources to illuminate light emitting diodes. The invention includes a plurality of self-powered aligned modules which is secured to a suitable surface in order to provide for visual alphanumeric identification either nonelectronically or electronically during hours of daylight and during the hours of darkness, respectively. The self-powered modules include a plurality of photovoltaic cells which charges one or more battery packs for the subsequent illumination of arrangements of alphanumerically arranged light emitting diodes during periods of darkness. |
| US08819966B2 |
Machine attachment based speed control system
The present disclosure provides a machine configured so that its ground speed is at least in part dependent on the measured force that is applied to an attachment attached thereto. The present disclosure also provides an attachment for a machine that is configured to provide feedback to the machine it is configured to be attached to, wherein the feedback is representative of the force applied to the attachment. The present disclosure also provides a method of automatically controlling the ground speed of a machine based on feedback measured in an attachment attached to the machine. |
| US08819965B2 |
Article of footwear with suspended stud assembly
An article of footwear with a suspended stud assembly attached to a sole is disclosed. The suspended stud assembly includes a base portion attached to the sole of a shoe. A set of suspension arms connect a plurality of studs to the base portion. This arrangement allows the studs to move independently of the sole and of each other to provide greater traction capabilities to the article of footwear. |
| US08819962B2 |
Methods, apparatuses and systems for conditioning skin
Methods, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for conditioning a foot surface by contacting a foot surface with an article designed to contact foot surfaces for the purpose of abrading, moisturizing and otherwise conditioning a foot surface. |
| US08819957B1 |
Portable air heating system
A portable air heating system provides a stream of heated air. The heating system generally has an air transfer assembly for providing a flow of air through the system, a fuel burner assembly having one or more burners for providing heat by combustion, and a heat transfer housing for safely transferring the heat produced by the fuel burner assembly to the air flowing through the transfer assembly. The burner assembly has burners with inlets having generally horizontal axes that are disposed from one or more heat transfer tubes mounted in the heat transfer housing. The burner assembly and the heat transfer assembly are positioned outside the area being heated so that the exhaust gases are completely isolated from the air heated by the system, thereby virtually eliminating the likelihood of asphyxiation by the exhaust gases from the burner. |
| US08819950B1 |
Releasable tip for a chalk line reel set
A chalk line apparatus having a line and spool and a releasable end. The releasable end comprises a hook member having a rod member, a releasable member pivotally attached to the rod member and a spring positioned to bias the releasing member against the hook member. The releasing member has an attachment location for the line. Additionally, the spring is sized and shaped to allow rotation of the releasing member about the rod member and relative to the hook member upon a force exerted at the attachment location from the line. |
| US08819949B2 |
Line marking assembly
A line marking assembly for applying a marking a straight line with a marking powder onto a surface is disclosed. The line marking assembly comprises two chambers configured to mount one on each side of a level. Each chamber contains a cord wound on a spool, marking powder and a tensioning assembly that exerts a constant and continuous pull on the cord. The cords from each of the chambers may be combined with a coupler. Moving the coupler back and forth between the chambers coats the cords with marking powder. Placing the assembly onto a surface and snapping the cord marks a straight line on the surface. |
| US08819945B2 |
Utility knife with detachable guard
In a utility knife, having a handle, a blade, and a guard that prevents the user's fingers from being lacerated or abraded, a flexible strap with a stud that snap-fits into a socket in the guard is used to secure the guard to the handle. The stud fits into a recess in the handle to limit or prevent longitudinal movement of the guard relative to the knife handle. |
| US08819943B2 |
Safety scalpel
A scalpel enabling both safe blade engagement or disengagement and safe passing among personnel during surgical procedures. The blade arm assembly of the scalpel is positionable in three positions, including a retracted position, an operational extended position and a fully extended position for engagement and disengagement of the blade. |
| US08819940B2 |
Method for manufacturing a linear actuator
A method for manufacturing a linear actuator includes inserting a portion of a thrust member of the actuator into a casting portion of a molding apparatus. The casting portion includes a model screw member having a threaded portion. A molding material can be added into the cast portion to overmold a nut to the thrust member. Thus, the nut will include a threaded portion on an internal circumference mateable with the threaded portion of the model screw member. The overmolded nut and thrust tube member may be coupled to a screw shaft of the actuator, such that the threaded portion of the nut mates with a threaded portion of the screw shaft. |
| US08819937B2 |
Auxiliary power unit inlet duct screen assembly
An example inlet duct screen assembly includes a grid portion having a plurality of apertures and a frame portion circumscribing the grid portion. The grid portion and the frame portion are formed from a single sheet of material. An example method of making an auxiliary power unit inlet duct screen includes machining apertures in a sheet of material to establish a grid portion of an inlet duct screen. |
| US08819933B2 |
Method for forming a current distribution structure
A method for forming an electrical structure. The electrical structure comprises an interconnect structure and a substrate. The substrate comprises an electrically conductive pad and a plurality of wire traces electrically connected to the electrically conductive pad. The electrically conductive pad is electrically and mechanically connected to the interconnect structure. The plurality of wire traces comprises a first wire trace, a second wire trace, a third wire trace, and a fourth wire trace. The first wire trace and second wire trace are each electrically connected to a first side of the electrically conductive pad. The third wire trace is electrically connected to a second side of the electrically conductive pad. The fourth wire trace is electrically connected to a third side of said first electrically conductive pad. The plurality of wire traces are configured to distribute a current. |
| US08819932B2 |
Method of manufacturing a ceramic electronic component
A method of manufacturing a ceramic electronic component prevents variations in characteristics even when the ceramic electronic component is embedded in a wiring board. Ceramic green sheets containing an organic binder having a degree of polymerization in a range from about 1000 to about 1500 are prepared. A first conductive paste layer is formed on a surface of each of the ceramic green sheets. The ceramic green sheets are laminated to form a raw ceramic laminated body. A second conductive paste layer is formed on a surface of the raw ceramic laminated body. The raw ceramic laminated body formed with the second conductive paste layer is fired. |
| US08819931B2 |
Enhanced-reliability printed circuit board for tight-pitch components
A printed circuit board is fabricated so contacts for tight-pitch components are at an angle with respect to the bundles of glass fibers in the epoxy-glass printed circuit board such that adjacent component contacts do not contact the same bundle of glass fibers. This angle may be accomplished by manufacturing a printed circuit board panel with the glass fibers at an angle with respect to its edges. This angle may also be accomplished by placing parts on a printed circuit board panel that has a traditional X-Y orthogonal weave of glass fiber bundles at an angle with respect to the edges of the panel. This angle may also be accomplished by starting with a traditional panel that has an X-Y orthogonal weave, laying out parts on the panel along the X-Y weave, then placing components on the parts at an angle with respect to the edges of the parts. |
| US08819925B2 |
Terminal crimping apparatus
There is provided a terminal crimping apparatus which can detect a crimping failure mode which produces a transversely asymmetrical crimped shape in a crimped product. The terminal crimping apparatus includes an anvil (102A) which is a lower die on which a conductor crimping portion (11) of a terminal (10) is place and a crimper (101A) which is an upper die which bends inwards a pair of left and right crimping pieces (11L, 11R) of the conductor crimping portion (11), and the terminal crimping apparatus further includes a detection device which detects a transversely unbalanced load in the upper and lower dies (101A, 101B) in a crimping process in which the upper die (101A) is pressed down towards the lower die (102A) so as to crimp the pair of left and right crimping pieces (11L, 11R) on to a conductor (Wa) of an electric wire so as to crimp the conductor (Wa). |
| US08819923B2 |
Joint apparatus
In a joint apparatus, a transfer region and a processing region are formed. In the transfer region, a transfer mechanism transferring a first substrate, a second substrate, or a superposed substrate, a position adjusting mechanism adjusting an orientation in a horizontal direction of the first substrate or the second substrate, and a reversing mechanism reversing front and rear surfaces of the second substrate are provided. In the processing region, a first holding member mounting and holding the first substrate on an upper surface thereof, a second holding member holding the second substrate on a lower surface thereof, and a pressing and moving member bringing one end portion of the first substrate and one end portion of the second substrate into abutment with each other and pressing the one end portions when joining the first substrate and the second substrate together are provided. |
| US08819922B2 |
Method of making an electrically-heated hose assembly
Electrically-heated hose assembly including a hose and a first and a second fitting. The hose is constructed as having a core tube, a pair of spiral wound wires surrounding the core, and a jacket surrounding the core tube. A first end of each of the fittings is within a corresponding end of the hose, with a second end of the fittings extending beyond the hose end. The wires are wound around at least a portion of the second fitting end of a corresponding one of the fittings. |
| US08819919B2 |
Method of forming a non-linear path of an electrically conducting wire
A method of forming a non-linear path of at least a portion of at least one electrically conducting wire extending between a first location and a second location. The method includes the steps of forming a wire path template defining a non-linear path, winding said wire through said template such that said wire adopts said non-linear path, connecting the wire to a feedthrough member, wherein the feedthrough member is configured to provide an electrical connection through a wall of an implantable component implantable in a recipient along with the wire, and removing the wire from the template. |
| US08819918B2 |
Manufacturing method for a dual interface card
A method of manufacturing a chip card, such as a dual interface card, is provided. The method generally includes collocating multiple card support sheets one onto the other, depositing a conductive adhesive onto contact pads on at least one of the sheets, positioning a dual interface module in a recess established in at least one of the sheets, and executing a lamination step. |
| US08819917B2 |
Method to secure a circuit board
According to some embodiments, a device having a pliant portion may be utilized to secure a circuit board. |
| US08819912B2 |
Method of assembling workpieces utilizing shape memory polymer activation to facilitate alignment and retention
A method of adaptively assembling first and second workpieces utilizing shape memory polymer activation to facilitate alignment and retention, wherein the workpieces present and the method employs at least one active nub and/or mated receptacle, and the modulus shifting and shape memorization capabilities of shape memory polymer are alternatively used to further engage the nub and receptacle during assembly. |
| US08819906B2 |
Metal part and plastic part seperating device
A composite part separating device for separating a composite product consisting of a plastic part and a metal part is provided. The composite part separating device includes a base; a workpiece support mounted on the base. The metal part of the composite product is hung on the workpiece support to retain the composite product on the workpiece support; a vibrating motor drives the base and the workpiece support to shake, causing the plastic part to separate from the metal part. |
| US08819905B2 |
Machining center
The present invention provides a machining center that efficiently machines a long workpiece using two pallets. A machining center 1 includes a saddle 30 that moves in a Y axis direction on a bed 10, and a table unit 50 moves in an X axis direction on the saddle 30. At a right end and a left end of the front surface of the bed 10, setup stations 110 and 120 are respectively disposed. While a spindle head 80 is machining a workpiece W2 with one pallet 140 placed on the table unit 50, a workpiece W1 can be set up onto the other pallet 130. A long workpiece can also be machined on the two pallets 130 and 140 placed on the table unit 50. |
| US08819903B2 |
Manufacturing method of a piezoelectric element and a liquid ejecting head
A manufacturing method of a piezoelectric element includes: forming a first conductive layer upon a substrate; forming a piezoelectric layer upon the first conductive layer; forming a second conductive layer upon the piezoelectric layer; forming a third conductive layer upon the second conductive layer; forming a first portion, a second portion, and an opening portion provided between the first portion and the second portion by patterning the third conductive layer; forming a resist layer that covers the opening portion and covers the edges of the first portion and the second portion that face the opening portion side; and forming a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion configured from the first portion and the second portion, and forming a third conductive portion configured from the second conductive layer, by dry-etching the second conductive layer using the first portion, the second portion, and the resist layer as a mask. |
| US08819902B2 |
Adhesive closure piece
An adhesive closure piece (10) includes a substrate part (12) and closure pieces (20a, 20b) of at least one type arranged upright on the substrate part. The closure pieces each have a head part (14a, 14b) having at its free end face at least one contact surface (22a, 22b) for detachably adhering to another component by adhesive force. The closure piece has at least one connection section (16a, 16b) on the edge of each head part (14a, 14b). The connection section protrudes beyond the edge of the head part (14a, 14b) in at least one direction (30, 36) such that the size of the contact surface (22a, 22b) of the corresponding head part (14a, 14b) is changed. |
| US08819901B2 |
Adjuster of string-end-fixing portion of article
An adjuster of a string-end-fixing portion of an article includes first and second sliders which are mounted on an ordinary fastener chain so as to oppose to each other with shoulder mouths thereof opposed to each other and a connecting member for connecting the first and second sliders. The first slider has a stopper pawl member. The adjuster of the string-end-fixing portion is attached to a handling portion for adjusting a portion, one end of a string or the like is fixed to the first and second sliders or the connecting member while the other end is fixed to the string-end-fixing portion of the article so as to move the string-end-fixing portion, maintain the string-end-fixing portion after adjusting operation of the string-end-fixing portion, and facilitate attaching the string or the like again if a fixing of the string or the like fixed to the slider or the like is released. |
| US08819900B2 |
Magnetic organizing and attachment device
An organization and attachment device for detachably holding an insert. The device includes a first section with a first magnet section, a second section with a second magnet section, and a connecting section joining the first section and second section. The device also includes a linking device engaged with the connecting section. The linking device includes a linking member with a first end and a second end, and a first fastener connected to one of the ends of the linking member. The holding device can be arranged in multiple positions in which the linking device is stored. In each position in which the linking device is stored, the linking device is held in place by at least one of the magnet sections. In one position in which the linking device is stored, the linking device is completely enclosed by the first and second magnet sections. |
| US08819899B2 |
Band clamp installation markers
A band clamp has a band constriction sensing marker adapted so as to gradually visibly respond to the stage and state of the band clamp installation at the object to be secured. Before the band clamp is installed, a displaceable material may be partially or entirely hidden between the band and the securable object, for example flexible sleeve, wherefrom it is forcefully moved by the clamp to the sides during installation. A gradually appearing amount, color and shape of the moved marker material may provide visual clues about band clamp installation. In some embodiments, a contrastingly colored under material wider than the band clamp may be disposed underneath a marker on the side of the object being secured. Due to the band constriction during joint installation, the marker material parts sidewise from underneath the band clamp and masks the contrasting under material with neutrally colored marker material. |
| US08819896B2 |
Locking carrier and mounting arrangement for tilt sash counterbalance systems
A window balance assembly comprising an improved locking carrier mechanism is disclosed. The locking mechanism is actuated when the window sash is tilted. Cam surfaces on the receiver of the mechanism engage cam followers in the clamshell-type housing of the carrier forcing them apart outwardly to lock the carrier in the jamb channel of a window assembly and prevent movement of the carrier in the channel. The receiver incorporates two cams that engage two cam follower surfaces in the housing to improve the distribution of the locking forces of the carrier in the jamb channel. A dual-locking carrier expands in both the axial and lateral directions to contact both front and back surfaces and opposing side surfaces of the jamb channel. |
| US08819892B1 |
Electrical maid
An automatic cleaning system comprises a control panel communicatively coupled to a sprinkler device and a cleaning apparatus. The sprinkler device emits a heat and deodorizer for intense drying and sterilization. The cleaning apparatus removes the cleaning solution, sweeps mops, vacuums, shampoos and waxes floors. |
| US08819891B2 |
Floor inlet valve for a central vacuum cleaning system
An inlet valve for a central vacuum cleaning system having a central vacuum motor connected to a piping network, is disclosed. The inlet valve includes a main body having an air inlet passageway formed therethrough and a pipe connector to connect the air inlet passageway of the inlet valve to the vacuum piping. An outer door is provided which is pivotally mounted to the main body on an opposite side to said connector and an inner door is provided which is pivotally mounted to said main body at one end between the outer door and the main body and seals the air inlet passageway when the inner door is in a closed position. A releasable latch is operatively connected to the outer door to keep the outer door and the inner door closed on the front of the valve when the inlet valve is not in use and a spring is provided to cause the inner door and the outer door to open upon the latch being released. |
| US08819889B2 |
Windshield wiper assembly
A windshield wiper assembly including a wiping element adapted to contact a surface to be wiped. The wiping element includes at least one isolation pad formed thereon and wherein the isolation pad defines a portion of increased lateral width of the wiping element. A coupler assembly includes an adapter with at least one claw that corresponds to the isolation pad. The claw has a downwardly extending leg and an inwardly extending retainer portion that cooperates with the isolation pad to interconnect the adapter to the wiping element. The interaction of the isolation pad and the claw acts to securely mount the adapter to the wiping element in a cost-effective manner while reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) associated with the operation of the wiper system. |
| US08819888B2 |
Wiper apparatus
In a wiper apparatus, a gear case of a gear part is provided with a first frame fixing part which is fixed to a frame member by fastening volts and fastening nuts. An attachment bracket has a second frame fixing part which is fixed to the frame member together with the first frame fixing part by the fastening volts and the fastening nuts, and has an insertion pin which is fixed to a rear-side vehicle-body panel. A wiper motor can be fixed to the frame member together with the attachment bracket by the same fastening members, and it is possible to reduce the weight of the wiper apparatus by reducing the number of the fastening members. It is possible to enhance the productivity of the wiper apparatus by reducing the size of the attachment bracket separated as a dedicated part from the gear case. |
| US08819887B2 |
Illuminated hub for a vehicle wash component
A component for a vehicle wash system includes a frame and a hub portion that is rotatably connected to the frame. The hub portion has an inner surface, an outer surface and an axis of rotation. The hub portion includes a plurality of media elements secured thereto and arranged in a plurality of spaced apart rows that extend in a direction along the axis of rotation. The hub portion includes at least one translucent portion disposed on its outer surface. The translucent portion is disposed between a pair of adjacent rows of the plurality of spaced apart rows. The hub portion includes at least one illumination element for illuminating the at least one translucent portion such that said illuminated translucent portion is configured to be seen while the said hub portion rotates. |
| US08819884B1 |
Paint pad with flat handle
A paint pad with flat handle including a parallelepiped head member having a first surface to which a paint pad releasably secures, said head member attached to a flat handle at a torsion spring pivot disposed upon a second surface of said head member, whereby the paint pad with flat handle has a low profile and is readily positional in tight and hard to reach spaces for application of paint thereat. |
| US08819880B2 |
Efficient energy usage for a laundry appliance
A laundry treating appliance has a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving a laundry load for treatment according to at least one cycle of operation and operated such that the extraction of liquid from the laundry load is controlled based on the inertia of the laundry load so that the total energy usage by the laundry treating appliance and a laundry drying appliance with which it is operably coupled may be minimized. |
| US08819876B2 |
Interchangeable tub and shower accessories
An example shower assembly includes a mount for removeably securing and supporting an accessory item to a shower wall. The mounts are permanently attached to the shower wall and are spaced apart a set desired distance. Slots on the accessory item receive the mounts to support the accessory item firmly and substantially rigidly to the shower wall. Removal of the accessory item is performed by lifting to allow installation of another accessory item as desired. |
| US08819874B2 |
Flush valve structure for a toilet tank
A toilet tank flush valve structure includes a valve base. A float assembly that is adjustable in buoyancy is movable between a sealing position and a flushing position. An overflow tube is attached to the float assembly and extends from a lower end in communication with a water outflow passage of the valve base to an upper end in communication with the interior space of the toilet tank. The upper end of the overflow tube is adjustable relative to the float assembly independently of the buoyancy of the float assembly. A guide member guides movement of the float assembly. A stop member on the guide member limits upward travel of the float assembly from its sealing position. The stop member is adjustable in position lengthwise of the guide member or by extension of the guide member independently of the buoyancy of the float assembly. |
| US08819873B2 |
Ergonomic toilet seat positioning device
An ergonomic toilet seat raising and lowering device provides a hygienic, effective, and efficient system of lifting and closing a toilet seat with a low susceptibility of being contaminated with urine or fecal matter. The invention includes a lever, a rod and a counterweight positioned away from and behind other components of a common toilet. The invention may be used on toilets and seats with a wide variety of shapes and sizes. |
| US08819871B2 |
Helmet with partial turn faceguard mounting
A helmet has a shell with a front opening covered by a faceguard of elongated wire segments. Loopstraps engage around wire segments at sides and a crown of the shell and fasteners connect the loopstraps to the shell. The fasteners each have a nut extending from an inside of the helmet shell out into a hole of the shell and an aperture of the loopstrap, and a stud removably connected to the nut by pushing and turning the stud by about a quarter turn to lock the stud to the nut. A tension spring between a head of the stud and the loopstrap urges the stud away from the nut when the stud is rotated to unlock the stud for facilitating a quick removal of the stud from the nut and a quick disconnection of the loopstrap and faceguard from the helmet shell. |
| US08819869B2 |
Medical/surgical personal protection system including a helmet, a hood and fastening system for holding the hood to the helmet so the radius of curvature of the hood face shield varies along the face shield
A personal protection system for providing a sterile barrier around medical/surgical personnel. The system includes a helmet over which a hood or a toga suspended. The hood/toga has a transparent face shield that is flexible. A fastening assembly holds the face shield to the helmet so that, at the top of the face shield the shield has a relatively wide radius of curvature. Extending downwardly from the top of the face shield the radius of curvature of the shield becomes smaller. Providing the face shield with this geometry reduces the extent to which the person wearing the helmet and hood/toga of this invention is subjected to glare. |
| US08819867B1 |
Weighted skull cap
A weighted skull cap comprising integral weights for strengthening neck muscles during sport or physical therapy activities is herein disclosed. The apparatus comprises multiple layers that conceal a plurality of individual pockets about an entire interior surface of the cap. Each pocket comprises a flap-style locking closure for placement of a weight and secured with a fastening means to assist in retaining the weights therein the pockets during exercise activities. Each weight quantity is varied by the user to suit individual training needs. |
| US08819865B1 |
Garment with radiused zipper path
A garment has an upper sleeved section extending above a waist line, and a lower section with legs extending downwardly from the crotch of a lower torso section. For freedom of motion, the upper section has an upper torso stretch panel encircling the waist line. Entry into the garment is provided through a zippered front access opening which departs from an imaginary centerline extending between the neck opening and the crotch of the garment. The zipper path has a first segment which extends along the centerline for at least an inch, and then follows a curved radiused path segment to a second path segment which extends from the centerline less than 90 degrees from the first and which crosses the waist line and descends along the leg to a position about even with the crotch. The curved segment has a radius of at least three times the chain width of the zipper. |
| US08819862B2 |
Sunglasses with flip-up visor
A flip-up visor attachment having two separable sets of hinge elements for rotatably connecting the visor to a sunglasses' frame. These sets include a hinge body and a pair of hook-like structures which are, respectively, affixed to the frame's bridge portion and to the visor's underside. Like the frame, both sets exhibit bilateral symmetry. Once they are joined together, the visor can be pivoted outwardly from the frame's front. A flange, affixed to the visor's mid-section and extending over its back edge, stops the visor from being overrotated. With the visor in its raised position, one can then brace it there by pressing a locking arm rotatably connected to its underside against the hinge body. By rotating the locking arm in reverse, one can disengage it from the hinge body and thus free the visor so that it can be folded against the sunglasses or removed therefrom. |
| US08826460B2 |
Data exchange between applications of an electronic device
An electronic device includes a requesting application and a hosting application. When the requesting application requests permission from the hosting application to access a category of data, the device identifies the requesting application and the permission request. The device awaits a user input to determine whether the user will permit the requesting application's request to be granted. |
| US08826459B2 |
Systems and methods of automatic multimedia transfer and playback
Digital rights management to protect copyrighted materials is a common element of consumers accessing content for a variety of uses including business and recreational. Such techniques have been generally deployed on small items of multimedia content such as individual tracks of music. However, at present despite the penetration of portable electronic devices for texting, telephony, email, and music their use by consumers for video, film, and large multimedia content has been limited in part due to the issues of downloading and handling individual files of hundreds or thousands of MB. It would therefore be beneficial to provide a means to download large multimedia content files and render these upon a variety of portable electronic devices while allowing the downloaded multimedia content to be securely stored within a portable memory device allowing the user to render the content upon their own electronic devices or other electronic devices without re-distributing the content. |
| US08826458B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
Some embodiments of the invention provide a server apparatus, comprising: a control block comprising at least one processor; at least one data reception unit operable to receive a request to share a picture; at least one storage facility, storing programmed instructions for execution by the control block, the programmed instructions defining an image analysis engine operable to determine that the picture comprises an image of a person; and at least one data transmission unit operable to issue a request to the person, or someone associated with the person, to consent to sharing the image. Other embodiments provide a method, performed by at least one computer. The method comprises: (A) receiving a request to share a picture; (B) determining that the picture comprises an image of a person; and (C) requesting that the person, or someone associated with the person, consent to sharing the image. |
| US08826456B2 |
Benchmark measurement for legitimate duplication validation
A system and method for detecting piracy of a software product that is distributed on a particular media type is described. Embodiments of the invention track a title load time of a software product that is distributed on a particular media type, and compare it against a benchmark load time for that media type. This comparison is used to detect if the title may have been illegally transferred or pirated to another, unauthorized media type. |
| US08826455B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated assignment of access permissions to users
Given a new user U or a user whose role in the organization changed, an automated method of the present disclosure in one aspect determines the new or revised access permissions the user should have. In one aspect, the method of the present disclosure automatically determines access rights based on the access rights held by similar users. This general idea, including a formalization of similarity between users, the details of how access rights are determined, and an algorithm to test if the presented methods are safe to use are provided. |
| US08826450B2 |
Detecting bulk fraudulent registration of email accounts
The invention provides for at least three processes for detecting the probability of abusive use of a message account for sending large amounts of unsolicited messages, such as spam, to other message accounts. For example, information provided at registration for a new message account can be processed to determine the likelihood of abusive use of that message account. Also, inbound messages can be processed to determine if the message account that sent the inbound message is abusing the use of that message account. Additionally, outbound messages can be processed to determine if the message account that is attempting to send an outbound message is abusing the use of that message account. Each of these three processes can operate separately or in any combination with each other to further improve the probability that abusive use of a message account will be detected promptly and accurately. |
| US08826446B1 |
System and method for applying privacy settings to a plurality of applications
A system and method for adjusting privacy protection for a user in a plurality of applications is disclosed. A privacy protection request is sent to a user device. In one embodiment, the request is displayed on user device in the form of a pop-up window. In another embodiment, the request is displayed in a privacy settings area. The privacy protection request includes a plurality of protection levels. Once a protection level is selected the protection level is sent back and received by the system. Privacy settings are adjusted according to the selected privacy protection level based on information stored in a master template. In some embodiments, the privacy protection level is translated to associated privacy settings. Once the privacy settings have been adjusted, the privacy settings are applied to a plurality of online applications associated with the user based on the privacy protection level selected. |
| US08826444B1 |
Systems and methods for using client reputation data to classify web domains
A computer-implemented method for using client reputation data to classify web domains may include identifying a web domain. The computer-implemented method may also include identifying at least one client that has attempted to access the web domain. The computer-implemented method may further include identifying a reputation associated with the client that attempted to access the web domain. The computer-implemented method may additionally include classifying the web domain based at least in part on the reputation of the client that attempted to access the web domain. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08826441B2 |
Event-based security state assessment and display for mobile devices
A security component on a mobile device collects data on security events, and determines an assessment of security state and severity levels using a database containing security threat data. A server receives security event data, performs an additional security state assessment, and transmits it for display on the mobile device or a webpage. Display of a security state assessment includes status indicator signals, and lists and charts of security events. |
| US08826440B2 |
Defensive techniques to increase computer security
Among other disclosed subject matter, a computer-implemented method includes initializing a first descriptor table and a second descriptor table. The first descriptor table is associated with a first permission level and the second descriptor table is associated with a second permission level that is different from the first permission level. The first descriptor table and the second descriptor table are associated with a hardware processor and initialized by an operating system kernel. The method also includes providing a memory address associated with the first descriptor table, in response to a descriptor table address request. The descriptor table address request is provided by a software process. The method also includes updating the second descriptor table, in response to an update request. |
| US08826438B2 |
Method and system for network-based detecting of malware from behavioral clustering
A computerized system and method for performing behavioral clustering of malware samples, comprising: executing malware samples in a controlled computer environment for a predetermined time to obtain HTTP traffic; clustering the malware samples into at least one cluster based on network behavioral information from the HTTP traffic; and extracting, using the at least one processor, network signatures from the HTTP traffic information for each cluster, the network signatures being indicative of malware infection. |
| US08826437B2 |
Intelligent system and method for mitigating cyber attacks in critical systems through controlling latency of messages in a communications network
A system and method are provided for controlling the latency of messages to enable a network of devices to detect and respond to potential malware. The system and method receiving a message at a device and determining whether the message represents potential malware and requires a delay to allow time to detect and respond to potential malware. The amount of the delay associated with the message is determined and the message is processed based on the delay amount. |
| US08826436B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus to apply permissions to applications
Methods and apparatus are disclosed to apply permissions to applications. A disclosed example method includes navigating to a first network address of a first network entity and downloading an application from the first network entity, disabling all network address communication except for the first network address, sending an authorization request to a second network entity via the first network address, and authorizing the application to execute when an indication of authentication is received from the second network entity via the first network address. |
| US08826433B2 |
Security intrusion detection and response
A system comprises an enclosure, host logic contained in the enclosure, and intrusion security logic also contained in the enclosure. The intrusion security logic is coupled to the host logic and configured to detect a security intrusion to the system and to respond to a security intrusion with a user-configurable trigger event. The intrusion security logic implements at least two tamper blocks, each tamper block configured to monitor one more input signals and initiate a trigger event when a security breach of the enclosure is detected. At least one of the tamper blocks comprises a state machine whose operation is controlled by way of user-programmable registers. |
| US08826425B2 |
System and method for automatically discovering security classification of hosts
A system and method for discovering security classifications of network areas includes representing actually allowed network flows and flows permitted by a security policy in a format that enables comparison. The actually allowed network flows and the security policy are provided in a networked computing environment including network areas, wherein each network area is a collection of one or more computing and network devices, and enterprise security policy defines security requirements for security classifications. An assignment of security classifications to network areas is determined by comparing the actually allowed network flows with the flows permitted by the security policy. |
| US08826424B2 |
Run-time additive disinfection of malware functions
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for runtime additive disinfection of malware. Runtime additive disinfection of malware may include performing the steps of identifying, based at least in part on its type, an executable software application that is suspected of being infected with malware, wherein the malware is adapted to perform a function during the execution of the executable software application, predicting the malware function based on known patterns of malware infection relating to the type of the executable software application, and in response to the prediction, adding a remediation software component to the executable software application that disables the executable software component from executing code that performs the predicted malware function. |
| US08826421B2 |
Method and apparatus for security validation of user input
According to embodiments of the present invention, a computing device provides a security rules subset of a server-side protection element to a pre-validation component deployed at a client side. The computing device validates the user input based on the security rules. The computing device determines, in response to detecting a user input violation and that a violated security rule has/or has not been provided to the pre-validation component, the user as a first or second class of users. The computing device performs different security protection actions to the first and second class of users. The computing device asynchronously performs a dynamic update to the security rule subset provided to the pre-validation component. The security rule subset is screened from the security rules of the server-side protection means. A policy for screening the security rule subset is selected. |
| US08826415B2 |
Automated device access
A method of unlocking a locked device includes receiving a device identifier over a wireless communication protocol, determining if the device identifier is associated with a list of trusted devices, transmitting a request to generate an acoustic signal over the wireless communication protocol based on the determination, receiving the acoustic signal as an audio sound generated external to the locked device, estimating a distance between a source of the audio sound and the locked device, and unlocking the locked device based on the estimation. |
| US08826412B2 |
Automatic access to network devices using various authentication schemes
An access discovery method and system discovers and stores the proper access protocol for each device on a network. The discovery process includes progressively sequencing through state transitions until a successful access protocol sequence is determined, and an access script corresponding to this sequence is stored for subsequent access to the device. Preferably, the protocol-discovery algorithm is modeled as a state table that includes a start state and two possible terminal states: success and failure. A state machine executes the state table until a terminal state is reached; if the terminal state is a failure, the system backtracks to attempt an alternative sequence. The process continues until the success state is reached or until all possible sequences are executed without success. An exemplary state model is provided that has been shown to be effective for modeling network devices from a variety of vendor devices. |
| US08826408B2 |
Consolidating disparate cloud service data and behavior based on trust relationships between cloud services
A method for consolidating cloud service data and behaviors can begin with the compilation of user/service membership data that associates requesting entities with subscribed cloud services by a trusted cloud service consolidator. A federated trust library housing inter-service trust information for the cloud services contained in the user/service membership data can be created. In response to a service request from a requesting entity, trusted secondary cloud services can be identified for the requesting entity. Identification of the trusted secondary cloud services can be based upon trust factors synthesized from data contained in the federated trust library. Data satisfying the service request and associated behaviors from each trusted secondary cloud service can then be consolidated into a unified data structure. A behavior can be an executable action supported by a trusted secondary cloud service. The unified data structure can be conveyed to the requesting entity in a service response. |
| US08826406B2 |
Password security input system using shift value of password key and password security input method thereof
The present invention relates to a password security input system which performs authentication through input of a security password key which is obtained by applying a shift value to an actual password key, and a password security input method thereof. According to the present invention, a password security input system is configured with a user terminal comprising: a password setting module for receiving and storing an actual password which is inputted during the initial setting by a user; an input window generating module for generating an input window in which key buttons are randomly disposed in every instance where a password is inputted; a password input module for receiving keys of a security password which are position-changed by applying the same shift distance to the key positions of the actual password in the input window displayed on a screen; and a password authentication module for comparing a key shift value of the pre-stored actual password with a key shift value of a security password inputted by a user on the basis of the input window, and determining that password authentication is in success when the two key shift values are the same. According to the present invention, even if a security password is exposed to a third person, the user can maintain the actual password with a sound mind. |
| US08826404B2 |
Method and communication device for accessing to devices in security
A method for a communication device for securely accessing a device includes obtaining accessing authentication information via an out-band channel, the accessing authentication information being used for accessing authentication between a service request device and a service providing device, the service request device and the service providing device sharing the same management device, and forming the out-band channel with the management device respectively (11); and authenticating the accessing authentication information, and providing, by the service providing device, when an authentication result indicates that the authentication of the accessing authentication information is passed, service for the service request device via an in-band data channel, the service providing device and the service request device forming the in-band data channel via a service network (12). |
| US08826403B2 |
Service compliance enforcement using user activity monitoring and work request verification
Auditing system logs of a remote client device is provided. Login session information entered at a workstation device accessing the remote client device to perform an activity associated with a work request is received. An access token is generated based on the login session information and information associated with the work request on the remote client device. The access token is compared with an audit log report of the remote client device that includes the activity associated with the work request performed by the workstation device on the remote client device. It is determined whether information in the access token matches information in the audit log report of the remote client device. In response to determining that the information in the access token does not match the information in the audit log report of the remote client device, an action alert is sent. |
| US08826401B1 |
Method and system using a cyber ID to provide secure transactions
A method and system for securing a user transaction involving a subscriber unit (“SU”) (having a processor, memory, and a display configured to accept user input), a credential information manager (“CIM”) (having a processor and memory), and a transaction service provider (“TSP”) (having a processor and memory). A cyber identifier (“CyberID”), a subscriber identifier (“SubscriberID”), and subscriber information, each associated with the user, is stored in the CIM. A transaction request is sent from the SU to the TSP, which creates a transaction identifier (“TID”), stores it in the TSP memory and transmits it to the SU. The SU transmits an authentication request, the TID, and SubscriberID to the CIM, which authenticates the SubscriberID and verifies the TID to the TSP. The TSP verifies the TID and reports it to the CIM, which transmits the CyberID and subscriber information to the TSP, and transmits a transaction authorization to the SU. |
| US08826400B2 |
System for automated prevention of fraud
A system for preventing fraud at a service provider's website has a fake credential distributor for creating a set of valid but fake credentials to access such website and distributing such set to a plurality of predefined websites, a fake user database including said set of fake credentials and a monitor for real-time monitoring any user login attempt from any origin network location to the website and comparing the credentials used in such user login attempt with the set of fake credentials in the fake user database. If the credentials used in such a login attempt coincide with any fake credential in the fake user database, such origin network location is added to a tainted connections list; and if there is another login attempt of a user from a network location in said tainted connections list, said user access request is refused even when it is using real credentials. |
| US08826398B2 |
Password changing
In one example, a computing device generates a new password for accessing a user account and/or computing system and inspires a change of an existing password for the user account and/or computing system to the new password. Thereafter, the computing device detects occurrence of a condition to trigger another change of the password for the user account and/or computing system and, responsively, inspires another change of the password for the user account and/or computing system. |
| US08826395B2 |
Method of improving online credentials
The invention comprises a method of providing additional assurance regarding a websites authenticity, The assurance is provided by using a credential that contains an image of the website operator or the website operator's business operations. The assurance is also provided by scanning the website associated with the credential for changes and alerting the website operator or a website visitor of the changes. The invention includes a method of ensuring the proper operation of the credential and a method of protecting the credential from mis-issuance. |
| US08826390B1 |
Sharing and access control
A system and machine-implemented method for providing secure access to an object, the method including receiving an indication of a request from a first entity to share access and delegation rights to a second object with a first object, the second object having a corresponding access control list (ACL) including a listing of one or more authorized entities having access to the second object including the first entity, generating a token representing access and delegation rights of the first object with respect to the second object and providing the token to the first object, adding a token identifier (ID) corresponding to the token to the ACL of the second object, such that the first object is added to the authorized entities having access and delegation rights to the second object. |
| US08826389B2 |
Multi-media identity management system
A method for utilizing multi-media identities for access control to a secure area or item can begin with a multi-media identity management system providing a multi-media identity to an entity for use with an access control system. The multi-media identity can be a digital identifier defining multi-media authentication data and security privileges for the entity. The provided multi-media identity and multi-media authentication data can be received in an access request for a secure area or item. The multi-media authentication data can be verified against the multi-media data elements of the multi-media identity. The security privileges of the multi-media identity can be validated for the secure area or item. When the multi-media authentication data, multi-media identity, and security privileges are valid, the entity can be granted access and denied access when at least one item is invalid. |
| US08826376B2 |
Communication of session-specific information to user equipment from an access network
In conjunction with establishment of a session between an access network and user equipment of a communication system, session-specific information is transmitted from the access network to the user equipment. The session-specific information transmitted from the access network to the user equipment comprises information to be utilized in an authentication protocol carried out between the user equipment and an authentication server of the system. For example, the session-specific information transmitted from the access network to the user equipment may comprise an identifier of a gateway coupled between the access network and the authentication server. |
| US08826375B2 |
Rich media collaboration system
A user annotates a shared document with text, sound, images, video, an e-mail message, graphics, screen snapshots, web site snapshots to share with others. The document and its annotations are stored in a digital object repository to which other users have access. Within the closed collaboration system, only users who are authenticated may upload digital objects, annotate digital objects and view objects and their annotations. The user sends a message to other users to invite them to view the object and its annotations and to add their own annotations. An annotated object generates an alert for all of the invited users. A remote authentication gateway authenticates users and has a repository for user metadata. Digital object repositories are separate from the authentication gateway, thus providing for disintermediation of the user metadata from the digital object data. The collaboration system may be hosted by a third party on a server computer available over the Internet that displays a web site. A user is not required to have collaboration system software on his or her computer and may annotate any image on the web site for later viewing by other users of the web site. |
| US08826372B1 |
Applying a packet routing policy to an application session
A security gateway includes packet routing policies, each including a host network address, an application network address, and a forwarding interface. In routing data packets of an application session, the security gateway: recognizes the application session between a network and an application; determines a user identity from an application session record for the application session; determines packet routing policies applicable to the application session based on the user identity; receives a data packet for the application session, including a source network address and a destination network address; compares the source network address with the host network address, and the destination network address with the application network address; and in response to finding a match between the source network address and the host network address, and between the destination network address and the application network address, processes the data packet using the forwarding interface of the packet routing policy. |
| US08826371B2 |
Authentication system and method
Aspects of the invention relate to a customer authentication system for authenticating a customer making a request related to a customer account. The customer authentication system may include multiple application level data receiving and processing mechanisms for receiving customer requests and collecting customer data. The customer authentication system may additionally include a central authentication system for receiving the customer requests and customer data from the multiple application level data receiving and processing mechanisms, the central authentication system determining, based on authentication policy, whether the collected customer data is sufficient to authenticate each customer in order to fulfill the customer request. The central authentication system may return its conclusions and instructions to the multiple application level data receiving and processing mechanisms. The customer authentication system may additionally include a fraud policy system for centrally managing authentication policy implemented by the central authentication system. |
| US08826367B2 |
Elastic resource provisioning in an asymmetric cluster environment
System, method, computer program product embodiments and combinations and sub-combinations thereof for elastic resource provisioning are provided. An embodiment includes grouping physical resources in an asymmetric distributed cluster of data processing nodes logically into one or more provisions. Further included are configuring access to the physical resources with the one or more provisions, and managing adjustment of operations among the data processing nodes in correspondence with adjustment to the physical resources through the one or more provisions and transparently to an application utilizing the physical resources. |
| US08826362B1 |
Enhanced cablecard processor including OOB simulator
An enhanced cable card device is described that operates in host devices without requiring an out-of-band data channel. One embodiment includes a broadcast receiver for receiving a broadcast signal, a processor for coordinating processing in the cable card, a memory for storing data normally received by the cable card over an out-of-band signal, an in band data receiver for receiving an in band data signal, and a control program running on the processor to signal reception of an out-of-band signal to a host device electrically connected to the cable card. In addition, the control program processes data from the memory and provides processed output data to the host device simulating data normally received over an out-of-band data channel, and the cable card allows the host device to operate normally without an out-of-band receiver. |
| US08826361B2 |
Method and apparatus for interactive programming using captioning
A method and system for the creation of interactive programming using captions. A caption and program information extractor monitors a broadcast media signal having captions and program information encoded in the broadcast media signal. The captions and program information are extracted and stored in a content database. A moderator accesses the content database to retrieve captions and for a program specified by the program information. The moderator uses the services of a moderator server to generate interactive programming from the captions and the moderator's own comments. The interactive programming is transmitted to a plurality of viewers who interact with the interactive programming by entering viewer comments. The viewer comments are received by the moderator along with additional captions and new interactive programming is generated using the viewer comments, additional captions, and additional moderator commentary. |
| US08826360B2 |
Broadcasting method and broadcast signal receiving apparatus
A broadcasting method and a broadcast signal receiving apparatus is provided wherein auxiliary information, such as video and audio data for supplementing broadcast information presented through a broadcasting network in an interlocked manner can be watched and listened to by the viewer. Broadcast information received from a broadcasting network is temporarily stored in a storage means of a broadcast signal receiving apparatus and a recording medium for storing auxiliary information used as a supplement to the broadcast information is mounted on the broadcast signal receiving apparatus. The broadcast information and the auxiliary information are then played back in an interlocked manner with a predetermined timing. As a result, a function to present information which cannot be accommodated in a broadcast frame and a parental function can be implemented. |
| US08826359B2 |
HFC cable system with shadow fiber and coax fiber terminals
System and method to extend the upstream data capacity of an HFC CATV system by extending a “shadow” optical fiber network deeper into the various CATV cable neighborhoods, with coax fiber terminals (CFT) spaced roughly according to the distribution of CATV active devices such as RF amplifiers. The CFT can intercept local upstream data from various neighborhood sub-regions and transform this upstream data into upstream optical data, thus relieving upstream data congestion in the 5-42 MHz CATV frequency region. The system can produce an order of magnitude improvement in upstream capability, while maintaining high compatibility with legacy HFC equipment. The CFT may exist in multiple embodiments ranging from low-cost “dumb” CFT to sophisticated CFT that can additionally provide GigE to the home (GTTH) service. Methods to maintain good compatibility with legacy CMTS devices, and methods to utilize DOCSIS MAP data for more efficient data transmission are also discussed. |
| US08826357B2 |
Web-based system for generation of interactive games based on digital videos
Systems and methods are provided for adding and displaying interactive annotations for existing online hosted videos. A graphical annotation interface allows the creation of annotations and association of the annotations with a video. Annotations may be of different types and have different functionality, such as altering the appearance and/or behavior of an existing video, e.g. by supplementing it with text, allowing linking to other videos or web pages, or pausing playback of the video. Authentication of a user desiring to perform annotation of a video may be performed in various manners, such as by checking a uniform resource locator (URL) against an existing list, checking a user identifier against an access list, and the like. As a result of authentication, a user is accorded the appropriate annotation abilities, such as full annotation, no annotation, or annotation restricted to a particular temporal or spatial portion of the video. |
| US08826356B2 |
Cable modem and data receiving method thereof
Disclosed are a cable modem and a data receiving method thereof. The cable modem includes a downlink channel retrieval processing unit to retrieve a downlink channel, receive an entire channel information message through the retrieved downlink channel, and receive a broadcasting supplementary data message when the entire information message is valid; a channel information processing unit to receive broadcasting supplementary data using the broadcasting supplementary data message; an uplink channel retrieval processing unit to retrieve an uplink channel using the entire channel information message; and a channel information managing unit to store and manage main data receiving channels capable of receiving the entire channel information message and the broadcasting supplementary data. |
| US08826355B2 |
System and method for recording a multi-part performance on an internet protocol television network
An Internet protocol television (IPTV) system includes a server operable to send a performance guide and a time code over the IPTV system to two or more clients. The server receives a performance from each of the clients over the IPTV system, combines the performances into an overall performance, and sends the overall performance over the IPTV system to the clients. |
| US08826352B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media content
An apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media content, including a receiver, wherein the receiver receives at least one of a transmission of media content and a broadcast of media content, wherein the media content includes at least one of broadcast media content and entertainment media content, and further wherein the receiver receives information regarding the media content, a processor for processing at least one of the received media content and the received information regarding the media content, a display device for visually displaying the information regarding the media content, and/or a speaker device for audibly announcing the information regarding the media content. |
| US08826348B2 |
System and method for wireless communication of uncompressed video having a relay device for power saving
An apparatus and method for achieving power saving for a portable device in a wireless network for transmitting audio/video (A/V) data is disclosed. An optimal transmit power level is selected by transmitting multiple probe messages by a portable device at increasing transmit power levels until a response to one of the probe messages is received within a preset allowed response time. A relay node is selected by a portable device for receiving compressed A/V data, uncompressing the compressed A/V data, and transmitting the uncompressed A/V data to an intended receiver. |
| US08826342B2 |
Programmable, interactive content viewing on a mobile video application
Promotional content provided by content providers is distributed to mobile devices to be displayed with designated videos on mobile devices. The promotional content is received from a content provider, e.g., via an API and associated with a video, group of videos or channel available from a video hosting server. The promotional content meets certain specifications set by the video hosting server. A mobile device requests promotional content for a selected video and the video hosting server provides any available promotional content to the mobile device. The promotional content is displayed with the selected video as designated by the content provider. Activation of the promotional content in some embodiments results in an action being invoked on the mobile device, such as loading of a uniform resource identifier. In some cases, the promotional content is cached by the mobile device for later use. |
| US08826336B2 |
Methods and systems for providing a plurality of last applications
A system and method may include receiving, at a set top box, one or more user inputs from an input device, analyzing the one or more user inputs to identify last application data, prioritizing one or more pointers associated with the last application data based on at least usage data, receiving, at the set top box, one or more request messages from the input device, and outputting, to a display device, last application information, in response to receiving the one or more request messages, based on the prioritization of the one or more pointers. |
| US08826333B2 |
Video display device and video display method
Provided are a video display device and a video display method, by which a user can easily select a program to be watched even if a numerical keypad is not provided in a remote control device. A display portion displays a video of a program. While the video of the program is displayed on the full screen of the display portion, an operation detection portion detects a rotational operation of a dial provided in a remote control device. When the rotational operation is detected by the operation detection portion, a control portion functions so that while the video of the program is displayed on the display portion, a program list including a plurality of program items associated with different programs is displayed on the display portion. |
| US08826332B2 |
Media distribution and management platform
An embodiment of the invention simplifies management of the “video lifecycle”. An embodiment includes one of more modules that streamline the video publishing process by abstracting technical steps such as video publishing, updating video, unpublishing video, retrieval or statistics concerning video, authorization to process video, validation of video, video metadata processing, video transcoding, and/or video transmission. Other embodiments are described herein. |
| US08826330B2 |
Interactive content system and method
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of providing interactive content. The method may include sending, from a media device, a request for one or more interactive applications to a first content source that is distinct from a second content source that provides video content to the media device. The request may indicate one or more locations to be polled for the one or more interactive applications. The method may include generating, at the media device, a menu of selectable interactive applications displayable at a display device. The selectable interactive applications may include one or more available interactive applications identified by the first content source in response to the request. |
| US08826329B2 |
Graphical user interface for a device having multiple input and output nodes
A graphical user interface (GUI) is described. The GUI includes first GUI elements that provide a visual representation of the nodes of an audio/video device. In response to user input, a signal is caused to be routed between nodes by manipulating circuitry within the audio/video device. Second GUI elements provide a visual representation of the signals being routed within the electronic device between pairs of first GUI elements (e.g., between nodes). As a result, the user can readily understand which nodes are connected to each other. Thus, for example, a user can easily visualize which source node is providing input to a target node and, by selecting the appropriate GUI elements, can just as easily switch from one source to another or from one target to another. |
| US08826327B2 |
Provisioning an emergency alert system (EAS) message service to user devices
A system is configured to receive, from a user device, a request for video content; obtain the video content in response to the request; process the video content to generate one or more first segments, where each of the first segments corresponds to a respective portion of the video content; receive an emergency alert system (EAS) message; process the EAS message to generate one or more second segments, where each of the second segments corresponds to a respective portion of the EAS message; and transmit, to the user device, a playlist, associated with the video content, that includes the first segments and the second segments, where the playlist allows the user device to play the video content on a particular channel based on the first segments, and allows the user device to play the EAS message, based on the second segments, without tuning to a channel different from the particular channel. |
| US08826325B2 |
Automated unobtrusive ancilliary information insertion into a video
An improved computerized process for an AUTOMATED UNOBTRUSIVE ANCILLARY INFORMATION INSERTION INTO A VIDEO is described that inserts an advertisement into a moving object in a video selected by a user by an algorithm which requires no manual operations by the advertising business entity. A user who has access to any computer hardware device chooses his selected video but sees on his monitor that selected video with an advertising segment inserted in some optimum placement on that moving object in the selected video by an optimizing subroutine so that the insertion-does not distract from the -content of interest to the viewer. |
| US08826324B2 |
Server apparatus, trick reproduction restriction method, and reception apparatus
A server apparatus used in a system that delivers, to a reception apparatus via a network, a commercial stream of a content prior to a delivery of a main-program stream of the content, the server apparatus including: a reproduction control information storage section to store reproduction control information for the commercial stream, that includes at least first setting information that sets whether to restrict a trick reproduction in the reception apparatus; and a reproduction control information transmission section to extract, in response to a first reproduction control information acquisition request from the reception apparatus, the reproduction control information for the commercial stream from the reproduction control information storage section and transmit the reproduction control information for the commercial stream to the reception apparatus. |
| US08826317B2 |
System and method for determining broadcast dimensionality
An apparatus, system and method for determining levels of audience engagement relative to encoded audio data, where an encoded audio data is captured in a mobile device. The audio data is captured over one or more predetermined time periods, and processed to determine characteristics of the audio data. The characteristics are determined according to one or more predetermined thresholds, where volume levels, levels of encoding, and or other features are monitored. By determining levels in the audio data that exceed predetermined thresholds, engagement levels and values may be determined relative to the audio data captured over the time period. Data from preceding time periods may be compared to obtain comprehensive engagement data for audience measurement systems. |
| US08826312B2 |
Broadcast remote control
Identifying user behaviors via remote control signal broadcasts may be provided. A content element such as a video may be displayed on a display device. During display of the content, a control signal may be received and deciphered. The deciphered control signal may be used to determine whether the content is being consumed by a user, and this determination may be logged and/or reported to the content provider. |
| US08826310B2 |
Spindle motor
Disclosed is a spindle motor, the spindle motor including a turntable coupled to a rotating shaft and supporting the rotating shaft and a disc, a centering unit fitted over the rotating shaft and supporting an inner circumference of the disc, and a coil spring interposed between the turntable and the centering unit to elastically support the centering unit, wherein a first end of the coil spring is brought into contact with a spring hanging portion protruding from a side surface of the centering unit, and a second end opposite to the first end of the coil spring is supported by a spring support portion formed in the turntable. |
| US08826305B2 |
Shared versioned workload partitions
According to one aspect of the present disclosure a system and technique for shared versioned workload partitions is disclosed. The system includes a processor and logic executable by the processor to: create, in a host machine running an instance of a first version of an operating system, a first workload partition associated with a second version of the operating system, the second version of the operating system comprising a different version of the operating system than the first version of the operating system; create, in the logical partition, a second workload partition associated with the second version of the operating system; and hierarchically link the second workload partition to the first workload partition to enable sharing of resources of the first workload partition by the second workload partition. |
| US08826299B2 |
Spawned message state determination
According to embodiments of the invention, methods and apparatus are provided for tracking the status or state of a message spawned or sent from one processing element to another processing element in a multiple core processing element network. According to embodiments of the invention, a message status tracker may be incorporated within a multiple core processing element network. As a message is spawned or sent from an originating processing element to a receiving processing element, a counter within the message status tracker may be incremented. If the receiving processing element spawns further messages in response to the received message, the counter may be further incremented. When a receiving processing element finishes a process in response to a received message, the receiving processing element may decrement the counter. When the counter is decremented to an original value (e.g., zero) the original message may be considered complete. |
| US08826296B2 |
Method of supervising a plurality of units in a communications network
A method is provided for supervising a plurality of units in a communications network. The method includes a step of a first supervisor device receiving from a plurality of units information notifications having a plurality of information fields. For each information notification received, at least one imprint is generated, which includes codes extracted from predetermined fields of the notification. The method further includes counting the number of occurrences of at least one imprint, and notifying at least one master supervisor device of at least one imprint and the number of occurrences counted for that imprint. |
| US08826295B2 |
Apparatus and method for adaptive context switching scheduling scheme for fast block input and output
Provided is a method and apparatus for an adaptive context switching for a fast block input/output. The adaptive context switching method may include: requesting, by a process, an input/output device to perform an input/output of data; comparing a Central Processing Unit (CPU) effectiveness based on whether the context switching is performed; and performing the input/output through the context switching to a driver context of the input/output device, or directly performing, by the process, the input/output based on a comparison result of the CPU effectiveness. |
| US08826294B2 |
Efficient state management system
The present invention provides an efficient state management system for a complex ASIC, and applications thereof. In an embodiment, a computer-based system executes state-dependent processes. The computer-based system includes a command processor (CP) and a plurality of processing blocks. The CP receives commands in a command stream and manages a global state responsive to global context events in the command stream. The plurality of processing blocks receive the commands in the command stream and manage respective block states responsive to block context events in the command stream. Each respective processing block executes a process on data in a data stream based on the global state and the block state of the respective processing block. |
| US08826290B2 |
Method of monitoring performance of virtual computer and apparatus using the method
Provided are a method and an apparatus for monitoring performance of a virtual computer. In a method of controlling a computer system including a computer, the computer executes a virtualization program for causing logically divided resources of the computer to operate as first and second virtual computers, the first virtual computer executes a first OS, and the second virtual computer executes a second OS. In the method, information regarding the resources allocated to the first virtual computer and the second virtual computer by the virtualization program is obtained from the virtualization program, information indicating performance of the first virtual computer is obtained from the first OS, information indicating performance of the second virtual computer is obtained from the second OS, the obtained information and information indicating a time of obtainment of the information are stored in a storage system, and stored information is output. |
| US08826288B2 |
Computing with both lock-step and free-step processor modes
A computer system provides for both lock-step and free-step processor modes, allowing for an effective tradeoff between performance and data integrity. |
| US08826281B2 |
Managing document publication using time-driven job scheduling
Document scheduling architecture for automatic publication and removal from publication of a document. A document can be developed, approved, and scheduled for automatic viewing and removal from viewing using start data and end data that are represented as job definitions. Based on a triggering event, the jobs are selected and executed to effect document publication. The document is automatically published making it viewable by all users who have suitable permission to do so. The architecture provides a pluggable override scheduling, and hence, extensible scheduling solution for third-party entities to provide alternative approval and/or scheduling behavior. Other attributes include reporting to a user the status of a document, execution of a policy in combination with the document publication such that the policy overrides selected attributes of the publication state, and a management filter process wherein the document can be reviewed independently by another individual for veto of publication if desired. |
| US08826279B1 |
Instruction set architecture for compute-based object stores
Instruction set architectures for compute-centric object stores. An exemplary method may include receiving a request from a user, the request identifying parameters of a compute operation that is to be executed against one or more objects in a distributed object store, generating a set of tasks from the request that comprise instructions for a daemon, locating the one or more objects within the distributed object store, the one or more objects being stored on a physical node. The method includes providing the set of tasks to a daemon, the daemon controlling execution of the compute operation by a virtual operating system container based upon the set of tasks, and storing an output of the virtual operating system container in the distributed object store. |
| US08826274B2 |
Virtual machine system, networking device and monitoring method of virtual machine system
A method of monitoring a virtual computer system including a network device coupled to a client computer, sever computers each coupled to the network device, and a performance degradation source locator apparatus coupled to the network device and the server computer, obtaining, by the performance degradation source locator apparatus, performance information on physical computer resources and performance information on virtual computer resources of extracted virtual machines and server computers and the virtual machine and the server computer in which the latency has increased to locate a part in which the latency has increased. |
| US08826271B2 |
Method and apparatus for a virtual system on chip
A virtual system on chip (VSoC) is an implementation of a machine that allows for sharing of underlying physical machine resources between different virtual systems. A method or corresponding apparatus of the present invention relates to a device that includes a plurality of virtual systems on chip and a configuring unit. The configuring unit is arranged to configure resources on the device for the plurality of virtual systems on chip as a function of an identification tag assigned to each virtual system on chip. |
| US08826270B1 |
Regulating memory bandwidth via CPU scheduling
Technologies are described herein for regulating memory bandwidth usage in virtual machines via CPU scheduling. A virtual machine monitor (“VMM”) executing on a host computer detects excessive memory bandwidth usage by programs executing in a virtual machine on a processor of the host computer. The VMM may detect excessive memory bandwidth usage by monitoring cache-misses occurring in the processor, for example. Upon detecting excessive memory bandwidth usage, the VMM penalizes the virtual machine currently executing on the processor through the CPU-scheduling algorithm utilized to allocate processor time among the virtual machines. |
| US08826266B2 |
Updates of message consumers
A message is received at a message consumer, the received message having a component dependency identification that indicates a version of a software component that is necessary to process the message. The version of the software component is automatically downloaded if the message consumer does not already include the version of the software component. The version of the software component is then used to process the received message. |
| US08826263B2 |
Portable terminal, portable terminal control method, and portable terminal control program
A portable terminal includes: a storage unit for storing at least a first program and software converting data to convert the first program into a second program; a storage control unit to perform reading and writing of the program and data as to the storage unit; a software converting processing unit to execute processing that converts the first program into the second program, using the first program and software converting data read by the storage control unit from the storage unit; and a terminal starting control unit to execute at the time of terminal startup one or the other of starting up the first program, and starting up the converting processing from the first program to the second program by the program converting processing unit and the second program that has been converted. |
| US08826262B2 |
Realtime tracking of software components
The disclosure is for run-time accessing a software component is provided, together with a computer system embodying the same, and a software utility directing the method. Initially a software component is loaded and analyzed to identify one or more features thereof, which features are checked against a database. Following the check, the component is classified as one of at least first, second, and third component types. A first component type is run without amendment. A second component type is replaced by a component of equivalent functionality prior to running. A third component type is blocked from running. |
| US08826257B2 |
Memory disambiguation hardware to support software binary translation
A method of memory disambiguation hardware to support software binary translation is provided. This method includes unrolling a set of instructions to be executed within a processor, the set of instructions having a number of memory operations. An original relative order of memory operations is determined. Then, possible reordering problems are detected and identified in software. The reordering problem being when a first memory operation has been reordered prior to and aliases to a second memory operation with respect to the original order of memory operations. The reordering problem is addressed and a relative order of memory operations to the processor is communicated. |
| US08826250B2 |
Method for just-in-time compilation and execution of code blocks within discrete event simulations
A method for a discrete event simulation model of a system utilizing a just-in-time compilation for one or more code blocks associated with an event in one or more discrete event simulation models is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of determining the event in a discrete event simulation model, retrieving the code block associated with the event, compiling the code block into an object file using a compiler, linking the object file with a predetermined function in a simulation library, compiling the object file and the predetermined function into a customized dynamic link library, loading the customized dynamic link library (DLL) within a discrete event simulation program execution and linking the customized DLL to a simulation program. The method allows user entered logic to be executed in high speed by integrating a just-in-time compiler embedded into the discrete event simulation model to allow dynamic generation of high speed code blocks within one or more simulations. |
| US08826248B2 |
Enabling computational process as a dynamic data source for bi reporting systems
A system, method and computer program product for integrating at least one analytical or modeling driver into an existing business analytic environment. The system comprises a BAMS (Business Analytics and Mathematical Sciences) driver, implemented on the memory device and run by the processor, loads a real database driver and redirects a request from a client application to the real database driver. An extension driver, invoked by the BAMS driver, provides an interface to a data modeling or processing software and converts the interface from a software environment compiled by a programming language to another software environment targeted to another programming language. The extension driver extends or overrides functionalities of the BAMS driver. Implementing the BAMS driver and the extension driver in the existing business analytic environment do not require any change made on the existing business analytic environment. |
| US08826247B2 |
Enabling computational process as a dynamic data source for BI reporting systems
There is provided a system, method and computer program product for integrating at least one analytical or modeling driver into an existing business analytic environment. The system comprises a BAMS (Business Analytics and Mathematical Sciences) driver, implemented on the memory device and run by the processor, loads a real database driver and redirects a request from a client application to the real database driver. An extension driver, invoked by the BAMS driver, provides an interface to a data modeling or processing software and converts the interface from a software environment compiled by a programming language to another software environment targeted to another programming language. The extension driver extends or overrides functionalities of the BAMS driver. Implementing the BAMS driver and the extension driver in the existing business analytic environment do not require any change made on the existing business analytic environment. |
| US08826246B2 |
System and method for using partial software object dematerialization in a virtual machine
A system and method for partial object dematerialization within a virtual machine (VM), and particularly Java Virtual Machines. In accordance with an embodiment, the system allows for applying partial object dematerialization to situations where the object is either created locally, or is retrieved from external code where it might have already escaped. In accordance with an embodiment, the system comprises a computer; a virtual machine for executing a software application; memory space for the application byte code and the generated machine code; and a compiler with an object dematerializer, and dematerializer injector. Runtime partial object dematerialization code is injected into the intermediate code representation in such a way that additional or standard optimizer techniques can be applied to it. |
| US08826245B2 |
Method, system and program product for optimizing emulation of a suspected malware
A method, system and program product for optimizing emulation of a suspected malware. The method includes identifying, using an emulation optimizer tool, whether an instruction in a suspected malware being emulated by an emulation engine in a virtual environment signifies a long loop and, if so, generating a first hash for the loop. Further, the method includes ascertaining whether the first hash generated matches any long loop entries in a storage and, if so calculating a second hash for the long loop. Furthermore, the method includes inspecting any long loop entries ascertained to find an entry having a respective second hash matching the second hash calculated. If an entry matching the second hash calculated is found, the method further includes updating one or more states of the emulation engine, such that, execution of the long loop of the suspected malware is skipped, which optimizes emulation of the suspected malware. |
| US08826242B2 |
Data driven profiling for distributed applications
An exemplary method includes providing an application that includes client-side code and server-side code, instrumenting the client-side code and the server-side code to generate timestamps, distributing the instrumented client-side code and the instrumented server-side code and monitoring timestamps generated during execution of the application. In such a method, where timestamps generated by the client-side code and timestamps generated by the server-side code occur along a common timeline, a developer can monitor performance of the distributed application. Other exemplary methods, systems, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08826241B2 |
Instruction sampling in a multi-threaded processor
A method of sampling instructions executing in a multi-threaded processor which includes selecting an instruction for sampling, storing information relating to the instruction, determining whether the instruction includes an event of interest, and reporting the instruction if the instruction includes an event of interest on a per-thread basis. The event of interest includes information relating to a thread to which the instruction is bound. |
| US08826238B2 |
Per group verification
Various embodiments provide per group verification techniques in which code may be verified against one or more rules on a group by group basis. In one or more embodiments relationships between portions of a module to be verified can be defined. By being aware of relationships between various code portions, various embodiments can divide a module into related groups and perform verification on the basis of the groups. Multiple groups can be derived based at least in part upon the relationships. Each group can then be verified separately for compliance with one or more rules. Verification results can be output for each of the groups. |
| US08826236B2 |
Step granularity selection in a software debugger
A debugger allows a programmer to select the granularity of a line step function. Using a debugger step statement, the programmer can specify line step, statement step, or automatic selection. When the user specifies line step in the debugger statement, the debugger functions in true line step mode, where a line of source code is executed for each step. When the user specifies statement step in the debugger statement, the debugger functions in statement step mode, where a statement is executed for each step. When the user specifies automatic selection in the debugger statement, the program is analyzed, and a decision regarding whether to use line step or statement step is made based on the characteristics of the program and based on user-specified selection criteria. In this manner the function of the debugger when line stepping can vary according to the programmer's needs. |
| US08826231B1 |
Methods and systems for deploying software applications
A method for assembling a plurality of software modules for executing at least one task is described. The method includes selecting at least one software module from a plurality of available software modules, the one or more software modules selected based on at least one task to be performed, if more than one software module is selected, then configuring the selected software modules to function together in a manner to perform the at least one task to be performed, and generating a cyber package including the at least one software module, the cyber package conforming to a pre-defined protocol. |
| US08826229B2 |
Immutable properties in a class
In an embodiment, a class definition of a class may provide an indication whether a property, which is part of the class, is immutable. The indication may be made implicitly or explicitly. A value of the property may be established (e.g., set) during a creation of an instance of the class. An attempt to set the value of the property after the instance is created may be disallowed. Further, an error (e.g., an error message, exception condition) may be reported in response to disallowing the attempt. |
| US08826228B2 |
Programming a multi-processor system
A computer-implemented method for creating a program for a multi-processor system comprising a plurality of interspersed processors and memories. A user may specify or create source code using a programming language. The source code specifies a plurality of tasks and communication of data among the plurality of tasks. However, the source code may not (and preferably is not required to) 1) explicitly specify which physical processor will execute each task and 2) explicitly specify which communication mechanism to use among the plurality of tasks. The method then creates machine language instructions based on the source code, wherein the machine language instructions are designed to execute on the plurality of processors. Creation of the machine language instructions comprises assigning tasks for execution on respective processors and selecting communication mechanisms between the processors based on location of the respective processors and required data communication to satisfy system requirements. |
| US08826226B2 |
Custom language models
Systems, methods, and apparatuses including computer program products for generating a custom language model. In one implementation, a method is provided. The method includes receiving a collection of documents; clustering the documents into one or more clusters; generating a cluster vector for each cluster of the one or more clusters; generating a target vector associated with a target profile; comparing the target vector with each of the cluster vectors; selecting one or more of the one or more clusters based on the comparison; and generating a language model using documents from the one or more selected clusters. |
| US08826223B2 |
Techniques for objective assessment and improvement of software quality
Techniques for quantifying and improving consumability of software bundles are provided. In one aspect, a method for quantifying a consumability of a software bundle is provided which includes the following steps. Constituent software products of the bundle are identified. Software components an installation of which is a pre-requirement for an installation of the software products are identified. Software units an installation of which is a pre-requirement for an installation of the software components are identified. Dependency graphs are created for the software components. The dependency graphs for the components are merged to create dependency graphs for the products. The dependency graphs for the products are merged to create a dependency graph for the bundle. The dependency graph for the bundle is used to quantify the consumability of the bundle. |
| US08826222B2 |
Pre-merge conflict avoidance
Methods, systems, and computer program products may provide pre-merge conflict avoidance in a revision-control system. A pre-merge conflict avoidance method may include identifying by a computer system a portion of interest of a revision-controlled base source code stored in a source-code repository, the base source code being developed by a plurality of developers. The computer system may determine whether at least one of the plurality of developers has made a change to a portion of a first copy of the base source code corresponding to the portion of interest prior to commitment of the first copy of the base source code to the source-code repository. In response to a determination that the at least one developer has made a change to the portion of interest, a notification may be produced about the change to the portion of interest by the at least one developer. |
| US08826217B2 |
Modeling gate size range by using a penalty function in a numerical gate sizing framework
Systems and techniques are described for optimizing a circuit design by using a numerical solver. The gates sizes are optimized by modeling a set of gate optimization problems and solving the set of gate optimization problems by using a numerical solver. The optimization can be performed iteratively, wherein in each iteration a gate optimization problem can be modeled for the portion of the circuit design based on circuit information for the portion of the circuit design. An objective function can be created, wherein the objective function includes at least one penalty function that imposes a lower and/or upper bound on at least one variable that is being optimized. In some embodiments, gradients of the objective function, which includes the penalty function, can be computed to enable the use of a conjugate-gradient-based numerical solver. |
| US08826212B2 |
Method of forming a layout including cells having different threshold voltages, a system of implementing and a layout formed
A method including developing a circuit schematic diagram, the circuit schematic diagram including a plurality of cells. The method further includes generating cell placement rules for the plurality of cells based on the circuit schematic diagram and developing a circuit layout diagram for the plurality of cells based on the cell placement rules. The method further includes grouping the plurality of cells of the circuit layout diagram based on threshold voltages and inserting threshold voltage compliant fillers into the circuit layout diagram. A system for implementing the method is described. A layout formed by the method is also described. |
| US08826211B1 |
Graphical user interface for physically aware clock tree planning
In one embodiment of the invention, a method for displaying and analyzing a clock gate tree topology is disclosed. The method includes displaying a bounding box of each flip-flop cluster in the floor plan of the integrated circuit; and for each flip-flop cluster, calculating the coordinates for a center of mass of the flip-flop cluster, displaying the position of the clock gate driving the flip-flops in the flip-flop cluster with respect to the center of mass of the flip-flop cluster, displaying first air lines from the enable signal gate to the clock gate with a first color, and displaying second air lines from the clock gate to the center of mass of the flip-flop cluster with a second color differing from the first color. |
| US08826208B1 |
Computational thermal analysis during microchip design
Some embodiments include a method for identifying high-temperature regions in a microchip. In some embodiments, the method includes selecting grids on the microchip, wherein each grid includes devices and interconnects connecting the devices. The method can also include determining, for each grid, a temperature factor value based on geometric area of the grid, geometric area occupied by the devices, switching factor of the of the interconnects, and length of the interconnects connecting the devices. The method can also include determining, for each grid, thermal sensitivity for the grid by generating a plot based on a Guassian equation. |
| US08826207B2 |
Method of generating technology file for integrated circuit design tools
A method and system for extracting the parasitic capacitance in an IC and generating a technology file for at least one or more IC design tools are provided. Parasitic extraction using the preferred method can significantly reduce field solver computational intensity and save technology file preparation cycle time. The network-based technology file generation system enables circuit designers to obtain a desired technology file in a timely manner. The common feature of the various embodiments includes identifying common conductive feature patterns for a given technology generation. Capacitance models created from the identified patterns are used to assemble the required technology files for IC design projects using different technology node and different process flows. |
| US08826206B1 |
Testing two-state logic power island interface
An aspect includes a computer program product for implementing a model of an electrical circuit including a first region and a second region, the first region including simulated logic and a simulated latch circuit. The computer program product includes a tangible storage medium readable by a processing circuit for performing a method. The method includes receiving, as simulated logical inputs to the simulated logic a simulated power supply voltage state of the first region, a simulated data input signal and a simulated clock signal. The method also includes generating, based on determining that the simulated power supply voltage state of the first region corresponds to an inactive state of the first region, a pseudo-random number as an output of the simulated latch circuit, the pseudo-random number generated based on the simulated data input signal and the simulated data output signal from the simulated latch circuit. |
| US08826205B2 |
Method for verifying digital to analog converter design
A method for producing a verified design of a digital to analog converter (DAC) starts with providing an HDL representation of the DAC. Numerical values of the analog output signal as a function of the representation of the DAC for a range of numerical values of the digital input signal are simulated with a simulator. A model is used for converting the simulated numerical values of the analog output signal to numerical values of an equivalent model signal in the same digital format as the input signal. A comparator compares the numerical values of the input signal and the model signal and determines differences greater than a defined tolerance. |
| US08826201B1 |
Formal verification coverage metrics for circuit design properties
A computer-implemented method and non-transitory computer readable medium for circuit design verification. Formal verification is performed on a circuit design to prove a correctness of a property of the circuit design. The circuit design has a cone of influence representing a portion of the circuit design capable of affecting signals of the property. A proof core of the circuit design is identified, the proof core being a portion of the cone of influence that is sufficient to prove the correctness of the property. A coverage metric is generated that is indicative of a level of formal verification coverage provided by the property based on the proof core of the circuit design. |
| US08826200B2 |
Alteration for wafer inspection
Methods and systems for binning defects on a wafer are provided. One method includes identifying areas in a design for a layer of a device being fabricated on a wafer that are not critical to yield of fabrication of the device and generating an altered design for the layer by eliminating features in the identified areas from the design for the layer. The method also includes binning defects detected on the layer into groups using the altered design such that features in the altered design proximate positions of the defects in each of the groups are at least similar. |
| US08826192B1 |
Graphical method of inputting parameter ranges
Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for receiving the input of parameter ranges into computing devices. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for accepting user input of a time range into a computing device equipped with a touchscreen. The method includes displaying a time bar on the touchscreen and receiving a touch input ending at a first location and a second touch input ending at a second location. The computing device displays time markers at the first and second locations. The method further includes identifying first and second times corresponding to the first and second locations and a time range including the first and second times. The method further includes receiving a third touch input commencing at one of the time markers and terminating at a third location. The method further includes updating the time marker at the position of the third location and updating the time range. |
| US08826191B1 |
Zooming while page turning in document
A computer-implemented method includes identifying a bit-mapped image of a line or polygon shape; mapping the image to a texture map that is slightly large in at least one dimension than the bit-mapped image; overlaying the bit-mapped image and the texture map; computing pixel shading for pixels between an outer edge of the bit-mapped image and the texture map by measuring a distance from particular ones of the pixels to an idealized line near an edge of the bit-mapped image; and displaying the bit-mapped image with pixels at its edge shaded according to the computed pixel shading. |
| US08826186B2 |
Method for executing user command according to spatial movement of user input device and image apparatus thereof
A method for executing a user command in a display device including receiving, from an input device, a signal that indicates a movement direction of the input device, determining the movement direction of the input device based on the received signal, determining one of a plurality of functions of the display device that corresponds to the movement direction from among the plurality of functions of the display device, and executing the determined function. |
| US08826185B2 |
GUI evaluation system, GUI evaluation method, and GUI evaluation program
The uniqueness of the screen name for each screen of a system to be evaluated is evaluated simply and with high precision. The GUI evaluation system includes GUI information acquisition means for acquiring a screen name that is classified according to a hierarchical level and displayed in an evaluation target screen possessed by an evaluation target system, in accordance with screen name designation information for indicating a screen name display location used to display at least part of information equivalent to a screen name in a screen of the evaluation target system, the screen name designation information being indicated as classified according to a hierarchical level within a hierarchical structure formed by screen names, and acquiring information about components used in a contents display area where the contents of the lowest-level screen name existing in the evaluation target screen are displayed as a title; and screen name evaluation means for evaluating the uniqueness of screen names in the evaluation target system in accordance with the information about the level-specific screen name in each evaluation target screen, the level-specific screen name being acquired by the GUI information acquisition means, and in accordance with the information about the components included in the contents display area of each evaluation target screen. |
| US08826182B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a multi-dimensional input
An approach is provided for generating a multi-dimensional input. A user interface platform causes, at least in part, a mapping of one or more parameters, one or more representations of the one or more parameters, or a combination thereof onto one or more respective surface segments of at least one three-dimensional icon. The user interface platform then causes, at least in part, a rendering of the at least one three-dimensional icon in a user interface. The user interface platform then determines one or more manipulations of the at least one three-dimensional icon in the user interface, and processes and/or facilitates a processing of the one or more manipulations to determine one or more weighting values for the one or more parameters. |
| US08826181B2 |
Moving radial menus
A computer readable medium storing a computer program for execution by at least one processor is disclosed. The computer program is for determining that a first identified location is too close to an edge of a window of a graphical user interface to display a radial display area. The computer program is also for identifying a second location far enough from the edge to fully display the radial display area within the window. The computer program is also for displaying the radial display area at the second location. |
| US08826179B2 |
System and method for text disambiguation and context designation in incremental search
Methods and systems for text disambiguation and context designation in incremental search are provided. A method for selecting items in response to ambiguous keystrokes entered by a user and unambiguous metadata associated with a previously selected search result includes receiving ambiguous keystrokes, selecting and presenting a first subset of items and metadata associated with the items presented based on the ambiguous keystrokes. The method also includes receiving a selection of one of the items from the user, and, in response to a locking operation received from the user, locking in fixed relation at least one of the ambiguous keystrokes to at least one metadata term associated with the selected item. The method further includes, subsequent to receiving the locking operation, selecting and presenting a second subset of items based at least in part on the locked metadata term, and presenting the second subset of items. |
| US08826173B2 |
Graphical interface for the management of sequential medical data
The invention relates to a method for generating on at least one display device a graphics display of data descriptors. The data descriptors, describing items of data, are arranged on an interactive timeline as interactive timeline elements along with interactive data elements. The interactive timeline elements and the interactive data elements allow retrieval of the items of data. |
| US08826171B2 |
System and method for entry and display of blueprint data
A handheld device with a graphical user interface (GUI) for entering and displaying blueprint data as a hierarchical sequence of segments. A handheld device having a touchscreen and/or keys is used to sequentially enter line segments and arcs to enter blueprint data into the device. Each line segment or arc that is entered may be referenced to an existing endpoint or start point of a previously entered line segment or arc. A blueprint entered into the handheld device may be edited by modifying, deleting, or inserting a line segment or arc. When an edit is performed, the line segments and arcs in the sequence that follow the element being edited may be automatically modified to maintain continuity in the blueprint without disturbing prior segments in the sequence. |
| US08826170B1 |
Window switching interface
Methods for switching between tabbed windows are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving an input of a touch gesture includes a dragging motion via a touch interface of a device, and determining whether the touch gesture begins within a predetermined distance from a first edge of the touch interface and proceeds towards a second edge of the touch interface. The method also includes providing at least one tabbed window in an application for display from a perspective vertically above the at least one tabbed window in response to determining that the touch gesture begins within the predetermined distance from the first edge and proceeds towards the second edge. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided. |
| US08826169B1 |
Hiding content of a digital content item
In some implementations, content of a content item may be presented on an electronic device and a portion of the content item may be selected to be hidden from presentation. The electronic device may hide the selected portion of the content during presentation of the content. Further, selection information identifying at least the location of the selected portion of the content item may be communicated over a network to a computing device to enable synchronization of the hidden content with other instances of the content item on other devices of the user. In some examples, the user may select one or more chapters of the content item to be hidden by selecting one or more chapter identifiers in a table of contents of the content item. Hidden content may include text, images, audio and/or video content, depending on the type of content item that is accessed. |
| US08826166B2 |
Evaluating and comparing the requirements of a task with the capabilities of an entity
A method for evaluating the requirements of a task with the capabilities of an entity includes generating a first visual representation, creating a mask based on the first visual representation, applying the mask to a second visual representation, and generating a third visual representation conveying which task requirements the entity is capable of satisfying. The first visual representation includes the requirements of the task, the second visual representation includes the capabilities of the entity, and the third visual representation is generated based on the application of the mask to the second visual representation. |
| US08826163B1 |
Systems, methods and user interface for graphical configuration for roof mounts
Systems, methods and user interfaces for graphical configuration for ballasted roof mounts of non-rectangular solar arrays. A graphical interface may be provided to allow a user to view a roof grid, and place solar modules within the roof grid where desired, to account for various obstacles on a roof, to create a non-rectangular solar array. Using the layout of the array and various site parameters (building height, wind speed, etc.) and solar module parameters (wide, length, thickness, etc.), the system may calculate a complete bill of materials, customer pricing, ballasting requirements and overall roof loads for a complete solar project. |
| US08826162B2 |
Display input device capable of invoking workflow, image forming apparatus including the same, and display method for display input device capable of invoking workflow
Provided is a display input device including: an input portion for receiving: a designation input for designating a setting screen to be displayed by a program; a job execution start input for starting a job; and a re-invocation input for re-invoking the same program as the executed program; and a control portion for causing, when the program is re-invoked by means of the re-invocation input and the job execution start input, a display portion to display a setting screen that is subsequent, in display order of the program, to the setting screen for which the designation input has been made. |
| US08826160B2 |
Preferred contact group centric interface
A preferred contact group centric interface for a communication device can be used to facilitate communications by a user. The user interface can be arranged to activate from a user's “home page” on the display, from an idle screen that is accessed after a timeout period expires, or any other appropriate mechanism that activates the preferred contact group centric experience. A user selects the preferred contact group from among an array of the user's contacts. Once the contact group is configured, a minimal number of navigation/selection features is necessary to activate any number of communication modes available to the contacts. The contact group is configured such that simple and quick navigation between the contact members is achieved. The contact group can be presented in 2D and 3D arrangements, in any number of list or geometric configurations. A pricing plan can optionally be tied to each member of the contact group. |
| US08826156B2 |
Containing and accessing multiple web browsers
A method and system for displaying a web page. Each record in a container browser includes a web site locator of a web site and a web browser identifier of a web browser associated with the web site. A first web browser retrieves and displays a particular web page from a first web site. A user desires to replace a web browser identifier of a first web browser in a first record in the container browser with a web browser identifier of a second web browser. The web browser identifier of the second web browser is received from the user. The web browser identifier of the first web browser is replaced by the web browser identifier of the second web browser in the first record. The second web browser retrieves and displays the particular web page from the first web site. |
| US08826153B2 |
Speculative actions based on user dwell time over selectable content
Methods, systems, and techniques for reducing web page load time are provided. An exemplary method for reducing web page load time includes detecting, in a browser, a cursor in a region of a web page. The region surrounds a selectable item associated with a URL. The exemplary method includes determining whether the cursor is present in the region for a threshold period of time. The exemplary method further includes performing a speculative action when it is determined that the cursor has been present in the region for the threshold period of time, without modifying underlying code of a web page associated with the URL. |
| US08826152B2 |
Displaying icon layouts in different resolutions
A method for displaying icons layouts in different resolutions where data representing a layout is preserved for a particular resolution and is later used to display another layout at the same resolution. The data indicates positions of icons in the layout, contains identifiers that identify particular icons, and contains coordinate positions of icons in the layout and may be preserved in various formats or preserved in various data structures. The data structure may comprise a bitmap and icon list. In some embodiments, a layout at a current resolution is produced using a previous layout at a previous resolution and at least two different mapping functions. Icons from the previous layout are mapped to the current layout where icons in an overlapping area between the current layout and the previous layout are mapped with a first mapping function and outside icons are mapped with a second mapping function. |
| US08826151B2 |
Information processing apparatus and computer-readable medium for virtualizing an image processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus is connected via a network to both an MFP and a virtual-space management server that manages a virtual space that contains a virtual device that is created by virtualizing the MFP. The information processing apparatus includes a display control unit that displays map information on a display unit, wherein a device symbol that corresponds to the MFP is present in the map information at a position corresponding to the position of the MFP in the real world; a receiving unit that receives a selected device symbol in the map information; an output control unit that outputs image data to either a first data storage unit of the MFP that corresponds to the selected device symbol or to a second data storage unit for the virtual device that is created by virtualizing the MFP and corresponds to the selected device symbol. |
| US08826150B1 |
System and method for tagging images in a social network
A method for tagging images in a social network is provided. The method may include enabling a capture of an image associated with an online group discussion. The method may further include allowing an automatic tagging of the image associated with the online group discussion, the image including a visual representation of a first participant of the online group discussion. The method may also include providing the first participant with an option to indicate whether to approve distribution of the tagged image. The method may also include receiving an indication from the first participant whether to approve the distribution of the tagged image. When the indication from the first participant whether to approve the distribution of the tagged image indicates approval of the distribution, the method may further include distributing the tagged image, based at least in part on the indication of approval of distribution of the tagged image. |
| US08826147B2 |
System and methodology for collaboration, with selective display of user input annotations among member computing appliances of a group/team
A system and methodology for collaboration. The illustrated system is comprised of a plurality of computing appliances, each respective one of the plurality of computing appliances, having a user input apparatus to provide respective annotation data as input for the respective user to permit the respective user to provide annotations which appear within a display presentation as an image for viewing and representative of the annotations. A first subset of the plurality of computing appliances, comprising at least two of the computing appliances, form members of a group; wherein separate selective communication of the annotation data is provided separately among the members of the group. There is selective display of the annotation data to selected ones of the members of the group. The annotation data is selectively coupled for distribution to other ones of the plurality of computing appliances in the group for selective viewing at said certain other ones of the plurality of computing appliances. The system is further comprised of selection logic permitting at least one of the users' to selectively choose which of the other users within the group are selected ones that are to have their corresponding annotations viewed as part of the display presentation for the at least one of the users. The selective display is visible only at the computing appliances of the selected ones of the members of the group. |
| US08826145B1 |
Unified web and application framework
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes receiving an indication that a first activity has occurred. The first activity is associated with a uniform resource identifier (URI) that specifies at least one web page. The method also includes identifying an application that is associated with the URI using a registry that associates particular URIs with particular applications, retrieving, using the identified application, content associated with the URI, displaying the content or information derived from the content in a first format that is not controlled by a second format specified by a markup language of the at least one web page. |
| US08826140B2 |
Communication device for accessing content-related information from a network
A communication device to access a network device storing content-related information is provided. The content-related information includes a title and location information of information content. The communication device includes a location information storage to store the location information, a content-related information obtaining system to obtain the content-related information from the network device, a content-related information storage to store the obtained content-related information, a multiple-display system having a plurality of display areas, a display control system to control the title to be displayed in a fixed line in each display area, a selection receiver system to receive a selection of the title of the information content displayed in the fixed line in one of the display areas, an identifying system to identify the location information corresponding to the selected title, and a location information output system to output the identified location information to a displayable device. |
| US08826137B2 |
Screen reader having concurrent communication of non-textual information
A screen reader software product for low-vision users, the software having a reader module collecting textual and non-textual display information generated by a web browser or word processor. Font styling, interface layout information and the like are communicated to the end user by sounds broadcast simultaneously rather than serially with the synthesized speech to improve the speed and efficiency in which information may be digested by the end user. |
| US08826136B2 |
System and method for enabling collaborative media stream editing
A system and method for editing multimedia content. A server transmits multimedia content to a plurality of electronic devices. Each of the plurality of electronic devices enables a user to perform at least one action in relation to the multimedia content. A voting engine gathers information concerning the actions performed by users in relation to the multimedia content transmitted to the electronic devices. In response to the information gathered by the voting engine, the multimedia content is modified based upon predefined criteria. The modified multimedia content is subsequently provided to later users. |
| US08826135B1 |
Media player social network integration
A media player user interface on behalf of a user associated with a user account is generated that has a social network module that includes music updates associated with other users to which the user is linked. Media player actions associated with the user occurring in the media player user interface are also captured, updates are generated and provided to social network modules in a media player user interface associated with other linked users. |
| US08826131B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program for generating content lists
An information processing apparatus includes: a content-list creating unit for selecting, on the basis of a predetermined subject, contents out of recorded program contents, information contents concerning receivable program contents, contents acquired from an outside, and contents stored in the information processing apparatus in advance to thereby create a content list; a content-list selecting unit for selecting out of plural content lists created by the content-list creating unit, on the basis of at least one of contents of the content lists and a situation during user operation, plural content lists to be displayed; and a display control unit for causing a predetermined display unit to display the plural content lists selected by the content-list selecting unit. |
| US08826126B1 |
Print preview with cloud printing
The embodiments provide a data processing system including a print dialog manager configured to provide a print dialog in response to receipt of a print request for content to be printed in accordance with at least one printing option from a user of an application associated with a device. The print dialog identifies at least one printer and provides the at least one printing option. The data processing system includes a print preview generator configured to generate a print preview providing the content displayed in accordance with the at least one printing option within the print dialog, and a user interface controller configured to receive a selection of the at least one printing option through the displayed content. The print preview generator is configured to change the displayed content of the print preview according to the selection of the at least one printing option received through the displayed content. |
| US08826125B2 |
System and method for providing news articles
A news reader is disclosed which selects the optimal articles for presentation to the user and which facilitates a sense of community among users. Upon receiving an article from a news provider, the news reader analyzes characteristics associated with the article. Amongst other things, the characteristics may indicate whether the article represents a breaking news story or whether the article includes advertisements. After analyzing the characteristics of the article, the news reader determines whether the article is to be designated a primary/presentable article and aggregates the article with other primary/presentable articles related to the same topic. |
| US08826123B2 |
Timescale for presenting information
A method for presenting information on a timeline is provided, the method comprising displaying the plurality of documents on the timeline using either a linear or a non-linear timescale. Documents presented along a linear timeline can switch to a non-linear timeline and vice-versa. The plurality of documents can be search results provided along the timeline representing a time attribute of each result. More than one timeline can be used to display documents, each timeline using a timescale that can be similar or dissimilar. An interface and a system for implementing the method is also provided. |
| US08826119B2 |
Management of a web site that includes dynamic protected data
A solution for managing a web site that includes dynamic protected data is provided. After receiving a request for a web page from a requesting system, the invention determines if the requesting system can be identified as a browser system. If not, then a public web page that does not include dynamic protected data is obtained. Otherwise, a redirect message that includes an alternative address for the web page can be provided, and a protected web page that includes the dynamic protected data can be obtained after authenticating a user. |
| US08826117B1 |
Web-based system for video editing
Disclosed are web-based systems and methods for editing digital videos. A graphical editing interface allows designating one or more videos to assemble into a video compilation. The graphical editing interface further allows specifying the portion of a constituent video of the video compilation that will be displayed when the video compilation is played. The graphical editing interface additionally allows the association of annotations—specifying, for example, slides, people, and highlights—with portions of the video. The associated annotations alter the appearance of the video compilation when it is played, such as by displaying slides, or text associated with the annotations, along with the video at times associated with the annotations. The associated annotations also enhance the interactivity of the video compilation, such as by allowing playback to begin at points of interest, such as portions of the video for which there is an associated annotation. The associated annotations can be created by selection of annotation tools of the graphical editing interface, where at least one of the annotation tools is created responsive to a user providing information associated with the tool. |
| US08826115B2 |
Automated creation and maintenance of programs to process internet form related submissions
According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided in which a form is received from an author. A parsing function is performed to extract attribute information with respect to various form elements contained in the form. A user interface is presented to the author to allow the author to configure a set of actions that are to be performed in processing the submissions of the form. |
| US08826113B2 |
Surface-surface graphical intersection tools and primitives for data visualization, tabular data, and advanced spreadsheets
Graphical tools and primitives are provided for interactively intersecting graphical surfaces in a spreadsheet or visualization to produce surface intersection data. The invention can be used for simple business analysis as well as advanced engineering and science, and provide numerical solution for simultaneous spatially-manipulated interactive equations.Visualizations of two-dimensional surfaces are rendered from provided data according to position, orientation, and viewpoint, some or all of which can be controlled by a user interface so as to create or control the intersection of surfaces. The provided data can be from an electronic spreadsheet, and the overall visualization can be displayed together with the display an electronic spreadsheet or other tabular data representation. Visually rendered surfaces can comprise symbols, colors, textures, or glyphs representing data, and virtual illumination. Intersection data corresponding to the mathematical intersection of the surfaces is computed and provided to further computation. Intersection computation can comprise interpolation and resampling. |
| US08826111B2 |
Receiving apparatus and method for display of separately controllable command objects,to create superimposed final scenes
A receiving apparatus and method for display of final superimposed scenes from a receiver adapted to receive shared object control information used for forming final superimposed scenes and display final superimposed scenes. The final superimposed scenes are formed by superimposing two or more shared scenes each comprising one or more shared objects. The shared object comprises user-selectable command objects that are separately controllable independent of the shared scenes. |