| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08864801B2 |
Method of deformity correction in a spine using injectable materials
A method is disclosed for increasing the stiffness of an intervertebral disc between vertebral bodies. The method includes providing a syringe with a needle approximately in the range of 16 to 25 gauge; providing a material having a first stage with a first viscosity adapted to flow through the needle, the material having a second stage with a second viscosity greater than the first viscosity, the second stage material having a stiffness in a range of 1.0-5.0 MPa; testing the annulus fibrosus of the disc to ensure that the annulus fibrosus has sufficient continuity so as to retain the first flowable stage material when subsequently injected into the disc; inserting the needle into the annulus fibrosus; injecting the first stage material into the disc; and permitting the first stage material to become the second stage material so as to form a load bearing implant in the disc. |
| US08864800B2 |
Compression-distraction spinal fixation system
Compression-distraction spinal fixation systems, and methods of performing compression-distraction spinal fixation, are provided that include screw-rod constructs having a ratcheting mechanism. Bone screws of the screw-rod constructs can have a pawl that engages ratchet teeth on the rod of the screw-rod construct. The bone screw can be ratcheted along the length of the rod to apply distractive or compressive forces. |
| US08864799B2 |
Rod connector
A rod connector for transversely connecting two vertebral column rods has two clamps and a transverse bridge that fixes the clamps to each other. The clamps have a spring device with a spring force that is low enough to allow the clamp to be manually snapped onto the vertebral column rod, to be slid onto the same in the installed state, and to be released from same. An attaching device for the clamp, which is independent of the spring device, generates a retaining force that is high enough to solidly attach the clamp on the vertebral column rod in the installed state. The transverse bridge has a connection part with a frame for receiving a first branch connected to one clamp and with a ball rotatably mounted in the frame and having a second branch pass therethrough that connects to another clamp. |
| US08864798B2 |
Transverse connector
A transverse connector system having a first and a second locking head, and a transverse rod that is secured by the first and second locking heads. The first and second locking heads are provided with a first and second pivot arm for engaging and securing first and second elongated rods. The first and second locking heads each simultaneously engage and secure the transverse and elongated rods separately. |
| US08864797B2 |
Systems and methods for intra-operative tension and fixation of zipknot ACL fixation
A line lock system may include a line routed through a plate. The plate may have an elongated body with a plurality of passageways. The line is routed to form at least one one-way slide so no knots are required. The system may include filaments routed through the passageways of the plate or around a dogbone feature of the plate. The filaments may be used to toggle the plate after passage through a hole to prevent withdrawal of the plate back through the hole. The system may include a line lock stabilizer or counter-tension tool to stabilize the line lock as the line is adjusted. The system may include a compression limiter to selectively reduce compression in the one-way slide to facilitate adjustment of the line. The line lock stabilizer, counter-tension tool, or compression limiter may be a filament. |
| US08864793B2 |
Vein filter
A vessel filter comprising a first distal region terminating at a first end and a second proximal region terminating at a second end of the filter and movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. The first region has a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the center of the filter. The second region is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward a second end portion opposite the filter portion and includes a vessel engaging portion at the second end portion. The first region has a retrieval hook and a spacer forming a looped region extending radially from the first region. |
| US08864790B2 |
System and method for mechanically positioning intravascular implants
An intravascular implant delivery system carries an implant by retaining an engagement member engaging the implant in a position proximal of an aperture at a distal end of the delivery system. The engagement member is retained proximal to the aperture by a cord that obstructs the movement of the engagement member through the aperture. The engagement member is free to rotate and move within an area defined by the delivery system, allowing the implant to react to forces imparted to the implant by the movement of the delivery system and implant through a delivery catheter. Once the implant is in a desired implant position, the cord is moved away from an aperture and the engagement member is allowed to move away from the delivery system. |
| US08864788B2 |
Pharyngeal wall treatment
A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall. |
| US08864786B2 |
Dual-layer medical balloon and process of making
A dual-layer dilatation balloon, and a process of making such balloon, which includes an inner layer that includes a plasticizer and a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyamide, a copolymer thereof, and a combination thereof, and an outer layer that includes an ethylene-propylene rubber. The dual-layer balloon optionally further includes a stent disposed on the balloon. The stent is optionally a drug-eluting stent. |
| US08864783B2 |
Lancing device
A lancing mechanism is adapted to move between a resting, cocking and a puncture position. The lancing mechanism comprises a lancet holder adapted to receive a lancet, a shaft attached to the lancet holder, at least one drive spring and at least one damping spring. The drive spring surrounds at least a portion of the shaft and drives the lancing mechanism from the cocking position to the puncture position. The damping spring moves the lancing mechanism from the puncture position to the resting position. The drive spring is located at least partially within the damping spring. |
| US08864779B2 |
Device for intracorporeal application of auxiliary medical material
The invention relates to a device for intracorporeal application of auxiliary medical material, in particular for bio-materials and wound applications, having a hollow application tube for inserting the auxiliary medical material into the surgical area. To create a device for intracorporeal application of auxiliary medical material that ensures simple handling and a secure application of the auxiliary medical material in the surgical area, the invention is characterized by a winding insert that can be inserted into the hollow application tube and can be slid in the longitudinal direction of the application tube and on which it is possible to wind the auxiliary medical material that is to be applied. |
| US08864777B2 |
Methods for facilitating tissue puncture
A method is disclosed for facilitating tissue puncture of a portion of biological tissue using a device, the device comprising a tissue supporting member that is adapted to be placed in a proximal position relative to a portion of the biological tissue and a tissue puncturing member that is adapted to be placed in a distal position relative to the portion of the biological tissue, so that the portion of biological tissue is between the tissue supporting member and tissue puncturing member, the method comprising: supporting the portion of biological tissue using the tissue supporting member; and advancing the tissue puncturing member in a distal direction such that the tissue puncturing member passes through the portion of the biological tissue, thereby puncturing the portion of biological tissue. |
| US08864776B2 |
Deployment system for surgical suture
A suture deployment system is disclosed including a surgical needle having a flexible suture fixedly attached thereto and a target suture releasably secured to the flexible suture. A collar is positioned between the flexible suture and the target suture and is fixedly secured to the flexible suture. The target suture is releasably secured to the collar is such that the target suture may detach from the collar once a surgical procedure has been completed. The surgical needle is a double pointed surgical needle specifically configured to be manipulated by a surgical suturing apparatus. |
| US08864774B2 |
Tympanic membrane pressure equalization tube delivery system
Systems and methods are provided for automatically forming an incision in a tympanic membrane of an ear and placing a tympanic membrane pressure equalization tube into the incision. The systems include a housing with a shaft extending therefrom. A mechanism is disposed within the housing. A distal end of the shaft is placed against a tympanic membrane, and the mechanism is triggered to causes the tympanic membrane to be automatically incised and dilated and a tympanic membrane pressure equalization tube to be placed in the dilated incision. |
| US08864772B2 |
Motion segment repair systems and methods
Various methods and devices are provided for implanting a motion segment repair system. In particular, exemplary methods and devices are provided for implanting a spinal disc implant and/or a PDS device using a posterior surgical approach, including methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae using a posterior surgical approach, methods and devices for posteriorly introducing a spinal implant into a disc space between adjacent vertebrae, and methods and devices for coupling a PDS device to the adjacent vertebrae to provide a complete motion segment repair system that is implanted using a posterior surgical approach. |
| US08864756B2 |
HF-surgery device and method for an HF-surgery device
The invention concerns an HF-surgery device for cutting and/or coagulating biological tissue and a method for same, which in operation monitors the patient skin contact of a connected neutral electrode having at least two separate contact surfaces. The HF-surgery device includes at least one parallel resonant circuit arranged in a patient circuit, at least one measurement energy source arranged in a measurement circuit galvanically separated from the patient circuit for producing a measurement voltage/current acting between the contact surfaces of the neutral electrode, and at least one measuring and computing unit which in operation determines by means of the measurement voltage/current a tissue impedance which is representative of the patient skin contact and which acts between the contact surfaces. An HF-current flows in the patient circuit which is closed in the cutting or coagulation operation and the measurement voltage which is independent of the HF-current can be produced in the measurement circuit. To provide an improved HF-surgery device it is provided according to the invention that the frequency of the measurement voltage source is substantially equal to a resonance frequency of the parallel resonant circuit. |
| US08864753B2 |
Surgical Forceps Connected to Treatment Light Source
A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position, a first approximated position, and a second approximated position. One or both of the jaw members including a first stop member coupled thereto and disposed between the jaw members. The first stop member is longitudinally translatable along a surface of the at least one jaw member from a first position, wherein the first stop member inhibits approximation of the jaw members beyond the first approximated position, and a second position, wherein the first stop member inhibits approximation of the jaw members beyond the second approximated position. |
| US08864748B2 |
Manually-actuated reduced pressure treatment system having regulated pressure capabilities
A reduced pressure treatment apparatus includes a charging chamber storing a first pressure less than an ambient pressure and a regulated chamber storing a second pressure less than the ambient pressure. The first pressure is less than the second pressure. A conduit provides fluid communication between the regulated chamber and the charging chamber. A regulator member is operably associated with the conduit to prevent fluid communication through the conduit when the second pressure is less than or equal to a desired therapy pressure and to allow fluid communication through the conduit when the second pressure exceeds the desired therapy pressure. |
| US08864747B2 |
Power assisted lipoplasty
Described are embodiments that include a device with a motor that when connected to a cannula rotates the cannula while removing adipose tissue from a surgical site. The device provides a direct pathway, for aspirated adipose tissue, from a tip of the cannula to a location where tubing is attached to the device. The pathway does not pass through the motor that provides the angular rotation of the cannula. Instead, the path for the adipose tissue passes through a removable coupler that is connected to the cannula. The embodiments provide a cannula that rotates but also has a direct flow path for adipose tissue that does not pass through the motor. |
| US08864745B2 |
Sacrificial catheter
A sacrificial catheter assembly and method of use for placing a functional catheter within the body of a patient, such as into the patient's vasculature, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sacrificial catheter assembly comprises a sacrificial catheter including an elongate body that defines a longitudinally extending lumen. A stylet is removably received within the lumen of the sacrificial catheter such that the catheter and stylet can be advanced together to a target destination within the body of the patient. The sacrificial catheter is configured so as to then be proximally slid over the stylet to remove the sacrificial catheter from the body while the stylet remains in place at the target destination. A functional catheter can then be distally slid over the stylet to place the functional catheter at the target destination. The stylet can then be removed from the body of the patient. |
| US08864743B2 |
Methods and systems for delivering substances into luminal walls
Angioplasty and other dilatation devices are provided with scoring elements which incorporate a drug to be delivered to a body lumen, typically a blood vessel. The non-cutting scoring elements have drugs and other active substances coated over a portion thereof or incorporated within internal structure of the element so that the drug is released into the luminal wall closely associated diseased regions of the body lumen as the non-cutting scoring structure is radially expanded into the wall. |
| US08864742B2 |
Catheter locking composition
The present invention relates to locking compositions, kits containing the locking compositions and methods for maintaining the patency of vascular access devices or intravascular delivery devices employing the locking compositions. The locking compositions contain water, an anticoagulant and a viscosity agent and are free of heparin and alcohol. |
| US08864737B2 |
Drug solution preparing kit
To provide a drug solution preparing kit which can be handled with ease in a substantially aseptic manner, and has no risk that a leakage of a drug solution such as a splash and a dispersion of an aerosol to an ambient environment occurs upon preparation of the drug solution There is provided a drug solution preparing kit including a pre-filled syringe and a transfusing tool, wherein the pre-filled syringe includes a sealing member which seals the tip end and can not be removed from the tip end, and that the transfusing tool includes a one-way valve which can discharge only gas from the system in an irreversible manner, and a filter which is provided so as to adjoin to the second communication channel with respect to the one-way valve. |
| US08864733B2 |
Folded incontinence article
The invention relates to an absorbent open-type incontinence article with attached ears, wherein the rear ears have closure elements in the peripheral region, and to the folding of the ears at high production speeds without the functionality of the closure elements being impaired and with the simultaneously use-friendly arrangement of the closure elements in the folded absorbent incontinence article. The invention also relates to a method of producing this absorbent incontinence article. |
| US08864722B2 |
Cartridge holder and drug delivery device
The present invention relates to a cartridge holder for a drug delivery device comprising: a distal portion for receiving a cartridge filled with a medicament to be dispensed by the drug delivery device, wherein the distal portion comprises a mount for a piercing assembly, a proximal portion adapted to at least partially receive a drive mechanism having a piston rod to become operably engaged with a piston of the cartridge for expelling a dose of the medicament from the cartridge, wherein the drive mechanism comprises at least first fixing means corresponding with fixing means of the drive mechanism for directly interconnecting cartridge holder and drive mechanism. |
| US08864718B2 |
Auto injector with automatic needle shielding
The present invention relates to an auto injector, e.g. a disposable auto injector, that can be safely operated for automatic injection of a dose of medication by the recipient of the medication, having a housing for accommodation of a container with at least one compartment for accommodation of a medicament to be injected and a needle mounting site for user mounting of a needle covered by a needle cap before injection, and a needle shield that is accommodated in the housing in a retracted position before mounting of the needle and that is configured to be automatically moved forward to a protruded position by a needle shield driver upon mounting of the needle and removal of the needle cap. |
| US08864713B2 |
Hypodermic injection system
The invention relates to a hypodermic injection system having a direct-drive motor for moving a ram towards an injectate chamber for discharging injectate therein through a discharge orifice. The system can have an injection head attached to a housing having an injectate chamber for holding injectate to be injected, a remote discharge device with a control apparatus or the structure for holding a cartridge containing injectate. The injectate supply could be a bottle, a remote reservoir or a cartridge. An injection head can have a nose actuator for enabling an injection only if the nose actuator has engaged the body to be injected. A clamping device clamps the body to be injected. Control is effected through a microprocessor to which the electrically-operated parts of the invention are attached. Control and output signals are readable through an electronic display. |
| US08864712B1 |
Spring loaded medical fluid injector assembly
Various sealing structures are used in a front-loading injector, for preventing leakage of spilled fluid from an external surface of a syringe into the vicinity of the drive ram. For example, a sealing gasket may be incorporated into the front face of the injector housing, for mating to the rearward circular edge of the cylindrical body of a syringe. Alternatively, sealing and locking functions may be performed by a single structure on the rearward end of the syringe. Further, leakage may be prevented by including a non-planar sealing flange on the syringe, positioned on the syringe forward of the locking structure, or by a two-piece structure, including a syringe and a separate leakage stopping washer for surrounding the syringe to halt the flow of fluid along the exterior of the syringe. (As part of this aspect, or as an independent feature, the syringe may include an annularly discontinuous flange forward of the locking structure, for providing mechanical support for the syringe against the injector.) Alternatively, an iris-like structure may be incorporated into the front surface of the injector, for closing about the syringe upon insertion of the syringe into the injector. |
| US08864707B1 |
Tamper indicating closure assembly
A closure assembly structured for use with a female luer connector and operative to indicate an accomplished or attempted tampering thereof. A connector cover is movably and removably disposed within a housing and includes an interior chamber disposed and structured to receive an access port of the female connector. An indicator member is removably connected to an interior of the housing in surrounding relation to the connector cover and a drive assembly associated with both the connector cover and the housing is operable to concurrently rotate and axially advance the interior chamber into enclosing relation to the access port. Attempted removal of the housing from the female connector, such as by an applied axial force to the housing, will detach the indicated member from the housing and dispose it in a visually observable position surrounding the connector cover, thereby indicating attempted access. |
| US08864706B2 |
Retractable syringe with a cutting crown
A retractable syringe comprises a cutting head mounted on a plunger of the syringe. When the plunger is advanced to expel fluid from the syringe, the cutting crown cuts a retention mechanism which holds a needle unit of the syringe, allowing a drive mechanism to drive the needle unit into the syringe. The cutting crown is shaped to reduce the force which has to be applied to cut the retention mechanism. Furthermore, a disposable needle assembly for attachment to a syringe unit comprises a needle and connector element for connecting the needle to the syringe unit. The connector element encircles the needle and has a thread on its outer surface for mating with the syringe unit. When the needle assembly is mated with the syringe, a central bore of substantially constant bore extends from the tip of the needle into the interior chamber of the syringe. |
| US08864705B2 |
Balloon catheter
A balloon catheter includes a core wire and an opening control portion. The core wire is formed of a long wire disposed in an outer shaft and includes a pushing portion. The opening control portion is provided in the outer shaft and has a control hole that communicates with an inflation lumen. The opening area of the control hole in the opening control portion is partially closed when the pushing portion of the core wire comes into contact with the control hole. |
| US08864702B2 |
System for controlling means for injection of anesthetics or sedatives
A system comprising means for obtaining a signal representative of the electrocortical activity of the patient, means for analyzing this signal in order to derive from it a signal of depth of anaesthesia, means for monitoring the value and development over time of this signal of depth of anaesthesia, these means being associated with means for calculation of control commands of the injection means, in order to regulate automatically in closed loop the signal of depth of anaesthesia in a predetermined range around a target value, and in that the means for injection of anaesthetics comprise first means for injection of a hypnotic that receive control commands at a first frequency, and second means for injection of a morphinomimetic that receive control commands at a second frequency higher than the first frequency. |
| US08864696B1 |
Toe curl prevention device and methods
An apparatus and associated methods for preventing and treating toe curl, a condition where the toes of a patient curl toward the bottom of the foot, are provided. The apparatus provides a pad operable for engaging the bottom of the foot, and a strap that surrounds the foot and pad for applying a flexion force against the foot. The pad engages and supports at least one toe and prevents the toe or toes from curling toward the bottom of the foot. The device can be worn by a patient at night or during the day to treat or prevent toe curl. Additionally, the strap can include an elastic material for providing a tension force required for flexion stretching, and the strap can be attachable at one end to a removable leg band that can be securely and releasably positioned about the leg. |
| US08864694B2 |
Brace
The brace includes: a chest plate; a chin support; a rod having a top surface, the rod adjustably attached to the chest plate; and an adjustable linkage connected to the top surface and to the chin support. The brace is used to immobilize a Patient's chin relative to The Patient's spinal column, or The Patient's chest, or both when the Patient's chin is placed upon the chin support. |
| US08864692B2 |
Knee brace and method for securing the same
A brace includes a frame having first and second sections defined by a clearance, a rotary ratcheting mechanism connected to the frame, and an elongate tensioning element having a first end secured to the ratcheting mechanism and a second end connected to the frame. The ratcheting mechanism is configured for unidirectional incremental adjustment in distance in a first direction of the second end of the tensioning element relative to the ratcheting mechanism, and includes a release device configured to release the tensioning element relative to the ratcheting mechanism in a second direction relative to the ratcheting mechanism. |
| US08864690B2 |
Massage head and massage apparatus employing said head
This massage head is fitted with a case defining an internal chamber in which a skinfold is formed when it is applied to the skin of a patient. The fold presses against the lower edges of the chamber, which is defined by two lateral walls and by two transverse walls The transverse walls each include a clack valve able to be driven in a pivoting motion, so as to cause the lower edges of the clack valves in contact with the skinfold to come closer together or move further apart. The relative displacement of the clack valves is ensured by of a motorized rotary cam provided in the massage head. The cam defines a cam path engaging with a component associated with the clack valves, and able to cause the swivelling motion thereof. |
| US08864689B2 |
Device for knee evaluation and relative brace
A device for evaluating motion of a knee and for forming a brace which includes a first plate having four holes therein, a femoral arm, a tibial arm formed with a rectangular portion from which extends to a semi-circular portion having a central opening and an arcuate opening which for a first 25-30 degrees is an arc of a circle, for a subsequent 105-110 degrees is a spiral and is an arc of a circle from 135-140 to 180 degrees, a second plate having five holes therein and a small circular plate having a linear scale centrally thereof, a graduated arcuate scale and another arcuate opening configured to overlap the arcuate opening of the semi-circular portion of the tibial arm. |
| US08864687B2 |
Method and apparatus for restoring articular cartilage
The present invention comprises the provision and use of new and improved arthroscopic instrumentation for (i) harvesting a tissue biopsy from a non-critical section of a joint, and (ii) sizing and seating an autologous graft at an implant site. |
| US08864683B2 |
Brush, such as for cleaning or sampling body tissue
The present invention relates to a brush (1) for cleaning or sampling body tissue. The brush (1) comprises a support (2) that is provided with at least one row (3) of brush hairs (5) as well as one second row (4) of brush hairs (16). The first and second rows are mutually parallel and are situated next to one another. Each brush hair (5,6) has a proximal end (7) facing the support (2) and a distal end (9) facing away from the support (2). The first row (3) of brush hairs (5) comprises a strip (30) that extends in the longitudinal direction of the first row (3) and a longitudinal side (32) of which is fixed to the support (2). The proximal ends (7) of the brush hairs (5) in the first row (3) are fixed to the other longitudinal side (34) of the strip (30). |
| US08864682B2 |
Clutch and valving system for tetherless biopsy device
A biopsy device may include a needle, a cutter, and a handpiece. A vacuum pump may be provided in the handpiece for providing a vacuum to the needle and/or to the cutter. A motor may be provided in the handpiece to drive the vacuum pump and/or the cutter. A biopsy device may also include a valving mechanism within the handpiece for selectively communicating a vacuum and/or atmospheric air to the needle. A clutching mechanism may selectively provide communication between a motor and the cutter. Portions of a valving mechanism and a clutching mechanism may be integrally formed. A clutching and valving mechanism may be driven by a first motor; and a cutter and vacuum pump by a second motor. A biopsy device may include batteries for powering motors. A biopsy device may thus provide vacuum and power from within a handpiece, such that the biopsy device is tetherless. |
| US08864681B2 |
Biopsy devices
Biopsy devices and methods useful with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) are disclosed. A biopsy device including a flexible tube having a side aperture, and a PET or BSGI imageable material disposed within the flexible tube is disclosed. A biopsy method is disclosed that includes advancing a flexible tube having a PET or BSGI imageable material distally through the biopsy device. Various other embodiments and applications are disclosed. |
| US08864679B2 |
Cutaneous sensory detection
Testing instruments having a handle with a first handle portion that is substantially linear and a second handle portion wherein the handle is not substantially linear, a first monofilament, and a second monofilament wherein the first monofilament detachably connects to the second handle portion and wherein the second monofilament detachably connects to the second handle portion are disclosed herein. Further, methods of evaluating cutaneous sensory detection in which an instrument is held with a digit proximate to a position indicator, a skin area is contacted with a monofilament, sufficient pressure is applied to flex the monofilament, and the monofilament is withdrawn from the skin area. |
| US08864676B2 |
Implantable medical sensor and fixation system
An implantable medical device, such as a sensor for monitoring a selected internally detectable physiological parameter of a patient, is attached to a fixation member that is deployable within the patient to position and orient the sensor to enable it to perform its function. The fixation member may be configured to lie in a single plane when deployed or may be tubular in shape. The attachment of the housing and fixation member includes providing the fixation member with a linear attachment strut that is non-circular in cross section and providing the housing with external members that define an elongate channel, non-circular in cross section and receptive to the attachment strut. The attachment strut can be inserted transversely into the channel and the external member can be crimped over the strut to secure the housing and fixation member together. |
| US08864673B2 |
Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus with electrical impedance matching
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasound probe including a capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer; an ultrasound observation apparatus, and a reception circuit; a transmission ultrasound transducer and a reception ultrasound transducer included in the capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer, the transmission ultrasound transducer including a plurality of transmission capacitive cells, and the reception ultrasound transducer including a plurality of reception capacitive cells; a transmission signal cable connecting the transmission ultrasound transducer and the transmission circuit; a reception signal cable connecting the reception ultrasound transducer and the reception circuit; a first matching section and a second matching section that perform electrical impedance matching for the ultrasound transmission signal and the ultrasound reception signal, the first matching section and the second matching section being provided for a predetermined transmission region and a predetermined reception region for generating an ultrasound beam for one pixel, respectively. |
| US08864668B2 |
Formation of an elastic image in an ultrasound system
Embodiments for forming elastic images in an ultrasound system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a Tx/Rx unit repeatedly transmits/receives an ultrasound beam along scan lines in a target object to output receive signals. An image processing unit forms a plurality of consecutive ultrasound images based on the receive signals and set a center of the target object on each of the ultrasound images. The image processing unit further sets radial scan lines in radial directions with respect to the center on each of the ultrasound image and reconstructs the ultrasound images such that the radial scan lines are in parallel with each other to form reconstruction images. An elastic image forming unit forms an elastic image based on the reconstruction images. |
| US08864667B2 |
Biological information imaging apparatus and biological information imaging method
A biological information imaging method includes a first measurement step to measure an acoustic wave (54) generated by light (53) which is irradiated to a living body (51) from a light source (50) and which is absorbed by tissue (52) in the living body, a storage step to store first information obtained in the first measurement step, a second measurement step to measure an acoustic wave (54) generated by light (53) which is irradiated to the living body (51) from the light source (50) and which is absorbed by the tissue (52) in the living body, and a processing step to generate an image of information of the tissue in the living body by using second information obtained in the second measurement step, and the first information stored in the storage step. |
| US08864665B2 |
Method and device for monitoring the risks for sudden infant death syndrome and for positional plagiocephaly
A portable monitoring device for monitoring of the short term, mid term and long term risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and to estimate the risk of onset of positional plagiocephaly. The monitoring device acquires one or more signals associated to the typical breath and positioning patterns of an infant through a tri-axial accelerometer, and registers the data in electronic format, where statistical analysis of the signal and pattern recognition are performed in real time by a processing unit. The device monitors the breath activity of an infant in various conditions, alerting a caregiver when a potentially dangerous situation is detected. The monitoring is attached to the clothes of the infant. Statistical analysis of the registered data is performed for quantifying the long term SIDS risk, the risk of plagiocephaly and for optimizing the functional parameters of the monitoring device. |
| US08864663B1 |
System and method to evaluate physical condition of a user
A system is provided to evaluate physical condition of a user based on the health data collected from one or more SMDs. The system may comprise a user data component, a routines component and a health status engine. The user data component may be configured to receive health data for the user. A routines component may be configured to identify a current routine associated with the health data. The health status engine may be configured to determine health status information based on the received health data and the identified current routine. |
| US08864658B2 |
Expandable surgical access port
A method of accessing an internal portion of a patient including the steps of providing an access assembly including an outer frame, an inner member and a flexible member, inserting the inner member through an opening in tissue into a body of a patient with the flexible member extending proximally through the opening in tissue, moving at least a first portion or second portion of the outer member to a select unlocked spread position to enlarge the opening in tissue and the passageway through the flexible member, and subsequently moving the locking member to move the first and second engagement structures into a locking position to lock the first portion in the select spread position. |
| US08864653B2 |
Devices for introducing multiple instruments and methods of use
Disclosed herein are devices and methods for introducing a plurality of instruments to a target site through a working channel. The working channel can include a surface adapted to guide one or more instruments into select positions. The working channel can be defined by a portion of a guide tube or tip that may be coupled with an endoscope. |
| US08864650B2 |
Methods and apparatus for securing a urethral sling to a pubic bone
Surgical procedures, kits and implants for alleviating human incontinence, and particularly providing improved methods and apparatus to secure a urethral sling to pubic bone in a sub-urethral location to support the urethra and alleviate incontinence are disclosed. Bone anchors, e.g., bone screws, are driven into pubic bones with exposed bone anchor heads and necks configured to receive and support a urethral sling applied to the bone anchors with and without retainers applied against the urethral sling to retain portions of the urethral sling between the bone anchor heads and the pubic bones. |
| US08864640B2 |
Methods of packaging intravaginal device
A method of folding a plurality of flexible elements about a central fluid storage element includes of urging an intravaginal device into a folding device; imparting relative rotation between at least a portion of the folding device and the intravaginal device; and contacting the plurality of flexible extensions with the folding device. Wherein the intravaginal device includes a fluid storage element and a plurality of flexible extensions extending therefrom, and the flexible extensions are folded about the fluid storage element in a uniform direction. Alternatively, in place of relative rotation, the flexible extensions are folded by means of guide rails of the folding device. Several apparatus may be employed in this and related methods. |
| US08864637B2 |
Abdominal exercise device
An exercise device for use with a support surface includes a first elongated member defining an elongated bore extending, a second elongated member defining an elongated bore extending, the first elongated member being removably secured to the second elongated member, and an attachment assembly configured to removable secure the first and second elongated members adjacent to the support surface. A user positions a portion of the user's body between the first and second elongated members and the support surface, thereby securing the portion of the user's body in a substantially stationary position. |
| US08864636B1 |
Adjustment mechanism for vacuum load resistance training exercise apparatus
Resistance training exercise apparatus provides load resistance with a vacuum load assembly, and has an adjustment mechanism controlling effective vector force between the vacuum load assembly and a user-engaged exercise member. The adjustment mechanism includes a user-controlled adjustment assembly adjustably varying the vector force. The adjustment assembly includes a coupling mechanism adjustably varying a lever arm distance of at least one of a gym cable and a cylinder cable along the adjustment assembly. |
| US08864633B1 |
Compact portable leg exercise machine
A compact portable leg exercise apparatus includes a top platform, a base member, a resilient member and a frame assembly interposed between the top platform and base member. The apparatus is sized to receive a foot onto the top platform to move the top platform relative to the base member and against a force provided by the resilient member as the apparatus is moved to the collapsed position. The apparatus is sized to fit in carryon luggage, handbag, backpack or be hand-carried, allowing for its use anywhere. The frame assembly aligns the top platform and base member and inhibits twisting motion of the top platform relative to the base member, thereby constraining the motion of travel for the apparatus. The frame assembly can include a plurality of hinged leaf pairs shaped to inhibit generation of noise by the frame assembly as it moves to the collapsed configuration during use of the exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus is light weight, small, quiet and stable, allowing for it use at home, the office, in public, in the airplane, or even within a vehicle. |
| US08864632B2 |
Exercise apparatus and method
An exercise apparatus and method allows a user to perform exercises while seated or otherwise supported. Such exercises can assist in avoiding DVT and help those who otherwise might have difficulty exercising due to various conditions. The apparatus requires a base element formed of substantially flat sheet material dimensioned to accommodate a portion of a user's foot, and a leash element attached to a periphery of the base element and dimensioned for retention of the base element. The sheet material reduces friction between a user's foot and the exercise surface to allow a user to exercise their lower extremities via a sliding motion. The leash element allows the base element to be deployed to a floor or other surface for use, and then retrieved without requiring the user to bend over. The leash element is preferably formed of elastic to allow resistive forces to be applied to the base element. |
| US08864631B1 |
Exercise methods and apparatus
An exercise apparatus links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical motion of a foot supporting member. A foot supporting linkage is movably connected between a rocker and a crank in such a manner that the foot supporting member moves through paths of motion which are fixed, adjustable or variable. |
| US08864630B2 |
System and method for a modular obstacle course with variable difficulty
A system and method are provide for an obstacle course including first and second lanes associated with first and second difficulty ratings, respectively. The first lane includes a first plurality of obstacles associated with the first difficulty rating and the second lane includes a second plurality of obstacles associated with the second difficulty rating. The first difficulty rating indicates greater difficulty than the second difficulty rating. |
| US08864629B2 |
Face lift exercise device
A facial exercise device includes a handle, ring, tongue arm and flexible cheek arms. The device is inserted into a person's mouth and the person's cheeks are tightened against the resistance provided by the flexible cheek arms. An optional eyepiece includes connected flexible right and left eye portions and two or more protrusions extending outwardly. |
| US08864628B2 |
Rehabilitation device and method
A device for joint rehabilitation after injury or surgery and a method of use are described and taught. The device automatically senses and manipulates performance parameters to optimize the rehabilitation process in response to user performance. In particular, device sets the pedal throw and other variables automatically to be in an optimum range for the patient based on the respective patient data. A motor resistance unit allows for the user to experience variable resistances while using the device. This not only increases the patient's range of motion but also strengthens and increases muscle tone. In order to use the device, the patient or user simply inputs preliminary parameters and the on-board computer then calculates a rehabilitation plan, and monitors patient performance and adapts to changes. The central data server permit central storage of all data associated with usage of the rehab devices and is fully HIPAA compliant. |
| US08864625B2 |
Controller of stepped automatic transmission
Disclosed is a controller of a stepped automatic transmission. The stepped automatic transmission has a plurality of lock-up elements and performs downshift during coasting while an engine has a fuel cut-off state by changing over a pair of lock-up elements including an open side lock-up element and a lock-up side lock-up element. Downshift operation includes torque phase control and inertia phase control. The controller includes: a fuel cut-off recovery executing unit that is configured to perform recovery from the fuel cut-off state for an inertia phase control period; and a cylinder number restricting unit that is configured to restrict a count of cylinders recovered from the fuel cut-off state. |
| US08864624B2 |
Method for shifting a semi-automatic powershift transmission
A method for shifting a semi-automatic powershift transmission used in a motor vehicle during a manually triggered traction upshift involves the shift phases of the charging of an actuator of a clutch to be engaged, an overlap of the charging of the actuator of the clutch to be engaged and the emptying of an actuator of a clutch to be disengaged, and also involves an engine rotational speed alignment. The charging, the overlap and the engine rotational speed alignment are carried out simultaneously. In the shift process during a manually triggered shift, the driver perceives a change in engine rotational speed with only a minimal delay after the shift command. |
| US08864623B2 |
Method for controlling a transmission coupled to an engine that may be automatically stopped
Methods and systems for controlling a transmission coupled to an engine during an engine start are presented. In one example, a method adjusts a transmission tie-up force in response to an indication of transmission slip. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles. |
| US08864620B2 |
Rotary body driver with planetary gear transmission and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A rotary body driver includes a driving source and a planetary gear transmission to receive a driving force from the driving source. The planetary gear transmission includes a sun gear rotatable by the driving force received from the driving source, a plurality of planet gears meshed with and surrounding the sun gear with an identical interval between the adjacent planet gears, a rotatable carrier to rotatably support the plurality of planet gears, an outer gear encircling and meshed with the plurality of planet gears, and an output shaft combined with and supporting the carrier. A rotary body shaft mounting a rotary body is connected to the output shaft of the planetary gear transmission to transmit the driving force received from the output shaft to the rotary body. The outer gear is made of resin and the output shaft and the carrier are made of metal. |
| US08864611B2 |
Front derailleur
A front derailleur basically includes a fixed member, a main body, a movable member and a support member. The fixing member is configured to be fixed to a bicycle frame. The main body is attached to the fixing member. The movable member is movably supported to the main body with respect to the fixing member. The support member is movably attached to one of the fixing member and the main body. The support member including an operated portion selectively operated by an operating element and positioned between the fixing member and the main body. |
| US08864603B2 |
Golf club head
A head of a first aspect is provided with a head body h1x, a double-stick tape t1, and an adherend s1x bonded to the head body h1x by the double-stick tape t1. The double-stick tape t1 has a first adhesive layer 30 provided as an innermost layer, a second adhesive layer 36 provided as an outermost layer, and intermediate layers 32 and 34 provided between the first adhesive layer 30 and the second adhesive layer 36. The intermediate layer includes a fiber layer 34 and/or a resin layer 32. The resin layer 32 is free of bubbles. In a head of a second aspect, a head body h1y or an adherend s1y has a recessed part 27y. In a head of a third aspect, an adherend s1 has a metal member 27 and an elastic member 29. The elastic member 29 has a peripheral part 29a directly or indirectly abutting on a side surface 31 of the metal member 27. |
| US08864601B1 |
Golf club head with improved aerodynamic characteristics
Designs and methods of improving aerodynamic performance of golf club heads are disclosed herein. In particular, the designs and methods of the present invention address airflow behavior modification at or immediately adjacent to the counter or edge of the striking face to reduce club head drag while minimizing any adverse effect on the impact performance of the face. The designs and methods of the present invention also address airflow behavior over the crown of the golf club head. |
| US08864600B2 |
Golf chip shot training aid and method of using the same
A golf training aid including a generally C-shaped base which snap-fits around the grip of a golf club. A single arm angles downwardly and forwardly away from a top end of the base. A contoured support is provided at the end of the arm which contacts the golfer's wrist and this support substantially prevents the golfer's wrist from breaking, i.e., bending, during the playing of a shot, particularly a chip shot. The arm is adjustable in length and is movable between retracted and extended positions to enable the golfer to customize the training aid to suit his or her body. The training aid assists in keeping the golfer's shoulders and arms in the correct orientation relative to each other to more effectively and consistently play chips shots. |
| US08864593B2 |
Seat assembly such as for an amusement ride
A seat assembly comprises a plurality of stabilizing members mounted to a base. A passenger support member is moveably mounted along the plurality of stabilizing members. A plurality of spaced apart inflatable actuators are drivingly connected to the passenger support member. |
| US08864586B2 |
Gaming systems including viral gaming events
Gaming machines and systems are configured to present viral gaming events. Once a viral gaming event is triggered, it is presented at one or more first gaming machines at a first time. The viral gaming events spreads to other gaming machines, such as one or more second gaming machines where it is presented at a later time. The viral gaming event may continue to spread to numerous gaming machines. The viral gaming event may comprise a game or a bonus or secondary event, such as a bonus award event to a base wagering game presented by the gaming machine. Feedback or metrics may be used to control the machines to which the viral gaming event spreads and/or the rate of spread. |
| US08864585B2 |
Gaming terminal with a light dissipating push-button
A player-input device for a gaming system includes a light-transmissive button lens comprising interior and exterior surfaces extending to an outside perimeter. A textured surface is located along the outside perimeter of the button lens. A light source is disposed below a bottom edge of the button lens. The light source is operative to transmit light into the button lens such that the outside perimeter is illuminated at the textured surface. The textured surface is configured to dissipate the light over a substantial portion of the textured surface. |
| US08864583B1 |
Computing device independent and transferable game level design and other objects
A system which employs a method of creating transferable map schemas, storing the map schemas to storage devices, receiving target device settings, re-sampling the map schemas to fit the target devices using the target device settings, delivering the re-sampled map schemas to the target devices is described. Thereby providing the innovation that map schemas may be accessed by more than one type of device, the method by which maps are scaled from a created map dimension with given details to either a larger map having the ability to be utilized on a more capable playing device or to a map or a smaller map having the ability to be utilized on a less capable device without losing the important game-specific required data is also described. |
| US08864577B2 |
Wagering game with episodic feature determined by player
A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a game display and a controller. The game display is operable to display a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game in response to receiving a wager from a player. The wagering game has a game-play progression that includes a plurality of game episodes, at least one of the plurality of game episodes having a plurality of episode features. The controller is in communication with the game display and is programmable to cause, in response to a manual selection received from the player, the start of the wagering game from any previously played feature of the plurality of episode features. |
| US08864576B2 |
Universal game server
A trusted disaster tolerant system architecture supporting concurrently a number of distributed online gaming operations such as slip-scan lottery, video lottery, fixed odd betting terminals, Internet gaming, and interactive TV. A personality front end resolves the peculiarities of the various client systems before submitting the relevant transactional payload to a trusted transactional cache. A universal game random generator may be used either at the central game server or at each individual gaming machine, thus conferring a significant trust to the entire estate of gaming machines fitted with the game random generator. An auditable trusted log allows to rapidly resolve any dispute. The instant-draw model and the differed-draw model are supported. The system may advantageously be used in casino environments. |
| US08864571B2 |
Wagering game having free spin feature with variable quantities of reel arrays
A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes at least one input device, at least one display device, at least one processor, and at least one memory device storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the gaming system to receive a wager for playing the wagering game, and trigger a free-spin event in which a plurality of free spins is awarded. For a first spin, a first number of arrays is randomly determined, displayed, and evaluated to determine whether an award condition is present. For a second spin, a second number of arrays is randomly determined, displayed, and evaluated to determine whether an award condition is present. The second number of arrays is non-equal to the first number of arrays. Any awards associated with each determined award condition are provided. |
| US08864568B2 |
Gaming machine having multiplying symbol ability
The present invention is a gaming machine including a reel display, which is configured with a plurality of reel lines displaying a plurality of symbols arranged to rotate along the reel lines, a controller, which shows a substantially-stationary symbol on a reel line while the symbols are rotating along the reel line, an evaluator, which recognizes a pass of a symbol related to the substantially-stationary symbol by the substantially-stationary symbol on the reel line, and a processor, which changes a function of the substantially-stationary symbol when the evaluator detects the symbol related to the substantially-stationary symbol passing by the substantially-stationary symbol on the reel line. |
| US08864567B2 |
Casino display methods and devices
Novel methods, devices and systems are described for forming displays and creating environments in a casino. Some implementations of the invention provide configurable gaming machine skins, which may be formed from electronic paper or the like. Casino environments may be created in accordance with a game theme and/or to indicate a group of players. The environment may include configurable surfaces of gaming machines and/or nearby surfaces, such as walls, floors and ceilings. Projected light and/or an audio system may be used to enhance the immersive and dynamic environment. Preferably, some or all of these features may be changed automatically when a game theme changes. |
| US08864561B2 |
Harvested crop residue chopper and distribution arrangement for a combine with an impeller blower whose shape conforms to the contour of the straw chopper
The invention concerns a harvested crop residue chopper and distribution arrangement for a combine (10) with a straw chopper (60) with a rotor (74) that can be brought into rotation about a horizontal axis (98) with chopper blades (76) fastened thereto that define an outer envelope (96), and with at least one impeller blower (82) arranged downstream of the straw chopper (60) with impeller blades (84) that can rotate about an axis of rotation (88) that extends vertically, in which the impeller blades (84) are provided with outer edges (94) that conform to the envelope (96) of the chopper knives (76) and follow it very closely and are not in contact with it. |
| US08864560B2 |
Water-blocking vent panel and air filter therefor
A housing includes a wall having an aperture and a vented panel, the vented panel including a first wall having a first side and a second side and an opening, a second wall having a first side, a second side facing the first wall first side and an opening, and a panel interior, the housing further including an air filter having an inner side and an outer side relative to the interior mounted against the second wall first side over the second wall opening with the filter inner side facing the housing interior, a water dam mounted along the filter bottom portion at the filter inner side, the water dam being higher than any water barrier mounted along the filter bottom portion outer side, whereby, any water reaching the filter bottom is substantially prevented from draining into the housing interior. Also an air filter usable in the housing. |
| US08864559B2 |
Multiple outflow valve cabin pressure control system
A multiple outflow valve control system for an aircraft is provided having a plurality of outflow valves that may be controlled independently via an all electrical control system. The outflow valves may be located in various locations in an aircraft. The control system may have a control loop controlling the outflow valve motors via open-loop PWM commands and may not have a motor speed feedback in the control loop. The cabin pressure control system may have manual and auto controls controlling separate motors on each outflow valve. Auto motor control may be performed via software biasing command logic included in the control laws in the control system. Air flow may be biased through selected outflow valves and the degree of biasing may be automatically or manually set. |
| US08864558B2 |
Removable break-away shackle assembly
A removable break-away shackle assembly for suspending an animal carcass during processing includes a shackle connected to a drop rod, where the drop rod is connected to a conveyor system. The drop rod includes an elongated body with a connector at one end. The shackle includes bendable opposing arms forming a widenable gap. The shackle is separable from the drop rod by passing the drop rod through the widenable gap causing the arms to bend and the gap to widen, or by passing the widenable gap across a depression in the drop rod. |
| US08864556B2 |
Butchering processes for meat products
A method for mass-production butchering of a chuck roll of beef includes: sectioning the chuck roll anterior to and generally parallel to the first rib to separate a neck portion thereof from a remainder thereof; sectioning the remainder into a first portion and a second portion substantially along a natural seam, the first portion comprising rhomboideus, spinalis dorsi, and serratus ventralis muscles, and the second portion comprising multifidus dorsi, complexus, and longissimus dorsi muscles; sectioning the first portion to substantially remove the rhomboideus and the spinalis dorsi therefrom, leaving a denuded serratus ventralis; sectioning the serratus ventralis into a first set of separate portions. The method may further include: sectioning the second portion into a second set of separate portions, each separate portion in the second set including the multifidus dorsi, complexus, and longissimus dorsi muscles. |
| US08864554B2 |
Sharpener
The invention relates to a sharpener for sharpening a cutting tool, such as a knife, the sharpener comprising a body part (1), a rotatable sharpening roll (2) resting on the body part, and a first guide groove (11) above the sharpening roll for receiving a first tool blade and for guiding it in relation to the sharpening roll (2). To allow the sharpener to be made structurally simple and well applicable for sharpening both narrow and wide blades, the sharpener comprises a second guide groove (14), which is wider than the first guide groove (11), to be arranged above the sharpening roll (2) to allow a second tool blade to be received and guided in relation to the sharpening roll (2). |
| US08864551B2 |
Full torso maternity garment
A maternity garment, which provides mild support to shape a woman's body and to act as a suspender for bottoms such as pants, shorts, or skirts that may be ill fitting due to body changes as a result of pregnancy, wherein the preferred garment has at least one shoulder strap, a belly panel, a hip band, two side panels, and a back panel, and is made of high performance fabric with varying degrees of compression. |
| US08864550B2 |
Uplift bra
The bra comprises a breast containment zone defined by two breast cups engaged to a perimeter element. The perimeter element has a base and two peripheral sides extending from each side of the base, forming a “U” shape that extends about each breast cup. A chest band is engaged to and extends bilaterally away from each breast cup, to encompass the torso of a wearer. The chest band has a lower elongate zone to apply a first force to the perimeter element at the base of the perimeter element, and an upper elongate zone to apply a second force adjacent each breast cup to the perimeter element at the each peripheral side of the perimeter element and at a distance away from the base of the perimeter element. |
| US08864547B2 |
Repositionable toy-attachment device
An attachment mechanism for suspending one or more toys or other objects from a child-support apparatus such as a crib, bassinet, car seat, stroller, swing, bouncer, play gym, play yard, jumper, or the like. Typically, the child-support apparatus includes one or more beams or other supports where the toy-attachment mechanism is located. The toy-attachment mechanism includes a repositioning track and a slide coupling that is repositionable along the track and from which toys can be suspended. In typical embodiments, the track and the coupling include mating teeth that interlock to hold the coupling in place but that can be disengaged to reposition the coupling and the toys suspended therefrom. |
| US08864545B2 |
Radio frequency controlled aircraft
A radio-controlled model airplane, including: a fuselage; first and second wings connected to the fuselage; and a control system including: a battery; a receiver powered by the battery and arranged to receive radio frequency signals; and a computer powered by the battery, electrically connected to the receiver, and arranged to transmit control signals in response to the received radio frequency signals. The airplane also includes a first motor powered by the battery and arranged to receive the transmitted control signals to rotate a propeller; and a single flexible wire: passing through an opening in a distal end of the first wing; with a first end fixed to a point at or near a junction of the first wing and the fuselage; and with a second end for connection to a point outside of the model airplane. |
| US08864542B2 |
Polymer microcavity and microchannel device and array fabrication method
A method of forming a microplasma device places a curable polymer material between a mold having a negative volume impression of microcavities and/or microchannels and a substrate. The polymer is cured and then the mold is separated from the solid polymer. The method can form a microplasma device that includes a substrate and either or both of a microchannel or microcavity defined in a polymer layer supported by the substrate. Electrodes arranged with respect to the polymer material can excite plasma in a discharge medium contained in the microchannel or the microcavity or both. A flexible mold is preferably used to fabricate transparent polymer microcavities onto rigid substrates. A rigid mold is preferably used to fabricate transparent polymer microcavities onto flexible substrates. Having one of the mold and the substrate flexible and the other rigid aids in the separation of the mold from the cured polymer. |
| US08864538B1 |
Systems and methods for cooling marine propulsion systems on marine vessels in drydock
Systems and methods are for cooling a marine propulsion system on a marine vessel. A lift pump pumps raw cooling water from a body of water in which the marine vessel is situated. The lift pump pumps the raw cooling water through an open cooling circuit from an upstream inlet for receiving the raw cooling water to a downstream outlet for discharging the cooling water back to the body of water. A control circuit controls operation of the lift pump. At least one sensing device indicates whether the lift pump is connected to the body of water. The sensing device is in communication with the control circuit. The control circuit prevents operation of the lift pump when the sensing device indicates that the lift pump is not connected to the body of water. |
| US08864534B2 |
Double-locking socket for an electric bulb
The present disclosure relates to a socket for an electric bulb, formed by a tubular body having two longitudinal cavities for receiving contacts crimped onto cables, said tubular body including lateral clip-fastening elements having lugs for locking into the base of a motor vehicle light or headlight. The disclosure provides that the locking elements are provided with internal shoulders having dimensions and positions configured such as: to be engaged behind a transverse surface of the contact when said contact is correctly mounted and to allow insertion into the base of the light or headlight when the clip-fastening elements are biased; and to prevent the movement of the elements which would allow insertion of the socket when the contact has not been correctly engaged. |
| US08864532B2 |
Communications jacks having low crosstalk and/or solder-less wire connection assemblies
Communications jacks include a housing having a plug aperture, a plurality of input contacts, a plurality of output contacts, and a flexible printed circuit board that includes a plurality of conductive pads and a plurality of conductive paths that each electrically connect a respective one of the input contacts to a respective one of the conductive pads. The conductive paths are arranged as a plurality of differential pairs of conductive paths, and each output contact includes a spring-biased base and an insulation displacement portion. |
| US08864531B2 |
Cable assembly with better mechanical property
A cable assembly includes an electrical connector and a cable. The electrical connector defines a mating port and comprising contacts with contacting portions exposing to the mating port and connecting portion. The cable includes conductive wires connecting with the connecting portion of the contact. The cable comprises a main body and an enlarged portion connecting with the contacts. The main body is configured with a same diameter and the enlarged portion is configured with an enlarged diameter than the main portion. |
| US08864530B2 |
Jack with a switch mechanism having a movable insulation separator
The invention relates to a jack having a switch mechanism SW of the single-butt contact type in which an ON/OFF operation is performed by insertion/extraction of a plug P. When the plug is inserted, a displacement load is applied by the separator to a middle portion in the length direction of the movable contact piece to flex the movable contact piece while setting a basal end portion of the movable contact piece as a fulcrum, whereby a tip end portion thereof is contacted with the stationary contact piece. Thereafter, the middle portion in the length direction of the movable contact piece is flexed while setting the tip end portion as a fulcrum, to apply a contact pressure on a contact. As a result, miniaturization of the jack, and reduction of the production cost can be realized. |
| US08864529B2 |
USB plug connector structure
A USB plug connector structure can use the same set of terminals to apply on different USB connector patterns, such as plate edge connector or wire edge connector, through the design of various soldering portions and base portions being positioned on the same plane. Furthermore, the common mode signals generated from first and second differential signal transmission conductor sets can be restrained by means of first and second grounding base portions of a grounding transmission conductor surrounding first and second differential signal transmission conduct sets. In addition, crosstalk interference generated from the first and second differential signal transmission conductor sets to a signal transmission conductor set can be similarly isolated through the first and second grounding base portions. Furthermore, a bended angle of each bended portion ranges from 120 to 150 degrees, thereby guide scattered radio frequency interference. |
| US08864527B2 |
Universal serial bus memory device and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed are a universal serial bus (USB) memory device having a 5 pin USB connector which may be directly used for a portable terminal and a method of manufacturing the same. The USB memory device includes: at least one 5 pin USB connector; a memory to write data received from the 5 pin USB connector or reading out stored data to transmit the data to the 5 pin USB connector; and a controller electrically connected to the 5 pin USB connector and the memory to control data transmission between the 5 pin USB connector and the memory, wherein the 5 pin USB connector comprises a power terminal, a ground terminal, a D+ terminal, a D− terminal, and an ID terminal, and the ID terminal is connected to the ground terminal so that the 5 pin USB connector is grounded. |
| US08864526B2 |
Connection socket for mobile terminal
A connection socket for a portable terminal includes a plurality of connection terminals of different types disposed in different positions on one plane in a case and connected with plug connection terminals mounted to a connection plug. Here, portions of the plurality of connection terminals to be connected with the plug connection terminals are disposed in different positions. The plurality of connection terminals are in different lengths. |
| US08864525B2 |
Memory card connector
A memory card connector includes a housing including an accommodation portion and contacts, a slider movable between an initial position and a fully-inserted position, a correct-insertion abutting portion and an incorrect-insertion abutting portion provided on the slider, and a stopper-switch leaf spring. A stopper is provided on the stopper-switch leaf spring, wherein the slider is allowed to slidably move from the initial position to the fully-inserted position when the stopper-switch leaf spring is positioned at a stopper-ineffective position, and the slider is prevented from slidably moving from the initial position to the fully-inserted position when the stopper-switch leaf spring is positioned at a stopper-effective position. The stopper-switch leaf spring and the stopper are positioned within the housing when the stopper-switch leaf spring is in a free state. |
| US08864516B2 |
Cable assembly for interconnecting card modules in a communication system
A cable assembly including first and second header connectors. The first header connector has mating and loading sides and includes electrical contacts. The mating side is configured to mate with a first module connector. The second header connector has mating and loading sides and includes electrical contacts. The mating side of the second header connector is configured to mate with a second module connector. The cable assembly also has a cable bundle including communication cables that extend between the loading sides of the first and second header connectors and that connect the electrical contacts of the first and second header connectors. The cables are substantially twist-free between the first and second header connectors when the first and second header connectors face in substantially opposite directions and the first and second module connectors have an orthogonal relationship. |
| US08864514B2 |
Controller device
An electrical device includes a housing and an electrically insulating base secured to the housing. A communication terminal protrudes from the base. Electrically conductive main terminals protrude from the base and are spaced apart from each other and from the communication terminal. The main terminals are arcuate shaped and form arcs of a reference ring the center of which is a rotational axis of the electrical device. The communication terminal is disposed within the reference ring. Also featured is a controller device. |
| US08864513B2 |
Terminal for energization
A terminal for conduction includes an insulating member that is fixed to a housing and that includes a flange portion that extends along the housing; a first terminal member that is provided to penetrate through the insulating member and that includes a tubular portion, the first terminal member being conductive; and a second terminal member that includes an engagement portion and that is inserted into the tubular portion of the first terminal member, the second terminal member being fixed to the first terminal member through the engagement portion in the tubular portion and extending in an axial direction of the tubular portion. The engagement portion is positioned in a space between one surface and the other surface of the flange portion in the axial direction. |
| US08864512B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector including a housing, a plurality of conductive contacts arranged on the housing, an actuator provided to be rotatable for taking up first and second stations selectively and operative to cause each of the conductive contacts to come into press-contact with one of connecting terminals on the flat circuit device inserted into the housing with shifting from the first station to the second station and to release each of the conductive contacts from the press-contact with the connecting terminal with shifting from the second station to the first station, and an engaging member for engaging with the actuator to hold the same so that the actuator is prevented from being removed from the housing and for engaging with the flat circuit device inserted into the housing to hold the same so that the flat circuit device is prevented from getting out of the housing. |
| US08864511B2 |
Tube lamp and luminaire
Both ends of a lamp body are mounted on sockets of an apparatus body and a feeding unit configured to feed power to LEDs is provided on the back side facing the apparatus body of the lamp body. |
| US08864507B2 |
Electrical pop out device
An electrical pop out device has a shroud and an outlet housing. The outlet housing is sized to be placed inside the shroud. A guidance mechanism connects the outlet housing with the shroud. The guidance mechanism includes multiple rack gears and multiple pinion gears. The outlet housing is moveable with respect to the shroud along a direction defined by the rack gear. A spring connector electrically couples the shroud to the outlet housing. |
| US08864506B2 |
Cable connector with improved grounding plate
A cable connector includes an insulative housing including two sidewalls and a mating slot defined between the two sidewalls, and a plurality of terminals received in the insulative housing. The terminals include contacting portions exposed to the mating slot and connecting portions behind a rear end of the insulating housing. The two sidewalls are loaded with a first row and a second row of the plurality of terminals respectively. The first row includes signal terminals and grounding terminals. A grounding plate is inserted in the insulating housing and between two rows of terminals. The grounding plate defines resilient arms and connecting legs, the resilient arms slant to the first row and touch with the grounding terminals. |
| US08864505B2 |
Anti-electric shock power socket
An anti-electric shock power socket comprising a main housing body; a negative electrode holder, installed in the main housing body and connected to a negative electrode of a power supply for holding a negative prong of an inserted plug; a positive electrode holder, installed in the main housing body for holding a positive prong of an inserted plug, wherein the positive electrode holder is provided with an overlapping spring plate which can be pushed outward by the inserted positive prong; a positive conducting plate installed in the main housing body and connected to the positive electrode of the power supply. Only when the plug is correctly inserted, the overlapping spring in the positive electrode holder is driven so it overlaps with the positive conducting plate to be closed-circuited with the positive electrode so as to supply power to an electric appliance. |
| US08864498B1 |
Apparatus and method for drawing an object
A device for aiding a user in drawing an image of an object includes a clear plate and a frame fitting over the shoulders of the user and holding the plate at a location where the object can be drawn on a clear drawing medium attached to the plate while it is viewed through the clear plate and through the clear drawing medium. |
| US08864492B2 |
Reverse flow combustor duct attachment
A reverse flow combustor has an inlet end. A flowpath extends downstream from the inlet end through a turn. The turn directs the flowpath radially inward and reversing an axial flow direction. A large exit duct (LED) is along the turn. A small exit duct (SED) is along the turn and joined by a joint to a mounting structure to resist separation in a first axial direction. The joint comprises: a first surface on the SED facing partially radially inward; and a mounting feature engaging the first surface. |
| US08864483B2 |
Machine for manufacturing electrode tape
A machine for manufacturing an electrode tape is disclosed. The machine includes a conveyor, a conductive structure coil, an adhesive material supply unit and a curing unit. The conveyor includes a molding belt with at least one groove and a roller used to drive the molding belt. The conductive structure coil is adapted to provide a conductive structure to the at least one groove of the molding belt. The adhesive material supply unit is adapted to provide an adhesive material to a surface of the molding belt. The curing unit is adapted to cure the adhesive material provided on the surface of the molding belt into a film. |
| US08864482B2 |
Consumable assembly for use in extrusion-based layered deposition systems
A consumable assembly comprising a container portion configured to retain a supply of filament, a guide tube connected to the container portion, and a pump portion connected to the guide tube. |
| US08864481B2 |
Mold for casting polycrystalline silicon ingot, and silicon nitride powder for mold release material thereof, slurry containing silicon nitride powder for mold release layer thereof and mold release material for casting thereof
Mold for casting a polycrystalline silicon ingot, and a silicon nitride powder for a mold release material thereof, a slurry containing a silicon nitride power for a mold release layer thereof, and a mold release material for casting thereof. The present invention relates to a silicon nitride powder for a mold release material of a mold for casting a polycrystalline silicon ingot characterized in that the percentage of primary particles of granular crystals monodispersed in powders is not less than 95% in terms of the area ratio calculated by analysis of an SEM image. |
| US08864478B2 |
System and method for preloading a high stress area of a component
The exposure of components to high-pressure fluids can result in the application of high tensile stresses to those components, which may lead to reduced life. The preload system described herein helps to reduce the magnitude of those tensile stresses by providing a body and a plug. The body includes a first bore and a second bore. The first bore is configured to be exposed to high tensile stresses. The second bore includes a first engagement structure and a bottom surface near a first portion of the first bore. The plug includes a second engagement structure and a first end. The second engagement structure engages the first engagement structure to force the first end of the plug against the bottom surface of the bore. The force of the plug against the bottom surface of the bore applies a compressive preload to the first portion of the first bore. |
| US08864471B2 |
Gas turbine rotor with purge blades
A rotor for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of turbine blades extending radially outwardly of a rotor body. A plurality of purge blades are positioned to rotate with the rotor body, and to drive air radially outwardly toward the turbine blades. |
| US08864465B2 |
Test blade
The present invention relates to a test blade for a blade-release test. The blade is arranged in use to be mounted on a hub for rotation, and to be released therefrom by the action of a controlled explosion. The blade is arranged to receive at least one explosive charge and at least one detonator for detonating the charge. The blade further comprises a cut-through portion extending completely through the blade from a front face to a rear face, the cut-through portion also extending part way along the blade in an axial direction between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the blade. |
| US08864462B2 |
Wind turbine load mitigation device and port configuration
An active sensing system for wind turbines is described. The sensing system may include a plurality of ports, a local sensing device and a load mitigation device and may be operably coupled to a control system. The plurality of ports, local sensing device, and load mitigation device may be operably coupled and configured to monitor air pressure on wind turbine blades, determine if proper sensing operation is occurring, and eradicate an obstruction if proper sensing operation is being prevented by the obstruction. Associated methods performing the sensing and eradication of the obstruction including purging and deicing are disclosed. Wind turbines and wind turbine blades with the active sensing system are also described. |
| US08864459B2 |
Turbine casing assembly mounting pin
In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a turbine casing assembly is described. The turbine casing assembly includes an inner casing and an outer casing surrounding the inner casing. The outer casing has a first outer casing section and a second outer casing section that join together along a flange. A bolt extends through the flange and joins together the first outer casing section and the second outer casing section. The turbine casing assembly further includes a pin. The pin has a segment defining an opening therethrough. The pin extends through the inner casing and the outer casing and supports the inner casing relative to the outer casing. The bolt passes through the opening defined by the pin. |
| US08864458B2 |
Fixed vane assembly for a turbine engine having a reduced weight, and turbine engine comprising at least one such fixed vane assembly
A stationary vane assembly for a turbine engine including an inner casing and at least two angular sectors forming a high-pressure guide vane assembly, each angular sector including a fastening tab for fastening the angular sector on the casing. The stationary vane assembly including a ring of abradable material fixed on the casing, on the side of a mobile vane assembly using a plurality of screw-nut assemblies, the stationary vane assembly also including radial retaining pins for the angular sectors introduced into first bores formed in the fastening tabs and in the mounting clip, the bores having axes substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the mounting clip being fixed on the casing by the same screw-nut assemblies as those fixing the ring of abradable material support on the casing. |
| US08864455B2 |
Impulse wind machine
An impulse wind machine comprises the following: A funnel configured to capture air from the wind. A turbine housing configured to direct the air to the center (eye) of the housing where the air passes through directional vanes. A rotor configured to rotate within the eye of the turbine housing and configured with impulse blades along the longitudinal periphery. Air from the directional vanes impinges the impulse blades to cause rotor rotation. An exhaust deflector configured inside the cavity of the rotor to deflect exhaust air from the impulse blades axially out the ends of the rotor. Spokes on the rotor configured to provide a fan action during rotor rotation aiding removal of the exhaust air. A generator and a gearbox driven by a shaft connected to the rotor for generating electrical power. |
| US08864447B1 |
Low-profile, ceiling-mounted fan
A low-profile ceiling fan which utilizes a fan assembly in a horizontal configuration is herein disclosed. The fan includes an enclosure that mounts to the ceiling. The fan has a low-profile design for low ceilings as commonly found in basements, attics, patio enclosures, mobile homes, recreational vehicles and similar locations. The fan enclosure includes at least one fluorescent lamp mounted alongside the fan. Accessories such as heaters, security cameras, a remote control, and the like are available. The fan includes a heating element and a blower to distribute heated air. |
| US08864439B2 |
Tidal flow hydroelectric turbine
A hydroelectric turbine for the production of electricity from tidal flow forces, the turbine having a rotor with an open center such that the blades are mounted between an inner rim and outer rim, wherein retaining members and anti-friction members are provided to limit movement of the rotor relative to the housing in either axial direction, such that water flow in either direction operates the turbine, but wherein the retaining members and the anti-friction members allow the rotor to shift in either axial direction in response to water flow. The anti-friction members limiting rotor travel in the axial direction are preferably of increased thickness, such that as the anti-friction members wear down, the rotor is able to shift relative to the housing in the axial direction. |
| US08864434B2 |
System for moving objects in a storehouse
System for moving objects positioned in a closed space, includes at least one manipulator (3), adapted to grip and orient the objects in the desired positions and at least one overhead-travelling-crane mechanism (2), adapted to move said manipulator in the closed space in at least two different directions substantially horizontal.An electronic processing unit, controlled by an operator, is able to electronically and automatically determine the movements of the overhead-travelling-crane mechanism and of the manipulator. |
| US08864431B2 |
Screw capable of rapidly drilling and cutting
A screw capable of drilling and cutting includes two inclined cutting planes with a cutting edge formed on a convergence of the cutting planes. A tapered positioning member extends from the convergence of the cutting planes, where the cutting edge is divided into dual sub cutting edges by means of the positioning member. Each sub cutting edge has an inclined angle. An included angle included by the sub cutting edges is smaller than 180 degrees. Threads spiral on a shank and extend to the sub cutting edges. Setting the positioning member against on an object permits a steady performance during the first stage of screwing. Subsequently, the sub cutting edges provides a scraping effect on the object during drilling. Torque is reduced and drilling speed is promoted. |
| US08864426B2 |
Machine tool with floating carrier device
A machine tool is provided, comprising a machine frame, at least one carrier device for a tool or a workpiece by means of which a tool acting on a workpiece or a workpiece being acted upon by a tool is held during the machining of a workpiece, and a holding device holding the at least one carrier device in a non-movable or movable manner relative to the machine frame, wherein a bearing device is provided by means of which the at least one carrier device is mounted in a floating manner on the holding device with displaceability in a direction of displacement along a displacement path, and wherein an adjusting device is provided by means of which the position of the at least one carrier device along the displacement path can be adjusted and fixed. |
| US08864423B2 |
Geomembrane protective cover
A pond liner system includes a geomembrane liner (12), a binder (22) and a particulate (24). The geomembrane liner (12) has a submerged portion (14), an exposed portion (15) and an anchor portion (16). The binder (22) adheres to the exposed portion (15) of the geomembrane liner, and the particulate (24) adheres to the binder (22). A method of applying a protective cover to the exposed portion (15) of the geomembrane liner includes spraying the binder (22) onto the liner (12), allowing the binder (22) to partially cure, and spreading the particulate (24) over the partially cured binder (22). |
| US08864421B2 |
Structure lifting method and apparatus
A method of lifting a structure using one or more inflatable hoses is described. In one embodiment, a method of lifting a structure resting on the ground includes attaching a lift apparatus to the structure to the raised. An inflatable hose is introduced underneath the lift apparatus, with the inflatable hose being disposed between a bottom surface of the lift apparatus and the ground. The structure is then lifted by inflating the hose with pressurized media so that the hose increases in volume to impose an upward force on the lift apparatus which in turn lifts the structure. |
| US08864417B2 |
Methods of reel-laying a mechanically lined pipe
Methods of reel-laying a mechanically lined pipe (MLP) are described. These include the steps of: spooling the MLP (12) onto a reel (10) in the complete or substantial absence of internal pressure above ambient pressure in the MLP; spooling off the MLP from the reel; aligning and straightening the spooled off MLP, in the complete or substantial absence of internal pressure above ambient pressure, to provide an MLP for laying; and/or the steps of: spooling the MLP (12) onto a reel (10) resulting in the formation of wrinkles in the spooled MLP; spooling off the MLP from the reel; aligning and straightening the unspooled MLP to provide an MLP for laying having wrinkles <4 mm high, removing wrinkles, if any, while performing the hydrotest which is used to check fluid tightness of the line. By minimizing the size of the wrinkles and/or particularly selecting the liner of the MLP, the methods of the present invention allow safer, faster spooling and spooling off to be effected to provide safer, faster and more economical laying of an MLP. |
| US08864416B2 |
Seismic cable with adjustable buoyancy
A method for performing a seismic survey in a water column includes providing a length of flexible cable from a cable storage device disposed on a vessel to a cable handling device adjacent the cable storage device. The flexible cable comprises a specific gravity that is greater than a specific gravity of water in the water column. The method further comprises routing the flexible cable to pass adjacent a workstation disposed on the vessel, deploying a free end of the flexible cable into the water column, attaching at least one of a plurality of seismic sensor units to the cable as the cable passes the workstation, and controlling the motion of the vessel and the rotational speed of the cable handling device to allow the flexible cable to rest on the bottom of the water column. |
| US08864410B1 |
Screed walkway
A walkway for a screed includes a main walkway and an extender walkway coupled to the main walkway and an extender frame of the screed. The extender walkway is slidable relative to the main walkway along a sliding direction. Further, the extender walkway and the extender frame are pivotable relative to each other about a walkway pivot axis, the walkway pivot axis being substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction. |
| US08864408B1 |
Roadway barrier transfer apparatus
Compact, readily maneuverable apparatus for picking up and laterally transferring roadway barrier modules includes a vehicle for moving along a roadway barrier and elongated conveyors located at the sides of the vehicle, connected to the vehicle and pivotal between operative and inoperative positions. |
| US08864402B2 |
Refillable toothbrush and base assembly
A refillable toothbrush and base assembly having a handle assembly, a hinge assembly, a head assembly, brush assembly, a toothpaste cartridge assembly, and a base assembly. The brush assembly is removably mounted to the head assembly. When not in use, the refillable toothbrush assembly rests on the base. A hinge assembly is integrally mounted to the handle assembly. The toothpaste cartridge assembly includes a toothpaste cartridge with an end cap, a plunger and a plunger actuator having a knob. The brush assembly has an internal channel. Upon the rotation of the knob, the toothpaste is forced to travels through the toothpaste cartridge assembly to exit at the brush. A user may rotate the head assembly, with the brush assembly mounted thereto, to a position where the brush assembly is housed within a channel and a cavity disposed at the handle assembly. |
| US08864395B2 |
Medium feeding apparatus with adjustable edge guide
A medium feeding apparatus includes: a placement portion on which a medium is placed; a feeding unit which feeds the fed medium placed on the placement portion in a feeding direction; an edge guide which makes contact with the medium placed on the placement portion at a side edge in a width direction so as to determine a position of the medium in the width direction; and an adjustment unit which displaces at least a part of the edge guide such that a contact portion of the edge guide with the medium is placed on a line along the feeding direction so as to adjust a posture of the medium with respect to the feeding direction. |
| US08864393B2 |
Media advance
Calibrating a media drive, comprising advancing media with a media drive while detecting media advances within the printer, determining an error in the media advances, and calibrating the media drive so as to at least partly compensate for the determined error. |
| US08864392B2 |
Camera system
A camera system includes a body defining a cavity therein, and a camera attached to the body within the cavity and including a lens. The camera system also includes a shape memory alloy transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a thermal activation signal, and a wiper configured for wiping debris from the lens. The wiper is attached to the camera and is actuatable by the shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy transitions between the first state and the second state to actuate the wiper so that the wiper contacts and translates across the lens and thereby wipes debris from the lens. |
| US08864388B2 |
Faceplate apparatus and system for coupling to an electronic device
A system includes an external faceplate including a blind-mate connector and a swing arm removably connected to the blind-mate connector. The swing arm secures the blind-mate connector to an electronic device. |
| US08864386B2 |
Roller bearing and cage for a roller bearing
A roller bearing comprises an inner ring, an outer ring and an annular cage. The annular cage retains and guides at least one roller body. The annular cage comprises at least one pocket for retaining the roller body and at least one retaining rim disposed on one axial end of the pocket. The retaining rim extends at least in the radial direction relative to a main body of the cage. |
| US08864385B2 |
Rolling bearing comprising a sealing gasket and an annular shield
This rolling bearing comprises an outer ring (4), an inner ring (6), rolling bodies (10) arranged between the outer ring and the inner ring, one a sealing gasket (20) mounted on a first ring (4) and extending towards the second ring (6), to the extent that a sealing edge (26) of said sealing gasket is in sliding contact with the second ring. An annular shield (50) is mounted on the second ring (62) and extends radially towards the first ring (4). This shield (50) is provided with at least one annular lip (58) in sliding contact with a lateral face (28) of the sealing gasket (20). |
| US08864372B2 |
Device for measuring the temperature of water covering a road surface
A device for measuring the temperature of water covering a road surface includes a member for measuring water temperature and channelling means for channelling the water covering the road surface. The channelling means includes a measuring chamber for measuring the temperature of the water covering the road surface. The measuring member includes a temperature measuring head situated in the measuring chamber. The device also includes driving means for driving the device over the road surface, the means being arranged in such a way that the temperature measuring head is situated at some distance from the road surface. |
| US08864371B2 |
Wireless lance
A system for wirelessly obtaining a measurement of a characteristic of a molten metal is disclosed. The system includes a contact block configured to be operatively coupled to a first end of a substantially hollow lance holder. The contact block is detachably and electrically coupled to and receives analog signals from a measurement sensor. The contact block converts the received analog signals into ultrasonic signals and transmits the ultrasonic signals through the hollow of the lance holder. A receiver block is configured to be operatively coupled to a second end of the lance holder. The second end is opposite the first end of the lance holder. The receiver block receives the ultrasonic signals from the contact block and converts the received ultrasonic signals into a digital voltage signal. |
| US08864359B1 |
Ultrathin lighting element
An ultra thin lighting element including at least one light source (1b). A lightguide element (2c) includes one lightguide layer comprising a plurality of discrete fine optic surface relief structures (3e) on at least one portion of at least one surface. Each surface relief structure (3e) includes basic structural features on the order of about 10 microns or less in height, and on the order of about 10 microns or less in each lateral dimension. The number, arrangement and size of each surface relief structure (3e) and height and lateral dimensions of the structural features of the surface relief structures (3e) being varied to provide a desired degree of outcoupling modulation of light incoupled into the light guide element. |
| US08864349B2 |
Illuminated motorcycle exhaust apparatus
An illuminated motorcycle exhaust apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the illuminated motorcycle exhaust apparatus includes a light assembly housing sized to be removeably coupled to a distal end of a motorcycle exhaust. A thermally insulated light assembly is coupled to the light assembly housing, the thermally insulated light assembly is capable of providing a brake indicator function, a running light function, and a turn indicator function. An optional insertable motorcycle exhaust tip is sized to be removeably insertable into the light assembly housing so that a distal end portion of the motorcycle exhaust tip extends from the light assembly housing. |
| US08864347B2 |
Concatenatable linear LED lighting fixtures
An illustrative modular light fixture apparatus may comprise a plurality of modules, each having a base component and a cover component. The base component has a split vertical male plug positioned within a cylindrical recess, and a cylindrical female receptacle formed at an opposite end thereof. The cylindrical female receptacle and split male plug are so configured such that the female receptacle of one module will snap fittingly or otherwise interconnect with the split male plug of another module. The cover component has respective pairs of rectangular openings on first and second sides thereof configured to snap fittingly engage respective tabs on the sides of the base component as the cover component is pushed downwardly over the base component to thereby attach the cover component to the base component. |
| US08864343B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device comprises: a surface light source for a surface-emission; a CPC lens having a light receiving surface, a side reflective surface, and a light emitting surface, the light receiving surface receiving a part of light from the surface light source, the side reflective surface reflecting the light from the light receiving surface, and the light emitting surface facing the light receiving surface and emitting the light; and a reflector containing the surface light source and the CPC lens, and having a concaved reflective surface for reflecting forward the light deviating the light receiving surface from the surface light source, wherein a ratio of a illumination area of the surface light source to an area of the light receiving surface of the CPC lens is not less than 0.63 and not more than 2.93. |
| US08864335B2 |
Illuminating device, display device, and television receiving device
Provided is an illuminating device that is capable of improving use efficiency of cooling fluid used for cooling LEDs. An illuminating device (4) includes LEDs (13), a chassis (14) including a holding surface (14b) on which the LEDs are arranged in a matrix, cooling members (20) that are disposed on the chassis at positions associated with positions of the LEDs, each of the members including a channel (20a) inside, through which cooling fluid runs and a valve (21) opening and closing the channel, a radiator (22) performing heat exchange between the fluid and air, a pump (24) connected to the members and the radiator by pipes (25, 26) and circulating the fluid, an LED control unit (43) controlling driving of the LEDs, and cooling-member control units (44) controlling driving of the valves of the members associated with the LEDs based on the driving of the LEDs. |
| US08864334B2 |
LED lighting assembly and method of lighting for a merchandise display
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a lighting assembly and method for illuminating a vertical planar area, such as a merchandise display. The lighting assembly can comprise a circuit board having a plurality of LEDs arranged in a substantially straight line and an LED driver circuit, and an integral lens assembly. The integral lens assembly can have a plurality of lenses and each of the plurality of lenses can be placed over a corresponding one of the plurality of LEDs. The lenses capture the light from the respective LED, modify its beam pattern, and re-project the light such that the light emitted from the lighting assembly is distributed substantially evenly in a vertical plane or direction. |
| US08864329B2 |
Transfer apparatus for cell made organic light-emitting diode display device
An organic light-emitting (OLED) display panel cell transfer apparatus that includes: a base; a scribing table to cut OLED display panel sticks into cells; a cell transfer unit disposed above the base, to transfer the cells from the scribing table to a loading location; a first shuttle to receive the cells from the cell transfer unit, at the loading location, and to transfer the cells from the loading location to a testing location; and a second shuttle to receive the cells from the cell transfer unit, at the loading location, and to transfer the cells from the loading location to the testing location. |
| US08864326B2 |
Adjustable light for underwater photography
An underwater diving light has a rotatable front filter ring for selecting light filtration as needed for underwater still or video photography conditions. The filter ring is removable and interchangeable with different rings. Another important feature is efficient cooling of the LEDs and other internal electronics of the diving light assembly. The water is in contact with a metallic front face that conducts heat directly away from a metal core circuit board carrying the LED array or arrays. In one form of the diving light water channels are provided so that the ambient water can enter the assembly to spaces behind the LCD circuit board to efficiently cool the LEDs and associated electronics. The front plate assembly can be removable, for rinsing the internal cooling cavities, for interchange with different front face assemblies, and for air travel when the LCDs must be removed from driving electronics for safety concerns. |
| US08864322B2 |
Shaped rearview mirror assembly
A rearview mirror assembly is provided that includes a front substrate having a first surface and a second surface, a rear substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface, wherein the front substrate and the rear substrate define a cavity, a perimeter seal between the front substrate and the rear substrate, an electro-optic medium disposed in the cavity between the front substrate and the second substrate and bounded by the perimeter seal, wherein the front substrate and the second substrate have a shaped edge having continuously arcuate shape, and wherein an interface the first substrate and the second substrate is approximately 1 mm or less from an outermost portion of the rearview mirror assembly. |
| US08864321B2 |
Controlling transitions in optically switchable devices
A controller or control method may be designed or configured to operate without information about the current temperature of the device and/or the device's environment. Further, in some cases, the controller or control method is designed or configured to control transition of an optical device to an intermediated state between two end states. For example, the controller may be configured to control a transition to a state of transmissivity that is intermediate between two end states of transmissivity. In such case, the device has three or more stable states of transmissivity. |
| US08864317B2 |
Projection display
A projection display satisfies formulas {(4FR′)/(W′TphR)}≧0.015 and W′≦0.5, where: F is an F-number of a projection lens; W′ is a diagonal size (inch number) of a light modulation element; ph is a pixel count in one side direction of the light modulation element; T is a throw ratio of the projection display (=a projection distance s/a distance L in the one side direction of a projected image on a projection plane); R is a radius of an exit pupil of the projection lens; I is an integrated light quantity obtained by, in a light quantity distribution in the exit pupil, radially integrating the light quantity up to the radius R; and I′(=I/2) is an integrated light quantity obtained by, in the light quantity distribution in the exit pupil, radially integrating the light quantity up to a predetermined radius R′ about barycenter of the light quantity distribution. |
| US08864310B2 |
Systems and methods for evaluating human eye tracking
Systems and methods are disclosed for evaluating human eye tracking. One method includes receiving data representing the location of and/or information tracked by an individual's eye or eyes before, during, or after the individual performs a task; identifying a temporal phase or a biomechanical phase of the task performed by the individual; identifying a visual cue in the identified temporal phase or biomechanical phase; and scoring the tracking of the individual's eye or eyes by comparing the data to the visual cue. |
| US08864300B2 |
Label producing apparatus and tape cartridge
This disclosure discloses a label producing apparatus comprising: an apparatus housing; a roll holder arranged on said apparatus housing that detachably mounts thereon a tape roll winding a label producing tape; an optical detecting device that optically detects a plurality of detection mark formed at a predetermined interval along a peripheral direction of a detected body provided so as to rotate at an angular velocity in coordination with an angular velocity of said tape roll on a side of said tape roll mounted to said roll holder or on a side of said apparatus housing; a residual amount identifying portion that identifies a residual tape amount of said tape roll based on a detection result of said optical detecting device; and a residual amount related information output portion that outputs residual amount related information related to said residual tape amount identified to a display device. |
| US08864298B2 |
Water-based ink for ink-jet recording, ink cartridge, ink-jet recording apparatus, and ink-jet recording method
There is provided a water-based ink for inkjet recording, including: a self-dispersible pigment modified by carboxylic acid group; glycerol; diethylene glycol; alkylene glycol monoalkyl ether; and water, wherein the glycerol and the diethylene glycol satisfy the following condition (i): 0.24≦DEG/(Gly+DEG)≦0.92 (i) in the condition (i), Gly represents an amount of the glycerol in the water-based ink (% by weight); and DEG represents an amount of the diethylene glycol in the water-based ink (% by weight). |
| US08864294B1 |
Container for delivering solid-ink pellets
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for supplying solid-ink pellets from a container to an image-forming device. The system includes a delivery tube within the container, with one or more openings to receive solid-ink pellets from the container. An agitating structure coupled to the delivery tube disturbs the solid ink pellets. The movement of the delivery tube moves the agitating structure, resulting in disturbing the solid-ink pellets and maintaining flowability of the pellets to the image-forming device. |
| US08864289B2 |
Drop detection
A drop detector assembly is provided including an ejection element to eject a fluid drop, a light guide to selectively receive light scattered off of the fluid drop, and a light detector formed in the light guide to detect light received by the light guide. |
| US08864283B1 |
System and method for visually detecting defective inkjets in an inkjet imaging apparatus
A method of printer operation enables visual detection of defective inkjets. The method includes operating inkjets in a predetermined number of printheads that eject a same color of ink to form a test pattern having three portions. One portion is printed by the even-numbered inkjets in each printhead, one portion is printed by the odd-numbered inkjets in each printhead, and a third portion is printed by all of the inkjets in each printhead. The portions are printed immediately adjacent to one another in a process direction with the third portion between the other two portions. |
| US08864279B2 |
Printing device
A communicating section communicates with a memory element of each of first cartridges via first mount sections. The communicating section has first terminals and second terminals. First signal lines connect the first terminals with the first mount sections. Second signal lines connect the second terminals with the first mount sections. The first mount sections form a plurality of groups. The first mount sections in each group are connected in common with one of the first terminals via a corresponding first signal line. The first mount sections in one group are connected with the second terminals that are different from each other via respective second signal lines. Each of the second terminals is connected with one of the first mount sections in one group and with one of the first mount sections in another group via a corresponding second signal line. |
| US08864278B2 |
Detecting potential collision damage to printhead
A method of printing on a recording medium using a printhead having a printhead face that includes an array of marking elements, the method includes advancing the recording medium along a medium advance direction toward a printing region; detecting with a sensor whether a portion of the recording medium is positioned such that it would be in a collision path with the printhead face if the recording medium is advanced into the printing region; and advancing the recording medium into the printing region for printing if it is detected that the recording medium would not be in a collision path with the printhead face. |
| US08864277B2 |
Authentication systems and methods
In an embodiment, an authentication system includes a base unit to receive a replaceable supply device, a controller integrated into the base unit, known characteristic data accessible by the controller, and an authentication algorithm executable on the controller to authenticate the supply device if a known characteristic measured on the supply device matches the known characteristic data. |
| US08864275B2 |
System for detecting leakage of phase change inks
A printing apparatus includes a printhead module having an ink leakage detector to detect a leaked phase change ink. The ink leakage detector includes a plurality of resistance temperature detectors or resistive thermal devices to detect the leaked phase change ink. A horizontally mounted overdriven thermistor can also be used to detect leaked ink. |
| US08864271B2 |
Medium transportation device and recording apparatus
A pair of transportation rollers is configured such that a transportation driven roller is disposed at a position which is displaced downstream with respect to a position vertically above a transportation driving roller and feeds out the paper sheet guiding in obliquely downward direction. The entering direction of the paper sheet fed out from the pair of transportation rollers is determined so as to intersect the plane of the holding surface of the support table. A translucent glass that serves as a detection window of an imaging unit disposed at a position opposite to the paper sheet with respect to the holding surface is located downstream in the transportation direction with respect to an intersection position between the entering direction of the paper sheet and the holding surface. Specifically, the translucent glass is located in the proximity of an abutment position where the paper sheet abuts against the holding surface. |
| US08864270B2 |
Method to execute a pause function during printing operation in an ink print apparatus
In a method to execute a pause function of an ink printing system wherein a printing substrate web is printed with a printing unit with print bars having print heads, a real value of a web tension of the printing substrate web is measured with a web tension sensor. In a printing operation the real value of the web tension is regulated to a predetermined desired operating value of the web tension. With triggering of the pause function, the web tension is further regulated by modifying the desired value of the web tension so that the printing substrate web assumes a position at the print heads after an end of the pause function that it had before a beginning of the pause function. After the end of the pause function, the real value of the web tension is regulated again to the desired operating value of the web tension. |
| US08864262B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a correction section maintains a predetermined voltage range in which a displacement is greater than a predetermined ratio as a drive voltage range from a relationship between each voltage and the displacement when a reference waveform having a process that changes the voltage from a first voltage to a second voltage having a voltage difference and a process that changes the voltage from the second voltage to the first voltage is supplied by making the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage constant and changing the first voltage and the second voltage, and wherein the correction section changes the drive waveform into a drive waveform having a minimum voltage and a maximum voltage defined within the drive voltage range. |
| US08864260B1 |
EPROM structure using thermal ink jet fire lines on a printhead
An integrated circuit (IC) erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) structure for a thermal inkjet printhead includes: a fire line to provide fire line data; a select line to provide selecting data; a firing cell coupled to the fire line; an EPROM cell coupled to the fire line; a selector cell coupled to the select line, the firing cell and the EPROM cell; and a data switching circuit to provide address data to the firing cell or the EPROM cell. The data switching circuit and the selector cell selectively enable transfer of the fire line data from the fire line to the firing cell or the EPROM cell as a function of state of the selecting data on the select line and the address data from the data switching circuit. |
| US08864256B2 |
Image processing apparatus for processing multivalue image data in an area corresponding to an overlapped portion of nozzle arrays
When distributing image data of a plurality of planes to a first chip and a second chip that constitute the same overlapped portion of a connected head, a distribution method is changed for at least a part of the plurality of planes. |
| US08864254B2 |
Multi-function system for erasing media printed with thermo-reactive ink
What is disclosed is a multi-function system which receives media printed with ink having thermo-reactive properties and which processes the received media such that the ink becomes visually transparent. One embodiment of the present system comprises an input tray for receiving printed media into a transport path along which the media travels. A heating element resides in proximity to that transport path for changing a temperature T of the media to T≧TH. In various embodiments, a temp-normalizing element is positioned along the transport path downstream of the heating element for changing a temperature of the media such that the media's temperature T can be normalized back to a temperature range TL< |
| US08864251B2 |
Hydrophilic structures for condensation management in refrigerator appliances
A refrigerator appliance that includes a freezer compartment having a freezer compartment door, and a refrigeration compartment having at least one refrigeration compartment door. The appliance further includes a mullion with an exterior surface. The mullion divides the compartments and the exterior surface directs condensation toward a transfer point. The appliance may also include a cabinet that houses the compartments and has two sides, each with an exterior surface. Further, at least one exterior surface directs condensation toward a transfer point. |
| US08864247B2 |
Braking system for a utility vehicle that can be pneumatically coupled to a trailer, and method for operating such a braking system in the event of defects
A braking system is provided for a commercial vehicle that can be pneumatically coupled to a trailer. The system includes at least one electronic control unit, and a valve device that can be electrically connected by the at least one electronic control unit. The at least one valve device builds up pressure for the trailer braking system when connected, causing the trailer to brake. A throttle is arranged in a trailer control line. The throttle limits a pressure drop at the control inlet of a relay valve in the event of a leakage downstream of the throttle. A method for controlling a brake system is also provided. |
| US08864242B2 |
Vehicle wheel with decorative attachments
A vehicle wheel includes a rim portion, a hub portion, a plurality of spokes and a plurality of decorative attachments. Each pair of adjacent spokes defines a window therebetween. The plurality of decorative attachments are secured to the wheel and each define a plurality of rearwardly extending boss portions. Each boss portion abuts the wheel. In certain applications, the boss portions may be received within a respective countersunk hole in the wheel and engaged by a fastener for securing the decorative attachment to the wheel. A free end of each of the boss portions abuts a bottom of its respective countersunk hole and the decorative attachment is otherwise spaced from the wheel to reduce noise issues. Alternatively, the ends of the boss portion may be spaced from the wheel and drawn toward the wheel with the threaded fasteners. |
| US08864239B2 |
Vehicle seat back rest structure
Disclosed is a back rest structure for vehicle seats and a method for manufacturing the same. The back rest structure has a back panel element and a seat back frame element fixed to each other, where at least one of the back panel element or the seat back frame element is provided of a thermoplastic composite material comprising a thermoplastic compound material and a reinforcement material, wherein with respect to the thermoplastic material the reinforcement material represents 50 wt-% or more than 50 wt-%. |
| US08864233B2 |
Tattoo chair
A tattoo chair includes a backrest, a seat, a brace for supporting the seat, and a base for allowing the chair to stand stably. The lower end of the backrest is rotatably attached to the inner side of the seat. A supporting fixed plate is provided under the bottom surface of the seat. At least one fixed gear rack is mounted from top to bottom on the rear surface of the backrest. A supporting rod is provided on the supporting fixed plate. One end of the supporting rod is rotatably attached to the supporting fixed plate, and the other end is put into one of grooves of the gear rack on the rear surface of the backrest. |
| US08864227B2 |
Seat device comprising an energy absorption unit
The invention is directed to a method for absorbing energy in a motor vehicle seat in the case of a collision etc., and to an energy-absorption device for implementing said method.The method comprises the step of providing a removable deformation element in or at the vehicle seat, preferably in a space thereto provided in the fitting provided for inclining the backrest of the vehicle seat. The energy-absorption device implemented as the deformation element comprises at least one deformation portion which is deformable in a collision, thus absorbing energy.The invention is also directed to a fitting for inclining the backrest, the fitting having a space for mounting the deformation element.The invention is in especially provided to avoid in particular damages to the nape of the neck in the case of collisions from the rear. By use of a separate releasable deformation element certain information on the collision forces is made available, which facilitates deciding whether to replace or to re-use the vehicle seat. |
| US08864224B2 |
Vehicle seat
Provided is a vehicle seat capable of reliably moving a seat cushion or a seat back to a folded position by remote control without deformation or the like of an armrest. A vehicle seat has a seat cushion, a seat back, and an armrest movable between a use position and a stowed position, in which at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back is movable from a seated position to a folded position, and a remote control restraint element for restraining movement of the movable seat cushion or the movable seat back in the direction of the folded position when the armrest is at the use position is provided. |
| US08864223B2 |
Quad chair having a tray assembly and method of using
A collapsible quad chair has a frame selectively moveable between a collapsed configuration of the chair and a use configuration of the chair, and a fabric frame cover attachable to the frame to define a back portion and a seat portion of the chair. A support is coupled to the frame and a plate is mounted on the support. The plate is sized and shaped to provide a user sitting in the chair with a surface suitable for allowing the user to rest a dish of food while eating a meal while sitting in the chair. |
| US08864221B1 |
Folding massage chair
A folding massage chair that includes a chair with attached front and rear support frames. The chair includes a seat portion and a backing portion, and also includes a massage and heating pad that is placed over the seat portion and a backing portion. The massage and heating pad includes a number of heating units and heating coils, along with a number of vibrator units. The chair also includes a cup holder and a music player holder, along with a foot rest attached to the front support frame. The chair also has a canopy that is attached to the backing portion. |
| US08864219B2 |
Method for connecting two objects and panel using said method
In a method for connecting two objects, comprising applying to at least one of said objects a volume of an adhesive of the type which, when cured, is flexible and thereafter a step of bringing the other of said objects in contact with said volume of adhesive, there is the additional step of, before applying said volume of adhesive, providing a stiffening device extending from and attached to the object to which said volume is to be applied and with a height which is less than the height of the completed volume of adhesive, after which additional step the volume of adhesive is applied around said stiffening device. |
| US08864218B2 |
Vehicular ceiling assembly and vehicular roof assembly
A vehicular ceiling assembly includes a ceiling board, a functional component, a bracket including a mount and a shock absorber. The bracket is mounted to an upper surface of the ceiling board to fix the functional component to the ceiling board. The bracket is arranged such that the mount is positioned above the functional component in a vehicle height direction and the shock absorber is in contact with a lower surface of a roof of the vehicle. |
| US08864217B2 |
Panel element for arrangement on a water box of a motor vehicle body
A panel element is provided for arrangement on a water box of a front wall of a motor vehicle body, with a fastening edge for forming a fastening of the panel element arranged upstream of the water box in travelling direction of the motor vehicle and adjoining the water box and with at least one water-conducting depression for the controlled discharge of accumulating water. |
| US08864216B2 |
Reinforced body in white and method of making and using the same
A structural body of a vehicle can comprises: a hollow metal component comprising walls that define a channel, wherein the metal component has a metal component length, and wherein the metal component is selected from the group consisting of beam, rail, pillar, chassis, floor rocker, and cross-bar, combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing; and a plastic-metal hybrid reinforcement having a cavities therethrough, and a metal support having greater than or equal to 3 walls forming a support channel. The plastic element is located in the support channel wherein the reinforcement is located in the component channel. |
| US08864214B2 |
Air-conducting system
An air-conducting system for a tractor and/or trailer is described, wherein at least one of the vehicles has a wind deflector. The problem addressed by the invention was to improve the aerodynamic drag of tractors and/or trailers. The problem is solved according to the invention by an air-conducting system in which the wind deflector is arranged at the rear of the trailer and/or at the rear and/or in the front region of the tractor and can be adjusted depending on the driving speed. |
| US08864212B2 |
Drive units for tarpaulin cover systems
Various configurations of drive units for tarpaulin cover systems, particularly for use on vehicle bodies, are disclosed. Exemplary drive units include a gear arrangement configured to attach to an upper perimeter section of an open-top structure and at least one motion initiating device coupled to the gear arrangement. The gear arrangement can include a left spur gear attached to a left cable holder/pulley and a right spur gear attached to a right cable holder/pulley. A motion initiating device is configured to impart a force that initiates rotation of the left spur gear and the right spur gear in opposite directions and movement (i.e. retraction and extension) of a tarpaulin coupled to the gear arrangement. The motion initiating device can be either a crank, which is driven manually, or a motor, which is driven electrically. In other configurations, at least two bevel gears or at least one secondary spur gear are coupled to the motion initiating device. |
| US08864211B2 |
Wind deflector for a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle with such a deflector
A wind deflector system for a motor vehicle having an end segment for limiting extension of the wind deflector system at the top in the vertical direction, a flexible planar structure fastened to ends of the end segment, and a winding shaft for holding the wound-on planar structure. At least one swivel arm is provided, by means of which the wind deflector system can be transferred from a stowed position to a functioning position with a raised end segment, and a retainer is provided on the planar structure which is arranged, at least when in the functioning position, such that, together with the swivel arm, it restricts mobility of the planar structure relative to the swivel arm in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The system is effective for avoiding the formation of creases in the wound-up planar structure of the wind deflector system. |
| US08864207B2 |
Mobile vending trailer
A mobile vending trailer is provided. In at least one embodiment, a solar-powered mobile vending apparatus includes: a portable chassis; a housing; at least one vending machine configured to be stored and transported in the housing; a solar panel array configured to capture sunlight and convert the captured sunlight into electricity, thereby to provide solar power to the vending machine; a plurality of batteries configured for charge from the electricity generated from the solar panel array in order to provide power to the at least one vending machine; a controller configured to control the solar panel array and the plurality of batteries; and at least one lift configured to lower and raise the vending machine. The solar-powered mobile vending apparatus is adapted for use both off-grid and on-grid. In various embodiments, the apparatus also includes one or more of a wind turbine, generator, inverter, and combiner. |
| US08864203B1 |
Pipe lifting system and method
A pipe lifting system including a lift bushing having a first outer surface, a second outer surface, a shoulder interconnecting the first and second outer surfaces, an inner bore extending from a first end surface to a second end surface, and a fastening mechanism operatively associated with the first outer surface or the second outer surface. The lift bushing is dimensioned to be inserted through a flange hole in a flange of a pipe to facilitate lifting of the pipe. The shoulder engages a shoulder of the flange hole. The fastening mechanism retains the lift bushing within the flange hole. The lift bushing is capable of remaining within the flange hole when the flange is attached to a flange of another pipe. The pipe lifting system may also include a shackle assembly capable of selectively engaging the inner bore of the lift bushing. |
| US08864202B1 |
Spring retained end effector contact pad
An end effector is disclosed for use in substrate processing. The end effector includes a effector body portion, a contact pad pocket formed in the end effector body, a spring retaining pocket formed in the end effector body adjacent the contact pad pocket and extending to an edge of the end effector body, and a pair of through-holes extending from the spring retaining pocket to the contact pad pocket. The end effector can include a contact pad seated within the contact pad pocket, the contact pad having at least one retaining channel formed therein, and a retaining spring having a pair of retaining arms extending from the retaining spring pocket through the through-holes and into the contact pad pocket. The retaining arms may extend at least partially into the at least one retaining channel of the contact pad and may thereby restrict movement of the contact pad. |
| US08864194B2 |
Adjustable strike
The invention relates to an adjustable strike having a striker plate, an end cap removably attached to an end of the striker plate, and the end cap having a first protrusion and a second protrusion, each for attaching the end cap with a door frame. The end cap also has a tab for removably attaching the striker plate with the end cap. The invention also relates to a method of providing the adjustable strike. |
| US08864191B2 |
Device for actuating the closure of a movable part
The invention relates to a device (10) for actuating the closure of a movable part (12) of a motor vehicle, in particular a door, or hatchback, or similar, comprising a support (11) that can be fixed to the inner face of the movable part (12), a bearing unit (20) that can be pivoted about a first axis (13) provided on the support (11) and a handle element (40) with a first (41) and a second end (42), said first and second end (41, 42) being located on the bearing unit (20). According to the invention, the bearing unit (20) is equipped with a retaining element (24) which lies at a distance from the first axis (13) and on which the first end (41) is situated. Said first end (41) at least partially surrounds the retaining element (24). |
| US08864182B2 |
Coupling device
A coupling device may increase the integrity of a pipe joint. The coupling device may include a first pipe encircling device and a second pipe encircling device connected across the pipe joint by a spanning element. The pipe encircling device may be made up of at least two approximately c-shaped segments. The multi-part nature of the pipe encircling devices may facilitate installation of the coupling device at an excavation site. |
| US08864179B2 |
Pipe coupling apparatus
A pipe coupling apparatus for simultaneously connecting and locking together pipe couplings comprising a plurality of sockets and plugs. The pipe coupling apparatus includes a socket-side unit having a plurality of sockets and a plug-side unit having a plurality of plugs. Each socket is provided with locking elements, and each plug is provided with an engagement groove. When the plug is inserted into the socket, the locking elements enter the engagement groove. A sleeve is provided displaceably between a locking completion position where it holds the locking elements from coming out of the engagement groove to lock the socket and the plug to each other and a retracted position separated from the locking completion position. A locking confirmation plate is displaceable from a locking unconfirmed position to a locking confirmed position when all the sleeves are at the locking completion position, thereby allowing confirmation of the completion of locking. |
| US08864178B2 |
Apparatus for quick connects used in a computing system environment
A protective sleeve for quick connect fittings and couplings of a computer system environment. In one embodiment, a protective sleeve with a hollow center is provided that once disposed around the quick connect fittings will protect against leakage of liquids flowing into quick connect fittings during mating and unmating of them. The sleeve comprises an actuation collar area that extends over unmated portion of the quick connect fitting and a flare area disposed over the actuation collar to provide an additional gripping area for actuating the quick connect fitting. |
| US08864176B2 |
Mud flap lifting system
A mud flap lifter system wherein the rigid upper portion of a bi-fold mud flap is actuated to rotate and thereby raise upwardly the upper portion so as to draw upwards the rigid lower portion hinged to the upper portion. The upper portion rotates relative to the lower portion about a hinge line between the upper and lower edges of the lower and upper portions respectively. The upper and lower portions may be substantially planar. |
| US08864168B2 |
Passenger protection apparatus
A seat belt is wound up in a passenger protection apparatus. An airbag to be inflatable is at a position of a shoulder belt of the seat belt by being folded like a belt in the passenger protection apparatus. The passenger protection apparatus includes a fabric member which configures a bag-like member of the airbag and a partition wall fabric. The partition wall fabric has portions respectively connected to first and second parts of the fabric member and partitions an inside of the bag-like member into a central inflatable portion and supporting inflatable portions each of which is located between a passenger-side surface of the fabric member and a fabric formed of the central inflatable portion. The first and second parts configure inner surface of the bag-like member and hold the seat belt. The second part is configured to face a passenger and opposite to the first part. |
| US08864166B2 |
Travel seat engaging system
A travel seat locking system including a seat comprising a front seating surface, an exterior back surface, left and right sides, and left and right retractable securing projections extending from the left and right sides. A stroller is provided comprising a frame having at least one front leg, at least one rear leg, and a passenger seating area. A pair of left and right seat securing members are connected to the frame and have a slot for releasable engagement with the left and right retractable securing projections of the seat. An actuator control is connected to the left and right seat securing members. Actuation of the actuator control withdraws the left and right retractable securing projections toward an interior of the seat to release the locking engagement between the left and right retractable securing projections of the seat and the left and right seat securing members of the stroller. |
| US08864163B1 |
Cart assembly for fence netting
A fence netting cart assembly, suitable for both deploying and picking up a length of fence netting, including fence netting with integral posts fastened to the fence netting at regular intervals. The fence netting cart assembly includes a frame member with a pair of wheel members each on opposite sides thereof, with each wheel member rotatably attached to the frame member. The frame member includes a support section between the wheel members and a tongue section extending from the frame member. A pair of spaced apart rod members are secured to the support section. The support section with spaced apart rod members is adapted for removably supporting folded fence netting. |
| US08864161B2 |
Vehicle having a swivel wheel
A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. A rider handle, in the first mode, may be configured to be rotationally coupled with the stem in a manner permitting a tricycle rider to exert forces on the rider handle and thereby turn the fork, and the rider handle in the second mode, being configured to be rotationally uncoupled from the stem, preventing forces on the rider handle from turning the fork. At least one rotation restrictor may be included for preventing the frost wheel from turning to a position where the front wheel axis leads the fork axis, and for maintaining the front wheel axis in a position trailing the fork axis both when the tricycle is propelled by a tricycle rider in the first mode and when the tricycle is pushed from behind in the second mode. |
| US08864159B2 |
Bicycle frame
A bicycle frame having a first frame section carrying a handle bar assembly and a front wheel assembly; a second frame section carrying a crank unit and a rear wheel assembly; a first primary connecting arm carried by said first frame section being received into a second primary connecting arm carried by said second frame section, wherein said first primary connecting arm is telescopically carried by said second primary connecting arm for extending and retracting said first frame section relative to said second frame section; a mounting plate included in said second frame section extending over said rear wheel assembly; a plate suspension member included in said second frame section connecting said mounting plate to said rear wheel assembly for controlling relative motion between said mounting plate and said rear wheel assembly. A rider platform is carried by said mounting plate for accommodating a rider. |
| US08864157B2 |
Rear portion structure for a saddle type vehicle
A rear portion structure for a saddle vehicle includes a wide accommodation space for accommodating parts therein while improving the foot grounding property of a rider. A rear fender of a motorcycle has a bottom wall disposed on the inner side of a rear frame in the vehicle widthwise direction, and left and right side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall. An accommodation space for accommodating a part therein is formed from the bottom wall and the left and right side walls. Left and right first bending portions which individually extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and at which the left and right side walls can individually be bent with respect to the bottom wall are formed between the bottom wall and the left and right side walls. The left and right side walls are inclined inwardly and upwardly along the inner side of the rear frame. |
| US08864139B2 |
Non-contact labyrinth seal assembly
A non-contact labyrinth seal assembly includes a carrier having cylindrical outer flange with an annular leg extending inwardly therefrom. An elastomeric body is attached to the leg. The body has a first pair of seal lips extending radially inwardly in diverging relation from one another and a second pair of seal lips spaced radially outwardly from the first pair of seal lips. The second pair of seal lips includes radially outermost and a radially innermost seal lips. The radially outermost seal lip has a cylindrical inner surface and an inner surface of the radially innermost seal lip has a first portion extending substantially parallel to the cylindrical inner surface to form an annular channel and a second portion extending radially outwardly to an innermost lip free end that is radially aligned with the cylindrical inner surface to form an annular opening having a width less than a width of the channel. A sleeve has an annular barrier extending radially outwardly to an annular flange that extends axially through the opening into the channel. |
| US08864138B2 |
Sealing system with annular brush seal
The invention concerns a system for providing a seal between two volumes (V1, V2) delimited by a part (2A) mounted to rotate about an axis (A) and a stator (6), said system (S) including an annular brush seal (7) that comprises: a brush body (8) pivotally mounted in the stator; and fibers (10) fixed to the brush body and inclined at an angle α relative to a plane (P) orthogonal to the rotation axis (A), wherein it includes means (11, 12) for adjusting the angle α of the fibers (10) so as to be able to adjust precisely the clearance between the free end (10A) of the fibers and the rotary part (2A). |
| US08864137B2 |
Action game apparatus and method
An action game apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus is useable to play an action game including a launching device and a collection device with an indicator that signals when a predetermined quantity of game pieces have been collected. |
| US08864135B2 |
Gaming system having multiple player simultaneous display/input device
A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to simultaneously play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. The game table enables multiple players to manipulate displayed objects (such as virtual cards or other game symbols) displayed by the display/input device at the same time. This enables the display/input device to simultaneously display the same game to multiple players in an integrated seamless manner without the need for multiple different sets of display devices and input devices for each of the players. |
| US08864132B2 |
Paper feeder and printer
Upon continuous feeding of a plurality of sheets and upon detection of a leading end of a sheet by a detection unit before an elapse of a first time after a start of a paper feed roller, a controller performs control such that a paper conveyance speed of the paper feed roller is set lower than a paper conveyance speed of a registration roller, and the paper feed roller is stopped after conveying the sheet having the leading end detected for a specified conveyance distance before a next timing of starting the registration roller. |
| US08864128B2 |
Sheet discharge device, method for detecting sheet-loading, computer readable medium storing sheet loading-detection program, and image forming apparatus including sheet discharge device
There is provided a sheet discharge unit which includes a tray which a first area and a second area, a discharge mechanism, a pendulum mechanism, a signal transmission mechanism which transmits a first signal and a second signal, a memory, and a controller. The controller judges whether or not a time interval of two sheets discharged consecutively exceeds the first time interval, and judges that the sheets loaded onto the tray up to a height not lower than the reference position, when the time interval of the two sheets exceeds the first time interval, and when the signal transmission mechanism continues to transmit the second signal exceeding the first time interval. |
| US08864127B2 |
Paper supply unit and image forming apparatus
A disclosed paper supply unit includes a paper supply cassette having a bottom plate for placing stacked recording media therein and a sending out part. When the paper supply cassette is loaded at a paper supply position, the sending out part faces the bottom plate, the bottom plate is lifted and the recording media come into contact with the sending out part. A support member is rotatably fitted to the paper supply cassette. An elastic member is fastened between the support member and the bottom plate. The support member has plural fastening parts for fastening the elastic member. The elastic force of the elastic member is changeable using the plural fastening parts. |
| US08864126B2 |
Document storage assembly
A document storage assembly for storing documents such as banknotes in a stacked configuration includes a support plate assembly for biasing the stack of documents toward an opening in the housing of the document storage assembly. The housing can include an assist mechanism to facilitate displacement of the stack of documents during the stacking of a newly received document. |
| US08864122B2 |
Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus includes: a sheet supplier configured to supply a recording medium; a first conveyor configured to convey the recording medium supplied from the sheet supplier in a conveying direction; a recording portion configured to record an image on the recording medium conveyed by the first conveyor; and a controller configured to detect an orientation of the recording medium with respect to the conveying direction while the recording medium is conveyed and change a conveying speed of the recording medium conveyed by the first conveyor depending on the detected orientation of the recording medium. |
| US08864120B2 |
Electromagnetic clamping system for manufacturing large structures
An apparatus comprises a housing, a core located in the housing, a coil unit associated with the core and located in the housing, and a backing plate made of a high-permeability material. The apparatus may be used for generating high clamping forces between materials that are interposed between the core and the backing plate such that manufacturing operations can be carried out. The core has a cross section with an elongate shape. The coil unit is configured to generate magnetic fields and has the elongate shape. |
| US08864118B2 |
Stabilizing device
A device for stabilizing a launcher, in particular during the firing of camouflage bodies and decoy flares or other systems in which vibrations can build up, thereby subjecting them to shocks. The device is a stabilizer (4) provided on a known damping system (1), for example a metal cable damper etc., into which a re-adjustable system (10), consisting of a rod (11) provided with a curved portion or groove, a pre-loaded device (12), a type of pressure part (13) and a type of pawl part (14), is placed. Pressure can be exerted on the curved portion of the rod (11) by the pre-loaded device (12) using the pressure part (13) and pawl part (14). |
| US08864117B2 |
Fiber-reinforced plastic spring
A fiber reinforced plastic spring which enables prevention of breakage caused by compressive stress is provided, including a FRP spring that has a laminated structure having plural fibers which are different from each other in tensile modulus of elasticity and are laminated. An upper surface of the FRP spring is a surface to which a pulsating bending load is applied. An upper side region of each laminated structure is a compressive stress region at which compressive stress is generated. A lower side region of each laminated structure is a tensile stress region at which tensile stress is generated. Distribution of tensile modulus of elasticity of each laminated structure is asymmetric with respect to the neutral axis. |
| US08864115B2 |
Vibration isolation structure
A vibration isolation structure is provided with a stress reduction section that can reduce the hydrostatic stress from tensional load along a stacking direction of portions of a composite laminated member corresponding to a first end side and a second end side in a shear direction orthogonal to the stacking direction to lower than the hydrostatic stress from tensional load along the stacking direction of other portions of the composite laminated member. |
| US08864111B2 |
Natural mist humidifier
A mist humidifier includes a water supply, at least one nebulization device and at least one heater mechanism. The nebulization device nebulizes at least a portion of a flow of water from the water supply and discharges a flow of mist particles. The heater mechanism selectively heats at least a portion of the flow of mist particles. |
| US08864109B2 |
Fence panel
A fence panel includes a sheet (12, 52) of mesh material with a first side (16) and an opposed second side (20) and, secured at least to the first side, a plurality of elongate reinforcing members (14, 18). The elongate reinforcing members (14, 18) are spaced from one another and are made from or include a material which has a hardness which is greater than the hardness of the material from which the sheet (12) is made. |
| US08864107B2 |
Laying network cables in sewers
One form of sewer comprises a pipe having a bottom section 100 incorporating a flow channel 101 along which sewage flows. A cable guide 110 comprises a body section 111 and an arm section 112. The body comprises a panel 111 curved so as to be able to lie substantially flush with the walls of the flow channel 101 and the arm comprises a tube with an internal passage. The arm 112 projects from the body 111 and the passage within the arm 112 extends from an opening 113 provided in the body 111 to an opening 114 provided at the distal end of the arm 112. The openings 113, 114 and the passage within the arm 112 are of suitable dimensions to carry a cable 105. The body is also provided with a cable clip 115. |
| US08864106B2 |
Valve seat apparatus having positive retention for use with fluid control devices
Valve seat apparatus having positive retention for use with fluid control devices are described herein. An example valve seat apparatus includes a metallic ring and an elastomeric ring coupled to the metallic ring and having a sealing surface to sealingly engage a flow control member of the fluid control device. At least a portion of an outer surface of the elastomeric ring includes an annular lip to sealingly engage an annular recess of a body of the fluid control device. |
| US08864099B2 |
Plate carrier for plate fixing device
A plate carrier for mounting at the upper end of the upper element of the central pole of a “plate hoist” device or the like comprises at least one longitudinal central body having two substantially rectangular plates separated by three longitudinal walls forming at least two central sheaths. Each central sheath accommodates a generally T-shaped transverse arm which includes a longitudinal median branch slidably mounted in a sheath and a transverse tubular part welded to the free end of the median branch. The transverse tubular part extends substantially in the plane of the central body. |
| US08864097B2 |
Anti-theft structure for a socket display hanger
An anti-theft structure for a socket display hanger contains a socket display hanger and a fitting seat extending outwardly from a bottom end of the socket display hanger. The fitting seat has two flexible retaining pieces fixed on two sides thereof, two locking projections mounted on two outer walls of the two flexible retaining pieces, an engaging rack defined between the two flexible retaining pieces, two flexible abutting extensions extending outwardly from two sides of the engaging rack, a connecting segment extending upwardly from a top end of the engaging rack and coupling with the socket display hanger, and an arcuate hollow space defined on two sides of the connecting segment and the fitting seat. The fitting seat of the socket display hanger is connected with a square hole of a wrench socket. |
| US08864094B2 |
Fender mount for mirror
A mirror mount that mounts a mirror to a fender of a vehicle includes a base member having a first end generally vertical when the base member is affixed to a fender and arranged to receive a fastener passing through the first end, through the fender, and into the base member so as to fasten the base member to the fender, a second end, a side portion extending between the first end and the second end and having a contour that follows an exterior profile of the fender, and a reinforcement reinforcing the first end. |
| US08864093B2 |
Vehicle seat sliding apparatus
Provided is a vehicle seat sliding apparatus including a lower rail, an upper rail to the lower rail, a locking mechanism, unlocking mechanism, an unlocked-state maintaining lever, and an unlocked-state releasing lever, in which the unlocked-state releasing lever includes a rotational operating portion configured to rotate in a first direction and to be capable of coming into contact with an operating member in the direction of the relative movement of the upper rail, and the unlocked-state releasing lever is configured to press and move the unlocked-state maintaining lever in the direction of releasing the maintenance of the unlocked state and is capable of rotating in the first direction is disabled without moving the unlocked-state maintaining lever from the maintaining position. |
| US08864092B2 |
Television mount assembly
A television mount assembly suitable for mounting a television to a wall, especially over fireplaces and other obstacles. The mount assembly secures a television (TV) to a wall via two arms and a spring mechanism thereby allowing it to extend away from the wall while at the same time allowing the television to swivel. It includes a mechanism to straighten the television as it is positioned close to the wall. The spring mechanism is calibrated by means of a calibration screw, spring block, and locking screws. A handle enables a user to grasp the mount assembly for changing the position of the television. A temperature gauge on the handle displays ambient temperature proximate to the television to warn users if the temperature is too high for the television to safely operate. A means of setting a maximum extension prevents the television from extending beyond a point set by the user. |
| US08864088B2 |
Bracket for wood shelving
Brackets for shelving and related systems are provided herein. An example bracket for shelving includes a main body defining first and second lower support features each configured to receive a respective first and second piece of wood in a vertical orientation such that a top surface of the first piece of wood and a top surface of the second piece of wood align to form a lower shelf support surface for supporting a lower shelf. The main body further defines first and second upper support features each configured to receive a respective third and fourth piece of wood in a vertical orientation such that a top surface of the third piece of wood and a top surface of the fourth piece of wood align to form an upper shelf support surface for supporting an upper shelf. The main body may also define a decorative feature, such as a bear-shaped cutout. |
| US08864087B2 |
Adjustable furniture attachment clamp
An adjustable furniture attachment clamp for attachment to the underside of a furniture item with two spaced apart arm fasteners, the clamp comprising a clamp body having oppositely disposed laterally extending forked arms, each arm having a fastener slot having a width greater than the shanks of the arm fasteners, the fastener slots including inner ends spaced apart a distance less than the arm fasteners, such that lateral and forward-to-back play is provided for adjustment of the clamp relative to the furniture item, the clamp also having a downwardly facing beam pocket including a beam capture surface for holding the right upper beam flange of a support I-beam and a cam having a binding face for pressing against the lower portion of the left upper beam flange when a cam fastener is tightened for attaching the clamp body to the I-beam. |
| US08864082B2 |
Device for reducing the aerodynamic drag of a leading surface of an aircraft
A device for reducing the aerodynamic drag of a leading surface of an aircraft includes at least one air permeable structure disposed in an area of the leading surface and a suction device configured to interact with the at least one air permeable structure. |
| US08864079B2 |
Aircraft cargo compartment container crane system
An aircraft cargo compartment container crane system including an aircraft having an upper passenger compartment and at least one lower cargo compartment, wherein the passenger compartment and the cargo compartment are separated by a floor and a crane assembly connected to a structural element of the cargo compartment beneath the floor, wherein the crane assembly is configured to lift and move a cargo container within the cargo compartment along a longitudinal axis of the aircraft. |
| US08864076B2 |
Elongate composite structural member
A composite material elongate structural member, such as a spar or stringer, for use in an aerospace structure, comprises a web having an angled portion, for example in the form of a chamfer, curved surface or the like, which joins a foot of the member to the rest of the web. A first surface on the foot is shaped to abut a structure to be stiffened. The foot also has a second surface opposite the first surface. The web has a third surface and a fourth surface at the same layer in the composite material as the first and third surfaces, respectively. On/in the interposed portion there is a fifth surface which joins the first and third surfaces. The geometry of the member may vary along its length (L) so that with increasing distance, the first surface is displaced towards the second surface as the width of the fifth surface decreases. The risk of causing, during fabrication of the elongate member, undesirable creasing, stressing or stretching of composite material layers in a region in which the geometry of the member varies may be reduced by means of such an arrangement. |
| US08864075B2 |
Elongate composite structural members and improvements therein
A composite material elongate structural member, such as a spar, for use in an aerospace structure, comprises a web disposed between upper and lower flanges. The web may include a clockwise twist about an axis parallel to the length L at a first portion towards the wing-root-end of the spar and a counter-twist in the anticlockwise direction at a second portion towards the wing-tip-end of the spar. The geometry of the spar may vary non-linearly along its length (L) so that the developed width of the spar as measured from a distal edge of the upper flange via the web to a distal edge of the lower flange varies linearly with increasing distance along the length (L). The risk of causing, during fabrication of the spar, undesirable creasing, stressing or stretching of composite material layers in a region in which the geometry of the member varies non-linearly may be reduced by means of such an arrangement. |
| US08864073B1 |
Aeroshell thermal protection system and method
A thermal protection system for a vehicle may include a substantially rigid, relatively thin outer aeroshell, a relatively low density insulation layer, and a resiliently compressible conformal layer. The vehicle may include a substructure. The aeroshell may be configured to be fastened to the substructure. The insulation layer may be disposed against the aeroshell. The conformal layer may be disposable against the insulation layer. The conformal layer may be compressively preloaded against the substructure when the aeroshell is fastened to the substructure. |
| US08864071B2 |
Seat which can be converted into a bed
In a block of two seats side by side which can be converted individually between a chair configuration and a horizontal flat bed configuration, the two seats are arranged and oriented substantially in the same direction, the longitudinal axes of each of the seats in the bed configuration converge towards a point situated behind the seats at a distance such that upper parts of the seat backs and of the head rests are superposed in a head area of the block. The bed planes of the seats of a block are vertically offset and extended by rest surfaces of the foot areas arranged in lateral columns arranged to the sides of the head area in the region of the rear shell of a block situated in front, allowing to reduce the seat pitch without affecting comfort and allowing an improved layout of a cabin for transporting passengers. |
| US08864070B2 |
Machinable composite material
An assembly that includes a first part composed of a fibrous structure that includes fibers and a cured resin matrix. The fibrous structure has at least one surface and a layer that is located on the surface. The layer includes a discontinuous fiber composite that is composed of randomly oriented short fibers and a cured resin matrix wherein the layer has been machined to provide a machined surface. The assembly also includes a second part that is attached to the first part. The second part includes at least one surface that fits against the machined surface on the first part. |
| US08864066B2 |
Rigid aircraft pylon fitted with a rib extension for taking up the moment in the lengthways direction
An engine assembly for an aircraft, including a rigid structure including a box rib extension protruding from a box of the structure, in a line of separation, towards a fuselage of the aircraft. The extension supports a first attachment in a position separating it from a second attachment in the line of separation. The first and second attachments enable the moment being exerted in a lengthways direction of the turbine engine to be transmitted jointly. |
| US08864064B2 |
Wind power generation system for lighter than air (LTA) platforms
An apparatus includes a lighter than air platform, a reversible propulsive/wind turbine, a deployable anchor to constrain movement of the lighter than air platform with respect to an anchor point allowing wind to drive the turbine, and a generator/motor coupled to the turbine to produce electrical power when movement of the lighter than air platform is constrained. A method performed by the apparatus is also provided. |
| US08864057B2 |
Processes for recycling carpet and products of such processes
Methods for the recycling of carpet are disclosed that produce clean face fiber suitable for industrial use. The methods allow the recovery of face fiber material, for example a polyester or a polyamide, from carpets that includes a face fiber material and a backing material, and include the steps of heating the carpet to a temperature lower than the melting point of the face fiber material, but higher than the initial thermal decomposition temperature of the backing material, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to thermally decompose, pyrolyze, or oxidize at least a portion of the backing material, rendering the backing material friable, that is more friable than the untreated backing; and applying mechanical force to the carpet so as to liberate the friable backing material from the face fiber material. |
| US08864055B2 |
Material dispense tips and methods for forming the same
A dispense tip constructed and arranged to communicate with a material dispensing pump comprises an elongated neck and a molded base having a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion. The neck extends from the first portion of the base. The second portion is constructed and arranged to abut an outlet surface of the pump. An outermost region of the second portion of the base includes a compressible fluid-tight surface that compliantly conforms to the outlet surface when the dispense tip is mounted to the pump. |
| US08864054B2 |
Fuel injector
The invention relates to a fuel injector and, in particular, to a common-rail injector for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine with a multi-part injection valve element, which can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position. A first part and a second part of the injection valve element are coupled to one another via a hydraulic coupler, which is bounded radially by a first guide for the first part and by a second guide for the second part. According to the invention, at least some sections of the first and the second guide are surrounded at their outer radii by fuel under high pressure, and the pressure realized in the hydraulic coupler is lower than the pressure radially outside the guides. |
| US08864052B2 |
Low cost trigger sprayer
A trigger sprayer has a housing, a piston bore within the housing, and a piston reciprocally mounted within the piston bore. The housing further includes a flow passage through which liquid passes from a passage inlet to a passage outlet. An actuator is operable to reciprocate the piston within the piston bore between a vacuum stroke creating reduced pressure in the piston bore and a compression stroke creating increased pressure in the piston bore. A valve assembly within the flow passage controls the flow of liquid through the flow passage upon operation of the actuator. The valve assembly further comprises a check valve and a priming valve. The sprayer has a closure for mounting the sprayer to a container. The valve seat for the check valve is in a component formed separately from and operatively connected to the housing. |
| US08864051B2 |
Rotary spraying device
Disclosed is a rotary spraying device in which a fluid tube is assembled with a rotary means formed to have a channel structure. A portion of a fluid which flows through the fluid tube flows into the rotary means so as to provide a rotation applying force for rotating the rotary means when the fluid flows through the channel structure in the rotary means. Thus, the fluid is sprayed rotatably from the fluid tube which is rotated with the rotary means. |
| US08864047B2 |
Method for producing a multilayer compound on a CIP-capable coating installation and use of the multilayer compound produced by said method for transdermal application or the application in body cavities
Methods for producing a mono- or multilayer composite are provided in which one or several layers are applied onto a carrier material by coating, the coated mono- or multilayer composite is dried and rolled up, and the installation is subsequently cleaned. The air circuit in the drying oven is entirely set to fresh air supply, and the drying oven is configured to be cleaned in a controlled manner. All components of the drying oven that come into contact with the product do not have to be removed during cleaning, but can be cleaned-in-place using technology integrated into the drying oven. The drying oven Outer housing is designed so that it can be lifted upwardly. All assembly parts in the drying oven interior are designed to eliminate disassembling for cleaning purposes. Transport rollers within the drying oven are designed as hollow shafts and provided with spraying nozzles. |
| US08864045B1 |
Aerosol fabrication methods for monodisperse nanoparticles
Exemplary embodiments provide materials and methods for forming monodisperse particles. In one embodiment, the monodisperse particles can be formed by first spraying a nanoparticle-containing dispersion into aerosol droplets and then heating the aerosol droplets in the presence of a shell precursor to form core-shell particles. By removing either the shell layer or the nanoparticle core of the core-shell particles, monodisperse nanoparticles can be formed. |
| US08864044B2 |
Carbon dioxide coating method and device therefor
The present invention provides a low environmental burden type coating method using carbon dioxide and a coating device therefor that carry out carbon dioxide coating in which carbon dioxide is substituted for all or a portion of a diluent solvent (thinner) used in organic solvent-based spray coating, the coating method being configured to prevent deposition of a polymer of a paint component that has entered as a result of backflow by preliminarily adding, to carbon dioxide, a true solvent component of the paint in at least an amount required for saturated solubility (20% to 50% per weight of carbon dioxide) to lower the dissolving power of carbon dioxide with respect to the true solvent component. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coating method and a device therefor capable of considerably reducing VOC generation, and a coating method and a device therefor capable of performing stable carbon dioxide coating of a one-liquid curing type or two-liquid curing type paint. |
| US08864041B2 |
System for generating an incrementally completed 2D security mark
A system (10) for generating an incrementally completed 2D security mark (20′″) includes a computer-readable medium encoded with a computer program. The computer program has computer readable code for selecting a symbology for the 2D security mark (20′″), computer readable code for selecting a scrambling technique for data to be placed into a carrier object (20, 20′, 20″, 20′″) of the 2D security mark (20′″) at each stage in the workflow, and computer readable code for selecting a manner in which a state change of the carrier object (20, 20′, 20″, 20′″) at each stage in the workflow results in a predictable change in the 2D security mark (20′″). The system the system further includes memory and a processor operatively coupled to the memory and to the computer-readable medium. |
| US08864036B2 |
Apparatus and method for finding target distance from barode imaging scanner
An apparatus includes an imaging sensor having photosensitive elements for detecting light from the target object through an imaging lens arrangement to create first pixel data during a first time period when the extended aiming pattern is projected on the target object. The apparatus also includes a controller for processing the first pixel data to estimate a feature-size of the extended aiming pattern in an image of the target object when the imaging lens arrangement is at a predetermined focus length, and further processing the feature-size along with the predetermined focus length to determine a distance characterizing the separation between the target object and the imaging lens arrangement. |
| US08864030B2 |
Sample analyzer, method of obtaining sample identification information and sample identification information obtaining apparatus
A sample analyzer comprising: a measurement unit for measuring a sample contained in a sample container; a barcode reader; a rotating section; and a controller is disclosed. The controller controls the rotating section and the barcode reader so that the barcode reader repeatedly reads the barcode over the range of a predetermined rotation angle; and obtains identification information of the sample contained in the sample container on the basis of reading results obtained as a result of the repeated reading of the barcode by the barcode reader. Method of obtaining sample identification information and a sample identification information obtaining apparatus are also disclosed. |
| US08864027B2 |
Low-power pulse width encoding scheme and counter-less shift register that may be employed therewith
A method of decoding an encoded signal includes steps of receiving the encoded signal, creating a decoding signal by delaying the encoded signal by a predetermined amount of time Δ, sampling the encoded signal using the decoding signal, and determining a value of each of a plurality of decoded bits represented by the encoded signal based on the sampling. Also, a method of operating a shift register wherein the shift register has an initialization state wherein a first binary symbol is stored in a first position and a second binary symbol different than the first binary symbol is stored in each of one or more intermediate positions and a last position. The method includes determining that the shift register is full responsive to detecting that the first binary symbol has been stored in either one of the intermediate positions or the last position. |
| US08864025B2 |
System and method for tracking to origins of produce
A system for tracking a plurality of larger produce delivered to a consumer includes capturing data related to the larger produce in a computer system and affixing a statistically sequential value to each of the larger produce. A first statistically sequential value and a last statistically sequential value is used by software running on the computer system to form an association between the series of statistically sequential values and the data pertaining to the larger produce in a database. The database is later used to track the origin of the larger produce. |
| US08864019B2 |
Auto configurable transfer and management system
The technology described herein is directed to a system that quickly and efficiently transmits photographs from a camera to one or more computing devices. The link for such a transmission is easily and automatically configured. Once the photographs are stored in the one or more computing devices, they can be submitted to a photograph management system that facilitates distribution of the photographs as well as collaboration with other individuals or autonomous agents for editing and re-editing of photographs. |
| US08864015B2 |
Cup with integral closure flaps
A frusto-conical cup (1, 20, 30, 40, 50) made from a flexible resilient material, having a circular rim (5) defining the top opening (6) of the cup. A pair of arcuate crease lines (7, 8) is formed at the opposing sides of the wall (2) of the cup below the rim defining a pair of flaps (70, 80) for closing the top opening of the cup by folding the flaps along the crease lines. Due to the resilience of the cup material, each flap can toggle between two stable positions on application of an initial external force on the flap, namely an open upright position in which the flap is convex and forms part of the wall of the cup, and a closed slanted position in which the flap changes its shape to concave. In the closed mode, the rim of one flap impinges against the inner face of the second flap and forms a spill-tight seal between the flaps. The seal is maintained due to static opposing forces acting between the flaps. |
| US08864011B2 |
Apparatus for thermal melting process and method of thermal melting process
Provide is an apparatus for thermal melting processes that is capable of directly cooling the process object without requiring a separate cooling plate.The apparatus for thermal melting process according to the present invention is an apparatus 1 for thermal melting process that thermally melts objects 100 including solder in an atmosphere containing carbonic acid vapor, and the hand part 4 for carrying and transferring the thermally melted process objects 100 is used as a cooling plate as well. |
| US08864009B2 |
Tissue thickness compensator for a surgical stapler comprising an adjustable anvil
A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened. |
| US08864005B2 |
Methods for scribing and separating strengthened glass substrates
A method of forming a scribe line in a strengthened glass substrate includes providing a strengthened glass substrate having a first surface, a second surface, a first edge and a second edge. The first and second surfaces have a strengthened surface layer under a compressive stress, and a central region under tensile stress. The method further includes applying a scoring blade to the first surface at an initiation location that is offset from the first edge by an initiation offset distance greater than a diameter of the scoring blade, and translating the scoring blade or the strengthened glass substrate such that the scoring blade scores the first surface. The translation is terminated such that the scoring blade stops at a termination location that is offset from the second edge of the strengthened glass substrate by a termination offset distance greater than the diameter of the scoring blade. |
| US08864000B2 |
Portable visual display panel mounting device, system and method
A portable visual display panel mounting device is provided, the device comprising: a backing plate, having a visual display mounting side and an arm mounting side; a pair of articulating arms, each articulating arm including a ratcheting surface and a curved free end having an outermost tip; wherein the pair of articulating arms are pivotably connected at a common axis so that the ratcheting surfaces abut, and wherein at least one of the articulating arms is movably attached to the arm mounting side of the backing plate; and a common pin operable with a biasing member, wherein the common pin and the biasing member are located to facilitate pivotable connection of the articulating arms at the common axis so that the articulating arms are movable between a first position, wherein the curved ends of each articulating arm are proximately located next to each other, and a second position, wherein the curved ends of each articulating arm are disparately located away from each other; wherein, when the pair of articulating arms is in a second position, each tip of each curved free end of each articulating arm, being disparate each other, is located closer to the arm mounting side of the backing plate, than a resultant apex portion of the curved free end of each articulating arm. |
| US08863994B2 |
Dispensing device
The invention relates to a dispensing device, particularly a dispensing head proposed for preferably cosmetic liquid. A simple, tightly closing structure of an outlet valve is achieved in that a valve element is injected onto a wall and/or lies thereon with its entire surface or flat surface when the valve is closed and/or the valve element covers an outlet opening on the flat side. Alternatively or in addition, the valve element is pretensioned into a closed position when the valve is closed. |
| US08863993B2 |
Product dispensing device comprising a pump and a dispensing end piece
The fluid dispenser device is fitted on the neck of a reservoir, and it includes a pump having a metering chamber that is closed by a first needle forming a check valve; a dispenser endpiece fitted on the pump including a second needle, forming a check valve, and a thrust surface to enable the device to be activated by a user pressing thereon; a protective cap for the device; a clamping collar carrying the cap; and a fastener member for fastening the device on the neck of the reservoir, the fastener member including an attachment member for attaching the fastener member around the neck and activatable by sliding the collar relative to the fastener member from a pre-assembly configuration to an assembled configuration, an inner ring for centering the pump on the reservoir and an outer ring retaining member for retaining the dispenser endpiece. |
| US08863990B2 |
Personal care composition foaming product and foaming dispenser
A manually-actuable, non-aerosol dispenser to be used with a personal care composition having a relatively higher viscosity that gives a desired foamed composition generated from a manually-actuable, non-aerosol dispenser. |
| US08863989B2 |
Soap dispenser including actuator with spring arm
A soap dispensing assembly includes a soap container and a universal dispenser. The soap container is capable of having a liquid pump or a foaming pump attached to it. The universal dispenser is adapted to house and dispense soap from the soap container regardless of whether the container has a liquid pump or a foaming pump. Using this assembly, a manufacturer may sell the universal dispenser and offer to sell the consumer liquid and foamable soap for use with the same dispenser. |
| US08863988B2 |
Cosmetic container having release prevention device
The cosmetic container having a release prevention device in which a vertical bar type stopper is applied to a release-prevention and locking device and a vertical panel type protrusion having teeth is installed to implement a stopper function, a release-prevention function, and a remaining liquid absorbing function. The cosmetic container includes a connector tube stuck to the inner wall of the cylinder, a hollow piston coupled with the lower end of the connector tube to support the connector tube, a release-preventing and locking device having a lower end to be inserted into the cylinder and allowing a screw-coupling of an upper outer side of the cosmetic container, and a push button coupled with the top of the release-preventing and locking device and pumping the hollow piston while up-and-down movements to pump the content in the cosmetic container out through an ejection hole. |
| US08863985B2 |
Method and apparatus for volumetrically supplying ice to ice output systems
An ice supply system includes an ice transport system, a volumetric feeder coupled with the ice transport system and adapted to deliver a preset volume of ice to an ice output system, and an ice delivery controller coupled with the ice transport system, the volumetric feeder, and the ice output system. The ice delivery controller receives ice requests from the ice output system, controls the delivery of ice from the ice transport system to the volumetric feeder in response to ice requests, controls the volumetric feeder to receive the preset volume of ice therein, and controls the delivery of the preset volume of ice from the volumetric feeder to the ice output system. |
| US08863984B2 |
Product dispenser and cover member for a product dispenser
A product dispensing device including at least a part of a dispenser housing and a cover member. The dispenser housing defines a product reservoir for containing dispensable products. The part of the dispenser housing defines an opening through which products are dispensed from the product housing and through which the product housing is refillable. The cover member is positionable between an open position in which the opening of the dispenser housing part is revealed for refilling the product reservoir with dispensable products and a closed position in which the opening of the dispenser housing is covered for dispensing. The cover member comprises a dispensing opening through which products are dispensed when the cover member is in the closed position. The cover member is moveable relative to the part of the dispenser housing by way of a mechanism in which a projection rides along a guide between a first position in which the cover member is held closed to the part of the housing to resist opening of the cover member and a second position in which the cover member is openable relative to the part of the dispenser housing to the open position. |
| US08863983B2 |
Gasketless pail lid
A lid for a pail includes a panel portion and a wall portion extending about the periphery of the panel portion. The wall portion partially defines a pail wall receiving recess. A shoulder protrudes into the pail wall receiving recess. The shoulder prevents damage to a seal in the lid. |
| US08863982B2 |
Pail cover
A container lid includes a panel portion and an outer wall portion having a ledge protruding inwardly therefrom. A plurality of tabs extend downward from the outer wall portion. At least two of the plurality of tabs are separated from one another by a gap. The ledge of the outer wall portion extends across the gap to provide a seal across the gap. A tear strip removably connects the plurality of tabs to one another. |
| US08863981B1 |
Paint container support device
A support device for use with paint containers with wire bail handles. The support device allows a user to safely and easily hang a paint container from the step of a ladder. The support device includes a ladder rung hook member attached to the upper portion of the device handle. The handle is attached to a body portion. The lower portion of the body contains a wire bail catch feature, and support wall that contacts the side of the paint container. The device supports a paint container in a downward angle to better facilitate user access to the contents of the paint container. The device quickly attaches to a paint container. |
| US08863979B2 |
Seal mechanism for beverage container
A lid assembly for a beverage container having a lid housing, a seal assembly and a trigger member. The seal assembly has one or more drink seals that engage a corresponding one or more drink apertures to close the drink apertures. The seal assembly is rotatedly connected to the lid housing and movable between a use position and a cleaning position for cleaning. The trigger member is connected to the lid housing and is capable of engaging the seal assembly in the use position, but not in the cleaning position. The trigger member is connected to the seal assembly such that the vent aperture is opened during a first portion of the operation of the trigger, and the drink apertures are opened during a second portion of the operation of the trigger so that the vent aperture is opened before the drink apertures. |
| US08863978B2 |
Pallet container
The present invention relates to a pallet container (10), with a thin-walled, rigid inner container (12) composed of thermoplastic material for the storage and transport of liquid or pourable contents, with a trellis tube support casing (14) tightly enclosing the plastic container (12), and with a base pallet (16), on which the plastic container (12) rests and to which the support casing (14) is rigidly connected, wherein the trellis tube support casing (14) is constructed of vertical and horizontal tubes (18, 20) that are welded to each other, with the peripheral horizontal tubes (18) being rigidly connected to each other. The connection of the horizontal tubes (18) is accomplished by a positive clinched joint (24) disposed on the inside of the horizontal tubes (18), wherein the outside of the horizontal tubes (18) is free from any clinched joint deformations. |
| US08863977B2 |
Vessel with rotationally free base flange
Vessel, comprising a substantially fluid tight liner provided with a layer of fiber material, and a mount for mounting appendages to the vessel. The mount comprises a substantially cylindrical neck portion with a radially outwardly extending base flange. The base flange is axially fixedly but rotationally free held between the liner and the layer of fiber material. |
| US08863966B2 |
Kingpost crane apparatus and method
An improved knuckle boom crane apparatus provides a supportive base with an attached frame including a cabin with an interior. A prime mover is supported upon the frame. A main boom is pivotally attached to the frame at a first boom end portion, the main boom having a second end portion. A jib boom is provided having first and second end portions, the jib boom first end portion being pivotally attached to the main boom second end portion, the jib boom second end portion being free. A main block is attached to the main boom, depending from the main boom second end portion. An auxiliary block is attached to the jib boom, depending from the jib boom second end portion. A main block parking area is provided next to the connection of main boom and jib boom that enables the main block to be parked when using the auxiliary block. |
| US08863964B2 |
Crane
A crane includes: a boom; a jib that is provided on a leading end side of the boom; and a strut that is provided at one or both of a leading end portion of the boom and a base end portion of the jib, and to which a jib support pendant is connected, the strut, to which the pendant is connected, being provided with strut rotationally moving means having: a first bar-like member rotationally connected, at a first end portion thereof on one side, to a leading end portion of the strut on an opposite side thereof to a side, on which the pendant is connected; and a direct acting apparatus that applies, to the first bar-like member, a force pulling the first bar-like member toward the other side along a longitudinal direction of the first bar-like member. |
| US08863961B2 |
Method and system of sorting items for delivery to a recipient
A system, method and apparatus for sorting items for delivery. A smart case module includes a plurality of bins. Each bin includes a display for a sort criteria for the bin and a first indicator to indicate that the bin is active. The bin also includes an input device for an operator to use to indicate that an item has been placed in the bin. The bin further includes a second indicator to indicate that the bin contains a sufficient number of items for a shipping container. |
| US08863957B2 |
Wafer separation apparatus, wafer separation and transfer apparatus, wafer separation method, wafer separation and transfer method, and solar cell wafer separation and transfer method
A wafer separation apparatus improves wafer separation performance in separation and transfer and suppresses the occurrence of wafer breakage in separation and transfer, while remaining inexpensive and small. The apparatus includes: a cassette that vertically accommodates a large number of single wafers in intimate contact with each other, the cassette being at least vertically opened; a cassette support that removably supports the cassette, the cassette support being at least vertically opened; a hoisting unit that hoists and lowers the cassette support integrally with the cassette; a liquid bath that accommodates a liquid into which the cassette support is immersed integrally with the cassette when the hoisting unit descends; a nozzle in the inside of the liquid bath to issue micro bubbles from the underside of the cassette support toward a large number of the wafers; and a micro bubble generator that generates micro bubbles to be issued from the nozzle. |
| US08863955B2 |
Container for frangible articles such as eggs
A container for frangible articles comprising a tray molded in a sheet of polymeric material having a hinge portion separating a bottom portion from a cover portion with the cover portion being pivotable into engagement with the bottom portion to conceal the frangible articles in the container. The bottom portion comprises rows of cavities with each cavity adapted to support a frangible article. The cavities have lugs projecting inwardly and from bottom to top from a main surface of the cavity to support the frangible article while maintaining air gaps between the frangible article and the main surface. Corner cavities are positioned at opposite leading corners of the bottom portion and each have a protective rib oriented toward its respective leading corner and projecting outwardly from the main surface and from bottom to top to provide structural integrity to the opposite leading corners of the container. |
| US08863954B2 |
Cups that add color to liquid content and methods of manufacturing the same
Cups that color liquid contents and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed herein. The cups include an inner wall with a colorant disposed and affixed therein. The colorant is predisposed (i.e., affixed) before the introduction of a liquid, and remains affixed until a liquid is introduced into the cup. The colorant can be disposed within a recess. The colorant can also be affixed to a first cup such that stacking an identical cup within the first cup does not result in the colorant touching the identical cup. |
| US08863953B1 |
Retail phone package
A thermoformed package that is specially adapted to allow a cell phone (or similar product) to be partially packaged at one time and place, and then at a later time adapted for sale as a finished product with a particular brand (from a variety of brands or trademarks), and/or with a particular service plan (from a variety of rate plans or payment terms and/or languages) and/or with a particular language (or other localization) at a second time and place. |
| US08863952B2 |
Package, carton and blank therefor
Each of the first and second side panels of a tubular carton includes a notional longitudinal line disposed at an elevation above the bottom panel that is below the elevation of the shoulders of the bottles. At least one of the opposed ends of the tubular carton is closed by a composite end wall. The composite end wall includes pair of first and second side end closure flaps hingedly connected to the side panels of the carton along first fold lines respectively. Each of the first fold lines is interrupted by a pair of at least substantially triangular panels, each of the pairs of at least substantially triangular panels is formed such that a lowermost triangular panel of the pair is disposed below the respective notional longitudinal line and such that an uppermost triangular panel of the pair is disposed above the respective notional longitudinal line. |
| US08863950B2 |
Hanging diaper pail
A hanging pail comprising a hanger pocket comprising an aperture for a hook portion of a clothes hanger, a mouth portion comprising an arcuate edge, a top half and a bottom half, wherein the top half overlaps the bottom half at a center of the mouth portion, a front body portion comprising a semi-rigid frame that extends around the arcuate edge of the mouth portion, a bottom portion comprising a top edge, a zipper that extends around a portion of the top edge of the bottom portion and connects the bottom portion to the front body portion and the rear body portion, and a connecting portion that connects the bottom portion to the rear body panel when the zipper is fully unzipped. |
| US08863946B2 |
Container apparatus
Disclosed is a sports container apparatus including a rigid tube or shell with opposing open ends. First and second opposing ends having a first end cap and a second end cap, respectively. The first and second end caps are radially fluted and operably attached to the rigid tube in a sealed manner. The sports container is operative for use as a golf bag or transport container and configured to balance stored articles such as golf clubs. The sports container configured to carry golf clubs or other items while being protected from an exposed environment where collisions with other hard surfaced items or the elements could cause damage. The device easily and safely mounts golf clubs or other items to a motorcycle, bicycle, ATV, or other vehicle without the use of brackets or other mounting devices while maintaining a balanced equilibrium. |
| US08863941B2 |
Device for regulating the linear stability of a belt
In a device for regulating the linear stability of a revolving belt (10) of a conveying system, a control roller (20) disposed transversely with respect to a belt running direction is pressed against the belt. The control roller (20) can be displaced by means of an actuator co-operating with a sensor detecting the lateral position of the belt (10) in order to displace the control roller (20) to align the belt if the belt (10) drifts laterally. The control roller (20) is mounted on an axle (21) which in the region of a first edge of the belt is pivotably mounted and in the region of a second edge of the belt is connected and movably guided at the second end thereof using guiding and adjusting means. The control roller (20) is disposed with a high degree of looping on the inner face of the belt in a belt loop (22) located substantially perpendicular to a conveying plane and can be pivoted substantially perpendicularly to the conveying plane. |
| US08863940B2 |
Drag conveyor system
A drag conveyor system having a tube and a traction element extending through tube is provided. A plurality of slugs are connected to the traction element, each of the slugs including a slug flange. A disk is removably attached to each of the slugs, with the disk including first and second disk parts that are adapted to be placed around the cable and are engagable with one another and/or the slug so that each of the disks is located on the respective one of the slugs. A snap clip is engaged to each of the slugs, with the snap clip including a flange located on an opposite side of the disk from the slug flange that, together with the slug flange, maintains the first and second disk parts together and engaged with the slug in a fixed position on the slug. |
| US08863938B2 |
Transport device for agricultural utility machine and agricultural utility machine
A transport device for an agricultural utility machine is provided, having a first pipe section in which a first conveyor auger is rotatably situated and a second pipe section in which a second conveyor auger is rotatably situated, and a joint and/or plug device to connect the first pipe section to the second pipe section. A friction clutch is provided between the first and the second conveyor auger to transfer torque from the first conveyor auger to the second conveyor auger. An agricultural utility machine having such a transport device is also provided. |
| US08863936B2 |
Apparatus for transporting packagings that are not freely stackable, in particular stickpacks, to a transport container
An apparatus is disclosed for transporting packagings from a packaging apparatus having two dropping channels to a transport container. A first transport element has compartments, the center-to-center distance of which corresponds to a center-to-center distance of the dropping channels, receives the packagings from the packaging producing apparatus. A second transport element has compartments for transporting the packagings to the transport container, wherein the center-to-center distance of the compartments of the second transport element corresponds to half of the center-to-center distance of the dropping channels. The apparatus has a transfer unit for transferring the packaging from the first transport element to the second transport element, and to which a positioning device is assigned for positioning the compartments of the first transport element relative to the compartments of the second transport element. |
| US08863926B2 |
Integrated starter generator and input clutch assembly for hybrid electric vehicle
An apparatus for transmitting power to a transmission input includes first and second sources of rotary power, first and second transmission input shafts, a clutch hub driveably connected to the first and second power sources, and first and second clutches secured to the clutch hub, for alternately closing and opening a drive connection between the first and second transmission input shafts and the clutch hub. |
| US08863922B2 |
Bearing centering plate centered on a piston
An assembly for a clutch, including a piston plate having an annular portion with a first substantially circumferentially aligned surface, and a bearing centering plate including at least one second substantially circumferentially aligned surface engaged with the first surface, the bearing centering plate arranged to retain a thrust bearing or bushing. An assembly for a clutch, including a piston plate having a first surface aligned with an axis of rotation for the clutch, at a first substantially uniform distance from the axis, and facing radially outward, a thrust bearing or bushing, and a bearing centering plate. The bearing centering plate including at least one second surface arranged to contact the first surface, and at least one third surface aligned with the axis, at a second substantially uniform distance from the axis, facing radially inward or radially outward, and arranged to contact a circumference of the thrust bearing or the bushing. |
| US08863919B2 |
Electric parking brake system
Disclosed is a motor driven type electric parking brake system. The parking brake system includes a drum that is rotated along with a wheel, first and second brake shoes installed in the drum to apply brake force to the drum, an operating lever that supports the two brake shoes and pushes the two brake shoes against an inner surface of the drum when a pivoting lever is pulled, a motor to generate drive power to drive the pivoting lever, a cycloid speed reducer connected to a rotating shaft of the motor to amplify the drive power, a spindle member rotatably connected to the speed reducer and having a male screw portion, and a nut member having a female screw portion reciprocally screwed to the male screw portion. The nut member is moved in a longitudinal direction of the spindle member and supports an end of the pivoting lever. |
| US08863914B2 |
Self-energizing disk brake with wedge elements
A part-lining disk brake is described, having an electromechanical actuator, a self-energizing application device with a wedge arrangement designed to press a brake lining against a disk brake, and at least two wedge elements of the wedge arrangement moveable relative to one another, arranged on one of a brake caliper frame and an auxiliary frame. The wedge elements are used to apply the brake lining, and act on the brake lining via a trapezoidal pressure plate. |
| US08863911B2 |
Device for moving and attaching a component between two positions
A device for moving and attaching a component between an operating position in which the component is rigidly connected to a structure and a non-operating position below the operating position and in which the component is detached from the structure. The device includes: a frame rigidly secured to the ground and including vertical guiding columns; a lifting table for moving the component from the operating position to the non-operating position and vice versa, the lifting table being guided vertically along the guiding columns; a mechanism locking and unlocking the component on and outside the structure and rigidly connected to the lifting table; and an assembly of four cables associated with return pulleys, wherein one end of the cables is mounted to a winch that can raise and lower the lifting table between the non-operating position and the operating position, while the other cable end is rigidly connected to the lifting table. |
| US08863910B2 |
Elevator shaft door opening authorizing safety device
An elevator system has at least two elevator cars, each of which has at least one elevator car door and each of which is provided for independent displacement in a common shaft, and a plurality of shaft doors and a safety device having at least one door opening sensor, at least one evaluation unit and at least one data line between the door opening sensor and the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit evaluates at least one signal of the door opening sensor in at least one evaluation step to prevent unauthorized opening of the shaft door. |
| US08863902B2 |
Ladder accessory quick-mounting base with guide lips
Designs for adapting a ladder rail so that accessories to the ladder can be quickly and securely mounted and released without using tools. Aspects of the invention include attachment bases permanently mounted to the ladder rail with structures for toolless attachment and release of accessories to the base, including guide lips that allow the accessory to be easily removed. |
| US08863900B1 |
Tree step
A tree climbing system, the system comprising a tree climbing apparatus, the tree climbing apparatus including a handle portion, the handle portion including a first end portion, a second end portion and a ring portion including a top member, a bottom member, a first side member and a second side member, the ring portion defining an open interior portion, a threaded support member secured adjacent the first side member and the top member and a step member secured adjacent the second side member and the bottom member an installation tool, the installation tool including a first end, a second end and a handle near the first end and a carrier, the carrier including a carrier body sized to correspond with the open interior portion of the tree climbing apparatus. |
| US08863898B2 |
Fall protection system
An improved fall protection system has been developed. The system functions by: (1) arresting the fall of such users, thereby protecting them from impact with the ground which could cause serious injury or death; (2) providing a method of recovery and escape from a fall-arresting device by providing a user with a controlled descent back to the ground or to a lower place of safety at a safe and gradual rate of descent; (3) providing greater simplicity and wearer comfort in fall-arresting and self-recovery devices; and (4) incorporating gear storage capability into such protective devices, in order to eliminate the need to wear a separate gear storage pack, vest, tool belt, or other such garment or accessory. |
| US08863894B2 |
Silencer and rotating machine equipped therewith
In a silencer, holes are disposed in one row with intervals to each other along one direction, holes forming the one row are disposed in a plurality of rows in a direction perpendicular to the one direction, and positions of the holes in adjacent rows are shifted in the one direction and disposed in a zigzag pattern. A disposition interval of the holes of an outer edge hole row forming one row in at least two sides opposite to each other in the silencing porous plate is set to be larger than a disposition interval of the holes of a row inside the outer edge hole row. |
| US08863887B2 |
Utility vehicle
A utility vehicle which can shorten the entire length of an air intake duct includes a belt-type continuously variable transmission that converts and transmits a driving force from an engine, a transmission case that accommodates the continuously variable transmission, an air intake duct that introduces outside air into the transmission case, and an exhaust duct that discharges air in the transmission case, wherein the transmission case is provided in a console box, and an air intake port of the air intake duct is arranged in the console box. |
| US08863880B2 |
Hydraulic excavator
A hydraulic excavator basically includes a lower traveling unit, an upper revolving unit, a counterweight, a machine compartment, a first handrail, a second handrail and a pair of antenna supporting parts. The upper revolving unit is revolvably mounted on the lower traveling unit. The counterweight is disposed on the upper revolving unit. The machine compartment is disposed in front of the counterweight on the upper revolving unit. The first and second handrails are disposed on the machine compartment. The antenna supporting parts are configured to support a pair of antennas. The antenna supporting parts are respectively connected to the first and second handrails. |
| US08863878B2 |
Vehicle battery mounting structure
In a vehicle battery mounting structure, each sidewall of a bracket body has a load-receiving portion extending obliquely from the vehicle vertical direction upper end of a base portion toward the vehicle vertical direction lower end of a flat wall. The load-receiving portion is located between a rear wall and an intermediate beam. Thus, when the intermediate beam is moving toward the vehicle longitudinal direction front side during a rear collision, or the like, a front wall of the intermediate beam smashes against the load-receiving portion. |
| US08863876B2 |
Intake structure for saddle type vehicle
An intake structure for a saddle type vehicle for effectively lower the temperature of suction air includes an intake system disposed behind an engine supported on a vehicle body frame and a vehicle body cover for covering at least a side of the intake system. An inlet that is open to a side of a vehicle body on the inner side of the vehicle body cover is provided in the intake system. Further, a negative pressure formation section is provided at a position of the vehicle body cover at a substantially equal height to that of the inlet and on the rear side of the vehicle. The negative pressure formation section is configured from a depressed portion at which a vehicle body cover surface is depressed to the inner side of the vehicle body and an opening positioned in the depressed portion. |
| US08863872B2 |
Electrically powered bumper cars comprising multiple drive wheels and integral hub motors
“Bumper car” amusement rides are disclosed. An exemplary bumper car comprises a frame, a seat, multiple drive wheels, a motor controller, and at least one rider control. The seat is configured to hold and position at least one rider of the bumper car. The car is electrically powered from an internal and/or external power source. Each drive wheel comprises a respective hub motor that, when supplied with the electrical power from the source, rotates the respective drive wheel relative to the frame and propels the bumper car. The controller is connected to the source and to the hub motors. The controller is configured: (a) to limit a maximal current supplied by the source to the hub motors during a surge-current situation to a preset maximum, and (b) to ramp down the maximal current over a preset time interval during the surge-current situation. The at least one rider control is interconnected with the source and the hub motors and is configured to be manipulated by a rider for maneuvering the bumper car. |
| US08863868B2 |
Wheel mechanism
A cart comprising a platform configured to support something being transported. The cart has primary wheels including two or more rows of three or more non-swivelable wheels wherein the lower-most points of the wheels in a row form an arc. The wheels longitudinally span at least a portion of the platform. |
| US08863863B2 |
Undercutting tool
An undercutting tool for producing transverse grooves in a drilled hole. An upper support and a lower support axially delimit a receiving region of a shank. At least two spreading elements are disposed in the receiving region between the spreading elements and the receiving region. The shank and the supports are disposed so the axial distance between the supports can be reduced by exerting an axial force. The spreading elements each have an oblique upper and lower end face, which each have such an outer geometric shape, extending in a direction not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and are displaced in substantially opposite radial directions, and the axial force is in each case converted to a radial force in the radial directions. |
| US08863862B1 |
Lateral drilling tool and method from vertical bore hole
A lateral drilling system includes a device for drilling a first bore hole, preferably vertical or substantially vertical, and including a tool for boring a second bore hole in a direction transverse, preferably normal or substantially normal, to the first bore hole. The vertical boring tool may be any vertical boring device. A casing for the first bore hole may be used. The tool for boring the second bore hole includes a pipe launching section and a pipe receiving section. There is also a removable rack for holding a supply of pipe segments, each segment having a lead end of reduced diameter for fitting into a tail end of a preceding pipe segment, so that the segments form a conduit which may be used to treat surrounding ground. The tool includes a frame for holding the pipe receiving section, pipe launching section and pipe launching mechanism. The pipe launching mechanism includes a pushing arm and a power source to push each pipe segment one by one into the ground. A stabilizing mechanism may also be used to stabilize the device's frame. |
| US08863858B2 |
System and method for managing heave pressure from a floating rig
A system compensates for heave-induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a drill string or tubular is lifted off bottom and suspended on the rig, such as when tubular connections are made during NIPD, tripping, cementing operations or when a kick is circulated out during conventional drilling. In one embodiment, a pressure relief valve or adjustable choke allows the movement of fluid from the riser when the tubular moves down, and a pump with a pressure regulator moves fluid to the riser when the tubular moves up. The system also compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a riser telescoping joint located below an RCD is moving between its retracted and extended positions while drilling. |
| US08863857B2 |
Row unit for agricultural implement
An agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, and a furrow-opening module comprising a first linkage pivotably coupled to the attachment frame, a first movable frame pivotably coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the first movable frame relative to the linkage, a furrow-opening device mounted on the first movable frame, and a first biasing element pivotably attached to the linkage and coupled to the first movable frame for urging the furrow-opening device downwardly against the soil. The row unit also includes a furrow-closing module and a second biasing element for urging the at least one furrow-closing device downwardly against the soil. |
| US08863855B2 |
Method of enhancing oil recovery
Methods of enhancing oil recovery from subterranean hydrocarbon reservoirs are described, wherein a microorganism capable of digesting oil is injected into the formation. |
| US08863854B2 |
Method and apparatus for isolating tubing with a swellable seal
An apparatus for isolating at least a portion of a tubular for use in a wellbore comprising a first, inner tubular in the form of carrier tube and a second, outer tubular in the form of protective shroud, coupled to the carrier tube. One or more aperture is provided in a wall of the carrier tube for permitting fluid transfer through the tube and one or more aperture is provided to permit fluid transfer through the shroud. A sealing layer is disposed on a surface of the shroud, the sealing layer defining a first configuration permitting fluid flow through the apertures and, on exposure to a selected reactant, adopting a second configuration to restrict fluid flow through the apertures, the sealing layer adapted to return from the second configuration to the first configuration where concentration of the selected reactant falls below a selected threshold. |
| US08863848B2 |
Flow control apparatus and method
An apparatus for controlling the flow of downhole fluids comprises a body having a throughbore and at least one port extending through a sidewall of the body to enable fluid communication between the throughbore and an exterior of the body. The apparatus comprises a flow control device for controlling the flow of fluids through the port. The flow control device is arranged to change configuration between a closed configuration in which fluid flow through the port is restricted and an open configuration in which fluid flow through the port is permitted. The apparatus further comprises an actuator mechanism associated with the flow control device for selective actuation of the flow control device to change the configuration of the flow control device between the closed and open configurations. The apparatus further comprises a locking device to lock the configuration of the flow control device, and an unlocking mechanism to unlock the locking device and to permit the actuator mechanism to change the configuration of the flow control device. |
| US08863845B2 |
Gooseneck conduit system
A gooseneck conduit system for use with a telescoping joint of a subsea riser. In one embodiment, a riser telescoping joint includes a tube and a gooseneck conduit assembly affixed to the tube. The gooseneck conduit assembly includes a gooseneck conduit extending radially from the tube, and a tenon projecting from a rear face of the gooseneck conduit. The width of the tenon increases with distance from the rear face. The riser telescoping joint also includes a mortise channel extending along the length of the tube. The mortise channel is interlocks with the tenon and laterally secures the gooseneck conduit assembly to the tube. |
| US08863844B2 |
Subsea arrangement
A subsea arrangement comprising an external casing and a pressure equalizing valve for equalization of the fluid pressure in an internal space of the casing. The pressure equalizing valve comprises a swing arm and a valve member arranged inside the casing. The swing arm carries the valve member and is pivotable about a pivot axis, under the effect of an external fluid pressure acting on the valve member, from a resting position, in which the valve member covers an opening provided in the casing and prevents fluid flow through this opening, to a raised position, in which the valve member uncovers said opening and allows fluid flow through it from the surroundings into said space for equalization of the fluid pressure therein when the arrangement is lowered into the sea. The swing arm is pivotable from the raised position to the resting position under the effect of gravity. |
| US08863837B2 |
Plunger lift control system arrangement
A plunger lift control system for improving the output efficiency of an oil or gas well by a real-time reporting arrangement, the system comprising: a tubing string having an upper end and a lower end, the tubing string arranged within a well casing for receiving a plunger traveling therethrough, a plunger having a sound generating function therewith, so as to transmit a real-time lower-end location signal from the plunger to a signal sensor and processor arranged in communication with a system controller arranged at the upper end of the tubing. |
| US08863834B2 |
Friction reducing wear band and method of coupling a wear band to a tubular
In one embodiment, a wear band comprises a rotating element having a bore receivable on a tubular, the bore comprising first and second bore portions slidably receiving first and second sleeve bearings. Outer surfaces of the sleeve bearings slidably engage the bore portions and the bores of the sleeve bearings slidably engage the tubular. A first stop collar and a second stop collar may be received on the tubular to together straddle the rotating element and sleeve bearings to longitudinally secure the rotating element in a position on the tubular. The tubular may be included within a tubular string run into a borehole or into the bore of an installed casing, such as in casing while drilling. The rotating element provides stand-off between a tubular and the wall of a bore, reduces frictional resistance to longitudinal sliding and also to rotation of the tubular string within the bore. |
| US08863832B2 |
Orientable eccentric downhole assembly
An assembly employing multiple eccentric devices about a mandrel. The assembly is configured such that at least one of the eccentric devices is adjustably orientable relative another. Thus, for example, where the devices are packers disposed about completions tubing, the adjustable orientation may be utilized to ensure enough clearance is available for downhole advancement of the assembly. As such, the assembly may remain eccentric in nature without concern over damage during positioning, particularly to a communication line running to actuatable implements of equipment coupled to the completions assembly. |
| US08863829B2 |
Wellhead isolation tool and wellhead assembly incorporating the same
A wellhead assembly is provided including a casing and a tubular member mounted over the casing. A flange extends from the tubular member. A generally elongated annular member is provided in the tubular member. The generally elongated annular member has a first end portion above the tubular member and second end portion below the first end portion. A hanger may be suspended within the tubular member. In such case, a seal may be formed between the elongate annular member and the hanger. |
| US08863828B1 |
Stripper device with retrieval mounting portion and method of use
A stripper device for a wellhead defining the terminus of an aliphatic hydrocarbon production well. The stripper device includes a lubricator assembly having a lubricator pipe in communication with the wellhead and a dipper assembly traversing within the lubricator pipe and the well. A controller assembly provides instructions in a computer readable format to regulate the collection of liquid aliphatic hydrocarbons from the well with the dipper assembly. The stripper device includes a recovery assembly having a pivot element coupled to a lubricator pipe and to the wellhead. The pivot element renders the lubricator pipe to communicate with the wellhead in a first position and renders the lubricator pipe apart from the wellhead in a second position to expose the wellhead free of obstructions including those from the lubricator assembly. |
| US08863827B2 |
Jet pump for use with a multi-string tubing system and method of using the same for well clean out and testing
A jet pump and method of using the jet pump for removing fluids and solids from a conduit. The jet pump is adapted for use with a spoolable multi-string tubing system. The jet pump may be deployed rapidly and is suitable for temporary installation. The method may be used to reestablish flow in watered out and sanded off wells, or to test wells. The jet pump is adapted to remove wellbore fluid, which may be removed in combination with power fluid. The spoolable multi-string tubing system includes two or more substantially parallel conduits, allowing power fluid and return fluid to flow in separate conduits. Preferred embodiments provide additional functionality by inclusion of jetting elements, sensing elements, back-pressure valves, and auxiliary tubing strings or communication members in the spoolable multi-string tubing system. |
| US08863822B2 |
Control line running system
A control line running system includes a control line storage unit and a guiding system having a guiding device and a guide rail for guiding a control line from the control line storage unit toward a well center. The system may also include a control line manipulator assembly for moving the control line toward a tubular and a control line clamp for attaching the control line to the tubular. |
| US08863820B2 |
Measurement device for heat exchanger and process for measuring performance of a heat exchanger
A temperature measurement device in combination with a furnace heat exchanger is disclosed and claimed. An instrumented heat tracer sensor is launched into the heat exchanger which records the temperature of the fluid and performance at data points along the length of the heat exchanger. If a spike in the temperature as measured and recorded, since the speed of the heat tracer sensor is known, the location of the temperature increase is known which infers a burn through in the furnace. A three way valve includes a retrieve port, a chamber port, and a launch port. A small sensor control pump and a large heat exchanger flow pump propel the heat tracer sensor through the system. A plastic chamber retains the heat tracer sensor for interrogation and downloading information when the sensor is not in use in the heat exchanger. A control station communicates with the heat tracer sensor and extracts the stored temperature data therefrom. |
| US08863817B2 |
System and method for high temperature die casting tooling
A casting die includes a main cavity, a first reservoir and a first vent. The main cavity has a first interior volume for receiving a first molten volume of metal. The first reservoir is in serial fluid communication with the main cavity for storing a first molten backfill volume of metal to accommodate solidification shrinkage in the main cavity. The first vent is in serial fluid communication with the first reservoir. |
| US08863815B2 |
Track and guide system for a door
A vertically operating door and its drive system can be configured to push a door panel along a track to various overhead storage configurations including vertical, horizontal, inclined and coiled. Semi-flexible drive strips extend continuously along lateral edges of the curtain. The system includes a drive gear that engages a series of projections on at least one drive strip so that the gear can push the door between its open and closed positions. To protect the door from being damaged by collisions, the track can include a breakaway feature that allows at least a portion of the panel with its drive strip to separate from the track without permanent distortion. The drive strip and panel remain together as they break away from the track. The threshold of the breakaway force can be changed by selecting a retention strip from a plurality of interchangeable strips having different degrees of flexibility. |
| US08863814B2 |
Structures and methods for securing insulation to partitions
Movable partitions comprise a plurality of interconnected panels, at least one sheet of insulation adjacent the plurality of interconnected panels, and at least one hinge member connecting adjacent panels of the plurality of interconnected panels. The at least one hinge member comprises at least one pointed member that extends therefrom. The pointed member is at least partially inserted into the at least one sheet of insulation, and the at least one sheet of insulation is supported by a surface of the at least one pointed member that has a width that is greater than a thickness of the at least one pointed member. |
| US08863811B2 |
Adjustable width barrier
A gate has an expandable barrier and a horizontal rail located at a top of the barrier. A post may be coupled to the barrier and may have a portion extending above the horizontal rail. A lock is movably coupled to the post above the rail to provide for the locking and unlocking of the gate. |
| US08863810B2 |
Screen
A screen includes: a screen base body, wherein the screen base body includes a plurality of substrates, each of the substrates has a sheet part and a connecting part provided at least one of the surfaces of the sheet part, the connecting part of one of the substrates is detachably connected with the connecting part of the other substrate, and when the screen is used the screen base body is produced by connecting the connecting parts of the respective substrates such that the substrates can be combined. |
| US08863809B2 |
Methods and systems for recycling of laminated materials
In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a method and system for recycling a cured composite laminate material into a delaminated recyclate that maintains a fiber volume fraction and a lamina level fiber alignment substantially the same as the cured composite laminate material. The method provides a cured composite laminate material having a fiber volume fraction and a lamina level fiber alignment. The cured composite laminate material undergoes solvent soak preconditioning, liquid solvent removal, pre-heating, and rapid heating with phase change delamination of the cured composite laminate material to obtain the delaminated recyclate that maintains a fiber volume fraction and a lamina level fiber alignment substantially the same as the cured composite laminate material. |
| US08863808B2 |
Pair of substrate holders, substrate holder, substrate bonding apparatus and method for manufacturing device
A substrate holder pair comprising a first substrate holder and a second substrate holder that holds a first substrate and a second substrate bonded to each other, between itself and the first substrate holder. The first substrate holder includes a pressure receiving portion that, when the first substrate holder is separated from the second substrate holder, is pressed by a pressing member, and the second substrate holder includes a passing portion through which passes the pressing member, to enable pressing of the pressure receiving portion by the pressing member. |
| US08863806B2 |
Labelling plant and method for fixing sleeves around containers
The invention relates to a labelling plant and method for containers. Heat shrinkable sleeves are supplied and containers are supplied. A device for arranging the sleeve around the container will arrange the sleeve in a position with respect to the container. In a heat shrink oven the sleeves are fixed to the container forming the label. A conveyor will transport containers from the container supply and sleeves from the sleeve supply into the heat shrink oven. According to the invention a sleeve support will hold one or more sleeves in a predetermined position with respect to the container. The sleeve support comprises a platform supporting a part of a circumferential edge of the sleeve. Further one or at least two sleeve support elements are arranged to abut on an external side of the sleeve and to support the sleeve in an opened state. |
| US08863802B2 |
Apparatus for automatic marking of containers of biological samples
An apparatus for automatically marking laboratory test tubes in the stage of drawing biological material to be analyzed, which includes two or more distributors of test tubes of different types that are selectable by a control unit and are suitable for feeding test tubes to a test-tubes positioning device which in turn is suitable for presenting correctly positioned test tubes to a computerized labelling machine containing a printer for printing barcodes on labels. Each distributor includes an automatic drawing and discharging device for drawing and discharging single test tubes from a container of test tubes of a selected distributor to the positioning device. |
| US08863801B2 |
Pneumatic radial tire
There is provided a pneumatic radial tire having favorable steering stability required as a high performance radial tire designed for high performance cars, durability and good cost performance. The pneumatic radial tire is framed by a carcass 1 toroidally extending between a pair of bead portions 11 and has at least two layers of crossing belt layers 2 (2a, 2b) formed by rubberizing steel cords and disposed around an outside of a crown portion thereof in a radial direction. The steel cord has a single strand structure or a core-single layer sheath structure composed of six to ten steel wires of 0.10 to 0.20 mm in diameter, a number of driven steel cords is 40 cords/50 mm or more and a distance between the adjacent steel cords within the belt layer is 0.3 mm or more. |
| US08863800B2 |
Pneumatic tire with specified carcass folded section and notched portion
A pneumatic tire includes a carcass having a first portion in which a distance between ply cords of a carcass body section and a carcass folded section gradually decreases from a position of a bead core toward outside in a radial direction of the tire, a second portion in which the distance between the ply cords gradually increases from the first portion toward outside in the radial direction of the tire, and a third portion in which the distance between the ply cords gradually decreases from the second portion toward outside in the radial direction of the tire. A notched portion is provided on a widthwise outer skin rubber of the carcass folded section of the second portion by notching the widthwise outer skin rubber inwardly in the width direction of the tire. |
| US08863796B2 |
Tire
Provided is a tire exhibiting improved wear resistance, partial wear resistance, and traction performance on the wet road surface. The tire has block land portion arrays 5 defined on a tread portion 1. Between two block land portion arrays 5 located adjacent to each other while sandwiching a circumferential groove 2, a block land portions 4 constituting the block land portion arrays are arrange so as to be positionally displaced from each other, and a groove portion 6 located between the block land portions adjacent in the tire width direction extends obliquely with respect to tire width direction and the tire circumferential direction. At this time, a distance d2 between the block land portions adjacent in the tire width direction is shorter than a distance d1 between the block land portions adjacent in the circumferential direction. In the block land portion arrays 5 adjacent in the tire width direction, an inclined angle α of a side wall 9 of the block land portion 4 located on the groove portion 6 side with respect to the tire circumferential direction is larger than an inclined angle β of the other side wall 10 located on the opposite side to said groove portion 6 with respect to the tire circumferential direction. |
| US08863795B2 |
Gripping edges for winter tire
A vehicle wheel tire includes a tire tread having a circumferential center tread region in which block elements are arranged in a symmetric pattern on opposite sides of a tire circumferential equatorial centerplane. The tread has one or more circumferential grooves bounded by edges of opposing block elements, pairs of opposed block elements having a block edge facing the groove and an array of saw-teeth formed along the groove-facing edge of opposed block elements inclined in the radial direction. The saw-teeth on a block edge of one opposed block element incline in a direction opposite to the inclination direction of saw-teeth on opposite opposed block element. A block element on the center tread region side of the groove has multiple circumferentially spaced apart and laterally extending sipes extending across the block element. The sipes extend to and align with the array of saw-teeth along the groove-facing edge of the block element. |
| US08863793B2 |
Modular organization case
The current invention comprises a mechanical enclosure capable of unifying a plurality of individual personal organization devices into one interchangeable platform. The apparatus maintains high spatial efficiency by use of materials and geometry allowing miscellaneous items to be carried in single compact space, while also allowing for convenient attachment and removal of modular elements for a variety of applications and uses. |
| US08863792B2 |
Filling port structure for fuel tank
A filling port structure for a fuel tank includes a filling port member that defines a filling port, an open/close valve that opens and closes the filling port, a rotary member that attaches the open/close valve to the filling port member in a manner such that the open/close valve is rotatable between an open position and a closed position, a locking member that is provided in the filling port member and is movable between a locking position to lock the open/close valve in the closed position and an unlocking position to unlock the open/close valve, an unlocking member that moves the locking member to the unlocking position when pressed by a fuel gun, and a retention portion that holds the locking member in the unlocking position at least when the open/close valve is in the open position. |
| US08863791B2 |
Hose fuel nozzle
A fuel hose nozzle for filling a tank having a filler the tank with liquefied petroleum gas has a tubular valve housing extending along an axis and having an outer end, a tubular valve guide axially shiftable in the valve housing between a front position and a rear position and forming an outlet port adjacent the outer end, and a valve in the housing movable between an open position permitting fluid flow into the valve guide toward the outlet end and a closed position preventing such flow. A valve piston in the valve guide and axially fixed in the valve housing is engaged in the front position of the valve guide with the port to block flow through same. A fitting sleeve surrounding and axially shiftable on the valve housing has at the outer end an end fitting complementary to the tank filler neck. |
| US08863788B2 |
Automated medical liquid filling system and method
A medical liquid filling system and associated methods are provided, the system comprising a disposable and a drive system. The disposable includes a tubular member and a piston slidably disposed within the tubular member for retraction and advancement within at least a first portion of the tubular member. The disposable may include a seal member for sealing the first portion of the tubular member and may be interconnected to the piston for co-movement therewith. The drive system may include a piston drive member selectively interconnectable to the piston for driven advancement and retraction of the piston within the tubular member. The drive system may be interconnected to a controller, which may be operable to automate or semi-automate various filling operations. A user interface may be interconnected to the controller for providing input of various system operation parameters, which may be communicated to the controller to facilitate automated or semi-automated operation of the filling system. |
| US08863785B2 |
Mounting device for all-steel card clothings
In the mounting device (1) in accordance with the invention, the mounting arm (4) is held on a guide arrangement (11), the guide direction of said guide arrangement being oriented parallel to the rotational axis of the drum (3) to be fitted. A force measuring arrangement 21 is provided to detect the tensile force in the profile wire 9, said force measuring arrangement detecting the total force acting on the mounting arm (4), at least in longitudinal direction of the wire. In doing so, essentially all the forces acting on the profile wire (9) are detected, namely, the braking forces of a brake arrangement (25) as well as the braking forces of other arrangements such as, for example of alignment arrangements 28, tilting arrangements 32 or the like. |
| US08863782B2 |
Grounding system for a heated hose
A grounded electrical circuit in a heated hose is provided. In one embodiment, the heated hose assembly includes: a flexible hose body; a first and a second heating wires and a hose ground wire each extending longitudinally and parallel to an axis of the hose body and within an inner wall; a first fluid coupling provided on the first end portion of the flexible hose body, the first fluid coupling comprising a stem inserted into the flexible hose body and radially clamping an end of the hose ground wire against an inner surface of the inner wall, such that a contact between the first fluid coupling and the end of the hose ground wire grounds the hose ground wire; a power cord electrically connected to the first and second heating wires and to the hose ground wire; and a thermostat electrically connected to the first and second heating wires. |
| US08863778B2 |
Ceramic water control valve
A ceramic water control valve with cold, hot and warm water positioning function includes a valve casing with an annular frame of reduced diameter, a rotary driving seat with a projecting tube part, a valve stem, a ceramic valve plate set, and a base. A rotatable ring is installed outside the annular frame of reduced diameter. At the top edge of the rotatable ring, a trepan boring is installed to allow the projecting tube part to protrude upward. A simultaneous movement cooperating unit includes the driving part installed inside projecting tube part and the driven part installed in the rotatable ring top edge. The driving part and driven part can cooperate the drive the rotatable ring simultaneously in the rotation of the rotary driving seat. A scale division positioning unit is installed at the position corresponding to the rotatable ring and the annular frame of reduced diameter. |
| US08863776B2 |
Multi-stage trim
Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed, including a system that has a trim with a plurality of flow paths. In certain embodiments, each flow path includes a series of stages and an expansion zone disposed in series between each of the stages. The expansion zones are configured to flow a fluid in a direction that is generally perpendicular to directions of flow in both an adjacent-upstream stage and an adjacent-downstream stage. |
| US08863773B2 |
Fluid metering device using free-moving piston
A fluid metering device may meter the flow of fluid. The device may have a main chamber and a piston configured and oriented to reciprocate within the main chamber. The piston may be configured and oriented to define a first and a second sub-chamber whose volumes vary inversely as a function of the position of the piston during its reciprocation. The fluid metering device may have a first inlet valve configured to controllably regulate the flow of fluid into the first sub-chamber, a first outlet valve configured to controllably regulate the flow of fluid out of the first sub-chamber, a second inlet valve configured to controllably regulate the flow of fluid into the second sub-chamber, and a second outlet valve configured to controllably regulate the flow of fluid out of the second sub-chamber. A valve controller may be configured to control each of the values in a manner that causes fluid to flow through the each of the sub-chambers at an average rate that substantially tracks a control signal which is delivered to the valve controller. |
| US08863768B2 |
Device for mounting and removing valve packing and method thereof
A packing mounting and removing device includes a packing mounting and removing rod, a rod support, a rod fixing nut, and a spiral line. The packing mounting and removing device includes a packing flange having a through hole, a gland bushing, a packing, and a lantern ring. A packing exchange method uses the same. By using the device it is not necessary to use any special equipment for removing the packing, and it is possible to mount and remove the packing without disassembling a driving section and a valve disc section. Therefore, it is possible to noticeably reduce time and cost required for the mounting and removing the packing. |
| US08863766B1 |
Canopy with removable blind for hunting tree stand
A canopy with removable blind for hunting tree stand. A bracket removably attaches to a tree with straps, and one or more supports extend upwards from the bracket to a roof, around whose outer edges a blind may removably hang. The roof folds for storage and transportation, and the bracket is composed of two bracket end plates joined by at least one bracket vertical member. The bracket may be easily assembled and disassembled for storage or transportation. Bolts or quick-remove pins attach the support(s) to the bracket and the roof. The canopy is designed for use with an existing tree stand mounted below the roof. When installed above an existing tree stand, the canopy protects the tree stand occupants from weather, and the blind hides the occupants from view. |
| US08863762B2 |
Elastomeric dental floss
A composition comprising a melted blend of polypropylene and an elastomeric block copolymer, and a plasticizer useful as an oral cleaning device. The elastomeric composition may be used as a dental floss. |
| US08863760B2 |
Apparatus and methods for hair extensions
A new hair extension apparatus and method are employed to adhesively secure a hair weft at areas of exposed skin behind a wearer's ears to avoid damage to the wearer's natural hair. Two separate pieces of a flexible sheer material are each connected to a seam of the weft adjacent a respective one of two opposing ends thereof, thereby providing surfaces that face away from the seam and the strands adjacent the opposite ends of the seam for attachment of the hair weft behind the user's ears. |
| US08863757B2 |
Smoking articles with reduced ignition proclivity characteristics
A process for reducing the permeability of a paper wrapper used in the construction of a smoking article is disclosed. The paper wrapper is treated with a film-forming composition that forms treated discrete areas on the wrapper. The treated discrete areas have a permeability within a predetermined range sufficient to reduce the ignition proclivity properties of a smoking article made with the wrapper. In accordance with the present invention, the film-forming composition contains a film-forming material. The film-forming material has a relatively low viscosity. In this manner, the film-forming composition can have a relatively high solids content and still be applied to the wrapper using conventional techniques, such as by using a gravure printer. |
| US08863748B2 |
Endoscopic surgical operation method
Endoscopic surgical operation method includes: a step of lifting a living tissue including an diseased tissue located distally relative to an operation channel of an endoscope inserted through a natural orifice; a step of suturing a proximal region and a distal region of the living tissue positioned basal relative to the diseased tissue lifted by a suturing means section projecting distally from the operation channel of the endoscope after the lifting; and a step of resecting the living tissue between the sutured regions and the diseased tissue endoscopically after suturing the proximal region and the distal region of the living tissue surrounding the diseased tissue. |
| US08863747B1 |
Triple access drape and method of using same
A medical drape, including a main sheet having at least one opening for access to a patient's femoral artery, and at least one adjustable arm board cover substantially located at one end of the main sheet wherein the adjustable arm board cover includes at least one opening for access to the patient's brachial artery and at least one opening for access to the patient's radial artery. |
| US08863746B2 |
Device and method for placing within a patient an enteral tube after endotracheal intubation
The present invention is directed to a novel device and method for providing a disposable endotracheal intubation device for use with an auxiliary passageway serving as a guide for the placement of an orogastric or other enterally directed device in a patient. The present invention pertains to a medical catheter device, removably attachable to an endotracheal tube, for guiding the path of an enteral tube into the esophagus of a patient. The catheter device preferably employs an adjustable clamp to fix the position of the catheter relative to the endotracheal tube. The present invention also pertains to a combination medical intubation device comprising an endotracheal tube and a catheter proximate the endotracheal tube to guide the path of an enteral tube. The present invention also pertains to a method of intubating a patient using this combination medical intubation device. |
| US08863744B2 |
Stowage box for breathing mask
Embodiments of the invention relate to a stowage box for a breathing mask that includes a frame forming a receptacle for the mask, the frame having an open face for inserting and extracting the mask, and a pneumatic assembly to control the feed of a breathing gas under pressure to the breathing mask. The pneumatic assembly is adapted to close the feed of breathing gas when the mask is inserted into the frame and to open the feed of breathing gas when the mask is extracted from the frame. |
| US08863743B2 |
Hermetically welded sealed oxygen cylinder assembly and method of charging
An emergency oxygen system for aircraft passengers includes a hermetically welded sealed oxygen cylinder of stainless steel, a welded metal diaphragm sealing a discharge port and an extended hermetically sealed capillary tube for charging the cylinder with pressurized oxygen. A hollow piston cutter is driven to pierce the metal diaphragm as part of a first passageway delivering oxygen to the passenger. A second passageway delivers any leaking oxygen to a release port when the piston cutter is in position. A method of filling the cylinder includes welding to the cylinder a member having a metal diaphragm of a predetermined rupturable characteristic and using the open capillary tube to fill oxygen in the cylinder and subsequently crimping a portion of the capillary tube to provide a hermetic seal. A pressure gauge can be hermetically sealed to the bottom of the oxygen cylinder. |
| US08863741B2 |
Solar air heating device
A solar air heating module is provided including an air entrance situated proximate to a bottom of the module and an air exit situated proximate to the top of the module; a back film, having a plurality of conical solar collectors extending perpendicularly therefrom; a front film in contact with the collectors to prevent air from escaping between the entrance and the exit; wherein air, when entering the entrance, passes by the collectors to mix with heated air before reaching the exit. Alternatively the collectors may be aligned wherein each collector is secured to adjacent collectors by plates or a strap to allow the module to be folded or rolled up for storage. |
| US08863731B2 |
Slingshot seat
A slingshot seat has a frame with a rocker bottom configured to provide a low trajectory and a high trajectory. A seat is mounted on the frame and positioned to allow a user to rock forward on the rocker bottom to a forward position of the low trajectory and positioned to allow a user to rock backward on the rocker bottom and a backward position of the high trajectory. A pair of upwardly extending arms extend from the frame. The pair of upwardly extending arms terminate in a right upper end and a left upper end. An elastic cord is attached to the right upper end and attached to the left upper end. A pocket is mounted on the elastic cord between the right upper end and the left upper end. |
| US08863728B2 |
Model-based transient fuel injection timing control methodology
A method for controlling a direct-injection internal combustion engine includes monitoring internal combustion engine operational parameters, determining a start of injection in response to the engine operational parameters, monitoring an intake air flow comprising a residual gas component, monitoring an exhaust gas flow, monitoring a fuel flow, determining a time constant corresponding to an intake air flow reaction time based upon the intake air flow, the exhaust gas flow, and the fuel flow, modifying the start of injection with the time constant, and operating the engine subject to the modified start of injection. |
| US08863724B2 |
Isochoric heat addition engines and methods
Engines and methods execute a high efficiency hybrid cycle, which is implemented in a volume within an engine. The cycle includes isochoric heat addition and over-expansion of the volume within the engine, wherein the volume is reduced in a compression portion of the cycle from a first quantity to a second quantity, the volume is held substantially constant at the second quantity during a heat addition portion of the cycle, and the volume is increased in an expansion portion of the cycle to a third quantity, the third quantity being larger than the first quantity. |
| US08863723B2 |
Hybrid cycle rotary engine
An internal combustion engine includes in one aspect a source of a pressurized working medium and an expander. The expander has a housing and a piston, movably mounted within and with respect to the housing, to perform one of rotation and reciprocation, each complete rotation or reciprocation defining at least a part of a cycle of the engine. The expander also includes a septum, mounted within the housing and movable with respect to the housing and the piston so as to define in conjunction therewith, over first and second angular ranges of the cycle, a working chamber that is isolated from an intake port and an exhaust port. Combustion occurs at least over the first angular range of the cycle to provide heat to the working medium and so as to increase its pressure. The working chamber over a second angular range of the cycle expands in volume while the piston receives, from the working medium as a result of its increased pressure, a force relative to the housing that causes motion of the piston relative to the housing. |
| US08863722B2 |
Cylinder block and method of machining same
A machined shape of a bore is based on the deformation amount of a data-acquisition bore after fastening of cylinder head. A cross section of an approximate shape is set to be an approximately-true circle shape, and a diameter of the approximately-true circle shape is changed along a central axial direction in accordance with the deformation amount of the data-acquisition bore, to determine the approximate shape. The approximate shape has a cross section having the approximately-true circle shape and has a simple shape which is symmetrical about the central axis. Since the machined shape of the bore is the shape obtained by reversing a phase of a recess and a projection of the approximate shape about a predetermined cylindrical shape, the machined shape has a cross section having the approximately-true circle shape and has a simple shape which is symmetrical about the central axis. |
| US08863720B2 |
Coated piston and a method of making a coated piston
A piston for a diesel internal combustion engine including a crown portion at least partially formed of steel and having a combustion surface with a combustion bowl formed therein is provided. The combustion bowl presents a combustion bowl rim area, and a coating including at least one of a noble metal and a refractory metal is applied to substantially only the combustion bowl rim area. The coating is preferably applied in the areas of the combustion bowl rim area that are in line with the sprays of diesel fuel when the piston is in a top dead center position during operation of the engine. |
| US08863717B2 |
Intake device of an internal combustion engine
An intake device of an internal combustion engine has primary and secondary intake lines for aspirating primary and secondary combustion air, respectively. The primary intake line opens into a primary inlet chamber and the secondary intake line opens into a secondary inlet chamber of a filter housing. In comparison to the primary intake line, the secondary intake line has a configuration such that, in normal engine operation, a flow capacity of the secondary intake line, in comparison to a flow capacity of the primary intake line, is so minimal that secondary combustion air aspirated through the secondary intake line has a negligible effect on the performance of the internal combustion engine. When the primary intake line is closed, the flow capacity of the secondary intake line suffices to supply the internal combustion engine with a minimum combustion air mass flow required for operating the internal combustion engine. |
| US08863711B2 |
Adjustable camshaft sprocket assembly and tool for same
An adjustable camshaft sprocket assembly includes a hub and a sprocket body secured to the hub. A stud-receiving opening is defined in one of the hub flange and the sprocket body, and a tool-receiving opening is defined in the other of the hub flange and the sprocket body. The tool-receiving opening is aligned with the stud-receiving opening and is adapted to receive a body portion of an adjustment tool, and the stud-receiving opening is adapted to receive an eccentric stud of the adjustment tool. Either the stud-receiving opening or the tool-receiving opening is elongated. Rotation of the adjustment tool when its body is located in the tool-receiving opening and its eccentric stud is located in the stud-receiving opening causes relative angular movement between the hub and the sprocket body. One or more fasteners are used to immovably secure the sprocket body to the hub after adjustment. A tool includes cylindrical base, a driving head, and an eccentric stud. The stud comprises a spring pin press-fit into a bore. |
| US08863710B2 |
Control valve
A control valve which has a substantially cylindrical valve box and a substantially cylindrical control piston. The control valve can be arranged in a cylindrical receptacle and the control piston is arranged so as to be axially displaceable inside the valve box. |
| US08863708B2 |
Valve timing control device of internal combustion engine
Even if an internal combustion engine is stopped having a lock pin of a vane rotor kept disengaged from a lock recess, subsequent engine starting can instantly move the vane rotor to a desired angular position where the lock member an be engaged with the lock recess. The vane rotor has therein two passage control mechanisms each having a hydraulically actuated valve body. When the valve body is moved to a given position, retarding and advancing hydraulic holes become communicated to each other through an annular groove of the valve body. Due to this ON communication, retarding and advancing operation chambers become communicated, so that reciprocative swing movement of the vane rotor induced by an alternating torque produced at the starting of the engine is effectively made and thus the vane rotor can be quickly turned to the desired angular position for ease of engine starting. |
| US08863707B2 |
Camshaft adjuster
A camshaft adjuster (1) that has a spring (4) covered at least partially by a spring cover (5) is provided, with the spring cover (5) having spacer elements (6) that fix the spring ends (7) in the axial direction such that the spring windings of the spring (4) have, as much as possible, no axial contact with the peripheral components. |
| US08863703B2 |
Preheating of an internal combustion engine
An assembly comprising a coolant circuit for an internal combustion engine, wherein the internal combustion engine can be thermally coupled to at least one coolant circuit through which is flowing a coolant with a maximum permissible coolant temperature. The coolant circuit is or is capable of being temporarily thermally coupled via at least one heat exchanger to a latent heat accumulator. The latent heat accumulator has a latent heat accumulator medium with a phase transition temperature that is higher than the maximum permissible coolant temperature. The latent heat accumulator medium is disposed in a vessel of the latent heat accumulator. The vessel is displaceable relative to the at least one heat exchanger. The vessel and the heat exchanger can be brought into at least two different relative positions in which the transfer of heat from the latent heat accumulator medium to the coolant in the coolant circuit varies. |
| US08863700B2 |
Fuel additive for improved performance in fuel injected engines
In accordance with the disclosure, exemplary embodiments provide a fuel additive concentrate, a method for cleaning fuel injectors, a method for restoring power to a diesel fuel injected engine, a fuel composition, and a method of operating a fuel injected diesel engine. The additive concentrate includes (a) a hydrocarbyl substituted quaternary ammonium internal salt; and (b) a reaction product of (i) a hydrocarbyl substituted dicarboxylic acid, anhydride, or ester and (ii) an amine compound or salt thereof of the formula wherein R is selected from hydrogen and a hydrocarbyl group containing from about 1 to about 15 carbon atoms, and R1 is selected from hydrogen and a hydrocarbyl group containing from about 1 to about 20 carbon atoms. The reaction product (b) on average has less than 2 amino-triazole groups per molecule. A weight ratio of (a) to (b) in the additive concentrate ranges from about 10:1 to about 1:10. |
| US08863697B2 |
Pet toy sound module
A sound module for insertion within a pet toy. The sound module is in the form of a shell housing an integrated circuit, power source and speaker, the integrated circuit being programmed to generate a signal to the speaker for creating an audible sound. The shell is in the form of a sphere, oval, square or rectangle ideally having a wall for thickness of between 2 mm and 5 mm and composed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. |
| US08863691B2 |
Nectar feeder with float and valve
The present invention is a nectar feeder for birds. The nectar feeder has a container for storing nectar feed. A base tray is connected in fluid communication with the container. A float is positioned between the container and the base tray. In operation, the nectar feed flows through the container and into the base tray until the float rises to a level to prevent fluid from flowing into the base tray. |
| US08863684B2 |
Apparatus and method for smoothly coating substrates
The surface of a substrate may be smoothly covered with a liquid when the substrate is fixed in a holder which together with forms, together with the surface of the substrate, a process volume into which the liquid may be introduced onto the surface of the substrate by means of a wetter, and when the holder including the substrate is set in a swaying motion by means of a swayer, so that the liquid will smoothly spread on the surface of the substrate. By the swaying motion, concentration of the volume of liquid at a specific location of the substrate surface is prevented, since the direction of motion of the liquid changes constantly. |
| US08863683B2 |
Impact indicator
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for impact detection and indication is disclosed. The device includes a housing and a detection assembly configured to detect receipt by the housing of an acceleration event. In response to detecting the acceleration event, the detection assembly causes a display element coupled to the housing to provide an encoded indication of impact status. |
| US08863682B2 |
Helical bend restrictor
An offshore system for drilling or production comprises a buoyant hull. In addition, the system comprises a topside mounted to the hull and positioned above the surface of the water. Further, the system comprises a conductor having a lower end disposed in the sea bed below the sea floor and an upper end coupled to the topside. Still further, the system comprises a bend restrictor disposed about the conductor. The bend restrictor comprises a first sleeve having a lower end positioned in the sea bed below the sea floor, an upper end positioned above the sea floor, an inner surface extending between the upper end and the lower end, an outer surface extending between the upper end and the lower end, and a slit extending helically about the first sleeve. The slit extends radially from the inner surface to the outer surface of the first sleeve. |
| US08863677B2 |
Multi-needle sewing machine
A multi-needle sewing machine is disclosed that includes a needle-bar case that supports needle bars; a needle-bar case transfer mechanism that transfers the needle-bar case to place a predetermined needle bar to a needle drop position; a thread guide member that is movable up and down, the thread guide member being provided with thread guide sections spaced by a predetermined distance and that guide a plurality of threads; a plurality of thread inlets that are provided at the needle-bar case, each thread inlet being uniquely associated with one of the thread guide sections and that introduces the threads guided by the thread guide sections toward the needle bars; and a lifting/lowering mechanism that moves the thread guide member up and down during transfer of the needle-bar ease and the thread inlets such that the thread guide sections and the associated thread inlets maintain a constant distance therebetween. |
| US08863676B2 |
Twin-row multiple variety planter and method of use
A twin-row planter is shown configured to plant different varieties of seed. Each planting unit of the twin-row is separately controlled to turn on or off the seed meter of the planting unit. This enables operation of only one seed meter of the two planting units in each twin-row. With the planting units supplied with different varieties of seed, the variety being planted can be controlled by controlling the seed meters of the two planting units within the twin-row. |
| US08863675B2 |
Steam generator for producing superheated steam in a waste incineration plant
A steam generator for producing superheated steam in a waste incineration plant, includes a boiler housing having a combustion chamber with walls having an evaporator. The evaporator has tubes carrying water and being acted upon by heat energy released during incineration of waste, for producing superheated steam. A wall superheater for increasing temperature of the superheated steam includes a plurality of tubes in a wall of the boiler housing for carrying superheated steam being protected against flue gas from an incineration process by plate-like elements formed of a corrosion-proof material. The boiler housing includes an evaporator housing section having the water-carrying tubes and a wall-superheater housing section spatially separated from the evaporator housing section and having the superheated steam-carrying tubes. The wall-superheater housing section is movable relative to and disposed downstream of the evaporator housing section in flue gas flow direction. |
| US08863670B2 |
Rail mover with independently pivoting wheel assemblies
A rail draft vehicle for moving railcars along a pair of rails includes a frame having a front end and a rear end. The vehicle also has a front wheel assembly associated with the front end of the frame as well as a rear wheel assembly associated with the rear end of the frame. Each of the wheel assemblies includes an axle housing with a differential and a pair of road wheels connected for rotation relative to the axle housing. Each wheel assembly pivots as a unit relative to the frame about a vertical axis. The vehicle also includes an engine attached to the frame. In addition, a power train powered by the engine drives each of the wheel assemblies and is connected to each wheel assembly. |
| US08863669B2 |
Versatile control of a linear synchronous motor propulsion system
Control of Linear Synchronous Motors involves a number of low level issues of motor control—such as sensing precise position, controlling current in stator windings, and obeying commands from high level controllers—and high level vehicle control—such as stopping and starting, switching and merging, limiting speed and acceleration, synchronizing relative motion, preventing collisions and accidents, and dealing with failures. In most cases there is a master controller that directs vehicles based on simple commands but in other cases it is desirable to allow an external agent to provide more detailed control—such as synchronizing motion between a vehicle and a robot or allowing human operator control. This patent describes a versatile control scheme that allows both simplified high level control and, when or where necessary, control by an external agent. The result is a transport system and method that provides efficient and precise movement of vehicles on a guideway. |
| US08863666B2 |
Method and system for electronically shaping detonated charges
According to an embodiment, a method for controlling the shape and direction of an explosion may include sensing the direction of an incoming threat, calculating an intercept vector for the threat, and triggering an explosive device in a manner that may generate an intercepting force directed along the intercept vector. According to one embodiment, a system may include a sensor configured to detect the direction of an incoming threat, an explosive device including an explosive and a plurality of embedded detonators, and a firing sequence calculator connected to receive information from the sensor regarding the direction of the threat and to trigger the detonators sequentially to produce an explosion having a selected shape, direction and intensity to create a counteracting force in response to the incoming threat. |
| US08863664B2 |
Igniter assembly
An igniter assembly includes, an igniter body having an ignition portion and an electroconductive pin, a substantially cylindrical collar surrounding and retaining the igniter body, and a tubular holder disposed inside the collar and surrounding the electroconductive pin to connect the electroconductive pin to a connector. The igniter body, the collar, and the tubular holder are separate members, and are integrated by a resin (provided that the holder is not fitted by being inserted into the collar or a resin portion covering the collar). The tubular holder has a tubular body portion and a convex portion covered by the resin and formed on an outer circumferential surface of the tubular body portion in the diametrical direction or on an inner circumferential surface of the tubular body portion in the diametrical direction. A fitting portion is provided to the inner circumferential surface of the tubular body portion for fitting the connector. |
| US08863655B2 |
Juicer with alternate cutters
A juicer device comprised of a motor disposed within a housing and having an output shaft projecting away from the housing; at least two alternate cutters each individually detachably connectable to the output shaft; a plurality of alternate inserts wherein a selected one of the plurality of alternate inserts circumscribes a selected one of the at least two alternate cutters detachably connected to the output shaft; and a body circumscribing the selected one of the plurality of alternate inserts wherein the body and the selected one of the plurality of alternate inserts include openings for feeding food to the selected one of the at least two alternate cutters detachably connected to the output shaft and openings for receiving juice, homogenized food, or shredded food therefrom upon actuation of the motor under the control of a safety system. |
| US08863652B2 |
Cooking apparatus and method with product recognition
Cooking apparatus having first and second platens with product recognition. A positioning mechanism moves the second platen toward the first. A detector senses the second platen making contact with a food product disposed on the first platen and provides a signal. A controller uses the signal to measure the travel distance of the second platen. The product thickness is a function of the travel distance, which is used to select a cooking procedure for the food product. The controller then executes the selected cooking procedure to cook the food product. The detector can include a micro switch, proximity sensor, touch sensor, strain sensor, thermal sensor, optical sensor, sonar sensor or positioning load change sensor. |
| US08863651B1 |
Popcorn popper blowout stopper
The popcorn popper blowout stopper is an accessory unit of a round rimmed screen with an arm and a handle attached to be able to position the screen over the discharge outlet/heating chamber within the popper assembly. The screen will prevent kernels (but not the airflow) from leaving the popcorn popper burning pets, people/children and landing on the counters and floor. The accessory is important especially in the beginning and the end of the cycle when the output of popped corn is sparse and until the mass of popped corn pushes the accessory into the awaiting bowl. After the mass of popped corn subsides and the output is sparse, the accessory can then be placed again in the popcorn popper for blowout protection to the very end of the cycle. This accessory will fit the Presto, Orville Redenbacher, Conair, Great Northern and many other popcorn poppers. |
| US08863650B2 |
Infusion press lid assembly
An infusion press lid assembly is taught consisting of a lid body having a configuration capable of attaching to a straight walled beverage containing vessel. An actuator lever (44) pivotally engages a lid body (20) with a pouring valve (56) embraced by the actuator lever. A plunger rod (70) is disposed within the lid body and a plunger knob (76) is attached to the plunger rod for manually pushing the rod away from the lid body. A piston (82) is attached to the plunger rod, with the piston having bottom screen (84); a hub (86), an outer ring (88) and a number of reinforcing spokes (90). A seal retainer (92) is disposed within a groove (94) around the piston's periphery and a lip seal (96) is positioned within seal retainer. When an infusible media is placed within a beverage containing vessel and hot water is poured over the media and the lid body is attached, after steeping a brewed beverage is formed. The piston is depressed passing through the beverage which includes media residual debris that is captured by the screen under the piston, when completely depressed the pouring valve may be released allowing the purified beverage to be sipped or poured from the container. |
| US08863649B1 |
Intelligent beverage and culinary appliances
A networking system, method and apparatus for real time management, operation, command and control of various intelligent beverage appliances and intelligent culinary appliances enabled for the preparation, storage and serving/dispensing of hot and cold beverages and food items. The intelligent beverage appliances and intelligent culinary appliances enabled for personalized/customized preparation, storage and dispensing of selected beverage/food items in accordance with user/customer preference profiles maintained within said intelligent appliances and or in conjunction with a central server, a mobile device, a stationary device or a combination thereof; including the maintenance of user/customer information in secure databases for evaluation and analysis by the customer, vendor and an authorized health care professional for personal health management and other utility. |
| US08863640B2 |
Control system for a hydraulic coupler
A control system for extending and retracting a ram of a hydraulic coupler for coupling an attachment to an arm of an excavator or back hoe, said control system being adapted to provide an audible and/or visual alert to an operator to indicate a leak of fluid or loss of fluid pressure from said ram and/or from a hydraulic circuit supplying said fluid to the ram. Preferably the control system further comprises a flow sensor for sensing the flow of fluid in a feed line for supplying pressurized fluid to the ram and/or a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of fluid in said feed line, said control system including at least one indication device for providing said audible and/or visual alert to an operator to indicate a leak of fluid or loss of fluid pressure in response to, or as a function of, the output of the flow sensor and/or the pressure sensor. |
| US08863638B2 |
Bushing assisted cam pin
A cam pin system, includes a cam pin comprising a first cylindrical portion having a first length and a first diameter and a second cylindrical portion concentric with the first cylindrical portion and having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, the second cylindrical portion comprising a through-hole to accommodate the passage of a firing pin. The system includes an end plate detachably connected to the first cylindrical portion of the cam pin, a cylindrical bushing encircling the first cylindrical portion and having an outside diameter approximately equal to the second diameter and a bushing length approximately equal to the first length, and lubricant between the cylindrical bushing and the first cylindrical portion. The cam pin system is configured so that the cylindrical bushing can rotate freely about the first cylindrical portion. |
| US08863632B1 |
Charging handle
A charging handle assembly for an assault rifle includes a bolt engagement arm having an axially elongated shaft extending between a forward end and a rear end, a manual operator adapted to be manipulated by a user for effecting sliding movement of the bolt engagement arm, an operator extension elongated in the axial direction, connecting the manual operator with the rear end of bolt engagement arm and holding the manual operator forwardly thereof and laterally separated from the bolt engagement arm, an engagement latch mounted to the manual operator so as to be movable between an engagement position and an disengagement position, a biasing element extending between the manual operator and the engagement latch and biasing the engagement latch into the engagement position. A latch retainer can be attached to a mounting rail for receiving the engagement latch. |
| US08863629B2 |
Utility chain cutter
Embodiments provide various saw chain links which may be combined to form a utility saw chain. In various other embodiments, cutting system fixtures are disclosed which may facilitate the cutting of pipes and other materials from an axis point. |
| US08863620B2 |
Hand tool with stripping and shearing functions
A hand tool with stripping and shearing functions includes a base, a handle set, a clamping element, an engaging blade set, a link rod set and a shearing blade set. The base includes a first body and a second body, and the first body has a first jaw section, and the second body has a second jaw section. The clamping element is corresponsive to the first jaw section. The engaging blade set is corresponsive to the second jaw section. The link rod set is pivotally coupled to the handle set, the clamping element, and the engaging blade set. The shearing blade set is coupled to a first knife body of the first body and a second knife body of the second body. |
| US08863616B2 |
Bicycle pedal crank, intermediate product and method for manufacturing such a pedal crank
A bicycle pedal crank has an elongated body and a first end portion with a first seat for coupling with a bottom bracket of the bicycle, a second end portion with a second seat for coupling with a pedal, and an intermediate portion extending between the first end portion and said second end portion and having an inner portion substantially without structural strength and a first reinforcement structure. The first reinforcement structure has a tubular structure arranged around said inner portion and extending longitudinally not longer than the longitudinal extension of the intermediate portion. The extension of the tubular element is limited to the intermediate portion of the pedal crank. The crank may be manufactured in a simple, quick way in a completely automated manner, using a filling material molded under high pressure. |
| US08863615B2 |
Roller lifter, roller lifter production method and liquid pump
A roller lifter including a roller that is rotatably supported and a body that supports the roller, the body including: a base portion in the form of a flat plate; a roller holding portion in the form of a pair of opposing plate-shaped portions that are formed by bending towards one of plate surfaces of the base portion, the roller holding portion being configured to hold the roller between the plate-shaped portions; and a guide portion in the form of a plate-shaped portion formed by bending towards the other one of the plate surfaces of the base portion and also formed by curving so that the plate-shaped portion follows a cylindrical surface shape in which a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the base portion is the axial direction of the cylinder, the guide portion being configured to form a guide surface in a shape that follows the cylindrical surface shape. |
| US08863610B2 |
Steering column for a motor vehicle
A steering column for a motor vehicle includes a mounting and a carriage received in a guideway of the mounting for movement between a rearward starting position and a forward end position. Arranged between the carriage and the mounting is an actuatable locking device to lock the starting position of the carriage during normal travel and, when being released, to allow a shift of the carriage to the forward end position together with the steering wheel to thereby facilitate entry of the driver. The locking device has at least one predetermined breaking element dimensioned to either break or to become deformed sufficient to release the locking device and to allow the carriage to move from the starting position to the end position, when an impacting predefined crash force is exceeded in the event of a crash. |
| US08863607B2 |
Umbilical member treatment device
An umbilical member treatment device (10) includes a pipe member (25) which is attached to a second engaging member (12) coaxially with the rotational axis and umbilical member fastening parts at both a first engaging member (11) and the second engaging member, the umbilical member fastening parts fastening the plurality of umbilical members so that at one end or both ends of the pipe member, the plurality of umbilical members form approximately U-shapes, at the umbilical member fastening parts, at least two umbilical members among the plurality of umbilical members being arranged adjoining each other in a ribbon shape, all of the at least two umbilical members being made to abut on an inner circumferential surface near one end or both ends of the pipe member within a range of relative rotational angle between the first engaging member and second engaging member. |
| US08863604B2 |
Drive unit for entrance and exit systems
A drive apparatus for boarding and unboarding devices, in particular for passenger doors, boarding ramps, retractable steps and the like on public transport vehicles having an electric drive motor the driven element of which is connected to the input element of a first reduction gear the output element of which is coupled to the actuation devices for the boarding and unboarding devices where the drive apparatus is constructed as a compact drive where the electric drive motor, the first reduction gear and a second reduction gear as well as an energizable clutch are disposed axially behind each other inside a tubular housing between the first reduction gear and the second reduction gear. |
| US08863597B2 |
Stardrive propulsion system
A device that produces linear motion by sequentially and in a continuous sequence accelerating inertial thrust masses at well defined times towards the axis of counter-rotating disks. The inertial thrust masses are contained in cavities placed equidistantly about the periphery of counter rotating capture disks mounted on a common axle. They are radially accelerated by a bi-directional impulse ramps that can be moved to any position around the periphery of the counter rotating capture plates and into and out of the paths of the gyrating thrust masses to any desired depth within the mechanical range of the impulse ramps which simultaneously engage and radially accelerate the inertial thrust masses of each counter-rotating capture plate. The counter-rotating capture plates are each separately driven by a gear assembly powered by an external engine or motor that powers the rotation of the disks. Each radial acceleration of the inertial thrust masses produces an impulse of force that pushes against the mass accelerator with a force equal to the force used to radially accelerate each thrust mass. Each impulse is a vector force and imparts motion along the chosen vector to any object to which the device is attached. |
| US08863590B2 |
Large diameter flow-through Kiel-style pressure probe for high moisture applications
A Kiel-style pressure probe includes pressure tubing having a remote sending end, the pressure tubing extending through an open-ended shroud, wherein the shroud has a diameter of at least about 0.375 to 0.50 inch and wherein a forward end of the shroud is formed with at least two drainage apertures in proximity to the remote sensing tip of the pressure tubing. |
| US08863588B2 |
Flow sensor
In a flow sensor, a horizontal dimension Xt between short side wall portions facing respective sides of a vortex generator is longer than a vertical dimension Yt between long side wall portions facing respective ends of the vortex generator. The short side wall portions are formed linearly or in straight lines along the vortex generator, whereas the long side wall portions are curved at a predetermined radius of curvature. |
| US08863586B2 |
Self-calibrating resistive flexure sensor
A variable resistance flexure sensor, and a system and method of controlling an appliance using a variable resistance flexure sensor are provided. The sensor can include a substrate having a flexible portion and a non-flexible portion. A plurality of electrically resistive elements, such as a first resistive element and a second resistive element, can be disposed on the substrate where at least one resistive element is exclusively within the non-flexible portion of the substrate and at least one resistive element is within the flexible portion of the substrate. The resistive element within the non-flexible portion of the substrate can act as a reference resistance for the flexure sensor and can be used as, or as part of, a biasing network for the electrically resistive element within the flexible portion of the substrate. The flexure sensor can be used within an appliance to detect various conditions such as temperature, moisture, etc. |
| US08863582B2 |
Method of joining a pressure sensor header with an associated transducer element
A pressure transducer assembly including: a pressure sensor header; a transducer assembly member; and a joining arrangement disposed at an interface of the header and the transducer assembly member, for joining the header with the transducer assembly member, the joining arrangement including: a recessed female joining element formed in one of the header and the transducer assembly member; and a protruding male joining element formed on the other of the header and the transducer assembly member, the male joining element received in the female joining element. |
| US08863581B2 |
Digital pressure gauge
A digital pressure gauge is configured for coupling with an external fluid pipe, and includes a housing, a pressure sensing unit, a battery seat and a cover. The housing includes an inlet for coupling with the external fluid pipe to permit flow of fluid from the external fluid pipe into the housing. The pressure sensing unit is operable to sense fluid pressure of the fluid flowing through the inlet. The battery seat is disposed in the housing for receiving a battery. The housing is formed with an opening registered with the battery seat to permit placement of the battery in and removal of the battery from the battery seat through the opening. The cover is removably attached to the housing. |
| US08863576B2 |
Method for manufacturing a sensor
A method for manufacturing a sensor, in particular for recording rotational speed. At least one stamped grid is provided for electrically contacting the sensor, in particular a sensor element of the sensor. In addition, at least one homogenization plate is provided for influencing a magnetic field, the stamped grid and the homogenization plate being connected by at least one holder. The holder fixes the stamped grid and the homogenization plate in place positively and/or non-positively. |
| US08863575B2 |
Microelectromechanical three-axis capacitive accelerometer
A micromechanical structure for a MEMS structure is provided with: a substrate; a single inertial mass having a main extension in a plane and arranged suspended above the substrate; and a frame element, elastically coupled to the inertial mass by coupling elastic elements and to anchorages, which are fixed with respect to the substrate by anchorage elastic elements. The coupling elastic elements and the anchorage elastic elements are configured so as to enable a first inertial movement of the inertial mass in response to a first external acceleration acting in a direction lying in the plane and also a second inertial movement of the inertial mass in response to a second external acceleration acting in a direction transverse to the plane. |
| US08863572B2 |
Method and system for the protection of internal filters of a LTFT slurry bubble reactor
The invention provides a method for the protection of internal filters of a LTFT slurry bubble reactor. The method includes the step of activating an emergency back-flush procedure during low slurry level conditions and/or during increasing temperature of an internal filter. |
| US08863571B2 |
Filling level meter for membrane gasometers
Filling level meter (4) for membrane gasometer (1), including at least one accumulation chamber (C1) arranged for containing a gas, and an impermeable flexible membrane (2) capable of moving between two positions corresponding to the chamber being totally full and totally empty, wherein the meter (4) includes: an instrument (12) associated with a fixed element (3, 9), arranged for generating a signal of measurement of a physical value that can be correlated to the quantity of gas contained in the chamber (C1); elements for processing and displaying (5) the value of the quantity of gas corresponding to the generated signal; a filiform, flexible element (6) for connecting the instrument (12) and the membrane (2); the filiform, flexible element (6) including at least one portion constituted by an elastic member (7). |
| US08863568B1 |
Apparatus and procedure to characterize the surface quality of conductors by measuring the rate of cathode emission as a function of surface electric field strength
A device and method for characterizing quality of a conducting surface. The device including a gaseous ionizing chamber having centrally located inside the chamber a conducting sample to be tested to which a negative potential is applied, a plurality of anode or “sense” wires spaced regularly about the central test wire, a plurality of “field wires” at a negative potential are spaced regularly around the sense, and a plurality of “guard wires” at a positive potential are spaced regularly around the field wires in the chamber. The method utilizing the device to measure emission currents from the conductor. |
| US08863565B2 |
Three-dimensionally bending machine, bending-equipment line, and bent product
A three-dimensionally bending machine comprises a supporting unit to support a workpiece and a feeding unit to feed the workpiece from an upstream side of the workpiece. A heating and cooling unit, provided around the outer circumference of a portion of the workpiece downstream of said supporting unit heats the portion of workpiece in a temperature range for plastic deformation and quenches and rapidly cools the deformed workpiece. A three-dimensionally movable unit, provided downstream of said heating and cooling unit, supports the metal material and controls the supporting position and/or the moving speed of the metal material to apply the bending moment in association with a feed amount, a heating amount, and a cooling amount of the workpiece. Even when a high-strength workpiece is bent, a workpiece having excellent shape fixability and uniform hardness distribution can be made, especially for application to sophisticated automobile parts. |
| US08863562B1 |
Combination lock and anti-jimmying device
Embodiments relate to a padlock shackle guard for any padlock that includes a housing and a shackle. The guard is slid upon the shackle to prevent interjection of a jimmying device in-between the shackle and the padlock housing when the shackle is engaged within the padlock housing. |
| US08863559B2 |
Method for washing laundry in a program-controlled domestic appliance, and corresponding domestic appliance
A method for washing laundry in a program-controlled domestic laundry-care appliance including the steps of heating washing liquid present in the tub and heating the washing liquid to a specific washing temperature set as a function of determined parameter values that are specific to the laundry being washed and/or the appliance. |
| US08863558B2 |
Laundry treating appliance and method of operation
A laundry treating appliance for treating a laundry load according to at least one cycle of operation and a method of operating a laundry treating appliance to determine a speed at which the laundry satellizes, comparing the same to a given amount or range, and altering execution of the at least one cycle of operation based on comparison such that the laundry treating appliance may be operated in an effective and efficient manner. |
| US08863555B2 |
Selective glass batching methods for improving melting efficiency and reducing gross segregation of glass batch components
A method of increasing efficiency in glass batch melting by controlling the reaction paths of batch constituents as they melt, preventing early formation, flow, segregation and pooling of low-viscosity liquids. The glass batch raw material components are separated into first and second portions with different respective compositions, resulting in first and second respective compositions having first and second respective reaction paths. The respective portions are combined with remaining raw materials to define a mixture which is then introduced into the melter and reacted to yield a homogeneous glass melt. The first composition has a first melting temperature having a first reaction path resulting in a first liquid having sufficient viscosity to minimize flowing. The second composition has a second melting temperature and the first liquid fluxes the second composition to yield a molten glass composition. |
| US08863554B2 |
Float bath for manufacturing float glass and cooling method of the same
A float bath for manufacturing a float glass includes a brick assembly composed of a plurality of bricks storing a molten metal so that a float glass is capable of moving forward while floating on the molten metal, a bottom casing for forming an outer side of the brick assembly, and an air blower installed away from the bottom casing to supply a cooling air toward the bottom casing. The air blower includes a plurality of nozzles having a diameter of about 30 mm and arranged with a pitch of about 250 mm to about 300 mm in order to cool the bottom casing to a predetermined temperature. |
| US08863553B2 |
Glass welding method
A glass layer 3 is disposed between a glass member 4 and a thermal conductor 7 along a region to be fused. The glass layer 3 is formed by removing an organic solvent and a binder from the paste layer while using the thermal conductor 7 as a hotplate. Then, a laser beam L1 is emitted while using the thermal conductor 7 as a heatsink, so as to melt the glass layer 3, thereby burning and fixing the glass layer 3 onto the glass member 4. Thereafter, another glass member is overlaid on the glass member 4 having the glass layer 3 burned thereonto, such that the glass layer 3 is interposed therebetween. Then, the region to be fused is irradiated therealong with a laser beam, so as to fuse the glass members together. |
| US08863546B2 |
Multicompartment cooler with enhanced features
This disclosure presents a stackable, multicompartment portable cooler with enhanced climate control and delivery features. The cooler may include adjustable vents for precisely controlling the temperature differential between adjacent compartments, a brochure receptor for including information about the delivery, and/or an automatic delivery flag for notification purposes. In addition, the cooler is modular and may be assembled/disassembled through the use of removable compartment dividers that subdivide the stacked main compartments into many subcompartments. |
| US08863545B2 |
Refrigeration apparatus
A refrigeration apparatus includes a multi-stage compression mechanism, heat source-side and usage side heat exchangers each operable as a radiator/evaporator, a switching mechanism switchable between cooling and heating operation states, a second-stage injection tube, an intermediate heat exchanger and an intermediate heat exchanger bypass tube. The intermediate heat exchanger bypass tube ensures that refrigerant discharged from the first-stage compression element and drawn into the second-stage compression element is not cooled by the intermediate heat exchanger during a heating operation. Injection rate optimization controls a flow rate of refrigerant returned to the second-stage compression element through the second-stage injection tube so that an injection ratio is greater during the heating operation than during a cooling operation. The injection ratio is a ratio of flow rate of the refrigerant returned to the second-stage compression element through the second-stage injection tube relative to flow rate of the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism. |
| US08863542B2 |
Apparatus for cooling of electrical elements
Apparatus for cooling electrical elements, comprising a heat sink (1, 101, 201) through which a coolant can flow, a plurality of electrical elements (2, 102, 202) which each have a bottom surface and a side surface, with the bottom surfaces being aligned essentially on one plane, with the heat sink (1, 101, 201) having at least one channel (4, 5, 104, 105, 204, 205) through which a coolant can flow and making thermal contact with the electrical elements (2, 102, 202), characterized in that the heat sink (1, 101, 202) extends essentially parallel to the plane of the bottom surfaces, with the channel (4, 5, 104, 105, 204, 205) in the heat sink having a profile which is matched to edges of the electrical elements (2, 102, 202). |
| US08863540B2 |
HVAC system controlled by a battery management system
An HVAC system to be installed in a vehicle comprises a battery management controller. The battery management controller comprises at least one connection for electrically coupling a first power source with a first voltage; at least one connection for electrically coupling a second power source with a second voltage; and a first memory storage device configured to record data collected by the battery management controller. The battery management controller is configured to run a temperature control system and to supply power to the temperature control system from a combination of the first and second power sources with a combined voltage, and wherein the second power source is disconnected when the combined voltage drops below a predetermined amount. |
| US08863537B2 |
Single evaporator refrigeration system for multi-compartment refrigerator appliance with isolated air flows
A refrigeration appliance has a cabinet having a first compartment, a second separate compartment and a refrigeration system including a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser. The evaporator is associated with the first compartment to lower a temperature of the first compartment air. A heat exchanger is exposed to the temperature of the first compartment and has a surface area exposed to second compartment air. An air moving device is associated with the second compartment to direct a flow of second compartment air over the heat exchanger surface area and circulate the second compartment air within the second compartment. The cabinet, compartments and heat exchanger are configured such that first compartment air is completely isolated from second compartment air. |
| US08863533B2 |
Refrigerating cycle apparatus and method for operating the same
A refrigerating cycle apparatus and a method of operating the same are provided. For a refrigerating cycle having a plurality of compressors connected in series for multi-stage compression, an inner space of each compressor and a pipe of the refrigerating cycle may be connected via an oil collection pipe, and oil may be discharged into the refrigerating cycle by pressure reversal during a pressure balancing operation, so as to allow the discharged oil to be collected into a high-stage compressor or a low-stage compressor. Accordingly, an amount of oil may be uniformly maintained in each of the plurality of compressors to prevent losses due to friction and/or increases in power consumption due to a lack of oil in one or more of the compressors. The structure of a device and pipes for performing oil balancing between the compressors may be simplified to enhance efficiency of the compressors. |
| US08863531B2 |
Cooling apparatus for a mid-turbine frame
A cooling apparatus bifurcates and regulates cooling airflow provided to a mid-turbine frame. The cooling apparatus includes a flow metering tube and a metering plate. The flow metering tube includes a top portion and a tube portion, wherein the top portion includes a first central aperture that directs a first cooling airflow into the tube portion and a first plurality of apertures located circumferentially around the central aperture that directs a second cooling airflow to a portion outside the tube portion. The metering plate is located on the top portion of the flow metering tube, wherein the metering plate includes a second central aperture aligned with the central aperture of the flow metering tube and a second plurality of apertures located circumferentially around the central aperture, wherein a size of the second central aperture meters the first cooling airflow and a size and number of the second plurality of apertures meters the second cooling airflow. |
| US08863529B2 |
Variable pressure ratio compressor
A compressor of a gas turbine engine may have a bypass that routes a compressed air flow from within the compressor and directs the compressed air flow to a combustor. The bypass may have an inlet positioned just ahead of a downstream stage of the compressor and an outlet positioned to route the compressed air flow from the bypass to a diffuser or directly to a combustor. A valve may be used within the bypass and may be located near the inlet, near the outlet, or both. The valve may have the form of an annular sleeve in some embodiments and may be actuated with an actuator. The various arrangements allow for a compressor having a variable compression ratio. |
| US08863525B2 |
Combustor with fuel staggering for flame holding mitigation
The present application provides a combustor. The combustor may include an air flow path with a flow of air therein. A flow obstruction may be positioned within the air flow path and cause a wake or a recirculation zone downstream thereof. A number of fuel injectors may be positioned downstream of the flow obstruction. The fuel injectors may inject a flow of fuel into the air flow path such that the flows of fuel and air in the wake or the recirculation zone do not exceed a flammability limit. |
| US08863524B2 |
Burner
A burner for a gas turbine including a burner housing is provided. Provided is a lean-rich partially premixed low emission burner for a gas turbine combustor providing stable ignition and combustion process at all engine load conditions. At the upstream end of that burner a pilot combustor creates a flow of an unquenched concentration of radicals and heat. Respectively provided is a plurality of quarl sections surrounding the exit of the pilot combustor, a main combustion room defined downstream the pilot combustor and at least a first channel defined as an annular space between an upstream quarl section and the closest downstream quarl section providing air and fuel to a main flame in the combustion room. |
| US08863520B2 |
Method and apparatus for an external combustion engine having a steam generator
Methods and apparatus for a power and/or propulsion system comprising an external combustor, a steam generator, and a radial piston engine. In one embodiment, an undersea vehicle is powered by a propulsion system including a steam generator having a series of coiled tubes in which water is heated to generate steam by combustion of a monopropellant fuel ignited in the external combustor. |
| US08863516B2 |
System for collecting concentrated solar radiation
The present invention is directed to a solar energy system including a tower having a solar radiation receiver, the solar radiation receiver including a plurality of tubes carrying a heat-transfer medium and a drum, the drum in thermal communication with the tubes, and one or more mirrors configured to reflect solar radiation onto the receiver, wherein the receiver receives the reflected solar radiation from the mirrors, thereby heating the heat transfer medium and vaporizing the heat transfer medium. |
| US08863512B2 |
Shape memory alloy actuator system
A shape memory alloy actuator system includes a shape memory alloy actuator, a mobile object, an elastic member, a first regulating member, and a second regulating member, a detecting section which detects a resistance value of the shape memory alloy wire, a calculating section which calculates an electric current applied, an output section, a control section which controls the detecting section, the calculating section, the output section. The calculating section calculates a first resistance value at which, a proportion of a resistance change with respect to a change in a unit temperature changes from a first proportion to a second proportion which differs from the first proportion, and the control section carries out a position control of the shape memory alloy actuator by the first resistance value, when the shape memory alloy wire is to be elongated. |
| US08863511B2 |
Wave and water energy converter mounted on bridge supports
This is a low-cost, ingenious, high-efficiency energy producing system from hydrokinetic energy in water waves, currents and tides. Cost advantages are due to the use of existing bridge structures to mount the water energy converter to withstand fierce wind and water forces. |
| US08863508B2 |
Hydraulic circuit having energy storage and reuse
A hydraulic circuit is disclosed. The hydraulic circuit may have a pump, a motor, a tank, and an accumulator. The hydraulic circuit may also have a valve movable between a first position at which an output of the pump is fluidly connected to the tank and the accumulator is fluidly connected to the motor, and a second position at which the output of the pump is fluidly connected to the motor. |
| US08863506B2 |
Optimized electrically heated exhaust gas treatment system
A method of sizing a light-off core supporting a fixed quantity of a light-off catalyst for an exhaust gas treatment system having an electric heater upstream of the light-off catalyst for heating the exhaust gas includes measuring the cumulative hydrocarbon or carbon monoxide emissions leaving the exhaust gas treatment system for multiple volumetric sizes of the light-off core in accordance with a heating strategy. Alternatively, a model of the treatment system may be used to predict the cumulative hydrocarbon or carbon monoxide emissions. The method further includes selecting the volumetric size of the light-off core that is associated with the lowest cumulative hydrocarbon or carbon monoxide emissions level from the measured or predicted hydrocarbon or carbon monoxide emissions when the exhaust gas is heated in accordance with the heating strategy. The heating strategy may include pre-crank heating, post-crank heating, or a combination of pre-crank heating and post crank heating. |
| US08863494B2 |
Turbine outlet frozen gas capture apparatus and method
A turbine outlet frozen gas capture apparatus is provided and includes an enclosure divided into first and second chambers, the first chamber being receptive of turbine outlet exhaust including frozen gas, a wheel disposed and configured to be rotatable such that frozen gas received in the first chamber is captured and transported into the second chamber and a heater disposed within the second chamber and configured to vaporize the frozen gas transported therein to thereby produce vaporized gas. |
| US08863491B2 |
Gas turbine engine shaft bearing configuration
A gas turbine engine includes a core housing that includes an inlet case and an intermediate case that respectively provide an inlet case flow path and an intermediate case flow path. A geared architecture is arranged within the inlet case. A shaft provides a rotational axis. A hub is operatively supported by the shaft. A rotor is connected to the hub and supports a compressor section. The compressor section is arranged axially between the inlet case flow path and the intermediate case flow path. A bearing is mounted to the hub and supports the shaft relative to one of the intermediate case and the inlet case. |
| US08863490B2 |
Multi-strand cord in which the basic strands are dual layer cords, rubberized in situ
J strands form a core. K outer strands are wound around it in a helix with pitch PK, each having a cord with an L wire inner layer of diameter d1, and an M wire outer layer of diameter d2, wound around the inner layer in a helix with pitch p2; with (in mm): 0.10 |
| US08863489B2 |
Tine drive cam for windrow merger
A windrow merger having a plurality of rotationally driven tines that rotate around a non-circular cam to vary the rotational speed of the times. The tines extend from the cam on elongated cam followers such that the tines are moved through a flicking motion as the tines are rotated around the cam. The window merger also has an internal drive assembly positioned in an internal aperture around which the rotatable tines are rotated. |
| US08863486B2 |
Corn stalk guide system
A corn stalk guide system for reducing or eliminating the loss of corn stalks as they are guided into the grab rolls of a corn header. The corn stalk guide system generally includes a pair of guide members which may be positioned on opposing teeth of a corn header assembly to guide corn stalks into the assembly without being expelled by exposed sprockets. Each guide member is a tapered, plastic structure having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. The first guide member will be secured to a first tooth via one or more fasteners extending through the one or more apertures and the second guide member will be secured to a second tooth similarly with fastener(s) and aperture(s). Each guide member will cover a sprocket which normally would extend out from the tooth, thus guiding corn stalks and preventing loss of corn stalks. |
| US08863485B2 |
Hybrid lawn mower drive system
A lawn mower includes an engine, an energy storage device, a motor/generator including an output shaft, an engine coupling, wherein, with the engine coupling disengaged, the motor/generator drives the output shaft, and with the engine coupling engaged, the engine or both the motor/generator and the engine drive the output shaft, a mower blade, a power take-off clutch, and a control unit configured to implement a first operating condition in which the engine coupling is disengaged, the engine is off, and the output shaft is driven by the motor/generator, and configured to implement a second operating condition in which the engine coupling is engaged, the engine is on, the output shaft is driven by the engine or both the motor/generator and the engine. |
| US08863483B2 |
Swather with floating header carried on a mounting assembly which can be raised and lowered
A swather tractor has hydraulically driven wheels at a cab end and castor wheels at an engine end. It can be driven cab forward in a working mode with a header on the forward end. It is rotated to engine forward in the transport position for more stable higher speed travel. There is provided a float module with adjustable and calibrated springs connected between a mounting assembly on the tractor and pivotal support arms of the float assembly where the mounting assembly can be raised and lowered by a lift system on the tractor. This allows the header to float relative to the lift system on the tractor. The float force of the springs is adjusted by raising and lowering the lift system in dependence on an angle measurement of the lift position of the header as it floats relative to the mounting assembly. |
| US08863481B2 |
Bag installation for bagging machine
Bag installation for bagging machines may include bag installation systems and/or methods that provide efficient, convenient, safe, and/or simplified means and/or steps for installing a bag on, and/or maintaining bag on, a bagging machine. |
| US08863477B2 |
Cold formed stud and method of use
A cold formed metal stud is provided for commercial and residential construction applications. The metal stud of the present invention is suitable for use in both composite and non-composite applications. The metal stud of the present invention includes an intermediate web, a first flange and a second flange. Each of the intermediate web, first flange and second flange can include a number of different features that can enhance the structural and heat transfer characteristics of the metal stud. |
| US08863474B2 |
Main work construction method for reinforced concrete building and building construction machine
A main work construction method for reinforced concrete building and a building construction machine are provided. The construction method involves constructing a top story framework on a lifting mechanisms (21) and a lifting platform (22); raising the top story framework by the lifting mechanisms (21); resetting the lifting platform (22) to an original position; constructing a second top story framework on the lifting mechanisms (21) and the lifting platform (22); permanently connecting the top story framework with the second top story framework; raising the top story framework and the second top story framework by the lifting mechanisms (21); and constructing repeatedly till the ground story framework is accomplished so as to complete the reverse story-by-story construction from the top story to the ground story. |
| US08863471B2 |
False floor and method and device for the installation thereof
A method and a device serve for the installation of a false floor above a bare floor include false-floor supports that are placed in a regular grid pattern on the bare floor, on which floor panels are arranged alongside one another in rows. Mounting positions are determined for the false-floor supports and the false-floor supports to be installed are correspondingly positioned. Furthermore, a mounting plane lying at a mounting height is at least partially determined preferably by using laser devices. The false-floor supports to be installed are then positioned relative to the mounting plane. Pedestals, which are composed of solidifying pedestal material that is binding to the bare floor and which project beyond the mounting plane, are provided at the mounting positions before, during or after the positioning of the false-floor supports. The false-floor supports are then held each in the respective pedestal until the latter has solidified. |
| US08863468B1 |
Support chair for bracing objects to be imbedded in concrete or the like
A support chair for bracing objects, such as rebar, cable, or the like. The support chair is preferably configured to support rebar at any one of multiple different heights. |
| US08863467B1 |
System and method for free standing prefabricated glued laminated modular timber frame members
A system of framework timber construction in a building structure, the system comprising: a plurality of free-standing prefabricated glued laminated modular timber frame members, each timber frame member comprising four studs, the four studs being two posts, each post having a lateral dimension L2 and width WP, and two beams, each beam having a lateral dimension L1 and width WB, each timber frame member further comprising: at least three two-post-two-beam members, each two-post-two-beam member having two posts, two beams, and four joints between respective posts and beams, each of the posts and beams having an elongated rectangular shape defined by respective elongated lengths LP and LB, and having respective widths WP and WB, and having a thickness, with the at least three two-post-two-beam members having a crisscross glulam construction; wherein the plurality of free-standing prefabricated glued laminated modular timber frame members are configured to form supporting walls of the building structure. |
| US08863464B2 |
Interlocking masonry unit
A multi-purpose interlocking masonry unit includes support members extending from its lower surface and port depressions formed in its upper surface. Each masonry unit can be placed on top of a previously placed masonry unit. The interlocking masonry unit allows for the rapid creation of a wall that is substantially straight and aligned while minimizing the need to perform precise measurements and make alignment adjustments during the creation process. Bonding material can be poured through the resultant wall ports, creating a matrix pattern of bonding material throughout the wall, which results in a stronger more durable construction. |
| US08863458B2 |
Insulative sealing system and materials therefor
This disclosure relates to an insulative system and materials therefor comprising a polymeric composition disposed at the junctions of the framing and exterior sheathing. In particular, an insulative system and materials therefor comprising a polymeric composition in the form of a sealing structure in contact with both the framing and exterior sheathing of a building are described. |
| US08863455B2 |
Unitized precast grillage foundation and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention discloses a unitized precast grillage foundation for supporting a structure comprising: a plurality of anchoring elements defining a grid for resting on an underlying surface; a base connected on the grid, the base comprising at least a first footing and a second footing spaced apart and at least one connecting member between and connected to the at least first footing and the second footing; and a beam-column projecting upwardly from the base, and a method of making same. |
| US08863454B2 |
Pultruded part for use as a frame member for an exterior wall construction for a building
A building curtain wall is formed by vertical frame members carrying panels of glass bridging the space between the members so that edges of the panels are mounted on the members. Each frame member is a hollow pultruded member defined by a thermo-set resin reinforced by reinforcing fibers including longitudinal rovings and a mat located at an exposed surface of the inner wall and the side walls of the generally rectangular member. The exterior surface is defined by the resin which is pigmented but uncoated. In order to provide a required finish to the exterior surfaces the inner wall and the side walls have a thickness of at least 0.090 inch with a difference in thickness therebetween which is less than 20%. |
| US08863453B2 |
Door frame anchor
An anchor for securing a metal door frame to a floor comprises a generally planar flange securable in an upright position to an interior surface of the door frame, and a generally planar base extending generally orthogonally with respect to the flange and securable to the floor adjacent the door frame. The base comprises a central portion comprising an inner end adjacent the flange and an opposed outer end defining an outer edge. At least a first tab extends outwardly from the outer end of the central portion and beyond the outer edge. |
| US08863444B2 |
Assembly system for modular building units
An assembly system for modular building units having a floor and a plurality of walls is provided. The assembly system includes a floor platform, a plurality of wall platforms, and a plurality of hinge assemblies. Each of the plurality of hinge assemblies may be rotatable to at least a first position and a second position when attached to the floor and the one of the plurality of walls. In the first position, the walls and the floor are generally parallel while in the second position the wall and the floor are generally perpendicular. Methods of use are also provided, in which, during use, the hinge assembly of the system may be rotated from the first position to the second position at least in part by moving the walls in an upwards direction relative to the floor. |
| US08863438B1 |
Apparatus and method of construction of an overhead door
An overhead door frame apparatus having a plurality of elongated structural C-channel members. At least one of the members has a tube secured within and perpendicular to the first member and having a flat plate attached to an outside of the tube. At least an adjacent C-channel member of the plurality of members having a closed end. At least one fastener passes through the flat plate and through the tube of the first member and through the adjacent member. |
| US08863436B2 |
Automated seed sampling apparatus, method and system
An automated high throughput apparatus, method and system for seed sampling is provided. The seed sampling system includes an ablation subsystem having a controlled cutting path and a seed handling subsystem comprising a staging system having a plurality of seed staging positions for staging a batch of seed in a sequential manner, and a carrier system for simultaneously presenting seed staging positions at the cutting path for removing a sample portion from each seed in the batch. A method of this invention includes providing ablation means having a controlled cutting path, automatically staging a batch of seed at a plurality of staging positions in a sequential manner, simultaneously presenting the batch of seed at the cutting path, and removing a sample portion from each seed in the batch. |
| US08863435B2 |
Architecture for symbiotic livestock and biofuel production
Methods and apparatus involve locating an algae production facility in close proximity to a livestock production facility whereby the outputs of one or both facilities promotes productivity levels in the facility. In an illustrative example, the algae production facility includes a bioreactor in fluid communication with the atmosphere inside, for example, a poultry facility. In some examples, the atmosphere inside the poultry facility may be around a substantially controlled temperature suitable for poultry. The atmosphere may further contain substantial Nitrogen-content suitable to promote algae growth. Various embodiments may symbiotically consume waste products from each facility to promote production of, for example, protein for food and algae, which may be used for animal feed, for example, and/or processed into fuel. In some examples, the algae production facility may be conveniently packaged into a module. In some examples, the module may be stored and shipped in a conventional shipping container. |
| US08863432B2 |
Cleaning apparatus for cartridge chamber of artillery
A cleaning apparatus for a cartridge chamber of artillery, including: a rotary member having a power supply part mounted thereinto and a motor rotated by receiving the power from the power supply part; a cleaning member having a rotary body operated cooperatively with the rotation of the motor, slant cleaning parts coupled slantly to the front portion of the outer periphery of the rotary body, and parallel cleaning parts coupled to the rear portion of the outer periphery of the rotary body; and a handle member coupled to the rear portion of the rotary member in such a manner as to be adjusted in length in a telescoping manner, whereby the slant portion and the parallel portion formed on the internal peripheral surface of the cartridge chamber are all cleaned at the same time. |
| US08863431B2 |
Universal patch assembly for cleaning the bores of weapons
A universal gun cleaning patch assembly comprising a support frame having a hub and hub bore, a plurality of resiliently deformable legs, and a swab. The assembly is radially compressible to effectively wipe the bores of weapons having a wide range of bore diameters. The swab material is preferably made integral with the support frame and may include natural or synthetic fibers and/or laminates of natural and/or synthetic fibers and a metal or plastic mesh embedded in a fabric to effectively scrub the inner bore of the firearm and remove gunpowder residues and excess solvents or oils during the cleaning process. The hub bore may sized to be self-tapping on male threads of a cable or rod that is pulled and/or pushed through the bore, or the bore may be tapered and include a plurality of deformable fingers to received a quick-disconnect stem. |
| US08863427B2 |
Automatically adjustable comb for a firearm
An automatically adjustable comb for a firearm that extends a predetermined distance from an initial position, flush with the top of a stock, when the firearm moves to a predetermined angular orientation. The automatic adjustable comb may include a detector that detects when the firearm and/or comb has moved to a predetermined angular orientation with respect to a horizontal orientation. The detector may actuate an actuator to extend the comb the predetermined distance from the initial position. The extension of the comb elevates the top of the comb with respect to the top of the stock. The user may be able to vary both the predetermined angular orientation and the predetermined distance. The detection device may detect when the firearm is lowered to a horizontal orientation from an elevated angular orientation causing the actuator to lower the comb so that it is flush with the stock of the firearm. |
| US08863422B2 |
Magazine with detachable feed lip element
Magazines with detachable feed lip elements have a tubular body having a lower end and an upper end that defines an elongated passage that receives a spring and a detachable feed element positioned on top of the upper end of the passage that has feed lips that retain cartridges in the magazine and permit the cartridges to be extracted forwardly. The feed element may be a U-shaped device having a main upper panel that defines a feed lip aperture. The feed element may have side walls with fasteners that connect the feed element to the body. The feed element may have opposed sides, the aperture may be defined by the opposed sides, and a spring may be attached to one of the opposed sides to provide a biasing force toward the other opposed side such that a cartridge cannot be extracted from the aperture except in a forward direction. |
| US08863416B2 |
Powered tree construction
A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. Power distribution subsystems can be disposed within the trunk sections. The power distribution subsystems can comprise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can have prongs and the female ends can have voids. The prongs can be inserted into the voids to electrically connect the power distribution subsystems of neighboring tree trunk sections. In some embodiments, the prongs and voids are designed so that the prongs of one power distribution subsystem can engage the voids of another power distribution subsystem without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. |
| US08863415B2 |
Decorative element for medical devices
A decorative device for use with a medical instrument having a tubing structure, the decorative device including at least one connector configured to removably couple to the tubing structure on the medical instrument, the connector having a face plate engaging structure configured to attachably engage at least tone decorative face plate member. |
| US08863409B2 |
Shoe having an air cushioning bed
An air cushioning system for use in a shoe is formed from a first layer of a plastic material and a second layer of plastic material both of which are sized to fit within an interior of the shoe. The periphery of the second layer is joined to the periphery of the first layer and one or more interior locations within the periphery of the second layer are also joined to correspondingly adjacent interior locations within the periphery of the first layer. The unjoined surfaces of the second layer are spaced from the first layer and thereby function to define a trapped air chamber within the joined peripheries of the second layer and the first layer. |
| US08863408B2 |
Article of footwear having a sole structure with a fluid-filled chamber
An article of footwear may have a sole structure with a chamber, a plate, and an outsole. The chamber encloses a fluid and has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. The plate is positioned adjacent to the upper surface and has a plurality of projections that extend into indentations in the chamber. The outsole may be positioned adjacent to the lower surface and may have a plurality of projections that extend into indentations in the chamber. In some manufacturing processes for the sole structure, the plate and outsole may be located within a mold, and the chamber may then be shaped by surfaces of the plate, outsole, and mold. |
| US08863404B1 |
Apparatus and method for dryer performance optimization system
A dryer performance optimization system comprising a dryer having an inner wall and being adapted to rotate at variable speeds and a variable frequency drive being adapted to vary the rotational speed of the dryer. The preferred system also comprises a baghouse having an inlet end being adapted to receive exhaust gas from the dryer and an outlet end and a controller being adapted to control the temperature of the exhaust gas from the dryer. A method for controlling the temperature of exhaust gas in a baghouse comprising providing a dryer performance optimization system as described herein and varying the temperature of the exhaust gas from the dryer by varying the rotational speed of the dryer. |
| US08863402B2 |
Method for drying objects of organic material and a dryer
A dryer for drying objects of material has a container-like body. The body is substantially tight and material to be dried can be fed into it. The body may be substantially upright or inclined. The material to be dried is fed at the lower part of the body is discharged from the upper part thereof and drying gas is directed to the dryer substantially at the upper part of the body and taken off from the lower part thereof. This is achieved by shut-off arrangements of the feeding and discharge of the material to be dried and by the structure of the body. The drying gas circulates in the dryer in a substantially closed circulation. The drying gas taken off from the lower part of the body is heated by element of a heating device and the heated drying gas is fed to the upper part of the body. |
| US08863401B2 |
Household laundry dryer condensate filtering apparatus and method
A household laundry dryer has at least one filter container which includes a chamber with an inlet for condensate water to be cleaned. The chamber has a first outlet, a second outlet and a filter element which is arranged between the inlet and the first outlet and which divides the chamber into an inlet-side first chamber part and a second chamber part. The filter container can be configured in such a way that the inlet is arranged below the filter element and the filter element is arranged below the first outlet, and the second outlet opens into the first chamber part. Particles deposited on the filter element by water being pushed through the inlet into the chamber are detachable from the filter element by water flowing back into the chamber, when no water is being pushed through the inlet, and removable through the second outlet. |
| US08863393B2 |
Folding knife with two-stage lock release
The present invention is to provide a folding knife with two-stage lock release, which comprises a handle including three plates, and a blade pivotally installed between first and second plates. The second plate has an elastic stop plate installed thereon having a first engage portion, such that after the blade is turned out from the handle completely, the elastic stop plate can abut against the blade. A positioning plate including a second engage portion is movably positioned between the second and third plates, and has an end extended out from the handle, such that when the blade is unfolded completely and the positioning plate is moved and fixed to a pressed position, the first and second engage portions can be engaged with each other, and the elastic stop plate can be separated from the blade, so as to enable the blade to be turned into the handle. |
| US08863390B1 |
Method for fabricating damped propshaft assembly
A method for forming a propshaft assembly. The method includes: providing a hollow shaft; tuning a mass and a stiffness of at least one liner to form an intermediate damper, the intermediate damper being configured to attenuate at least one of a bending moment vibration and a torsion mode vibration that occurs at a first predetermined frequency; tuning the intermediate damper to form a tuned damper, the tuned damper attenuating the at least one of the bending moment vibration and the torsion mode vibration at the first predetermined frequency and also attenuating shell mode vibration; and installing the tuned damper into the hollow shaft. |
| US08863387B2 |
System for plugging heat exchanging tubes
A system and a method for plugging a heat exchanger tube or the like. The system includes a plug member having a central shaft having a compressible member mounted on the central shaft such that axial compression of the compressible member radially expands the compressible member into sealing engagement with an inner wall of a tube in which the plug member is inserted. The system further includes a drive means removably engaged with the plug member for inserting the plug member into the tube and for providing axial force on the compressible member to cause radial expansion of the compressible member into sealing engagement with the inner wall of the tube. |
| US08863386B2 |
Support structure for solar plants and method for mounting
Support structure, comprising a supporting wall, advantageously with a substantially parabolic profile or suchlike, for solar plants of the concentration type, and able to support at least a thin and flexible reflection plate, able to reflect the sun's rays in order to concentrate them in correspondence with collectors to exploit the solar energy. The support structure comprises clamping elements movable with respect to the supporting wall, and able to clamp the reflection plate in cooperation with the supporting wall. The support structure comprises adjustment means constrained to the clamping elements and able to cooperate with relative elastic means constrained to the supporting wall. The elastic means are disposed and conformed with respect to the supporting wall so as to exert an action of traction on the adjustment means and on the clamping elements, so as to exert the desired action of deformation on the reflection plate. |
| US08863384B2 |
Seal packing assembly apparatus and method of assembly of seal packing
A seal packing assembly apparatus which assembles a seal packing into a core plate used as a component of a heat exchanger, which apparatus is provided with rollers which push a seal packing into a groove of a core plate while moving by rolling along the groove and guide members which abut against the core plate, the rollers being supported so as to displace along the shape of the core plate by the reaction force which the guide members receive from the core plate, whereby the reliably of assembly of the seal packing is improved. |
| US08863382B2 |
Highly reliable, low cost wind turbine rotor blade
A wind turbine rotor blade and a wind turbine incorporating the rotor blade include a first and second composite skin. A first and a second spar pultrusion having a base and a plurality of integral ribs generally normal to base are attached to the inside surface of the first and second composite skins and extend the span of the rotor blade. At least one shear web connects a rib of the first spar pultrusion to a corresponding rib of the second spar pultrusion. The width of the spar pultrusions decreases in a step-wise fashion along the span of the rotor blade from the root to the tip. The leading or trailing edge of the rotor blade may be selectably opened for inspection and repair. |
| US08863376B2 |
Connector removing jig and connector removing method using the same
The removing jig includes a frame member and an arm member. The arm member includes a pair of side plates each provided with an axial hole. The arm member further includes an engagement portion that engages with the lever portion at its tip. The frame member includes a contact portion that contacts with a back surface of the connector body, a pair of side frame plates each provided with a guide groove formed with respect to the axial hole, and a first window portion from which the engagement portion protrudes. |
| US08863372B1 |
Hard disk drive top cover removal
A hard disk drive (HDD) top cover removal tool includes a nest assembly, a clamp, a guide plate, and a purge and vacuum assembly (PAVA). The nest assembly secures an HDD and rotates it from a first to a second position. The clamp presses against a top cover of the HDD such that the top cover maintains contact with a hard drive body of the HDD. A hole defined in the guide plate is aligned with a screw location of the top cover and the hard drive body, and receives a screw driver for removing a screw fastening the top cover to the hard drive body. The PAVA purges and evacuates particles from the screw location of the top cover and the hard drive body of the HDD in the second position. The clamp releases the top cover. The PAVA removes the released top cover from the hard drive body. |
| US08863363B2 |
Method for fabricating a supercapacitor electronic battery
A method for fabricating a supercapacitor-like electronic battery includes forming a first current collectors on a substrate. A first electrode is formed on the first current collector. A first electrode is formed from a first solid state electrolyte and a first conductive material where the first conductive material is irreversible to the mobile ions contained in the first solid state electrolyte and the first conductive material exceeds the percolation limit. An electrolyte is formed on the first electrode. A second electrode is formed on the electrolyte. The second electrode is formed from a second solid state electrolyte and a second conductive material where the second conductive material is irreversible to the mobile ions contained in the second solid state electrolyte and the second conductive material exceeds the percolation limit. A second current collector is formed on the second electrode. |
| US08863360B2 |
Lockable hinge assembly
The present invention relates to a hinge joint mechanism. The hinge joint mechanism comprises a fixed component including a plurality of curved portions and at least one straight portion; a movable component including a plurality of curved portions and a plurality of straight portions; said hinge joint mechanism provides a relative rotation between the two surfaces of the hinge joints to rotate the movable component by a desired amount relative to the fixed component. The hinge joint mechanism of the invention provides a proper sealing in the joints to avoid liquid or any such kind of material to move across it. |
| US08863357B1 |
Adjustable door closer
An adjustable door closer has a hollow pedestal with a first and a second chamber as well as an actuating groove. An actuating device is set into the actuating groove. A first piston assembly is set into the first chamber and a second piston assembly set into the second chamber. A partition wall is formed between the first and second chambers. Due to a laterally configured flow resistance unit, the holes to be set into the first and second chambers are reduced to three, including a connecting hole and first and second backflow bypass holes, all of which are connected only to the second chamber from the partition wall. As such, the flow path structure is simplified compared to the five holes required for typical structures. The adjustable door closer could reduce significantly the manufacturing cost and realize better regulating functions with improved applicability and economic benefits. |
| US08863353B2 |
Vacuum cleaner having dirt cup assembly with internal air guide
A floor cleaning apparatus includes a body having a suction inlet and an exhaust outlet. A dirt cup assembly is carried on the body. The dirt cup assembly includes a primary cyclone, a plurality of secondary cyclones and an airflow path between the primary cyclone and the plurality of secondary cyclones. A suction generator is carried on the body. The suction generator moves an airstream through the suction inlet, the airflow path of the dirt cup assembly and the suction outlet. The airflow path is characterized by a primary air guide including an airflow surface that provides for laminar airflow between the secondary cyclones. |
| US08863348B2 |
Handheld plumbob cleaner
A handheld plumbob cleaner for efficiently cleaning a plumbob after measuring fluid in a storage tank. The handheld plumbob cleaner generally includes a frame portion, a handle portion extending from the frame portion and a cleaner attachment secured to the frame portion. The frame portion includes a slot leading to a central opening and a plurality of fastener apertures positioned around its outer perimeter. The cleaner attachment similarly includes a slot leading to a smaller central opening and corresponding fastener apertures around its outer perimeter. The cleaner attachment is secured to the frame portion via one or more fasteners. The gauge tape of the plumbob may then be inserted within the slots and the plumbob pulled up through the central opening to squeegee oily residue therefrom. |
| US08863347B2 |
Cleaning system incorporating stitch bonded cleaning pad with multi-filament stitches
A cleaning pad structure of stitch bonded construction incorporating one or more substrate layers of an absorbent nonwoven material with an optional additional fluid blocking substrate layer of polymer film or other suitable material in juxtaposed relation to the absorbent nonwoven layers. Stitching yarns are introduced in stitching relation through the substrate layers. One face of the pad defines a cleaning surface of raised yarn loops formed by the stitched yarns. The pad further includes an attachment surface facing away from the cleaning surface. The stitches of yarns across the attachment surface define an engagement surface for attachment to cooperating hooking elements across a surface of a mop head to define a hook and loop attachment system. |
| US08863342B2 |
Clutch assembly
A clutch assembly for a surface treatment appliance includes an input clutch member, an output clutch member driven by the input clutch member, a motorized mechanism for effecting relative movement between the input clutch member and the output clutch member from an engaged position, in which torque is transmitted by the output clutch member to an output, to a disengaged position, in which torque is not transmitted to the output, and a control system for actuating the motorized mechanism. |
| US08863341B1 |
Dual bridge aircraft passenger boarding ramp assembly and method
A ramp assembly for deplaning passengers from and boarding passengers on an airplane includes a level deck having a front deck edge, at least one bridge connector assembly carried by the level deck at the front deck edge and at least one floating upper bridge carried by the at least one bridge connector assembly. The at least one bridge connector assembly facilitates horizontal pivoting movement, vertical pivoting movement and side-to-side movement of the at least one floating upper bridge relative to the level deck. A passenger deplaning and boarding method is also disclosed. |
| US08863334B2 |
Multi-component body pillow and methods
A pillow system includes a head pillow having a top end, a bottom end, and a connector disposed at the bottom end. A leg pillow has a top end, a bottom end, and sides extending between the top end and the bottom end. The leg pillow also includes a top connector at the top end, and a side connector at one of the sides. The connector of the head pillow is configured to be coupled to the top connector of the leg pillow. The pillow system also includes a torso pillow having a top end, a bottom end and two sides, and a connector disposed at one of the sides. The connector of the torso pillow is configured to be coupled to the side connector of the leg pillow. |
| US08863323B2 |
Wall-entry bathtub
A wall-entry bathtub includes an entry wall movable between a raised position and a lowered position to provide convenient ingress and egress. A handle assembly is coupled to a pair of latches and brackets to selectively restrain the wall-entry bathtub in the raised position. A counterweight assembly is coupled to the entry wall and reduces the force required to move the entry wall between the lowered and raised positions. The entry wall also includes a seal member that is expandable to inhibit water from leaking past the entry wall when the wall-entry bathtub is in use. Dual drains are provided to reduce the time required to drain water from the wall-entry bathtub. And, a controller, in combination with a variety of sensors, applies predetermined logic to control the water filling, entry wall sealing, and water draining of the wall-entry bathtub. |
| US08863322B2 |
Jet apparatus for toilet
A jet apparatus for a toilet includes a base, a fixed support provided with a longitudinal opening, and a mobile support including a longitudinal support body and an installation portion disposed on the support body. The support body is received inside the opening and is capable of moving inside the opening. A jet pipe is rotatably installed on the installation portion of the mobile support and includes a jet pipe body, a nozzle formed at the front end of the jet pipe body, a rotation portion disposed at the rear end of the jet pipe body, and an inlet pipe connected with a cleaning water pipe. A drive motor for driving the mobile support to move is also included, and the jet apparatus further includes a fan-shaped engaging gear disposed on the rotation portion. A matching gear for engaging with the fan-shaped engaging gear is disposed on the fixed support. |
| US08863318B2 |
Active head covering with moveable element
A system and method for increasing customer interest in head coverings. A set of actuating components are coupled to moveable elements of an active head covering, the moveable elements respond to operation of an actuating mechanism in a side extension. |
| US08863314B2 |
Garment smartpad holder
A garment mounted storage compartment for support and transport of a planar electronic device such as a tablet computer having a video screen. The device features a compartment which has a rotatable flap with supports to position the electronic device in front of the user's eyes and in a position for operation with the user's fingers. Support while walking or sitting allows the user to operate the electronic device. |
| US08869307B2 |
Mobile posture-based policy, remediation and access control for enterprise resources
A mobile device management system that monitors the security state of one or more mobile devices and sets indicators related to such security state. Enterprise network applications, such as an email application, can access the security state information when making access control decisions with respect to a given mobile device. |
| US08869306B2 |
Application usage in device identification program
Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for using a device identification program. In some embodiments, a system is configured to: receive device identification information from a mobile device, search a database of records based on the identification information, and in response to determining a match between information associated with a record in the database and the identification information, enable first access to an application initiated on the mobile device. |
| US08869304B1 |
Digital rights management based content access mediation
Computer implemented methods and systems are provided for mediating access to content based on digital rights management. A request is received from a mobile device for a unit of content. A digital rights holder identity is identified for the mobile device by using a unique identifier for the mobile device. The unique identifier is an equipment identifier, an international mobile subscriber identity, a mobile subscriber identification number, or a mobile identification number. Whether the digital rights holder identity is associated with a right to receive the unit of content is determined. The unit of content is provided to the mobile device in response to a determination that the digital rights holder identity is associated with the right to receive the unit of content. |
| US08869303B2 |
Method and system for generation of dynamic password
A method and system of independent generation of dynamic password by a client and a server for subsequent verification of the generated password by either the server or the client is provided. The method includes registration of user ID for identification of the client and associating client's related information. Then the client provides one or more static values and one or more variable values for the registered user ID. The server then drives the base value and further the instructions are then applied on the registered ID. Thus generating the random password and further verifying the generated password with the random password and thus authorizing the client. |
| US08869301B2 |
Methods, data processing systems, and computer program products for assigning privacy levels to data elements
Methods, data processing systems and computer program products for assessing and assigning privacy levels to data elements are provided. A method of assigning privacy levels to data elements (e.g., text files, web page files, image files, audio files, video files, and portions thereof) includes assigning a predetermined privacy level to a data element; storing the data element with the assigned privacy level; determining if the assigned privacy level for data element is proper; and assigning a different privacy level to the data element in response to determining that a currently assigned privacy level for the data element is not proper. A predetermined privacy level may be assigned to a data element under various conditions, such as when the data element arrives at a device, when the data element is created by a device, and/or when the data element is modified by a device. |
| US08869299B2 |
Method and system for generating trusted security labels for electronic documents
A method and system for generating trusted security labels in electronic documents is disclosed. The method comprises determining parts of the document to be cryptographically bound to the security label and hashing them; hashing the security label; specifying any necessary policies as signable signature properties; and digitally signing the collection of these items. The resulting security label is trusted, because it is digitally signed and its digital signature also covers the parts of the document to be protected, thus allowing any tampering of the security label or the covered parts of the document to be detectable. A corresponding system for generating trusted security labels is also provided. |
| US08869282B1 |
Anti-malware support for firmware
Technologies are described herein for anti-malware support within firmware. Through the utilization of the technologies and concepts presented herein, malicious software protection may be extended down to the firmware level. Detecting malicious firmware or software, removing it from firmware, and actively preventing it from exploiting known security vulnerabilities may be supported. Application level anti-malware software may interface with, and be supported by, one or more firmware level anti-malware modules. Firmware level anti-malware modules can actively prevent malicious software from affecting the system firmware. For example, the anti-malware modules may monitor or block access to the firmware. Anti-malware modules may be available at both boot-time and run-time. Thus, a wider range of malicious software attacks or infiltrations may be mitigated. |
| US08869281B2 |
Protecting against the introduction of alien content
In one implementation, a computer-implemented method can identify abnormal computer behavior. The method can receive, at a computer server subsystem and from a web server system, computer code to be served in response to a request from a computing client over the internet. The method can also modify the computer code to obscure operational design of the web server system that could be determined from the computer code, and supplement the computer code with instrumentation code that is programmed to execute on the computing client. The method may serve the modified and supplemented computer code to the computing client. |
| US08869278B2 |
Method for defending against denial-of-service attack on the IPV6 neighbor cache
A method of defending against a denial-of-service (DoS) attack on an IPv6 neighbor cache includes steps of determining a number of neighbor cache entries currently stored in the neighbor cache and then determining whether the number of entries exceeds a neighbor cache threshold that is less than a neighbor cache limit defining a maximum capacity of the neighbor cache. When the number of entries in the neighbor cache exceeds the neighbor cache threshold, stateless neighbor resolution is triggered. Stateless neighbor resolution entails sending a neighbor solicitation to resolve an address for an incoming packet without logging a corresponding entry in the neighbor cache. Additional techniques that complement the above method involve purging of neighbor cache entries designated as incomplete, prioritization of the entries based on trustworthiness, shortening the incomplete-status timer to less than 3 seconds, and curtailing the number of retransmissions of the neighbor solicitations. |
| US08869277B2 |
Realtime multiple engine selection and combining
Architecture that selects a classification engine based on the expertise of the engine to process a given entity (e.g., a file). Selection of an engine is based on a probability that the engine will detect an unknown entity classification using properties of the entity. One or more of the highest ranked engines are activated in order to achieve the desired performance. A statistical, performance-light module is employed to skip or select several performance-demanding processes. Methods and algorithms are utilized for learning based on matching the best classification engine(s) to detect the entity class based on the entity properties. A user selection option is provided for specifying a maximum number of ranked, classification engines to consider for each state of the machine. A user can also select the minimum probability of detection for a specific entity (e.g., unknown file). The best classifications are re-evaluated over time as the classification engines are updated. |
| US08869274B2 |
Identifying whether an application is malicious
Identifying whether a first application is malicious. The first application can be presented for installation on a processing system. The first application can be scanned, via a static analysis implemented by a processor, to determine whether a user interface layout of the first application is suspiciously similar to a user interface layout of a second application installed on the processing system. When the user interface layout of the first application is suspiciously similar to the user interface layout of the second application installed on the processing system, an alert can be generated indicating that the first application is malicious. |
| US08869273B2 |
Apparatus and method for enhancing security of data on a host computing device and a peripheral device
A method of enhancing security of at least one of a host computing device and a peripheral device coupled to the host computing device through a communication interface. Data is transparently received from the peripheral device or the host computing device, and the received data is stored. The stored data is analyzed to detect a circumstance associated with a security risk. If such a circumstance is not detected, then the data is transparently forwarded to the other of the peripheral device or the host. However, if a circumstance associated with a security risk is detected, then a security process, defined by a rule, is performed. Related apparatus are provided, as well as other methods and apparatus. |
| US08869272B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for preventing a modification to a domain name system setting
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for preventing a modification to a domain name system setting. In use, an attempt to modify a domain name system setting is detected. Additionally, a source of the attempt and an attribute of the modification are verified. Further, the modification to the domain name system setting is prevented, based on the verification. |
| US08869270B2 |
System and method for implementing content and network security inside a chip
Systems and methods for implementing content, streaming, and network security inside a chip or inside a computing device are disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, a system comprises a communication chip and a second processor. The communication chip comprises a router and security instructions. The router is configured to intercept untrusted data between a network, and a first router. The second processor is configured to receive the untrusted data from the router, process the untrusted data with the security instructions to produce trusted data, and provide the trusted data to the router. |
| US08869268B1 |
Method and apparatus for disrupting the command and control infrastructure of hostile programs
A method and apparatus for securing a computer is described. The method and apparatus comprise detecting one or more hostile programs residing upon a computer using a command and control infrastructure library and disrupting a command and control infrastructure of the one or more hostile programs. |
| US08869265B2 |
System and method for enforcing security policies in a virtual environment
A method in one example implementation includes intercepting a request associated with an execution of an object (e.g., a kernel module or a binary) in a computer configured to operate in a virtual machine environment. The request is associated with a privileged domain of the computer that operates logically below one or more operating systems. The method also includes verifying an authorization of the object by computing a checksum for the object and comparing the checksum to a plurality of stored checksums in a memory element. The execution of the object is denied if it is not authorized. In other embodiments, the method can include evaluating a plurality of entries within the memory element of the computer, wherein the entries include authorized binaries and kernel modules. In other embodiments, the method can include intercepting an attempt from a remote computer to execute code from a previously authorized binary. |
| US08869261B1 |
Securing access to touch-screen devices
A method is disclosed for adjusting a security interface display on an electronic device. The method comprises a user of an electronic device requesting a change in the display of an interface for entering security code information on the device. The device presents to the user a variety of options related to the manner in which the graphical elements of the security interface may be displayed. The user may select any one or more of the display options. The electronic device thereafter displays a security interface with graphical elements displayed according to the user's selection. |
| US08869258B2 |
Facilitating token request troubleshooting
A system and method for troubleshooting errors that occur during token requests. An identity provider generates a session ID and uses the session ID when logging events that occur during handling of the request. Multiple servers, processes, or threads may use the same session ID. The session ID may be sent with an error message to the requester. An ID of one or more servers that processed the request may also be sent to the requester. Upon receiving the error message, the requester may provide the error information to an administrator, who uses the information to retrieve associated logged events. |
| US08869257B2 |
Identity selector for use with a user-portable device and method of use in a user-centric identity management system
An identity selector manages the identity requirements of an online interaction between a user and a service provider environment. The identity selector is adapted for interoperable use with a user-portable computing device. The user device enables a user to carry identification information and to generate security tokens for use in authenticating the user to a service provider. The identity selector includes an agent module that facilitates communication with the user device. The identity selector imports the user identities from the user device and determines which user identities satisfy a security policy of a relying party. After the user selects one of the eligible user identities, the identity selector generates a token request based on the selected identity and forwards it to the user device, which in response issues a security token. The security token is returned to the identity selector and used to facilitate the authentication process. |
| US08869255B2 |
Method and system for abstracted and randomized one-time use passwords for transactional authentication
A security system and method for authenticating a user's access to a system is disclosed. The security system receives an authentication request from the user and responds by generating a security matrix based on a previously stored user keyword and user preference data, the security matrix being different for each authentication request. The security system sends the security matrix to the user and awaits a one-time code in response to the security matrix. The user forms the one-time code based on the user keyword, the user preferences, and the security matrix. The security system validates the one-time code against the security matrix, the keyword, and the user preferences, and responds by sending an authentication result to the user that either permits or denies access to the system. Additionally, the security system sends a success or fail message to the system to be accessed. |
| US08869254B2 |
User verification using voice based password
Verifying a user includes: receiving a service request; generating a text based first dynamic password upon receiving the service request; converting the first dynamic password into sound information; transmitting the sound information to a user terminal over a communication network; receiving over the Internet a second dynamic password entered by the user based on the sound information, the second dynamic password being a text based password; comparing the first and second dynamic passwords for consistency; and indicating that verification is successful if the first and the second dynamic passwords are consistent. |
| US08869253B2 |
Electronic system for securing electronic services
A method of accessing an internet based service, involves using a cellular telephony device to obtain a token from the provider of the internet based service, and within the cellular telephony device, using the token to calculate a time-limited password. The time-limited password is used in combination with at least one further user identification parameter to obtain access to the internet based service. |
| US08869249B2 |
Protecting information on a computer system using multiple authentication methods
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, for a user, first user authentication information for a first authentication method and receiving, for the user, second user authentication information for a second authentication method. The second authentication method is different from the first authentication method. Upon authenticating the first user authentication information and the second user authentication information, the method moves a subset of data stored on a back-end storage device to a front-end storage device. The front-end storage device is directly connected to the user via a network and the back-end storage device not being directly connected to the network. The method then allows access to the subset of data for a period of time, wherein after the period of time expires, the subset of data is removed from the front-end storage device. |
| US08869248B2 |
Communication system providing wireless authentication for private data access and related methods
A communication system may include a server configured to provide data access based upon an authenticated logon, and a computer configured to access the server to receive a temporary authenticated logon identification (ID) for the server. The communication system may further include a mobile wireless communications device including a housing, a wireless transceiver carried by the housing, a sensor carried by the housing, and a controller carried by the housing, the controller being coupled to the wireless transceiver and the sensor. The controller may be configured to cause the sensor to wirelessly retrieve the temporary authenticated logon ID from the computer, and cause the wireless transceiver to wirelessly communicate logon data to the server for providing data access via the computer based upon the temporary authenticated logon ID. |
| US08869247B2 |
Apparatus, system, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program
An apparatus with a single function or plural functions includes a user information receiving unit that receives user information about a user; a request unit that requests use permission information from a server; a receiving unit that receives the use permission information transmitted from the server; a memory that stores the received use permission information; a use permission determining unit that performs a first determination process and a second determination process; and an operation controller that, when the use of the function is permitted in the first determination process, performs control such that operations other than a predetermined operation are available before the second determination process is performed and, when it is determined that the function permitted to be used in the first determination process is also permitted to be used in the second determination process, performs control to permit the user to use all operations of the function. |
| US08869243B2 |
Authenticating user sessions based on reputation of user locations
User sessions are authenticated based on locations associated with a user account used for sending a request for creating a session. Examples of locations of a source of a request include a geographical location, a network address, or a machine cookie associated with a device sending the request. Locations of the request are compared with stored safe locations associated with the user account and a suspiciousness index is determined for the session. The level of authentication required for the session is determined based on the suspiciousness index. Locations are associated with a reputation based on past history of sessions originating from the locations. A location associated with a history of creating suspicious session is considered an unsafe location. Reputation of the location originating the session is used to determine the level of authentication required for the session. |
| US08869241B2 |
Network acquired behavioral fingerprint for authentication
A computationally-implemented method, for certain example embodiments, may include, but is not limited to: identifying a network connection coupling a computer server to a computing device; and transmitting, via the network connection, a behavioral fingerprint associated with an authorized user of the computing device, the behavioral fingerprint providing at least one status of the authorized user with respect to the computing device. In addition to the foregoing, other example aspects are presented in the claims, drawings, and written description forming a part of the present disclosure. |
| US08869240B2 |
Soft method for local secure connection to a device
A system for pairing two devices includes a monitoring system and a server. The monitoring system receives a request made by a local submitter, such as servicing device or a technician operating the servicing device, for accessing diagnostic data of the monitoring system. The monitoring system initiates a request made to the server for connecting the monitoring system with the servicing device. The server generates pairing information and transmits the pairing information to the monitoring system. The server determines that a pairing key is received as input at the servicing device and/or monitored device and determines if the pairing key matches the pairing identification. If the server determines that there is a match, the server relays diagnostic data received from the monitoring system to the servicing device. |
| US08869239B2 |
Method and system for rendering composite view of an application
Examples of systems and methods are provided for rendering a composite view of an application. A system may display a local graphical user interface (GUI) and a remote application view associated with a remote application running at a remote server. The system may provide a message directed to a remote server to launch a remote application at the remote server. The system may receive a configuration file from the remote server. The system may register a GUI event listed in the configuration file. The system may display a local GUI based on the configuration file. The system may receive display output data of the remote application running on the remote server. The system may render a composite view including the local GUI based on the configuration file and a remote application view based on the display output data. |
| US08869236B1 |
Automatic configuration of a network device
One embodiment includes a non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions executable by a processor to implement a method. The method includes receiving user configuration data for a network device, the configuration system being coupled to a service network. The method also includes storing device configuration data in a configuration database coupled to the service network, the device configuration data being based on the user configuration data and service network data. The method also includes receiving a configuration request at the configuration system from the network device in response to the network device being unconfigured and connected in a user network. The method further includes transmitting the device configuration data from the configuration database to the network device in response to the configuration request. |
| US08869235B2 |
Secure mobile browser for protecting enterprise data
A system is disclosed that includes components and features for enabling enterprise users to securely access enterprise resources (documents, data, application servers, etc.) using their mobile devices. An enterprise can use some or all components of the system to, for example, securely but flexibly implement a BYOD (bring your own device) policy in which users can run both personal applications and secure enterprise applications on their mobile devices. The system may, for example, implement policies for controlling mobile device accesses to enterprise resources based on device attributes (e.g., what mobile applications are installed), user attributes (e.g., the user's position or department), behavioral attributes, and other criteria. Client-side code installed on the mobile devices may further enhance security by, for example, creating a secure container for locally storing enterprise data, creating a secure execution environment for running enterprise applications, and/or creating secure application tunnels for communicating with the enterprise system. |
| US08869226B2 |
System and method for visual voicemail utilizing a set-top box
A system and method for managing voicemail locally through a set-top box. A call is received from a caller. The call is intercepted utilizing a set-top box. An indicator is displayed to a television in communication with the set-top box. The indicator being indicative of the message being recorded. One or more messages are visually represented to a user in response to the user selecting a channel of the set-top box, the channel being associated with voicemail. The one or more messages are managed in response to user input received through a re remote control in communication with the set-top box. |