| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08882866B2 |
Primary reformer for reduced nitric oxide formation
A method is disclosed for catalytic primary reformation of hydrocarbons with steam at elevated pressure by means of a split tube reactor and a firing chamber. In the split tube system which can use a catalyst material, hydrocarbons to be reformed are converted by water steam to synthesis gas. The split tube system is heated by a plurality of firing facilities between the split tubes which include a plurality of burners arranged in series, the burners generating mainly downwardly directed flames. The relevant firing facilities are supplied with fuel and air, with the air being withdrawn from the relevant feeders. The flue gas thus evolving passes through the firing chamber from top to bottom and enters in the lower area of the firing chamber into horizontally arranged ceramic flue gas tunnels extending in parallel to each other and perpendicular to the vertical split tubes and being allocated to one firing facility each. The flue gas enters through apertures in the lateral walls of the flue gas tunnels. The flue gas at the exit of the firing chamber is passed into heat recovery devices. In each flue gas tunnel an additional gas is fed into the tunnel's front side, in flue gas flow direction, wherein the gas containing oxygen and a non-combustible gas, so that the additional gas passes the flue gas tunnels over the entire length of the firing chamber. The volume of the additional gas passed into the flue gas tunnels is regulated. |
| US08882865B2 |
Reformer apparatus and method with heat exchange occurring through a cross-flow configuration
A multiple adiabatic bed reforming apparatus and process involving stage-wise combustion and multiple reforming chambers. Co-flow and cross-flow occurs under laminar flow conditions. A reformer suitable for small scale production as well as large scale production. A passive stage-by-stage fuel distribution network suitable for low pressure fuel wherein the resistances in successive fuel distribution lines control the amount of fuel delivered to each combustion stage. Heat is captured from reforming syngas product to preheat gases before entering the reformer. Conditions that would produce unwanted coking or metal dusting are avoided or localized away from the heat exchangers to locations which can be cost effectively protected. A chemical reactor which has a core composed of a stack of metal plates that are diffusion bonded in face-to-face relationship. |
| US08882864B2 |
Fuel reformer including a two layer integrated article
A fuel reformer which can easily achieve high weight energy density and high volume energy density, and a method for producing the fuel reformer with ease and high efficiency as well as an electrode for electrochemical device, such as a fuel cell, and an electrochemical device are provided. The present invention is to feed hydrogen obtained from a fuel reformer having a catalyst layer containing Pt for taking out hydrogen from a liquid fuel, such as methanol, and a hydrogen permeable layer, such as a Pd thin film, which is impermeable to liquid and permeable to hydrogen to an electrochemical device such as a fuel cell, which comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode and a proton conductive film sandwiched therebetween. The present invention provides a method of producing the hydrogen permeable layer in the reformer 1 by forming the hydrogen permeable layer and the catalyst layer on a base layer comprising Al or the like, and removing the base layer by dissolution. |
| US08882857B2 |
Solid electrolytic capacitor and method for manufacturing the same
A capacitor element of a solid electrolytic capacitor includes an anode body serving as an anode, a dielectric coating, a solid electrolyte layer, an insulating layer, and a carbon layer and a silver paste layer serving as a cathode. The insulating layer is formed to cover a relatively thin portion of the solid electrolyte layer. |
| US08882853B2 |
Environmentally-friendly solvent for washing and dry-cleaning, and laundry composition including the same
The present invention relates to a solvent for cleaning textiles or clothes. The present invention provides a solvent for cleaning which has a specified formula that is safe on the human body and environment, as well as good cleaning ability against oil-based and water-based contaminants and can be quickly dried. The solvent of the present invention and a composition comprising the same can be effectively used to water clean or dry clean textiles or clothes at home. |
| US08882852B2 |
Dynamic support apparatus and system
A dynamic support apparatus having a frame, a dynamic interface, a temperature control mechanism, and a control system. The dynamic interface is capable of changing its geometry and is disposed on the top surface of the frame. The control system is operably connected to the dynamic interface and controls the changing geometry of the dynamic interface. There is also a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame for maintaining a comfortable temperature and moisture environment between the apparatus and the user's body. |
| US08882848B2 |
Osteoarthritis treatment and device
A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container. |
| US08882845B2 |
Mobile bearing glenoid prosthesis
A prosthesis assembly configured for use with a scapula in one embodiment includes a spherical humeral component, an elongated glenoid bearing including a first bearing surface with (i) a first spherical end portion with a first radius of curvature, (ii) a second spherical end portion with a second radius of curvature, and (iii) a central portion located between the first spherical end portion and the second spherical end portion, and a first coupling portion extending from a second bearing surface opposite the bearing surface, and a base configured to rotatably support the elongated glenoid bearing, wherein the first radius of curvature is substantially equal to the second radius of curvature and the central portion does not have a radius of curvature that is substantially equal to the second radius of curvature. |
| US08882838B2 |
Articulating disc implant
An intervertebral disc implant for use in the spine including a first part and a second part, wherein the first part and second part are configured as a joint prosthesis for the spine. The first part includes one of a concave or convex articulating surface and the second part includes one of the other concave or convex articulating surface. One of the concave or convex articulating surfaces is preferably elliptically shaped in at least one direction and does not match and is different than one of the other concave or convex articulating surfaces. |
| US08882828B2 |
Ring on a closed web stent-graft for use in tip capture
A stent-graft has a closed web end configuration in which endmost stent crowns do not extend beyond an end or edge of a tubular graft. In order to couple the stent-graft to tip capture fingers or prongs of a delivery system, the stent-graft includes a ring woven between the endmost crowns of an end stent. When end stent is in a compressed delivery configuration, sections of the ring between adjacent endmost crowns form attachment loops that longitudinally extend beyond the end of the tubular graft for engaging the tip capture fingers of a delivery system. When the end stent is in an expanded fully deployed configuration, the attachment loops retract back to the stent so that the ring is a circular band having a diameter substantially equal to the expanded diameter of the stent. |
| US08882821B2 |
Cartridge delivery system for delivery of medical devices
A delivery cartridge, delivery system and a method for delivering a medical device are provided. The delivery cartridge includes a housing having a proximal end, a distal end and a cavity defined therein. The delivery cartridge further includes a proximal end covering member connected to the proximal end, a distal end covering member connected to the distal end, and a medical device positioned within the cavity. The housing is adapted to fit within a lumen of a delivery system. |
| US08882819B2 |
Handheld device for treating oral ulcers and sores
A device for treating oral ulcers or sores comprises a light source for illuminating a sore or ulcer to be treated; a laser diode for directing laser energy at the sore or ulcer; a regulated power supply for powering the light source and the laser diode at selected power levels; a first switch operable to selectively deliver power from the regulated power supply to the light source; a second switch operable to selectively deliver power from the regulated power supply to the laser diode when the switch is operated by a user to treat the located ulcer or sore; a control device configured to operate the laser diode for a selected time period each time the switch is operated and to then subsequently turn the laser diode off until the switch is operated again; and a portable, handheld housing for housing the laser diode, regulated power supply, switch, and control device. |
| US08882817B2 |
Spinal fixation system
A polyaxial pedicle screw includes a housing, a bone screw member, and an anvil. The bone screw member includes a head and a threaded shaft extending from the head. The head is selectively securable within the housing. The anvil is positionable within the housing adjacent to the head of the bone screw member when the anvil and the head of the bone screw member are positioned within the housing. The anvil may define one or more grooves in an outer surface of the anvil. The groove defines a flap that is flexibly attached to the anvil to enable the anvil to flex an amount sufficient to maintain the head of the bone screw in constant contact with the anvil when the bone screw member is moved relative to the anvil. |
| US08882812B2 |
Bone plate assembly with plates that ratchet together
A bone plate assembly is disclosed which includes at least one plate segment having at least one aperture extending therethrough for receiving a head portion of a bone screw, and a structure supported by the plate segment and intersecting the aperture for retaining the head portion of the bone screw with respect to the plate segment. |
| US08882809B2 |
Pedicle screws and methods of using the same
Pedicle screws that can include a pedicle screw body, housing, plurality of clamps, rod, and set screw are disclosed herein. The clamps may be positioned side by side inside the lower portion of the housing. When the rod and set screw are provided in the housing, the set screw applies a force on the rod and the rod engages the plurality of clamps, causing the clamps to frictionally engage a head of the pedicle screw between the clamps. |
| US08882805B1 |
Spinal fixation system
A spinal fixation device including two plates, a connector element for either coupling the plates in a fixed manner between the L5 vertebrae and the sacrum, and an anchor element to anchor the spinal fixation device to the sacrum. Each plate is preferably equipped with integral spikes on the inwardly facing surfaces for pressing into the spinal processes and thereby augmenting the purchase between the plates and the spinous processes. Each plate contains a central aperture through which the connector element passes in order to couple the plates together. |
| US08882804B2 |
Vertebral facet joint prosthesis and method of fixation
Devices and methods for altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a prosthesis with surfaces configured to articulate with the facets of the facet joint. A retaining member for anchoring the prosthesis within the facet joint is optionally included. Methods for surgically and less invasively implanting the prosthesis and securing the prosthesis to the articular processes or surrounding soft tissue are also provided. |
| US08882803B2 |
Orthopedic clamp and extension rod
A spinal implant for connecting to an elongated rod is disclosed. The spinal implant includes a yoke having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first and second rod engaging portion and a channel between the first and second rod engaging portions for encompassing a first bone anchor, and the second end being spaced apart from the first end. An extension rod is also provided which extends from the second end of the yoke parallel to the elongated rod. The first and second rod engaging portions are configured and dimensioned to receive first and second securing member for securing the elongated rod. |
| US08882794B2 |
Lancet device with lance retraction
A lancet device includes a hollow housing defining a cavity and having a proximal end and a distal end and a slider slidable at least partially within the cavity along a longitudinal axis from an outward position to a pushed position. The slider extends outside of the cavity beyond the proximal end when it is in the outward position. A needle holder holding a needle is rotatable about and translatable along the longitudinal axis when moved from an initial position to an extended position. When the needle holder is in the initial position, the slider is in the outward position. When the needle holder is in the extended position, the lance extends beyond the proximal end. Sliding of the slider to the pushed position enables a first biasing member to urge the needle holder toward the extended position. A second biasing member can be present in the lancet device. |
| US08882793B2 |
Devices and methods for cutting tissue
Various medical devices and methods for cutting, evacuating and/or performing work on tissue are provided. The devices and methods may utilize a reciprocating mechanism or motor powered by suction from a vacuum source. The medical devices and methods may be used on tissue in various regions of a patient's body and for treating various conditions, e.g., for performing a polypectomy. |
| US08882788B2 |
Device for sheet insertion
Disclosed is a device for sheet insertion includes: a cylindrical mantle tube of which the front and back ends are opened and the inside is formed to be a sheet receiving part and an extruding member for sheet extrusion that is inserted into the mantle tube in a state of moving in a back and forth direction that is a tube-axis direction and of rotatable, wherein the extruding member has a shaft having a longer length than that of the mantle tube and a forked sheet winding part disposed at a tip portion of the shaft, and axial slits having a size enough to insert the sheet are formed therethrough on walls facing each other at the front end of the mantle tube over approximately the same length as that of the sheet winding part. |
| US08882786B2 |
System for closure of a physical anomaly
Systems for closure of a physical anomaly. Closure is accomplished by a closure body with an exterior surface. The exterior surface contacts the opening of the anomaly and closes the anomaly. The closure body has a primary shape for closing the anomaly and a secondary shape for being positioned in the physical anomaly. The closure body preferably comprises a shape memory polymer. |
| US08882783B2 |
Systems and methods for harvesting, storing, and implanting hair grafts
A system and method for harvesting, storing, and implanting biological units, in particular hair follicular units (FUs). The system is particularly useful to facilitate hair transplant procedures. FUs are harvested from a body surface, either attached to a patient or in a strip of removed tissue, and shuttled into a cartridge having a plurality of receptacles. The receptacles are open in a distal direction toward a removal tool, but a cover over the proximal ends of the receptacles prevents the FUs from continuing out of the cartridge. The cover is made of a permissible medium, which may be fluid permeable and/or puncturable. One way to shuttle the FUs is to provide a pressure differential, such as by applying suction to the proximal end of a receptacle. The shuttle subsystem may be incorporated within an overall automated or robotic system, or the shuttle subsystem may form part of a semi-automated or even manual apparatus. |
| US08882778B2 |
Instruments for carrying out an operating procedure on a joint
The invention concerns instruments for carrying out an operating procedure on a finger joint, in which the damaged joint 4 is radially milled out by means of the instruments and is replaced by a hinge prosthesis 50. |
| US08882777B2 |
Indicator device for use with a surgical guide instrument
Instruments for use in resecting, reshaping, and preparing the end of a bone to receive an implant. The instruments may be equipped with indicator devices in the form of light-emitting devices to project an indicator onto the bone. Examples of such instruments may be a cut guide equipped with a built-in cut plane indicator device and a cut plane indicator device for use with existing cut guides. The cut plane indicator device may provide a visual indication or cue on a surface of the bone indicating where the cut plane of the cut guide will intersect the bone. |
| US08882774B2 |
Instrumentation for the preparation and transplantation of osteochondral allografts
Procedures and instruments for preparing and transplanting osteochondral allograft plugs to a host bone to repair an articular cartilage defect. An allograft bone plug having a cartilage plate and cancellous bone tissue attached thereto is removed from a donor bone. The allograft plug is further shaped by removing or cutting away cancellous bone tissue to form a cancellous stalk extending from the cartilage plate. At the recipient site of the host bone, a cutout is formed corresponding in shape to the allograft plug. The allograft plug is inserted into the cutout such that the cancellous stalk is retained in the host bone and the cartilage plate aligns with the condyle surface of the host bone. |
| US08882772B2 |
Percutaneous tissue excision devices and methods
A device for percutaneously excising tissue. In an embodiment, the device comprises an outer tubular. In addition, the device comprises an inner tubular slidingly received within the outer tubular, wherein the inner tubular has a distal end including an upper member and a lower member. Further, the device includes an open position with the distal end fully extended from the outer tubular, and a closed position with the distal end disposed within the outer tubular, wherein the upper member is biased away from the lower member and is disposed at an open angle θO relative to the lower member when the device is in the opened position. |
| US08882769B2 |
Plate system for managing a bone fracture
A plate system is used in a surgical procedure to manage a distal radius or similar bone fracture. A plate of the plate system includes two leg segments extending downwardly from a generally horizontal segment, and further includes an elongated slot defined through the center of the horizontal segment of the plate near its top edge. A subchondral support element is inserted through the elongated slot and is advanced into the bone. The plate further defines two holes through the horizontal segment near a respective one of the two leg segments. Locking screws, such as variable angle locking screws, are inserted into and locked into the respective holes, with each locking screw advancing into the bone such that a distal tip of each locking screw engages the subchondral support element, thus providing a three-point support. |
| US08882768B2 |
Hand piece with adjustable utility conduit
An electrosurgical instrument that reduces the amount of fatigue experienced by a physician performing electrosurgery includes a hand piece with a utility conduit connected to the hand piece at a central portion of the hand piece. The utility conduit can include an electrical cable and a smoke/fluid evacuation hose. The hand piece can include a channel system that receives a portion of the utility conduit therein and allows a physician to adjust the location on the hand piece at which the utility conduit exits the hand piece. Adjusting the location on the hand piece at which the utility conduit exits the hand piece can reduce the resistance to the movement of the electrosurgical instrument created by the weight of the utility conduit, which leads to less fatigue in a physician's hand during electrosurgery. |
| US08882766B2 |
Method and system for controlling delivery of energy to divide tissue
System and method for controlling delivery of energy to divide tissue are disclosed. The system comprises an electrosurgical instrument having an electrically energizable cutting element which communicates electrical energy to the tissue and a generator to supply the energy to the electrosurgical instrument which supplies the energy to the tissue in a first pulse to react the tissue, in slow pulses to create a desiccation line until impedance at the tissue has reached a threshold, and in rapid pulses to divide tissue across the desiccation line. |
| US08882763B2 |
Patient attached bonding strap for energy dissipation from a probe or a catheter during magnetic resonance imaging
A probe or catheter to patient RF coupling for magnetic resonance imaging includes a conductive grounding strap. The strap includes a first end spaced apart from a second end, the first end configured to be permanently or removably connectable to a conductive probe or catheter housing or a conductive probe or catheter interface of a probe or catheter. A conductive patient interface is configured to be removably connectable to a portion of a patient's body and electrically conductive between the conductive grounding strap and the patient's body. The conductive patient interface is attached at the second end of the conductive grounding strap and electrically coupled to the conductive probe or catheter housing or the conductive probe or catheter interface. An electrical circuit is formed between the patient's body, the conductive patient interface, the conductive grounding strap, and the conductive probe or catheter housing or interface. |
| US08882762B2 |
Transmural ablation device
A transmural ablation device is provided to achieve endocardial and epicardial ablation at the same site but directed from the inner and outer surfaces of the heart to create a transmural lesion. By ablating from both sides of the heart tissue, it is possible to increase the depth of the lesion created and to increase the likelihood of a transmural lesion. Embodiments pertain to techniques to align the endocardial and epicardial ablation elements and techniques to position and move the endocardial and epicardial ablation elements along a predefined linear, curvilinear, or circular path. The ability to bring the epicardial and endocardial elements more closely or firmly with the underlying tissue is important in creating optimal lesions. Magnetic force attracts the epicardial and endocardial elements. |
| US08882759B2 |
Microwave ablation system with dielectric temperature probe
An electromagnetic surgical ablation system having a generator adapted to selectively provide surgical ablation energy to an ablation probe, and methods of operating same, are disclosed. The system includes a controller operatively coupled to the generator, and a tissue sensor probe operatively coupled to the controller. The tissue sensor provides a tissue temperature and at least one tissue dielectric property to the controller. During an electromagnetic tissue ablation procedure, the controller monitors tissue temperature and the at least one tissue dielectric property to determine tissue status, and to activate and deactivate the generator in accordance therewith. |
| US08882758B2 |
Tissue treatment apparatus and systems with pain mitigation and methods for mitigating pain during tissue treatments
Methods, apparatus, and systems for delivering electromagnetic energy to a patient's tissue with a reduction in the pain experienced by the patient. Electromagnetic energy is delivered from a treatment electrode through the skin surface to the tissue at a plurality of power levels over a treatment time. During the energy delivery, a portion of the treatment electrode is in a contacting relationship with the skin surface. A dielectric member may be disposed between the treatment electrode and the skin surface when the electromagnetic energy is delivered. |
| US08882757B2 |
Eye therapy system
Systems and methods improve operation of an applicator that delivers heat-generating energy to an eye as a part of an eye therapy. For example, reflected power may be measured to determine whether sufficient contact has been established between the applicator and the eye for accurate and precise delivery of energy to the eye. In addition, at least one of forward and reflected power may be measured to monitor the application of coolant pulses that control the generation of heat in the eye when the applicator delivers energy to the eye. Further, the forward and reflected power may be measured to determine an efficiency of energy transfer or an impedance mismatch. Based on the efficiency of energy transfer or the impedance mismatch, an adjustable parameter of a tuning element may be modified. |
| US08882756B2 |
Fluid-assisted electrosurgical devices, methods and systems
The invention provides a bipolar electrosurgical device to treat tissue in a presence of radio frequency energy and a fluid provided from the device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a first electrode and a second electrode at the end of a malleable shaft assembly to be hand shapeable by a user of the device, and at least one fluid outlet. The malleable shaft assembly comprises a first shaft and a second shaft, a length of the first shaft and a length of the second shaft in an outer member comprising a polymer, and at least a portion of the first shaft and at least a portion of the second shaft being malleable. |
| US08882750B2 |
Tool for a micro-invasive surgical instrument
A tool, which is detachably coupleable with a shaft for a micro-invasive surgical instrument, includes an articulated device on which a jaw member or other active device is affixed, a connecting component that is rotatably connected with the articulated device and that includes a coupling device for detachable coupling with a distal end of a shaft, a transmission rod to transmit at least either a force or torque from one proximal end of a shaft detachably coupled with the tool to the jaw member or other active device, and a locking device that is coupled with the transmission rod in such a way that the locking device can be rotated with respect to the transmission rod but not slid axially, so that the locking device is mounted in the connecting component in such a way that it can be axially slid but not rotated in relation to the connecting component. |
| US08882745B2 |
Air embolization prevention system
The invention generally relates to an intravascular catheter that includes a proximal hub and a distal elongated tubular member. In one embodiment, the hub is designed to mitigate the introduction of air into a patient's vasculature during the delivery of a second device through the catheter into the patient's body. |
| US08882744B2 |
Quick-connect outflow tube for ventricular assist device
An outflow conduit for a cardiac assist pump has a connector at one end comprised of a main sleeve configured to mate with a pump outlet port. A plurality of prongs extend from the sleeve. Each prong has a distal end with a claw and is bendable so that its respective claw expands over a lip and enters the groove of the outlet port. A lock nut is movable between a retracted position and a locking position. In the retracted position, a soft interconnect is obtained. In the locking position, the claws are prevented from escaping over the lip and a hard interconnect is obtained. |
| US08882741B2 |
Integrated delivery device for continuous glucose sensor
Systems and methods for integrating a continuous glucose sensor, including a receiver, a medicament delivery device, and optionally a single point glucose monitor are provided. Manual integrations provide for a physical association between the devices wherein a user (for example, patient or doctor) manually selects the amount, type, and/or time of delivery. Semi-automated integration of the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components aids the user (for example, patient or doctor) in selecting, inputting, calculating, or validating the amount, type, or time of medicament delivery of glucose values, for example, by transmitting data to another component and thereby reducing the amount of user input required. Automated integration between the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components provides for full control of the system without required user interaction. |
| US08882740B2 |
Method of delivering a biphosphonate and/or strontium ranelate below the surface of a bone
A method for delivering a bisphosphonate and/or strontium ranelate below the surface of a bone using a mechanical force. The method includes the steps of combining a bisphosphonate and/or strontium ranelate with a carrier to form a delivery composition and delivering an effective amount of the delivery composition below the surface of the bone with a mechanical force. Also provided is a method for strengthening a portion of a bone. This method includes the step of delivering an effective amount of a bisphosphonate and/or strontium ranelate below the surface of a portion of a bone with a mechanical force. |
| US08882739B2 |
System and method for mixing the contents of two containers
A port assembly for establishing fluid communication between a first container and a second container. The port assembly includes a port housing for connection to a second container, and a retainer for connection to a first container, wherein the retainer rotates relative to the port housing and is constructed to move axially within the port housing. An actuator is axially fixed within the port housing and forces a stopper associated with a first container into a first container when the retainer moves axially within the port housing upon rotation of the retainer relative to the port housing. The assembly is configured to establish fluid communication between a first container and a second container upon rotation of the retainer relative to the port housing. |
| US08882736B2 |
Container for resuspending sedimented medicament
A container for re-suspending sedimented medicament comprises a reservoir for containing a suspension of particles in a liquid, a dispensing portion, and a sealing portion. The sealing portion is arranged to be in fluid communication with the reservoir via an orifice. The orifice is positioned between the dispensing portion and the sealing portion, and allows a turbulent flow of the liquid from the reservoir into the sealing portion to enable re-suspension of particles that have sedimented out of the liquid in the sealing portion. |
| US08882731B2 |
Defecation detection apparatus
A defecation detection apparatus including: a feces/urine receiving member that is placed to face the body of a wearer and that receives discharged feces and urine; a urine suction device that is detachably attached to the feces/urine receiving member and that can sucks urine discharged in the feces/urine receiving member; a temperature sensor that is placed at a defecation position where discharged feces are received in the feces/urine receiving member; and a control section that detects the presence of discharged feces based on a signal remaining after removing a signal that is output from the temperature sensor within a predetermined time after an operation of the urine suction device from a signal that is output from the temperature sensor. |
| US08882729B2 |
Transdermal therapeutic system having stabilized membrane
The invention relates to a transdermal therapeutic system made of the following layers: a carrier layer (T), an active ingredient layer (R), a membrane layer (M) and optionally an adhesive layer (K), wherein the carrier layer (T) is impenetrable to the active substance and to water, the active substance layer (R) comprises as an active substance component the salt of an alkali reactive active substance, such as a CNS-active amine in combination with at least one alkali reactive further component, and a polymer component (P1), wherein the active substance is released from the active substance layer (R) only by the moisture entering from the exterior through the membrane layer (M), and the membrane layer (M) is made of a polymer component (P2), allowing a uniform delivery of basic active substances to the skin. |
| US08882728B2 |
Implantable injection port
An implantable injection port facilitates filling and/or draining an inflatable portion of a gastric band. In an embodiment, the port comprises a movable cap that causes anchor wires to extend from anchor devices in order to implant the injection port in the tissue of a patient. In another embodiment, the port comprises a handle that rotates to implant curved anchors into the tissue of a patient. In yet another embodiment, a cap is configured to move towards a base of the port in order to cause the curved anchors to rotate into the tissue of a patient. The cap may also rotate with respect to the base in order to lock the cap and the anchors in position. Further, surfaces of the injection port may be textured to increase adhesiveness to the patient's tissue during installation and to facilitate simpler installation. |
| US08882726B2 |
Drug delivery device with safe connection means
The present invention relates to a drug delivery device defining a reservoir for containing a product, having a distal end comprising an end-piece defining a channel for the transfer of the product from the reservoir, said drug delivery device comprising means for coupling said end-piece with a connector, said coupling means comprising a collar defined around a portion of the end-piece and extending from the distal end, said coupling means comprising connection means connectable to said collar, said connection means comprising a tubular wall portion having an interface defined thereon for engagement with an internal face of said collar, and a retaining hook having engagement means engageable with at least part of an external face of said collar when said connection means is connected to said collar. |
| US08882720B2 |
Skin formulation dispenser for use with or as part of a sonic applicator
The skin formulation dispenser includes a housing and a reservoir positioned within the housing containing a skin formulation. The dispenser includes an outlet nozzle from which the skin formulation exits and a pump assembly connecting the reservoir to the nozzle. An actuator is provided by which a user can mechanically apply pressure to the pump assembly to move the formulation from the reservoir to the nozzle. The nozzle extends from an end portion of the dispenser into a mating opening in an infuser portion of the applicator in such a manner to insure that the dispenser is authorized for use in the applicator, wherein the nozzle is configured so as to permit movement of the formulation by reasonable force from the reservoir through the nozzle while also preventing overly rapid evaporation of the formulation exiting from the nozzle. |
| US08882718B2 |
Medical line securement system
The present invention is a protective sleeve for containing medical lines, comprising: (a) a foldable sleeve comprising first and second side panels, and adapted to be opened and closed along its longitudinal axis so as to form a conduit for medical lines, at least one of the panels being transparent, the foldable sleeve adapted to be reversibly opened along its longitudinal axis, and having releasable closures to maintain the foldable sleeve in a folded closed position; and (b) a plurality of rigid members incorporated into the sleeve and along the longitudinal axis. |
| US08882717B2 |
Multi-site injection system
A multi-site injection system (10) in accordance with the present invention generally includes a plurality of medicament delivering needles/microprotrusions (18) along with a support therefore. A supply of medicament (36) is provided and a means provided for supplying the medicament to the plurality of needles/microprotrusions in order to effect delivery into a stratum corneum (42) of a user. |
| US08882714B1 |
Needle with gated stylet
In accordance with preferred embodiments, a needle with gated stylet is provided that is useful for controlled fluid transfer with a patient's body. Preferably, the needle with gated stylet includes a hollow core needle providing a needle tip and at least two fluid transfer apertures with the stylet removably disposed within the needle. In an alternate embodiment, a needle providing a hollow core, an insertion tip, and a fluid transfer aperture adjacent the insertion tip and communicating with the hollow core, and a stylet disposed within the hollow core, cooperating with the fluid transfer aperture to preclude fluid flow through the fluid transfer aperture when the stylet is in a first position adjacent the insertion tip and promote fluid flow through the transfer aperture when the stylet is in a second position adjacent the insertion tip. |
| US08882712B2 |
Neural injection system and related methods
A neural injection system and related methods are herein disclosed. Various embodiments of a neural injection system of the present invention provide for at least one benefit of enhanced injection characteristics, increased operational efficiency, reduced cost per unit, reduced incidence of injury through intraneural/intravascular injection, reduced incidence of injury through pricking/piercing, and/or the like. |
| US08882710B2 |
Insertion device systems and methods
An insertion device may include a base adapted to be carried by a patient, and a housing attached to the base, the housing having a fluid connector arranged for movement relative to the base. A pair of interactive elements including a first interactive element may be supported on the base and a second interactive element supported on the housing at a location to be interactable with the first interactive element when the fluid connector is moved to a predetermined position. Circuitry may be configured to detect an interaction between the first interactive element and the second interactive element when the fluid connector is in the predetermined position, the circuitry configured to provide a signal or a change in state in response to detecting the interaction between the first interactive element and the second interactive element. |
| US08882707B2 |
Fluids exchanging system for medical use
A fluids exchanging system for medical use is provided. The system comprises an infusion pumping system, an aspiration pump, and an implantable catheter comprising a perforated dialysis cavity communicating with infusion and aspiration tubes in a communicating vessel manner. The implantable catheter further includes elastic holes. |
| US08882698B2 |
Anti-obesity devices
Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the pyloric portion of the gastrointestinal system and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device in the pyloric portion and a flexible sleeve that extents into the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal. |
| US08882697B2 |
Apparatus and methods to create and maintain an intra-atrial pressure relief opening
The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for treating heart failure by normalizing elevated blood pressure in the left and right atria of a heart of a mammal The present disclosure includes methods for creating and maintaining an opening in the atrial septum. Tools for making an opening and enlarging the opening are also disclosed. Use of the techniques and tools described herein prolongs the patency of an intra-atrial pressure relief opening. |
| US08882695B2 |
Arrangement with a blood pump and a gas exchanger for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
The invention relates to an arrangement having a blood pump and a gas exchanger for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. According to the invention, the blood pump is designed as a pulsatile blood pump and is arranged with the gas exchanger in the same housing. The pulsatile blood pump and the gas exchanger are preferably connected to the same gas source so that the blood pump can be pneumatically driven. The novel ECMO system has a simple design, is flexible, and in particular can be used directly on the patient. |
| US08882693B2 |
Cardiopulmonary apparatus and methods for preserving life
Apparatus and methods for providing extracorporeal blood circulation and oxygenation control include seven-stage de-airing of blood to provide automated cardiopulmonary replacement to sustain patient life during a medical procedure comprising repairing or replacing the heart valve in a patient. |
| US08882685B2 |
Apparatus and methods for phototherapy
There is provided a phototherapy apparatus, in which the therapeutic light is delivered through one or more massage components. The massage component provides mechanical massage to the subject biological tissue and modifies the properties of the subject tissue in thickness, density, etc. to facilitate the absorption of the therapeutic light and enhance the effect of the phototherapy procedure. The light source of the phototherapy apparatus is actively cooled by a synthetic jet cooler. |
| US08882684B2 |
Monitoring, predicting and treating clinical episodes
Apparatus and methods are described including a location sensing system that comprises a plurality of location sensors, and which is configured to identify respective locations of a plurality of clinicians, and to generate a location-sensing-system signal in response thereto. A patient-monitoring system includes a sensor, configured to measure a clinical parameter of a patient, and to generate a sensor signal in response thereto. A control unit of the patient-monitoring system includes signal analysis functionality that is configured to determine that an alert event has occurred, in response to the first sensor signal. In response to the location-sensing-system signal, the signal analysis functionality designates a first subset of the clinicians, and, in response to having determined that the alert event has occurred, the signal analysis functionality communicates the alert to the first subset of clinicians. Other applications are also described. |
| US08882683B2 |
Physiological sound examination device and physiological sound examination method
A physiological sound examination device which supports estimation of a state of a living body includes a first physiological sound measurement unit; a second physiological sound measurement unit; a power ratio calculation unit which calculates a power ratio which is a ratio of first physiological sound signal power to second physiological sound signal power; and an illness-related gain calculation unit which calculates a transfer-characteristic of the physiological sound in the living body by computing the power ratio. A power calculation unit which calculates first power which is the second physiological sound signal power in a first frequency band; and an illness-related high frequency power ratio calculation unit which calculates a sound-source-characteristic of the physiological sound by computing the first power. The computing is performed to reduce an influence of the respiratory flow velocity and/or the size of the living body. |
| US08882677B2 |
Microphone for remote health sensing
A health sensing device is described for placement on a user. The device may include a sensor, a filter, and a transmitter. The sensor is configured to sense one or more factors relating to an indicator of a health related condition or occurrence. The filter is configured to evaluate a signal from the sensor and determine if the indicator has been detected. The transmitter is arranged for initiating a transmission based on a signal from the filter. The sensor can include one or more microphone devices, accelerometers, and/or MEMS devices. A method of monitoring a user for a health related condition is also described. |
| US08882676B2 |
Method and device for measuring the RSA component from heart rate data
A device for providing biofeedback information to a subject, including a receiver for receiving heart rate data from a sensor, said heart rate data corresponding to a human subject, a storage device for storing a time series of the received heart rate data, a display, and a processor that is programmed to enable access to the storage device and to perform actions including estimating an RSA strength of the subject's heart from the time series of the received heart rate data, calculating an accumulated RSA strength from a designated starting time until the present time, determining a motion by a virtual agent based on the accumulated RSA strength at the present time, said virtual agent being a graphical object or character that represents the subject, and displaying the motion of the virtual agent determined by said determining on the display. |
| US08882674B2 |
System and method for in vivo imaging of blood vessel walls to detect microcalcifications
A system includes an in vivo imaging device for imaging a blood vessel with a resolution level of at least fifty micrometers. The in vivo imaging device is capable of detecting a microcalcification in a fibrous cap of an atheroma. The system also includes a processor for receiving an image of the blood vessel from the in vivo imaging device. The processor uses the image to determine whether the blood vessel contains at least one microcalcification within the fibrous cap. In some embodiments, the processor is configured and arranged to predict a risk of rupture of the fibrous cap based, at least in part, on the presence of the at least one microcalcification. In some embodiments, treatment of a patient is based on the determination from the imaging whether the blood vessel includes at least one microcalcification within the fibrous cap of the atheroma. |
| US08882669B2 |
Computer program product, device and method for measuring the arousal of a user
Computer program product for processing GSR (galvanic skin response) signals, which when run on a computer controls the computer to estimate a level of arousal, or at least a change in the level of arousal, of a user, provided with an algorithm that is configured to control a computer to calculate a third or higher central moment of a recorded GSR signal and to derive an estimation of the level of arousal from said third or higher central moment. |
| US08882664B2 |
Animal symptom visual analytics
A system and method for visually displaying and analyzing public health data for geospatial and/or time variations, including the collection of symptom data coupled with geographic and time data, filtering the symptom data based upon a selected time period and geographic range, and creating a visual result based upon statistical modeling including power transform and/or data normalization. According to at least one embodiment, the system for visually displaying and analyzing includes selecting and performing at least one aberration detection method such as applying CUSUM analysis, quantile measures, and/or bootstrapping analysis, and displaying the result to a user via a visual analytics arrangement. |
| US08882652B2 |
(Partial) apparatus for preventing incontinence with a fixing device to be immovably implanted in body tissue
An apparatus for preventing incontinence includes a tubular body with a first guiding element connected to a tube-shaped retaining element with a second guiding element that opens axially into a termination on a side of the retaining element. The retaining element is formed of a reversible stretchable and compressible metal grille that is air-tight and fluid-tight at the termination in a region of a transition thereof to the tubular body. A fixing device that fixes the apparatus when the apparatus is immovably implanted in a body tissue of a patient is formed of the first guiding element defining areas with axially spaced projections. In a non-extended state, the projections are formed as slits protruding out of the surface of the first guiding element and, in an axially extended state, the projections are immovably implanted in the body tissue when the first guiding element is compressed in an axial direction. |
| US08882647B2 |
Equipment for insertion of objects into smoking articles
Apparatus incorporating a filter tow processing unit adapted to supply filter tow to a continuous rod forming unit includes an object insertion unit that positions objects within the filter tow to manufacture a filter rod containing objects positioned at predetermined intervals. The apparatus also includes an upper hopper that acts as a reservoir for a plurality of objects, and provides for supply of objects to a lower hopper. The lower hopper is shaped so that objects are stacked therein. The bottom of the lower hopper is shaped so as to cooperate with a portion of upper region of a rotating wheel. The peripheral face of the rotating wheel incorporates a plurality of spaced pockets, each pocket being of sufficient shape and size to accommodate one object. Objects within the lower hopper are aligned in a single line along a portion of the peripheral face in the upper region of the rotating wheel. Each object then is positioned at predetermined intervals within a continuous supply of filter material. Then, the filter material is formed into a continuous rod having individual objects positioned at predetermined spaced intervals within that rod. The continuous rod then is subdivided at predetermined intervals so as to form a plurality of filter rods (e.g., four-up filter rods containing four spaced objects). |
| US08882634B2 |
Methods and systems for operating a vehicle driveline responsive to external conditions
Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, external data are a basis for operating a driveline disconnect clutch. For example, a vehicle destination may be a basis for opening a driveline disconnect clutch and beginning to discharging an energy storage device so that fewer hydrocarbons may be consumed by the vehicle. |
| US08882633B2 |
Assembly with a combustion engine, an electric machine and a planetary gear train arranged therebetween, as well as a method for changing an operating mode of such assembly
An assembly with a combustion engine and an electric machine, which are coupled with each other by way of a planetary gear train, employs a claw clutch or a toothed clutch, in particular as a brake, between a ring gear of the planetary gear train and a housing of the combustion engine. For this purpose, rotation speeds of the electric machine and the combustion engine set commensurate with a fixed gear ratio, and the brake is closed after the set rotation speeds have been attained with a predetermined minimum accuracy. In this way, machine elements which are compact and operate with insignificant wear, such as claw clutches or toothed clutches, can be employed as the clutch or brake. |
| US08882632B2 |
Control device of vehicle power transmission device
It is provided a control device of a vehicle power transmission device having an automatic transmission shifted by engagement and release of hydraulic friction engagement devices to selectively establish a plurality of gear stages and an electric motor coupled to an input shaft of the automatic transmission in a power transmittable manner, the control device executing a clutch-to-clutch shift while performing regeneration through the electric motor at the time of a coast down shift of the automatic transmission, the control device completing regenerative torque reduction control to reduce a regenerative torque of the electric motor in a torque phase of the coast down shift before start of the torque phase in accordance with a drop-off of an output torque of the vehicle power transmission device. |
| US08882631B2 |
Gear box, seal, and cover arrangements
A gearbox for a wind turbine has a bearing arrangement positioned on the downwind side of a first stage planet carrier at a single locus. The planet carrier has a portion extending radially inwards and axially downwind from the planet gears. Thus, the weight of the gearbox is supported between the two theoretical support points of the pair of back to back tapered roller bearings at the downwind side of the first stage planet carrier. A member of unitary construction comprising gearbox flange, input shaft and first stage planet carrier, which can be cast as one piece, reduces the weight of this part compared to previous designs having separate components. |
| US08882624B1 |
Power transmission device for hybrid vehicle
A power transmission device for a hybrid vehicle includes a series-parallel type power transmission path capable of varying an engine output for each driving mode, using a Ravigneaux gear train and two or more clutches, to improve the fuel efficiency of the hybrid vehicle. The power transmission device includes two or more kinds of engine fixing gear stages capable of distributing the output of the engine to a driving wheel, which are implemented using the Ravigneaux gear train, in which a single pinion planetary gear is integrally configured with a double pinion planetary gear including a carrier obtained by combining two pinion gears with the two or more clutches. |
| US08882620B2 |
V-belt for transmitting high load
On each block side face of the blocks of a V-belt for transmitting high load, a ratio of a dimension extending in a belt thickness direction from a buried cord center line of a corresponding tension band to an upper end of an upper pulley-contact face to a dimension extending in the belt thickness direction from the buried cord center line to a lower end of the upper pulley-contact face is larger than or equal to 4.0, and a dimension extending in the belt thickness direction from the buried cord center line to a middle of the upper pulley-contact face is smaller than or equal to 2.3 mm. |
| US08882617B2 |
Baseball
There is provided a baseball including an inner core, and an outer core covering an outer circumferential surface of the inner core, the inner core being formed to have a dimension of 20% or more and 80% or less of an outer diameter of the inner core and the outer core of the baseball, and having a dynamic viscoelasticity loss coefficient (tan δ) of 0.3 or less, the outer core being formed to have a thickness of 10% or more and 40% or less of the outer diameter of the inner core and the outer core of the baseball, and having an elastic modulus of 1.5 MPa or less. As a result, there can be obtained a baseball that achieves a high level of safety when the baseball hits against a human body and achieves a hit distance equal to and longer than that of a ball for hardball. |
| US08882615B2 |
Replaceable sections of a pitching mound and applications thereof
A pitching mound includes a level area, a sloped area, and surrounding areas. The level area includes a replaceable drive area. The sloped area has a slope from a first end of the sloped area that abuts to the level area to a second end of the sloped area. The sloped area includes a replaceable landing area. The surrounding areas encircle the level area and the sloped area. |
| US08882613B2 |
System for capturing tennis match data
The present invention relates to a system and a method for gathering ball game data and in particular tennis match data in real time. To this end the system comprises a hands-free voice receiving means (4) adapted to receive words spoken by the player (2) wearing the receiving means. The words are then analyzed by an analyzing means adapted to analyze a dedicated ball game vocabulary used by the player. The analysis of the spoken words translates these words into digital match data. This data can be displayed, at least as score of the game by a display (10). More elaborate match data information can be gathered. Such data may be fed to an expert system giving back advice to the player. |
| US08882611B2 |
Divot repair tool
A divot repair tool includes a blade member coupled to a handle disposed relative to the blade at an angle advantageous to ball mark repair. The blade member may be movable with respect to the handle between an open position and a closed position. The tool can include one or more indentations or other indicia to indicate how to properly grip the handle, as well as indicia indicating proper use of the divot repair tool. |
| US08882608B2 |
Golf club head with improved mass distribution
A golf club head having a striking wall having a front surface, and a rear surface, a top surface, and a sole portion extending rearwardly from the rear surface, the sole portion having a forward end, a rearward end, an upper surface and a lower surface. The intersection of the upper surface and the rear surface defines an interior sole line. The intersection of the upper surface and the rearward end defines a trailing edge. A region on the upper surface includes variation of the height of the trailing edge or exterior sole line relative to the height of the interior sole line. |
| US08882607B2 |
Golf club
Provided is a golf club having a head disposed at a front end of a shaft and a grip disposed at a back end of the shaft. A club weight is not larger than 265 g, and a ratio (head weight/club weight) of a head weight to a club weight is not lower than 0.67 but not higher than 0.75. When a distance from the front end of the shaft to a center of gravity of the shaft is LG and when a full length of the shaft is LS, 0.52≦LG/LS≦0.65 is satisfied, and when a frequency of flexural vibration of the club is F, 180 cpm≦F≦210 cpm is satisfied. |
| US08882603B2 |
Playground safety surface
A safety surface for use over a supporting base in a designated area of a playground includes a bottom layer arranged for placement over the supporting base, a plurality of mesh bags, each of the mesh bags filled with a plurality of pieces of a shock absorbent material, and a border arranged for placement along selected edges of the designated area. The mesh bags are sized and shaped to abut adjacent mesh bags, with a portion of the mesh bags arranged to abut the border. And internal divider is positioned in an interior of the mesh bags, with the internal divider arranged to divide the interior of the mesh bags into a plurality of interior compartments. A top layer is arranged to overlie the mesh bags and arranged for securement to the border. |
| US08882600B2 |
Gaming machine
A slot machine has a frontward projecting portion which is projected frontward of the slot machine from a lower end of a main display provided in a cabinet. The frontward projecting portion has an armrest, a control panel, etc., each of which serves as a human contact portion which comes in contact with a part of a player's body. The lower end of a display surface of the main display is positioned lower than the human contact portions (armrest and control panel). |
| US08882596B2 |
Game program and game apparatus
A game apparatus comprises an operation data acquiring means for acquiring operation data from a first input device including at least a first acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor and a second input device including at least a second acceleration sensor, and a game processing means for performing game processing on the basis of first acceleration data output from the first acceleration sensor, second acceleration data output from the second acceleration sensor, and angular velocity data from the angular velocity sensor, in the operation data. |
| US08882592B2 |
Game system, game apparatus, computer-readable storage medium having stored therein game program, and game processing method
An example game apparatus calculates the attitude of a terminal device on the basis of a value of a gyro sensor of the terminal device. The game apparatus sets the position of an aim in a game image on the basis of the calculated attitude of the terminal device, and also sets the attitude of a virtual camera. The game apparatus sets the firing direction of an arrow on the basis of the position of the aim, and causes the arrow to be fired in the firing direction in accordance with the cessation of a touch operation on a touch panel of the terminal device. |
| US08882590B2 |
Touch-controlled game character motion providing dynamically-positioned virtual control pad
Methods and apparatus for controlling movement of a digital object displayed on a screen provide a virtual dynamic direction control pad based on zone detection and touch stroke direction to control customized animated character motion. A player wishing to move the digital object can use a stylus or other touch to indicate a first point on the screen. When the player first touches the stylus to the screen, the system analyzes the touch and divides the screen into multiple zones around the first point indicated by the player. To move the object, the player moves the stylus to a second point on the screen. Movement of the stylus to a second point within one of these zones causes the digital object to perform a predetermined action. Each zone has a predetermined associated action. Direct control of character motion by the game player is enhanced. |
| US08882586B2 |
Enriched game play environment (single and/or multi-player) for casino applications
A gaming system is provided. The gaming system provides players a rich (i.e. akin to leading home and arcade-based video games) single-player, multi-player cooperative and/or head to head environment in which the participant(s) win cash and credits as a result of their play activity within the environment, based on the wagers which they make entering and playing a game of the gaming system. |
| US08882583B2 |
Gaming system, a method of gaming and a game outcome prediction controller
An electronic method of gaming. The method includes determining that one or more players of a plurality of linked gaming devices are to participate in a game having a plurality of possible outcomes, receiving at least one player predicted outcome of the possible outcomes from a non-participating player of the plurality of linked gaming devices, conducting the game for each participating player, determining an actual outcome of the game; and determining whether to make an award to one or more non-participating players based on each player predicted outcome and the actual outcome. |
| US08882577B2 |
Gaming system and method of gaming
A method of gaming comprises a first step of selecting symbols appearing in a game event. The selected symbols are stored in a symbol store arranged to store a plurality of symbols. The symbol store is arranged such that, once a maximum number of symbols is reached, storage of a further symbol in the symbol store results in the removal of a stored symbol from the symbol store in accordance with a removal rule. A final step involves determining whether the stored symbols meet an award criterion. |
| US08882570B2 |
Clipping machine and method for controlling said clipping machine
A clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products, containing a flowable filling material, like a sealing compound, in a tubular casing material. The clipping machine comprises a filling tube for feeding filling material into the tubular casing material stored on the filling tube and being closed at the front end by a closing clip, a clipping device for placing and closing at least one closing clip on the back end of a tubular casing material just filled, and a control unit for controlling the clipping machine. The clipping machine further comprises a first sensor for measuring the pull-off length of the tubular casing material pulled off from the filling tube as well as a second sensor for measuring the movement of the filling material while being fed to the tubular casing material. |
| US08882566B2 |
Method of machining opposite ends of rod members
A method of efficiently cutting and machining opposite ends of rod members in sequence is provided, which comprises steps of: abutting a grinding wheel (5) against the periphery of a long rod material (10a) placed at a predetermined work position; moving the grinding wheel towards and along the axis of a first portion of the long rod material (10a) in rotation to taper the tail end of the first portion (to be provided as a rod member); and then moving the grinding wheel (5) further towards the axis of the rod material (10a) to cut the first portion off the long rod material and at the same time chamfer the leading end of a second portion of the long rod material in contact with the rear side of the grinding wheel. After removing the first rod member cut off, the sequence of these steps is repeated as needed. |
| US08882563B2 |
Chemical mechanical polishing system
The invention relates to a chemical mechanical polishing system, comprising: at least one polishing platens rotatably installed with a platen pad mounted on its upper surface; a guide rail disposed along a predetermined path; a substrate carrier unit including a rotary union to downwardly press a substrate during a polishing process, the substrate carrier unit moving along the guide rail with loading the substrate; and a docking unit installed to be docked to the substrate carrier unit so as to supply air pressure to the rotary union which downwardly presses the substrate held by the substrate carrier unit, when the substrate carrier unit is positioned over the polishing platen, whereby even though the substrate carrier unit is moved to consecutively polish the substrate on the plural polishing platens, it substantially removes a phenomenon of the twisting of air pressure supply tubes due to the movement of the substrate carrier unit. |
| US08882560B2 |
Integration of a robotic system with one or more mobile computing devices
A robotic system is integrated with one or more mobile computing devices. Physical configurations of individual components of the system in physical space, or agents, under control of a user or users, are duplicated in a representation in virtual space. Some degree of real-time parity is maintained between the physical and virtual spaces, so as to implement a virtual environment that mirrors the physical one. Events occurring within one environment can directly influence and bear consequence on the course of events occurring within the other environment. Elements of virtual space thereby become truly interdependent and unified on a peer footing with elements in physical space. In at least one embodiment, the system of the present invention is implemented as an application in entertainment, such as the manifestation of a video game in physical space. |
| US08882555B2 |
Remote controlled motorized rescue buoy
A remote controlled motorized buoy is provided for rescuing people in the water. The buoy may be controlled by a person with a remote control to navigate to the person in need. The buoy may have flotation mechanisms to keep the buoy right side up in rough water conditions and includes visual indicators to help the user keep track of the buoys location, such as a flag and beacon. When the buoy is near the swimmer, the swimmer may grab the buoy and the buoy may be remotely navigated to bring the swimmer to a safe location. |
| US08882553B2 |
Forearm boat
A forearm boat has a boat hull having a forearm channel that is recessed into the boat hull by a channel depth of at least 0.5 inches. The forearm channel is disposed along the boat hull's longitudinal axis, between the port side and the starboard side. The forearm channel has a channel length in the range 10 inches to 25 inches, and a channel width in the range 3 inches to 7 inches. A handle is attached to the boat hull and has a handle length in the range 3 inches to 7 inches, and is disposed closer to the bow than to the stern. The boat hull defines an overall hull length between the bow and the stern that is no greater than 2.2 times the channel length, and a beam that is no more than 2.2 times the channel width. |
| US08882547B2 |
Screw terminal block and attachment plug including the same
A screw terminal block 10A includes a terminal plate 12 provided with an insertion hole 12a through which a terminal screw 11 is inserted; and a fastening plate 13 provided with a screw hole 13a to which the terminal screw 11 inserted through the insertion hole 12a is screwed. The screw hole 13a is formed in the fastening plate 13, and a protrusion 13b is provided at right and left sides of the fastening plate 13. Upper and lower locking pieces 12b protruding toward the fastening plate 13 are provided at right and left side ends of the terminal plate 12 to sandwich the protrusion 13b therebetween. The locking piece 12b of the terminal plate 12 and the protrusion 13b of the fastening plate 13 are engaged with each other to restrict the relative rotation of the fastening plate 13 and the terminal plate 12. |
| US08882541B2 |
Socket connector, camera module and terminal device
A socket connector, including: a side wall, a group of elastic pins and a group of pins, in which the side wall encloses a containing cavity, a first opening and a second opening are arranged at two ends of the containing cavity respectively, the elastic pins are arranged in the containing cavity; the elastic pins are fixed at the inner side of the side wall, the pins are fixed at the outer side of the side wall, and the group of elastic pins are electrically connected to the group of pins one to one; the first opening and the second opening each are capable of holding an electronic component matched with the socket connector. a camera module and a terminal device which adopt the foregoing socket connector are provided. The socket connector has two openings for mounting, so two electronic components may be inserted at the same time. |
| US08882533B2 |
Electrical connector having poke-in wire contact
An electrical connector includes a housing having a receptacle that is configured to receive an electrical wire therein along an insertion axis. An electrical contact is held by the housing. The electrical contact includes a contact beam that includes a wire interface that is configured to engage the electrical wire. The contact beam is movable between a closed position and an open position. The wire interface is configured to engage the electrical wire when the contact beam is in the closed position. The wire interface is configured to be disengaged from the electrical wire when the contact beam is in the open position. The contact beam is configured to be slidably engaged by an actuator along an actuation direction that is non-perpendicular to the insertion axis to move the contact beam from the closed position to the open position. |
| US08882529B2 |
Latch assembly having spring arms each with a retaining portion and a reinforced portion
A retention latch mechanism having a retention spring of a first connector engageable with a retention feature of a second connector. The retention spring may include a spring arm having a distal, curved retaining portion that is resiliently received within the retention feature and a reinforced portion that is proximal of the distal retaining portion. The reinforced portion includes a layer having residual compressive stress to inhibit fatigue failure during repeated cycling of the latch mechanism. The reinforced portion may be formed by a cold working method, such as shot peening a select region of the spring arm. The reinforced portion is formed to inhibit fatigue failure during repeated cycling of the latch mechanism. Methods of forming a retention mechanism having a retention spring with a reinforced portion are provided herein. |
| US08882528B2 |
Connector
A lock arm (10) is provided on the upper surface of a female housing (1) and can pivot about hinge pieces (15). Further, an unlock arm (11) for releasing a locked state by the lock arm (10) is provided on the upper surface to pivot in the same direction with supporting legs (20) as a pivot point. A housing-side preventing portion (27) extends in forward and backward directions through a clearance between the supporting legs (20). Arm-side preventing portions (25) project at corresponding positions of the unlock arm (11) while extending in forward and backward directions. The arm-side preventing portions (25) and the housing-side preventing portion (27) contact each other at positions forward or rearward of the supporting legs (20) when the unlock arm (11) is pivoted in either direction, thereby preventing excessive deformation of the unlock arm (11) in both directions. |
| US08882524B2 |
External contact plug connector
A dual orientation plug connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts may include a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. The first plurality of contacts may be symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab may be shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations. A receptacle connector corresponding to the plug connector. |
| US08882523B2 |
One in four out connector
A one in four out connector assembly is disclosed having an internal wiring assembly with a series of wires. Connected to one end of each of the wires is an H-type wire. Connected to the opposing end of each of the wires is a single blade male terminal. The single blade male terminals form a power terminal group connectable to terminals of a junction block. The terminals of the H-type connectors form connector cable terminals which are connectable to at least four connector cable assemblies. |
| US08882522B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an insulating main body, a terminal module, and two fixing pieces. The insulating main body has a front end provided with an insertion port, two sides of the insertion port each being provided with a fixing slot, and has a rear end provided with an accommodation space. The terminal module is disposed in the accommodation space, and includes metal terminals and a fixing seat. The metal terminals are partially protrudingly exposed in the insertion port. Two sides of the fixing seat are each provided with a clamping slot. Each fixing piece is fixed in the fixing slot. Each fixing piece has a buckle corresponding to the clamping slot. Therefore, the extending buckle of the fixing piece and the clamping slot of the terminal module are engaged with each other, so as to prevent the terminal module from departing from the accommodation space. |
| US08882511B2 |
System, method and medium for simulating normal and abnormal medical conditions
The present invention provides a system, method and medium for simulating medical conditions to facilitate medical training, that utilizes a roaming device configured to be mobile; a positioning device configured to determine location information of the roaming device; and a computing device configured to receive the location information, compare the location information with a predetermined set of regions, and transmit information indicative of a medical condition when the location information coincides with the predetermined set of regions. |
| US08882508B2 |
Universal scanning member for use on dental implant and dental implant analogs
A scanning member includes a head portion and a body portion. The head portion has an at least partially flat top surface indicative of a first characteristic of a dental implant, an at least partially flat first side surface indicative of a second characteristic of the dental implant, and a second non-flat side surface that opposes the first side surface. The body portion has a non-rotational feature configured to non-rotationally couple the body portion to the dental implant. The body portion is physically attached to a bottom surface of the head portion to form a generally “T” shape. The scanning member has an internal through hole for receiving a screw to threadably couple with a threaded bore within the dental implant. A set of scanning members includes scanning members having different body portions configured to couple to dental implants from different manufacturers. |
| US08882496B2 |
Container candle, insert therefor and method of making
A container candle having improved burn performance and fragrance delivery is described. The container candle includes a container, a non-cylindrical insert with wick, and a fill material. The non-cylindrical insert provides auto-centering of the wick in the container candle and even burning of the candle by centrally positioning and retention of the wick in the container. The non-cylindrical insert has a top surface which transitions into tapered side walls which in turn transition to a base having a bottom surface, with the top surface being of a lesser diameter than the diameter of the bottom surface. An upper portion of the wick extends beyond the top surface of the insert. The fill material is situated in the container around the insert in an amount at least substantially sufficient to cover the insert but not cover the upper portion of the wick extending out of the insert. |
| US08882487B2 |
Extrusion head as well as an extrusion device fitted with such an extrusion head
An extrusion head configured for at least one extruder includes a flow channel a finishing die; and an opening in operative communication with the flow channel, wherein the opening is configured to at least partially accommodate a screw shaft of an additional extruder. |
| US08882482B2 |
Compressor
A compressor has auxiliary and main oil reservoir chambers that retain lubricant oil that is separated from refrigerant in an oil separation chamber. A part of the auxiliary oil reservoir chamber is defined by a peripheral wall of the oil separation chamber. An introducing passage for introducing lubricant oil in the oil separation chamber to the auxiliary oil reservoir chamber is formed in the peripheral wall. The inlet of the introducing passage opens to the oil separation chamber on the inner surface of the peripheral wall. The outlet of the introducing passage opens to the auxiliary oil reservoir chamber. The main oil reservoir chamber is located below the auxiliary oil reservoir chamber in the direction of gravity. A drain port for draining lubricant oil in the auxiliary oil reservoir chamber to the main oil reservoir chamber is formed in a bottom wall of the auxiliary oil reservoir chamber. |
| US08882480B2 |
Oil pump with air vent structure
In an oil pump for an automatic transmission, a suction port is adapted to be connected to a first suction passage. The first suction passage is arranged in parallel with a second suction passage connected to an auxiliary pump. The first and second suction passages branch from an upstream suction passage leading to an oil strainer. A discharge outlet is adapted to be connected to a first discharge passage. An air vent hole is disposed downstream of the suction port and upstream of the discharge outlet. A communication passage is connected to the air vent hole and adapted to reach a predetermined oil level in an oil pan so as to communicate the air vent hole with inside of oil in the oil pan. |
| US08882471B2 |
Method and device for controlling a hot restart of a centrifugal compressor
Methods, devices and systems capable of performing a hot restart of a compressor driven by a turbine are provided. The turbine has a high speed shaft and a low speed shaft connected to the compressor. A base slow roll speed at which a speed of the low speed shaft is in a slow roll range is maintained at the high speed shaft for a predetermined time. Then, when a vibration amplitude of the compressor is larger than a vibration limit, the maintaining is repeated. Otherwise, a set speed of the high speed shaft is increased, until a current speed of the low speed shaft reaches a minimum operating speed. If, while increasing the set speed, the vibration amplitude becomes larger than the vibration limit, the maintaining is repeated. |
| US08882470B2 |
Rotor for a wind power generator
A rotor according to a preferred embodiment of the invention has at least one blade arranged at a hub of the rotor, wherein the blade has a curvature between its leading edge and its trailing edge which curvature has a first convex surface and an opposite second concave surface, wherein the first surface is to be arranged against the direction of the wind striking the blades. The convex profile of the first surface and the concave profile of the opposite second surface are spaced by the thickness of the blade which is preferably constant. The hub is arranged at the rotational axis. |
| US08882469B2 |
Structural element for an aircraft or spacecraft and method for producing such a structural element
The present invention provides a structural element, in particular for an aircraft or spacecraft, comprising a core, the material density of which varies, at least in portions, in order to optimize the natural vibration behavior of the structural element. The present invention further provides a method for producing a structural element, in particular for an aircraft or spacecraft, comprising the following steps: providing a structural element which has a core; determining the natural vibration behavior of the structural element; and varying the material density of the core of the structural element, at least in portions, in such a way that the natural vibration behavior of the structural element is optimized. The present invention provides still further an aircraft or spacecraft and a rotor blade, in particular for a wind turbine, comprising such a structural element. |
| US08882467B2 |
Centrifugal impeller
A centrifugal impeller includes a body of antistatic plastic and a back plate made of metal, preferably aluminum. The back plate is fixed to the body is such a way that the back plate can not make accidental contact with a volute of a blower in which the impeller is deployed. |
| US08882460B2 |
Method for operating a variable-speed wind turbine and the wind turbine
A method for operating a wind turbine with a variable speed rotor, a control system and a safety system, including the steps of initiating a braking procedure of the rotor of the wind turbine by the control system when the rotational speed of the rotor exceeds a first threshold value (nc1), and activating a safety system for braking the rotor when the rotational speed of the rotor exceeds a second threshold value (ns1) and when the control system has not initiated a braking procedure, the second threshold value (ns1) being greater than the first threshold value (nc1). |
| US08882459B2 |
Windturbine comprising a bearing seal
Wind turbine provided with a bearing supporting a hub carrying rotor blades, the bearing comprising a rotational bearing race connected to the hub and a stationary bearing race, a lubrication area between the bearing races which area is confined at both ends by first seal rings sealing the gap between the rotational bearing race and stationary parts to form a lubrication barrier. At one or both ends of the lubrication area a redundant seal ring is arranged at a distance from the first seal ring in or near the gap to be sealed. |
| US08882458B2 |
Compressor and method for operating a compressor and fuel cell device with a compressor
A compressor with a housing having an air guide section and a bearing section, and a moving part having a compressor wheel and a shaft connected to the compressor wheel in a pivot-proof manner. The shaft is pivot-supported in the bearing section, and the compressor wheel is accommodated in a first chamber of the air guide section in a pivoting manner. The shaft is driveable by an electric motor and at least one radial bearing and one axial bearing are provided for supporting the shaft in the bearing section, wherein the axial bearing has at least one magnetic bearing. The axial bearing includes at least one first bearing and a second bearing, the first bearing configured in the region of the compressor wheel and the second bearing is configured in the region of an end of the moving part facing away from the compressor wheel. |
| US08882457B2 |
Multistage radial turbocompressor
A multistage radial turbocompressor has at least first, second, and third intake parts each forming a respective intake spaced along an axis and first, second, and third output parts each forming a respective output axially juxtaposed with the respective intakes. Respective first, second, and third fans having axially directed vanes are rotatable in the housing formed by the parts between the intakes and outputs. A shaft centered on the axis carries the first, second, and third fans. One of the fans is back-to-back with another of the fans with the vanes of the one fan facing axially oppositely away from the vanes of the other of the fans. Radial bearings support the shaft in the housing, and an axial bearing between the one fan and the other fan supports the shaft in the housing. |
| US08882454B2 |
Ram air fan bearing housing
A ram air fan bearing housing for a ram air fan assembly includes a bearing section, a disk section, and radial support ribs. The disk section is at one end of the bearing section for connecting the bearing section to the ram air fan assembly. The disk section includes an outer ring with a circumferential support rib; and a disk wall connecting the outer ring to the bearing section. The disk wall includes arcuate cooling slots defined by edges, including an arcuate edge having an arc center at an axis of the bearing housing and positioned adjacent to and radially inward from the circumferential support rib. The radial support ribs extend axially along most of the length of the bearing section and extend radially along the disk wall to the circumferential support rib. The radial support ribs and the cooling slots alternate about the axis of the bearing housing. |
| US08882445B2 |
Hydraulic machine, an energy conversion installation including such a machine, and a method of adjusting such a machine
A hydraulic machine including an impeller which rotates with respect to a fixed structure and about an axis of rotation by a forced flow of water passing through it and at least one device for limiting water leaks is positioned between the impeller and the fixed structure so as to define an operating clearance between the impeller and the fixed structure and including at least one member that can be deformed or moved, while the impeller is rotating and being fed with water, in a redial direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the impeller. |
| US08882442B2 |
Component for a gas turbine and a method for the production of the component
A component for a gas turbine, especially a blisk or a bling, whereby the component includes a rotor base (12) made of a high temperature-resistant nickel alloy and a plurality of turbine blades (14) joined to the rotor base, whereby each turbine blade includes a rotor blade (16) made of a titanium alloy and a blade root. The blade root is configured as an adapter element (18) that is made of a material that can be welded to the titanium alloy as well as to the high temperature-resistant nickel alloy and that is integrally joined to the rotor base (12) and to the rotor blade (16) fusion. A method for the production of the component is also described. |
| US08882439B2 |
Vertical axis turbine
Embodiments relate to a guiding apparatus, a wind turbine system, and methods related thereto. In an embodiment, a guiding apparatus for guiding a flow of a fluid for use with a rotor, the rotor comprising an annular radial vane assembly surrounding a central space which is enclosed save via the vane assembly and being arranged to rotate about a vertical axis, includes a screening for guiding the fluid to circulate substantially about the vertical axis within the central space in the same direction as the rotor during use, wherein the screening comprises an inner guide array concentrically surrounded by the vane assembly. |
| US08882438B2 |
Methods and systems for variable geometry inlets nozzles for use in turboexpanders
A method and system for power generation including a turboexpander with at least two expansion stages, the turboexpander being connected to a power generation unit, is provided. The system includes a controller configured to control (i) an angle of a first inlet guide vane provided at an inlet of a first expansion stage of the turboexpander for maintaining an inlet pressure of the first expansion stage in a predetermined range, and (ii) an angle of a second inlet guide vane provided at an inlet of a second expansion stage of the turboexpander. The controller is configured to determine a highest power from determined powers of the power generation unit and a corresponding angle of the second inlet guide vane and to adjust the angle of the second inlet guide vane independent of the angle of the first inlet guide vane to achieve the highest power. |
| US08882436B2 |
ATV ramp
The current invention discloses a light and easy to use support ramp assembly to be attached on a pick up truck to extend the cargo bed area. The assembly has preferably two retractable ramps, each having a horizontal ramp table/housing unit and a loading ramp. The ramp table housing unit is partially supported by cargo bed and by an open tail gate and further support is provided by a support arm and optionally by an adjustable loading support. The assembly is adjustable for any pickup truck. |
| US08882435B2 |
Pivoting tailgate shoveling apparatus
A tailgate shoveling apparatus includes a containment bed mounted on a vehicle for contained material therein, and a tailgate shoveling platform pivotably attached proximate an end of the containment bed. The tailgate shoveling platform pivots between two positions rotationally offset by substantially more than 90 degrees in relation to each other. The tailgate shoveling platform substantially prevents material from spilling out of the containment bed in a first position. In a second position, the tailgate shoveling platform provides a platform configured to hold a portion of the material contained in the containment bed at an ergonomic shoveling height relative to a user standing on ground level. Once a desired amount of material has been removed from the platform, the tailgate shoveling platform may return unused material back into the containment bed as the tailgate shoveling platform moves back into the first position. |
| US08882433B2 |
Integrated systems for interfacing with substrate container storage systems
A storage system and methods for operating a storage system are disclosed. The storage system includes a storage system assembly positioned at a height that is greater than a height of a tool used for loading and unloading substrates to be processed. The storage system locally stores one or more containers of substrates. The storage system assembly includes a plurality of storage shelves, and each of the plurality of storage shelves have shelf plates with shelf features for supporting a container. Each of the plurality of storage shelves are coupled to a chain to enable horizontal movement and each is further coupled to a rail to enable guiding to one or more positions. A motor is coupled to a drive sprocket for moving the chain, such that each of the plurality of storage shelves move together along the rail to the one or more positions. The rail has at least some sections that are linear and some sections that are nonlinear and the sections are arranged in a loop. Example configurations of the storage system can include one or more of stationary shelves, extended horizontal tracks for hoists, conveyors at the level of the storage system assembly, and a manual loading station. The hoist, with an extended horizontal track can therefore interface with the manual loading station. |
| US08882420B2 |
Tire puncture repair tool
A tire puncture repair apparatus may include a handle, a puncture repair screw, and an integral neck between the handle and the puncture repair screw. The puncture repair screw may include a screw head, a cylindrical shaft extending from the screw head opposite the neck, a partially threaded and solid cone that uniformly narrows from the shaft to a tip opposite the shaft, and a conic-helical thread coiled about the cone between the tip and the shaft. The diameter of the shaft may be approximately equal to the diameter of the cone at the widest point of the cone. The thread on the cone may include an angled ridge and may be coiled around the cone from the intersection of the shaft and the cone to before tip of the cone. |
| US08882418B2 |
Locking device for an equipment item on a locking track
A device for locking an equipment item onto a locking track attached to the floor of a cabin includes a support component, the underside of which includes a insertion section adapted to the contour of a longitudinal slot of the locking track, where the insertion section can be inserted into the locking track, and on the support component a sliding section that can be inserted into the locking track is guided so it can be longitudinally shifted, the outer contour of which corresponds to that of the insertion section, wherein the sliding section can be shifted in the locking track relative to the support component in order to lock the support component on the locking track. |
| US08882416B2 |
Connecting means and method of producing a connection between a first component and a second component
This application is directed to groove milling devices for milling a groove in a component. In one example, a groove milling device includes a milling disk which is rotatable about a rotational axis, wherein the groove milling device comprises a displacement device for moving the milling disk along the rotational axis during the milling process. In an example, the groove milling device may include a control device which actuates the displacement device automatically when a predetermined depth of the milled groove is reached during the milling process. In an example, the groove milling device may include a switch for activating the displacement device by an operator during the milling process. In an example, the energy required for actuating the displacement device may be generated by a generator coupled to a main drive spindle of the groove milling device. |
| US08882415B2 |
Telescopic cover of machine tool
A telescopic cover of a machine tool is provided with two movable covers connected by a joint, two pulleys mounted on the joint, and a single wire stretched around and between the two pulleys. One and the other ends of the wire are secured to the mobile element, and a middle portion of the wire to a fixed portion. In this arrangement, the two movable covers connected by the joint move half the movement stroke of the mobile element in association with the action of the mobile element. |
| US08882414B2 |
Method and system for milling a bevel gear tooth system in a continuous miling process
Milling of a bevel gear tooth system in the continuous process, wherein a cutter head comprising a plurality of pairs of inner cutting edges and outer cutting edges is applied to a workpiece, the inner cutting edges are arranged on a smaller fly circle radius than the outer cutting edges and movements for a metal-cutting machining by milling are performed by a gear cutting machine where the bevel work gear and the cutter head run linkedly: performing a first continuous metal-cutting machining by milling using the gear cutting machine according to a first machine setting, wherein convex inner flanks on the bevel work gear are machined by the inner cutting edges; and performing a second continuous metal-cutting machining by milling using a gear cutting machine according to a second machine setting, wherein concave outer flanks on the bevel work gear are machined by the outer cutting edges. |
| US08882413B2 |
Cutting tool and cutting insert with a rearward resilience slit
A cutting insert has a head portion and a coupling portion protruding rearwards from the head portion, along a longitudinal insert axis. The head portion has a base surface at a rearward end thereof, defining a base plane, and two major surfaces. A coupling portion rear surface is longitudinally spaced apart from the base surface and a cylindrical coupling peripheral surface extends between the coupling portion rear surface and the base surface. A resilience slit has two opposite inner walls converging forwards towards a slit inner end terminating at a slit inner end plane. The slit inner end plane is parallel to the base plane and spaced apart therefrom by a longitudinal distance. The inner walls of the resilience slit form an acute slit angle therebetween. |
| US08882411B2 |
Drill and method of cutting workpiece using the same
A drill of the present invention includes a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge each located at a front end of a cylindrical cutting part; a first flute and a second flute connected to the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge, respectively, in which the first and second flutes are positioned helically from a front end to a rear end on a peripheral section of the cutting part; and a first land and a second land each extended from the front end to the rear end on the peripheral section of the cutting part, in which the first and second lands are being located portions between the first flute and the second flute, respectively. The first flute and the second flute are separately extended from the front end to the rear end. The cutting part includes a first region in which a diameter of an inscribed circle in a cross section perpendicular to a rotation axis of the cutting part increases in a direction away from the front end and toward the rear end. A method of cutting a workpiece using the drill is also provided. |
| US08882410B2 |
Drilling tool
A tool and method for drilling holes through first and second structural members having a layer of liquid shim disposed between the first and second structural members. The tool has a drill jig with apertures defining a location for the holes to be drilled in the structural members and a heat blanket coupled to at least a portion of a bottom surface of the drill jig. The tool is coupled to one of the structural members in an area proximate the liquid shim. The heat blanket is activated to raise the temperature of the liquid shim past a curing temperature for a pre-determined period of time. Holes are then drilled through the holes in the drill jig, into the structural members and the liquid shim. |
| US08882401B2 |
Discharge apparatus for powdered or granular material and transport system for the material provided with the discharge apparatus
A discharge apparatus for a powdered or granular material provided at a lower end of a storage part in which a powdered or granular material is stored. The discharge apparatus comprises a material discharge passage connected to the lower end of the storage part and provided with a material discharge port at the terminal end, a valve body opening or closing the discharge port of the material discharge passage, and a valve driving part moving the valve body along a substantially orthogonal direction to a surface of a valve seat around the discharge port. The valve body is so constructed as to form a gap at closed position between the valve body and the surface of the valve seat along the circumferential direction of the discharge port, in which the gap is formed such that a powdered or granular material is not allowed to pass therethrough. |
| US08882393B2 |
Tool for longitudinally subdividing sewer pipes
The invention relates to a tool for longitudinally subdividing buried sewer pipes having an asymmetric, generally oval cross section, made substantially of a support shoe opposing a cutting blade acting in the direction of the pipe axis. The device also has two side cutting blades and is moved through the old pipe by means of a rod and a cylindrical calibration mandrel. |
| US08882391B2 |
Method and system of retriever systems for marine geophysical survey cables
Retriever systems for marine geophysical survey cables. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including causing a submerged sensor streamer to surface by flooding an intermediate chamber with water, the intermediate chamber defined within a cylinder of a housing coupled to the sensor streamer, the flooding of the intermediate chamber responsive to the sensor streamer reaching or exceeding a predetermined depth; and responsive to flooding the intermediate chamber moving a first piston within the cylinder; and thereby puncturing a seal of a compressed gas cylinder responsive to movement of the first piston, the puncturing makes the sensor streamer more positively buoyant. |
| US08882390B2 |
Method for installing an operating rig for a fluid in a body of water with a traction unit
This method comprises connecting a downstream point (40) of a pipe (24) to a buoy (26) and completely submerging the buoy (26). It comprises deploying in the body of water (12) an intermediate section (30) of the pipe (24) from the downstream point (40) to at least as far as an upstream point (38), anchoring the upstream point (38), and tensioning the intermediate section (30) to keep it vertical. The connecting step includes activating a traction unit (96) to raise the downstream point (40) on the buoy (26). During the connecting step, the buoy (26) is carried in the body of water (12) virtually exclusively by its own floatability. |
| US08882384B2 |
Compact, highly-reusable, locking device
A compact, highly-reusable, locking device includes a carrier, roller elements, a body, and a band spring. The carrier includes a plurality of apertures for receiving each a corresponding roller element. The body includes a plurality of detents separated by ridges. The number of detents is different than the number of roller elements. The body is at least partially received in the carrier such that the detents are in radial alignment with the apertures. The band spring is disposed about the roller elements. The roller elements travel across the detents and ridges to cause elastic deformation of the band spring when the body is rotated about a central axis. |
| US08882378B2 |
Heating and dispenser system
A heating and dispenser system including base unit and an applicator assembly. The applicator assembly may include an applicator tip, a dispensing module, and an applicator housing. The applicator assembly may be integral or separable, and may also house a heating module. Alternatively, the heating module may be separate from the applicator assembly. The system also includes a control system for heating and dispensing various products. The applicator assembly may be replaceable, interchangeable, or single-type for applying product to a surface. The applicator may also be constructed of materials that impact heat transfer or storage. |
| US08882377B2 |
Printing medium feeding cassette and image forming apparatus including the same
Disclosed are a printing media holder and an image forming apparatus including the same. The printing media holder includes an printing media alignment unit capable of moving bidirectionally toward and away from the printing media loaded on the printing media holder, and includes a release mechanism that releases the printing media alignment unit, to allow the printing media alignment unit to move its position for aligning of print media of different sizes, in response to a force received thereto in any of the bidirectional directions. |
| US08882374B2 |
Printer with print frame interlock and adjustable media support
A printer having improved operational features. The printer includes an articulating print frame assembly coupled to a top cover that is adapted to rotate out of the top cover to an open position and to rotate into the top cover to a closed position. When the print frame is in an open position, the top cover is prevented from rotating toward the bottom housing to a closed position. The printer may include at least one media support member with a media adjustment channel disposed therein, a media adjustment member slidingly disposed through each of the media adjustment channels, and a resilient member configured to apply friction between each of the media adjustment members and the corresponding media support member. |
| US08882373B2 |
Image processing device and sheet feeding mechanism
Factory adjustment and repairs are simplified while assuring the accuracy of a multifeed prevention function. A main unit has a conveyance path that conveys sheets, and a processing unit that applies a specific process to the sheets conveyed through the conveyance path, and a multifeed detection unit is removably disposed to the main unit. The multifeed detection unit has a sheet-passing unit disposed contiguously to the conveyance path, an ultrasonic transmitter disposed facing the sheet-passing unit, and an ultrasonic receiver disposed opposite the ultrasonic transmitter with the sheet-passing unit therebetween. |
| US08882364B2 |
Fiber-optic connecting arrangement and adapter sleeve
The invention relates to a fiber-optic connection arrangement, with the connection arrangement (21) comprising a fiber-optic adapter (2), with the fiber-optic adapter (2) having a first connecting device (38) for a first connecting plug (11) and a second connecting device (6) for a second connecting plug (17), with the first and the second connecting devices (38, 6) being different, with the fiber-optic adapter (2) having at least one first adapter-side attachment means, with the first adapter-side attachment means being in the form of an external thread (8) with a first adapter-side nominal diameter, wherein the connection arrangement (21) furthermore comprises an adapter sleeve (26), with the adapter sleeve (26) having a first end section (27) with a first opening (28), and a second end section (29) with a second opening (30), with the first end section (27) having a first sleeve-side attachment means, with the first sleeve-side attachment means being in the form of a first internal thread (36), with the first internal thread (36) having a first sleeve-side nominal diameter,with the first sleeve-side nominal diameter corresponding to the first adapter-side nominal diameter, with the adapter sleeve (26) being screwed onto the adapter-side external thread (8) such that at least the second connecting device (6) is arranged in an internal volume (47) in the adapter sleeve (26). The invention also relates to an adapter sleeve (26). |
| US08882362B2 |
Methods for optical device including transparent member areas between core and connector insertion hole
An optical device includes a connector configured to provide a hole, an optical waveguide provided with a core and a clad equipped on an outer periphery of the core and configured to have a refractive index smaller than a refractive index of the core, a first transparent member configured to make contact with a core end face of the optical waveguide, and a second transparent member configured to make contact with a hole bottom of the optical waveguide insertion hole, wherein a contact area of the second transparent member and the hole bottom of the optical waveguide insertion hole is larger than a contact area of the core and the first transparent member. |
| US08882356B2 |
Horizontal shaft type rotary machine
A horizontal shaft type rotary machine capable of simply feeding oil into thrust bearing devices. Leak oil introduction is provided in the circumferential end parts of thrust bearing devices, for introducing leak oil of lubrication oil from horizontal type slide bearing devices onto slide surfaces of the thrust bearing devices. With this configuration, the thrust baring devices can be lubricated with the use of leak oil of lubrication oil from the horizontal type slide bearing devices, and as a result, it is possible to eliminate the necessity of an oil feed system exclusively used for the thrust bearing devices, thereby it is possible to simplify the pipe line arrangement of the oil feed system and the control of oil feed quantity. |
| US08882353B2 |
Gas bearing and method of manufacturing the same
A gas bearing (100) having pressurized axially extending chambers (110) in a housing (102) having a shaft bore (104) therein, the axially chambers (110) being in fluid communication with a bearing surface (108) that defines the bore via laser-drilled capillaries (118). The end (122) of each laser-drilled capillary at the bearing surface (108) is flared such that the narrowest portion of the capillary is set back from the bearing surface (108). This shape can ensure that the load carrying function of the bearing (100) does not fail during shaft eccentricity by ensuring that pressure restriction must happen within the capillary and not the gap being shaft and bearing surface. The bearing surface may face in an axial and/or radial direction with respect to the shaft. The axial chambers may be pressurized axially such that the outer circumference of the housing is unbroken and hence usable for other purposes. |
| US08882350B2 |
Lawn care leaf and debris collection system
The present invention is a lawn care and collection system that includes a disposable plastic air gill bag that receives leaves and yard debris preferably air blown or manually raked to be collected, contained and disposed of. It includes gill columns disposed on the air gill bag that provide controlled air flow and ventilation, tie string ports and vertical strength columns. A pair of air curtains is removably attached to a pair of single rod vertical supports via a sewn sleeve to one rod of double rod vertical supports that are removably and adjustably secured to an air curtain. The air gill bag is removably and adjustably connected to a second rod of the double rod vertical supports through the incorporated tie string ports on both sides of the air gill bag. |
| US08882349B2 |
End stops for reclosable fastener and reclosable bag having same
Reclosable fastener assembly includes a fastener comprising a pair of interlocking tracks including a first track having a male profile and a second track having a female profile, the fastener having a height and a width when the tracks are interlocked, a slider slidably mounted to the tracks for movement between a closed position and an open position, and at least one end stop located at an end of the fastener, the end stop formed integrally from at least one of the first and second tracks, the end stop having a wedge shape with a first end, a second end, and a lateral extent, the first end being proximate the fastener and having a height no greater than the height of the fastener, the end stop having a decreasing height from the first end to the second end, and the lateral extent extending beyond the width of the fastener. |
| US08882348B2 |
C-arm support device for a mobile C-arm X-ray machine
The present embodiments relate to a wheeled C-arm support device for a mobile C-arm X-ray machine and an associated method for swiveling the C-arm support device. The C-arm support device includes two steerable front wheels, two freely movable rear wheels and a steering unit that may steer the two steerable front wheels simultaneously inward by the same angle. A line of intersection of surfaces formed by outer sides of the two steerable front wheels form an imaginary swivel axis of the C-arm support device. |
| US08882347B2 |
Probe cover with matching feature for a medical thermometer
A probe cover for medical thermometer has a matching feature for preventing its use with an incompatible thermometer. A mechanical matching feature of the probe cover includes at least one of a fold, a step, or a series of holes or indentations that are respectively matched to a ridge, a valley or series of pins formed on the front end of a compatible thermometer. When applied to the compatible thermometer, the mechanical matching feature permits the probe cover to be fully seated on and retained by the probe, thereby placing the thermometer in condition for use. Alternatively, an opto-electronic matching feature of the probe cover includes a reflective layer for use with an opto-electronic detection circuit of a compatible thermometer. When applied to the compatible thermometer, the opto-electronic detection detects the reflective layer and places the compatible thermometer in an operational state for use. |
| US08882344B2 |
Thermal insulation performance measurement apparatus and measurement method using the same
A thermal insulation performance measurement apparatus which measures thermal insulation performance of a thermal insulator by heat flux to the thermal insulator, measured by a heat flux sensor, and a measurement method using the same includes a heat flux sensor provided with one surface adapted to contact an object to be measured, a first heat source arranged on the upper surface of the heat flux sensor to supply heat to the heat flux sensor, a thermal insulator arranged on the upper surface of the first heat source, a third heat source arranged on the upper surface of the thermal insulator, and a second heat source arranged around the heat flux sensor. |
| US08882343B1 |
Timer assembly with lighting features
A timer is configured with a lighting feature so as to provide illumination to the timer in dark environments. The light may actuate by the interaction of an actuating member and sensor within the timer housing. The light may turn on when the enclosure door is in an open position and the light may turn off when the enclosure door is in a closed position. The timer assembly includes a base having a sensor, a lid having an actuating surface or member, a time indicator positioned in the base, and a light interconnected with the base, wherein the actuating surface or member selectively operates the light. |
| US08882341B2 |
Stress-relief elastic structure of hairspring collet
A hairspring collet for a hairspring for interference engagement and an interference fit with the cylindrical outer surface of the staff of a balance wheel for a timepiece movement, the hairspring collet portion comprising a plurality of circumferentially extending elastically deformable interconnected arm portions, the arm portions forming an annulus having a central axis and providing an aperture therebetween, wherein each arm portion including a curved concave engagement portion for engagement with the outer surface of a staff of a balance wheel, wherein each engagement portion has substantially the same radius of curvature as each other and are equally spaced from the central axis at a first distance and wherein the first distance is less than the radius of the staff of the balance wheel; the engagement portions have a radius of curvature such that upon deformation of the arm portions and engagement with the outer surface of the staff the engagement portions substantially conform with the outer surface of the staff and an interference fit is formed therebetween, wherein stress induced from said interference fit is transferred and distributed from along the engagement portions to the arm portions adjacent the engagement portions and distributed therein; and wherein the interference fit of the engagement portions with the staff substantially prevents relative movement between the hairspring collet and the staff of the balance wheel upon application of load from a hairspring in use in a timepiece movement. |
| US08882340B2 |
Oscillating weight
The oscillating weight is intended to be used in a self winding watch mechanism. It includes a basic part (1) made of composite material and heavy metal elements (9). The basic part includes an inner portion (5) and a peripheral portion (3), with the peripheral portion including housings in which the heavy metal elements are set. |
| US08882337B2 |
Closed kneading machine and kneading rotor
A kneading rotor, in which the length L4 of a long blade in the direction of rotation of a rotor section is greater than one half of the total length L5 of a rotor section main body in the direction of rotation, and the long blades are arranged in such a manner that, in a case where a pair of the rotor sections are arranged mutually in parallel inside the chamber of the closed kneading machine and are rotated in mutually opposite directions, an end section on the rearward side in the direction of rotation of the rotor section, of the long blade of one of the rotor sections, and an end section on the forward side in the direction of rotation of the rotor section, of the long blade of the other one of the rotor sections, alternately repeat mutually an approaching action and a separating action, and in the state of approach, the end section on the forward side and the end section on the rearward side oppose each other in the direction of rotation of the rotor sections on a line which links the respective central axes of the pair of rotor sections, in one cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotor section. |
| US08882332B2 |
Light source module, LED receiver and backlight device
A light source module is disclosed. The light source module comprises a light emitting diode (LED) and an LED receiver. The LED is provided with a locating element on a side surface thereof. The LED receiver has a receiving portion, and a snap-fitting structure is disposed on a side surface of the receiving portion to mate with the locating element so that the LED can be located in the receiving portion of the LED receiver. An LED receiver and a backlight device are also disclosed. The light source module and the LED receiver of the present invention allow for optimization of the assembling process of the LED. |
| US08882331B2 |
Warping buffering structure for light guide plate and backlight module
The present disclosure provides a warping buffering structure for a light guide plate and a backlight module. The warping buffering structure includes: a first member with one side thereof contacting one end of the light guide plate of a backlight module; a second member with one side thereof flexibly connected to a side wall of a back cover of the backlight module, and the second member capable of sliding along an extending direction of the side wall; a first inclined surface formed on an end of one side of the first member which is away from the light guide plate; and a second inclined surface formed on an end of one side of the second member which is away from the side wall, and the second inclined surface contacting the first inclined surface and being slidably engaged with the second inclined surface. |
| US08882325B2 |
Optical sheet and method of manufacturing the same
An optical sheet includes a light-passing base sheet, a plurality of light-passing first patterns formed on a front major surface of the base sheet, and a plurality of light-passing second patterns formed on a rear major surface of the base sheet. The first patterns protrude from the front surface of the base sheet, a top portion of each of the second patterns makes contact with the rear surface of the second patterns while a larger lower surface of each of the second patterns is exposed to serve as a light receiving surface. Voids having relatively low refractive indices are formed between the light-passing second patterns. The optical sheet employs just one base sheet in one embodiment, thereby reducing a manufacturing cost of the optical sheet. |
| US08882324B2 |
Lighting device, display device and liquid crystal display device
A lighting device includes a light source 30, a light guide 20 provided adjacent to the light source 30 and including a light source light incident surface 21 on which light emitted by the light source 30 enters and a planar light emission surface 22 from which planar light is emitted, and an optical sheet 50 including a planar light incident surface 53 on which the planar light enters, and configured to change a traveling direction of the planar light because a light emission side of the optical sheet 50 has a shape in which plural columnar prisms 51 extending in parallel to the light source light incident surface 21 are arranged side by side. In each of the prisms 51, a distal surface has at least different two kinds of inclination angles. |
| US08882323B2 |
Lightguide
Flexible unitary lightguide and a method of making the same are disclosed. The lightguide includes a structured input side that includes a first pattern having smaller features superimposed on a second pattern having larger features. The lightguide further includes a structured top surface that includes a first region and a different second region. The first region includes a plurality of discrete light extractors for extracting light that propagates within the flexible unitary lightguide by total internal reflection. The second region includes a taper portion for directing light from the structured input side to the first region. The light extractors form a periodic array that has a first period along the length of the flexible unitary lightguide. The first period is such that substantially no visible moir fringes occur when the flexible unitary lightguide is used as a backlight in a pixelated display. |
| US08882321B2 |
Light source device with optical element and wavelength conversion member
A light source device includes an excitation light source, a light guide member and a wavelength conversion unit. The wavelength conversion unit includes an optical element disposed on an optical axis and with which excitation light emitted from the light guide member is irradiated to reflect, scatter, or diffract the excitation light, a wavelength conversion member disposed on an optical path of the excitation light reflected, scattered, or diffracted by the optical element to convert the excitation light into wavelength converted light and an emission opening portion that emits the wavelength converted light converted by the wavelength conversion member. |
| US08882320B2 |
Connector
A connector adapted for use in an illumination system comprising at least one optical element, such as an optical fiber. is disclosed. The connector comprises a housing dimensioned so that internally it retains at least one end portion of at least one optical element, and externally substantially follows the shape of the end portion(s) of the optical element(s). This forms a join between the ends of the optical element(s). A light source is also contained within the housing and positioned so as to illuminate the end portions of at least one optical element. Electrical connection means adapted to connect the light source to an external power supply are provided. The electrical connection means being moveable relative to the housing. The electrical connection means may be carried by a flexible substrate, or may be formed by slideable contacts within a light guide rail. |
| US08882318B2 |
Peripheral illumination device for a vehicle component
A peripheral illumination device for a vehicle component includes at least one light guide, and an enclosure for guiding the at least one light guide. The at least one light guide is securely mounted in the enclosure via a fixed support at a predefined location and has two ends which are movably mounted in relation to the enclosure. |
| US08882314B1 |
Elevation-adjustable window candle
A window candle includes a holder base defining therein a stepped vertical insertion hole formed of a larger upper first insertion hole and a smaller lower second insertion hole and defining a first annular locating groove between the larger upper first insertion hole and the smaller lower second insertion hole and a second annular locating groove located at the bottom side of the smaller lower section insertion hole, a candle shaft inserted into the stepped vertical insertion hole and selectively positioned in the first annular locating groove or the second annular locating groove, an annular locating member optionally mountable in the first annular locating groove to support the candle shaft in the first annular locating groove, and a lampshell fastened to the top end of the candle shaft by a screw joint and holding therein a light-emitting circuit board. |
| US08882309B2 |
Device for fastening and contacting a lighting means, a lighting module, or lamp
A device is provided for fastening and contacting a lighting means and/or a lighting module, the device including at least one socket housing. The lighting means and/or lighting module is arranged in the socket housing of the device. The lighting means and/or lighting module has at least two contacting elements, which are arranged separately from each other on the lighting means and/or lighting module and which are each electrically contacted by means of a respective individual contact of the socket housing. The device includes an adapter element having at least one collective contact point, having at least one electrical connection. An individual contact of the socket housing and a contact of a collective contact point are connected by means of an electrical connection. Also provided is a lamp having such a device. |
| US08882306B2 |
Lighting device
Disclosed is a lighting device including a body provided with a cavity in an upper part, a power supply disposed in the body to supply power, a case disposed in the cavity, the case including an electrode unit detachably connected to the power supply, and a light source disposed in the case and electrically connected to the electrode unit. Disclosed is also a lighting device including a body provided with a cavity in an upper part, a power supply disposed in the body to supply power, a case disposed in the cavity, the case including an electrode unit detachably connected to the power supply and a case body connected to the electrode unit, and a light source disposed in the case body and electrically connected to the electrode unit to emit light. |
| US08882304B2 |
Illuminating device and packaging method thereof
An illuminating device includes a substrate, an illuminating element, at least one barricade and at least one cover layer. The illuminating element is disposed on the substrate. The barricade is protruded from a surface of the substrate and disposed around the illuminating element continuously or discontinuously to form a first accommodating area. The cover layer is disposed in the first accommodating area for covering the illuminating element. |
| US08882302B2 |
Coined optic fixture for LED illumination
An optic for use with LED illumination sources, incorporates multiple facets in rows along its length. The facets are formed by coining (cold forming) the shapes into a suitable malleable material. By selecting the malleable material to have high heat conductivity and mounting the optic in contact with the circuit board that drives the LED, the optic serves both light dispersion and heat sink functions. Since the facets are formed with high precision they can be selected to direct light to an illuminated surface (actual or virtual). The use of multiple facet shapes (e.g. linear, radius and parabolic) the light can be reflected (multiple times if desired) to provide a highly selectable illuminated field. In the most common installation the different facets are used to uniformly illuminate a surface. |
| US08882299B2 |
Wavelength conversion member, light emitting device and image display device, and method for manufacturing wavelength conversion member
Disclosed is a wavelength conversion member that is provided with: a light transmissive member including a light input plane into which excitation light is inputted, and a light output plane from which wavelength converted light is outputted; and a semiconductor fine particle phosphor, which is dispersed in the light transmissive member, and which absorbs the excitation light, converts the wavelength, and emits light. The dispersion concentration of the semiconductor fine particle phosphor in the direction parallel to the light traveling direction, i.e., the direction connecting the light input plane and the light output plane, is lower than the dispersion concentration of the semiconductor fine particle phosphor in the direction orthogonal to the light traveling direction. |
| US08882294B2 |
Light emitting device package
The light emitting device package may include a light emitting device including at least one light emitting diode and a body including at least one lead frame on which a light emitting device is disposed, the body provided a first protrusion formed on a outside of the body, wherein the width of a lower surface of the first protrusion is 0.5 times to 0.9 times the width of a upper surface of the first protrusion. |
| US08882293B2 |
LED light apparatus
Provided are an illumination device and a light fixture including the illumination device. The illumination device includes a body formed of a thermally-conductive material that includes a planar heat transfer surface and a fastener that is compatible with a base that couples the body to the light fixture. A substrate formed, at least in part from a dielectric material supports an array of light emitting diodes and a plurality of contacts electrically connected to the light emitting diodes. A thermally-conductive planar surface is provided to the dielectric material of the substrate to be placed in thermal communication with the heat transfer surface and conduct heat generated by the light emitting diodes to the body. |
| US08882292B2 |
Multi-spectrum lighting device with plurality of switches
A multi-spectrum emitting device includes one or more emitters configured to emit in a first spectrum and a second spectrum, a switching mechanism with at least two switching elements. configured to change an emitted light from a first spectrum to a second spectrum, and to change a blink pattern of emitted light. The first spectrum may be a non-visible light spectrum and the second spectrum may be a visible light spectrum. Devices may also include a unitary housing extending substantially upward and inward from a base of the device, the housing configured to emit light therethrough and to receive a power source for the device therein. |
| US08882290B2 |
Light-mixing type light-emitting apparatus
A light-mixing type light-emitting apparatus comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) formed on a transparent carrier, wherein each of the LEDs with a transparent substrate emits light of a distinct color when driven, and the light beams generated from the LEDs are mixed to form a specific color. The transparent carrier setting forth in the present invention provides a mixing zone underlying the plurality of LEDs for the light beams to mix uniformly so as to improve the light-mixing efficiency of the light-emitting apparatus and shorten the mixing distance. |
| US08882287B2 |
Recreational or occupational headlamp using modulated light corollary to human persistence of vision for optimized path illumination
The invention relates to a novel recreational or occupational modulating light headlamp which works in conjunction with the mechanics of human vision to provide effective path lighting in very low light or dark. Applying flicker fusion rate and factoring in the acuity of the eye's rods and cones, lighting is applied to the range and capability of the ocular abilities and optimized for low light or dark. |
| US08882285B2 |
Illuminating safety glove
The present invention is a PVC or rubber illuminating safety glove utilized without a power source that includes a plurality of finger and thumb sections that accommodate a user's fingers and thumb and include a plurality of distal ends and a plurality of fingertips that are located on the distal ends of the finger and thumb sections and include a chemical compound that is safely embedded into the distal ends that become illuminated when exposed to an electromagnetic field. The embedded chemical compound is a plurality of microscopic polymer beads or a plurality of supermagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles that illuminate color instantly and reversibly when exposed to the electromagnetic field. |
| US08882282B2 |
Method of manufacturing optical part and optical part, and method of manufacturing display and display
In one embodiment, a light-emitting device includes an optical part which is configured to prevent the formation of a residual film and to enhance light extraction efficiency. In one embodiment, an optical part as a reflective plate is arranged on a light extraction side of a light-emitting panel. In one embodiment, a plurality of optical function elements are formed independently of one another on a base of the optical part. In one embodiment, a residual film which is an optically unnecessary part between the base and the plurality of optical function elements is eliminated to prevent unnecessary light guiding, reflection or the like to the residual film. In one embodiment, in a light-emitting device including the optical part, stray light due to unnecessary light guiding or reflection to the residual film is reduced, and an improvement in light extraction efficiency achievable. |
| US08882279B2 |
Illumination system and projection device comprising the same
An illumination system and a projection device comprising the same are provided. The projection device comprises an imaging system and the illumination system. The illumination system comprises a first light source, a dichroic element, at least one condensing element, a rotary wheel and a light integrating element. The first light source provides a first wave band light, and the rotary wheel has at least one wave band transforming area and a reflecting area. After passing through the dichroic element and the at least one condensing element, the first wave band light will be focused onto the at least one wave band transforming area to be transformed into a second wave band light or be focused onto the reflecting area that will be reflected. The second wave band light and the reflected first wave band light will be focused on the light integrating element by the at least one condensing element. |
| US08882277B2 |
Image projection apparatus
An image projection apparatus includes a light source, light from which is used to project an image, and a holding member configured to hold the light source. The holding member includes a handle portion, and the handle portion includes a first flow path for flowing air. |
| US08882270B2 |
Apparatus and method for operating a real time large diopter range sequential wavefront sensor
An apparatus including a position sensing detector and a processing system, with the processing system configured to determine axis of astigmatism and cylinder and sphere diopter values of a subject eye. |
| US08882262B2 |
Belt leveling apparatus and systems for simultaneous leveling and pinning of radiation curable inks
Systems for leveling UV-curable gel ink include a leveling belt member having a TEFLON FEP inner layer and a conformable silicone outer layer. A UV source is disposed to direct light through the belt onto a substrate at a leveling or pressure nip defined by the leveling beltz tube and a backing member such as a backing belt and chilled platen. |
| US08882260B2 |
Transfer type inkjet recording method
A transfer type inkjet recording method uses an aggregation liquid, in which the aggregation liquid contains a polymer compound having either one of a polysaccharide having an amino group or a polysaccharide salt having an amino group. |
| US08882257B2 |
Light emitting device, method of manufacturing light emitting device, and ink jet recording apparatus
A light emitting device includes a substrate, a light emitting body, a thermally conductive member, and a heat radiation member. The substrate has a first face and a second face which is a face opposite to the first face. The light emitting body is held on a side of the first face of the substrate and emits light. The thermally conductive member is provided so as to be in contact with the second face of the substrate and contains a high thermal conductive material. The heat radiation member is provided so as to be in contact with the thermally conductive member and radiates heat conducted from the substrate through the thermally conductive member. |
| US08882253B2 |
Ink cartridge for ink jet recording apparatus, connection unit and ink jet recording apparatus
An ink cartridge for supplying the ink in an ink reserving chamber via an ink supply port into a recording head has a differential pressure valve mechanism disposed between an ink flow port and the ink supply port in the ink reserving chamber, whereby the ink is supplied an adequate amount to the recording head by opening or closing the differential pressure valve mechanism in accordance with an ink pressure of the recording head. As a result, it is possible to supply the ink at a substantially constant pressure to the recording head without regard to the variation in the amount of ink or the movement of the carriage. |
| US08882250B2 |
Liquid droplet discharging apparatus
A liquid droplet discharging apparatus includes an ink tank configured to retain ink, a head configured to discharge the ink, an ink supply path configured to supply the ink from the ink tank to the head, and a shape changing section configured to change a shape of the ink supply path such that differences in elevation are formed in a direction of gravity in the ink supply path. |
| US08882249B2 |
Attachment, liquid container, and liquid supply apparatus
An attachment is mounted on a cartridge holder of a printer as a replacement of an ink cartridge. An ink outlet member having a link passage is separably secured to an attachment body. Ink is supplied from the exterior to the ink outlet member through an ink supply tube. When the attachment is mounted on the cartridge holder, a downstream end of the ink outlet member is positioned with respect to and connected to an ink supply needle of the printer. Accordingly, the attachment is easily and quickly installed in a liquid ejection apparatus. This reduces costs and makes it easy to use the attachment. |
| US08882248B2 |
Liquid ejecting device
A supporting section is disposed to confront an ejection surface and supports a recording medium. A first tank is mounted on a first-tank mount section. A liquid conveying section conveys liquid to a liquid ejecting head. A receiving section receives liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting head. A waste-liquid conveying section conveys liquid to the waste-liquid tank. A first casing holds the liquid ejecting head, the first-tank mount section, and the liquid conveying section. A second casing holds the supporting section, the receiving section, the waste-liquid tank, and the waste-liquid conveying section. The first casing is connected with the second casing such that the first casing is movable relative to the second casing. The first casing takes a first position at which the ejection surface confronts the supporting section and a second position at which the ejection surface is farther away from the supporting section than at the first position. |
| US08882246B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, piezoelectric element, and method of manufacturing piezoelectric element
To provide a liquid ejecting head having a piezoelectric layer in which crack occurrence is suppressed and the crystal is oriented in a specific orientation, a piezoelectric element a liquid ejecting apparatus and a method of manufacturing a piezoelectric element. A liquid ejecting head which discharges liquid from a nozzle opening, includes a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric layer and a first electrode and a second electrode provided on the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer has a buffer layer made of bismuth manganate or a mixed crystal of bismuth manganate and bismuth ferrite, provided on the first electrode, and a piezoelectric material layer having a perovskite structure, provided on the buffer layer. |
| US08882244B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head including plural nozzles discharging liquid droplets; a head tank supplying liquid to the recording head; plural head holders each holding one or more recording heads and head tanks; a carriage exchangeably supporting the plural head holders; a main tank storing liquid to be supplied to the head tank; and plural liquid supply tubes supplying the liquid from the main tank to the head tank. Further, the plural liquid supply tubes are branched into plural groups corresponding to the plural head holders at the carriage and are connected to corresponding head tanks. |
| US08882241B2 |
Liquid-jet head and liquid-jet head device
A liquid-jet head includes nozzles, pressurized chambers to communicate with the nozzles, a common liquid chamber to communicate with each of the pressurized chambers, each of the common liquid chamber and the pressurized liquid chambers having a negative pressure of a predetermined value, first communicating paths to communicate between the common liquid chamber and the pressurized liquid chamber to serve as a filter to prevent air bubbles from intruding into the pressurized liquid chamber, the filter having openings, each opening having an opening area smaller than an opening area of each of the nozzles, and an air bubble discharge chamber including a second communicating path to communicate with the common liquid chamber having an air bubble remaining part in a region downstream in a liquid flow direction, and an opening part from which the air bubbles having entered via the second communicating path are discharged during a maintenance-restoration operation. |
| US08882240B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus and print head recovery method
An inkjet printing apparatus and a print head recovery method are provided according to which, in an environment in which dust (e.g., paper dust) is easily attached to the periphery of an ejection port of a print head, the print head is subjected to a recovery operation depending on the level of the attached dust. The inkjet printing apparatus has a cutter unit for cutting a print medium and a recovery unit for performing the recovery operation by wiping the ejection port formation portion at which the ejection port is formed of the print head while sucking the ejection port formation portion. When the passing number showing how many times the cut part of the print medium cut by the cutter passes the printing position is equal to or higher than a threshold value, the recovery means subjects the print head to the recovery operation. |
| US08882235B2 |
Image recording apparatuses
An image recording apparatus includes a liquid applying mechanism that applies a first liquid onto a recording medium, a liquid discharge head that discharges a second liquid onto the recording medium, a wiper that wipes a liquid discharge surface of the liquid discharge head, and a processor. The processor counts a number of jams of the recording medium and a number of passages of the recording medium through the liquid discharge head. The processor increments the number of jams when the number of passages is equal to or greater than a first threshold value. The image recording apparatus performs a head recovery operation when a jam of a recording medium occurs and when the number of jams is incremented. |
| US08882231B2 |
Inkjet printers
The invention describes a method of and means for reducing solvent consumption in a continuous inkjet printer that comprises cooling the ink within the printer system. Ink from the ink reservoir is preferably circulated through a heat exchanger. |
| US08882229B2 |
Media width-based calibration pattern placement
In an embodiment, a processor-readable medium stores code representing instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to measure a width of a first-sized media page and determine a length that corresponds with the width. Based on the length, a bottom end of the first-sized media page is located, and a calibration pattern is printed in a first page region located relative to the bottom end of the first-sized media page. |
| US08882225B2 |
Printing apparatus, driving apparatus, and driving method
A printing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a carriage configured to mount a printhead and reciprocate, a driving unit configured to move the carriage, the driving unit including a motor as a driving source, a measurement unit configured to measure a velocity fluctuation of the carriage, a correction unit configured to correct driving of the motor by correction data to reduce a velocity fluctuation of the carriage arising from cogging of the motor, and a setting unit configured to set a parameter which defines a periodic fluctuation manner of the correction data. The setting unit determines a current preferable value of the parameter based on the velocity fluctuation measured by the measurement unit for a current set value of the parameter, and sets a next set value of the parameter from the determined preferable value. |
| US08882209B1 |
Corded wall assembly adapted for installation at an article storage space
A corded wall assembly is adapted for installation at an article storage space defined by at least two opposing spaced-apart structural elements. The corded wall assembly includes first and second elongated rigid frame members, and a plurality of elastic cords attached at respective opposite ends to the frame members. Mounting elements attach the first and second frame members to respective spaced-apart structural elements of the article storage space. |
| US08882208B1 |
Lubrication system
A cylindrical rotatable hub has interior and exterior cylindrical surfaces, an exterior end, a central extent, and an interior end. A fixedly positioned generally cylindrical spindle has an outer end and an enlarged annular inner end with a central extent axially between the outer and inner ends. Tapered inner and outer wheel bearings operatively couple the hub exteriorly and the spindle interiorly adjacent to the interior and exterior ends of the hub. The inner and outer wheel bearings are adapted to allow rotation of the hub with respect to the spindle. Lubricant input and output passageways extend through the inner end of the spindle. |
| US08882202B2 |
Seat cushion body and method of producing a seat cushion body
A seat cushion body and method of producing the same are provided. In a method of producing a seat cushion body, fiber material is inserted into a mold. Heat is supplied to the fibers to cause thermal activation of binding fibers, so as to effect thermal cross-linking. The resulting seat cushion body includes a resilient portion formed from the fibers and having a fiber orientation along a main load direction of the seat cushion body. The seat cushion body may include at least one further portion formed from the fibers, which has a fiber orientation and/or a density different from the fiber orientation and/or different from a density of the resilient portion. The resilient portion and the at least one further portion may be integrally formed from the cross-linked fiber material as a unitary body. |
| US08882198B2 |
Seat height adjustment actuating device
An actuating device comprises a handle, a housing, and a driven member connected to the handle, the driven member being rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof, the housing containing: a brake mechanism, for restricting rotation of the driven member when the brake mechanism is engaged; a means for disengaging the brake mechanism; a means for rotating the driven member in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction; and, a clutch mechanism for restricting reverse rotation of the driven member when driven in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The actuating device of the invention is particularly suited for actuating a seat height adjustment mechanism of a vehicle. |
| US08882197B2 |
Ultra flex and fold seat with ingress/egress feature
A vehicle seating assembly includes a track assembly having a rail and a base member slidably engaged with the rail and supporting a seatback. A bracket is coupled to the rail and supports a seat with an articulation feature. A linkage couples the seat with the seatback. A coupler is engaged with the articulation feature. Movement of the coupler relative to the articulation feature translates the seating assembly between a deployed position, wherein the seat is generally orthogonal to the seatback, and a stowed position, wherein the seatback abuts the seat and is generally parallel to the rail. A hinge in the linkage causes translation from the deployed position to an access position. The seat is generally orthogonal to the rail and the seatback is slid to a forward segment of the rail. |
| US08882194B2 |
Aircraft seat energy absorbing device for occupant restraint
An energy absorbing device for a seat containing an occupant includes a seat frame with legs, a seat pan, and a back member. Attached to the seat is an energy absorbing device fixed to the back member of the seat frame. The energy absorbing device includes an engagement portion fixing the energy absorbing device to the seat frame and an energy absorbing extension having a fixed end integral with the engagement portion, and a protruding end extending toward the seat pan. The seat has a seat belt for the occupant and the belt is attached to a belt support device which extends parallel to the energy absorbing extension. When the occupant is using the seatbelt and the seat undergoes lateral forces, the energy absorbing extension undergoes deformation, and when the occupant is not using the seatbelt and the seat undergoes lateral forces, the energy absorbing extension does not undergo deformation. |
| US08882192B2 |
Child's safety seat
A restraining device according to the invention for a child's safety seat provided to be fixed in a vehicle by at least one top tether, wherein the at least one top tether comprises at least one first loop that is provided to be pushed over a crossbar, is characterized in that the at least one top tether comprises a second loop provided to be pushed over restraining means. |
| US08882189B2 |
Folding furniture
A folding chair includes a frame, a seat bottom coupled to the frame, and legs for supporting the seat bottom in a horizontal position relative to the frame. The frame is formed to include a seat back. |
| US08882187B2 |
Vehicle sun roof apparatus
Provided is a vehicle sun roof apparatus comprising: a movable panel configured to open and close an opening section, a guide rail provided at an edge portion of the opening section in the vehicle width direction, a sliding member linked to an edge portion of the movable panel in the vehicle width direction and provided along the guide rail so as to be movable in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, a check mechanism configured to release a movement lock of the movable panel by locking the movement of the movable panel, and an engagement and disengagement switching mechanism provided with a first member supported by either the sliding member or the edge portion of the movable panel in the vehicle width direction. |
| US08882186B2 |
Seal structure for door of automobile
A tangent 140 on a contact part 80 on which a hollow seal member 32 of a weather strip 30 mounted on a side door 21 first touches a roof door 23 is a straight line which divides an angle θ2 on an acute angle side between an advancing locus 110 of the side door 21 and an advancing locus 120 of a roof door 23 into a substantially half angle θ1, the two advancing loci intersecting on the contact part 80. |
| US08882171B2 |
Vehicle floor mat
Provided is a vehicle floor mat that can reliably maintain a fixed state and includes a mat main body and at least one fastening device for fastening the mat main body to a vehicle. The fastening device includes a first fastening member fixed to the vehicle and a second fastening member fixed to the mat main body. The first fastening member includes a rotating knob rotating about a vertical axis and a lever pivotally provided on an upper section of the knob. The second fastening member includes an insertion receiving section for the knob to be inserted thereinto, and engaged therewith by rotating the knob inserted into the insertion receiving section. A rotation of the knob in an engaged state is restricted by laying the lever. The knob and lever allow the mat main body to be fixed to the vehicle through a two-step fixation mechanism, thus enabling strong fixation. |
| US08882168B2 |
Tailgate rod
A tailgate for an associated automotive vehicle. The tailgate is coupled via a rod to a motor. The tailgate includes a frame having a point of attachment to the rod. The rod passes through an opening in the vehicle body. The rod has a longitudinal axis that travels in a substantially linear axial direction in the region passing through the opening when the tailgate moves from a closed to an open position and vice versa. |
| US08882163B2 |
Double latch assembly for a motor vehicle
A double latch assembly for a motor vehicle having two pivotably mounted closure members is disclosed in which a power cinch mechanism is used to ensure first and second claws are moved and held in a second fully locked position. |
| US08882162B2 |
Multiple point door locking system, with handle turning direction control
A locking system enabling selective handle turning direction to operate an unlocking mechanism is provided. The system comprises a handle, a gear rack driven linearly by rotation of the handle, and a plate removably coupled to the gear rack by a coupling means, wherein the plate moves in a first linear direction in response to handle rotation. When the coupling means is in a first position to couple the plate to the gear rack, a clockwise rotation of the handle displaces the plate in the first linear direction. When the coupling means is in a second position to couple the plate to the gear rack, a counter-clockwise rotation of the handle displaces the plate in the first linear direction. Movement of the plate in the first direction operates the unlocking mechanism. |
| US08882152B2 |
Fender assembly
A fender assembly is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The fender assembly may have a fender with an upper wall, a lower wall, and a frame configured to support the fender. The upper and lower walls may be spaced apart to at least partially form a hollow enclosure. The fender assembly may also have at least one boss extending from the frame at least partially through the hollow enclosure, and at least one fastener configured to engage the at least one boss and press the upper and lower walls toward each other. |
| US08882151B2 |
Filling device
The invention relates to a filling device, in particular for filling a tank with a urea solution, comprising: at least one vehicle-specific pipe element, one standardized filler neck, and one holder, wherein the holder is fixed to said vehicle-specific pipe element via a joining method, particularly a welding method, used for the vehicle-specific pipe element, either in axial and/or in radial and/or in circumferential direction of said vehicle-specific pipe element. |
| US08882150B2 |
Bump stopper
In a bump stopper (115) attached to a main frame (10) of a chassis frame (9) of a vehicle (1), a stopper body (116) is a panel which is, as viewed in a cross section along a horizontal direction, formed in a bag shape having an opening on an inner side in a vehicle width direction and formed so as to have openings at upper and lower ends. The stopper body (116) is attached to an outer surface of the main frame (10) at front and rear attachment parts (116c, 116d) which are end parts of the panel positioned at sides of the opening on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. A contact member (118) contacting an arm (92) is attached to the stopper body (116) so as to be positioned in the vicinity of a lower opening (116) of the stopper body (116). |
| US08882149B2 |
Steering device
A steering device is provided that includes an aluminum-alloy column bolted with a steering lock apparatus, that prevents destruction of a flange to be bolted, and that prevents the bolt from being loosened by applying shock to a bolt head section through the use of a special tool. A counterbore is formed so deep that a slant plane is higher than a top end of a disk-shaped member of a bolt. A thief can hardly apply shock to the disk-shaped member of the bolt using a special tool. It is difficult to rotate and loosen the bolt. A vehicle can be prevented from being stolen by removing a steering lock apparatus from an outer column. |
| US08882148B2 |
Steering system
A steering system includes a steering column which supports rotatably a steering shaft to which a steering wheel is connected and a pair of support mechanisms which support the steering column so as to tilt relative to a vehicle body. Each of the support mechanisms includes a support bracket having a column-side fastened portion and a body-side fastened portion, a fulcrum bolt, and a bush. A fastening hole through which a fastening bolt is inserted to fasten the support bracket to a fixed member is formed in the body-side fastened portion. Each of the support mechanisms includes an elastic member which can be compressed in an axial direction of the fulcrum bolt, and the support bracket is configured to oscillate relative to the steering column by the elastic member being compressed. |
| US08882135B1 |
Ball cart structure
A ball cart structure essentially includes a frame for positioning a bag and positioning units disposed on the frame. The positioning units position and restrict deformation of the frame when the frame is unfolded to be in use or is folded to be stored, to enhance the stability and user safety of the frame in use and render it convenient to store the frame. |
| US08882134B2 |
Maneuverable strollers
Maneuverable strollers are disclosed herein. An example stroller disclosed herein includes a frame having a front wheel and rear wheel to support the frame. An intermediate wheel is positioned between the front wheel and the rear wheel. A carriage is coupled to the rear wheel, the intermediate wheel and the frame. |
| US08882129B2 |
Leg support assembly for use with a wheelchair and methods of assembling same
A leg support assembly for use with a wheelchair is described herein. The wheelchair includes a frame, a seat assembly coupled to the frame, and a pair of legs extending outwardly from the frame. The pair of legs includes a first leg and a second leg spaced a distance from the first leg such that a gap is defined therebetween. The leg support assembly includes a support member that includes a first end that is removably coupled to the first leg and a second end that is removably coupled to the second leg. The support member also includes a flexible substrate material that extends across the leg gap to prevent a patient seated in the wheelchair from entering the gap. The leg support assembly also includes a fastening assembly that is coupled to the support member to facilitate coupling the support member to the wheelchair. |
| US08882128B2 |
Rear portion structure for saddle type vehicle
Stay members to which various parts are to be attached are provided at a rear portion of a motorcycle, and stay supporting portions that support the stay members are provided on a vehicle body frame. The various parts include side bag supporting members and a carrier member. The side bag supporting members and the carrier member are fastened together to the stay members by a plurality of fastening members, and the stay members to which the side bag supporting members and the carrier member are fastened together are fastened to the stay supporting portions. |
| US08882122B2 |
Bicycle gear changing apparatus
A bicycle gear changing apparatus is basically provided with an upshifting input, a downshifting input and a controller. The controller is operatively coupled to the upshifting input and the downshifting input to receive upshift signals and downshift signals. The controller outputs control signals to control a first gear changing device and a second gear changing device in accordance with a synchro-downshift route and a synchro-upshift route that is different from the synchro-downshift route, in response to receiving the upshift signals and the downshift signals. |
| US08882114B2 |
Wearable device
A wearable device configured to selectively provide roller transportation includes a shoe configured to at least partially accept a foot of a user of the wearable device, the shoe comprising a foot interface surface configured for selective contact with a bottom of the foot, a wheel assembly configured to selectively roll relative to a ground surface in response to rotation of at least a portion of the wheel assembly about an axle that is substantially coincident with an axis of rotation, and a frame connected between the shoe and the wheel assembly, the frame being configured to selectively transfer forces between the shoe and the wheel assembly and the frame comprising a clearance plane vertically offset from the ground surface. |
| US08882111B2 |
Bulk amusement game ticket distribution system
The present invention is a prize distribution system for an amusement game that can deliver to a player a brick of tickets in bulk form, or deliver a prize that is shaped like a brick, in a reliable manner that is theft resistant and requires no human interaction to participate. The invention uses a conveyor belt and motor to extract a prize from a stacked or secured configuration, and move the prize to a bin accessible to the player. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a second motor and door system that opens and closes access to the bin, preventing a would-be thief from reaching through the bin to the prize stack in an attempt to remove a prize. |
| US08882109B2 |
Paper sheet processing apparatus
A paper sheet processing apparatus comprises a taking-in unit 10 configured to take therein paper sheets, a transport unit 70 configured to transport the paper sheets, a recognition unit 20 configured to recognize the paper sheets, a plurality of stacking units 60a to 60d configured to stack the paper sheets, the paper sheets stacked in the stacking units 60a-60d being able to be removed from the stacking units 60a-60d, and a detection sensor 25a to 25d configured to detect whether the paper sheets have been removed from the stacking units 60a-60d. When a control unit 50 judges that the paper sheets have been removed from the stacking units 60a to 60d based on information from the detection sensor 25a to 25d, the control unit 50 outputs removal information on the removed paper sheets or the stacking units 60a to 60d from which the paper sheets have been removed. |
| US08882107B2 |
Sheet conveyance device, document feeder, image forming apparatus, and multi feed detection method
A sheet conveyance device includes a paper feed section, a separation roller, a registration roller pair arranged downstream of the paper feed section, a conveyance roller pair arranged downstream of the registration roller pair, a multi feed sensor arranged between the paper feed section and the registration roller pair, and a document conveyance controller. When an original document arrives at the conveyance roller pair, the document conveyance controller suspends driving of the paper feed section and starts multi feed determination. |
| US08882102B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A multifunction peripheral includes: a moving device configured to move up a lift plate; a changing device configured to mechanically change a resistance value of a variable resistor depending upon a position of the lift plate; a mechanical switch; a connecting device configured to apply a predetermined DC voltage to the variable resistor when an upper end of one or more paper sheets placed on the lift plate or an upper end of the lift plate has reached a predetermined uppermost position in the paper feed cassette; a calculating device configured to calculate a remaining amount of paper sheets placed on the lift plate as a function of a DC voltage value output from the variable resistor; and a stopping device configured to stop upward movement of the lift plate using the DC voltage value output from the variable resistor. |
| US08882100B2 |
Post-processing device, post-processing method, and image forming apparatus
A post-processing device includes a sheet-bundle forming unit that stacks plural sheets and forms a sheet bundle; a binding unit that forms a cut in the sheet bundle, forms a tongue in the sheet bundle by cutting part of the sheet bundle into a predetermined shape so that a first end remains uncut and continues to the sheet bundle, and binds the sheet bundle by folding the tongue and inserting a second end of the tongue into the cut; a transport unit that transports the sheet bundle; a stack unit that stacks the sheet bundle; and a position change unit that changes a position of binding processing performed on the sheet bundle so that the tongue formed in the sheet bundle stacked on the stack unit does not contact another tongue formed in another sheet bundle stacked on the stack unit. |
| US08882099B2 |
System and method for inline cutting and stacking of sheets for formation of books
This invention provides a system and method for aligning, feeding, trimming, slitting, rotating, cross-slitting and stacking sheets, each containing one or more discrete page images thereon that allows for greater automation of the overall process so that reduced or no manual intervention is required to generate completed book stacks or “blocks” from a stream or stack of printed sheets. Sheets are fed to a first, upstream trimming station to remove margin edges and optionally separate the sheets relative to the discrete page images. The sheets are then rotated 90 degrees and fed to a second, downstream trimming station that trims the right-angle edges and optionally separates the sheets into a final group of full-bleed pages, removing margins and gutter strips. The sheets are fed to a stacking assembly to be tacked in page order and any rejected, defective sheets or stacks are removed from the order. |
| US08882095B2 |
Hook portion of clamp meter
A clamp meter has a main body and a stationary jaw fixed to an end of the main body. A hook portion of the clamp meter includes a movable jaw, a displacing means and a knob. The movable jaw is mounted on the main body corresponding to the position of the stationary jaw. The movable jaw and the stationary jaw together form a closed loop. The displacing means is mounted in the main body and comprises a displaceable rod connected to the movable jaw and a gear set for driving the displaceable rod. The knob is connected to the gear set for driving the displaceable rod and the movable jaw for linear displacement. The movable jaw is activated by the displaceable rod to generate a linear displacement, so that the user can operate the clamp meter more easily for measurement. |
| US08882092B2 |
Mount bushing of stabilizer bar for vehicle
A mount bushing assembly of a stabilizer bar for a vehicle, may include an inner bushing including a rubber member having a tubular shape and coupled to an external circumference of the stabilizer bar, and a pipe enclosing an external circumference of the rubber member, a sliding bearing including a pair of bearings coupled to upper and lower portions of an external circumference of the inner bushing, and a bracket including upper and lower brackets that may be coupled each other, and integrally formed at an interior surface thereof with an upper outer bushing and a lower outer bushing respectively, wherein the bracket may be fixed to a vehicle body in a state of enclosing the sliding bearing. |
| US08882090B2 |
Fluid-filled type vibration damping device
A fluid-filled type vibration damping device including a partition member having a housing space, and a movable plate housed within the housing space so that displacement thereof is limited by abutment against inside wall faces of the housing space. Abutted sloping faces are defined by outside peripheral portions of the inside wall faces of the housing space situated in opposition in an axial direction while sloping axially outside going towards an inner peripheral side. An outside peripheral abutting portion formed of a rubber elastic body is provided to an outside peripheral portion of the movable plate, and abutting sloping faces are defined by opposite faces of the outside peripheral abutting portion that slope axially outside going towards the inner peripheral side. The abutted sloping faces and the abutting sloping faces have different slope angles so as to slope relative to each other. |
| US08882085B1 |
Micro atomizer
A micro atomizer to produce stable aerosol concentrations having an aerosol mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of less than 10 microns with liquid flow rates in the microliter per minute range is provided. The micro atomizer includes a liquid channel in the shape of a thick-wall tube and a cap having an aerosol outlet orifice whereby a liquid-gas contact space is formed by the internal surface of the cap and the substantially flat end of the liquid channel. Pressurized carrier gas and the liquid to be aerosolized are allowed to come into contact within a precisely formed liquid-gas contact space. The desired aerosol characteristics are accurately established, stable, and reproducible. In an exemplary embodiment, the micro atomizer is used with a syringe and syringe drive to provide a continuous liquid source for aerosol generation. |
| US08882084B2 |
Variable carbonation using in-line carbonator
An inline carbonation apparatus includes a fluid tube having an inner diameter. At least one water orifice is linked to a water source and is attached at one end of the fluid tube. The water orifice atomizes water passing therethrough. A carbon dioxide source is connected to a carbon dioxide solenoid valve. The carbon dioxide solenoid valve is connected to a carbon dioxide regulator that is coupled to a carbon dioxide orifice and attached to the fluid tube in a spaced relationship from the water orifice. The atomized water has a pressure less than the carbon dioxide such that carbon dioxide is absorbed into the water forming carbonated water having a specified volume of carbonation. The carbon dioxide solenoid valve is opened and closed for a predetermined portion of a drink dispense time providing a volume of carbonated and non-carbonated fluid which upon mixing achieves a desired carbonation level. |
| US08882081B2 |
Line guiding structure
A line guiding structure comprises a round guiding shaft, a fixing unit, an elastic element, a linear bearing and a wheel set. The round guiding shaft comprises a fixing and an open end. The fixing unit is used for fixing the round guiding shaft and comprises a fixing base and a bearing. The fixing base is disposed on mechanical equipment, and the bearing is disposed in the fixing base. The elastic element is sleeved on the round guiding shaft and comprises a first end and a second end. The linear bearing is sleeved on the round guiding shaft. A connecting piece is disposed on the linear bearing. The wheel set comprises a fixing plate, a supporting frame and two pulleys. The fixing plate is connected on the connecting piece. A slide hole is formed between two opposite pulley surfaces of the two pulleys for a line to pass through. |
| US08882080B2 |
Connecting device with locking by threaded claws and connector comprising such a device
A connecting device adapted to transmit pressurized gaseous and/or liquid fluids, configured to be coupled with a connecting end provided with an engaging profile and wherein the connecting device includes a tubular body that extends along a longitudinal axis between a front side facing the connecting end in the coupled configuration and a rear side facing opposite the connecting end, a control member that slides relative to the tubular body along the longitudinal axis and at least one coupling member positioned between the tubular body and the control member and including an engaging profile complementary to the engaging profile of the connecting end, and elastically deformable means that push the control member back toward the front side in a maintenance position of the at least one coupling member locked on the connecting end. The connecting device also includes elastically deformable means that push the coupling member back toward the rear side in a position where an axial play is defined between the at least one coupling member and the tubular body thereby allowing an axial movement of the at least one coupling member, relative to the tubular body and against the elastically deformable means acting on the at least one coupling member, toward a position locked on the connecting end. |
| US08882079B2 |
Electromagnetic actuator
A stator is provided with a ring-shaped outer stator-projection and a ring-shaped inner stator-projection. A plunger is provided with a ring-shaped outer plunger-projection and a ring-shaped inner plunger-projection. A magnetic force is generated at three portions between the plunger and the stator. The inner stator-projection has a first tapered surface and the outer plunger-projection has a second tapered surface. The first tapered surface and the second tapered surface confront each other when the plunger moves toward the stator. |
| US08882078B2 |
Flow rate control valve and assembly method therefor
A flow rate control valve, which is capable of controlling the flow rate of a fluid that flows between a pair of ports by displacing a rod, includes a valve mechanism in an axial direction. The valve mechanism includes a body having the ports and a pair of fluid passages through which fluid supplied from the ports flows. The valve mechanism includes a sub-body disposed in an interior of the body, and in which the rod is screw-engaged in an advancing and retracting manner. The valve mechanism also includes a tubular shaped seat connected to an end of the sub-body, including a seat structure to seat the rod thereon, and a hole that communicates between one of the fluid passages and another of the fluid passages. |
| US08882075B2 |
Furnace mount
A furnace mounting system to elevate the furnace above the floor. In one form the furnace mounting system includes a furnace mounting block including a vibration dampening feature to prevent the transmission of noise and vibration from the furnace to the mounting block. The furnace mounting block includes a locating feature and is adhered to the bottom surface of the furnace. |
| US08882070B2 |
Device and method for securing a bow
A device and method for securing a bow while hunting is provided. The device generally includes a base, a support arm rotatably mounted to the base, a connecting arm connected to the support arm, and a retaining arm rotatably connected to the connecting arm and mounted for rotation between an open position and a closed position to secure the limb of the bow. The support arm acts as a lever arm wherein the weight of the bow causes the connecting arm to move and the retaining arm to rotate from an open position to a closed position to secure the limb of the bow. |
| US08882069B2 |
Securing apparatus for portable electronic devices
An apparatus for securing an electronic device includes a main body with two ends. An arm is provided at one end of the main body, and has a hook attached thereto, shaped for the electronic device to be placed between the hook and the arm. An additional arm is slidably attached to the other end of the main body, and is capable of being slid by a user to several lateral positions relative to the main body. An additional hook is provided on the slidable arm, and is shaped for the electronic device to be placed between the hook and the arm. A locking system is provided to lock and unlock the slidable arm to at least one of the lateral positions. A base section is capable of being secured at or near a location. The main body is adjustably attached to the base section. |
| US08882068B2 |
Boat transducer mounting apparatus
An apparatus for mounting a transducer on a boat includes a v-shaped body having a transducer mounting portion defined in one leg and a mounting opening defined in a second leg. The apparatus can be mounted on a boat by positioning the apparatus close to the boat and connecting the apparatus to the boat using the mounting opening and a conventional nut, bolt, and washer assembly. A transducer can be mounted to the apparatus either before or after it is mounted to the boat. |
| US08882063B2 |
Snowmobile mechanic stand
A snowmobile maintenance device including a pair of stands to secure the rear and middle portion of a snowmobile allowing a snowmobile to be tipped onto its edge for repair. The device includes a first stand and second stand. The first stand securely attaches to the snowmobile bumper and extends a length perpendicular to the length of the snowmobile. A second stand is attached to the steering post of the snowmobile parallel to and oriented to the first stand. The stands are adjustable in length and include a base allowing the snowmobile to be easily tipped onto its side and supported by the stands and its existing skis. |
| US08882061B2 |
System and method for increased filling of plastic gusseted t-shirt bags
A bag rack and packing system for a plastic grocery bag having a pair of handles has a base to which is connected (1) a three-sided rack having a reservoir bag holder for plastic bags and two arms and (2) a three-sided support having two side supports and an intermediate back support, with each of the side supports having a forward upper tab close to the three-sided rack, an intermediate top and then a rearward edge. The three-sided rack and three-sided support have open faces that face each other so that the three-sided support temporarily creates a defined physical frame for a first plastic grocery bag when its handles are secured over the forward upper tabs of the two side supports. The forward upper tabs help separate an individual bag from a reservoir of bags and the individual bag may remain attached to, or be detached from, the reservoir of bags as it is being filled. |
| US08882051B2 |
Cable holder as well as kit and cable management system comprising the same
The present invention relates to a cable holder for guiding a plurality of computer-network cables, including a loop with an inner circumference at least partially adapted to provide a support for the cables The loop is formed of a first leg and a second leg extending essentially parallel to each other and being interconnected at a proximal end segment of each of the first and the second leg via a yoke, and a closure section, arranged at a distal end segment of each of the first and the second leg. The closure section includes at least one flap which is arranged at the distal end segment of the first or the second leg and extends towards the opposing distal end segment of the second or the first leg, respectively. Further, the invention relates to a kit and a cable management system comprising the cable holder. In order to easily add and remove a plurality of cables to and from the cable holder, respectively, the present invention provides that the at least one flap abuts the opposing distal end segment of the second or the first leg, respectively, in a resting position of the at least one flap, the at least one flap being adapted to be resiliently deflected from its resting position. |
| US08882049B2 |
Airfoil system for cruising flight
An airfoil system includes an airfoil body and at least one flexible strip. The airfoil body has a top surface and a bottom surface, a chord length, a span, and a maximum thickness. Each flexible strip is attached along at least one edge thereof to either the top or bottom surface of the airfoil body. The flexible strip has a spanwise length that is a function of the airfoil body's span, a chordwise width that is a function of the airfoil body's chord length, and a thickness that is a function of the airfoil body's maximum thickness. |
| US08882046B2 |
Sensor pod mount for an aircraft
Embodiments related to mounting a sensor pod mount to an aircraft fuselage are disclosed. In one example embodiment, a sensor pod mount comprises a sensor pod mounting body where the sensor pod mounting body includes a mounting region for removably mounting the sensor pod mount to the fuselage using a coupling that joins a strut to the fuselage. |
| US08882045B2 |
Covering device and aircraft area comprising a covering device
A covering device includes a sealing element and a rib structure which is disposed on a surface of the sealing element. The rib structure includes a plurality of ribs which extend parallel to the surface of the sealing element, wherein the bendability of the ribs parallel to the surface of the sealing element is high, and perpendicular to the surface of the sealing element is low. |
| US08882039B2 |
Structural mode shape alignment
A method is disclosed for reducing noise and vibration within a structure of a mobile platform, wherein the noise and vibration are at least in part caused by airflow over an outer skin of the mobile platform parallel to a longitudinal line extending fore to aft along the structure. The method may involve forming the structure such that a fundamental panel vibration mode shape of the structure is not parallel to the longitudinal line. |
| US08882038B2 |
Sealing device between a cross member and insulation blanket provided at an aircraft fuselage
An insulation blanket to be connected at the inside surface (16) of an aircraft fuselage, includes at least one opening that allows a through element (20) to pass, at which is connected a sealing device, characterized in that this sealing device includes a core (28) that is combined with a body (30) that extends over a closed contour delimiting the opening (26), with the core (28) having a spring action that tends to flatten the body (30) against the through element (20) over at least a part of the circumference of the opening (26). |
| US08882037B2 |
System for fastening a seat, in particular for an aircraft, on said aircraft
System for fastening a seat, on the rest of an aircraft, of the type including a base associated with the rest of the seat and including hooking elements thereof on the rest of the aircraft, which can be moved between a retracted assembly/disassembly position of the seat and an active hooking position thereof on the rest of the aircraft, and locking elements for locking the hooking elements in the active position. The hooking elements include at least one hook-shaped heel to be engaged in an opening of the rest of the aircraft, and by movement of the base, under a hooking shoulder thereof, and the locking elements in the active position include pin-shaped locking members supported by the base and that can be moved between a position retracted in the base and an active position wherein the pin-shaped locking elements protrude from the base into an opening of the aircraft. |
| US08882036B2 |
Aircraft seating arrangement
A vehicle seating arrangement can comprise a fore-facing lower seating assembly, an aft-facing lower assembly, and an upper seating assembly positioned between the fore-facing and aft-facing lower assemblies. The lower and upper assemblies can be configured to form a 3-seat unit in which a portion of a seat of said fore-facing and aft-facing lower seat assemblies underlaps a portion of an upper seating assembly. At least one of the fore-facing and aft-facing lower assemblies can be angled with respect to the upper seating assembly to shorten the overall linear dimension of the 3-seat unit and provide egress areas for lower passengers to aisle access. A vertical member can be configured to attach to the upper seating assembly and to a ceiling structure to reduce the load on the floor. |
| US08882033B2 |
Passenger cabin emergency oxygen device
The Invention relates to a passenger cabin emergency oxygen device for an aircraft, comprising at least one electrically driven activation device for activating the emergency oxygen device, at least one energy storage device and a source of electrical energy. Said source of electrical energy and said energy storage device are coupled together for substantially constant energy transmission from the source of electrical energy to the energy storage device at a first energy level, an activation device and a controller are coupled together for signal transmission from the controller to the activation device, said activation device and said energy storage device are coupled together for energy transmission from the energy storage device to the activation device at a second energy level which is higher than the first energy level. |
| US08882032B2 |
Mounting system for attaching a structural monument in a desired position in an aircraft cabin
A mounting system (10) for attaching a structural monument in a desired position in an aircraft cabin comprises a support element (12) that is connectable to a base body (14) of the structural monument in a pedestal area of the structural monument. The mounting system (10) further comprises a receiving device (50) that is attachable in an area of a floor of the aircraft cabin, and a first coupling element (38) attached to the support element (12), designed for connecting the supporting element (12) to the receiving device (50) that is attachable in an area of a floor of the aircraft cabin. Finally, the mounting system (10) comprises a retaining element (76) that is connectable to the base body (14) of the structural monument in a ceiling area of the structural monument, and a second coupling element (86) attached to the retaining element (76), designed for connecting the retaining element (76) to a structurally solid component of the aircraft. |
| US08882029B2 |
Fire resistant structural mount yoke and system
A mount yoke assembly comprises a first main hanger bracket and a first anchor bracket. The first main hanger bracket includes a first receiving portion for a first auxiliary power unit (APU) mount with first and second hanger arms. The first hanger arm includes a first hanger flange extending proximate a distal end of the first hanger arm. The first anchor bracket includes a first plurality of anchor holes and a first anchor flange. The first plurality of anchor holes are disposed substantially along a length of the first anchor bracket for securing the mount yoke assembly to a component of an APU assembly. The first anchor flange extends from the first anchor bracket for hingeably securing the first anchor bracket to the first main hanger bracket. |
| US08882023B2 |
Aircraft structural assembly with electromagnetic protection
Disclosed in this application is a novel method and apparatus for reducing electrical resistance of a carbon-reinforced plastic structure to thereby reduce damage due to lightning strikes or precipitation static. This apparatus includes a galvanically compatible conductive interface layer positioned between a nonconductive substrate and a conductive outer surface. The interface layer is electrically conductive to transmit electrical current from the outer surface to the substrate. |
| US08882021B2 |
Automated tissue dispenser
An automated dispenser includes a rotatable carousel including a mounting station for a primary roll of sheet product and a mounting station for a reserve roll of sheet product; mounting brackets configured for mounting the carousel such that it is movable between a locked, rearward position for dispensing and a forward position where the carousel is rotatable for reloading; a drive system including a motor coupled to a drive roller and control circuitry; a transfer mechanism adapted so as to be operable to urge a tail of the reserve roll toward a dispensing nip of the drive system upon depletion of the primary roll; a housing; and an auxiliary access aperture fitted with an access door, the auxiliary aperture and access door being configured and adapted to be manually operable to expose the reserve roll for manual dispensing. |
| US08882020B2 |
Apparatus and method for exchange of cores in a winding machine
A method and an apparatus for exchange of cores in a machine for winding a continuous layer of paper (1) drawn by a drawing assembly (2) and wound around a succession of cores (3) by a winding assembly (4), comprising a step of interruption of the continuity of the layer (1), via a difference of speed of the layer. |
| US08882017B2 |
Double flange corrugated reel
A collapsible reel for storing wound items is preferably transported in a first or collapsed state and subsequently assembled or deployed into an operative, second state. First and second sidewalls having a first thickness are pulled apart to a second operative position. Arm portions form a central core around which the media is wrapped, and sidewall portions are disposed at one end of select arm portions to provide additional sidewall thickness to the final assembly. |
| US08882015B2 |
Fishing reel
Fly fishing reels, a brake system, and a device for providing decreased tension on the fishing line and the leader are provided. In the system, the axle connecting the fly line spool to the brake system provides a shock absorbing system. |
| US08882006B2 |
Flexible hose assembly apparatus and method
A hose-fed lateral move irrigation system and method that utilizes a pipe with a plurality of sprinklers attached to a wheeled cart that drags a flexible hose assembly therebehind while traveling laterally with the pipe and sprinklers relative to a field so that alternating the flexible hose assembly from one side of the cart to another as the cart traverses back and forth along a cart path is facilitated while kinking in the flexible hose assembly is avoided. |
| US08882003B2 |
Fuel injector
A fuel injector has a swirl generator located downstream from a valve seat. A fuel injection hole is connected to a downstream side of the swirl generator. The swirl generator includes a swirl chamber having an involute or a spiral shape and the fuel injection hole bored at a bottom or the swirl chamber and a swirl generation use passage connected to the upstream side of the swirl chamber for introducing fuel into the swirl chamber. The bottom of the swirl chamber is provided with a step height so as to make a level difference in which the bottom of the swirl chamber is lower than a bottom of the swirl generation use passage, and the step height is formed at a position where fuel flowing into the swirl chamber from the swirl generation use passage meets fuel turning in the swirl chamber. |
| US08881998B1 |
Portable misting trailer system for preventing bodies from overheating and regulating body temperature
A portable misting trailer system for preventing bodies from overheating and regulating body temperature, having a trailer frame with a first and second side bar secured to a portable trailer base, a plurality of arched tubes having a first and second end, the first end of each tube attaches to the first side bar, the second end of each tube attaches to the second side bar, a plurality of misting heads on the arched tubes fluidly connected thereto, a water system within the trailer frame having a storage tank fluidly connected to a water pump that is operatively connected to a power source which is operatively connected to an on-off switch, whereupon turning on the on-off switch activates the pump to pump water from the water tank into the plurality of the arched tubes, whereupon water would exit the arched tubes via the misting heads. |
| US08881996B2 |
Swing nozzle unit and substrate processing apparatus with swing nozzle unit
Provided is a single wafer processing apparatus for cleaning a substrate. The apparatus includes a substrate support member including a spin head to place a substrate thereon, a processing bowl disposed to surround the spin head and adapted to collect a processing fluid scattering from the substrate, and a swing nozzle unit adapted to inject the processing fluid to the substrate placed on the spin head by rotating in a swinging motion, wherein the swing nozzle unit includes a nozzle part including a nozzle body constituted by an inner resin pipe supplying an inner path where a processing fluid supply tube is disposed, a metal pipe disposed to surround the inner resin pipe, and an outer resin pipe disposed to surround the metal pipe, and a nozzle driver adapted to rotate the nozzle part in a θ-axis direction and move the nozzle part up and down in a z-axis direction. |
| US08881993B2 |
Showerhead with multimodal operation
A showerhead for personal hygiene is provided that includes a spray face in fluid communication with a cavity by way of a plurality of nozzle apertures. The cavity receives water from a water supply. A spray selector controls fluid flow between the cavity and the nozzle apertures. A battery-electric motor or a kinetic energy storing spring is provided as a power supply for an actuator that provides mechanical communication between the power supply and the selector to move the selector and thereby alter the fluid spray pattern from the spray face. A user interface provides a user with selective control over movement of the actuator and the movement of the selector to sequentially provide multiple spray patterns from the spray face without intermediate manual intervention between the multiple spray patterns emitted from the spray face. |
| US08881989B2 |
Cards and devices with magnetic emulators with zoning control and advanced interiors
A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to act as a magnetic stripe read-head detector and a data transmitter. A multiple layer flexible PCB may be fabricated to include multiple magnetic emulators. An emulator may include a coil that includes magnetic, ferromagnetic, or ferromagnetic, material in the coil's interior. Coils may be associated with zones. As a read-head is detected to move from zone-to-zone, coils may be activated to transmit information in those zones. |
| US08881986B1 |
Decoding machine-readable code
Various algorithms are presented that enable an image of a machine-readable code, captured by a camera of an electronic device, to be decoded on the device without need to upload the image information to a server for processing. The algorithms can account for variations in focus of the image, as may result in blur due to move movement or auto-focus features. The approaches can handle multiple machine-readable code formats, and can handle machine-readable code on curved surfaces, machine-readable code with damaged areas, or machine-readable code that are otherwise uneven. Such algorithms are highly accurate while being fast and lightweight enough to execute on portable electronic devices, such as tablet computers and smart phones. |
| US08881981B2 |
Digital targeting scope apparatus
A digital targeting scope apparatus includes an image sensor and a lens for acquiring video images of objects at which the aiming device is aimed; an image processor; a tilt sensor; and a display component for displaying the video images captured by the image sensor, all mounted in a tubular housing. An interchangeable digital camera module is carried by the first end of the housing. A control/display module is removably fastened to the second end of the housing. The control/display module is electrically connected to the camera module through a connector on the sensor circuit board of the camera module when the control/display module is installed in the second end of the housing. The control portion includes a circuit board and a display component mounted thereon. The display portion houses an eyepiece lens assembly aligned with the display component. |
| US08881975B1 |
Method and system for authorizing card account transactions by geographic design
A method and system for authorizing card account transactions by geographic region by providing data for a user interface displaying geographic regions and merchant locations each corresponding to the location of a merchant where a transaction using a card account may be initiated, receiving a user interface selection representing a request to authorize or restrict card account transactions, receiving authorization requests for desired transactions, and authorizing or restricting the transactions in accordance with the request. |
| US08881964B2 |
Friction stir welding and processing of oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys
A method of welding including forming a filler material of a first oxide dispersoid metal, the first oxide dispersoid material having first strengthening particles that compensate for decreases in weld strength of friction stir welded oxide dispersoid metals; positioning the filler material between a first metal structure and a second metal structure each being comprised of at least a second oxide dispersoid metal; and friction welding the filler material, the first metal structure and the second metal structure to provide a weld. |
| US08881962B2 |
Automated air-pillow dispenser
A transfer and dispensing apparatus is disclosed for the conveying and separation of packaging material, cushions or pillows when needed by the operator. When a packer working over a conveyor receives a box that requires void fill, an operating switch such as a foot pedal is depressed to dispense pillows from the apparatus and into the box in a connected strip. When the operating switch is released, the apparatus stops dispensing pillows, separates the continuous strip of pillows along a transverse perforation in the strip, and ejects the end of the separated segment. The packer can then complete packing the box by placing the severed end of the pillows into the box, advance to the next box, and repeat the process. The transfer and dispensing apparatus may be positioned in any convenient location including adjacent to, above or attached to the inflation device. |
| US08881959B2 |
Dispensing closure for an opening of a container
A dispensing closure is provided for an opening of a container wherein the closure has a dispensing condition of operation and a charging condition of operation, a neck structure (7) for fixing the closure to a container or for being fixed to a container, an outlet port (3) communicating with the opening, an actuator (9) movably mounted on the neck structure, and a deck structure (13) extending from the neck structure transversely over the opening and forming a discharge channel (61) extending substantially linearly from the outlet port to the opening and defining a longitudinal discharge direction and the longitudinal discharge direction of the discharge channel is inclined to a horizontal (H) in an acute inclination angle (alpha) and the dispensing condition of operation the deck structure is immovably fixed to the neck structure. |
| US08881956B2 |
Dispensing device and methods for emitting atomized spray
A device for dispensing a liquid product as an atomized spray includes a container, a depressible dispensing head for initiating emission of the spray from the device and for terminating emission of the spray from the device, and a sequential delivery valve attached to the dispensing head. The dispensing device is configured to initiate flow of gas only into the dispensing head first when the dispensing head is depressed from a first axial position to a second axial position. When the dispensing head is depressed further toward the container to a third axial position, the dispensing device allows both liquid and gas to travel from the container into the dispensing head. When the dispensing head is released from the third axial position back to the first axial position, the dispensing device first stops flow of liquid into the dispensing head before stopping flow of gas into the dispensing head. |
| US08881954B2 |
Actuator for dispensing fluid from a cartridge
The invention relates to an actuator for dispensing fluid from a cartridge, the actuator being configured to be moveable within the cartridge along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge and comprising a first radial element configured to face the dispensing opening of the cartridge, a second radial element configured to face in the opposite direction than the first radial element and a connecting element connecting the first and the second radial element and configured to extend along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. |
| US08881953B2 |
Bottle with integral dip tube
Fluid dispensing apparatus with integral dip tube. Container includes body having wall defining interior volume, a first neck top, and a fitment extending from the neck top. A dip tube integrally formed to the body, fluidly connected to interior bottom, and fluidly connected to interior volume at landing top edge at or below the neck top, wherein distance between landing top edge and neck top is equal to or less than length of the fitment. The landing may be funnel-shaped, with one or more sides of landing slanting inward towards top opening of dip tube. Dispenser may be coupled to fitment and include supply line connected with dip tube at landing. Bent connector may be provided for fluidly connecting supply line with dip tube at landing when dispenser is attached to neck top. Container may include second neck top separated from first neck top by gap. |
| US08881952B1 |
Ice dispensing and metering system and methods
An ice dispensing assembly includes a hopper, a metering disk, a shelf member, and a separating wall. The hopper includes an outlet opening defined in a bottom end of the hopper, and an ice inlet defined in a top end of the hopper. The metering disk is positioned in the hopper and includes a plurality of cavities. The shelf member is arranged to at least partially shield the cavities from a supply of ice held in the hopper. The metering disk is rotatable relative to the hopper between a first position wherein at least one cavity is exposed to the supply of ice to be filled with ice, and a second position wherein the cavity is separated from the supply of ice by the separating wall and ice in the cavity is dispensed through the outlet opening. |
| US08881947B2 |
Dispensing container
The present invention relates to a dispensing container, comprising:—an elongate frame with a first end and a second and; and—an elongate reservoir extending between the first end and the second end of the frame; wherein the reservoir comprises: —a foldable wall which is connected at a first end thereof to the frame close to the first end of the frame for rotation around a longitudinal axis of the frame by means of an operating element, and which is connected non-rotatably to the frame at a second end thereof; and—a dispensing opening close to the first end of the frame. |
| US08881946B2 |
Compact container having an airless pump
The present invention relates to a compact container having an airless pump, and more particularly, to a compact container for discharging cosmetic in preset amount when the pump is driven by pressing a button. The compact container having an airless pump, includes: a casing including an upper case and a lower case and accommodating cosmetics; a cylinder fixed to the inside of the lower case and having an annular outer wall downwardly extending from the rim, a depression formed at the center concentric with the outer wall, an opening formed at the lower side of the depression such that the opening communicates with the inner space of the outer wall; a plate upwardly spaced apart from the cylinder and having a discharging hole, formed at the center, through which the cosmetics is discharged, and a through-hole formed at a side thereof; an annular container piston elevating up and down along the inner circumference of the outer wall of the cylinder; an airless pump installed at the depression of the cylinder to discharge the cosmetics accommodated in the cylinder to the outside; and a button formed at the through-hole to operate the airless pump. |
| US08881945B2 |
Spray dispenser
A method of operating a dispensing system includes the step of alternating between active and lockout modes within a first timing sequence, wherein during the active mode at least one sensor is active to detect sensory input, and whereupon detection of the sensory input results in product being released from a first container, and wherein during a lockout mode product is not released from the first container. The method further includes the step of alternating between active and lockout modes within a second timing sequence, wherein during the active period at least one sensor is active to detect sensory input, and whereupon detection of the sensory input results in fluid being released from a second container, and wherein during a lockout mode fluid is not released from the second container. The expiration of the first timing sequence, and the initiation of the second timing sequence, occurs from at least one of the lapsing of a time interval, sensory input, and manual input from a user. |
| US08881939B2 |
Inverted bottle holder
An inverted bottle holder intended to hold two bottles with necks upside down inside a container is described. The bottle holder includes a clip having an inner wall and an outer wall spaced to accept the exterior wall of the container in between, where the clip is formed at an arc corresponding to the arc of the exterior wall of the container, and a deck connected in a permanently fixed relationship to the clip and extending into the container. The deck includes two apertures each sized to accept the neck of one of the bottles, such that each bottle is held upside down in the container when inserted into the aperture. In addition the bottle holder may include an integral bottle opener in either the single bottle or double bottle designs. |
| US08881936B2 |
Molded plastic container
A container is disclosed having a top rim, a sidewall, and a bottom panel, wherein the sidewall extends at least from the top rim to the bottom panel, the top rim is generally circular, the bottom panel is generally rectangular, and the sidewall transitions from a circular portion adjacent to the top rim to a generally rectangular portion adjacent to the bottom panel. |
| US08881930B2 |
Refuse container
A refuse container has a container assembly. The container assembly has a bin defining a cavity, a lid, a telescopingly extensible handle assembly, a locking mechanism, a pair of wheels, and a pair of bottom handles. The lid is rotatably coupled to the bin at a pivot point, has a generally horizontal lid axis of rotation, and is movable relative to the bin between an open position providing access to the cavity and a closed position inhibiting access to the cavity. The extensible handle assembly is located adjacent the pivot point and is movable from a lower retracted position to an upper extended position above an upper surface of the lid. The locking mechanism maintains the lid in the closed position and is located opposite the extensible handle assembly. The wheels are located at the bottom of the refuse container. The bottom handles are located on opposing sides of the bin. |
| US08881927B2 |
Pinch top closure system
A closure system (100) includes a container (110) having a ridge (130), a land (140), and a groove (150) disposed between the ridge and the land. A plug (120) can be inserted into the container to create a seal between the land and the plug. The plug can have a first member (160) sized and dimensioned to rest upon the land, and a second member (170) having a catch (180) that is extendable into, and retractable from, the groove. One or more rubber layers (344, 444) can be disposed between the land and the first member to improve the seal between the first member and the land. |
| US08881926B2 |
Fuel filler pipe
A fuel filler pipe offering high anticorrosion performance and high fabrication accuracy is provided. Specifically, a tubular fuel filler pipe body 2 made of a plated steel sheet has a fuel filler port 2a at one end thereof, and is connected at the other end thereof to a fuel tank 10. A short cylindrical retainer 3 made of stainless steel is mounted into the fuel filler port 2a, and includes first and second tube members 5 and 6 each having both open ends. An inner circumferential surface of a portion of the first tube member 5 near an opening thereof at one end thereof includes an internal thread 5a threadedly connected to an external thread C1 of a fuel cap C. The second tube member 6 is inserted through an opening of the first tube member 5 at the other end thereof into the first tube member 5, and is joined to the first tube member 5 before the internal thread 5a by resistance spot welding Sw. One of the open ends of the second tube member 6 in a direction opposite to a direction of insertion of the second tube member 6 forms an insertion hole 6a through which a nozzle G1 of a fuel filler gun G is inserted. A retainer 3 is fitted into the fuel filler pipe body 2 to allow insertion of an end portion of the fuel filler pipe body 2 near the fuel filler port 2a into a space S between an outer circumferential surface of a portion of the second tube member 6 near the insertion hole 6a and an inner circumferential surface of a portion of the first tube member 5 near the opening thereof at the other end thereof, and a portion of the retainer 3 fitted into the fuel filler pipe body 2 are continuously welded to the fuel filler pipe body 2 by brazing Tw. |
| US08881923B2 |
Sealable container having a lid
A container and a lid are connected together in a sealing arrangement. Opposed sides of the lid and container are connected together by side catches. Opposed ends of the container are connected together by end catches different from the side catches. Use of either of the catches effects the seal around the periphery of the container. |
| US08881922B2 |
Hot fill container having improved crush resistance
A hot fill type plastic container includes a finish portion that defines an opening and a main body portion having a sidewall that defines a plurality of vacuum panels and a plurality of creased wall portions. Each of the creased wall portions is positioned between two adjacent vacuum panels. At least one of the creased wall portions has an axis of longitudinal orientation when viewed in side elevation that has a vertical component and a circumferential component. The creased wall portions further preferably are substantially non-curved when viewed in side elevation and also preferably have a compound curvature to increase stiffness. |
| US08881920B1 |
Automatically rinsing baby bottle
A nursing bottle for automatically rinsing a baby's teeth by independently dispensing first and second liquids, includes a nursing bottle having a nipple, a rinsing device having a dispensing end and a plurality of dispensing holes adjacent to the dispensing end for retaining the second liquid within the rinsing device while the nursing bottle receives the first liquid, and dispensing the second liquid automatically when the first liquid has been substantially depleted. The second liquid remains retained within the rinsing device when the bottle is at least substantially inverted due to the pressure of the first liquid at the dispensing holes and the vacuum created inside the rinsing device. When the first liquid is depleted sufficiently to expose at least one dispensing hole, the pressure is released, air is introduced into the rinsing device and the second liquid is dispensed through the other dispensing hole. As a result, the second liquid is automatically released from the rinsing device and into the nipple to rinse the baby's teeth at the proper time. |
| US08881917B1 |
Scaffold tool rest
Disclosed is tool rest for holding tools, materials, and supplies on scaffolding. The tool rest can attach to either the short end or the long side of scaffolding. The tool rest includes a tool tray that is defined by a relatively large, flat horizontal floor surrounded by raised perimeter curb sections. A shelf assembly extends horizontally from one (1) curb section. The shelf assembly includes a flat surface having multiple openings for receiving cup holders or tools. The tool rest clamps to scaffolding posts and includes a mounting assembly having an attachment bracket and at least one (1) angled brace that increases the tool tray loading capacity. The tool rest is detachable and is designed to not interfere with the functionality or safety of the scaffolding. |
| US08881916B2 |
Vertical cable manager
A cable manager is disclosed. The cable manager includes a backbone, a plurality of finger sections connected to the backbone to form a vertical cable channel, and a first pair of horizontal rails connected to the top end of the backbone and a second pair of horizontal rails connected to the bottom end of the backbone. The cable manager also includes a first cross brace connected to the first pair of horizontal rails and a second cross brace connected to the second pair of horizontal rails, and a door hingedly connected to the first and second cross braces. Each cross brace includes a mounting surface having a plurality of guide surfaces and an alignment aid protruding from the mounting surface and extending beyond a horizontal axis extending between the guide surfaces. The door includes a pair of latches connected to a hinge pin through a pair of windows, and a spring connected to the hinge pin and the pair of latches. |
| US08881915B2 |
Polymeric porous hollow fiber membrane
PURPOSE: To provide a polymeric porous hollow fiber membrane which exhibits excellent fractionation performance and excellent permeability in treatment of a variety of aqueous fluids and also shows sufficient strength when incorporated into a module or used to treat a fluid, and which is excellent in aging stability in these performances and characteristics and is also excellent in membrane performance recoverability by washing, and which is especially suitable for treatment of a polyphenol-containing beverage and is expected to effectively harmonize the flavor of such a beverage.SOLUTION: A polymeric porous hollow fiber membrane of the present invention is characterized in that (a) the hollow fiber membrane has skin layers on its inner and outer surfaces; (b) the diameters of the pores in the inner surface are smaller than the diameters of the pores in the outer surface; (c) the porosity tends to increase from the inner surface toward the outer surface, and then tends to decrease from at least one portion having a maximum porosity, of the wall section of the membrane, toward the outer surface; and (d) the hollow fiber membrane satisfies a relationship of 2 [%]≦DR≦20 [%], wherein the critical diameter of a fine particle to be removed, found by a fine particle-passing test, is φmax [μm]; the diameter of the pores in the inner surface is dIS [μm]; and the proportion of the pores with dIS exceeding φmax is DR [%]. This polymeric porous hollow fiber membrane is also characterized in that the adsorption of polyphenol per a surface area of 1 m2 defined by the inner and outer surfaces of the membrane is from 50 to 500 mg. |
| US08881911B2 |
Method for improving flotation cell performance
A method of operating a flotation cell wherein a feed stream containing particles is provided to the flotation cell wherein a proportion of the particles rise in the cell and exit the cell in a concentrate stream and a proportion of the particles sink in the cell, wherein at least a portion of the particles that sink in the cell are subject to a classification process to produce classified particles and at least a portion of the classified particles are recycled to the flotation cell. |
| US08881906B2 |
Pod with guiding-locking piece therein
The present invention discloses a pod which includes a lower cover member, an upper cover member and a guiding locking piece. The guiding locking piece deployed on one side of the upper cover member of pod, the overall structure of which is formed by a flat base linking to a first slope that links to a second slope, two openings deployed on two side areas of the overall structure, and an upper locking piece and a lower locking piece deployed in each of two openings. When the mask is placed into the lower cover member of pod and is covered by the upper cover member, the mask is pushed to certain position and supported and locked by the upper locking piece and the lower locking piece. |
| US08881905B2 |
Pan having secured thereto roasting materials
In summary there is provided in one embodiment a combination of a pan with a label for holding a roasting bag. The pan is defined by having a bottom base having a base periphery edge and a sidewall extending upwardly from the base periphery edge and terminating at a side edge to create a well therebetween. The label includes front and rear sides. The rear side being secured to the bottom base and includes a pocket formed thereon. The pocket has an access opening into an internal space of the pocket. The roasting bag is positioned within and removable from the pocket of the label. |
| US08881904B2 |
Corrosion inhibiting packaging
A substrate in the form of a film is described for producing a corrosion inhibiting atmosphere for the storage and transport of exposed bare metal parts to inhibit rust or corrosion of the metal parts. In one form, the substrate is a co-extruded film having one layer for providing shape and form to the film when molded into a specific shape and the other layer containing a vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI) for being admitted from the surface of the layer to form the corrosion inhibiting atmosphere. Other structures of the film are possible including triple layers and the like. The co-extruded film is formed by vacuum molding optionally with pressure forming assist to form the film into a semi-rigid or rigid shape for fitting over or enveloping the metal part to be protected. The advantage of the invention is to be able to provide a controlled corrosion inhibiting atmosphere for the normal duration that a metal part is being stored thereby reducing the chance that the metal part will develop rust or corrosion during storage. |
| US08881899B2 |
Transparent catheter securement system
A securement device for securing a catheter to a patient is provided. The securement device includes a base including a support member and at least one securement arm extending away from the support member. The support member defines a cradle portion, the cradle portion of the support member being configured to receive at least a portion of a catheter. The at least one securement arm being movable over the cradle portion to a position to secure a catheter within the cradle portion. The securement device further includes a cover member configured to be received over the base and dimensioned to secure the base to a patient. |
| US08881898B2 |
Wheel storage and transport frame
A wheel storage and transport frame comprising: a floor; a first corner pillar fixedly attached to the floor; a second corner pillar fixedly attached to the floor; a third corner pillar fixedly attached to the floor; a fourth corner pillar fixedly attached to the floor; a first end wall fixedly attached to the floor and the first and second corner pillars; a rear wall fixedly attached the floor and the second and third corner pillars; a second end wall fixedly attached to the floor and third and fourth corner pillars; a rotatable front panel rotatably attached to the floor via at least one hinged element, and adjacent to the first and fourth corner pillars, the bottom of the rotatable front panel remaining generally parallel to the floor, and the top of the rotatable front panel also remaining generally parallel to the floor and also moveable in generally a circular path. a first rear attachment means removeably attachable to the wheel storage and transport frame; a first strap attached to the first rear attachment means; a first front attachment means attached to the first strap, and removeably attachable to the rotatable front panel; and a first tensioning means in communication with the first strap, and attached to the wheel storage and transport frame. |
| US08881896B2 |
Container
A container for holding unused and used snus is disclosed. The container comprises a base defining a first compartment to receive unused snus. The base has a bottom wall which is reconfigurable to form a second compartment for holding used snus on the other side of said bottom wall. The first and second compartments are each provided with a separate cover. |
| US08881891B2 |
Belt unit and image forming apparatus
A belt unit is provided with an endless belt, a driving roller, and a pair of guide ribs. The driving roller is disposed on an inner peripheral surface side of the endless belt and drives the endless belt. The pair of guide ribs is placed on each opposite widthwise end of the inner peripheral surface of the endless belt and contacts both end faces of the driving roller, thus preventing meandering of the endless belt. Additionally, the driving roller is equipped with a low friction region at both opposite lengthwise ends in a predetermined width and the low friction region is configured to have a friction coefficient that is lower than a friction coefficient of a region adjacent to the low friction region. |
| US08881889B2 |
Segment body for a conveyor belt scraper
A conveyor belt scraper, in particular a segment body for a conveyor belt scraper. The segment body for a conveyor belt scraper includes a plate-shaped mounting element, which can be connected to a flat bearing profile of a segment carrier, a carrier section, wherein the carrier section is formed on a first end area of the mounting element by means of a supporting area and an underside of the carrier section forms a hollow body together with an opposite section of the mounting element so that the carrier section is resiliently supported on the mounting element by means of the supporting area in order to form a first damping mechanism; and wherein the carrier section has at least one insertion pocket on the underside of the carrier section, which insertion pocket is suitable for accommodating a spring element in order to form a second damping mechanism. |
| US08881887B2 |
Foldable conveyor
A foldable conveyor having a first conveyor section and a second conveyor section pivotally connected to the first conveyor section. The pivotal connection allows the second conveyor section to articulate about the first conveyor section. The foldable conveyor also includes a pivoting mechanism operatively connected to the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section. The pivoting mechanism includes a first link having one end pivotally connected to the first section. The pivoting mechanism also includes a second link having one end pivotally connected to the second section. A second end of the second link is pivotally connected with a second end of the first link. The pivoting mechanism further includes an actuator configured to pivot the second conveyor section about the first conveyor section by allowing a relative movement between the first link and the second link. |
| US08881885B2 |
Raw material loading apparatus
An apparatus includes a processing apparatus that processes raw material in an airtight state, an accommodation section that accommodates the raw material, a first feeding path that is provided outside the processing apparatus and receives the raw material from the accommodation section, and a second feeding path having upstream and downstream ends that are outside and inside the processing apparatus, respectively. The second feeding path receives the raw material from the first feeding path. The apparatus also includes a joint section that separates and joins the first path and the second path, and a closing section that is positioned in the second path closer to the processing apparatus than the joint section and maintains the processing apparatus, and the second path in an airtight state when the joint section separates the first path and the second path. |
| US08881884B2 |
Rebuildable roller and roller bearing assembly for a belt line conveyor system and a method of use thereof
A rebuildable conveyor roller includes a hollow, cylindrical roller tube having a first end opposite a second end. The roller tube has a rebuildable conveyor roller bearing assembly provided at the first end and the second end. The rebuildable conveyor roller bearing assembly is affixed to the roller tube such that at least a part of the rebuildable conveyor roller bearing assembly is removable from the roller tube. A hub of the rebuildable conveyor roller bearing assembly has a generally circular shape that is dimensioned to fit inside the internal diameter of the roller tube. The hub has a centrally located hole through which a stub shaft may be inserted. A bearing holder is inserted in an internal cavity provided within the hub for securing the rebuildable conveyor roller bearing assembly to the roller tube. |
| US08881881B2 |
Viscous clutch valve assembly
A valve assembly for a viscous clutch includes an orifice plate defining a bore to allow the passage of a fluid through the orifice plate, a reed valve secured relative to the orifice plate, an armature comprising a magnetic flux-conducting material, an anchor spring secured to the armature, and a stiffening plate. The reed valve includes a tongue configured to selectively cover the bore of the orifice plate, and a first pivot location along the tongue. A second pivot location is defined along the anchor spring at an edge of the stiffening plate. The first and second pivot locations are spaced from each other. The armature is configured to selectively apply a force to the reed valve to pivot at least a portion of the tongue about the first pivot location. |
| US08881873B2 |
Bicycle disc brake rotor
A bicycle disc brake rotor is provided with a base rotor plate and a first layer. The base rotor plate includes an outer portion formed of iron. The outer portion has first and second base surfaces facing in opposite axial directions. The first layer overlies the first base surface of the outer portion of the base rotor plate to form a first outer surface. The first layer has a corrosion resistant characteristic which is superior to the base rotor plate. |
| US08881871B2 |
Minimal lubrication device
A minimal lubrication device including a lubricant fluid storage reservoir and a pump for the lubricant, the pump being a high pressure pump with a delivery side connected to at least one modular element arranged to mix a compressed air flow with the lubricant, the modular element presenting a mixer element fed with a compressed air flow into which an outlet opens of a needle flow regulator fed by the lubricant originating from the pump. The module includes a compensator device which maintains the oil quantity dispensed by the flow regulator constant even if the pressure on the user side changes. |
| US08881868B2 |
Material support assembly
A material support assembly (21) for use on an aerial lift work platform (12) surrounded by a safety barrier (17) with a kick plate (14) adjacent the platform (12), the assembly (21) having at least one leg (22 or 23) mounted on a foot (24) which rests on the platform (12), the leg and foot having a first coupling means (31) for securing the assembly (21) to the kick plate (14) on one side of the platform and a further coupling means (32) for engaging the kick plate (14) on the opposite side of the platform, the further coupling means (32) preferably being located at the end of an arm (25) extending away from the foot (24) and resting against the platform. |
| US08881863B2 |
Exhaust gas carrying component of an exhaust gas system
An exhaust gas carrying of an exhaust gas system of a combustion engine fulfills a sound-absorbing function and has an outer shell that comprises at least one sound-absorbing portion. The sound-absorbing portion is provided with micro perforations which have a sound-absorbing effect and through which exhaust gas is directly discharged to an external environment. |
| US08881860B2 |
Motor control apparatus and method of controlling driving of motor by motor control apparatus
Disclosed are a motor control apparatus and a method of controlling driving of a motor by the motor control apparatus, in which the motor control apparatus, which controls an electrically-driven motor, autonomously detects vehicle collision to autonomously control the operating state of the motor. The method includes determining a collision state of a vehicle, and stopping the driving of the motor according to the collision state of the vehicle. |
| US08881859B2 |
Air guiding structure for motorcycles
An air guiding structure introduces a cooling air to be supplied to a radiator, positioned forwardly of a combustion engine, and an engine intake air from a single opening in a fairing. The fairing encloses at least an area forwardly of a head pipe and an area laterally outwardly of the radiator. A portion of an inner peripheral face of the opening is formed by an inner cowl. An intake air inlet for introducing the engine intake air is disposed above the radiator. The inner cowl is extended rearwardly to form a cowl extension confronting at least a lower portion of the head pipe and a lower bracket of a front fork assembly from outside. A side wall of the inner cowl including the cowl extension is formed with a guide for guiding an incoming air towards the intake air inlet. |
| US08881857B2 |
Bicycle frame for receiving a battery unit and associated battery unit
The invention relates to a bicycle frame comprising a tube section having an interior space for receiving at least one battery unit that is suitable as a source of energy for an electromotive bicycle drive, as well as to a battery unit insertable therein.To provide an easy operation and at the same time a highly stabilized placement of the battery, it is suggested that said tube section is provided with a lateral opening substantially extending in the direction of extension of said tube section, wherein said battery unit is insertable into said interior space through said lateral opening. |
| US08881850B2 |
Cutter pocket design
A drilling tool including a tool body and a cutter pocket formed in the tool body, the cutter pocket including a front planar surface, a back planar surface opposite the front planar surface, a first side surface between the front and back planar surfaces, and a second side surface opposite the first side surface and between the front and back planar surfaces is disclosed herein. A method of manufacturing a drilling tool including machining a tool body having a cutter pocket in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, disposing a cutting element in the cutter pocket, and brazing the cutting element in the cutter pocket is disclosed. |
| US08881845B2 |
Expandable window milling bit and methods of milling a window in casing
A method of milling a window through a casing in a primary well bore and drilling a sidetracked well bore into a formation including running a drilling assembly including a body having an axis defined therethrough, a piston that is movable within a cavity formed in the body, a stationary cutting structure coupled to the body, and a movable cutting structure coupled to the body, milling a window through the casing in a first trip into the primary well bore, drilling the sidetracked well bore in the first trip into the primary well bore, applying a differential pressure across the piston, and moving the movable cutting structure from the collapsed position to the expanded position. The movable cutting structure is coupled to the piston and is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. |
| US08881843B2 |
Managed pressure and/or temperature drilling system and method
The present invention relates to a managed pressure and/or temperature drilling system (300) and method. In one embodiment, a method for drilling a wellbore into a gas hydrates formation is disclosed. The method includes drilling the wellbore into the gas hydrates formation; returning gas hydrates cuttings to a surface of the wellbore and/or a drilling rig while controlling a temperature and/or a pressure of the cuttings to prevent or control disassociation of the hydrates cuttings. |
| US08881839B2 |
Methods for treating “plunge zone,” heavy liquid, large tank, structural impediment and timing issues, when extinguishing tank fires
A method for extinguishing a full, or substantially full, surface liquid tank fire including addressing large tank, difficult fuel, structural impediment, timing and plunge zone issues, the attack including throwing at least one primary stream over a tank wall, the stream landing with a force of impact in, and defining, a plunge zone; the method including potentially achieving flame collapse leaving a plunge zone flame and subsequently, at least for a period of time, diminishing force of impact per unit area of a primary stream upon said plunge zone flame; alternately the method includes achieving a partial flame collapse including collapse against back tank wall portions and subsequently diminishing stream impact force upon a plunge zone including moving a plunge zone forward in the tank; the method also includes extinguishing a full surface heavy liquid tank fire by teasing the fire prior to employing a non-feathered stream to create a foam blanket; the method may include restaging to create a secondary footprint, and/or coordinating the timing of addressing plunge zone, smiley face and secondary footprint issues; the method may also include teasing and/or rooster tailing structural impediments. |
| US08881838B2 |
Horseshoe with splaying feature and flexibility
A horseshoe with splaying and flexibility features has a U shaped compliant metallic unitary body having left and right wings and a central integral toe area which forms a compliant leaf-spring disposed proximate to or as part of the toe area. The leaf-spring may be crescent shaped and resiliently deforms exerting pressure sideways thus causing splaying of the wings. The leaf-spring may have a groove on either side to assist farrier-preparation during horseshoe sizing. The leaf-spring forms a cavity in use, which is optionally filled with a resilient material, e.g., silicone, to prevent accumulation of dirt/debris in the cavity. Optional contiguous serrations on the left and right wings provide relative vertical flexibility of the left and right wings. The splaying and flexibility enhance horse-hoof comfort and hoof-structure regeneration. The horseshoe may be cast/forged, blanked, or welded or produced by mechanical joining. Preferably, the horseshoe comprises hardened spring steel. |
| US08881836B2 |
Packing element booster
A packer is provided for sealing an annular region in a wellbore. In one embodiment, the, packer includes a boosting assembly adapted to increase a pressure on the packing element in response to an increase in a pressure surrounding the packer, for example, an increase in the annulus pressure. |
| US08881832B2 |
Downhole supercapacitor device
Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a supercapacitor device that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The supercapacitor device can include a body that can be disposed in the wellbore, a supercapacitor disposed in the body, at least two terminals disposed at least partially outside the body, and an actuation mechanism. The supercapacitor stores energy. The terminals can be electrically connected with the supercapacitor. An electrical connection between the supercapacitor and the terminals can cause the energy to be discharged from the supercapacitor in response to a conductive material providing an electrical path between the at least two terminals. The actuation mechanism can selectively prevent a deployment of the supercapacitor device in the wellbore from causing a discharge of the energy from the supercapacitor. |
| US08881831B2 |
Offshore universal riser system
An offshore universal riser system may include a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device may releasably secure the valve module in the passage. A method of constructing a riser system may include the steps of installing the valve module in the passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the passage. The annular seal module may prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the passage. Drilling methods may include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, may be dimensioned for installation through a rotary table. |
| US08881830B2 |
Riser pipe section with flanged auxiliary lines and bayonet connections
A riser pipe section (4) is disclose for offshore well drilling operations comprising a main tube element (6) having as an extension a male connector element (10) and a female connector element (9) comprising a first series of tenons. At least one auxiliary tube element (7) is secured to the male connector element (10) and to the female connector element (9) so that the main tube element (6) and the auxiliary tube element (7) jointly transmit tensile stresses between the male connector element (10) and the female connector element (9). A locking ring is mounted on the male connector element and the ring comprises a second series of tenons. |
| US08881829B2 |
Backup wellhead blowout prevention system and method
A backup blowout system for a subsea wellhead positioned between an existing blowout prevention system and the wellhead. The backup blowout system includes an independently operated shear/blind ram assembly that attaches to a standard wellhead connector that connects to the wellhead. The ram assembly includes an upper neck with an upper flange on which a dual housing assembly is attached. The dual housing assembly includes a primary housing longitudinally aligned over a secondary housing. The primary and secondary housings include lower bodies and upper necks that have identical diameters. During assembly, the existing primary blowout prevention system is initially connected to the primary housing and the ram assembly is connected to the wellhead connector. When a blowout occurs, the primary housing is disconnected from the secondary housing to expose the upper neck of the secondary housing upon which a replacement primary blowout prevention system or cap may be attached. |
| US08881825B2 |
Barrier side pocket mandrel and gas life valve
A gas lift barrier valve mandrel assembly includes a longitudinally extending tubular member that defines a production conduit and has a central longitudinal axis. A side pocket mandrel has a first pocket for accepting a gas lift barrier valve and has a first central axis. The side pocket mandrel has a second pocket for accepting a gas lift barrier valve and has a second central axis. The central axis of the production conduit, first axis and second axis are non-coaxial and are parallel to one another. A first passage fluidly connects an outside of the mandrel to an inside of the first pocket. A second passage fluidly connects the inside of the first pocket to an inside of the second pocket. A third passage fluidly connects the inside of the second pocket to the production conduit. A fourth passage connects the first pocket to the production conduit and allows insertion of a gas lift barrier into the first pocket. A fifth passage connects the second pocket to the production conduit and allows insertion of a gas lift barrier into the second pocket. |
| US08881824B2 |
Mechanically actuated device positioned below mechanically actuated release assembly utilizing J-slot device
A tool string carrying an external tool, such as a liner hanger, on a release mechanism is lowered into the wellbore. Interlocking lugs and J-slot profile, defined between the exterior surface of the mandrel and interior surface of the release mechanism, allow relative movement of release mechanism and mandrel without releasing the release mechanism. The relative movement allows mechanical operation of a valve or other tool positioned below the release mechanism. Weight-down and rotation of the tool string and mandrel actuates the lower valve assembly by turning a sleeve into alignment with cooperating members of the mandrel. The sleeve, no longer constrained, moves longitudinally in response to a biasing mechanism. Movement of the sleeve allows closure of the valve. After actuation of the valve tool, further weight-down releases the release mechanism from the carried tool. |
| US08881819B2 |
Tubular cutting with a sealed annular space and fluid flow for cuttings removal
A cut and pull spear is configured to obtain multiple grips in a tubular to be cut under tension. The slips are set mechanically with the aid of drag blocks to hold a portion of the assembly while a mandrel is manipulated. An annular seal is set in conjunction with the slips to provide well control during the cut. An internal bypass around the seal can be in the open position to allow circulation during the cut. The bypass can be closed to control a well kick with mechanical manipulation as the seal remains set. If the tubular will not release after an initial cut, the spear can be triggered to release and be reset at another location. The mandrel is open to circulation while the slips and seal are set and the cut is being made. Cuttings are filtered before entering the bypass to keep the cuttings out of the blowout preventers. |
| US08881817B2 |
Cutting tool
A downhole tool having a cylindrical body, a sleeve having a contact portion disposed on a distal end, and a cutter having a radiused portion on a top surface operatively engageable with the contact portion. Also, a method of cutting drill pipe, the method including disposing a cutting tool in a wellbore around the drill pip and actuating a radiused cutter of the cutting tool, wherein the actuating includes radially extending the cutter into contact with the drill pipe. The method also includes applying a substantially constant force between the cutter and the drill pipe and rotating the cutting tool. Additionally, a cutter for a drill pipe cutting tool, the cutter including a work surface located at a first end of the cutter, an attachment point located at a second end of the cutter, and a radiused surface located between the work surface and the attachment point. |
| US08881814B2 |
Liner cementation process and system
Present embodiments are directed to coupling a cementation assembly with a hung or set liner string in a well and moving the liner string during a cementation operation. Specifically, for example, a process in accordance with present techniques includes running a cementation assembly into a well on drill pipe and engaging, with a distal end of the cementation assembly, a liner top assembly of a liner string that is positioned downhole in the well, wherein the liner string was previously positioned downhole in the well without being cemented into the well. Further, the process includes latching the cementation assembly with the liner string such that movement of the cementation assembly is translated to the liner string, and flowing cement through the drill pipe and into the liner string while moving the cementation assembly and the liner string. |
| US08881810B2 |
Dispersing separated hydrocarbon gas into separated oil during surface well testing for improved oil mobility
A surface well testing facility for dispersing separated hydrocarbon gas into separated oil from a multiphase well fluid for improved oil mobility and combustion efficiency. A multiphase fluid is produced from a well. The gas constituent and the oil constituent are separated from the multiphase fluid, the oil constituent having an undesirable viscosity. Both the gas constituent and the oil constituent are measured. Thereafter, at least a first portion of the gas constituent is injected into the oil constituent. The first portion of the gas constituent is mixed with the oil constituent such that the first portion of the gas constituent is dispersed into the oil constituent to form an oil/gas mixture having a viscosity that is lower than the undesirable viscosity of the oil constituent and a BTU content higher than the oil constituent. |
| US08881806B2 |
Systems and methods for treating a subsurface formation with electrical conductors
A system for treating a subsurface formation includes a wellbore at least partially located in a hydrocarbon containing formation. The wellbore includes a substantially vertical portion and at least two substantially horizontal or inclined portions coupled to the vertical portion. A first conductor is at least partially positioned in a first of the two substantially horizontal or inclined portions of the wellbore. At least the first conductor includes electrically conductive material. A power supply electrically excites the electrically conductive materials of the first conductor such that current flows between the electrically conductive materials in the first conductor, through at least a portion of the formation, to a second conductor at least partially positioned in a second of the two substantially horizontal or inclined portions of the wellbore. The current resistively heats at least a portion of the formation between the two substantially horizontally oriented or inclined portions of the wellbore. |
| US08881804B2 |
Expandable screen by spring force
A sand control screen assembly selectively positionable within a wellbore. The sand control screen assembly comprises a pipe having an internal flow path, an external fluid collection subassembly in fluid communication with the internal flow path, a filter medium disposed in a fluid path between the exterior of the sand control screen assembly and the internal flow path, a biasing mechanism, configured to bias the fluid collection subassembly towards a wall of the wellbore, disposed between the fluid collection subassembly and the pipe, and a retaining mechanism configured to release the biasing mechanism in response to a trigger. |
| US08881800B2 |
Installation for the in situ extraction of a substance containing carbon
An installation for the in-situ extraction of a substance including hydrocarbons from an underground deposit is provided. The conductor and return conductor of the inductor lines are guided essentially vertically in the capping to the bottom of the deposit, at a small maximum lateral distance of 10 m compared to the length of the lines, but especially less than 5 m. Preferably, the inductor lines are guided horizontally in the deposit and are at different distances in certain areas. Furthermore, the electrical conductors and return conductors perpendicularly extending in the capping preferably combine to form a conductor pair. In this way, the conductor pair can be introduced into a single borehole which reaches into the reservoir and splits only once it has arrived in the reservoir. |
| US08881797B2 |
Compact plate-fin heat exchanger utilizing an integral heat transfer layer
A heat exchanger includes a housing which maintains a first section that has a first inlet and a first outlet, and a second section that has a second inlet and a second outlet. At least one conductive plate extends between the first section and the second section, wherein the conductive plate transfers heat from a fluid flowing in one of the sections to another fluid flowing in the other of the sections. The sections may be positioned side-by-side such that the fluids' flow is coplanar, or co-curvilinear, and non-intersecting. |
| US08881796B2 |
Heat exchanger
Specified is a heat exchanger for an exchange of heat between a first fluid, in particular charge air or an exhaust gas, and a second fluid, in particular a coolant, having a block for the separate and heat-exchanging guidance of the first and second fluids, which block has a number of flow ducts which can be traversed by the first fluid and a housing which holds the flow ducts and which can be traversed by the second fluid, at least one casing cover which is flow-connected to the flow ducts, a base which is fixed to the casing cover and which is provided with one or with a plurality of passage openings for the flow ducts, wherein the base is composed of at least one first base part and a second base part. |
| US08881795B2 |
Temperature regulating systems
The invention encompasses a temperature regulating system that includes a shell configured to be received over an outer circumferential portion of a container. The shell has dimensions to form a cavity between the outer circumferential portion of the container and the shell. A material is provided in sealing engagement between the shell and the outer circumferential portion of the container to seal the cavity from the environment. A heat exchanger is provide in fluid communication with the cavity. |
| US08881790B2 |
Shading device for a glazed vehicle opening
A shading system for a glass-covered vehicle opening includes a pull rod guided between a pair of guide rails. A shading element is attached to the pull rod and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. Teeth are formed in the guide rails. Gear wheels at opposite ends of the pull rod mesh with the teeth in the guide rails. The pull rod has a gear drive which rotatably couples the gear wheels together. |
| US08881789B2 |
Roller assembly for a motor vehicle
A roller assembly for a motor vehicle having a winding shaft, a flexible fabric sheet which when in a stowed condition is wound onto the winding shaft and which can be unwound from the winding shaft in a longitudinal direction in order to reach a functioning position and which has sliding elements on its side edges, two guide rails extending in the longitudinal direction to guide the sliding elements, and a frame, whereby the guide rails are fastened on the frame so that they can be permanently fixed with a desired spacing. A rigid guide tube for a drive chain guided within the guide tube runs from the frame to the guide rail or to a feed-in piece mounted thereon, and a first fixing device is provided to fix the guide tube in a fixed location with respect to the frame in variable positions in the transverse direction. |
| US08881786B2 |
Device for forming and transferring a sleeve-like label to a container to be labeled
A device for forming and transferring a sleeve-like label to a container to be labeled, comprising a feeder designed to feed a portion of heat-shrink film to at least one forming spindle and means for wrapping the portion of heat-shrink film around the lateral surface of the forming spindle, feeder means being provided which are adapted to move, along an approach path that has at least one component perpendicular to the axis of the forming spindle, the container to be labeled to a labeling position arranged below the forming spindle and pick-up means adapted to pick up the container with the sleeve-like label fitted around the respective lateral surface along a path for removal from the labeling position which has at least one component perpendicular to the axis of the forming spindle. |
| US08881773B2 |
Apparatus for removal of loosefill insulation
An apparatus configured to facilitate removal of existing, previously-applied loosefill insulation material from a building cavity is provided. The apparatus includes a removal hose configured for conveying the removed loosefill insulation material and an actuator connected to the removal hose. The actuator is configured to generate a removal force configured to remove the loosefill insulation material from the building cavity. A receptacle is connected to the actuator and configured for storage of the removed loosefill insulation material. The removed loosefill insulation material is configured for reuse as loosefill insulation material within the building cavity. |
| US08881772B2 |
Wellbore pipe protection device
A wellbore pipe protection device (1) comprises a covering sleeve (2) and an actuating element (3). The actuating element is arranged to change the deformation state of a sleeve wall (21) of the covering sleeve in order to realize interchangeability between a locked condition and an unlocked condition of the protection device. In the locked condition, elastic material (4) is being pressed by the sleeve wall into screw thread (8) of a wellbore pipe end (7). The actuating element comprises a handgrip (9) which, relative to the covering sleeve, is manually slidable in axial direction (5) and, in the locked condition, manually rotatable about the axial direction into a rotation position in which axial slidability of the actuating element is blocked in a direction towards the unlocked condition. |
| US08881768B2 |
Fluid flow control devices and systems, and methods of flowing fluids therethrough
Fluid flow control devices comprise a body including a central aperture extending along a longitudinal axis therethrough and a plurality of channels extending from an outer sidewall of the body to an inner sidewall of the body. At least one first channel may intersect at least one other channel. Fluid flow control systems, methods of forming fluid flow control devices, and methods of flowing a fluid through a fluid flow control device are also disclosed. |
| US08881765B2 |
Fuel feed apparatus
A reservoir is located in a fuel tank. The reservoir is in a bottomed tubular shape having a periphery defining an opening. A lid member is located in the fuel tank and mounted to the periphery of the reservoir to close the opening. A pump unit is partially accommodated in the reservoir to discharge fuel stored in the reservoir to an exterior of the fuel tank. The pump unit is located at a position offset from a center axis of the lid member. The pump unit has a projection projected from the lid member to an exterior of the reservoir. A remaining quantity detector is configured to detect a quantity of fuel in the fuel tank. The remaining quantity detector is located at a remaining space remaining in the fuel tank. The remaining space is located on the lid member and located around the projection. |
| US08881763B2 |
Digital pressure gauge
A vacuum pressure regulator system for use in association with a vacuum system in which a vacuum is employed for healthcare purposes, for assisting in monitoring and regulating the vacuum pressure, and having a manual pressure control valve to adjust the treatment vacuum pressure supplied to the patient, a vacuum pressure sensor to sense the treatment vacuum pressure for the patient in the system, and producing a treatment vacuum pressure signal, a sampling circuit which intermittently samples the pressure signal generated by the pressure sensor and generate sampling signals, an electrically powered pressure display circuit, and digital pressure display, for receiving the sampling signals and providing a visible display, and, a non-mains power supply. |
| US08881761B2 |
Steam supply system and check valve for use therein
A steam supply passage incorporates a pressure reducing valve and the passage further incorporates a steam ejector downstream of the pressure reducing valve. A suction portion of the steam ejector is connected to a re-evaporation tank for re-evaporating steam condensate via a suction passage. Passage steam of the pressure reducing valve is used as a driving steam for the steam ejector. In operation, re-evaporated steam within the re-evaporation tank is suctioned by the steam ejector to be mixed with the passage steam. The suction passage incorporates a check valve for preventing reverse flow of steam to the re-evaporation tank. |
| US08881760B2 |
Spring mounting cradle and valve guide for overpressure relief valve assembly
A spring mounting cradle for an over-pressure valve assembly has integral valve-element camming surfaces provided adjacent the lower ends of a pair of the bent legs forming the cradle. |
| US08881759B1 |
Manual selector for hydraulic control valve
A selector with at least two settings, useful for controlling flow of fluid in a hydraulic control valve. In at least one of the settings of the selector, control of fluid flow is fully automatic, being controlled by the valve actuator, and in at least one of the settings of the selector, control of fluid flow is fully manual, being entirely independent of the valve actuator. |
| US08881757B2 |
Fluid valve, particularly return valve for a painting system
Exemplary illustrations of a fluid valve, e.g., a return valve for returning residual paint, rinsing agent, and compressed air from a paint line when changing color in a painting system, are disclosed. An exemplary fluid valve may be adjusted between an open position, in which the fluid valve is at least partially open, e.g., for rinsing a paint line with a rinsing agent and for pressurizing the paint line with a new color for the color change, and a closed position, in which the fluid valve is closed, e.g., for applying the new color after the color change. An exemplary fluid valve may switch to the closed position, upon actuation by the medium thereof, e.g., medium flowing through or present in the valve. In another example, a fluid valve may close depending on the fluid present at the input side. |
| US08881752B1 |
Systems for cleaning instruments
Hand-held pumps are disclosed. In one embodiment, a hand-held pump is configured to produce a jet containing water, a sanitizing solution, or a combination thereof for the purpose of cleaning an object such as a medical device. |
| US08881751B2 |
Substrate liquid processing apparatus, method of controlling substrate liquid processing apparatus, and storage medium performing substrate liquid processing apparatus control method on substrate liquid processing apparatus
A substrate liquid processing apparatus includes a placement table configured to hold a substrate, a rotary driving unit configured to rotate the placement table, a liquid supply unit configured to supply a liquid to the substrate placed on the placement table, and an upper liquid guide cup, a central liquid guide cup, and a lower liquid guide cup which are disposed in this order from the top and are configured to guide downward the liquid scattering from the rotating substrate being placed on the placement table. A driving mechanism is configured to move up and down the upper liquid guide cup, the central liquid guide cup, and the lower liquid guide cup. The driving mechanism is connected to the central liquid guide cup. |
| US08881749B1 |
Systems and methods for controlling silica dust during hydraulic fracturing operations
A system for controlling silica dust generated during the transfer of frac sand from a storage container through a conveyor system includes a system of conduits having a plurality of inlets for collecting silica dust generated at selected points along the conveyor system. An air system pneumatically coupled to the system of conduits generates a negative pressure at each of the inlets to induce the collection of silica dust at the selected points along the conveyor. |
| US08881744B2 |
Lash holder
A lash holder having a U-shaped sheet comprising of a curved top part and a bottom part fixed at a designated place; the curved top part is intended for setting at least one strip with numerous lashes for increasing, enlarging and separating the space between the top of the lashes, so that it is easy for the user to take off individual lashes. |
| US08881741B1 |
Devices, methods, and systems for dispensing and applying artificial eyelash adhesive and artificial eyelash structures
Devices and systems for dispensing artificial eyelash adhesive for attaching an artificial eyelash to a natural lash line, and to methods of applying artificial eyelashes. Disclosed is an artificial eyelash adhesive dispenser comprising a backing layer, an artificial eyelash adhesive tape layer having a bottom surface adjacent to the backing layer and a peelable protective top layer over the top surface of the eyelash adhesive tape layer. The dispenser further includes a plurality of cuts extending through at least the adhesive tape layer and the peelable protective top layer so as to form a tear line along which an individual strip may be separated from a remainder of the dispenser. The adhesive tape layer is chemically formulated so as to not irritate the skin or eyes. Wig tape is one such material that is particularly suitable. |
| US08881740B2 |
Method of using an eyebrow stencil holder
A novel gauging device and associated stencils for shaping of eyebrows according to a Golden Ratio standard. The gauging device is adapted to be placed over a woman's face and maintained in a fixed position relative to her eyes and nose. A nosepiece and knobs are adjusted such that a lower end of a guide rod may be rotated about various points relative to the nose and held in predetermined angles relative to the nose and eyes, possibly supported magnetically on a lower track adjacent the nostrils and an upper track above the eyebrows. Each stencil may be adapted to accommodate not only different eyebrows of different sizes, but also to adjust the eyebrow's ideal Golden Ratio “High Point” to complement facial proportions (preferably represented by a single Facial Ratio Value or “FRV”) that deviate from an ideal Golden Ratio. |
| US08881738B2 |
Integrated smoking device
A smoking device having an integrated lighter, a bowl for holding an igniteable vegetable product, and a duct for drawing smoke like a pipe. The device consists of an ignition switch located on the side of the pipe in natural proximity to the thumb, a piezo-electric ignition system, a flammable gas delivery system, a bowl for holding smoking material, and an aperature for drawing the smoke emitted from the ignited vegetable product. |
| US08881736B2 |
Cigar holder assembly
The invention features a two-piece holder which features an expandable opening sized to receive and support numerous size cigars. The opening features ridge cuts that aid in holding a cigar in its desired position. The handle of the holder affords the user the opportunity to smoke the body of the cigar to the fullest possible extent without burning the smoker's fingers. |
| US08881728B2 |
System, method and ventilation interface for providing pressurized breathable gas to the mouth and nose separately
In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a ventilation system for providing gas under a first pressure to the nose of a user and second pressure to the mouth of a user is disclosed. A ventilation system can include a flow generator that can be connected to a gas supply tube. The gas supply tube can be in fluid communication with a ventilation interface. At least a portion of the gas supply tube can have a divider within the channel of the tube forming a nasal passageway and an oral passageway. A nasal breathing chamber and an oral breathing chamber can be defined in the ventilation interface. The nasal breathing chamber can be in fluid communication with the nasal passageway. The oral breathing chamber can be in fluid communication with the oral passageway. |
| US08881725B2 |
Method and device for determining a level of ventilatory assist to a patient
A method and device determine a level of mechanical ventilatory assist to be delivered to a patient. A patient's neural respiratory drive is measured and multiplied by an existing amplification factor to obtain an existing predicted ventilatory pressure. A mechanical ventilator is controlled accordingly. An existing resulting pressure is measured. The patient's neural respiratory drive is multiplied by a modified amplification factor to obtain a new predicted pressure. The existing and new predicted pressures are compared to determine an anticipated change in pressure. The mechanical ventilator is now controlled according to the new predicted pressure. A new resulting pressure is measured. The existing and new resulting pressures are compared to determine an actual change in pressure. The anticipated and actual changes in pressure are compared. The amplification factor is increased, maintained or decreased in response to the comparison between the anticipated and actual changes in pressure. |
| US08881720B2 |
Heliostat repositioning system and method
A system and method for providing real time control of a heliostat array or CPV/PV module that reduces actuation cost, the disclosure reduces the fixed cost of calibrating and repositioning an individual surface. This simultaneously removes the core engineering assumption that drives the development of large trackers, and enables a system and method to cost effectively track a small surface. In addition to lower initial capital cost, a small heliostat or solar tracker can be pre-assembled, mass-produced, and shipped more easily. Smaller mechanisms can also be installed with simple hand tools and do not require installers to rent expensive cranes or installation equipment. |
| US08881707B2 |
Fail-safe controller for direct injection engine
A fuel pressure varies according to whether a fuel pressure sensor and a high-pressure pump have a malfunction or not. In view of this, a first threshold Perr1 is defined for determining whether the fuel pressure sensor has a malfunction and a second threshold Perr2 is defined for determining whether the high-pressure pump has a malfunction. The second threshold Perr2 is greater than the first threshold Perr1. By comparing a detection value of the fuel pressure sensor with the first and the second threshold, a malfunction in the fuel pressure sensor and a malfunction in the high-pressure pump are distinguished from each other. A first fail-safe control or a second fail-safe control is executed according to a portion having a malfunction. |
| US08881706B2 |
Combustion engine combustion chamber
A piston for an internal combustion engine, for example a diesel engine, including a body delimited laterally by a skirt and configured to collaborate with walls of a cylinder of axis of revolution C in which the piston can slide along the axis C, the piston including a transverse face including a central pip, a peripheral ring, and a bowl of axis of revolution B that extends from the central pip towards the peripheral ring to which it connects at a lip of thickness Ep, the bowl including, in substantial vertical alignment with the lip, a torus in profile, for example of dome-shaped, of maximum radius capable of guiding fuel injected under the lip in the region of a re-entrant zone towards the central pip. The tip of the central pip exhibits a flattened region centred on the axis of revolution B of the bowl, of a width Lt ranging between 0 mm and 5 mm, or substantially equal to 2.5 mm. |
| US08881704B2 |
Method and device of a start-stop control for an internal combustion engine
In a method of a start-stop control for an internal combustion engine including briefly stopping and starting the internal combustion engine using an electric machine as a starter, the internal combustion engine is switched off by an engine control when switch-off conditions obtain, and the start-stop control queries whether a start signal exists on the basis of switch-on conditions. In order to ensure that a restart of the internal combustion engine is able to be performed more quickly, the start-stop control acts on the internal combustion engine using an operating strategy within a time period t until the internal combustion engine comes to a standstill. |
| US08881703B2 |
Apparatus for actuating at least one outlet valve of a valve-controlled internal combustion engine
An apparatus for actuating at least one outlet valve of a valve-controlled internal combustion engine for motor vehicles, includes an actuating element which is driven by a camshaft. A first piston/cylinder unit, preferably a hydraulically loaded piston/cylinder unit, is provided between a cam of the camshaft and at least one outlet valve. The piston/cylinder unit allows at least one outlet valve to be held in a non-closed intermediate position during an engine braking mode with exhaust-gas backpressure. A second piston/cylinder unit is provided which is configured as a valve-play compensation element, preferably as a hydraulic valve-play compensation element (HVC). At least one valve train-side device is provided between the cam and the at least one outlet valve, which valve train-side device exerts a force which is directed counter to the adjusting action of the HVC but is lower than the latter. |
| US08881702B1 |
Camshaft phaser
A camshaft phaser is provided for varying the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft in an engine. The camshaft phaser includes a stator having lobes. A rotor disposed within the stator and rotatable between a full retard position to a full retard position includes vanes interspersed with the stator lobes to define alternating advance and retard chambers. A lock pin selectively engages a lock pin seat for preventing a change in phase relationship between the rotor and the stator at a predetermined aligned position between the full advance and full retard positions. A counterbalancing member is located within one of the advance chambers or the retard chambers, attached to a vane to thereby apply a torque between the rotor and the stator only when the rotor is between the predetermined aligned position and one of the full retard position and the full advance position. |
| US08881696B2 |
Two-stroke engine
A two-stroke engine has a cylinder having a cylinder bore with a combustion chamber and an outlet connected with the combustion chamber. A piston is disposed in the cylinder and delimits the combustion chamber. The piston has a piston recess. A crankcase is provided that has a crankshaft rotatably supported therein. The piston drives in rotation the crankshaft. In at least one position of the piston, the crankcase is connected by a transfer passage with the combustion chamber. An air passage is provided as well as a mixture passage that has a mixture inlet that is disposed at the cylinder bore and opens into the cylinder bore and is piston-controlled. The transfer passage is connected by the piston recess to the air passage when the piston is at top dead center. The piston recess has a connection to the mixture inlet in at least one position of the piston. |
| US08881694B2 |
Generator set assembly with baffle
An apparatus includes a housing having a ventilation opening. A component such as a generator set can be disposed within an interior space of the housing. A baffle can be disposed within the interior space of the housing at a location that obstructs an acoustic line of sight between the ventilation opening and the component to eliminate or otherwise reduce a sound signature of the component. The baffle can also be configured to accumulate water from the ventilation opening. A drain can also be provided to aid in the removal of water accumulated by the baffle and route the water outside the housing. |
| US08881692B2 |
Cooling system in air-cooled combustion engine
A top plate is provided in a top portion of a cylinder block of a combustion engine of a type, provided with a cooling fan, so as to lie perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of an engine cylinder. An intake side gasket interposed between the cylinder block and an intake unit is extended upwardly to contact the top plate to thereby seal a gap between the top plate and the intake side gasket. An exhaust side gasket interposed between the cylinder block and an exhaust unit is extended upwardly to contact the top plate to thereby seal a gap between the top plate and the exhaust side gasket. A cooling passage for passing therethrough a cooling air from the cooling fan is formed by the cylinder block, the top plate, the intake side gasket and the exhaust side gasket. |
| US08881689B2 |
Exhaust adapter and combustion apparatus having the same
An exhaust adapter A having an inner tubular wall 41 forming a through hole 40 communicating with an exhaust port 14, an outer tubular wall 42 surrounding the inner tubular wall 41, and an annular concave part 43 formed between the inner tubular wall 41 and the outer tubular wall 42. One of at least two types of exhaust pipes having different pipe diameters can be selectively connected as an exhaust pipe 2 by utilizing either the through hole 40 or the annular concavity 43. Height H1 of the inner tubular wall 41 is designed to be lower than height H2 of the outer tubular wall 42. Drain flowing in the annular concave part 43 is prevented from flowing out around the outer tubular wall 42 and furthermore the exhaust adapter A can be accurately used for various types of exhaust pipes with different pipe diameters. |
| US08881688B2 |
Gas-fired water heater with an exhaust assembly
An exhaust assembly for use with a gas-fired water heater that includes a hood for receiving exhaust gas from the gas-fired water heater, a housing, and a fan positioned in the housing to move exhaust gas from the hood out of the exhaust outlet. The hood includes a first hood mounting location and a second hood mounting location. The housing includes an exhaust outlet and a housing mounting location. In a first configuration, the exhaust outlet faces a first direction and the housing mounting location is aligned with and secured at the first hood mounting location. In a second configuration, the exhaust outlet faces a second direction different than the first direction and the housing mounting location is aligned with and secured at the second hood mounting location. |
| US08881684B1 |
Animal washer brush
An animal washing brush for washing an animal has a hand grip and a head disposed on a handle with an elongated shaft. The head has opposite or transverse surfaces facing in substantially opposite or transverse directions, including a substantially flat surface and a concave surface. Each of the flat and concave surfaces has a matrix of flexible and resilient fingers extending from the surface. The fingers have a height taller than a diameter, and a spacing on the same order of the diameter. |
| US08881683B2 |
Fish cage screen and cleaning apparatus
The device includes a screen cleaning brush with multiple fibers or cleaning fingers made from a flexible material with a hook and barb shape. The hook is designed to trap the screen strand as it passes and rotates on a flexible arm to clean the adjacent and opposite side of the strand and then flexes to release the strand. The instant invention has a unique propulsion system and navigation system that enables automatic navigation of the cleaning apparatus on the screen of the aquaculture cage. Alternative the screen cleaning can be performed with a frame having fins to assist in the directional placement of the cleaning fingers against a submersed screen. |
| US08881682B2 |
Submersible cage and system for fish farming
A submersible rotatable cage for fish farming comprises a central axle, a buoyant structure positioned about the central axle, and a netting attached to the buoyant structure. An actuator can be placed in operable communication with at least part of the buoyant structure to facilitate rotation of the buoyant structure about the central axle while the cage is in a submerged position. The cage can form part of a system, which includes a net cleaning apparatus, a tethering mechanism and sweep net, that forms the basis for underwater fish farming. |
| US08881680B1 |
Outdoor litter box sifting system
A litter box and sifting system having a cat door that is installed on the interior wall of a building and a litter box assembly located on the exterior side of the building. The litter box is accessed through a cat door and an adjustable tunnel. At the bottom of the litter box are interchangeable tray assemblies containing litter. The litter can be selectively sifting through fixed screens and removable sliding panels. The litter box enclosure includes a fan to assist ventilation through louvers, an interior light, a rechargeable battery for powering the fan and light, and a solar cell to recharge the battery. |
| US08881678B2 |
Scraping device for removing objects from a rotary milking platform
The invention relates to a scraping device (14) for removing objects from a floor surface (1c) of a rotary milking platform (1). The scraping device (14) includes a scraper (18) configured to come into contact with and move an object on the floor surface (1c) of the rotary milking platform (1) during rotation, and a suspension device selectively supporting the scraper (18). The suspension device selectively supports the scraper (18) in each of i) a first position adjacent to the floor surface (1c) of the rotary milking platform (1) and ii) a second position in which the scraper (18) is pressed against the floor surface (1c) with a first force. The suspension device is configured to move the scraper (18) from the first position to the second position when the object on the floor surface (1c) hits the scraper (18) during rotation of the rotary milking platform (1). |
| US08881677B2 |
Shadow mask for patterned deposition on substrates
A method for performing a physical vapor deposition (PVD) on a substrate is disclosed, comprising placing a substrate on a susceptor disposed below one or more PVD guns and below a plasma shield assembly having a bellows and a shadow mask coupled to a bottom side of the bellows, lowering the bellows toward the substrate to place the shadow mask in contact with the substrate; and depositing a material on an isolated region on the substrate through the shadow mask. In one implementation, the shadow mask may include a plate having openings in the shape of individual dies on the substrate, and a layer having openings in the shape of features patterned on the substrate, wherein the layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the plate by an epoxy. |
| US08881674B2 |
Curtain coating apparatus and curtain coating method
A curtain coating apparatus including: a pair of edge guides configured to support both side edges of at least one coating liquid so as to form a coating liquid film which falls freely and apply the coating liquid film onto a continuously running support; and an auxiliary water introduction port which allows auxiliary water to be introduced substantially uniformly with respect to a width direction of an edge guide auxiliary water flow-down surface of each edge guide from an upper portion toward a lower portion of the flow-down surface, wherein the flow-down surface has at its upper portion a flat surface portion, and wherein the flow-down surface has at its lower portion an arc-shaped portion which is provided at a center and which protrudes in the shape of an arc, and a flat surface portion which is provided on both sides of the arc-shaped portion. |
| US08881673B2 |
Apparatus and method for the applying of refractory material
An apparatus for the applying of refractory material in 360 degrees while the apparatus is raised or lowered vertically or inserted and retracted horizontally can apply a layer of material continuously on the interior surface of a hot vessel. Wet mixed refractory material is supplied to an applicator and pressurized air is supplied to the applicator so as to rotate a spinner head on the applicator. The apparatus includes a shroud around the housing of the applicator which conveys the pressurized air around the housing to cool the housing below the temperature of the vessel. Also described is a method of applying refractory material by a spinner head on the applicator in the form of a spray to hot metallurgical vessels such as the snorkel tubes of vacuum degassers and ladles. |
| US08881672B2 |
Universal atomizer
The exemplary illustrations relate to an atomization system for a rotary atomizer for applying a coating agent, comprising a rotatably supported bell plate for atomizing the coating agent and for dispensing a spray jet of the coating agent, and comprising a guiding air ring for dispensing a first guiding air flow and a second guiding air flow for producing the spray jet dispensed by the bell plate. The two guiding air flows may comprise separate guiding air flow feeds and may further be set independently from each other. An exemplary bell plate and the guiding air ring may be designed such that the atomization system is suitable for coating the inside of chassis parts of motor vehicles and for coating the outside of chassis parts of motor vehicles. |
| US08881665B2 |
Deployment and recovery vessel for autonomous underwater vehicle for seismic survey
Method and vessel for performing marine acoustic survey of a subsurface. The vessel includes a launching module configured to deploy an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) underwater; a recovery module configured to recover the AUV; a homing device mounted on the recovery module and configured to guide the AUV to the recovery module; and a management module connecting the launching module to the recovery module and configured to transport the AUV. |
| US08881662B2 |
Fluidized bed incinerator and fluidized bed incinerating method for sludge using the same
An inside of an incinerator body into which sludge is fed is divided into a lower portion, a portion above the lower portion, and a top portion in a height direction. The lower portion serves as a pyrolysis zone for supplying fluidizing air having an air ratio of 1.1 or less together with fuel to thermally decompose the sludge while fluidizing the sludge. The portion above the lower portion serves as an over bed combustion zone for supplying only combustion air having an air ratio of 0.1 to 0.3 to form a local high temperature place to decompose N2O. The top portion serves as a perfect combustion zone for perfectly combusting unburned contents. The quantity of N2O generated during sludge incineration can be drastically reduced while maintaining the use quantity of auxiliary fuel at the same level as that of a conventional incineration method. |
| US08881658B2 |
Drive unit for rail vehicles
A drive unit for rail vehicles has a shaft including a hearing pin on each end for carrying a drive wheel, a supporting tube enclosing the shaft and journaled thereon, an engine mounted on a supporting tube, wherein the engine rests on a single bracket, the single bracket fastened to the supporting tube, a transmission including a spur wheel and a drive pinion, a housing enclosing a spur gear and the drive pinion, the housing including a single main part, a lid, and an engine bell, the engine bell forming a fixed connection between an engine housing and the main part of the housing, where the supporting tube is molded to the single main part of the housing to form a rigid unit and an engine rotor journaled on a single bearing, wherein the engine rotor is supported at a transmission side on a membrane coupling, the membrane coupling carried by a fully journaled drive pinion. |
| US08881653B2 |
Printing device and method for detecting paper width direction edge position
A printing device includes a head unit having a print head and a sensor that detects a presence or an absence of a sheet, a drive unit that causes the head unit to move to a width direction orthogonal to a feeding direction of the sheet, and a control unit controlling a position of the print head to the sheet based on a detection result of the sensor, wherein the control unit executes a first control that obtains the detection result of the sensor whenever the head unit moves only a first interval to a specific direction from a reference position and a second control that, when a change from the presence to the absence of the sheet is detected by the sensor during the first control, obtains the detection result of the sensor whenever the head unit moves only a second interval that is shorter than the first interval. |
| US08881647B2 |
Method of reducing the volume of a non-returnable blow-molded brewery-specific beer keg and other non-returnable containers
A method of reducing the volume of a non-returnable blow-molded brewery-specific beer keg and other non-returnable containers. |
| US08881645B2 |
Barbecue support assembly
A barbecue support assembly for supporting an elongate skewer at one or more preselected heights above a barbecue grill. The barbecue support assembly includes one or more body elements having one or more parts thereof positionable substantially at one of the preselected heights. Also the part includes one or more apertures in which an end of the skewer is receivable. |
| US08881643B2 |
Infusion unit for drinks with washing system
An infusion unit includes a moving element with a seat for ingredients for making beverages. The moving element is configured to shift from a position for charging the ingredients to an infusion position, where the seat is between a hot water dispensing device and a beverage outlet nozzle opposite one another. A washing member is integral to the moving element where, through the movement of the moving element, the washing member may be positioned between the hot water dispensing device and the beverage outlet nozzle for forming a washing channel. Through the washing channel, the water dispensed by the hot water dispensing device flows towards the beverage outlet nozzle. |
| US08881642B2 |
Brewer calibration system
A beverage brewer having a water flow control system for controlling the flow water through the system during a brewing cycle. The water flow control system is related to the spray head used in the brewer. The system can be calibrated based on the spray head used with the system and the calibration information can be used during the brewing process. An information device may be provided on the spray head to communication information to the brewer to control the brewing process. The brewer may be provided with a reader to read the information from the spray head. A system which can be used with a brewer, including all of the aforementioned information associated with the spray head for use in controlling the water flow during a brewing cycle. The system can be provided with the brewer or retrofitted with an existing brewer. |
| US08881638B2 |
Textile armour
Textile armour (2) comprising at least one textile section (4) and corresponding supporting means (6), wherein the arrangement is such that the or each textile section is fully extended. |
| US08881629B2 |
Continuous motion de-flash trimming machine
A continuous motion de-flash machine for removing flash from molded plastic articles. An in-feed section is supported by a frame and adapted to transport articles. A de-flash section is supported by the frame, receives articles from the in-feed section, and includes (a) a de-flash turret with a plurality of cam-actuated punch stations each having a punch adapted to remove flash from an article, the punch stations traveling along an oval track with a pair of long straight portions connecting two curved portions, and (b) a nest turret with a plurality of cam-actuated nest stations, the nest stations traveling along an oval track parallel to the oval track of the punch stations. An out-feed section receives an article from the de-flash section and removes the article from the machine. A method of using the machine to de-flash articles having unwanted flash is also disclosed. |
| US08881625B2 |
High speed, high torque screw fasteners and drive systems
A fastener system including a threaded fastener having a slot formed in the fastener head. Facets are formed in the slot walls, each facet having an angle of less than ninety degrees with respect to the base of the slot such that the slot has a variable width and at least a portion of the width of the base is greater than the width of the opening of the slot. A driver bit includes a blade configured to be inserted into the slot of the fastener. At least a portion of the free end of the blade has an increased width such that the blade is locked within the slot of the fastener when torque is applied to the driver bit. |
| US08881624B2 |
Tool handle
A tool handle includes a first handle unit, a joint unit connected rotatably to the first handle unit and formed with a plurality of positioning grooves, a second handle unit connected co-rotatably to the joint unit, and a latch member inserted into the first handle unit and movable between a lock state, where two latching projections of the latch member engage two of the positioning grooves and the first and second handle units are non-rotatable relative to each other, and an unlock state, where the latching projections are disengaged from the two of the positioning grooves and the second handle unit is rotatable about the engaging block to permit adjustment of an orientation of the second handle unit relative to the first handle unit. |
| US08881619B2 |
Bicycle control device
A bicycle control device includes a fixed member, an operating member, a rotatable member, a positioning member and a release member. The positioning member is movably to selectively hold the rotatable member in a plurality of predetermined positions. The release member is movably arranged between a non-releasing position and a releasing position, and moves the positioning member to release the rotatable member. Operating the operating member, the release member moves from the non-releasing position to the releasing position as the operating member moves from a rest position towards a first operated position. The release member moves from the releasing position to the non-releasing position as the operating member moves from the first operated position towards a second operated position. The release member moves from the non-releasing position to the releasing position as the operating member moves from the second operated position towards a third operated position. |
| US08881617B2 |
Robot arm with cable protection structure
A robot arm includes a first shaft housing, a first driving mechanism, a second driving mechanism, a cable pass-through assembly and a cable assembly. The first shaft housing is hollow shaped, and includes a housing, a first mounting base and a second mounting base mounted on the housing. The first driving mechanism is mounted on the first mounting base. The second driving mechanism is mounted on the second mounting base. The cable pass-through assembly includes a first cable tube and a second cable tube. The cable assembly electrically connects with the first driving mechanism and the second driving mechanism. An axis of the first cable tube overlaps with an axis of the first mounting base. An axis of the second cable tube overlaps with an axis of the second mounting base. The cable assembly passes through the first cable tube and the second cable tube. |
| US08881616B2 |
High degree of freedom (DoF) controller
A control actuator apparatus is presented having an actuator assembly providing three linear motion degrees of freedom relative to a base and three rotational degrees of freedom, and one or more additional actuators providing at least one additional degree of freedom, including a base structure, an XYZ stage, and an upper actuation assembly with a wrist angle stage, a forearm angle stage, and a digit angle stage providing relative positioning signals or values to facilitate machine control capabilities with a high number of degrees of freedom (high DoF). |
| US08881615B2 |
Transmission
Transmission, in particular for converting a rotational movement around the longitudinal axis of the transmission into a linear movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis or vice versa, having a rod having a gearing, a gear tooth carrier, in which gear teeth are accommodated so they are radially movable for an engagement with the gearing, the rod and the gear tooth carrier being mounted rotationally fixed relative to one another. |
| US08881612B2 |
Infinitely variable vibration exciter
A vibration exciter is provided. The vibration exciter includes a shaft and at least two unbalanced weights arranged on the shaft, in which the radial distance of the common center of gravity of the unbalanced weights from the rotational axis of the shaft is adjustable in an infinitely variable way by means of a gear. The vibration exciter comprises a gear which is a spatial coupling gear, e.g. a spatial vibration slider gear. A simple and compact configuration of the vibration exciter is thus proposed, in which the required adjusting forces for changing the imbalance are very low. |
| US08881610B2 |
Water sampling device
A water sampling device includes a mounting frame including two end plates disposed parallel to one another on a shaft. A multiple magazine is configured as a rotatable drum magazine that is horizontally disposed between the two end plates of the mounting frame. The multiple magazine includes a plurality of sample containers. Each of the sample containers has a first face and a second face. The first face includes a first axially arranged conical opening and a first positive locking cone forming an inlet valve. The second face includes a. second axially arranged conical opening and a second positive locking cone forming an outlet valve. Each of the positive locking ,cones is configured to shift axially relative to the respective conical opening so as to operate the respective inlet or outlet valve and so as to form a symmetrical annular gap in an open position of the respective valve. |
| US08881609B2 |
Percussive driving apparatus for environmental sampling or test device
A percussive driving apparatus for an environmental sampling or test device. The driving apparatus comprises a percussion stem (10), a weighted percussion plunger (20) having a longitudinal bore through which the percussion stem (10) is received, the percussion plunger (20) being slidable along a length of the percussion stem (10), a lift element (80) to permit lifting of the percussion plunger (20) along at least a portion of said length of the percussion stem (10), and a percussion pad (30) affixed to the percussion stem (10) at or near a first end thereof. The percussion pad (30) is configured to receive percussive driving force from the percussion plunger (20). The percussion tube (10) is also adapted at the first end to connect to a probe (40) (for example a shielded or unshielded piezometer, or a split spoon sampler, a seepage meter, long term data logging monitoring device, or seismic device) for environmental sampling and/or testing. |
| US08881608B2 |
Bicycle crank arm
A bicycle crank arm comprises a crank body, a sensor support member and a power sensing device. The crank body includes a crank axle mounting portion and a pedal mounting portion. The sensor support member is disposed in a cavity of the crank body and attached to the crank body. The power sensing device is supported on the sensor support member. |
| US08881607B2 |
Miniature universal dynamometer educational tool
A miniature universal dynamometer for use in teaching and measuring horsepower of scaled down electronic vehicles and DC generators is provided. The miniature universal dynamometer relates generally to electro-mechanical vehicles that use DC energy and DC generators that produce electrical power. This miniature universal dynamometer relates specifically to vehicles that easily and quickly demonstrate to students and auto workers the design and horsepower used by the electronic vehicles in moving vehicles on various roadways. The device also utilizes a switch which allows the device to measure horsepower required to produce electrical power from a DC generator. |
| US08881603B2 |
Measuring device and method having superimposed reflected first measurement signal with a second measurement signal
Method and measuring device for measuring at least one measured variable. A first sensor transmits a first measurement signal, which includes at least one half-wave of a mechanical wave or an electromagnetic wave, and, at a time t from the first measurement signal, transmits at least a second measurement signal. At least a second sensor receives the measurement signals. The travel time and TOF1 of the first measurement signal between transmitting of the first measurement signal and receiving of the first measurement signal is known, wherein the time t is so selected that it is a whole numbered multiple of the travel time TOF1 of the first measurement signal or that it is a whole numbered multiple of the average value of the travel times TOF1 and TOF2, wherein the travel time and TOF2 between transmitting a third measurement signal from the second sensor and receiving of the third measurement signal by the first sensor is known. |
| US08881602B2 |
Magnetic-inductive flowmeter
A magnetic-inductive flowmeter (1) for measuring the through-flow of a flowing medium (2), with a measuring line (3), a magnetic field generating device (4) and two electrodes (6) for picking off a measuring voltage induced in the flowing medium (2). In the case of the flowmeter in question a supplementary magnetic field generating device (7) is provided for generating a supplementary magnetic field at least partially passing through the measuring line (3), the supplementary magnetic field at least partially extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (5) of the measuring line (3) in the region of the measuring line (3) in which the two electrodes (6) are located. In this way, measuring of the degree of filling of the measuring line takes place in a manner that is as easy as possible. |
| US08881597B2 |
Measuring device including detection of deformations
A measuring device is described which has a metal body deformable in accordance with a value to be measured. A sensor element having a metal carrier and ohmic resistors formed thereon in metal thin-film technique is connected to the metal body by welding and generates a signal adapted to be electrically evaluated which corresponds to the deformation of the metal body. The weld for connecting the metal body and the sensor element completely encloses the metal carrier at its circumference. The metal body has, at the welded connection with the metal carrier, a material thickness t which is completely penetrated by the weld. The value to be measured by the measuring device comprises force, pressure, temperature, torque or combinations thereof. |
| US08881593B2 |
Cylindrical bridge
A vibration test fixture includes a shaker and a slip plate coupled with the shaker. A mounting plate may be coupled with the slip plate and a cylindrical bridge may be coupled with the mounting plate. A sensor may be coupled with the bridge. |
| US08881591B2 |
Rotational speed sensor assembly
A sensed element is disclosed for incorporation into an apparatus that includes a rotatable shaft. The sensed element includes a base portion mounted directly on the shaft so as to rotate with the shaft, at least one sensor-detectible feature coupled to the base portion, for use in measuring a rotational speed of the shaft, and a projection extending from the base portion and engageable with a portion of the apparatus other than the shaft to limit movement of the element along the shaft. |
| US08881590B2 |
Balancing device
A balancing device includes an active balancing mechanism. The active balancing mechanism maintains the balancing device in an actively balanced state within a range of the active balancing mechanism. An auxiliary balancing mechanism is configured to support the balancing device in an unbalanced state that is outside the range of the active balancing mechanism and aid a transition of the balancing device to the actively balanced state that is within the range of the active balancing mechanism, wherein the auxiliary balancing mechanism is configured to support the balancing device includes to prop up the balancing device. |
| US08881589B2 |
Float for displaying a fill level
A float for displaying the fill level of a medium (3) in a container (2), wherein the float (1), in the intended use, is guided by the wall of the container (2, 4) and is suitable for reflecting electromagnetic waves emitted from a transmitter (5) toward a receiver (6). The float has improved electromagnetic wave reflecting characteristics regardless of whether or not the float is tilted in that, in the intended use, at least the end of the float facing the transmitter (5) is a reflector (20) for reflecting electromagnetic waves to the receiver (6) and that a field attenuation structure (8) is located behind the reflector (20) from the perspective of the transmitter (5) in such a manner that electromagnetic waves interacting with the field attenuation structure (8) are attenuated. |
| US08881588B2 |
Dielectric antenna and fill level sensor using the radar principle
A dielectric antenna (1) having at least one supply element (2) and at least one lens (3) formed of a dielectric material. The dielectric antenna makes it possible to measure the surface of a medium with an essentially consistent measuring accuracy in that the lens (3) has an outer component (4) and an inner component (5). The outer component (4) has a radiating surface (6) that is spherical and an inner surface (7) that is spherical, and the inner component (5) has a contact surface (8) that spherical. Furthermore, the antenna is usable as part of a fill level sensor operating on the radar principle. |
| US08881586B2 |
Tire-condition-ascertaining cartridge
A tire-condition-ascertaining cartridge (100) comprising a scaffoyer structure which performs both scaffolding and fluid-foyer-forming functions. The scaffoyer (600) includes planks and/or derricks which properly posture a first fitting (200), a second fitting (300), an electronics assembly (400), and a power source (500) during cartridge construction. The scaffoyer (600) also forms a fluid foyer to the sensing site and this foyer can be tested for fluid integrity (e.g., leaks) prior to creating the housing capsule (800). |
| US08881573B2 |
Method for detecting wear of a tyre containing a sonic wear gauge
A method for detecting wear of a tire involves at least one sonic wear gauge emitting an acoustic footprint noise that includes several acoustic footprint elementary frequency components. An acoustic signal that includes the acoustic footprint noise is acquired, with the acoustic signal including several elementary frequency components acquired in the frequency domain. Several series of elementary frequency components are enumerated, with each enumerated series forming some part of the acoustic footprint elementary frequency components. An acoustic footprint series is determined and, if a confidence index determined based on a local confidence index is greater or less than a predetermined threshold, an alert regarding the wear of the tire is emitted. |
| US08881570B2 |
Press
A press (1) including: —a frame (2); —a first press bed (3) with a first tool part (4), wherein the first press bed (3) is provided between the frame (2) and the first tool part (4); —first displacement means (5); —a second press bed (6) with a second tool part (7) which in use is arranged at a position opposite to the first tool part (4), and where the second press bed (6) is provided between the frame (2) and the second tool part (7); —a device (8) for introducing workpieces (9) between the first (4) and the second tool parts (7); —a device (10) for ejecting finished workpieces (9′); —a punch (11) which is vertically displaceable through coaxial openings (13, 14) between the first tool part (4) and the second tool part (7); —a punch cylinder (15) for displacing the punch (11), wherein the press furthermore includes second displacement means (16) which are connected between the frame (2) and the second tool part (7) for horizontal displacement of the second tool part (7) between a pressing position with the openings (13, 14) aligned, and an ejecting position with the opening (14) of the second tool part outside the press beds (3, 6), and that the first displacement means (5) are connected between the frame (2) and the first press bed (3), where the first press bed (3) is vertically displaceable, and where the second press bed (6) is fastened to the frame (2), or that the first displacement means (5) are connected between the frame (2) and the second press bed (6), where the second press bed (6) is vertically displaceable, and where the first press bed (3) is fastened to the frame (2). |
| US08881569B2 |
Rolling mill stand for the production of rolled strip or sheet metal
A rolling mill stand for the production of rolled strip or sheet metal includes working rolls which are supported on respective supporting rolls or on intermediate rolls which are supported on supporting rolls. At least one of the rolls having a barrel contour which runs over the entire effective barrel length and can be described by a non-linear function. The barrel contour of this at least one roll having chamfers in at least one of the marginal regions of its longitudinal extent and the chamfers forming a corrected barrel contour in these marginal regions, so that inhomogeneities in the load distribution along the contact line of two adjacent rolls, and in particular in the region of the edges of the strip, are minimized. The corrected barrel contour is obtained by subtracting any non-linear mathematical chamfer function from the contour function described by the non-linear function, so that the pitch of the barrel contour and the pitch of the corrected barrel contour at a transition point from the barrel contour to the corrected barrel contour are identical. |
| US08881564B2 |
Free floating paddle actuation system
A free floating paddle handle assembly is provided for a vehicle door having a latch. The handle assembly includes a housing with a pivotal paddle on the front and a logic assembly on the back. The handle can be pulled from its neutral or rest position to an actuated position so as to rotate the logic assembly when a lock cylinder is unlocked so as to release the latch. When the lock cylinder is locked, the paddle free floats and does not move the logic assembly, such that the logic assembly is inoperative and the latch remains closed. |
| US08881563B2 |
Electric steering wheel lock device and motor damping structure
An electric steering wheel lock device including a lock bar which moves between a lock position, at which the lock bar prohibits rotation of a steering shaft, and an unlock position, at which the lock bar permits rotation of the steering shaft. An electric motor generates drive force for moving the lock bar. A motor holding member for holding the electric motor includes a motor fastening portion having two contact portions, which face toward each other, to clamp a casing of the electric motor. |
| US08881561B2 |
Security device for a window handle or door handle
A security device for a handle of a door or a window for protecting against unauthorized actuation has a cover enclosing in a mounted position the handle. A lock is provided that secures the cover on the handle in the mounted position and releases the cover from the handle for removing the cover from the handle. The cover has at least two locking elements. Counter members are disposed on the handle, a handle fixture, a door, or a window, and are matched and interact with the at least two locking elements. One of the locking elements is a locking bar of the lock. |
| US08881558B2 |
Combination and key operated locks with indicators
A lock for luggage, travelcases, briefcases and the like that can be unlocked by setting a combination using a combination mechanism of the lock, and, alternatively, by using a key in a key mechanism of the lock. An indicator of the lock moves to signal when the lock has been unlocked by use of the key mechanism. In some embodiments the indicator can only be reset after the lock has been unlocked using the combination mechanism. In some embodiments the indicator is automatically reset when the lock is unlocked using the combination mechanism. In some embodiments the lock is a padlock that has a shackle defined, at least in part, by a flexible cable. |
| US08881557B2 |
Adjustable position blocking device for sliding closures
An adjustable position blocking device for sliding closures that firmly attaches to a glass pane of a closure and limits the sliding translation of the sliding panels of the closure. One embodiment comprises an elongated track (30) which adheres to a glass pane with very high bonding double-sided tape (40). The one embodiment also comprises a blocking slider (10) that adjustably attaches to track (30) at a plurality of track positions and is substantially tall to block the sliding translation of the sliding panels. Slider (10) comprises a modular attachment means that permits the slider (10) to be customized with blocking modules (22, 86, 96) of different form and function. In addition, one embodiment comprises a blocking module (96) which integrates an electronic device to detect the opening of a sliding closure and alert a user, a remote device or a remote system. |
| US08881550B2 |
Closure for article, in particular for jewelry
A jewelry item has a closure that uses shape memory to provide two stable positions. For example, an earring has a setting and a pin, and the closure closes the pin over the ear. The closure consists of a leaf spring extending outwardly in a first loop part from a first location on the setting and looping back in a second loop part to a second location adjacent the first location on the setting. The loop parts each have shape memory and are set with different remembered shapes. The two different remembered shapes work against each other to flip the closure between two stable positions, a first position in which the closure connects to the pin to close the earring and a second position in which the closure is spaced away from the pin to open the earring. The design is particularly suitable for a huggie style earring. |
| US08881547B2 |
Heat exchanger for a refrigerating device
The invention relates to a housing that houses a coiled conduit for a first heat transfer fluid with the housing open at two front sides and surrounding the coil. A wall of the housing that extends in the longitudinal direction of the coil is provided with passages. |
| US08881546B2 |
Self-adapting multi-stage absorption heat pump
An absorption heat pump including a generator or desorber which generates vapour from a first fluid fed to a first condenser, an evaporator provided downstream of the condenser, an outlet of the evaporator connected by a third line to an inlet of a mixer of a low pressure absorber connected to a suction side of a pump feeding solution to the generator. The generator having a poor solution outlet connected by a sixth line provided with at least one lamination valve to a poor solution inlet feeding the absorber. The second line is brought into heat exchange contact with the low pressure absorber and opens into a liquid/vapour separator feeding the evaporator via a third line, the vapour outlet of the separator opening into an intermediate pressure absorber unit. |
| US08881545B2 |
Refrigerator
The present invention relates to a refrigerator.With the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator provided with the freezing cycle is provided to be movable outdoors, making it possible to freshly preserve food outdoors. |
| US08881542B2 |
Refrigerated merchandiser
A door for a refrigerated merchandiser that includes a glass panel having a first portion and a second portion spaced from the first portion. The door also includes a first conductive film covering the first portion of the glass panel and a second conductive film spaced apart from the first conductive film and covering the second portion of the glass panel. |
| US08881533B2 |
Turbine engine
A turbine engine is disclosed herein. The turbine engine includes a starter/generator operable to deliver rotational power in a first mode of operation and to generate electrical power in a second mode of operation. The turbine engine also includes an accessory gear box mechanically coupled to the starter/generator. The turbine engine also includes a shaft mechanically coupled to the accessory gear box such that the accessory gear box is operably disposed between the shaft and the starter/generator. The turbine engine also includes a clutch operably disposed between the accessory gear box and the starter generator. The clutch is operable to slip in and out of full engagement in response to a first predetermined level of torque between the starter/generator and the accessory gear box. |
| US08881531B2 |
Gas turbine engine premix injectors
One embodiment is a gas turbine engine premix injector including a mixing duct, a plurality of air inlet slots leading to the duct, a plurality of gaseous fuel inlet apertures leading to the duct, a plurality of vanes positioned in the duct downstream from said air inlets, a plurality of liquid fuel inlet apertures leading to the duct, and a plurality of discharge windows positioned between the vanes. |
| US08881520B2 |
Linear roller bearing assembly and sub-assembly and reciprocating machinery incorporating the same
A roller bearing sub-assembly can include a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion spaced apart from the first mounting portion, a first roller disposed between the first and second mounting portions and straps wrapped partially around different portions of the first roller. The first mounting portion, second mounting portion, first roller and straps are configured such that the first and second mounting portions are moveable relative to each other along a selected direction for a distance that is approximately equal to a circumference of the first roller in opposite directions from a mid-stroke position. Linear roller bearing assemblies and methods of forming linear roller bearing assemblies are also disclosed, as are multi-cylinder Stirling engines and a thermal energy recovery system. |
| US08881510B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine
A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine detects an amount of particulate matter contained in an exhaust gas in an exhaust passage, according to an electrical property across electrodes of a particulate matter sensor disposed in the exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine. The term “electrical property” here refers to a property that changes with the amount of particulate matter deposited, for example, a current value of when a predetermined voltage is applied. After the internal combustion engine is started and detection of the amount of the particulate matter is completed, an element section of the particulate matter sensor is set to a predetermined temperature range. The particulate matter deposited on the element section is thereby burned and removed. The control apparatus maintains the element section in the predetermined temperature range after burning and removing the particulate matter until the internal combustion engine stops. |
| US08881506B2 |
Hydraulic drive device of hydraulic operating machine
A hydraulic drive system for a hydraulic working machine sets a delivery pressure at a preset value upon raising a temperature of exhaust gas to a temperature needed for combustion of particulate matter by increasing a load to be applied to an engine. In a non-operation state, a variable restrictor is controlled by a controller and a delivery pressure control valve to increase a delivery pressure of a variable displacement hydraulic pump, so that the load is increased to raise the temperature of exhaust gas to the temperature needed for the particulate matter combustion. At this time, the controller controls the delivery pressure control valve such that a delivery pressure to be detected by a delivery pressure sensor will conform with a preset reference delivery pressure. The reference delivery pressure is set to a minimum pressure that can provide the exhaust gas with combustion heat. |
| US08881501B2 |
Propellant tank and vapor jet emitting device including same
A propellant tank for storing a liquid propellant A and supplying vapor produced by evaporation of part of the liquid propellant A to an external location comprises a tank body for storing the liquid propellant A, a mesh member arranged inside the tank body to cover a liquid surface of the liquid propellant A to divide an interior of the tank body into a liquid propellant storing area LA and a gas storing area GA by utilizing surface tension of the liquid propellant, and a heater arranged to a gas storing area GA side of the tank body to keep the gas storing area GA at higher temperature than temperature in the liquid propellant storing area LA. The tank body has a propellant inlet open into the liquid propellant storing area LA and a gas outlet open into the gas storing area GA. |
| US08881500B2 |
Duplex tab obstacles for enhancement of deflagration-to-detonation transition
A detonation chamber for a pulse detonation combustor including: a plurality of duplex tab obstacles disposed on at least a portion of an inner surface of the detonation chamber wherein the plurality of duplex tab obstacles enhance a turbulence of a fluid flow through the detonation chamber. |
| US08881498B2 |
Method for primary control of a combined gas and steam turbine arrangement
A method for primary regulation of a combined gas and steam turbine installation in network operation, wherein the combined gas and steam turbine installation includes a gas turbine and a steam turbine arranged along at least one shaft includes operating at least one steam turbine actuating valve on a restricted basis along a working steam supply line to at least one pressure stage of the steam turbine so as to provide a steady-state steam turbine reserve power, wherein the at least one steam turbine actuating valve is changed to a less restricted state if a network frequency decreases so as to require network frequency support. |
| US08881496B2 |
Coated high strength fibers
The invention relates to a high strength fibers comprising a coating of cross-linked silicone polymer, and ropes made thereof. The fibers are preferably high performance polyethylene (HPPE) fibers. The coating comprising a cross-linked silicone polymer is made from a coating composition comprising a cross-linkable silicone polymer. The rope shows markedly improved service life performance in bending applications such as cyclic bend-over-sheave applications. The invention also relates to the use of a cross-linked silicone polymer in a rope for an improvement of bend fatigue resistance. |
| US08881494B2 |
Fire rated door core
A core for a fire rated door includes an extruded fire resistant material, a filler material and a panel. The extruded fire resistant material has a first raised portion, a second raised portion and a lower portion that extends from a first end to a second end. The first raised portion has a first thickness and a first width that extends from the first side to the lower portion. The lower portion has a second thickness. The second raised portion has the first thickness and a second width that extends from the second side to the lower portion. The filler material is disposed above the lower portion of the extruded fire resistant material between the first raised portion and the second portion. The panel is attached to the first raised portion and the second raised portion of the extruded fire resistant material and covers the filler material. |
| US08881490B2 |
Leveling mechanism for floor drain
A floor drain includes a head having a top surface, a leveling member, and a frame having a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the frame is positioned adjacent the top surface of the head. The leveling member is positioned between the head and the bottom surface of the frame and is displaceable relative to the head in a first direction. A method of leveling a floor drain with a floor surface is also disclosed. |
| US08881482B2 |
Modular flooring system
A modular flooring system includes a plurality of floor tiles situated about a ground surface, with each floor tile having a substantially-flat top surface and a connection interface with opposing engagement surfaces. The flooring system also includes a plurality of removable bridge connectors, with each of the bridge connectors having a plurality of tile interfaces, and with each tile interface having complimentary engagement surfaces configured to engage with the opposing engagement surfaces of the connection interfaces. The tile interfaces of the bridge connectors couple to the respective connection interfaces of any adjacent floor tiles to restrain the relative vertical movement between the adjacent floor tiles while facilitating controlled relative lateral movement between the floor tiles. |
| US08881481B2 |
Grid framework accessories
The present invention is directed to accessories which are attached to the support grid members of a grid framework system. The accessories insulate electrified conductors attached to the support grid members from other conductive items located proximate thereto, a management device for cables and wires, and a retention device for fixedly attaching a component to the grid framework system. |
| US08881478B2 |
Ratcheting take-up device
A ratcheting take-up device that compensates for imperfect alignment in a tie rod continuity system in the frame of a building wall. The upper ends of the tie rods are tightly clamped within the take-up device by domed segments inserted in a bowl-shaped housing. The segments are also forced together by a compression member in the housing. The domed shape of the segments and the bowl shape of the housing cooperate so that the segments can rotate in any direction to accommodate tie rods that are not perfectly vertical, without a corresponding loss of strength in the connection. |
| US08881476B2 |
Panels having multiple channel structures
A panel includes an insulating material, first channels disposed in a first surface of the insulating material, and second channels disposed in the first surface of the insulating material. The second channels are disposed at a first angle relative to the first channels. Additionally, the first channels and second channels are arranged such that each of the first channels is substantially parallel to the other first channels and each of the second channels is substantially parallel to the other second channels. The panel further includes a first retention clip disposed in one of the first channels. The first retention clip is configured to suspend an object having a substantially round cross-section within the one of the first channels. The first retention clip is further configured to prevent the object from contacting walls of the one of the first channels. |
| US08881474B2 |
Housing and mounting assembly for skylight energy management system
Disclosed is a housing and mounting assembly for a skylight module, and particularly for a skylight module that incorporates an energy management system. The housing and mounting assembly is configured to efficiently capture both direct solar and diffuse ambient light, and deliver light that is diffuse to the space below the skylight that provides even illumination and no unpleasant glare spots. The walls of the skylight module may be formed of multi-wall polycarbonate panels configured to redirect both the upward- and downward-shining light through the aperture into the space below. Moreover, the curb of the assembly may include a flexible flashing strip provided with a reflective coating configured to reflect sunlight upward through the walls of the assembly and into the skylight module, such that the advantages of collecting and using such reflected light can be achieved even in a retrofit installation on a non-reflective roofing surface. |
| US08881472B2 |
Mounting device and method of installing of a solar panel
A solar panel mounting anchor adapted for mounting a solar panel on a flat roof, the anchor comprising integral ballast, and edges comprising a resilient material and at least one engagement feature adapted to receive a solar panel and to space the panel from said roof, and a base adapted to inhibit slipping of the anchor on said roof. Preferably the integral ballast is such that the mass of the anchor is at least 15 kg. |
| US08881471B1 |
Guy wire control apparatus and method
A guy wire control method provides a plurality of activation elements, and enables the plurality of activation elements to be coupled with at least a portion of a guy wire. The method activates at least one of the plurality of activation elements to assist the guy wire in at least one capacity. |
| US08881469B1 |
Cellular ceiling deck system with hidden hinges
A deck unit has a hinged, cover panel for use in a deck system as a ceiling. The hinge may be a continuous hinge running the length of the deck unit, preferably a continuous hinge, and extend the length and width of the deck unit including its side flanges or be recessed within it. The edge of access panel cover opposite its hinge is secured using a securing mechanism to a bracket affixed inside the deck unit. By example, a set screw is threaded through a hole in the cover panel, through a weld nut on the inside face of the cover panel and through a U-nut straddling the bracket. Accordingly from a distance, the hinge, latch and the securing mechanism are not visible to indicate that the cover can be opened to permit access to the deck system interior. |
| US08881466B2 |
Insulated door and method of assembling an insulated door
An insulated door (10029 includes a door frame made of four side members (1006, 1008, 1010, 1012) connected by four corner connectors (1014, 1016, 1018, 1020). The frame members are profiled “L” shaped extrusions having outer panel locating ribs (6035), and inner panel retaining slots (6007). The corner connector has a base (4044) with a projecting post (4040). A first pair of connector tabs (4022, 4044) project from adjacent sides of the base to cooperate with first connection slots (6028) of adjacent side members and a second pair of connector tabs (4042, 4043) project from the post to cooperate with connection slots (6026) of the adjacent side members. The outer panel is located on the opposite side of the frame by location ribs (6036). The legs (6009, 6011) of the extrusion define a space D between the inner and outer door panels, and this space is filled with foam insulation. |
| US08881463B2 |
Weather strip seal for an automotive vehicle, and its manufacturing method
A weather strip seal is provided for sealing between first and second structures, and a method for manufacturing such a strip seal. The weather strip seal includes a main leg made of a polymeric material, having one side and another side and terminating in first and second ends, a first sealing portion designed to press against the first structure and extending on the one side of the leg adjacent the first end, and a metal carrier for retaining the shape of the strip seal which has an asymmetrical substantially U-shaped cross-section having a first branch reinforcing a portion of the main leg and a second branch extending from the second end on the another side and terminating in a second sealing portion designed to sealingly press against the second structure. An ionomer tie layer is located between the metal surface and the at least one polymeric material. |
| US08881460B2 |
Sliding door system for glass doors
A sliding door system comprises a door made of a glass panel. Roller units are connected to the door and project from a plane of the door. A structural transom has a glass panel body with main surfaces of the glass panel body positioned generally vertically. The glass panel body has at least one slot defined therein having a lower edge surface and an upper edge surface. The slot has a height for receiving a portion of the roller units between the lower edge surface and the upper edge surface, and a length for allowing a translation of the door to open and close an opening by movement of the roller units in the slot. |
| US08881455B2 |
Automatically closed fire protection louver device
The present invention provides an automatically closed fire protection louver device, which is installed on a window or the like in an apartment building without a balcony function or in a curtain wall type building structure to adjust natural lighting and automatically block spread of flames to an upper floor without using electrical energy when a fire breaks out. |
| US08881454B2 |
Agriculture production system with temperature controlled root zone
An agriculture production system includes a plurality of plant housings interconnected by conduit portions of a conduit assembly. Each plant housing has an upper housing portion that supports a plant in a growing media therein and a lower housing portion defining a chamber cavity below the upper housing portion so that roots of the plant extend into the chamber, said conduit portions fluidly interconnecting the chambers of the plant housings. A conditioned air unit is coupled to the conduit assembly and conditions air that flows through the conduit assembly into the chambers of the plant housings. A water supply assembly has a plurality of irrigation units, each associated with one of the plant housings and delivering water to the plant housing from a water supply source. The plant housings are arranged in a circuit allowing conditioned air to flow through the chambers of the plant housings to control a temperature and/or humidity in said chambers to promote root development and plant growth. |
| US08881452B2 |
Tomato tower with adjustable support trays
A device for a tomato plant having tomatoes and a vine and replaceably supporting from four orthogonal directions and from varying heights relocation of the tomatoes of the tomato plant from lower elevations to higher elevations as the tomato plant grows. The device includes uprights, cross members, and supports. The uprights are held together by the cross members. The supports are operatively and replaceably connected to the uprights, and replaceably support from the four orthogonal directions and from the varying heights the relocation of the tomatoes of the tomato plant from the lower elevations to the higher elevations as the tomato plant grows. |
| US08881451B2 |
Tree stands
A tree stand is described including a fluid reservoir of a tree retaining member including tree gripping means. The gripping means comprises projections arranged on an interior surface of the tree retaining member and extending in a radial fashion, inwardly from the interior surface of the tree retaining member. The projections run substantially axially within the tree retaining member and include a sharp or pointed portion to at least partially penetrate the trunk of a tree inserted into the tree retaining member. The tree retaining member is configured to hold a tree inserted therein by resisting lifting of a tree inserted therein relative to the tree stand, without using moveable mechanical means comprising screws or bolts. The tree retaining member is connected to a base. The tree stand also includes strengthening means configured between the fluid reservoir and the tree retaining member. The strengthening means comprises hollow ribs. |
| US08881446B2 |
Electronic fishing lure with touch control
The present invention is a fishing lure which utilizes an onboard controller to control one or a series of light (multicolor/mono color) sources so as to enhance fishing lure's color and visibility for all light conditions a user may encounter during fishing. The controller unit, power source, light sources of the present invention are all contained in a sealed housing. The switching mechanism, controlling mechanism, and charging mechanism are all multiplexed into two electrical contact points. The electrodes are embedded in the electronic body parts and embedded in the housing therefore eliminating water leaking through active seams or openings. The present invention further provides a safe and effective charging mechanism which involves an electronic component barrier to prevent current from flowing from one electrical contact point to the other during charging. |
| US08881441B2 |
Medallion display case
A display case housing a display board for displaying a variety of differently sized medal articles and their ribbon widths, where the display board is constructed of a plurality of rectangular chip-board or other like material slats, horizontally arranged, where each is over-lapped in stepped fashion, the lower edge of the first slat extending in front of the top edge of the second slat; where the outer edges of the overlapped slats are fixed in place; where the medallions are inserted through a vertical slot from the backside of the display-mounting board, positioned as preferred, and are displayed on the front side of the display board. |
| US08881436B2 |
Fluid-tight end fitting for a composite hose and method of assembling a composite hose on such end fitting
A composite hose includes a tubular body of flexible material for transferring cryogenic fluid through the hose and for preventing fluid leakage through the body. The tubular body includes an inner wire helix spirally wound along the length of the hose, an outer wire helix spirally wound along the length of the hose, at least two reinforcing layers placed in between the inner and outer wire, at least one sealing layer placed between two reinforcing layers, an end fitting at both ends of the tubular body, each end fitting provided with a part for connection to another hose flange and an elongated cylindrical part, which is divided in an anchoring area for anchoring the tubular body and a static sealing area for fluid tight sealing of the hose. A gas tight sealing is created by bonding the at least one sealing layer to the cylindrical part over a ring shaped bonding area. |
| US08881433B2 |
Implement attaching to a forward motion-producing machine for elevating an edge encountering an immovable object
An implement attaching to a vehicle and having a work assembly and a linkage assembly, the work assembly having an edge commonly used for clearing snow. The work assembly may be for example a bucket on a front end loader. The linkage assembly is formed as a non-parallelogram quadrilateral with four pivot axes. Upper and lower pivot axes attach the linkage assembly to the work assembly. When the vehicle is driven so that the edge strikes an immovable object, the linkage assembly functions so that the lower pivot axis moves in a direction toward the work assembly relative to the upper pivot axis. That is, the quadrilateral linkage assembly functions to lift the edge as a heel of the work assembly remains on the ground such that the work assembly is allowed to tilt up so the edge can ride over the immovable object. |
| US08881429B2 |
Asymmetrical footwear having a configuration that is continuous from one shoe to another
An asymmetrical footwear assembly comprising a first article of footwear and a second article of footwear, said first and second articles of footwear being adapted to be worn on a user's right and left feet, respectively, wherein a configuration of the first article of footwear is asymmetrical with respect to a configuration of said second article of footwear so that the first and second articles of footwear are not mirror images of one another, and wherein, when the first and second articles of footwear are adjacent to one another, the configurations of the first article of footwear and of the second article of footwear create a visual effect of continuity between the configurations of the first and second articles of footwear and form a predetermined design. |
| US08881428B2 |
Sole assembly for article of footwear with plural cushioning members
An article of footwear includes a sole assembly defining a base support plane. The sole assembly also includes a cushioning assembly with a first end and a second end. The cushioning assembly includes a first cushioning member and a second cushioning member. The first cushioning member includes a first overlapping surface, and the second cushioning member includes a second overlapping surface. The first and second overlapping surfaces overlap each other over the base support plane and each slopes at a positive acute angle relative to the base support plane. The first cushioning member is thicker than the second cushioning member adjacent the first end of the cushioning assembly, and the second cushioning member is thicker than the first cushioning member adjacent the second end of the cushioning assembly. The first cushioning member has a resistance to resilient deformation less than that of the second cushioning member. |
| US08881426B1 |
Device for adorning a sandal strap
A device for adorning a sandal strap provides an easy way for a user to adorn a sandal. The device comprises an adornment strap mechanically coupled to the sandal strap. The sandal strap is comprises with a first sandal strap hole, a second sandal strap hole and a groove. The adornment strap further comprises a first clamp bracket and a second clamp bracket. The first clamp bracket can fit through the first sandal strap hole. The second clamp bracket can fit through the second sandal strap hole. The adornment strap can rest in the groove. The adornment strap is mechanically coupled to a band attachment bracket. The band attachment bracket enables the user to hand a charm from the adornment strap. In this manner the user can easily adorn the sandal. |
| US08881425B2 |
System and method for drying wood products with recovered flue gas
Systems and methods are used for drying wood products in one or more kilns with recovered flue gases. In some embodiments, methods for drying wood products include firing a fuel in the one or more combustion devices, thereby producing a heated fluid and a flue gas. The heated fluid is circulated to provide a primary heat source to the one or more indirect fired kilns. An amount of flue gas is recovered and transferred to provide a secondary heat source to the one or more indirect fired kilns. |
| US08881424B2 |
Drying installation
A drying installation (1) and method for drying of products (3). More in particular, the invention relates to a drying installation (1) and a method for drying sludge or mud, as e.g. the drying of wastewater and industrial sludge possibly contaminated with toxic or corrosive components. The dryer installation (1) comprises infrared emitters (5) which are protected and/or insulated from the evaporation products (7) exiting the drying product (3). |
| US08881419B2 |
Deck plank spacer and fastener guide tool
A deck plank spacer and fastener guide tool has a lightweight, unitary body having an elongated first bar member and a second bar member extending perpendicularly downward from the first bar member. A fastening guide member extends upwardly from and outwardly of the second bar member at an oblique angle in relation to the second bar member. An open slot extends completely through the fastening guide member for the insertion of a fastener, such as a nail or a bolt. |
| US08881418B2 |
Mechancial spacing apparatus
A mechanical spacing apparatus for placement between a vertical dry wall member and a horizontal flooring panel. The flooring panel and the dry-wall member meet at right angles. The spacing apparatus comprises a horizontal front projecting element for placement on the top surface of the flooring panel joined to a vertical upwards projecting element for abutting adjacent to the vertical dry-wall member. The spacing apparatus comprises horizontal and vertical elements at right angles. Projecting vertically downwards from the right angle join between the horizontal and vertical elements is a spacing element having a predetermined thickness for creating a suitable spacing distance between the inward edge of the flooring panel and the bottom of the vertical dry-wall member thereby accommodating a suitable expansion distance for the flooring installation. The apparatus is easily installed and removed by hand by a flooring installer. |
| US08881416B2 |
Assembly and method for taping walls for painting stripes and patterns
Assemblies and methods for applying painter's tape to a wall for painting stripes and patterns on the wall wherein the assembly has a first elongated body defining a first straight outer edge and a first inner edge and having a first body length and a second elongated body defining a second straight outer edge and a second inner edge and having a second body length. The assembly also includes at least one arm having a first end rotatably coupled to the first elongated body and a second end rotatably coupled to the second elongated body, each of the arms having an arm length and configured to space the first elongated body apart from the second elongated body such that the first straight outer edge is a taping distance from the second straight outer edge. |
| US08881414B2 |
Inclination measurement devices and methods of use
Downhole tools are provided for measuring the inclination of a portion of a drill string. In certain embodiments, downhole tools for measuring inclination comprise a catch system for measuring inclination and a pressure pulse signaling system for communicating inclination measurement information to the surface. Catch systems for measuring inclination include a series of disc mounted on an upper shaft, each disc having a ball disposed thereon. |
| US08881413B2 |
Staff for electronic level
A staff for electronic level comprises a substrate where a short-range barcode 14 is engraved, and in the staff for electronic level, said short-range barcode is a barcode obtained by scaling down a barcode 13 for regular measurement and reversing the monochrome. |
| US08881410B2 |
Sharpener, especially for a cosmetic or pharmaceutical pencil
A sharpener for sharpening a pencil, in particular a cosmetic pencil, is especially suitable, when used correctly, for producing a particularly uniform outer jacket edge in the region of the pencil tip. The sharpener includes a sharpener body, in which a pencil guide channel is provided. The pencil guide channel has a circular cone-shaped channel section and opens out in a pencil inlet opening on the outer side of the sharpener body. A paring blade is positioned tangentially to the lateral surface of the channel section. The paring blade serves to pare off a pencil tip, which includes a front lead section and a rear outer jacket section. A shaping tool cuts a shoulder into the pencil tip, the shoulder being set back in relation to a circular cone-shaped enveloping surface of the pencil tip. The shaping tool is arranged relative to the pencil guide channel to insert the shoulder into the transition between the lead section and the outer jacket section of the pencil tip. |
| US08881407B2 |
Multifunctional pruning shears for one step cutting and step by step cutting
A multifunctional pruning shears for one step cutting and step by step cutting wherein a first cutting section, a first connection section and a first pivot section are disposed to a front section of a first scissor body of a first driving member; a second driving member has a second connection section; a front section of a second scissor body has a second cutting section, a driven section and a second pivot section; and the driven section is driven by a first linkage and a second linkage to prevent the pruning shears from being damaged due to excessive force imposing. |
| US08881404B1 |
Method of manufacturing a seamless metal clad polystyrene door
A method of making a seamless edge, metal clad door having foam or polystyrene core, wherein the seam can be welded by cold metal transfer (CMT) welding without melting the polystyrene. The welded seam is appropriately finished by grinding, if necessary, and painting to produce a door with completely seamless edges. The invention encompasses a seamless edge door manufactured by the disclosed process and equivalents thereof. |
| US08881387B2 |
Methods and apparatus for shielding circuitry from interference
This is directed to methods and apparatus for shielding a circuitry region of an electronic device from interference (e.g., EMI). A conductive dam may be formed about a periphery of the circuitry region. A non-conductive or electrically insulating fill may then be applied to the circuitry region within the dam. Next, a conductive cover may be applied above the fill. The cover may be electrically coupled to the dam. The dam may include two or more layers of conductive material stacked on top of one another. In some embodiments, the conductive cover may be pad printed or screen printed above the fill. In other embodiments, the conductive cover may be a conductive tablet that is melted above the fill. |
| US08881381B2 |
Method of manufacturing printed circuit board
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board, comprising: preparing a first carrier including a first pattern formed on one side thereof; preparing a second carrier including a first solder resist layer and a second pattern sequentially formed on one side thereof; pressing the first carrier and the second carrier such that the first pattern is embedded in one side of an insulation layer and the second pattern is embedded in the other side of the insulation layer and then removing the first carrier and the second carrier to fabricate two substrates; attaching the two substrates to each other using an adhesion layer such that the first solder resist layers face each other; and forming a via for connecting the first pattern with the second pattern in the insulation layer, forming a second solder resist on the insulation layer provided with the first pattern, and then removing the adhesion layer. |
| US08881380B2 |
Component mounting apparatus and method for photographing component
There is provided a component mounting apparatus, which includes: a nozzle which sucks a component; a nozzle supporting member, on which the nozzle is installed, which moves in a vertical direction with respect to an upper surface of a substrate on which the component sucked at the nozzle is mounted; an optical system which captures an image of a leading edge portion of the nozzle where the component is sucked in a component mounting operation, from a side direction, such that an optical axis of the optical system is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a sucking surface of the nozzle; and an analyzer which analyzes the image of the leading edge portion to determine whether a sucking state of the component sucked by the nozzle is normal or abnormal. |
| US08881377B2 |
Method for determining a critical dimension at a plane of interest from a measurement taken at a test plane
A method for determining a critical dimension of a structure along a plane of interest from a measurement along a test plane that is not necessarily located at the plane of interest. The method involves slicing a structure along a test plane and measuring a marker feature in this test plane. A determination of a critical dimension of a feature at the plane of interest is then determined based on the measurement of the marker feature measurement at the test plane. This testing methodology can be useful, for example in the measurement of a critical dimension of a write pole at an air bearing surface plane form a measurement of a test feature at a plane that is not necessarily located at the air bearing surface plane. |
| US08881374B1 |
Method of manufacturing for a disk drive head suspension for a fold over limiter
A method for manufacturing a disk drive head suspension including a load beam, a flexure and a limiter for restricting the range of motion of the flexure with respect to the load beam. The load beam includes an aperture and an engaged portion adjacent to the aperture. The flexure, in an unformed state, includes a slider mounting region and a generally planar engagement structure extending from the slider mounting region. The engagement structure includes a tab portion extending from the slider mounting region and a hook portion extending from the tab portion. During a first forming operation the hook portion is bent around a tooling die to a ninety degree angle with respect to the tab portion. The flexure is then welded to the load beam with the hook portion extending into the aperture. During a second forming operation the tab portion is bent around a tooling die to a ninety degree angle with respect to the slider mounting region. The second forming operation causes the hook to extend over the engaged portion of the load beam. The first and second forming operations can be performed with tooling moving only in a z-direction. |
| US08881366B2 |
Method of installing a quick change load wheel assembly
A load wheel assembly for a materials handling vehicle includes first and second spaced side members, at least one rotatable roller extending between the first and second side members. An interface structure provides a substantially rigid connection between the load wheel assembly and a mounting structure on the materials handling vehicle. The mounting structure includes a transverse bar and the interface structure includes a portion that engages and mates with the transverse bar to form a rigid connection between the interface structure and the transverse bar. |
| US08881365B2 |
Implantable graft device having treated yarn and method for making same
An implantable graft device having treated yarn is disclosed. The device comprises a graft body forming a lumen defining a longitudinal axis and comprising proximal and distal ends. The graft body comprises a woven fabric having warp yarns aligned in a first direction and a weft yarns aligned in a second direction. At least one of the weft yarns and the warp yarns has an agent applied thereto defining treated yarns of the graft body. |
| US08881362B2 |
Stator manufacturing method and stator
In a stator manufacturing method to manufacture a stator in which divided-core assemblies are arranged in a cylindrical shape, each of which includes a divided-core member having a teeth portion on which a coil is wound. In this method, the divided-core assemblies are inserted in the cylindrical shape into a fixed mold, resin sheets containing glass fibers or carbon fibers are disposed on coil-end portions of the cylindrically-arranged divided-core assemblies, and a slide part of a movable mold applies pressure to and molds the resin sheets, thereby combining the divided core assemblies into a single unit. The movable mold is operated to position the divided-core assemblies in place by a cylindrical part and then apply pressure to and mold the resin sheets by the slide part. |
| US08881360B2 |
Software and methods for automated pallet inspection and repair
An automated pallet inspection and repair apparatus comprises an inspection station and a repair station. The inspection station comprises a laser that illuminates a pallet, a camera that collects the reflected light and a computer system. The computer system analyses the output of the camera and acquires the pallet's geometry and topography. The design of the pallet is determined by the computer software. A decision to repair the pallet is made by comparing acquired pallet data against the design criteria. If the pallet needs repair, a recipe of repair steps is constructed by inspecting each of the pallet's elements. The recipe is transmitted to the automated repair station. |
| US08881351B2 |
Burial vault system and method
A concrete burial vault system having a layered construction of castable material encased in an inner liner and an outer casing of a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene utilizes the liner and casing as a mold for the concrete and enables monolithic molds with self-supporting securing tabs. This system allows the liner and casing to be manufactured at a central location and then transported to a plurality of use locations to be filled with concrete. The manufacturing method supports the system and provides an assembly advantage. |
| US08881346B2 |
Hinge device and base for hinge device
A hinge device has a base, a body removably provided at the base, and a mounting member rotatably connected to the body. The base has a base member, a first movable member disposed at the base member such that the first movable member is movable in a first direction and non-movable in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a second movable member disposed at the first movable member such that the second movable member is movable in the second direction and non-movable in the first direction, and the body removably attached to the second movable member. A first position adjustment mechanism is provided between the base member and the first movable member. The first position adjustment mechanism adjusts position of the first movable member with respect to the base member in the first direction. |
| US08881345B2 |
Leg attachment system
The leg attachment system has first component that has two plates that define a gap for receiving a plate of a second component therebetween in a snap-fit manner. The second component has a depending projection that receives a caster assembly and the lower plate of the first component has a slot to receive the projection. |
| US08881343B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner may include a dust separation device that separates dust and a dust container in which the dust separated in the dust separation device may be stored. |
| US08881335B2 |
Steam applicators
Steam applicators, steam applicator frames, and steam appliance systems in which a steam applicator can be maneuvered to clean and sanitize all kinds of surfaces, not merely floors. |
| US08881334B2 |
Bristles, bristle cartridges and brushes
In one particular embodiment, a basting device incorporates a handle body, having a handle portion and a working portion, and a bristle cartridge removably coupled to the working portion of the handle body. The bristle cartridge has a set of first bristles projecting outwardly from the cartridge in a first direction and a set of second bristles projecting outwardly from the cartridge in a second direction different from the first direction. At least one of the first and second bristles has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being attached to the bristle cartridge and the distal end having a slit therein extending from the distal end toward the proximal end. The slit has a width sized to cause fluid to be drawn into the slit through capillary action when the distal end of the bristle is submerged in the fluid. |
| US08881330B2 |
Method of operating a laundry treating appliance
A method for treating laundry in a clothes dryer having a rotating drum defining a treatment chamber that includes applying a treating chemistry. |
| US08881329B2 |
Easy to change automobile tires
Apparatus for installing and removing road wheels from a motor vehicle, which may include a powered jack permanently mountable to the vehicle and a powered tool for tightening and loosening lug nuts and screws. The jack is an assembly incorporating two screw operated jacks, each for lifting one corner of the vehicle. The jack may include a manual controller having a power cord which is inserted into the cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle and which selectively operates any of up to four screw operated jacks. The powered tool may include plural sockets for engaging all lug nuts and screws simultaneously. The jack and powered tool may each have respective power cords which are insertable into the cigarette lighter socket or alternatively into a power port of the manual controller. The invention may comprise a kit including one or more jacks, the powered tool and optionally a jack stand. |
| US08881328B2 |
Body support with fluid system and method of operating same
A body support assembly comprising a first layer (e.g., a visco-elastic foam) having a lower surface, and a second layer supporting the first layer and having an upper surface. One of the upper and lower surfaces is defined by a non-planar surface to define a plurality of passages. A fan is positioned to move air through the passages. Preferably, the non-planar surface comprises a plurality of protrusions (e.g., a convoluted surface). The body support can further comprise a sensor that detects a parameter and produces a signal, and a controller coupled to the sensor and programmed to control the fan. Multiple fans and sensors can be provided, and the controller can control the fans to provide different air flows through different locations of the body support assembly. A user interface can be coupled to the controller to allow selection of a desired parameter of the body support assembly. |
| US08881327B2 |
Evacuation sled for non-ambulatory patients
An evacuation sled for non-ambulatory patients preferably includes a plastic sheet having a plurality of handholds disposed about left and right side edges of the sheet, each handhold comprising an opening with a plastic reinforcement above the opening. A plurality of patient retention straps are coupled to the plastic sheet and are configured to secure a patient in the plastic sheet when the plastic sheet is curved upward about the patient. A pull strap is coupled through a head of the plastic sheet and is configured to permit a person to drag the patient strapped to the plastic sheet. Preferably, a foot strap is affixed to the head pull strap and coupled to a foot of the plastic sheet. The foot strap is configured to cause, when tension is applied to the head pull strap, at least one portion of the plastic sheet foot to raise upward and at least partially enclose the feet of the patient. |
| US08881325B2 |
Sleeper sofa
A convertible sofa-bed which is easy to convert between a sofa configuration and a bed configuration is provided. From a sofa configuration, a buttock-foot member may be pulled outward. Simultaneously, a head rest member and back rest member which are initially at a generally vertical position are traversed to a generally horizontal position. When the buttock-foot member is fully traversed outward (i.e., extended position), the head rest member, back rest member and the buttock-foot member are generally substantially coplanar and generally horizontal. This provides a firm bed. From the bed configuration, head rest member and the back rest member may be buckled to allow the buttock-foot member to be pushed inward. The buttock-foot member is then pushed fully inward (i.e., retracted position) until the head rest member and the back rest member are in the generally vertical position with the buttock-foot member and back rest member forming a seat. |
| US08881323B2 |
Domestic appliance
A receptacle of a hand washing station includes a heat exchanger having an external surface for thermally contacting a relatively hot fluid and an internal surface for thermally contacting a relatively cold fluid. The external surface of the heat exchanger forms at least part of the external surface of the receptacle. |
| US08881312B2 |
Disposable bib
A disposable bib having a flexible bib body to cover at least a portion of the user's torso, wherein the bib body has a torso side and an outward side; at least one fastener attached to the bib to attach the bib to the user; an absorbent wipe fixably attached to the outward side of the bib body where the wipe is spread approximately flat and is ready to use; and a releasable cover sealingly attached to the body of the bib on the border that fully covers the wipe; wherein the cover fully encloses and seals the wipe; wherein the cover can be partially or fully removed from the bib body by pulling down, thereby exposing the wipe, and wherein the wipe can be manipulated while attached to the bib body to clean the user. |
| US08887311B1 |
Scanning probe microscope
A scanning probe microscope that facilitates the optical axis adjustment operation at the time of initial cantilever installation and at the time of cantilever replacement. During the optical axis adjustment operation, markers are displayed on the video camera image at the cantilever and laser light center of luminance locations, and the markers, which follow the movement of the laser light location, are visually monitored and superposed. Furthermore, optical axis adjustment for a new cantilever is performed using marker location coordinate data stored after the initial optical axis adjustment. Moreover, by setting the target location coordinates, the direction of movement of laser light and the distance to the target location can be ascertained numerically. |
| US08887309B2 |
Method and apparatus for information carrier authentication
The present invention relates to a method of enabling authentication of an information carrier (105), the information carrier (105) comprising a writeable part (155) and a physical token (125) arranged to supply a response upon receiving a challenge, the method comprising the following steps; applying a first challenge (165) to the physical token (125) resulting in a first response (170), and detecting the first response (170) of the physical token (125) resulting in a detected first response data (175), the method being characterized in that it further comprises the following steps; forming a first authentication data (180) based on information derived from the detected first response data (175), signing the first authentication data (180), and writing the signed authentication data (185) in the writeable part (155) of the information carrier (105). The invention further relates to a method of authentication of an information carrier (105), as well as to devices for both enabling authentication as well as authentication of an information carrier (105). |
| US08887307B2 |
Method and system for using location information acquired from GPS for secure authentication
Secure functions may be accessed via an authentication process utilizing a password that may be generated within a chip integrated on a device. The password may be unique per chip location, per challenge and/or per chip. The location of the chip may be determined based on GPS information and securely stored and securely communicated to an external entity. Two or more of the chip location, a generated random number sample and a key from a table of keys may be passed to a hash function that may generate a password. An external entity attempting access may be challenged to respond with a password that matches the password generated by the hash function. The response may be compared with the password generated by the hash function and access to one or more secure functions may be granted based on the comparison. |
| US08887304B2 |
System and method for processing user rights
A system and method for processing entitlement rights are disclosed. The method, in one aspect, provides for storing content at a first time, receiving a request for playback of the content at a second time, and processing a user right associated with the content to authenticate the user right in response to the request for playback, wherein the user right is authenticated based upon a state of the user right at the first time. |
| US08887303B2 |
Method and system of processing annotated multimedia documents using granular and hierarchical permissions
The invention relates to a method and apparatus of processing at least one multimedia document, comprising the steps of determining at least one segment of the document, and assigning at least one type of permission to said at least one segment, wherein the type of permission assigned to a segment of the document is available for later use when processing the document. |
| US08887301B2 |
Method and system for classifying and redacting segments of electronic documents
A method for classifying and redacting electronic documents, for example an email message, is described. The classification and redaction of segments of the email message are based on rules. Using the rules, multiple versions of the email message, each corresponding to recipients with specific clearance levels are generated. A selective redacting of certain segments of the email message concurrently with sending previously redacted segments of the same email message is described. A corresponding system for classifying and redacting electronic documents is also provided. |
| US08887298B2 |
Updating and validating documents secured cryptographically
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to updating and validating documents secured cryptographically. In aspects, documents are encrypted to protect them from unauthorized access. An entity having write access to a document may create a new version of the document and sign the new version with a private key. Other entities may validate that the new version of the document was created by an authorized entity by using a public key available in security data associated with the version. The entities that are authorized to create a new version may change which security principals are allowed to create subsequent versions. |
| US08887293B2 |
Method, system, and storage medium for secure communication utilizing social networking sites
Embodiments disclosed herein provide secure communication among enterprise users utilizing social networking sites. A server computer may encrypt a post intended for a social networking site and forward the encrypted data or may save the post locally and send a placeholder to the social networking site. The server may receive a message from the social networking site containing the encrypted data or placeholder and determine that a recipient is authorized to view the original post. The server may then decrypt the data or retrieve the original post for servicing the request. In this way, authorized users of an enterprise can utilize social networking sites, which are independently owned and operated, to communicate with each other in a secure manner. |
| US08887292B2 |
Method for encrypting and embedding information in a URL for content delivery
A method for accessing a remote network includes identifying a content server associated with the remote network, generating a uniform resource locator, embedding additional data in the uniform resource locator, encrypting the uniform resource locator, and accessing a server in the remote network identified by the uniform resource locator. The method further includes wherein the additional data comprises authentication data, a delivery session identification, a time stamp, or comprises subscriber identification data. The URL may provide access to the content server for a time period indicated by the time stamp. The method includes wherein at least the subscriber identification data prevents unauthorized sharing of the URL. |
| US08887290B1 |
Method and system for content protection for a browser based content viewer
Embodiments as disclosed herein may utilize one or more of a set of security measures to protect digital content distributed to browser based viewers to protect this digital content against improper, unintended or undesired uses. |
| US08887288B2 |
Method of detecting software falsification, apparatus configured to detect software falsification, and computer-readable storage medium
A method of detecting falsification of software installed in an apparatus includes the steps of (a) encrypting software configuration information of the apparatus at the time of installing the software using an encryption and decryption unit specific to the apparatus, and storing the encrypted software configuration information outside the apparatus, (b) decrypting the encrypted software configuration information of the apparatus at the time of installing the software, stored outside the apparatus, using the encryption and decryption unit specific to the apparatus, and (c) determining the presence or absence of the falsification of the software by comparing the software configuration information of the apparatus at the time of installing the software obtained by step (b) and the current software configuration information of the apparatus. |
| US08887286B2 |
Continuous anomaly detection based on behavior modeling and heterogeneous information analysis
The present disclosure describes a continuous anomaly detection method and system based on multi-dimensional behavior modeling and heterogeneous information analysis. A method includes collecting data, processing and categorizing a plurality of events, continuously clustering the plurality of events, continuously model building for behavior and information analysis, analyzing behavior and information based on a holistic model, detecting anomalies in the data, displaying an animated and interactive visualization of a behavioral model, and displaying an animated and interactive visualization of the detected anomalies. |
| US08887284B2 |
Exfiltration testing and extrusion assessment
An improved technique employs an automated agent inside the network perimeter, which generates and sends data packets to a listener outside the network perimeter. Along these lines, the automated agent generates data packets over a specified range of security parameters including port number, payload format, and communications protocol. The agent attempts to send these data packets across the network boundary through a firewall at an egress or other point of the network. The listener receives the data packets and analyzes the payload content of each received data packet for each value of the security parameters (e.g., port number, file type, and protocol). The listener then sends the results of the analysis to a report generator, which summarizes the analysis for an administrator of the network. |
| US08887283B2 |
Content filtering of remote file-system access protocols
Methods and systems for content filtering of remote file-system access protocols are provided. According to one embodiment, a remote file-system access protocol request issued by a client to a server is received at a network device logically interposed between the client and the server. The request is issued to the server by the network device. A single shared holding buffer, used for both read and write accesses to the file and used by multiple processes running on the client, is implemented by the network device for the file during a remote file-system access protocol session. Data being read from or written to the file as a result of the request is buffered into the buffer. Responsive to a predetermined event in relation to the remote file-system access protocol or the buffer, the existence or non-existence of malicious, dangerous or unauthorized content is determined by performing content filtering on the buffer. |
| US08887280B1 |
Distributed denial-of-service defense mechanism
Denial-of-service protection for a computing device on a first network is disclosed. In an embodiment, a packet containing a network address corresponding to a computing device on the first network is received from a source address of a second network by a gateway device. The packet includes a request to initiate a connection to the computing device on the first network. In response, an acknowledgement is transmitted to the source address. The acknowledgement includes sequence information sufficient to establish the requested connection, including a unique identifier. Subsequently received packets addressed to the network address of the computing device are forwarded by the gateway device to a corresponding network address of the computing device on the first network upon verifying a response to the acknowledgement. |
| US08887279B2 |
Distributed real-time network protection for authentication systems
Information about security events detected by a group of protected web-connected resources is centrally managed in order to detect distributed attacks and slow paced attacks by providing to a plurality of web-connected resources a deployment component which couples to a native authorization service of each web-connected resource; receiving a plurality of security event reports from one or more of the deployment components by a command and control center computer; based on collected information from the plurality of security event reports, determining a threat level indicator across the plurality of web-connected resources using one or more analyses and metrics; and transmitting the threat level indicator to each of the web-connected resources. |
| US08887276B2 |
System for providing a secure video display
A system for providing a secure video display using a one-way data link. An input interface for receives a video stream signal. The one-way data link has an input node coupled to receive the input video stream signal and an output node. A processing system is coupled to the output node of the one-way data link and is configured to run a predetermined operating system. In an embodiment, a video display software program operates within the predetermined operating system to process the video stream signal received from the output node of the one-way data link and to provide an output signal for viewing on a display coupled to the processing system. Optionally, the video display program operates within a virtual operating system running within the predetermined operating system. In other embodiments, the video display program may process a video stream signal containing a plurality of different video programs. |
| US08887273B1 |
Evaluating relying parties
Determining reputation information is disclosed. A honey token is included in an online identity data. The honey token is to monitor for misuse of all or part of the online identity data. Optionally, information associated with at least one use of the honey token is aggregated with other reputation information. |
| US08887266B2 |
Method for computing network reachability
A method is provided for computing network reachability in a computer network. The method includes: identifying each of the subnetworks that comprise a computer network; determining, for each pair of subnetworks, data paths between the two subnetworks; for each identified data path, identifying access control lists implemented along a given data path and formulating a diagram that merges reachability sets derived from the access control lists along the given data path; and, deriving, for each pair of subnetworks, a set of network packets that can traverse between the subnetworks from the formulated diagrams. |
| US08887264B2 |
Multi-identity access control tunnel relay object
In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a system and method for establishing a secure tunnel between a client device and a remote server utilizing multiple user identities, and in some embodiments, a client device identity, to authenticate access to the remote server. |
| US08887260B2 |
Token-based access control
Systems and methods for enabling token-based access control to data are provided. In particular, some embodiments use a token-based access management system to allow or restrict an individual's ability to access data. The access management system uses tokens to define rules (e.g., a Boolean matching rule or algorithm that results in a true/false output indicating the decision) within the access management system to determine if the token is valid and if the individual should be granted access to the requested data. Tokens may further have tool constraints for controlling access. In some cases, the tokens may expire upon completion of a task or after a pre-set amount of time. A generic workflow utilizing tokens and at least one specific workflow showing employees utilizing tokens as part of performing a task responsive to a user. |
| US08887258B2 |
Apparatus and method of binding a removable module to an access terminal
The described apparatus and methods may include a processor, a memory in communication with the processor, a removable module in communication with the processor and operable to store data, an initialization component executable by the processor and configured to initialize the removable module, and an authentication component executable by the processor and configured to: receive a command from the removable module to perform an authentication operation, wherein the command is a standard message having a command qualifier value or code that represents an authentication challenge; obtain a random value from the removable module in response to the command; calculate a response based on the random value and a terminal key stored in the memory; and transmit the response to the removable module. |
| US08887250B2 |
Techniques for accessing desktop applications using federated identity
Techniques for extending federation services to access desktop applications are herein described. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. |