| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08882711B2 |
Insertion device for a medical conduit
The invention provides an insertion device for insertion of conduits into a body that, before and following deployment of the conduit into the body, has no components that require insertion into or removal from the device. Additionally, the device includes a component that not only prevents re-use or reopening of the device once it is activated, but also provides feedback to the user in the form of a resistance force to activation that must be overcome by the user to deploy the conduit. |
| US08882706B2 |
Pen needle removal device for a drug delivery device
A removal device (121, 221) for removing and disposing of a pen needle (113, 213) connectable to a drug delivery device (111, 211) includes a body (123, 223) having a cavity (141, 241) for receiving the pen needle of the drug delivery device such that a patient end (116, 216) of a needle (115, 215) of the pen needle is covered by the body. An ejector (151, 251) is movably connected to the body (123, 223) for engaging the received pen needle (113, 213) and selectively ejecting the engaged pen needle from the body. The pen needle (113, 213) is securely retained within the removal device (121, 221) without exposing the needle (115, 215) of the pen needle until the pen needle (113, 213) can be properly disposed of, such as in a sharps container, thereby substantially preventing an accidental needle stick. |
| US08882703B2 |
Drug delivery in association with medical or surgical procedures
Disclosed are various methods and devices for facilitating medical and/or procedures that are performed without “general anesthesia,” which is also described in the specification as the state of patient “unconsciousness” resulting from a drug administered by an anesthetist or anesthesiologist. The devices safely and effectively provide and maintain drug infusions that do not push the patient into unconsciousness and/or general anesthesia. Devices according to embodiments of the invention include the use of stored parameters and/or values that correlate to drug delivery during a procedure, and a patient health monitor to measure and send signals regarding a patient health condition to a processor or other computational device. |
| US08882700B2 |
Smart patient transfer set for peritoneal dialysis
A peritoneal dialysis system includes: a dialysis fluid container associated with an identifier; a reader for reading the identifier; a signal transmitter for communicating data based on the identifier; and a patient transfer set for semi-permanent connection to a patient, the patient transfer set including: (i) a signal receiver for receiving the data sent by the signal transmitter, (ii) an output device for communicating with the patient, and (iii) electronics configured to receive the data and command the output device to communicate with the patient accordingly. |
| US08882699B2 |
Implantable fluid management system for the removal of excess fluid
An implantable fluid management device, designed to drain excess fluid from a variety of locations in a living host into a second location within the host, such as the bladder of that host. The device may be used to treat ascites, chronic pericardial effusions, normopressure hydrocephalus, hydrocephalus, pulmonary edema, or any fluid collection within the body of a human, or a non-human mammal. |
| US08882696B2 |
Blood reservoir with a separate vent and a sucker chambers
The present invention consists of a venous blood reservoir that has a separate blood chamber to filter vent blood and a separate chamber to filter sucker blood. The two blood chambers are separated by a common wall and are in fluid communication along their top assuring that vacuum applied to the top of either is equally applied to the other. A mean to form communication across the wall allows the user to either accumulate sucker blood in its chamber while letting vent blood to flow freely to the venous blood chamber. Alternately, user can let the blood in the sucker chamber to combine with the venous blood freely too. |
| US08882694B2 |
Implantable three-way diaphragm valve
An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a valve including a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion of the housing defines a first and second nozzle, and the bottom portion of the housing defines an opening. A diaphragm has an open position and a closed position, and the diaphragm is disposed between the top portion of the housing and the bottom portion of the housing. A first fluid flow path between the first nozzle and the second nozzle is defined by the housing and the diaphragm, when the diaphragm is in the closed position. A second fluid flow path between the opening and the first nozzle is defined by the housing and the diaphragm, when the diaphragm is in the open position. Such a valve can be used for a number of purposes including hemodialysis procedures. |
| US08882691B2 |
Nail correcting device and medical set for nail correction
A device includes: a cylindrical body formed of an elastic material; and a slit formed along a longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body from one end to an opposite end of the cylindrical body, a distal end of a nail being inserted to be held in the slit. The cylindrical body includes: plural pairs of holding teeth plurally divided in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body by dividing grooves formed from the slit along a circumferential direction of the cylindrical body such that the holding teeth of each pair are opposed to each other across the slit to hold the distal end of the nail; and coupling pieces configured to couple adjacent ones of the holding teeth on an opposite side of the slit. |
| US08882687B2 |
Negative pressure treatment system with heating and cooling provision
A method, and apparatus for the controlled acceleration, and/or retardation of the body's inflammatory response generally comprises a foam pad for insertion substantially into a wound site, a heating, a cooling pad for application over the wound site, a wound drape or sealing enclosure of the foam pad, the heating, and cooling pad at wound site. The foam pad is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of the controlled acceleration or retardation of the body's inflammatory response. The heating, and cooling provision controls the local metabolic function as part of the inflammatory response. |
| US08882686B2 |
Movable massage device
A movable massage device is capable of overcoming the fixed-point type massage device and is provided with an outer housing, a toothed bar, an inner housing, a driven assembly, a drive assembly, a first massage head and a second massage head. With the cooperation of the driven and drive assemblies, the inner housing is able to drive the first and second massage heads to reciprocate transversely within the outer housing, to perform a local massage in a non-fixed-point manner. |
| US08882682B2 |
Systems and methods for intubation
An intubation device is provided. An intubation device comprises a movable guide configured to guide an insertion of an endotracheal tube into a trachea of a patient, the guide having a guide extension and a guide tip; an external trachea identifier source external to the trachea and disposed on the patient during an intubation, wherein the trachea identifier source generates and transmits a signal; at least one trachea condition sensor disposed on the guide tip to detect the signal generated by the trachea identifier source; and a guide control device operatively coupled to the guide, the guide control device configured to move the guide into the trachea in response to the detected signal. |
| US08882681B2 |
Through-cradle soft tissue biopsy device
Among other things, there is disclosed a biopsy needle having a cutting cannula axially slidable over an inner stylet. The inner stylet has a proximal portion connected to a distal portion that includes first and second spaced-apart struts. The distal portion has a tissue penetrating tip and the stylet defines a sample-containment space between the struts having first and second radially opposed lateral openings thereto. The sample-containment space of the stylet readily accepts tissue through either of the lateral openings such that a near full core of tissue can be sampled. |
| US08882680B2 |
Insertable endoscopic instrument for tissue removal
An improved flexible endoscopic instrument to precisely and efficiently obtains samples of flat polyps and multiple polyps from a patient by debriding one or more polyps and retrieving the debrided polyps without having to alternate between using a separate cutting tool and a separate sample retrieving tool and may be used with an endoscope. In one aspect, the cutting tool is coupled to a flexible torque coil or torque rope that is configured to transfer rotational energy from a powered actuator through the length of the endoscope onto the cutting tool. |
| US08882679B2 |
Neural monitoring system
A neural monitoring system for detecting an induced response of a muscle to a stimulus provided within an intracorporeal treatment area of a human subject includes a mechanical sensor configured to be placed in mechanical communication with the muscle and to generate a mechanomyography output signal corresponding to a sensed mechanical movement of the muscle, and a receiver in communication with the mechanical sensor. The receiver is configured to: receive the mechanomyography output signal from the mechanical sensor; compute a time derivative of the sensed muscle movement from the mechanomyography output signal; compare the computed time derivative to a threshold; and indicate that the sensed mechanical movement of the muscle was induced by the provided intracorporeal stimulus if the computed time derivative exceeds the threshold. |
| US08882675B2 |
Methods and apparatus for ultrasound imaging
Some embodiments include acquisition of color Doppler data, detection of one or more transitions of the color Doppler data, each of the one or more transitions being between a first area representing flow velocity in a first direction and a second area representing flow velocity not in the first direction, and application of a first set of aliasing corrections to the color Doppler data to generate second color Doppler data. For each of the one or more transitions, a first energy function is calculated based on the one or more pairs of color Doppler values in the second color Doppler data, and a first total energy function associated with the first set of aliasing corrections is determined based on the calculated first energy functions. Next, a second total energy function associated with a second set of aliasing corrections is determined based on calculated second energy functions. |
| US08882673B2 |
Continuous transversus abdominis plane block
A procedure and kit are provided for performing an ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) procedure. The patient's abdomen is scanned with an ultrasound probe to identify and mark the external oblique, internal oblique, and TAP. An introducer sheath is placed over a fluid delivery needle such that the distal end of the needle extends beyond the distal end of the sheath, the needle having echogenic properties for ultrasound imaging. The needle and sheath are ultrasonically guided into the TAP. A local anesthetic or saline/anesthetic combination is injected through the needle to create a liquid pool in the TAP. The needle is removed from the sheath while maintaining the sheath within the TAP and a catheter is subsequently advanced through the sheath and into the pooled liquid in the TAP. The sheath is withdrawn while maintaining the catheter located within the TAP. A catheter is connected to a source of local anesthetic for providing a defined volume of anesthetic to the catheter site at a controlled delivery rate. |
| US08882670B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring constituent concentrations within a biological tissue structure
Apparatus for minimally invasively measuring concentrations of constituents contained within a biological tissue structure includes a microwave energy source arranged generate a range of microwave frequencies, a first antenna coupled to the microwave energy source and arranged to transmit at least a portion of the microwave energy into the tissue structure, a second antenna arranged to receive at least a portion of the microwave energy transmitted through the tissue structure, a signal processor arranged to determine the resonant frequency of the received microwave energy, and a data processor arranged to provide an output of the concentration of constituents within the biological tissue structure according to the determined resonant frequency. |
| US08882668B2 |
Method and process for body composition management
A weight management method and system measures and utilizes an individual's specific body composition and metabolic rates to provide a nutritional plan designed to the individual's specific weight management goals, including weight loss, weight gain or weight control. The system is composed of four primary components: 1) body composition testing; 2) metabolic rate testing; 3) Registered Dietitian counseling; and 4) message therapy. These components are utilized to provide a system that utilizes behavior modification and stress management to allow the individual to meet his or her weight management goals through a healthy, stable process. |
| US08882667B2 |
Accessories for remote monitoring
An accessory for remote monitoring, including: a body capable of being placed on a human body; a measurement unit installed in the body and measuring a change in surroundings; a signal processing unit for processing a signal acquired from the measurement unit; and a wireless communication unit including a monopole antenna transmitting the signal processed by the signal processing unit and a ground installed along the body, corresponding to the monopole antenna. The signal processing unit and the monopole antenna are manufactured in a small size to be formed in the accessories body or periphery of the accessories body, and a space for wiring the ground may be obtained by using a band or the accessories body in an extended shape. |
| US08882666B1 |
Personal health monitoring and/or communication system
Monitoring systems are provided for monitoring physiologic parameters of at least one subject. The systems generally include a monitoring device or a plurality of monitoring devices, and a transmission device associated with the one or the plurality of the monitoring devices. The monitoring device(s) includes at least one physiologic sensor for measuring at least one physiologic parameter of a subject and a wireless communication unit. The transmission device includes at least one communication unit for communicating with the monitoring device wirelessly and for communicating with a remote computer. The monitoring device(s) communicate data measured with the monitoring device to the transmission device wirelessly and the transmission device communicates the measured data to the remote computer. |
| US08882662B2 |
Interface for viewing video from cameras on a surgical visualization system
A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices. |
| US08882660B2 |
Robotic system for flexible endoscopy
A robotic manipulator controller and system for use in flexible endoscopy, the manipulator comprising a flexible member configured to be coupled to an endoscope, and an arm connected to and movable by the flexible member, wherein the flexible member has a first end connected to the arm and a second end connectable to the controller to allow a physical movement of the arm to be controllable by a physical movement of the controller. |
| US08882659B2 |
Endoscopic device
An endoscopic device includes a proximal side contact portion coming into air-tight contact with an outer peripheral portion of the insertion section, and a cavity is defined between the insertion section and a fixed member to a distal direction side of the proximal side contact portion. In a protruding state of a hood, a first path which makes an inside of the hood communicate with the cavity is defined, and the hood is in air-tight contact with the fixed member over an entire circumference in circumferential directions at a distal side contact portion. In a housed state of the hood, a second path which makes the cavity to communicate with an outside of the fixed member is defined. |
| US08882658B2 |
Endoscope system
An endoscope system includes: an endoscope that has a light guiding member that guides an illuminating light, an optical system that irradiates the illuminating light onto an object, and a drive portion that rocks the light guiding member so that the illuminating light is irradiated along a predetermined scanning pattern; a coordinate information acquisition portion that can identify an irradiation position; a storage portion in which information regarding chromatic aberration of magnification caused by the optical system, is previously stored a correction information acquisition portion that, upon detecting that light of the predetermined wavelength band is irradiated onto a position corresponding to a predetermined image height, detects an aberration amount of the light of the other wavelength band and outputs image correction information that corrects chromatic aberration of magnification based on the aberration amount; and an image processing portion that performs image correction processing based on the image correction information. |
| US08882655B2 |
Implantable access port system
An implantable injection port comprises a base. A first gear is coupled to the base, and a first anchor is coupled to the first gear. A second gear is coupled to the base, and a second anchor is coupled to the second gear. A top portion of the injection port is spaced apart from the base of the port and has a first plurality of top teeth that engage with a first plurality of gear teeth on the first gear. This engagement occurs prior to rotation of the second gear. The top portion rotates, which causes rotation of the first gear, which in turn causes movement of the first anchor through the anchor opening of the base and into the tissue of the patient. The first gear and the second gear rotate non-simultaneously. |
| US08882654B2 |
Method for treating fecal incontinence
A method for treating fecal incontinence in a body of a mammal having a rectum formed by a rectal wall extending to an anus wherein the rectal wall includes a sphincter muscle surrounding the anus. At least one nonaqueous solution is introduced into the rectal wall in the vicinity of the anus. A nonbiodegradable solid is formed in the rectal wall from the at least one nonaqueous solution. |
| US08882653B2 |
Methods and systems for performing a medical procedure
Method and system for treating a patient using a compressible, pressure-attenuating device. According to one embodiment, the system is used to treat urinary tract disorders and can include one or more of an access device, a delivery device, a pressure-attenuating device, and a removal device. The access device may be used to create a passageway to an anatomical structure, such as the patient's bladder. The delivery device may be inserted through the passageway created by the access device and may be used to deliver the pressure-attenuating device to the anatomical structure. The removal device may be inserted through the passageway created by the access device and may be used to view the bladder and/or to capture, to deflate and to remove the pressure-attenuating device. |
| US08882651B2 |
Magnetic stimulation coils with electrically conducting structures
The present invention introduces a novel apparatus (5) for providing magnetic stimuli to the human brain, the apparatus (5) comprising a casing (4) and at least one coil winding (1) adapted to carry electrical current and enclosed within the casing (4) as well as cooling means (2) situated in thermal connection with the coil (1) and comprising a body made of electrically conductive and non-magnetic material so that the mutual inductance between the coil (1) and the cooling means (2) is essentially zero. |
| US08882649B2 |
Folding device and sheet folding method
The folding device includes a folding unit and a prior moving unit. The folding unit performs the folding process on the paper aligned by the alignment member positioned at the folding position. The prior moving unit moves the alignment member from the folding position to the home position or the alignment position according to a position of the end of the paper being moved in the folding process. This can put ahead the starting time for moving the alignment members and reduce the time required for a subsequent folding process, thereby improving efficiency (productivity) of the folding process as a whole. |
| US08882646B2 |
Semiconductive roller, charging roller and electrophotographic apparatus
The semiconductive roller according to the present invention includes: a roller body having an outer peripheral surface made of a semiconductive rubber composition; and an oxide film covering the outer peripheral surface of the roller body, while the semiconductive rubber composition contains a base polymer and a crosslinking component for crosslinking the base polymer, the base polymer is a mixture of a bicopolymer E containing epichlorohydrin and nitrile-butadiene rubber N, the mass ratio E/N of the bicopolymer E and the nitrile-butadiene rubber N in the mixture is 50/50 to 80/20, and the crosslinking component includes a thiourea-based crosslinking component for crosslinking the bicopolymer E and a sulfur-based vulcanizing component for vulcanizing the nitrile-butadiene rubber N. |
| US08882645B2 |
Partially stabilized exercise device mounted with elastic resistance members
An exercise device for developing strength, balance coordination and flexibility of the arms, legs, back, abdominals and stabilizer muscles of the user. The exercise device includes a large, spherically-shaped, resilient exercise ball having a flat planar base insert with a set of elastic resistance members to perform various resistance training exercises. |
| US08882644B2 |
Compressive resistance means and exercise device
An exercise device (10) is provided with a twist cap (14) spaced apart from a base cap (12) with a resistance assembly (52) therebetween. The resistance assembly (52) includes a spring (20), a rotating member (26) that rotates with the twist cap (14), and a translating member (30) threadably engaged to the rotating member (26) and configured to variably deform the spring (20) due to rotation of the twist cap (14) in order to adjust the resistance level. An annularly pleated sidewall (16) and a vent means (18) may be included to provide a further resistance means. The exerciser compresses the twist cap (14) towards the base cap (12) to experience both compressive and bending resistance. |
| US08882643B1 |
Method and system for functional training
An exercise system provides a bed component having a frame portion and a liner portion disposed in the frame portion. The frame is formed to provide a pair of upwardly extended opposed wings. A ball component is sized to fit between the upwardly extended opposed wings of the bed frame portion and selectively removable therefrom, so that the bed component and the ball component are selectively utilized independently for exercise or combined into a unified exercise apparatus. The exercise system further provides a plurality of recommended exercise regimens for utilizing the bed component and the ball component, separately or in combination, for exercise. Each one of the plurality of recommended exercise regimens is assigned a unique color code. The plurality of recommended exercise regimens is available to a user on a subscription basis. |
| US08882642B2 |
Medicine ball device
A medicine ball device having a shell portion with an internal cavity formed therein and an outside surface. A weight is located in the internal cavity. A pair of hand grips extends out of the shell portion at opposite sides thereof. A pair of elongate loop handles extend out of the shell portion from opposite sides of the shell portion, which elongate loop handles pass through the medicine ball device. The loop handles are formed as a strap that engages with the weight to prevent the elongate loop handles from being pulled out of the medicine ball device. A number of attachments accessible from outside of the shell portion are used to attach other devices to the medicine ball device. |
| US08882640B2 |
Treadmill
An improved treadmill includes a pedestal, arm stand, drag wheel, two swinging rods and pedals, a stride regulating mechanism, and two elbow-type drive connecting rods. The arm stand is set vertically onto the pedestal's mounting surface. The drag wheel is pivoted axially onto the pedestal through a vertical framework. A mandrel is set transversely onto the center of the drag wheel. Two swinging rods have the pivotal end pivoted onto the pedestal and located at a spacing on two sides of the drag wheel. Two pedals are separately set onto the swinging ends of two swinging rods. Two elbow-type drive connecting rods are linked separately to the mandrel and two swinging rods of the drag wheel, and the stride regulating mechanism is set between two swinging rods. The treadmill has less driving members, lower manufacturing and assembly cost and better driving performance. |
| US08882639B2 |
Interactive athletic equipment system
Systems and techniques for the collection and display of athletic information. Athletic data relating to a single person or group of people is collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed at a desired remote location so that the person or people can review and critique their performance. In addition, athletic data for multiple persons can be collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed to a user at a desired remote location, so that the user can compare his or her athletic activities to others. |
| US08882637B2 |
Fitness facility equipment distribution management
A system and method manage distribution of fitness equipment units based upon automatically collected usage information for the fitness equipment units. |
| US08882636B2 |
Adjusting clutch slip based on sensed parameter of transmission shaft to control NVH level in vehicle powertrain
A vehicle powertrain includes a transmission and a clutch. The slip of the clutch is adjusted to a target where a magnitude of a sensed parameter of a shaft of the transmission corresponds to a desired noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) level in the powertrain. The sensed parameter of the transmission shaft may be one of acceleration, speed, and torque of the transmission shaft. The transmission shaft may be one of the input shaft and output shaft of the transmission. |
| US08882635B2 |
Controlling an automatic vehicle restart on a hill
A method for controlling a vehicle on an uphill incline includes automatically shifting a transmission to first gear, automatically stopping the engine, using wheel torque to maintain a one-way clutch engaged and to hold a transmission component against rotation, preventing vehicle rollback by automatically engaging a target gear and tying-up the transmission automatically restarting the engine, and automatically reengaging first gear. |
| US08882629B2 |
Multi-stage automatic transmission
A multi-stage automatic transmission in which planet gear mechanisms, external gears and friction elements are combined in order to realize nine forward gears and one rearward gear having excellent operating conditions for friction elements and superior shift range ratios, thereby achieving excellent power performance and fuel efficiency. |
| US08882628B2 |
Multiple speed transmission
Four planetary gear sets, three rotating clutches, and two brakes can be arranged to produce eight forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio. The first and fourth gear sets can be substantially coplanar with each other, and the second and third gear sets can be substantially coplanar with each other. The lowest forward speed ratio could be suitable for use as a special purpose low range ratio, while the remaining seven forward ratios can provide adequate span for normal driving. |
| US08882623B2 |
Drive system and method for changing driving ranges of the drive system
A drive system includes a first power branch and a second power branch. The first power branch includes a continuously variable transmission unit. The first power branch and the second power branch are connected by means of a summation gear. The summation gear includes a first, a second, and a third gear element. An output shaft of the continuously variable transmission unit is rotationally fixed to the first gear element. The second drive element can be connected to the output shaft of the first power branch. The third gear element is rotationally fixed to a mechanical transmission branch of the second power branch. |
| US08882622B2 |
Hybrid drive system
An electric drive device including an input member drivably coupled to an internal combustion engine, a first rotary electric machine, a second rotary electric machine disposed on an axis different from that of the first rotary electric machine, an output member drivably coupled to wheels and the second rotary electric machine, a power distribution device that distributes torque transferred from the input member to the output member and the first rotary electric machine, and a case. |
| US08882621B2 |
Friction drive belt
A friction drive belt includes: an adhesion rubber layer having a core wire embedded therein so as to form a helical pattern having a pitch in a lateral direction of the belt; a compression rubber layer provided on a surface of the adhesion rubber layer located on an inner side of the belt, and serving as a portion that is to contact pulleys, and a backing rubber layer provided on a surface of the adhesion rubber layer located on an outer side of the belt, and serving as a back portion of the belt. A ratio of tensile stress at 10% elongation of a rubber composition forming the adhesion rubber layer to that of a rubber composition forming the backing rubber layer is 1.77 or more, as measured in a longitudinal direction of the belt at an ambient temperature of 25° C. according to JIS K 6251. |
| US08882619B2 |
Sprocket for rear wheel of a bicycle
The present invention relates to a sprocket for use with a bicycle, the sprocket for use with a multi-sprocket assembly and chain, wherein the sprocket is made from a light but comparatively soft material and does not have shifting aids in the form of recesses and notches on the sprocket teeth where the chain rollers are in contact with the load flanks of the teeth. |
| US08882616B2 |
Racket and a process that allows the entire length of the racket handle accessible to receive insertable and removable cartridge carriers of various weights for play testing and racket customization
Rackets and a process that allows up to the entire length of a racket handle to receive various weight carriers enabling for selective control of overall weight, distribution of weight, balance point, swing weight, racket customization, and equalization between rackets are disclosed. |
| US08882614B2 |
Pitching rubber
The present invention is directed to pitching rubbers for baseball. More particularly, the invention relates to a four-sided, solid pitching rubber which provides an all-in-one durable construction with improved performance characteristics. Included in embodiments is a pitching rubber with a solid rubber body having a hollow core lengthwise through a rectangular block, wherein the hollow core has a width or diameter of about 50% or less of block width, and wherein the rubber has a Shore A hardness of about 75+/−5, a tensile strength ranging from about 8-12 MPA, and an elongation at break of about 300-600%. Pitching rubbers according to embodiments of the invention are capable of resisting packing and tamping weight without deformation of the rubber body. |
| US08882610B2 |
Golf ball
A golf ball 2 includes a spherical core 4, a mid layer 6 outside the core 4, and a cover 8 outside the mid layer 6. The core 4 includes a spherical center 10 and an envelope layer 12 outside the center 10. At all points P included in a zone that extends over a distance range from equal to or greater than 1 mm to equal to or less than 15 mm from the central point of the core 4, the following mathematical formula is satisfied. −5 |
| US08882609B2 |
Golf club head or other ball striking device with face having modulus variance
A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, includes a face having a ball striking surface, an inner surface opposite the ball striking surface, and a thickness defined between the ball striking surface and the inner surface, and a body connected to the face and extending rearward from the face. The face has a modulus gradient across the thickness of the face, such that the modulus of the face varies at different distances from the ball striking surface. The face may also include at least one of an insert, a composite material, a multi-layered structure, and/or a portion treated by a surface treatment to contribute to the modulus gradient. |
| US08882606B2 |
Golf swing data gathering method and system
A method and system for capturing, transmitting, and displaying golf swing data uses data capture elements in golf balls or golf clubs to capture data and transmission elements to transmit the golf swing data to a mobile computing auxiliary device. The mobile computing auxiliary device relays the captured and transmitted golf swing data to a mobile computing device. The mobile computing device transmits the golf swing data to a database. A server associated with the database generates web pages to make the golf swing data available over the internet. |
| US08882605B1 |
Golf tool kit
A golf tool kit comprises a casing having a through hole, a reel fixed in the casing, a divot repair tool detachably attached to the casing, a ball marker magnetically attached to the divot tool, a belt clip rotatably attached to the casing opposing the divot repair tool, a flexible material retractably extending via the through hole from the reel, a holder having a hole, a first towel extending from the holder, and a second towel extending from the holder. |
| US08882601B2 |
Damper device and image forming apparatus
A damper device having: an input member into which a rotary drive force is inputted; an output member which rotates in accordance with the inputted rotary drive force; a columnar viscoelastic member provided between the input member and the output member; a driving-side pressing member which is attached to the input member and which applies a pressing force on one end surface of the viscoelastic member in accordance with the inputted drive force; a passive-side pressing member which is attached to the output member and which receives a pressing force from the other end surface of the viscoelastic member; a first supporting member which supports the driving-side pressing member such that the driving-side pressing member can turn freely relative to the input member; and a second supporting member which supports the passive-side pressing member such that the passive-side pressing member can turn freely relative to the output member. |
| US08882598B2 |
Peering system for gaming service providers
A distributed loosely coupled unified on-line gaming system comprises a central service provider, gaming service customers providing gaming service customer located equipment connected to the central service provider through a broadband network, and gaming service providers connected to the central service provider through the broadband network. The different gaming service customers are connected to different gaming service providers. A method for providing a distributed loosely coupled unified on-line gaming service comprises the steps of connecting a plurality of gaming service customers and a central service provider through at least a broadband access network, connecting gaming service providers and the central service provider through a broadband access network, establishing a connection between gaming service customers and the plurality of gaming service providers through the central service provider, and establishing multi-customer interactions between the gaming service customers through the central service provider. |
| US08882597B2 |
Hybrid separable motion controller
A hybrid separable motion controller is provided. The controller includes a first portion including a first handle, a first medial connector defined along a length of the first handle, and a first geometric object defined at an end of the first handle. The controller further includes a second portion including a second handle, a second medial connector defined along a length of the second handle for coupling to the first medial connector, and a second geometric object defined at an end of the second handle. The first portion or the second portion includes a connection sensor for determining whether the controller is in a connected configuration or a disconnected configuration. |
| US08882595B2 |
Systems and methods of importing virtual objects using barcodes
A method is provided for enabling virtual gameplay. A game environment is provided in which a player can play a game via a character. When the player scans a barcode from a real world object, a virtual object is retrieved based on the barcode input. The player's character can then own or interact with the virtual object in the game environment. |
| US08882591B2 |
Storage medium having image display program stored therein, image display apparatus, image display system, and image display method
A game apparatus obtains a captured image from a camera, and repeatedly executes a recognition process on the obtained captured image for recognizing a predetermined object included in the captured image. The game apparatus repeatedly generates and displays a synthesized age obtained by synthesizing an image of a virtual object generated by using a process result of the recognition process with a captured image which is a subject of the recognition process. Here, if the recognition process fails, a captured image which is a subject of a recognition process which has succeeded before is synthesized with an image of a virtual object generated by using a process result of the recognition process. |
| US08882589B2 |
Device health monitoring for gaming machines
A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered. |
| US08882587B1 |
Method and system for coupling mobile interactive content to a club reward system
The method and system for coupling mobile interactive content to a club reward program is disclosed herein. A business utilizes the present inventions as part of a marketing campaign that is targeted to a customer's mobile communication device. The invention delivers an enticing interactive game to their customer's mobile communication device, rewarding the customer for successfully completing the game with prizes, recording the game player and game details, and auditing the information to ensure the integrity of the game play outcome, and automatically logging those prizes into the business' club reward system. |
| US08882585B2 |
Methods and apparatus for a competitive bonus game with variable odds
A bonus controller for generating a competitive bonus game in a gaming system, the bonus controller having a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The bonus controller being programmed to: receive wagering data corresponding to a casino game, enter a first player associated with a first gaming apparatus into the competitive bonus game when the first player obtains a qualifying win at the casino game, determine odds for the first player to win the competitive bonus game, vary odds of winning the competitive bonus game for at least a second player after entering the first player into the competitive bonus game, the second player having been previously entered into the competitive bonus game, determine an outcome of the competitive bonus game, and transmit data corresponding to the outcome of the competitive bonus game to a display unit. |
| US08882584B2 |
Method and apparatus for bonus round play
Methods and apparatus are provided for enabling a player to take a tour of a secondary game at a game machine. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes offering to enable entry of a player into a bonus round of a game machine in exchange for a fee, receiving the fee from the player, and enabling entry of the player into the bonus round. The method further includes receiving an indication of at least one player selection during the bonus round, and determining an outcome based on the at least one player selection. In other embodiments, the method includes providing a prize to the player based on the outcome. |
| US08882582B2 |
Interactive computer game refresher elements
Methods, apparatus and articles for dynamically facilitating user interaction with a program are provided. A user is may be provided with refresher elements (or a tutorial) based on the period of time since the user's last session (or level of skill). Programs which may benefit from such features include, inter alia, interactive games, word processors, spreadsheets, payroll applications etc. |
| US08882581B2 |
Game controller, a gaming system, and a method of gaming
A method of gaming comprising: a) displaying a plurality of display positions to a player, at least one of the display positions corresponding to a hidden object to be sought by the player; b) determining a selection of a display position; c) revealing whether or not the selected display position corresponds to the hidden object; e) determining whether to allow a selection by conducting at least one trial, each trial comprising seeking to complete a symbol combination; and f) repeating steps b) to e) until either the symbol combination is completed or a designated number of hidden objects is located. |
| US08882579B2 |
Gaming system having gaming machines with projected or polarized image reel symbols
A system for providing a multi-game gaming machine having mechanical reel strips is displayed. The use of the projection devices onto blank mechanical reel strips transforms the multi-game gaming machine to a mechanical reel video game. These projection devices project the multi-game symbol images over the exposed portions of the mechanical reel strips. The projection devices are to be positioned such that its image projection covers one, two, or three reels of the available viewable area. The multi-game symbol projected images are theme based and can be easily changed or updated. The multi-game gaming machine has access to changing reel strips, and as such a number of sets of symbols can be displayed based on a game selection and corresponding image polarizer orientation. |
| US08882576B1 |
Determining game skill factor
Data characterizing a quantifiable outcome for each of a plurality of game trials can be accessed. Each game trial can be associated with one of a plurality of players and a game. The game can be a digital game played on a computing platform. Using the accessed data, a first variance measure of the quantifiable outcome for all game trials associated with the plurality of players can be computed. For one or more of the plurality of players and using the accessed data, a second variance measure of the quantifiable outcome for the game trials associated with the one or more of the plurality of players can be computed. Based on at least the first variance measure and the second variance measure, a skill factor for the game can be computed. Data characterizing the skill factor can be provided. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described. |
| US08882575B2 |
Gaming machine having display with sensory feedback
A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine includes the steps of displaying a selectable game element on a display and associating each potential outcome associated with the selectable game element with a predetermined haptic output selected from a plurality of predetermined haptic device outputs. The method also includes the steps of selecting the selectable game element to reveal an outcome associated therewith and causing a haptic device to output the predetermined haptic output corresponding to the outcome of the selectable game element. |
| US08882574B2 |
Gaming system and method of providing an electronic game
A gaming machine and a method provide primary and secondary games. The gaming machine includes first and second adjacent displays, a lighting device, and a controller. The lighting device is located between the first and second displays. The controller is coupled to the first and second displays and the lighting device. The primary game is played and if a triggering conditioning occurred in the primary game, the secondary game is initiated. The secondary game includes a rotating selector device. A first portion of the rotating selector device is displayed on the first display and a second portion of the rotating selector device is displayed on the second display. The lighting device defines a selector. An outcome of the secondary game is randomly selected and the rotating selector device is rotated and stopped such that the selector is associated with a symbol associated with the outcome of the secondary game. |
| US08882573B2 |
Ceiling air deflector insert and method of assembly
A square deflector insert for a drop ceiling made of four identical sides that can be simply field assembled and installed. In contrast to previous single-piece inserts, the new inserts provide much more compact packaging for shipping but can be assembled quickly just before installation. Although described in terms of a square deflector the invention is applicable to other polygonal shapes. |
| US08882572B2 |
Vent tile with an integrated thermal imaging sensor and controller
A vent tile includes at least one louver, an actuator configured to control the at least one louver, a thermal imaging sensor configured to monitor temperature of a remotely located apparatus through thermal imaging of a surface of the apparatus, and a controller configured to control the actuator based upon the monitored temperature. |
| US08882568B2 |
Impact absorbing mechanism of gear train
An impact absorbing mechanism for absorbing impact generated upon meshing of gears by starting or stopping an electric motor, for example, in a speed reduction gear train of a disk grinder, has the problem that its ease of manufacture and the durability are lowered because small elastic components are located between a driven gear and a driven shaft when an impact absorbing action occurs in the rotational direction in the related art. The present invention is aimed to improve the ease of manufacture and the durability of the impact absorbing mechanism. It is configured to absorb impact by displacing steel balls in a diameter expanding direction by relative rotation of a driven gear and a driven shaft due to rotational power generated upon meshing and by displacing an axial displacement member in an axial direction against an axial elastic member. |
| US08882564B2 |
Gear grinding machine and method of dressing a grinding tool
A gear grinding machine, whose tool spindle (18) is supported on a first swivel-motion unit (17) seated on a first linear-motion unit (15), has a second linear-motion unit (19) which is arranged on the first linear-motion unit (15) and carries a dressing spindle (21) that is capable of being driven in rotary movement. |
| US08882562B2 |
Scratch removal and device and method
A scratch removal tool that includes a motor, a housing, a rotatable shaft operably coupled to the motor and movable in an axial direction along a length of the shaft, and a head assembly. The head assembly includes a shroud member having an open end, a pad member, a slurry input, a slurry output, and a seal member. The pad member is positioned within the shroud and mounted to the shaft. Rotation of the shaft rotates the pad member. Axial movement of the shaft moves the pad member relative to the open end of the shroud. The slurry input and slurry are in fluid communication with the pad member. The seal member is positioned at the open end of the shroud. |
| US08882558B2 |
Habitat for vibration powered device
A playset system for autonomous devices includes a communal area including a substantially horizontal and substantially planar area bounded by a plurality of side walls, a plurality of connectors, and a plurality of ports. Each port is disposed in a side wall, each port is situated adjacent to one of the connectors, and each port includes a gate adapted to open and close, to impede movement of the autonomous devices when closed, and to allow passage of the autonomous devices when open. |
| US08882552B2 |
Biophysical geoengineering compositions and methods
Described here are compositions, methods and apparatus for biological and physical geoengineering. A vertical spar buoy or spar buoy network is provided. The buoys or array of buoys are designed to resist wave motion while supporting an analytical platform at a depth such that particulate flux of fixed carbon is indicative of sequestration in the ocean's depths for one hundred years or more. Sedimentary deadfall through the 100-Year Horizon is measured to validate the flux of fixed carbon. Issuance of validated carbon sequestration certificates and monetization and trading of those certificates are described. Also provided are compositions and methods for increasing bioactive surface area and nutrient levels so as to promote carbon sequestration. Regeneration of carbon dioxide in the mesopelagic water column is reduced by providing complex habitat in the photic zone, thus ensuring higher complexity of trophic levels and sedimentary deadfall having larger particulate size. |
| US08882551B1 |
Hydraulic marine jack plate position indicator system
A position indicator for tracking the position of a slide in relation to a support comprises an electronic signal generator device formed as a transducer which is capable of being activated, and an electronic signal generating device formed as a magnet. The transducer or the magnet is attached to the hydraulic cylinder. The electronic device is positioned near said activator wherein the signal output of the electronic device is regulated, in relation to ambient light, by a photoelectric cell. |
| US08882550B2 |
Ship propulsion device
A ship propulsion device is configured so that a control device operates an engine at a first engine speed when a clutch is in a disengaged state; so that, based on the input of an input device, the control device changes the state of the clutch from the disengaged state to a partially engaged state and operates the engine at a second engine speed that is higher than the first engine speed; so that, based on the detection of a rotational speed detection device, the control device operates the engine at an engine speed that is lower than the second engine speed; and so that, based on the input of an input device, the control device changes the state of the clutch from the partially engaged state to an engaged state. |
| US08882545B2 |
Docking station for an electronic device with improved electrical interface
Disclosed is a device for attaching a plurality of external connectors to an electronic device including a main body, a first plug on the main body positioned to interface with a first port on the electronic device, a slot in the main body for slidably receiving a second external connector and for positioning the second external connector to interface with a second port of the electronic device. The slot has a first opening on a first surface of the main body to receive the second external connector, a second opening on a second surface of the main body to allow a portion of the second external connector to protrude from the second opening of the main body, a first wall opposite the first surface, a rear wall opposite the second surface, a top wall, and a bottom wall. |
| US08882543B2 |
Electromagnetic shielding device
The present invention relates to an electromagnetic shielding device for electromagnetic shielding of a power transmitting arrangement adapted to house an electromagnetically shielded conducting element. The electromagnetic shielding device has essentially the form of a sleeve and further includes a weakened portion, which is adapted to be contracted for establishing an electrical connection between the device and the shielding of the conducting element. |
| US08882542B2 |
Electrical connection device
A connector comprises an outer shell, an insulating body, a plurality of terminals provided in the insulating body, and an inner metal shell shielding the insulating body. The outer metal shell is sheathed outside the inner metal shell and has a top plate, wherein a top plate of the inner metal shell and a top plate of the outer metal shell can be firmly fixed together by a plurality of laser joints. The outer metal shell can include transverse soldering plates respectively at two sides thereof that are coplanar with a soldering surface associated with the plurality of terminals. |
| US08882540B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector comprising an insulative housing, a plurality of terminals, a detect pin and a shell, includes a insulative housing having a terminal seat extending forwardly from a base portion and configuring a tongue, and defining a receiving room between bottom of the tongue and a shell, and a plurality of terminals installed in the terminal seat containing nineteen pins compacting to transmit first-type signals and with one plus pin compacting to transmit second-type signals, and a shell accommodating the insulative housing and including a first arm and a second arm. |
| US08882539B2 |
Shunt for electrical connector
A shunt for an electrical connector comprising a conductive body having two resilient leg extensions connecting at a hinge, each of the leg extensions terminating at a tail end, is provided. The tail ends extend outwardly away from one another, and each of the leg extensions have at least one contact point on an outer surface thereof for engaging a contact of the electrical connector. The leg extensions curve such that they converge toward one another at a substantially center portion of the conductive body and diverge from one another at at least one other portion of the conductive body that is not the center portion of the conductive body. |
| US08882537B2 |
Connection arrangement, and also a holding element for purposes of connecting an electrical line to a component section
Disclosed is a connecting arrangement for purposes of connecting an electrical line to a component section, with a holding device, which has a holding element for purposes of arranging on the component section and a connecting element for purposes of connecting the line with the holding element, with a breakthrough to be provided on the component section for purposes of guiding through the connecting element, wherein the holding element is embodied in the form of a clamp for purposes of encompassing the component section in at least some sections, and wherein a positioning device is provided for purposes of positioning the holding element in a design position on the component section, which has a holding element-side positioning element and a counter element to be provided on the component section, which interact in a form fit, and also a holding element for such a connecting arrangement with a clamp-type profile and a positioning element for purposes of a form-fit positioning of the holding element on the component section. |
| US08882536B2 |
Power distribution unit with interchangeable outlet adapter types
A power distribution unit includes a printed circuit board, having a plurality of outlet adapter receiving locations, and a plurality of outlet adapters. Each outlet adapter has a user-facing outlet connector and a printed circuit board-facing inlet connector. The outlet connector of a first of the plurality of outlet adapters is different from the outlet connector of a second of the plurality of outlet adapters. The inlet connector of each outlet adapter includes terminals. The terminals of the inlet connector of the first of the plurality of outlet adapters are arranged in a terminal pattern that matches that of the terminals of the inlet connector of the second of the plurality of outlet adapters such that the first and the second outlet adapters are interchangeably attachable at any of the plurality of outlet adapter receiving locations of the printed circuit board. |
| US08882527B1 |
Cable connector
Disclosed is a cable connector comprising a male connector and a female connector, wherein the male connector includes a male base and a plurality of male terminals received in the male base, a rear end of the male base defining a resilient arm protruded beyond the back of the male base, a substantial middle of a top of the resilient arm protruding upward to form a locking block, a guiding ramp being formed at a rear end of the locking block and slantwise connecting the back and a top face of the locking block; a female connector includes a female base and a plurality of female terminals, a front face of the female base being concaved rearward to form a receiving chamber. The design is ensure that the male connector with the parent is not easy to quit after the engagement of the connector to avoid functional failure. |
| US08882525B2 |
Power feeding connector
In a power feeding connector 7, a housing front side tubular part 81 of a power feeding side connector 8 to be engaged with an inner periphery of an outer tubular wall part 51 of a power receiving side connector 5 is provided, on an outer periphery at a lower end side thereof, with a raised part 86 which overrides an inner peripheral face of the outer tubular wall part 51, before an engaging length of the housing front side tubular part 81 with respect to the outer tubular wall part 51 reaches a prescribed length, and the raised part 86 corrects a backwardly inclined state of the power feeding side connector 8 due to its dead weight into a state where axes of the outer tubular wall part 51 and the housing front side tubular part 81 are aligned with each other. |
| US08882519B2 |
Dust cap for a telecommunications connector
A dust cap (100) for covering a jack recess (206) in a telecommunications jack (200) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dust cap (100) includes a cover portion (110) attached to a hinge base (150). The cover portion (110) is rotatable from a closed position, wherein the cover portion (110) covers the jack recess (206), to an open position, wherein the jack recess (206) is exposed. The cover portion (110) may include a securing feature (114, 116) configured to engage with the jack recess (206) to retain the cover portion (110) in the closed position. The front face (110a) of the cover portion (110) may also include a handle (112). The dust cap (100) may also include an adhesive (156) located on a rear face (150b) of the hinge base (150) that is configured to engage with a front face (204) of the telecommunications jack (200) to secure the dust cap (100) to the telecommunications jack (200). |
| US08882518B2 |
Connector port with port cover and electronic device using same
A connector port for mounting in a housing of an electronic device is illustrated. The connector port includes a shell defining an accessing hole having an opening, a port cover movably retained in the accessing hole, and a resilient element. The shell includes a plurality of spaced contact pins exposed in the accessing hole. One end of the resilient element is arranged adjacent to the port cover for maintaining the port cover at the opening of the accessing hole when the resilient element is in a natural state. |
| US08882515B2 |
Plug connector and connector assembly
A plug includes an insulation body, a plurality of first contacts, and a plurality of second contacts. The plurality of first contacts are assembled in the insulation body and include a plurality of first contact portions disposed at a first side of the insulation body and a plurality of first legs disposed along a second side of the insulation body. The plurality of first contact portions are arranged in a first row along the first side. The plurality of second contacts are assembled in the insulation body and include a plurality of second contact portions disposed at the first side of the insulation body and a plurality of second legs disposed along the second side. The plurality of second contact portions are arranged along a second row along the surface side of the first side such that the first row is spaced from the second row by a predetermined distance. |
| US08882514B2 |
Datacommunications modules, cable-connector assemblies and components therefor
A combination includes: (a) a communications module including: a housing; a printed wiring board mounted within the housing; a plurality of RJ-45 jacks mounted on the printed wiring board and accessible from one side of the housing; and a single module connector mounted to the printed wiring board and electrically connected to the RJ-45 jacks, connector being accessible from a second side of the housing; and (b) a cable-connector assembly including: a cable comprising a plurality of subunits, each of the subunits comprising a jacket and a plurality of twisted pairs of conductors positioned within the jacket; and a single cable connector mounted to the printed circuit board and electrically connected to the conductors of the cable subunits. The module connector is attached to the cable connector. |
| US08882509B1 |
Method and kit for teaching financial literacy and civic engagement
The present invention relates to methods and materials, particularly in kit form, associated therewith for imparting civic responsibility and financial literacy within an educational setting. The present invention more particularly relates to methods of teaching via implementation of a teacher-guided, student-selected free market economy, including teacher run and student run businesses, and accompanying representative government, including a peer court system. |
| US08882507B2 |
Dental implant and method of use with improved maxillary stability
A dental implant apparatus and method of use which has a central conduit and a plurality of apical apertures through which fluid bone-grafting material may be extruded. A resorbable membrane surrounds the apical end of the apparatus and unfurls as bone-grafting material exits the apertures, thereby holding the fluid in close proximity to the implant. |
| US08882505B2 |
Placement tool
A method and a kit for the positioning of a small object, such as a dental restoration, in a specific desired location, includes a handle portion and a head portion having bristles. The method includes the steps of placing a non-molten glue pellet on the exterior surface of the object, applying heat to the pellet to melt it, positioning a head portion of a restoration placement device having bristles in the melted glue to receive the object on the end portion of the device, placing the object in its desired location, and removing the restoration placement device from the object. |
| US08882504B2 |
Swaggering endodontic instruments
Endodontic instruments are described which have at least a section with a center of mass offset from an axis of rotation so that when the instrument is rotated, the section bends away from the axis of rotation. |
| US08882498B2 |
Coordinated metal and ceramic orthodontic bracket systems
Coordinated metal and ceramic orthodontic bracket systems (100) allow a practitioner to insert one or more ceramic brackets (102, 104, 106, 108) into a metal bracket system (1001), replacing selected metal brackets (102′, 1041, 106′, 108′) with ceramic brackets (102, 104, 106, 108), and vice-versa. Thus, both a ceramic bracket system (100) and a metal bracket system (1001) are provided, in which corresponding brackets of each system include substantially identical “in-out” slot floor cross-sectional thicknesses so that corresponding brackets are interchangeable with each other, without any need for compensating bends or later treatment to correct unintended buccal-lingual tooth movement. |
| US08882497B2 |
Method and apparatus for vacuum-formed dental appliance
An appliance and methods are described that include embodiments of a mandibular advancement or positioning device which can use elastic bands to pull the jaw forward. The appliance has an upper plastic tray conforming to the patient's upper teeth and including a set of retention hooks coupled to the upper plastic tray via being encased in plastic, one on the right and one on the left anterior buccal portion of an upper plastic base. The appliance also has a lower plastic tray conforming to the patient's lower teeth and has a set of bite pads integrated with a second set of plastic retention hooks encased in plastic extending outwardly from the tooth. The appliance includes the upper and lower plastic trays and specially formed elastic bands of a plurality of lengths and strengths replaceably attached to the retention hooks on both sides of the trays to pull the mandible forward for treatment. |
| US08882495B2 |
Environmentally friendly packaging assembly and a candle embodying the same
An environmentally friendly product packaging assembly having a secondary use after a product has been removed therefrom. The packaging assembly comprises a candle having a wall made of a vaporizable material and defining a cavity therein for retaining the product. The candle includes a wick embedded in the wall in a spiral, coiled or helical fashion and positioned to substantially encircle the cavity. The assembly may include a containment mechanism that at least partially restricts access to the cavity and thereby aids in retaining the product therein. The assembly may further include a base positioned under a bottom end of the candle. The containment mechanism and base may themselves be made out of recyclable or combustible materials. Once the product has been removed from the cavity, the assembly may be used as a conventional candle. The candle wall is vaporized leaving little to no waste for disposal. |
| US08882493B2 |
Control of syngas temperature using a booster burner
A method and system for fueling of a burner in a direct-fired device using syngas. A gasifier produces syngas from a carbonaceous feedstock such as biomass. The syngas is fed to a syngas burner. A booster burner disposed between the gasifier and the syngas burner increases the temperature of the syngas. The booster burner may be provided with an approximately stoichiometric or sub-stoichiometric amount of oxidant. Operation of the booster burner may be regulated based on the temperature of the syngas. The syngas burner may be used to direct-fire a device requiring a relatively high flame temperature, such as, for example, a lime kiln. |
| US08882492B2 |
Control systems for the ignition of a gas burner
A system or apparatus that in one implementation includes an electromagnetic valve having an actuator rod with a first coil and a second coil positioned at different longitudinal locations on the actuator rod and being situated electrically parallel to one another in an electrical circuit. The electromagnetic valve is constructed to induce a first voltage in the second coil when the electromagnetic valve is in the open position and to induce in the second coil a second voltage lower than the first voltage when the electromagnetic valve is in the closed position. A switch changeable between a first position and a second position is located in the electrical circuit. When the switch is in the first position the electrical circuit is configured to allow current from a power source to be delivered to the second coil. When the switch is in the second position the electrical circuit is configured to not allow current from a power source to be delivered to the second coil. A control device situated in series with the second coil in the electrical circuit is adapted to detect the open or closed position of the first electromagnetic valve based on the induced voltage of the second coil. The control device is adapted to act upon the switch to change it between the first and second positions. In one implementation, upon detecting that the electromagnetic valve is in the closed position, the control device is configured to act upon the switch to cause it to assume the first position. |
| US08882490B2 |
Insulated mold cavity assembly and method for golf ball manufacturing
An insulated injection molding cavity assembly for molding a thin or low flow material golf ball cover or mantle layer, comprises a cavity for defining a golf ball layer, the golf ball layer comprising a thickness that corresponds to a space defined by the cavity; a metal surface layer surrounding the cavity, and an insulating layer surrounding the metal surface layer. The metal surface layer thickness is decreased and the insulating layer thickness is increased with decreasing golf ball layer thickness. |
| US08882479B2 |
Integrated-inverter electric compressor
A common mode coil can be installed without having to increase the planar area for an inverter accommodating section so that high performance and size reduction and compactness of an inverter device can be achieved. In an integrated-inverter electric compressor (1) in which an outer periphery of a cylindrical housing (2) is provided with an inverter accommodating section (4) in which an inverter device (20) that includes high-voltage components, such as an inverter board (21), a smoothing capacitor (23), an inductor coil (24), and a common mode coil (30); a terminal block (26) connected with a high-voltage cable; and a bus bar assembly (32) for electrical wiring between these electrical components is installed, the inverter accommodating section (4) is provided with an outward extending portion (9) extending outward from one end of the cylindrical housing (2), the terminal block (26) is disposed at one side of the outward extending portion (9), and a coil installation site (12), where the common mode coil (30) is disposed, is formed integrally with the outward extending portion (9) and extends downward below the terminal block (26). |
| US08882476B2 |
Oil-flooded screw compressor, motor drive system, and motor control
An oil-flooded screw compressor drives a pair of rotors at a rotational speed which is low enough not to increase torque for a short amount of time after start-up and accelerates the pair of rotors up to a normal-operation rotational speed after oil discharge. Alternatively, the oil-flooded screw compressor rotates the pair of rotors for a short amount of time after the remaining compressed gas is discharged after a halt, thereby allowing the oil accumulated inside the working chambers to be discharged and ensuring smooth start-up after the halt. |
| US08882474B2 |
Variable displacement type compressor with displacement control mechanism
A variable displacement type compressor has a supply passage for supplying refrigerant gas to a pressure control chamber, a release passage for releasing the refrigerant gas from the pressure control chamber, a first control valve for controlling the amount of the refrigerant gas flowing through the supply passage, a check valve provided between the first control valve and the pressure control chamber and preventing the refrigerant gas from flowing from the pressure control chamber to the first control valve by closing the supply passage and a second control valve for adjusting a cross-sectional area of the release passage from minimum to maximum. The second control valve has a back pressure chamber communicating with the supply passage, a valve chamber forming a part of the release passage and communicating with a suction-pressure region, a valve hole forming a part of the release passage and communicating with the valve chamber and a spool having a valve portion located in the valve chamber. When a pressure in the back pressure chamber increases, the valve portion decreases the degree of opening of the valve hole. |
| US08882472B2 |
Fuel pump module including a jet pump having multiple tubes
A fuel pump module includes a reservoir and a jet pump. The reservoir includes first and second prime sockets and the jet pump includes a first tube defining a first nozzle and a second tube defining a second nozzle. The first tube has a lower end disposed in the first prime socket and an upper end configured to engage a first line routed to a first position outside of the reservoir in a fuel tank. The second tube has a lower end disposed in the second prime socket and an upper end configured to engage a second line routed to a second position outside of the reservoir in the fuel tank. |
| US08882468B2 |
Blade families for torque converters
A blade family for torque converters with a first blade having a first shape and flow guiding surface and a second blade having a second shape and flow guiding surface. The first surface is different from the second surface and the first shape is the same as a portion of the second shape, or the second shape is the same as a portion of the second shape. In an example embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first or second blades includes holes or slots. In an example embodiment of the invention, the first blade includes more material than the second blade. The first and second blades may have respective mounting tabs, with the second blade having fewer mounting tabs than the first blade. Other example aspects of the present invention broadly comprise a torque converter with a plurality of first and/or second blades from the blade family. |
| US08882462B2 |
Lead stop for rotor system with fluid-elastomeric lead/lag damper
A rotor system includes a lead stop mounted to a spindle and a lead stop plate mounted to a rotor hub arm, the lead stop operable to contact the lead stop plate over a lead angle range. |
| US08882461B2 |
Gas turbine engines with improved trailing edge cooling arrangements
An airfoil is provided for a gas turbine engine. The airfoil includes a pressure side wall; a suction side wall; an internal cavity defined between the pressure side wall and the suction side wall for receiving cooling air; and a cooling arrangement within the internal cavity. The cooling arrangement includes a first land extending to a first downstream end aft of the pressure side trailing edge, a second land extending to a second downstream end aft of the pressure side trailing edge, the first land and second land defining a first slot, a first divider positioned radially in between the first land and the second land to define a first passageway of the first slot and a second passageway of the first slot, a first pin positioned upstream and indexed to the first passageway, and a second pin positioned upstream and indexed to the second passageway. |
| US08882456B2 |
Airfoil shape for compressor
A rotor blade is disclosed herein. The rotor blade comprises a nominal surface profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinates X, Y and Z as set forth in TABLE 1. Wherein X and Y are distances in millimeters which, when connected by smooth, continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z in millimeters. The airfoil profile sections at the Z distances being joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape. |
| US08882453B2 |
Rotor element with a fluid passage and passage-blocking member and turbine engine including the rotor element
A rotor element including an annular surface portion about the rotor rotational axis, a fluid passage being formed through the surface portion, a passage-blocking mechanism including a blocking element that is deformable depending on the rotor rotating speed and arranged so as to adjust the fluid flow depending on the rotor rotating speed, and an annular collar with a free edge engaging with the blocking element so as to form the blocking mechanism. The free edge of the annular collar defines, together with the blocking portion of the blocking element, a diaphragm that blocks the fluid passage. |
| US08882450B2 |
Device for supporting and securing a piece of equipment on an aircraft engine or nacelle case
A device for supporting and securing a piece of equipment on an aircraft engine or nacelle case, including a vibration damper including a first part secured to the case and a second coaxial part rigidly connected to the piece of equipment, the damper associated with a safety member configured to hold the damper in place on the case in the event of damper failure or breakage. The safety member, which is independent of the damper, is mounted astride the damper and secured to the case. |
| US08882449B2 |
Inner-to-outer shell differential expansion measurement
A shell differential expansion detector and turbomachine including a detector are disclosed. In an embodiment, the shell differential expansion detector device includes a housing; and a first rod including a distal part extending through a first opening in the housing. The first rod further includes a proximal part within the housing. A sleeve surrounds the distal part of the first rod on an exterior of the housing; and an actuator arm is affixed to the first rod. A second rod is disposed in physical contact at a distal end thereof with the actuator arm; and a shell expansion detector is operably connected with the second rod at a proximal end thereof. |
| US08882447B2 |
Hydraulic machine, an energy conversion installation including such a machine, and the use of a hydrostatic labyrinth-bearing in such a machine
This hydraulic machine (1) has a wheel (2) mounted to move in rotation relative to a stationary structure (9) and about a stationary axis of rotation (X2), the wheel (2) being designed to pass a forced flow (E) of water therethrough. A hydrostatic bearing (100), provided between firstly an element (111) constrained to rotate with the wheel (2) and, secondly a portion (91) of the stationary structure (9), is disposed between a first zone (Z1) of the machine, which zone is in fluid communication with the forced flow (E) and in which zone, during operation, a pressure prevails that is similar to the pressure of the forced flow, and a second zone (Z2) of the machine that is isolated from the forced flow by said bearing. |
| US08882446B2 |
Bearing system for rotor in rotating machines
A bearing system for a rotor in rotating machines, such as compressors, pumps, turbines, expanders, has points of bearing and sealing for the rotor each being in the form of a combined bearing and sealing formed by a stator situated within a rotating machine house and surrounding the rotor. The stator is formed with a bore, whereby an annular clearance is created between stator and rotor, and the bore is having sectional area gradually increasing in the direction of larger pressure within the rotating machine. |
| US08882444B2 |
Compressor gas flow deflector and compressor incorporating the same
A turbocharger compressor includes a compressor housing having a housing wall that includes a shroud that defines a central air channel and a compressor inlet in fluid communication with the central channel and an inlet duct. It also includes a compressor wheel configured to draw air into the compressor inlet from the inlet duct and create a main airflow in the central air channel axially toward a compressor outlet. The compressor also includes a bypass channel that extends between an opening in the main channel located between the compressor inlet and compressor outlet proximate the compressor blades and the compressor inlet. The compressor also includes a deflector that includes a deflector surface that is configured to direct a bypass airflow in the bypass channel, and flowing in a direction from the main channel toward the compressor inlet, into the compressor inlet axially and radially inwardly toward the compressor wheel. |
| US08882443B2 |
Turbomachine compressor with an air injection system
A turbomachine or high pressure compressor including a stator casing housing a plurality of compression stages that are spaced apart in an axial direction along the central axis of the turbomachine, each compression stage including a row of rotor blades followed by a row of stator vanes. The compressor further includes an air injection system including at least one air injection passage through the casing and including an outlet segment that opens out in an inclined manner upstream from and directed towards a row of rotor blades into a set-back zone of the inside face of the casing. |
| US08882441B2 |
Deployable wind power and battery unit
A portable, selectively deployable power supply and storage arrangement includes a frame, a floor securable to the frame and having a longitudinally extending guide member provided thereon, a mast assembly having a first end pivotally connected to a tractor element slidable along the guide member and a second end opposite the first end, and a wind turbine receivable at the second end of the mast assembly. A support is pivotally connected to and extends between both the frame and a portion of the mast assembly so that, upon displacement of the tractor element along the guide member, the support produces movement of the mast assembly between retracted and deployed positions. To facilitate transportation and relocation of the power supply and storage arrangement, the frame, the floor, the mast assembly, the wind turbine, and the support are configured to define a single unit and are collectively receivable in a shipping container. |
| US08882440B2 |
Wave chamber for a wave power plant, and method for producing the same
In one aspect, there is provided a wave chamber for a wave power plant having a water inlet opening and an outlet leading to a ventilation channel including an air turbine. The wave chamber includes a free-standing stack of a plurality of chamber segments braced vertically by a large number of traction elements, where the lowest chamber segment of the plurality of chamber segments is associated at least indirectly with a thrust securing system, and where the thrust securing system contains a hollow element for insertion inserted into a bottom of a body of water. |
| US08882432B2 |
Robotic automated storage and retrieval system mixed pallet build system
A robotic automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) mixed pallet build system includes a rack that includes two or more verticals levels upon which items are stored. The system includes a three-dimensional robotic AS/RS that includes a carriage, robot arm, vertical lift, and horizontal propulsion system. The items from the rack are loaded upon the carriage to create a pallet. The robot arm is configured to stack the items from the racks onto the pallet. The vertical lift is configured to move the carriage vertically between the vertical levels of the racks. The horizontal propulsion system is configured to move the carriage horizontally along the rack so that the carriage is able to service the entire length of the rack. The three-dimensional robotic AS/RS also includes a stretch wrapper that progressively secures the layers of items on the pallet to prevent the items from falling off the pallet. |
| US08882429B2 |
Transfer device, processing system, control method of transfer device, and computer-readable storage medium
A transfer device for transferring a transfer target object includes a support member, which is movable forward and backward, for supporting the transfer target object, and a sensor for detecting that a tip of the support member comes into contact with an obstacle when the support member moves forward. The sensor includes a first conductive ring having flexibility, which is provided at the tip of the support member in a grounded state, a second conductive ring provided inside the first conductive ring and separated from the first conductive ring, and a detector which detects that the first conductive ring and the second conductive ring are short-circuited when the first conductive ring comes into contact with the second conductive ring by being deformed due to a contact with the obstacle. |
| US08882428B2 |
Proppant transfer system
A transfer system includes a conduit, a support, and a conveyor. The conduit has a first end and a second end and is configured to transfer dry material from the first end to the second end. The support is in contact with at least a portion of the conduit and is configured to maintain the second end of the conduit in a desired position relative to the first end of the conduit during transfer of the dry material from the first end to the second end. The conveyor is adjacent to the conduit and is configured to deliver the dry material to the first end of the conduit from a floating vessel configured to transport the dry material. |
| US08882427B2 |
Method and device for hoisting an item by means of a crane
A method and a device for hoisting an item at sea with a hoisting device comprises moving the item between a plurality of different height levels. In addition, the method comprises alternately supporting the load of the item with a first hoisting rope and a second hoisting rope while moving the item between the plurality of different height levels. Further, the method comprises arranging the first hoisting rope and the second hoisting rope to extend in parallel along at least part of the distance between the item and the hoisting device. Still further, the method comprises releasably connecting the first hoisting rope to the second hoisting rope. Moreover, the method comprises suspending the second hoisting rope from a hanger when the second hoisting rope is supporting the load of the item. The method also comprises connecting the hanger to an arm of the hoisting device. |
| US08882422B2 |
Seal
A seal having an integral attachment arrangement. The attachment arrangement comprises at least one attachment feature and at least one locking feature. The at least one attachment feature is configured and arranged to interdigitate with features of another component in a first orientation and to lock to the other component in a second orientation. The second orientation is rotationally displaced from the first orientation. |
| US08882417B2 |
Device providing additional attachment points in a vehicle bed
A strap provides additional connection points in a vehicle bed to tethers at more convenient locations than OEM anchor points. The strap includes a ring or series of rings that are connected by webbing segments. A tensioning device is included in the strap to adjust the length of the strap and to provide tension when installed. Two straps can be used along the lateral sides of a pickup-truck bed. Tether such as bungee chords, ropes, straps, or cargo nets can be placed from one strap to another to secure cargo in the bed in ways that are not possible when using the OEM anchor points alone. |
| US08882412B2 |
Rotary cutting tool having PCD cutting tip
A cutting tool for performing hole-cutting operations on a workpiece when the cutting tool is rotated about a central longitudinal axis includes a generally cylindrical body having a first end structured to be mounted to a machine tool and an opposite second end structured to engage and perform cutting operations on the workpiece. A number of coolant passages are defined in the generally cylindrical body, each coolant passage of the number of coolant passages is disposed at a first helix angle relative to the central longitudinal axis. A number of flutes are formed in the generally cylindrical body, each flute of the number of flutes includes a first portion at or about the first end of the generally cylindrical body, a second portion at or about the second end of the generally cylindrical body, and a transition portion disposed therebetween. The first portion of each flute is disposed generally at the first helix angle relative to the central longitudinal axis, the second portion of each flute is disposed generally at a second helix angle relative the central longitudinal axis, and the transition portion of each flute is disposed generally at a third helix angle relative to the central longitudinal axis greater than the first helix angle. |
| US08882408B2 |
Cutting insert, cutting tool, and method of manufacturing machined product using the same
A cutting insert having a cutting edge is located along an intersection of the upper surface and the side surface, having a major cutting edge, a second cutting edge, and a minor cutting edge located between the major cutting edge and the flat cutting edge. The upper surface includes a flat part located away from the cutting edge, and a rake face inclined downward from the cutting edge to the flat part. In at least a part between the major cutting edge and the flat part, a groove part lies along the major cutting edge. The groove part includes the rake face and a rising face inclined upward from the rake face to the flat part. A connection part where the rake face and the flat part exist continuously extends from the minor cutting edge to a boundary of the minor cutting edge and the major cutting edge. |
| US08882406B2 |
Milling cutter, especially a round-head milling cutter
The milling cutter, in particular a round-head milling cutter, has a tool head, which extends along an axial direction and has a number of cutting teeth that each have a cutting edge. Chip flutes are located between each of the cutting teeth. The cutting teeth each have a front-side radial portion and a circumferential axial portion. The respective cutting edge and the chip flute are disposed such that they are inclined in opposite directions with respect to the axial direction such that the cutting tooth widens towards a foot region. In another embodiment, the tool head has two parts: a carrier part made of a tool steel, and a cutting part made of hard metal fastened to the carrier part. The milling cutter is distinguished by a long service life with a high cutting rate and a high quality of machining. |
| US08882405B2 |
Double-sided indexable face milling insert
A double-sided, indexable face milling insert, including an upperside, an underside, and a neutral plane (NP) parallel to the upperside and the underside, the neutral plane forming a right angle with a geometrical center axis (C2). A plurality of indexable cutting edges are formed along circumferential borderlines in transitions between a number of clearance surfaces and the upperside as well as the underside. Each cutting edge includes a chip-removing main edge and a surface-wiping secondary edge, the secondary edge forming an obtuse angle with the main edge in planar view. A corner clearance surface extends between and connects each pair of upper and lower secondary edges, the corner clearance surface including first and second part surfaces which each form an acute angle (η) in side elevation view with respective reference planes (RP) parallel to the neutral plane. |
| US08882403B2 |
Cutting insert carrier
The cutting insert carrier, in particular for a face milling cutter (2) comprises a tool basic body (4), having a multiplicity of insert seats (5), in which cutting inserts (6) are received. Rotatably fastened to the tool basic body (4) is a setting element, which is realized, in particular, as a curved ring (8) and which has circumferential cams (10), by means of which the clamping levers (12) are actuated for the purpose of fastening the cutting inserts (6) in a locking manner. The setting element (8) enables all clamping levers (12) to be actuated jointly, at the same time, such that all cutting inserts (6) are simultaneously released or locked in their insert seats (5). As a result, the assembly and setup time for insert changing is reduced significantly in comparison with conventional systems. |
| US08882398B2 |
Retaining wall block and system
A retaining wall block, a retaining wall system, and method of constructing a retaining wall are provided. The retaining wall block has a pair of top projections, a top groove, a pair of bottom grooves and a bottom protrusion to connect one retaining wall block to another. The block is connectable to another block in one of a first position where front faces of the block and the other block are aligned, and a second position where the front faces of the block and the other block are offset. |
| US08882397B2 |
Methods for waterproofing depositing sites
An object of the present invention is to provide methods for laying a waterproofing layer which may be used for forming the bottom and the walls of depositing sites so as to comply, both in literal and in substantial terms, with the legal requirements. The aim is also to provide durable waterproof barriers which have a high mechanical strength, without discontinuity. |
| US08882392B1 |
Method and system for anchoring a pipeline at a subsea location
A method of anchoring a pipeline at a subsea location includes the steps of installing a first pile into the subsea location in a position away from the pipeline, affixing a first line to the pipeline and to the first pile, and tensioning the first line from the pipeline. A second pile is installed into the subsea location in a position away from the pipeline and away from the first pile. A second line is affixed to the pipeline and the second pile. The second line is tensioned from the pile. Each of the first and second lines extends on opposite sides of the pipeline at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the pipeline. Each of the pile is a suction pile having a tensioning mechanism thereon. |
| US08882387B2 |
Air-blowing-type road surface snow-melting system
Provided is an air-blowing-type road surface snow-melting system which makes it possible to reduce the height of a hollow roadbed body while also making the amount of air blown out from an air-permeable structure substantially uniform. An air-blowing-type road surface snow-melting system (1) comprises: a hollow roadbed body (2) which is provided with a hollow section (21) and is buried beneath a road surface; an air-permeable structure (3) which is disposed on the hollow roadbed body (2) to form the road surface; and a vent pipe (4) which is laid inside the hollow section (21) of the hollow roadbed body (2), wherein the vent pipe (4) is laid in the shape of a loop so as to enclose a predetermined snow-melting area and in addition a plurality of blow-out sections (42) which open toward the inside of the loop are disposed in the vent pipe (4). |
| US08882383B2 |
Fastening device for an aircraft interior equipment component
A fastening device is provided for an aircraft interior equipment component, with at least one suspension point which is formed to transmit forces to a holding structure in at least one direction. In order to install the aircraft interior equipment components quickly and without tools, each suspension point is formed by a rotatable sliding block and a groove, wherein the groove has a transverse dimension as well as a first open end and a second end which leads into a circular recess. The sliding block also has a transverse dimension which is smaller than or equal to the transverse dimension of the groove and a longitudinal dimension which is greater than the transverse dimension of the groove, so that the sliding block can be positively locked by a rotation thereof in the circular recess. |
| US08882379B2 |
Suntan oil applicator
An applicator device for applying oil or lotion to hard to reach areas of the body. The applicator comprises a hollow elongated body allowing the flow of fluid there through. The elongated body includes an upper and lower portions hingedly connected at the midpoint, thereby forming an elbow with a spring coupling. A coaxial flexible tube is disposed within the hollow elongated body for connecting the upper and lower portions. The distal end of the lower portion of the applicator attaches to the neck of a bottle (e.g. sun tan oil bottle). The distal end of the upper portion of the applicator includes a convex sponge. When the applicator is attached to a bottle, the bottle may be squeezed to force oil through the coaxial flexible tube and out through the pores of the convex sponge for spreading lotion onto a user's skin. |
| US08882376B2 |
Printer, cut paper discharge mechanism used for printer, and paper jam prevention method
A plurality of ribs are provided on a cut paper discharge guide and an upper cover which define a discharge port for discharging a cut paper. The ribs hold a cut paper in width direction. Even if a cut paper having a high degree of curl is supplied when a roll diameter of a roll paper is reduced, it is possible to prevent a paper jam such as falling or clogging of the cut paper. It is desirable that the ribs provided on the cut paper discharge guide and the upper cover are disposed in an alternate pattern along the width direction of the discharge port. This arrangement is particularly effective in a printer having an inclined paper passage. |
| US08882375B2 |
Print apparatus
A print apparatus includes a print-medium sender configured to send out a print medium, a print-medium transportation unit disposed downstream of the print-medium sender in a print-medium transportation direction, and configured to transport the print medium, a print unit disposed between the print-medium sender and the print-medium transportation unit, and configured to perform printing on the print medium while moving in a direction perpendicular to the print-medium transportation direction, and a transport-amount correction controller configured to correct the amount of transportation of the print medium by the print-medium sender or the print-medium transportation unit in accordance with the position of an end of the print medium. |
| US08882370B2 |
Focal plane shutter and optical device
A focal plane shutter includes: a board including an opening; a blade opening or closing the opening; an electromagnet including an iron core and a coil for energizing the iron core; and a drive lever holding an iron piece capable of being adsorbed to the iron core, capable of moving such that iron piece is moved into and away from the iron core, and driving the blade, wherein a plating process is performed on the iron core and the iron piece, a Vickers hardness of a plating of the iron piece is greater than that of a plating of the iron core, and a difference in the Vickers hardness between the plating of the iron piece and the plating of the iron core is 100 HV or more. |
| US08882369B1 |
Integrated gimbal assembly
A gimbal assembly including a gimbal housing having opposed first and second yoke portions dimensioned and configured to receive a surveillance device therebetween, the yoke portions defining a gimbal axis about which the surveillance device can rotate relative to the gimbal housing, and a drive assembly disposed within the first yoke portion of the gimbal housing for driving the surveillance device about the gimbal axis, the drive assembly having a connector adapted and configured to mate with and pass electrical signals to and from a corresponding connector on the surveillance device, wherein the second yoke portion is detachable from the gimbal housing to gain access to the surveillance device and the surveillance device is removably connected to the drive assembly. |
| US08882365B2 |
High performance quick terminal assembly for optical fiber
The present invention discloses a high performance quick terminal assembly for optical fiber, comprising a ferrule and an inner bore inside the ferrule. The inner bore is exposed after part of the cylinder body of the ferrule is cut away, forming a connecting platform. Pre-embedded optical fiber and connecting optical fiber are connected in the inner bore of the connecting platform, and the connecting platform is disposed with a pressing device to compress the connecting point of the two optical fibers. The invention uses high precision inner bore of the ceramic ferrule to replace the existing V-shaped groove. It can be easily, efficiently and effectively installed and is cost saving. Meanwhile excellent optical performance and high reliability are achieved. The problem related to various failure or badness of the prior art are resolved in the present invention. |
| US08882363B2 |
Optical fiber connector, optical fiber adapter, and waterproof optical fiber assembly using the same
An optical fiber assembly includes an optical fiber connector, and an optical fiber adapter mating with the optical fiber connector. The optical fiber connector includes a fiber joining assembly, a first sealing member, an elastic member, and a housing assembly sleeved on the fiber joining assembly. The elastic member is slidably sleeved in the housing assembly with two ends of the elastic member resisting with the housing assembly. The optical fiber adapter includes a base board, a fixing seat protruding out from the base board, and a second sealing member sleeved on the outer surface of the fixing seat. The optical fiber adapter further includes two latching arms protruding out from the base board positioned at opposite sides of the fixing seat. The fixing seat axially defines an assembling groove for receiving the fiber joining assembly of the optical fiber connector. |
| US08882357B2 |
Thrust sliding bearing
A thrust sliding bearing includes: a synthetic resin-made upper casing; a synthetic resin-made lower casing which is superposed on the upper casing so as to be rotatable about an axis O in a circumferential direction R relative to the upper casing; a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece disposed in an annular space between the upper casing and the lower casing; and a synthetic resin-made seal member for sealing respective other end portions, communicating with the outside, of a gap on an inner peripheral side and a gap on an outer peripheral side in a radial direction A between the upper casing and the lower casing, the gap and the gap respectively communicating with the annular space at their one annular end portions. |
| US08882354B2 |
System, method and apparatus for tolerance ring with functional layers
A tolerance ring with functional layers has an annular band and an elastomeric layer. The assembly also may have a low friction layer, which may be bonded, calendared or laminated thereto. The low friction material may completely encapsulate the annular band. |
| US08882346B2 |
Washing machine, in particular a laundry machine or washing/drying machine or a dishwasher, equipped with a device for detecting the temperature of the electric resistance used for warming up the wash liquid
The present invention relates to a washing machine (2), in particular a laundry washing or washing/drying machine or a dishwasher, comprising: a tub (3) adapted to contain a wash liquid (4), an electric resistance (1) for heating the wash liquid (4), a temperature sensor (5) for detecting the temperature of the wash liquid (4), wherein the resistance (1) and the temperature sensor (5) are put in a condition of thermal exchange by conduction. The invention also relates to a method for evaluating whether the resistance is emerged from or submerged in the wash liquid and to a method for removing calcareous deposits (17) from an electric resistance (1) adapted to heat a wash liquid (4) in a washing machine (2), in particular a laundry washing or washing/drying machine or a dishwasher, characterized in that the resistance (1) is subjected to at least one heating and cooling cycle while the resistance (1) is kept above the wash liquid (4). |
| US08882342B2 |
Watch case
This watch case comprises a middle (1), a tube (3, 23), which is secured to the middle (1) and is provided with a thread, a control crown (C) which is provided with a thread screwed onto the tube (3, 23), the control crown (C) having an external part (10, 20) that has a distinctive mark (S) that is visible from the outside and an internal part (2, 24) housed inside the external part (10, 20) and clamping means (11) for axially holding said external part (10, 20) and said internal part (2, 24) in an angular position determined with respect to the longitudinal axis of said tube. The internal part (2, 24) has first angular indexing means (2a, 24a), the external part (10, 20) having second angular indexing means (10a, 20a), these indexing means being shaped so as to engage axially in one another. |
| US08882339B2 |
Immobilizing device for a toothed wheel
The invention relates to an immobilizing device for a toothed wheel suitable for the field of horology where it can be part of a direct- or indirect-impulse escapement, in particular in a wristwatch. This immobilizing device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) comprises: —a base (7); —an immobilizer (9) comprising two arms (10, 11) each provided with a pallet (14, 15) intended to come into contact with a tooth of the toothed wheel (40); —a first and a second elastic element (12, 13) each having an end connected to the immobilizer (9) and another end connected to the base (7); —a third elastic element (16) connected to the immobilizer (9), and it has the particular feature that it is in one piece or in one piece apart from at least one of the pallets (14, 15). The invention also relates to a timepiece and to a method for assembling such a timepiece. |
| US08882338B2 |
Chronograph mechanism with a column wheel and timepiece movement including the same
The pusher device of the chronograph mechanism includes a pivoting control part (56) mounted on a first pivot (55) and carrying a click (52) and an intermediate lever (58) mounted on a second pivot (59). The intermediate lever is arranged to be actuated by the push button and includes a distal portion arranged to actuate the pivoting control part (56). The first pivot (55) and the second pivot (59) are arranged at the periphery of the movement on both sides of the push button (67, 69) and the pivoting control part and the intermediate lever extend from their respective pivot against each other. The click (52) is arranged to push in front of it one tooth of the toothing (42) of the column wheel (40) when the push button is actuated, then to return by sliding over the tip of a tooth. |
| US08882335B2 |
Method and system for recycling ripped asphalt into new asphalt production
The invention relates to a hot asphalt recycling system for adding any used and then ripped asphalt from its original place into new asphalt production, having a heat-insulated frame with a closed volume; at least one RAP material transmission channel within frame, transmission channel being embodied so as to produce a geometrical shape with at least three edges; a transmission line displacing within the RAP material transmission channel and comprising a plurality of transmission plates positioned thereon at certain intervals; optionally a feeding mechanism feeding RAP material to transmission line at a certain speed; an accumulation reservoir formed within frame to store the RAP material heated to a certain temperature without causing any temperature fall; optionally a discharge mechanism providing the transfer of accumulated hot RAP material; and optionally a discharge unit to discharge the RAP material within the transmission line to the exterior when it becomes necessary. |
| US08882334B2 |
Light bulb utilizing a replaceable LED light source
The present invention is a light bulb featuring a removable LED light source. The preferred source being a lighting source with a three dimensional lead frame as disclosed in the parent applications to this application. Control circuitry is included to convert electrical power into power usable by the LEDs. |
| US08882333B2 |
Electronic incense assembly
An electronic incense assembly includes a light source, a collimating lens, a lens array, a number of electronic incense sticks. The light source is configured for emitting a first light beam having a divergent angle. The collimating lens is configured for collimating the first light beam into a parallel second light beam. The lens array has an array of converging lenses, each of which is configured for converging a part of the second light beam passing therethrough into a third light beam. Each of the electronic incense sticks has an open end arranged to receive one third light beam and a transparent bubble formed at an end opposite to the open end. |
| US08882330B2 |
Light module having a bent portion between light sources
A light module for a backlight assembly that prevents metal wiring from being damaged at a bent portion and a backlight assembly including the same are presented. The light module for the backlight assembly includes: a printed circuit board (PCB) including a first portion and a second portion connected by a connection having a bend; a first light source formed on the first portion of the printed circuit board (PCB); a second light source formed on the second portion of the printed circuit board (PCB); a first wiring connecting member connected to the first light source and formed on the first portion; and a second wiring connecting member connected to the second light source and formed on the second portion, wherein the first wiring connecting member and the second wiring connecting member are connected to each other. |
| US08882329B2 |
Hillock for fixing PCB on backplane, backplane and backlight module
The present invention discloses a hillock for fixing PCB on backplane, a backplane and a backlight module. A hillock is used for fixing PCB on backplane; the hillock is provided with a PCB mounting hole for fixing the PCB; the bottom of the hillock is provided with a fixed structure for arranging the hillock on the backplane. In the present invention, because each hillock on the backplane is designed into an independent part, and the hillock is fixed on the backplane by a fixed structure at the bottom of the hillock, hillocks of corresponding positions and corresponding number are arranged on the backplane in accordance with different requirement, such as PCBs of different size, and requirements of components of different number. Thus, there is no need for production of backplanes of various specifications to adapt for the requirements of various PCBs and the like and components of different number, and only a kind of backplane is required to be produced. The production cost of backplanes is saved, and the generality of backplanes is improved. |
| US08882328B2 |
Input edge coupler having taper region
A light guide includes a substrate having opposing first and second major surfaces and an input edge coupler disposed along an edge of the substrate. The ratio of a light guide input edge thickness to a light guide thickness is greater than 2:1. |
| US08882327B2 |
Composite light guide plate
The present invention provides a composite light guide plate having a thickness of more than about 1 mm, for use in LCD backlights or in general illumination devices. In the fabrication method of the present invention the extrusion roll molding process is combined with coating and lamination steps to enable a cost effective roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet manufacture of the thick composite light guide plate wherein one or both principal surfaces of the light guide plate contain a pattern to enable extraction and redirection of light by the light guide plate from a light source or multiple light sources placed at one or multiple edges of the light guide plate. The composite light guide plate comprises a patterned film and a pre-cut sheet joined together by an adhesive layer. In order to attain good light extraction efficiency the adhesive layer and the two constituent layers of the light guide plate must be optically matched such that the refractive indices of any two of the three materials of the composite light guide plate can differ by no more than 0.01. |
| US08882326B2 |
Light guide plate and surface light source device
A light guide plate includes an incident surface on which light outputted from point light sources is incident and an outgoing surface for outputting light incident from the incident surface, wherein a reflection-and-propagation surface for reflecting light toward the outgoing surface is formed in a back surface opposite to the outgoing surface. The outgoing surface is made up of a propagation region adjacent to the incident surface, a diffusion-and-propagation auxiliary region adjacent to the propagation region, and a diffusion-and-propagation region adjacent to the diffusion-and-propagation auxiliary region. Hot spots and bright/dark lines in vicinities of the incident surface are controlled primarily by curved portions of prism upper ends formed in the diffusion-and-propagation region, and viewing-angle characteristics of the light guide plate are controlled primarily by linear portions of the prisms. |
| US08882322B2 |
Backlight unit
A backlight unit is provided. The backlight unit may include a light emitting device package, a light guide plate including a first region and a second region extending from the first region, with upper surfaces of the first and second regions being spaced apart so as to form a stepped surface. A recess may be formed in a lateral surface of the second region to receive the light emitting device package, and an optical sheet may be received on the upper surface of the second region of the light guide plate. |
| US08882317B2 |
Display switch unit for a vehicle and method for producing the display switch unit
A display switch unit is provided for a vehicle and a method for producing the display switch unit. The display switch unit has at least one transparent front plastic region and a rear plastic region. Plastic switch symbols are disposed in the transparent front plastic region of the plastic body. Sensor structures of proximity sensors are each disposed behind one of the plastic switch symbols in the rear plastic region. The material of the plastic switch symbols includes, but is not limited to light-sensitive invisible particles, which are disposed in such a manner that under irradiation, colored illuminated switch symbols are visible in the surrounding transparent front plastic region. |
| US08882316B2 |
Vehicular lamp
A linear light guide or light guides disposed in a lamp chamber have a light guide neighboring region, in which the portions close to light incidence end portions are close to each other, and a light-emitting portion or portions are disposed so as to be offset from a luminous region of a light source unit and to have portions that extend from the light guide neighboring region and separate from each other. A translucent diffusion cover that covers the light guide neighboring region is provided at least in front of the light guide neighboring region. Part of the light from the light guide neighboring region is diffused by the diffusion cover and then emitted through the diffusion cover, so that light emitted through the light-emitting portion and the diffusion cover is continuous, so that it appears as if the light guide that is continuous is emitting light. |
| US08882313B2 |
Light emitting semiconductor element and method of manufacturing the same
A light emitting semiconductor element includes at least two electrically conductive units, at least a light emitting semiconductor die and a light transmitting layer. A groove is located between the two electrically conductive units. The light emitting semiconductor die is cross over the electrically conductive units. The light transmitting layer covers the light emitting semiconductor and partially fills within the groove for linking the electrically conductive units. |
| US08882307B2 |
Light emitting device and illumination device
A light emitting device that can reduce the illuminance unevenness on an illuminated surface. First light flux controlling member 103 controls the distribution of light emitted from light emitting element 102. Second light flux controlling member 105 has second incidence surface 201 onto which the light emitted from first light flux controlling member 103 is incident and second emission surface 202 that is located on a side opposite to second incidence surface 201 and emits the light incident from second incidence surface 201. Also, at least one surface of second incidence surface 201 and second emission surface 202 refracts the light having an optical path on a virtual cross-section including optical axis P1 of light emitting element 102 and being incident onto second incidence surface 201 or second emission surface 202 more to the optical axis P1 side than when being incident onto a plane perpendicular to optical axis P1. |
| US08882303B2 |
LED lamp
An LED lamp includes a heat dissipator, a module substrate fixed to one end of the dissipator and mounted with an LED chip, a cap mounted via an insulator on the other end of the dissipator, a lighting circuit disposed in the dissipator and/or the cap, a glove having an open end attached to the one end of the dissipator so as to cover the module substrate, an intermediate ring including an engaging portion formed on its one end, and an engaged portion formed on the one end of the dissipator so as to be detachably engageable with the engaging portion. The other end of the ring is bonded with the open end of the glove to be fixed to the open end of the glove. The engaging portion fixed to the glove engages the engaged portion so that the glove is detachably attached to the dissipator. |
| US08882301B2 |
Method for low temperature bonding of electronic components
A method for bonding an LED assembly (71) or other electronic package (31) to a substrate PCB containing a heat-sink (52), which utilizes layers of reactive multilayer foil (51) disposed between contacts (32, 34) of the electronic package 31 and the associated contact pads (55) on the supporting substrate PCB. By initiating an exothermic reaction in the reactive multilayer foil (51), together with an application of pressure, sufficient heat is generated between the contacts (32, 34) and the associated contact pads (55) to melt adjacent bonding material (54) to obtain good electrically and thermally conductive bonds between the contacts 32, 34 and contact pads (55) without thermally damaging the electronic package (31), heat-sensitive components (35) associated with the electronic package (31), or other the supporting substrate PCB. |
| US08882300B2 |
Color filter and edge-type backlight module using the same
A color filter comprises a first filter element and a second filter element. The first filter element includes a plurality of arrayed filter regions allowing a first spectral component of incident light to pass and reflecting other spectral components of the incident light. The second filter element includes a plurality of arrayed filter regions allowing a second spectral component of the incident light to pass and reflecting other spectral components of the incident light. The center of the filter regions of the second filter element is deviated from the center of the filter regions of the first filter element so that the light reflected from the first filter element can pass through the second filter element. Thereby is enhanced the energy efficiency of the color filter. An edge-type backlight module using the abovementioned color filter is also disclosed. |
| US08882297B2 |
Flat LED lamp assembly
An LED-based lamp assembly with a driver assembly having a base portion rotatably engageable with the socket of a light fixture to make a first electrical contact with the light fixture. The driver assembly makes electrical contact with the light fixture. A lamp housing assembly operably connected to the driver assembly has a lamp housing connected to the driver assembly. The lamp housing is coupled to an integrated circuitry arrangement with at least one LED light thereon. The integrated circuitry arrangement is connected to, or is an integral part of, a heat sink that carries heat away from the substrate and/or LED light. The heat sink and the integrated circuitry arrangement have apertures hat allows heated air from the heat sink to pass therethrough and away from the LED light. |
| US08882284B2 |
LED lamp or bulb with remote phosphor and diffuser configuration with enhanced scattering properties
An LED lamp or bulb is disclosed that comprises a light source, a heat sink structure and an optical cavity. The optical cavity comprises a phosphor carrier having a conversions material and arranged over an opening to the cavity. The phosphor carrier comprises a thermally conductive transparent material and is thermally coupled to the heat sink structure. An LED based light source is mounted in the optical cavity remote to the phosphor carrier with light from the light source passing through the phosphor carrier. A diffuser dome is included that is mounted over the optical cavity, with light from the optical cavity passing through the diffuser dome. The properties of the diffuser, such as geometry, scattering properties of the scattering layer, surface roughness or smoothness, and spatial distribution of the scattering layer properties may be used to control various lamp properties such as color uniformity and light intensity distribution as a function of viewing angle. |
| US08882283B2 |
LED Fresnel lighting system including active cooling
A lighting apparatus for film, television, video capture, motion picture and photography which includes a Fresnel lens fixed in a housing which contains a tight array of high power LEDs. The LED panel or board is mated to a heat dissipating apparatus to provide active cooling and together forming an LED engine. The LED engine is mounted to a slider allowing the LED engine to be adjusted within the housing with respect to the lens. Light shaping diffusion may be included on the housing. A power supply unit may also be included in the housing. When in electrical communication, the LED engine and power supply unit function as an integrated self-contained lighting apparatus. Optionally, the power supply may have an integrated dimmer switch, and may be capable of receiving PFC power or have an integrated battery unit. |
| US08882281B2 |
Peripheral vision safety system and device
A peripheral vision safety system and device expands peripheral vision of an individual without impeding forward vision. The expanded zone of peripheral vision provides a new level of safety for flaggers and other construction site members by reducing the risk of injury or death from passing vehicles, heavy equipment, and other hazards not in their direct line of sight. A peripheral vision safety device includes a detachable mounting clip for removably securing it to the brim of a safety helmet or cap or other type of head covering. A peripheral vision safety device includes multiple adjustable couplings configured for optimal positioning of the reflector. |
| US08882280B2 |
Optical substrate
An optical substrate such as a cover glass which effects only a small change in a reflected color dependent on an incident angle, or more particularly, an optical substrate such as a cover glass for displays includes a reinforcement layer intended to prevent cracking, an antiglare layer formed on the reinforcement layer, a tone-adjustment antireflection film formed on the antiglare layer, and an antifouling layer formed on the antireflection film intended to minimize fingerprint adhesion. The antireflection film includes at least nine layers. |
| US08882278B1 |
Projected display
A reprojection system which allows a projection to be displayed onto a display screen, and reprojected by that display screen. The display is received on the surface that itself displays, and it is then redisplayed on the surface. The redisplay can be at the same size or at a different size as the original projection. Preferably the redisplay is at the same relative intensity but a brighter actual intensity than the original display. The information is can be received and redisplayed in a number of different ways. |
| US08882274B1 |
Laser wavefront characterization
The device and method of the present invention are useful for determining the characteristics of an infrared wavefront. The present invention involves positioning a beam of light containing the infrared wavefront to be characterized onto a distorted grating, using the grating to produce a plurality of images, determining the infrared wavefront from the plurality of images and analyzing the infrared wavefront for features that characterize the infrared wavefront. |
| US08882273B2 |
Neurochromatic prescription determination
A method for determining a lens prescription for the eye. The method includes selecting a first ultraviolet (UV) trial lens and a second UV trial lens and determining whether the first UV trial lens or the second UV trial lens results in greater improvement in visual function. The second UV trial lens may be selected for the prescription when the second UV trial lens results in greater improvement in visual function as compared to the first UV trial lens. The method includes selecting a first color group comprising a first color trial lens and a second color trial lens and determining whether the first color trial lens or the second color trial lens results in greater improvement in visual function. The second color trial lens may be selected for the prescription when the second color trial lens results in greater improvement in visual function than the first color trial lens. |
| US08882272B2 |
Method and apparatus for imaging the choroid
A method and apparatus for imaging the choroid. The method comprises indirectly illuminating the choroid of an eye using incident light having a wavelength spectrum in the near-infrared region; and collecting the light passing out through the choroid and the pupil of the eye using an image sensor to obtain an image of the choroid. |
| US08882271B2 |
Surgical microscope system for ophthalmology, and associated detection unit
A surgical microscope system (100) for ophthalmology, in particular for cataract surgery, comprising a surgical microscope (10) having an optical viewing unit (13), is proposed, in which an optical coherence tomograph (20) is set up to scan at least a region of a lens (53) of an eye (50) and to generate scan values, and in which a detection unit (30) is set up to generate, on the basis of the scan values, diagnostic data that correspond to light-reflecting structures in the scanned region of the eye (50) and that derive from a plane of the eye (50) that corresponds to an object plane of the surgical microscope (10). |
| US08882264B2 |
Simultaneous vision lenses, design strategies, apparatuses, methods, and systems
Certain exemplary embodiments include methods of determining ophthalmic prescriptions to ameliorate presbyopia. Certain exemplary embodiments provide an ophthalmic lens having spherical aberration of the same sign as the patient's eye and of a magnitude effective to substantially provide a desired net spherical aberration for an optical system including the patient's eye and the ophthalmic lens where the desired net spherical aberration provides a desired increase in near vision. Certain exemplary embodiments include contact lenses, intraocular lenses, corneal onlays, corneal inlays, or corneal surgeries providing spherical aberration of the same sign as the patient's eye and of a magnitude effective to substantially provide a desired net spherical aberration for an optical system including the patient's eye and the ophthalmic lens where the desired net spherical aberration provides a desired increase in near distance vision. |
| US08882261B2 |
Large sheet handling using a flatbed cart
Disclosed is an apparatus for handling a sheet of substrate media in a marking assembly. The apparatus includes a rail support track, a first marking zone and a first platen cart. The rail support track forms a closed path. The first marking zone marks a sheet of substrate media. Also, the first platen cart moves along the rail support track. The first platen cart recirculating around the closed path. The first platen cart conveying the sheet of substrate media in a process direction along at least a portion of the closed path through the first marking zone. |
| US08882258B2 |
Web inkjet printing method and apparatus using an air bar
In a method and apparatus for duplex inkjet printing on a web medium, a web medium is guided along an S-form transport path having generally horizontal top, middle and bottom spans and two turns linking the spans. One inkjet printhead is located to print onto a one surface of the web at the middle span and another inkjet printhead is located to print onto the opposite surface of the web at one of the other spans. To protect the printed surfaces before they are dried at least one of the turns in the S-form path is effected using an air bar to hold the printed web surfaces away from hard equipment surfaces. |
| US08882255B2 |
Ink jet ink and ink jet recording method
The invention provides an ink jet ink including a coloring material, a polymer particle, a crosslinking agent and an aqueous medium. The polymer particle has a unit derived from a compound represented by the following general formula (1) and a glass transition temperature of 25° C. or less. The crosslinking agent has a functional group capable of forming a crosslinked structure with a ketone group derived from the compound represented by the general formula (1) by a dehydration reaction. The mass ratio of a content (% by mass) of the coloring material based on the total mass of the ink to a content (% by mass) of the polymer particle based on the total mass of the ink is 0.2 times or more and 2.5 times or less. |
| US08882252B2 |
Fluid cartridge
An ink cartridge for an inkjet printer includes a bottom face and a front face; interfaces on the front face for connection to a cartridge receiving structure, the interfaces including an ink interface; a guide interface in the bottom face for guiding the cartridge along a straight line for connecting the interfaces; and a latch stop and a latch track, disposed in the bottom face, to guide and retain a latch of the cartridge receiving structure. |
| US08882251B2 |
Inter-terminal connection structure, liquid storage container, and method of assembling liquid storage container
An inter-terminal connection structure includes: a first terminal; a second terminal which is separated from the first terminal and is mounted on a container main body for storing a liquid storage body; a first connection member which is in contact with the first terminal, is mounted on the liquid storage body, and has conductivity; and a second connection member which is for connection to the second terminal, is mounted on the container main body, and has conductivity, wherein, when the liquid storage body is accommodated in the container main body, in order to cause the first connection member to come in contact with a first contact portion of the second connection member, the container main body has a positioning member for determining a position of a first site of the first contact portion which is to come in contact with the first connection member inside the container main body. |
| US08882243B2 |
Ink jet printer
An ink jet printer for printing on a substrate comprising a first print head outputting ink and defining an ink meniscus; a platen operable to carry the substrate; a support structure; and a print head mechanism coupled to the support structure and carrying the first print head. The print head mechanism moves the first print head relative to the platen. A controller controls the print head mechanism such that at least one of a predetermined acceleration and predetermined deceleration of the print head mechanism is achieved such that the ink meniscus is operably maintained. |
| US08882239B2 |
Method for determining maintenance unit performance
In a method for determining a maintenance performance of a maintenance unit of an inkjet printing system, the inkjet system comprises an inkjet print head having an orifice surface, the orifice surface comprising an orifice, which orifice is in fluid communication with an ink chamber. The method comprises operating the maintenance unit to perform a maintenance operation on the orifice surface of the inkjet print head and detecting the presence of a wiper element or amount of ink over the orifice by detecting a pressure wave in the ink chamber and analyzing the detected pressure wave to determine the maintenance performance of the maintenance unit. |
| US08882238B2 |
Coating device
A coating device is provided with: a plurality of inkjet heads (31) staggered to cover an area to be coated in a width direction of a long-roll supporting body (10); a pressure adjusting mechanism (40) for adjusting the back-pressure of the coating solution to be applied from inkjet heads (31); a plurality of solution feeding pipes (43) for supplying the coating solution from the pressure adjusting mechanism (40) to inkjet heads (31); and storage tank (50) for storing the coating solution, wherein the feeding volumes of the coating solution from the solution feeding pipes (43) are adjusted equal (i.e. flow resistances of the piping are made equal), so that equal back-pressures are applied to the coating solution to be jetted from the inkjet heads. |
| US08882236B1 |
System and method for compensating for defective inkjets ejecting black ink in solid fill areas
A method of solid ink printer operation compensates for missing black ink in solid fill areas. The method includes ejecting at least one other color of ink into a black solid fill area at a predetermined distance to the area missing the black ink. The additional non-black ink urges black ink between the non-black ink and the area missing the black ink to migrate into the area in which the black ink is missing. |
| US08882234B2 |
Liquid emission apparatus and method for liquid emission
A liquid emission apparatus having a head provided with a plurality of nozzles which each emits liquid, the liquid emission apparatus being configured to emit liquid from the nozzles by applying a driving signal to the driver elements, the liquid emission apparatus being configured to apply the driving signal to the driver elements so as to obtain a plurality of detected signals, to decide whether one of the nozzles corresponding to one of the driver elements is causing a malfunction in liquid emission on the basis of one of detected signals, to drive the driver element corresponding to the nozzle again upon the nozzle having caused a malfunction in liquid emission, and to omit to drive the driver element corresponding to the nozzle upon the nozzle having caused no malfunction in liquid emission. |
| US08882233B2 |
Inkjet printer with carriage-coupled media detector
An inkjet printer having a print region, the inkjet printer includes an inkjet printhead; a media advance system for advancing recording medium through the printing region; a carriage for moving the printhead back and forth in a carriage scan direction across the print region, the carriage including a first magnetic element; and a platform that is movable along the carriage scan direction, the platform including: an optical sensor for receiving light from the recording medium to determine a type of recording medium; and a second magnetic element for selectively coupling to the first magnetic element. |
| US08882232B2 |
Inkjet print apparatus and inkjet control method for removing ink from a receiving unit
When performing at least one of preliminary ejection or a suction unit as a countermeasure against adhering ink that accumulates in the portion where preliminary ejection is performed, the preliminary ejection amount and suction speed of the suction unit are optimized. An inkjet print apparatus that prints by using a printing head for ejecting ink, comprising: an ejecting unit; a sucking unit; a measuring unit that measures an elapsed time after the sucking unit is performed; and a control unit that control ejection by the ejecting unit or sucking by the sucking unit according to the elapsed time measured in the measuring unit; wherein as the elapsed time becomes longer, the amount of ink that is ejected to the ink receiving unit in the ejecting unit is increased or a suction speed at which the ink is sucked in the sucking unit is increased. |
| US08882230B2 |
Liquid droplet ejecting head, ink cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A liquid droplet ejecting head is disclosed, including a nozzle hole which ejects liquid droplets; an ejecting liquid chamber which is in communication with outside via the nozzle hole and which contains an ejecting liquid to be the liquid droplets; a pressure generating unit which generates pressure within the ejecting liquid chamber; a temperature detecting unit which detects temperature at a location at which is arranged a temperature measuring resistive body; and a pressure control unit which controls an output of the pressure generating unit based on detected results of the temperature detecting unit, wherein the pressure generating unit is configured to increase pressure within the ejecting liquid chamber, so that the ejecting liquid within the ejecting liquid chamber is ejected from the nozzle hole as the liquid droplets, and wherein the temperature measuring resistive body is arranged at the ejecting liquid chamber forming member. |
| US08882227B2 |
Liquid discharge apparatus
A liquid discharge apparatus, comprising: a transportation unit that transports a medium; a head that includes a first nozzle array on which nozzles for discharging a first liquid are arrayed, and a second nozzle array on which nozzles for discharging a second liquid are arrayed; and a controller that controls the transportation unit and the head based on print data, wherein, in a case where the printing of the print data is designated to be performed without forming the printing dots of the first liquid on the medium, the controller causes the head to discharge the second liquid from the second nozzle array to form the printing dots of the second liquid on the medium, and causes the head to discharge the first liquid from the first nozzle array to form the flushing dots of the first liquid on the medium. |
| US08882226B2 |
Focus-activated acoustic ejection
To ejecting a droplet from a reservoir, the reservoir holding a fluid is moved with respect to an acoustic ejector. As the reservoir and ejector move closer together, the acoustic ejector sends one or more interrogation pulses towards the reservoir. Based on the interrogation pulses, the system determines when the movement of the reservoir has placed a free surface of the fluid in a position where a droplet can be ejected. |
| US08882224B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
When a paper jam is detected, in the case where the cause of the paper jam is a CR motor error in which the speed of the carriage is decreased by as much as a load when the paper jam occurs and becomes equal to or less than a set speed, when there is an instruction to continue printing, cleaning is performed on a printing head. In this case, it is determined whether the paper position is particularly in a one-side supporting range in which the paper is supported by only one pair of transporting roller pairs provided in each of an upstream side and a downstream side of a transporting direction of the paper with interposing of a moving path of the printing head. Then, it is preferable that cleaning be performed as long as the paper position is in the one-side supporting range. |
| US08882223B2 |
Method of printing with a split image revolution
A method of indirect printing has been developed to split printing of an imaging revolution on the image drum. A portion of the image is printed on the drum corresponding from an intermediate edge to a trailing edge of image data, and subsequently a remaining portion is printed corresponding from a leading edge to the intermediate edge of the image data. Splitting the image revolution enables the imaging to begin earlier in the drum revolution and decreases the total number of revolutions needed to complete a printed page, increasing printer throughput. |
| US08882219B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus and method
An inkjet recording apparatus includes: an inkjet head which has a nozzle and an ejection energy generating element configured to cause droplets to be ejected from an ejection port of the nozzle; a head movement device which is configured to reciprocally move the inkjet head to scan a recording medium onto which the droplets ejected from the inkjet head are deposited; a linear encoder which is configured to output signals to determine a position of the inkjet head; an ejection trigger signal generating device which is configured to generate ejection trigger signals in accordance with the output signals of the linear encoder, the ejection trigger signals specifying ejection timings of the inkjet head with a temporal resolution of 0.1 μs order; and an ejection control device which is configured to cause the inkjet head to eject the droplets in accordance with the ejection timings specified by the ejection trigger signals. |
| US08882218B2 |
Printhead color density correction in printing systems
A method for color density correction in a printing system that includes a linehead, with one or more printheads, that jets ink onto a moving print media and an integrated imaging system that captures images of content printed on the moving print media is provided. One or more pixel data values and a measured density value trace for a printed test block are produced by scanning the test block and averaging pixel data in a print media transport direction. A color and a density of the ink in the printed test block are determined using the pixel data values. The measured density value trace is compared with a respective reference density value. It is determined whether there is a difference between the measured density value trace and a reference density value is determined. If there is a difference, ink laydown for the printhead is adjusted based on the difference. |
| US08882216B2 |
Inkjet printer and method for determining ink discharging timing
An inkjet printer is configured to acquire gap variation information related to a variation of a gap between a specific portion of an ink discharging surface and a recording sheet as a function of an inkjet head position, the specific portion located within a usage nozzle disposed area where usage nozzle rows to be actually used are disposed, determine representative gap variation information related to a variation, as a function of the inkjet head position, of a representative gap representing actual gaps between the usage nozzle rows and the recording sheet, by multiplying the gap variation information by a correction coefficient dependent on a width of the usage nozzle disposed area in a head moving direction and a wavelength of a wave shape of the recording sheet, and determine ink discharging timing based on the representative gap variation information, assuming that the actual gaps are equal to the representative gap. |
| US08882212B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus and liquid cartridges
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid, a hollow needle that communicates with the liquid ejection head, a moving mechanism that moves the hollow needle or a liquid cartridge such that the hollow needle penetrates a sealing member of the liquid cartridge, a reader that reads a data stored in a memory, and a controller that controls a speed of the hollow needle relative to the sealing member based on the data read by the reader. |
| US08882211B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator having an improved structure of a storage box and a shelf thereof so as to achieve increased space utilization of a storage compartment. The storage box may have slide protrusions respectively formed on both of outer side-faces of the storage box at a lower portion thereof to allow the storage box to be slidably retracted in or extended from the storage compartment. The shelf may have a support structure to support food thereon and slide grooves respectively formed above both sides of the support structure, each groove receiving the corresponding slide protrusion of the storage box. When the storage box is mounted on the shelf, food may be put in the inner space of the storage box, whereas when the storage box is dismounted from the shelf, a food storage space may be present on the support structure of the shelf. |
| US08882210B2 |
Drawer system
An arrangement includes a drawer and a pull-out guide for the drawer. The drawer has a drawer container and a front panel that can be connected to the container, and the drawer can be detachably fastened to the pull-out guide by a fastening device. The pull-out guide has at least one first and one second locking position for fastening the drawer, and the drawer can be provided with a first type of front panel or a second type of front panel. The particular drawer can be locked or fastened in the first or second locking position depending on the front panel type. |
| US08882207B2 |
Composite bicycle wheel
A composite bicycle wheel is provided with a first circumferential side wall, a second circumferential side wall and an outer bridge. The first circumferential side wall has a radial inner end and a radial outer end. The second circumferential side wall has a radial inner end and a radial outer end. The outer bridge connects the radial outer ends of the first and second circumferential side walls. At least one of the outer bridge and the first and second circumferential side walls includes a vibration suppression layer. |
| US08882206B2 |
Vehicle wheel disk
A vehicle wheel disk includes a hat portion having a crest portion extending continuously in a circumferential direction of the disk, an inner curved portion curved inwardly in an axial direction of the disk radially inside the crest portion and extending continuously in a circumferential direction of the disk, and an outer curved portion curved inwardly in the axial direction of the disk radially outside the crest portion and extending in the circumferential direction of the disk. |
| US08882204B2 |
Apparatus and method for mining coal
The present invention relates to a novel method of retrieving gas from a gas-containing subterranean formation, the method including digging a mine shaft to reach the subterranean formation; constructing a ventilated underground control center wherein the center includes a computerized control panel, wherein the computerized control panel controls the movements of a hot head device such as a plasma torch, an electro-chemical apparatus, a hydrogenating solvent or heated ceramic particles; a hollow drill pipe; a movable hydraulic shield; a movable resin roof bolting machine; and a movable waste extrusion device; providing mining personnel to the ventilated underground control center; and allowing the mining personnel to operate the computerized control panel wherein they perform the tasks of moving the hot head device into the subterranean formation, recovering the gas, and extruding waste material into a mined-out space of the subterranean formation. |
| US08882201B2 |
Seat element
Seat element, comprising a frame, a seat associable to said frame, the frame and the seat being made separately from each other and being attachable and detachable from each other by the interposition of first coupling means. Advantageously, the first coupling means comprise at least one elastic hook and a protuberance, able to form a snap coupling with each other, the elastic hook being positioned so as to intercept the protuberance in a vertical assembly direction.The elastic hook has a coupling end and a hook end, flexible in relation to the coupling end, so as to snap hook onto an undercut of the protuberance in the vertical assembly direction. |
| US08882195B2 |
Base for a person's seat
A seat base having a first pair of U-shaped tubular elements capable of being deformed, the upper end portion is arranged in a torsionally rigid manner in the vertical direction on a lower surface of the seat part and the lower end portion is arranged in a torsionally rigid manner in the vertical direction on an upper surface of a region of the vehicle floor, and a second pair of S-shaped tubular elements capable of being deformed, the upper end portion is arranged in a torsionally rigid manner in the vertical direction on the lower surface of the seat part and the lower end portion is arranged in a torsionally rigid manner in the vertical direction on the upper surface of the region of the vehicle floor, wherein the first pair of elements is arranged substantially in front of the second pair of elements in the direction of the seat. |
| US08882193B2 |
Head rest for a vehicle
A head rest for a vehicle seat includes: at least one first section that is oriented towards the head of the seat occupant, a second section, and a third section, wherein the second section is arranged essentially between the first and third sections. In the event of an accident, the first section can be displaced in the direction of displacement, due to the effect of a relative displacement of the second section from a working position into a safety position in the direction of the head of the seat occupant. The relative movement of the sections is a rotation about an essentially parallel rotational axis in the direction of displacement. A mounting of the first section in relation to the second section is provided during the relative displacement about the rotational axis. The first section comprises a first bearing surface and the second section comprises a second bearing surface. |
| US08882191B2 |
Collapsible canopy for a child conveyance device
Child conveyance devices and canopies for them are described. In one embodiment a child conveyance device comprises a shell including a first canopy recess, a support surface configured to support a child, and a retractable canopy mounted on a canopy cap pivotally coupled to the shell and configured to support the canopy above at least a portion of the support surface and to secure a first portion of the canopy in a retracted configuration within the first canopy recess upon positioning of the canopy cap in a closed configuration. |
| US08882190B2 |
Reclining chair
A chair has a seat portion having a front, a rear and sides. The chair also has a footrest adjustable between at least two positions: a retracted position and an extended position. The footrest is cantilevered from the seat portion in the extended position. The chair also has a plurality of members connected by a plurality of linkages permitting the members to pivot with respect to each other. The plurality of members is adapted to hold the footrest in the retracted position and to support the footrest in the extended position. The chair also has a cover for hiding the plurality of linkages when viewed from a lateral position when the footrest is in the extended position. |
| US08882188B2 |
Folding chair
A folding chair includes a front leg frame, a rear leg frame and a backrest frame pivotally coupled to a seat. Support braces are pivotally coupled to the backrest frame on one end and pivotally coupled to the front leg frame on an opposing end by sliding members that are slidably coupled to a corresponding slot formed on each side of the seat. In an open configuration the backrest frame is substantially upright and positioned substantially perpendicular to the seat, and each sliding member engages a rear end of a corresponding slot such that the front leg frame forms an X-shape with respect to the rear leg frame. The components are folded in one motion into a folded configuration in which each sliding member engages a front end of a corresponding slot while the backrest frame, seat, and front and rear leg frames are positioned co-planar to each other. |
| US08882185B2 |
Modular construction system and method for producing a roof module
A modular construction system for producing a plurality of design variants of a roof module for a motor car includes a plurality of design-variant-specific adapter elements and a plurality of design-variant-specific planar elements. Using at least one adapter element, at least one respective planar element can be connected to a frame, forming a roof opening, in particular of a motor car shell. |
| US08882182B2 |
Cowl structure for an automobile
A cowl structure for an automobile that may both impede movements of air and guide moisture in a cowl portion, even with a small number of components. Plural screen plates and a guide plate are disposed inside the cowl portion. The screen plate and screen plate impede movements of air in the cowl portion. The guide plate guides water inside the cowl portion to a vehicle forward side thereof. The screen plate and screen plate are joined by the guide plate. |
| US08882180B2 |
Door hooking arrangement for a motor vehicle
A door hooking arrangement for a motor vehicle for protecting against an impact on a vehicle door (1) including a catch hook (5) and a receiver (6) for the catch hook (5), the catch hook (5) and receiver (6) being correspondingly arranged on the vehicle door (1) and a door frame (4) in the vehicle. The catch hook (5) includes at least one barb (9). Thus, with plastic deformation of the vehicle door, the catch hook (5) is hooked very firmly in the receiver (6). |
| US08882179B2 |
Body for dump truck
A body for a dump truck includes a body frame, a bottom wall, front wall and left and right side walls arranged on the body frame. The bottom wall, front wall and left and right side walls define a payload section for loading a payload, an earth/sand anti-sticking device is arranged in a corner part of the payload section to prevent earth or sand from sticking in the corner part. A steel member is arranged outside and opposite to the earth/sand anti-sticking device such that a space is formed between the steel member and the earth/sand anti-sticking device. The body includes at least one steel rib having a ridge extending out from a surface of a plate that forms the earth/sand anti-sticking device, the ridge is fixedly secured by welding to the plate that forms the earth/sand anti-sticking device. |
| US08882178B2 |
Body for dump truck
A body for a dump truck includes a body frame, a bottom wall, front wall, and left and right side walls arranged on the body frame. The body also includes an earth/sand anti-sticking device and a steel member arranged outside and opposite the earth/sand anti-sticking device such that a space is formed between the steel member and the earth/sand anti-sticking device. The body is provided with at least one steel rib arranged in the space, fixedly secured to the steel member to reinforce the steel member, and arranged extending upright toward the earth/sand anti-sticking device. The steel member is any one of the bottom wall, front wall, and left and right walls, and the steel rib is shaped to divide the space. |
| US08882177B2 |
Aerodynamic noise reduction device
An aerodynamic noise reduction device reduces aerodynamic noise originating from a separation region located downstream of a step portion protruding from a surface of an object placed in an airflow. Since the step portion protrudes from the surface of the object placed in the airflow, aerodynamic noise is generated from the airflow separation region located downstream of the step portion. However, by forming an air discharge vent at the step portion at a position near a point, in the separation region, where a Reynolds stress is at its maximum and by discharging air from the air discharge vent toward the point where the Reynolds stress is at its maximum, the velocity gradient in the separated shear layer in the separation region is mitigated to decrease the maximum value of the Reynolds stress. The aerodynamic noise is thus effectively reduced. |
| US08882173B2 |
Support mechanism for a vehicle closure panel
A support mechanism for a vehicle closure panel is provided. The support mechanism includes a connection rod and a counterbalancing device. The connection rod is configured to secure the closure panel in a second position and control the speed of the closure panel as it moves between a first position and a second position. The counter balancing device includes a connection rod base structure, at least one guide block, of a first material, at least one resistance member, of a second material, and at least one spring element. The guide block interacts with the resistance member. The interaction of the first material of the guide block and the second material of the resistance member creates a resistance force of variable force output to counterbalance the weight of the closure panel as the closure panel moves between the first position to the second position. |
| US08882172B2 |
Tensioning bow assembly for a flexible cover system
A cover system for covering an open top of a container includes a flexible cover, a bail member, a bow member, and a tension element. The cover has a first end connected to the container and is sized to cover the open top when a second end is in an extended position. The bail member has an end pivotally connected to the container and an end connected to the second end of the cover. The bail member pivots to deploy the cover into the extended position. The bow member includes an end pivotally connected to the bail member and an end configured to bear against the cover between the ends of the cover. The tension element is connected between the container and the bow member. The tension element applies a force to the bow member to apply a force against the cover. |
| US08882166B2 |
Motorized extension pole
A motorized extension pole including a first hollow pole member having a second hollow pole member telescopically mounted in the first pole member. The second pole member is selectively moved between extended and retracted positions with respect to the first pole member by a battery powered drive motor. |
| US08882165B2 |
Gripping and releasing apparatus and method
A passive universal gripper includes a mass of granular material encased in an elastic membrane. Using a combination of positive and negative pressure, the gripper can rapidly grip and release a wide range of objects that are typically challenging for conventional universal grippers, such as flat objects, soft objects, or objects with complex geometries. The gripper passively conforms to the shape of a target object, then vacuum-hardens to grip it rigidly; later using positive pressure to reverse this transition—releasing the object and returning to a deformable state. The apparatus and method enable the fast ejection of objects from the gripper, as well as essentially instantaneous reset time between releasing and gripping. |
| US08882164B1 |
Animal pet waste collector and storage container
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an Animal Pet Waste Collector and a Waste Storage Container. The Animal Pet Waste Collector includes an Operation Stick and a Waste-collecting Bag connected at the front of said Operation Stick. Said Waste-collecting Bag comprises of a Bag and a Ring Frame, with a protruding Fork Lever on the Ring Frame that can be inserted in the Operation Stick's Front End's Socket and clamped. When the User presses a Button on the Operation Stick's Rear End with their fingers, the Fork Lever would detach from the Operation Stick's Socket and cause the Waste-collecting Bag into the trashcan, accomplishing the purpose of collecting animal pet waste in an easy way and fulfilling the environmental needs of keeping the ground waste-free. |
| US08882161B2 |
Locking device with signal structure
A device in a vehicle for locking and unlocking a locking pin of a component includes using a locking hook that cooperates non-positively or positively with the locking pin to provide an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking hook is actuated between the unlocked position and the locked position by an actuating component. The device includes a signaling means for emitting a mechanical signal to at least one of another of the device and a display. The signaling means is connected to and cooperates with the actuating component to emit the mechanical signal. |
| US08882160B2 |
Latch device
A latch device includes a base member that has an entering groove having a deep side wall, a latch including an engaging groove having a restraining wall, and a ratchet that meshes with the latch in a meshed position. The latch device further includes a cam member that rotates the latch to a restrained position. In the restrained position, the cam member abuts against the latch to nip a striker between the deep side wall and the restraining wall. The restraining wall includes an inclined surface approaching the deep side wall toward an inlet side of the engaging groove at least in the meshed position. |
| US08882158B2 |
Hybrid redundant seal for refrigerant systems
A connection system for carrying a refrigerant may provide a hybrid redundancy in sealing a refrigerant flow from the surround system environment. The connection system may include a first sealing ring of a first type and a second sealing ring of a second type positioned downstream from the first sealing ring. In some embodiments, the first sealing ring may be in a groove positioned around the outside diameter of a male fitting. The second sealing ring may be positioned at an interface between the male fitting and a female fitting. In some embodiments, flanges of each fitting define the interface so that the second sealing ring may be positioned between the flanges of each fitting. The second sealing ring may be selected from a material that has a wider range of operating temperature than the first sealing ring so that in the event of failure in the first sealing ring, the second sealing ring may prevent leakage. |
| US08882157B2 |
Connecting oil country tubular goods
Ends of separate tubular members used in oil and gas drilling are connected pin-to-pin by a threaded coupling and made leak tight by an internal pressure seal, wherein the male or field end pin of a first tubular member has an integral geometry designed to mate with the female or mill end pin of a second tubular member. The coupling and tubular members possess a modified buttress thread form having a negative load flank angle and a positive stab flank angle. When assembled, the coupling connects the field end pin of the first tubular member with the mill end pin of the second tubular member, wherein integral geometries of the mated pin ends generate the interference necessary to produce a single, metal-to-metal, leak-tight, internal contact pressure seal. An external ball and cylinder contact seal at each end of the coupling provides additional sealing capacity when used in combination with the internal contact pressure seal. |
| US08882156B2 |
Tube couplings
A tube coupling to receive and hold a tube (T) includes a coupling body (10) having a throughway with an annular step (24) facing an open end (12). An annular seal (25) is located in the coupling body adjacent to the annular step. An end cap (13) engages the coupling body and is axially moveable. A collett (17) in the cap has legs (20) with outer surfaces that engage with a tapered surface (23) in the end cap to urge the legs inwardly to grip the tube. The seal (25) is compressed axially in response to the forward movement of the end cap (13) to cause the tube end to be pressed into sealing engagement with the seal end. A biasing member (28) provides a biasing force to urge the legs (20) axially onto the tapered surface (23) when the cap is in the retracted position. |
| US08882155B2 |
Assembly for fastening a fitting to a manifold
An assembly for fastening a fitting to a hole in a tubular manifold having a hole. A plurality of refrigerant tubes extend into the manifold transversely to the hole. The assembly includes a fitting that extends along an axis and defines an opening to provide clearance for the refrigerant tubes extending into the manifold. The fitting also presents a pair of slots in spaced and parallel relationship with one another. The assembly further includes a semi-cylindrical shaped mounting plate including a bracket. The bracket presents a pair of legs which extend in spaced and parallel relationship with one another and engage the slots of the fitting to limit rotary movement of the fitting about the axis relative to the bracket before and during brazing of the fitting to the manifold to maintain a clearance between the lower section of the fitting and the refrigerant tubes. |
| US08882153B2 |
Recessed adhesive binding systems
Recessed adhesive binding systems. One system can include a plurality of sheets arranged in a stack, each of the plurality of sheets having a front surface, a rear surface, and an exposed edge. At least one of the front surface and the rear surface of each of the plurality sheets can include at least one recessed adhesive positioned adjacent the exposed edge to form an at least partially exposed recessed adhesive, which can be selectively activated. The rear surface of a first sheet in the plurality of sheets can be positioned adjacent the front surface of a second sheet in the plurality of sheets, or vice versa, and the exposed edges of the plurality of sheets can be staggered, such that the exposed edge of the second sheet extends further outwardly from the stack than the exposed edge of the first sheet in the stack. |
| US08882144B2 |
Knee collision protection structure for a vehicle
A knee collision protection structure for a vehicle includes a glove box provided at a lower portion of an instrument panel and including a storage part and a panel part provided to stand on a cabin side of the storage part and configuring part of the instrument panel, and a shaft member provided on the vehicle front side than the panel part of the glove box and on the upper side than the storage part and extending in a vehicle widthwise direction. The glove box is provided so as to rotate around the shaft member when a knee of an occupant seated on a seat opposed to the glove box collides with a lower portion of the panel part than the shaft member. |
| US08882143B2 |
Airbag with slit vent
An airbag can include a panel that defines at least a portion of an inflatable chamber. The airbag can also include a slit vent that is at least partially defined by the panel. One or more seams can encompass the slit vent and can permit the slit vent to naturally be in a closed orientation. |
| US08882142B2 |
Capacitive occupant detection system
A capacitive occupant detection system comprises at least one sensing electrode to be arranged on the bottom side of a seat cushion, a seat heater like structure to be arranged on a top side of said seat cushion, and an evaluation unit operatively coupled to said at least one sensing electrode for determining a value representative of the capacitance between the at least one sensing electrode and the seat heater like structure. |
| US08882141B2 |
Single retractor inflatable belt system
A safety restraint system having a seat belt (51) and an inflatable air bag (200), the air bag including first (220) and second (222) opposing panels, the first panel including one or more loops (234) and slots (232) to receive a seat belt (51), the air bag and/or seat belt configured to slide relatively to each other along the length of the seat belt. |
| US08882138B1 |
Center airbag
An airbag assembly may include an airbag cushion that can be deployed to cover a portion of the dashboard of a vehicle adjacent another portion of the dashboard that is covered by a deployed front airbag. In some embodiments, airbag cushions may be housed beneath a seating surface of an occupant and deploy inboard of the housing to cover a portion of the dashboard. Such airbags may provide increased protection to front seat occupants who move in an oblique direction, both forward and inboard, during a collision event. |
| US08882136B2 |
Side paneling system
A side paneling system for a pillar of a motor vehicle is provided. The system includes a side paneling part for covering the pillar and an airbag arranged between the side paneling part and the pillar, at least one connecting element for releasably connecting the side paneling part to the pillar so that with an airbag (10) activating itself the side paneling part can move away from the pillar with the airbag, a catch band that is indirectly or directly connected to the side paneling part, so that the side paneling part is indirectly or directly fastened to the pillar with the catch band even with an activated airbag and the released connecting element. The side paneling part is in two parts with a first part and a second part, so that only the second part can move away from the pillar with the airbag. |
| US08882132B2 |
Removable gooseneck hitch safety chain bracket
A safety chain bracket assembly is shown and described. The safety chain bracket may include a tubular sleeve adapted to attach with a hitch socket of a towing hitch, the tubular sleeve including an aperture configured to receive a hitch ball, and a bracket body engaged with the tubular sleeve, where pivoting the bracket body selectively locks the bracket body with the tubular sleeve. The safety chain bracket may also include at least one wing member extending from the bracket body, the wing member configured to operably receive a safety chain. |
| US08882131B2 |
Double articulated haulage truck
A double articulated truck has a front vehicle module with a drive engine and having at least one wheeled axle driven by the drive engine through a transmission and having a load-bearing bin, the front vehicle module being interconnected in an articulated manner about a first vertical pin to the front of the load-bearing bin. A rear vehicle module is interconnected in an articulated manner about a second vertical pin to the rear of the load-bearing bin, the rear vehicle module having at least one wheeled axle whereby the bin is supported by the front and rear vehicle modules. The rear module only articulates about the second vertical pin when the articulation of the front module to the bin exceeds 30 degrees and then in a synchronous manner. Typically the maximum articulation of the front module is around 42 degrees and the rear module some 13 degrees. |
| US08882127B2 |
Bicycle rear wheel suspension system
A bicycle frame assembly having a number of rotatable members configured to absorb shocks and impacts associated with operation of the bicycle. The assembly includes a frame constructed to support a rider and a chain stay having a rearward end that extends toward a wheel hub and a forward end that is pivotably connected to the frame. An absorber is pivotably connected to the forward end of the chain stay and extends to a rocker arm that is pivotably connected to the frame. A seat stay is pivotably connected to a rearward end of the rocker arm and extends to the rearward end of the chain stay. The rearward ends of the seat stay and the chain stay are pivotably connected to rotate about a common axis. |
| US08882126B2 |
Bicycle frame with internal strut
A bicycle including a front wheel, a rear wheel, and a bicycle frame assembly supported on the front and rear wheels. The bicycle frame assembly includes a front fork supported by the front wheel, and a main frame that has a head tube and a down tube extending rearward and downwardly relative to the head tube. The down tube has a front wall, a rear wall, and an internal strut connecting the front wall and the rear wall. |
| US08882125B2 |
Bicycle assembly with bottom bracket shell
A bicycle assembly can include a main frame having a bottom bracket shell to receive a bottom bracket. The bottom bracket shell can be made of carbon fiber with one or more metal rings to serve as bearing surfaces within the bottom bracket shell. The metal rings may also be split metal rings with a gap between two spaced apart ends. |
| US08882124B2 |
Foldable bicycle
A vehicle is configured for conversion between an expanded arrangement in which forward and rearward portions of a main frame member are coincident and a folded arrangement in which the forward and rearward portions are non-coincident. A hinge coupling enables relative pivoting of forward and rearward portions about a main frame pivot axis extending at acute angles relative to both a rear vertical transverse plane and a horizontal plane. A method of providing the vehicle in a folded arrangement includes configuring an elongate main frame member such that longitudinal axes of forward and rearward portions of the main frame member are non-coincidental, configuring a steering tube such that a longitudinal axis of a proximal portion of the steering tube lies within a plane parallel to and spaced apart from the front longitudinal plane while a distal portion lies within the vertical longitudinal plane. |
| US08882120B2 |
Primary air spring and secondary leaf suspension for vehicle
A suspension for a vehicle having a chassis rail and a longitudinal axle arranged substantially orthogonal thereto. The vehicle suspension has a primary air-responsive spring that couples between the chassis and the axle of the vehicle. The primary spring can be a coil spring that surrounds an air helper spring. A secondary leaf spring has a first end for pivotally coupling to the chassis of the vehicle at a secondary pivot coupling, and a second end for coupling to the axle. The longitudinal configuration of the secondary leaf spring can be arranged to be angularly displaced with respect to a chassis rail of the vehicle. |
| US08882119B2 |
Short turn radius steering system
To reduce the complexity, maintenance, and cost, and to increase the reliability of a riding lawnmower employing a short turn radius steering system, the riding lawn mower may be configured with a linkage and steering assembly that eliminates or reduces complicated gearing. A riding lawn mower may comprise a link system, pivot brackets, and spindle assemblies. The geometry of the steering system may be configured to provide a turn radius of seven inches or less. Moreover, the geometry of the steering system may be configured to provide Ackerman steering, such that, the inside wheel turns sharper than the outside wheel in a turn. |
| US08882117B1 |
Lubrication system and method
A spindle has first, second and third portions, each portion having interior and exterior surfaces, the third portion having an interiorly facing interior spindle face. A cylindrical sleeve bearing has an exterior surface in the first portion and an interior surface rotatably receiving an axle. A knuckle has an exteriorly facing exterior knuckle face positioned in contact with the interior spindle face. The knuckle has an interior knuckle face and an aperture for the passage of the axle. A lubrication assembly is formed of a channel extending through the knuckle and the spindle and the bearing sleeve and includes a lubrication fitting. The invention also includes a lubrication method. |
| US08882112B2 |
Methods and apparatus for sealing automotive component pass-throughs
A sealing apparatus is provided for sealing an automotive component extending between an engine compartment and a passenger compartment of an automobile. The sealing apparatus includes a pass-through mount component configured to house the automotive component. An outer seal component is configured to rigidly mount to a wall structure separating the passenger compartment from the engine compartment and to elastically contact a platform region of one end of the pass-through mount structure. An inner seal component is configured to elastically couple to the outer seal component within the passenger compartment and to elastically couple to one end of the pass-through mount component. |
| US08882097B2 |
Replaceable sawing surface device and method
A system includes a sacrificial board such as a cement board and containment support lid, sometimes referred to as a saw cup, is provided for use with a vacuum hold down support to allow cutting on top of normal suction cups by providing a temporary scorable surface in an assembly that is easily installed and removed, inexpensive to own, use and handle and which enables a user to go directly back to using a CNC machine for final edging and processing of the material without having to go to another location for sawing and without having to deal with heavy and unwieldy plates. Dimensions are such that any penetration of the cutting blade is intentional and will result in controlled scarring of the cement board which does not disable continued use of the saw cup. A one-piece molded saw cup is also illustrated. |
| US08882093B2 |
Handheld clamping tool
A handheld clamping tool includes a sliding bar, a fixed handle having installed therein actuation plates, a stop plate, spring members and a release bar, a driving handle, a coupling rod coupling the actuation plates and the stop plate, and a first jaw holder. The driving handle has an integrated cam portion for driving the actuation plates and the stop plate. By means of the release bar, the handheld clamping tool can be quickly released. |
| US08882091B2 |
Vibration isolation system
A vibration isolator includes a housing having an upper fluid chamber, a lower fluid chamber, a piston, a tuning passage, and a linear inductance motor assembly for changing the isolation frequency of the vibration isolator. The piston is resiliently disposed within the housing. A vibration tuning fluid is located in the upper fluid chamber, the lower fluid chamber, and the tuning passage. The linear inductance motor assembly includes a magnet member and an inductance coil at least partially surrounding the magnet member. A control system is configured to selectively actuate the magnet member; wherein selective actuation of the magnet member selectively imparts a pumping force on the tuning fluid, thereby changing the isolation frequency. |
| US08882089B2 |
Dual radius isolator
A vibration isolator includes a base plate having a first attachment feature that enables attachment of the isolator to a first surface, the isolator further including a second attachment feature permitting attachment to a second surface. A spring section disposed between the base plate and the second attachment feature has a first radiused section and a second radiused section, each of the first and second radiused sections being formed in opposing directions on a continuous spring portion intermediate to the base plate and second attachment feature and in which the spring section provides noise attenuation and isolation between the first and second surfaces. |
| US08882088B2 |
Camera platform horizontal axis shock and vibration isolator
A shock and vibration isolator camera includes a top plate is attached to a bottom plate via a universal joint that allows the top plate to pivot about two mutually perpendicular axes relative to the bottom plate. A camera attachment fitting, such a Mitchell mount fitting, may be provided on the top plate, for attaching a camera or camera accessory to the top plate. A threaded fitting may be provided on the bottom plate, for attaching the isolator to a supporting structure. A dampener/spring element is positioned between the top and bottom plates. The dampener/spring element may be separate springs and dampeners, such as gas or viscous dampeners. Alternatively, spring loaded shock absorbers, or a resilient material may be used. |
| US08882086B2 |
Rechargeable and resterilizable mixing device with physiological gas and solution to create foam with microbubbles, used in endovascular treatments
A mixer to create foam with microbubbles using physiological gases currently used in sclerotherapeutic treatments of varicose veins has anatomical and compact dimensions and is built with material resistant to sterilization and pressure. The device is mounted on the body around an essentially cylindrical axle comprised of a central valve support, while the top conical body portion is crossed in its center by a flow orienting duct. This axle is coupled at the center of a spinning circular reservoir constituted by the body, containing several housings for the application of solutions with different concentration levels. These parts are locked by a connector at the bottom to the gas duct with a spray nozzle. Each housing has a channel that can be aligned to communicate with the inside of the flow orienting duct of the central axle, responsible for orienting the produced mixture to a top reservoir with a foam-making nozzle. |
| US08882083B2 |
Guardrail
A guardrail for protecting persons against accidentally falling out of open floors. The guardrail has a number of constructional elements and connectors for assembling a coherent guardrail. The connectors include at least one first connector which has a longitudinal shape and is formed with at least one longitudinal extending slot, and at least one second connector having a first connector part to be connected to the at least one constructional element and a second connector part to connect the first connector part to the at least one first connector while engaging the at least one longitudinal extending slot of that connector. The guardrail has a stable, inexpensive and simple structure which quickly and easily can be assembled to a coherent guardrail and be disassembled. The guardrail can be fitted too to the width and height required of the guardrail for a specific opening of a given open floor. |
| US08882082B2 |
Tension guardrail terminal
A terminal portion of a guardrail safety system includes a terminal portion of a guardrail beam having a downstream end and upstream end. The terminal portion of the guardrail beam slopes from a height appropriate for redirecting an errant vehicle to a height proximate the surface of the ground at an upstream end of the terminal portion.Support posts are installed adjacent a roadway in spaced apart relation to one another and are coupled to the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. A terminal support post is installed adjacent the roadway at an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. The terminal support post couples to an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam by a resistive, tensile coupling that maintains tension in the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. The resistive, tensile coupling is maintained between the terminal support post and the guardrail beam during an end-on or re-directive impact by a vehicle. However, the resistive, tensile coupling between the terminal support post and the guardrail beam is released during a reverse-direction impact. |
| US08882073B2 |
Support arrangement for solar modules
A support arrangement for a solar module includes a post having a first surface section. A support structure includes a connecting element presenting a second surface section facing the first surface section in a direction of a joint surface normal of the first and second surface sections. A stop element is arranged in the surface normal direction offset to the first and second surface sections. A first form-fitting connection exists between the stop element and the post and a second form-fitting connection exists between the stop element and the connecting element, providing vertical support of the connecting element relative to the post. The first and second form-fitting connections are producible at different heights of the connecting element relative to the post. A fastening element holds in place the first surface section and the second surface section relative to each other in the direction of the joint surface normal. |
| US08882072B2 |
Shaft support structure and clip
A shaft support structure includes a base body having an attachment device for fixing an attached member, a bearing portion provided at an end portion of the base body and having an opening portion, a swinging shaft rotatably disposed inside the opening portion of the bearing portion, and a lid body having the swinging shaft and rotated by the swinging shaft. The lid body is integrally formed with the base body. A clip includes the shaft support structure. |
| US08882071B2 |
Modification of an industrial vehicle to include a containment area and mounting assembly for an alternate fuel
A system and attendant structural components for incorporating an alternate fuel supply, such as of the type used in combination with a conventional distillate fuel, to power a heavy duty industrial vehicle, such as a mine haul dump truck. The system and attendant structure includes a mounting assembly structured for containment and support of the alternate fuel and a containment area disposed on the vehicle and structured and dimensioned to retain the mounting assembly therein. The containment area and the mounting assembly are disposed in laterally adjacent, exposed relation to an operator area of the mine haul truck, wherein the mounting assembly and the containment area are cooperatively disposed and structured to facilitate storage of the alternate fuel and operative communication and distribution thereof with the powering engine of the mine haul vehicle. |
| US08882064B2 |
Collapsible stand assembly
The present invention relates to a collapsible stand assembly. The stand includes four sets of strut members wherein each set of struts are rotationally connected at a midpoint and the lower ends of the strut members are rotationally connected to feet and the upper ends of the strut members are rotationally connected to brackets. A cross support member is rotationally connected at a first end of each bracket such that the second end of the cross support member can be secured to the other bracket on the same side of the stand at different locations to provide different widths and heights of the stand. Two sets of struts on opposite sides of the stand extend above the cross support members to create a stop to prevent structures supported by the stand, such as a cooler, from sliding off the stand when erected. |
| US08882060B2 |
Garbage bag retention ring
An apparatus for retaining the opening of a garbage bag is provided. A garbage bag retention ring can include a flexible and invertible base ring and a flexible and invertible retention ring fixed to the base ring. The base ring and the retention ring can each have about the same diameter. The base ring and the retention ring invert to expose an interior surface of the retention ring as an exterior surface. The garbage bag retention ring can further include at least one aperture formed between a junction of the base ring and the retention ring that is adapted to receive an edge of a circumferential portion of a garbage bag. |
| US08882058B2 |
Sewer-hose-supporting-and-protecting system having quick-release stake-clamping screws, quick-release jaw-squeezing nuts, multi-purpose two-way stakes, and sequential-locking joints
A quick-lock-and-quick-release system, using predetermined clamping and releasing methods to be assembled, disassembled, and adjusted for supporting and protecting a recreational-vehicle sewer hose, comprises a first semi-circular sequential-locking end joint, a second semi-circular sequential-locking end joint, semi-circular sequential-locking middle joints, quick-lock-and-quick-release stake-clamping jaw screws, quick-lock-and-quick-release jaw-squeezing chamber nuts, square-cross-section multi-purpose two-way stakes, and semi-circular sequential-locking pipes. The quick-lock-and-quick-release system eliminates permanent frictional forces between the multi-purpose two-way stakes and quick-lock-and-quick-release jaw-squeezing chamber nuts: a) To allow quick and easy assembly of the system, b) To allow quick and easy disassembly of the system, c) To allow the two-way stakes to be used right side up or upside down, and d) To eliminate personal injuries caused by the two-way stakes when they become rusted. |
| US08882057B2 |
Pipe support
A pipe support is disclosed for restraining a pipe at a position in close proximity to a joint formed by the pipe and a pipe fitting. The pipe support includes a base configured to be secured to a support surface and to interface with an outer surface of the pipe. The pipe support also includes a clamp operable with the base to restrain the pipe. Additionally, the pipe support includes a hinge coupling the base and the clamp, operable to facilitate relative movement between the base and the clamp. The base positions the outer surface of the pipe at a pre-determined distance from the support surface sufficient to at least offset a distance between the outer surface of the pipe and an outer surface of the pipe fitting, thereby preventing a bending load from occurring at the joint upon securing the pipe support to the support surface. |
| US08882056B2 |
Top beam clamp
A pipe hanger clamp, formed by bending a flat section of metal bar or plate, has two vertical side members which have been cut so their side view is a “C” shape. The lower arms of these two side members are joined by a horizontally extended end wall, about which the side members are bent. Holes in the end wall receive a mounting set screw into a captured nut and another nut to hold a pipe hanger rod for supporting a pipe. An overhead support is clamped between the set screw and the upper arms of the C-shaped side members, such that the load applied to the rod is generally edgewise to the plate thickness, and does not provide an unbending force on the clamp. |
| US08882055B2 |
Collapsible cable management arm
A collapsible cable management arm is foldable with a plurality of heat dissipation apertures. The collapsible cable management arm includes a plurality of racks pivotally connected together which gives a zigzag chain structure being retractable. The rack is formed by a primary and a secondary plate. The secondary plate resembles the size and shape of the primary plate. The secondary plate slides into the tray-like primary plate to form the individual rack with hollow compartment there-between. The thickness of the rack arises from a primary positioning portion of the primary plate. The hollow compartment is further divided into connection and cable compartments by at least one pair of primary and secondary partitions. |
| US08882053B2 |
Plumbing mount for agricultural sprayer
A mount for supporting plumbing conduits on a boom arm of an agricultural sprayer includes a mounting base mountable on a beam of the boom arm. The mounting base has a platform portion with front and rear faces and opposing side faces. The front face forms a base interface having a center groove running between two tracks. The tracks run to a primary stop and one of the tracks has a secondary stop formed thereon between the primary stop and a distal end of the mounting base. The plumbing mount receives at least one conduit bracket having a conduit retaining portion and a bracket interface configured to slidingly engage with the base interface of the mounting base. The bracket interface has a center tongue with first and second skids on opposing sides. The conduit bracket slides on the mounting base by interlocking the center tongue with the center groove. |
| US08882052B2 |
Multi-joint cable protection and guide device
There is provided a multi-joint cable protection and guide device that fits well with a flexible belt member in a flexed posture, that steadily protects and smoothly guides cables that assume the flexed posture, that requires fewer parts and that may be readily connected and disconnected corresponding as desired according to usage. The multi-joint supporting member has the flexible belt member in which cable inserting tubular portions are unitarily molded in parallel and a train comprising a plurality of block bodies flexibly connected with each other by concave-convex snap-fittings. The train of block bodies is inserted through the cable inserting tubular portions to control and support straight and flexed postures of the flexible belt member and each block body has a flexion outer peripheral-side curved surface whose curvature is equal to a radius of a flexed circular arc in the flexed posture. |
| US08882044B2 |
Gap covering device
A gap covering device for covering a gap between two mutually adjacent first aircraft interior panels includes a visible portion as well as a retaining portion connected to the visible portion and extending opposite the visible portion. A receiving structure is fastened to an inner surface of the visible portion and/or of the retaining portion and has a receiving contour adapted to an edge contour of the first aircraft interior panels. |
| US08882043B2 |
Landing gear assembly
An aircraft landing gear (9) includes a wheel (1) having a wheel rim (3) on which a tire (4) is held. The gap (6) between the rim (3) and tire (4) is bridged and covered by a sealing element (7), which thereby presents a smooth surface to the air flowing over the wheel during flight of the aircraft (8). Thus, noise that would otherwise be generated by the interaction of air and the parts of the wheel (1) and/or tire (4) defining the gap (6) is reduced. Such noise reduction benefits may also be achieved by providing a tire (4) and wheel (1) so shaped that there is no gap (6) between the tire (4) and wheel rim (3). |
| US08882040B2 |
Splice joints for composite aircraft fuselages and other structures
Structures and methods for joining composite fuselage sections and other panel assemblies together. In one embodiment, a shell structure configured in accordance with the present invention includes a first panel portion positioned adjacent to a second panel portion. The first panel portion can include a first stiffener attached to a first composite skin, and the second panel portion can include a second stiffener attached to a second composite skin. The shell structure can further include a fitting extending across a first edge region of the first panel portion and a second edge region of the second panel portion. A first end portion of the fitting can be attached to the first stiffener and the first composite skin, and a second end portion of the fitting can be attached to a second stiffener and a second composite skin, to join the first panel portion to the second panel portion. |
| US08882035B2 |
Class divider
A class divider in an aircraft between a first seating arrangement that comprises of seats of a first kind and a second seating arrangement that comprises of seats of a second kind. The divider comprises a primary partition wall member that extends upwardly from cabin floor level and that is positioned facing said first seating arrangement and a secondary partition wall member that extends from divider contiguous portions of a seat of said second kind positioned in said second class. The seat of said second kind bridges space between the secondary partition wall member and the cabin floor. |
| US08882034B2 |
Aircraft seat
The seats are swivellable about axes (1) and arranged with their axes in column axes (2). The seats each have a direction (4) extending from the middle of the seat back through the middle of the seat cushion (22), intersecting the seat's swivel axis. Extending equally on either side of the seat direction is defined a seat projection (5) forwards of the seat cushion and having the same width as the seat cushion. The swivel is set up to allow the seat to be turned through 6 from 17.5 to the longitudinal axis of the column (and the aircraft to be equipped with the seats) to 23.5. At 17.5, as in column IV, the seats partially face the seats in front in the column. This is the maximum angle at which the regulatory authorities will allow a lap belt only to be worn by a passenger for TTL. When the seats are swivelled outwards to 23.5, they face the space (6) along side the seat in front and can be converted to bed mode. |
| US08882031B2 |
Removable horizontal stabilizer for helicopter
An easily removable and lightweight horizontal stabilizer configured to provide aerodynamic stability for a rotorcraft. The horizontal stabilizer comprising a spar removably coupled to a tailboom with a removable spar attachment means, the spar being located transversely through a tailboom opening and configured to provide structural support for at least a first horizontal airfoil and a second horizontal airfoil. The first and second horizontal airfoils are configured to fittingly receive the spar so that the spar fits at least partially inside the first and second horizontal airfoils. The first and second horizontal airfoils extend outboard from the tailboom to provide aerodynamic pitch stability. |
| US08882030B2 |
Autonomous electricity production and conditioning system for an aircraft, associated aircraft and method
An environmental control system including an upstream assembly supplying outside air to a rotary system of an aircraft, the air not having passed through a propulsion engine of the aircraft, and wherein the rotary system includes a rotary shaft, a power turbine, a compressor and a cold turbine, and wherein the upstream supply assembly is connected to an inlet of the compressor mounted with the rotary shaft that is rotated by the power turbine and wherein the shaft is supplied with compressed gas from the compressor toward the cold turbine. |
| US08882027B2 |
Aircraft power plant, an aircraft, and a method of using a piston engine in a power plant having a conventional gearbox
The present invention relates to a power plant (10) having a piston engine (30) driving a conventional gearbox (20) dimensioned for a turbine engine, said piston engine (30) comprising a first row (31) of pistons (33) presenting an angle (α) relative to a second row (32) of pistons (33). The power plant includes a flywheel (50) and a torsion shaft (40) set into motion by said pistons (33), said torsion shaft (40) being arranged between the first and second rows (31, 32) of pistons. |
| US08882025B2 |
Planetary de-rotation system for a shaft fairing system
A fairing system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a shaft fairing mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation and a planetary gear set configured to control a position of the shaft fairing about the axis of rotation. |
| US08882024B1 |
Rotorcraft anti-torque rotor and rudder system
According to one embodiment, a rotorcraft includes a main rotor system, an anti-torque rotor system, an anti-torque rotor enhancement system, and an anti-torque rudder system. The anti-torque rotor enhancement system includes an aerodynamic structure having an opening therethrough and a support structure coupling the aerodynamic structure to the body of the rotorcraft such that the opening is positioned proximate to a rotation path of the at least one anti-torque rotor blade. The anti-torque rudder system includes at least one rudder surface operable to provide a second force on the body in the direction of rotation of the at least one main rotor blade. |
| US08882022B2 |
Spool and handle for cable and wire
A cable carrying assembly includes a spool made from a first flange region, drum portion and a second flange region where each of the first flange region, drum portion and a second flange region are integrally molded as a single polymer unit. The drum portion is molded as a hollow drum for supporting a cable. The first flange region includes at least two openings and a handle receiving region and the handle has a grip portion, two stems each with a latch knob. The stems and knobs of the handle are inserted into the at least two openings on the first flange region of the drum and lock into place via the knobs, such that the grip portion of the handle is arrangeable in a first open position with the grip portion substantially perpendicular to the first flange regions and a second closed position with the grip portion folded down about the articulated joints, into the handle receiving region of the first flange region. |
| US08882016B1 |
Cable and cord winding and storage system
A wire, cable and cord organizer comprises a winding reel for storing wires, cables, such as computer cords, audiovisual cables, and the like. The organizer can comprise a plurality of different sizes suitable for various wires, cords, cable types and lengths. The organizer includes a hinged cover that protects and allows removal of an enclosed reel. The organizer has a crank handle that can lock in multiple positions to prevent unintended unrolling of a length of wire, cable, or cord stored on the reel. Both ends of the cable protrude from slots in the organizer to provide access to either end of the cable as needed. |
| US08882014B2 |
Fishing-reel reel unit and fishing reel
A reel unit for a fishing reel includes a cover member, a first member, and a second member. The cover member is made of a metal plate. The first member is made of metal. The first member is welded to an inner side of the cover member, and is configured to protrude from the cover member. The second member is made of synthetic resin. The second member is integrally formed with the cover member and the first member to at least partially cover the first member. |
| US08882013B2 |
Torque limiting device for fishing reel
A torque limiting device for a fishing reel is provided. The torque limiting device is configured to limit torque between a rotatable shaft member and a rotary member disposed on an outer peripheral side of the shaft member in the fishing reel. The torque limiting device includes a first pin member being disposed in the shaft member, where the first pin member is configured to protrude towards and retract from the rotary member and the first pin member has a first spherical tip, an urging member is disposed in the shaft member, where the urging member is configured to urge the first pin member towards the rotary member, and a first recess is disposed on the rotary member to allow the tip of the first pin member to be engaged therewith. |
| US08882010B2 |
Herb grinder
A grinder specially adapted for grinding herbs has a sheet with unique groove patterns forming a grinding area. Although it is a manual grinder, the grinder does not require the use of cutting blades, making it much safer to use. The grinder is particularly suitable for grinding softer herbs. |
| US08882009B2 |
Forming disc for food processing
A forming disk apparatus for processing foodstuff product that includes a plurality of holes that open into a portion of an axial side surface of the forming disk. A depression is also provided eccentrically in the side surface of the forming disk and positioned concentrically relative to the forming disk. A cutting apparatus is arranged to bear against an axial side surface of the forming disk such that the cutting apparatus is movable relative to the forming disk apparatus. |
| US08882008B1 |
Dual shredding system for a mobile document shredding vehicle and method of use
A dual shredding system for a mobile document shredding vehicle produces either coarsely shredded material or finely shredded material. Unshredded material is first coarsely shredded by a coarse shredder. In a coarse shred mode, the coarsely shredded material is routed to a shredded material storage compartment in the vehicle. In a fine shred mode, the coarsely shredded material is finely shredded by a fine shredder, and then routed to the storage compartment. The position of a gate determines whether the system is in the coarse or fine shred mode. |
| US08882004B2 |
Drip irrigation apparatus
Drip irrigation apparatus including a main water flow channel having associated therewith along a length thereof a plurality of pressure-controlled drip irrigation emitter units and at least one secondary water flow channel extending generally parallel to the main water flow channel and receiving water from at least one of the plurality of pressure-controlled drip irrigation emitter units, the at least one secondary water flow channel having water outlets disposed along the length of the main water flow channel, intermediate the plurality of pressure-controlled drip irrigation emitter units. |
| US08882002B2 |
Adjustable smooth bore nozzle
An adjustable nozzle comprising a nozzle body with an inlet, an outlet and a flow chamber having a smooth bore extending between the inlet and the outlet. An elastic water impervious material is in fluid communication with the inlet and is tapered and is able to expand due to its elasticity. An adjustable non-rusting member connected to the nozzle body expands or constricts to either increase or decrease the inner diameter of the nozzle body to adjust the flow rate through the nozzle. |
| US08882000B2 |
Air brush
An embodiment of the present invention is an air brush including a housing, a head assembly, and a trigger assembly. The housing has a main body with an air valve, reservoir and a handle. The head assembly mounts to the main body with a nozzle, nozzle cap, and a needle cap. The trigger assembly fits within the housing and includes a needle engaging the head assembly, a needle chucking guide, a needle chucking nut, a lever assembly, a spring guide and a spring device. The lever assembly actuates the needle to release compressed air and contents of the reservoir. The spring device controls release of the contents relative to the air flow through the air valve and nozzle. The spring device includes a first spring, a second spring, and a ring member. The ring member is positioned between the springs, and the springs have different strengths. |
| US08881991B2 |
Wiring arrangement for protecting a bleed air supply system of an aircraft against overheating and bleed air supply incorporating such a wiring arrangement
A wiring arrangement for protecting a bleed air supply system of an aircraft against overheating is associated with a bleed air supply system. The bleed air supply system includes a bleed air source, a bleed air feed, a shutoff valve arranged in the bleed air feed and a leakage monitoring device with a monitoring control device, which is connected via a shutoff circuit to the shutoff valve in such a way that the shutoff valve is closed when the shutoff circuit is interrupted. The wiring arrangement includes a thermal switch, which is connected in series with the shutoff valve and the monitoring control device to the shutoff circuit and which, once a predetermined limit temperature has been exceeded, interrupts the shutoff circuit. |
| US08881990B2 |
System and method for quickly obtaining medical information
A medical bracelet, wrist-band device, watch, piece of jewelry, or any other worn item contains a QR code for fast scanning by emergency first responders, ER teams or any other medical personnel. Scanning the QR code with a handheld device like a smartphone results in immediate retrieval of pertinent medical information either directly from the QR code, or from a dedicated website. Further security of medical information can be provided by a numerical or alphanumerical patient ID. and a PIN that can be printed on the device for fast access. |
| US08881988B2 |
Method of providing custom information to users of pharmaceutical storage systems
A method for providing custom information to a user of a reversible child resistant closure includes maintaining a supply of closures, each closure including a first section configured to be applied to the container in a non-child resistant mode, a second section configured to be applied to the container in a child resistant mode, and a divider for forming a first section cavity and a second section cavity. One of the closures of the supply is configured to include printed information by inserting a first liner having indicia printed thereon in the first section cavity such that the indicia of the first liner is visible when the closure is installed in the child resistant mode and inserting a second liner having indicia printed thereon in the second section cavity such that the indicia of the second liner is visible when the closure is installed in the non-child resistant mode. |
| US08881982B2 |
Portable encoded information reading terminal configured to acquire images
An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, an EIR device including a two-dimensional imaging device, a motion sensing device, and a communication interface. The EIR terminal can be configured, responsive to detecting a pre-defined pattern in a first plurality of values received from the motion sensing device, to store in the memory a point of origin equal to a first spatial position of the EIR terminal. The EIR terminal can be further configured, responsive to detecting a user interface command, to determine, based on a second plurality of values received from the motion sensing device, a second spatial position of the EIR terminal relative to the point of origin, and to acquire an image of the object. The EIR terminal can be further configured to determine the image scale factor based on at least the second spatial position. |
| US08881979B1 |
System and method for issuance, use, and replacement of multi-purpose devices
Systems and methods for issuance, use, and replacement of multi-purpose devices are disclosed. A method for providing a multi-purpose device for use with a plurality of systems may include (1) a first party assigning a first account number to the multi-purpose device, the first account number associated with a first account with the first party for use in a first system; (2) the first party assigning a second account number to the multi-purpose device, the second account number associated with a second account with a second party for use in a second system; and (3) the first party issuing the multi-purpose device to a customer. A system for using a multi-purpose device for use with a plurality of systems may include a first transaction system; a second transaction system, and a multi-purpose card issued by a first party that includes a first account number to the multi-purpose device, the first account number associated with a first account with the first party for use in the first transaction system; and a second account number to the multi-purpose device, the second account number associated with a second account with a second party for use in the second transaction system. |
| US08881978B1 |
System and method for receiving ATM deposits
An envelope-free deposit mechanism of a transaction machine receives a deposit from an account holder. The deposit comprises papers includes a combination of cash and checks. The deposit mechanism scan images from the cash and checks. For each paper, it is determined whether the paper is a check or cash. The determining is performed based on a characteristic of the paper scanned by the deposit mechanism. |
| US08881976B1 |
Method for obtaining a balance and withdrawing funds from a prepaid access device by law enforcement
A method is disclosed for use by law enforcement for obtaining a balance and seizing funds from prepaid access devices using existing clearing and settlement networks for open loop branded bank cards and closed loop private label cards. A payment terminal has a scanner for reading indicia from the prepaid access devices. A merchant identity is used for cloaking the identity of law enforcement. A balance inquiry instruction is forwarded to an issuing processor, which polls an issuing financial institution for the balance of the funds available in an associated account. An encumbering instruction is then forwarded to the issuing processor and the issuing financial institution, which includes at least one of a seize instruction and a freeze instruction. A claiming instruction is then forwarded to the issuing financial institution to forward the balance of the funds from the associated account to a law enforcement account. |
| US08881974B2 |
Secure electronic entity for time certification
The invention concerns a secure electronic entity (11) containing a time measuring unit (18) and comprising a unit (21) for certifying an information concerning a date or a time interval, the certifying unit (21) receiving from the time measuring unit (18) data concerning the date or the time interval and producing certification data of the information concerning a date or a time interval addressed to and external entity. The invention is applicable in particular to microcircuit cards. |
| US08881972B2 |
System for verifying an item in a package using a database
A system for verifying an item in a package using a database comprises a database and a verifier. A package producer provides the database with an identifier for one or more items each of a type, wherein the package producer produces a package, where the package includes the one or more items each of the type with an associated one or more selected tag identifiers that are placed in a location on an item of the one or more items. The verifier verifies the one or more items of the type using 1) the associated one or more selected tag identifiers as detected using a spectral measurement or 2) a tag characteristic as detected using an imager, and 3) the identifier retrieved from the database. |
| US08881971B2 |
Transit agency as an issuer and/or program manager of prepaid products
Described is processing for requested user access, starting with receiving transaction data from a portable consumer device presented by the user at a gate access device of an access agency for the requested access. The transaction data from the gate access device is processed and a fee amount for the requested access is determined. The processing next involves determining an account balance in accordance with the determined fee amount and a prior balance amount associated with the portable consumer device, and reconciling the determined account balance and account data associated with the portable consumer device at a processing computer of the access agency such that the access request is indicated as either approved or declined. |
| US08881970B2 |
Ticket printer
A ticket printer includes a path along which a strip of paper advances. The path terminates at a presentation outlet of a ticket separated from the strip. On the path, there is a movable deviating body that can selectively close or open an accumulating zone that branches off from the path and can receive a part of a strip that will be severed to form the ticket. |
| US08881969B1 |
Recycle strip
A system for promoting and facilitating recycling having a recycle strip placed in consumer packaging that includes paperboard, chipboard and corrugated cardboard that has a consistent, conspicuous appearance and is placed in a conspicuous manner into the packaging so that the consumer recognizes that the packaging is recyclable. When removed from the package, the strip disables a plurality of structural elements of the packaging, the elements no longer maintaining the package in three dimensions, allowing the consumer to easily flatten the packaging for accumulation and eventual recycling. When placed, the strip selectively binds to the sides of the packaging, eliminating any weakness in the packaging, and selectively releases when a consumer pulls the strip from the packaging, separating the packaging into elements but maintaining a unitary article. |
| US08881968B2 |
Recyclable food container having detachable product support pad
The various embodiments of the present invention comprise a single blank design for a recyclable food container, which includes a majority recyclable portion and a detachable product support pad portion. Once the blank is erected, the detachable product support pad forms the base of the food container and may bear the weight of food product, such as pizza. After use by a consumer, the soiled detachable product support pad may be detached and discarded, thus allowing the remainder of the food container to be recycled. The detachable product support pad also protects the other parts of the food container from grease or other food by-products, thus encouraging recyclability. |
| US08881961B1 |
Mobile electronic device carrier assembly
A mobile electronic device carrier assembly includes a bracket that has a first arm, a second arm and a middle arm. The middle arm is coupled to and extends between each of the first and second arms. Each of the first and second arms has an adjustable length. The bracket has a U-shape so the first and second arms of the bracket are spaced apart. A collar is pivotally coupled to and extends between a free end of each of the first and second arms of the bracket. The collar may be positioned around a back of a user's neck so the bracket may be directed downwardly along the user's chest. A support is coupled to the middle arm of the bracket. A mount is coupled to the support. The mount may receive a mobile electronic device so the mount provides hands-free operation of the mobile electronic device. |
| US08881951B2 |
Refrigerator
Provided is a dispenser of a refrigerator. A body of the dispenser can move back and forth. Only when a water or ice dispensing command is input, the body is moved to form a container receiving space. Thus, it is difficult to discriminate the dispenser from a refrigerator door when the dispenser is not operated. |
| US08881948B1 |
Liquid beverage concentrate mixing beverage dispenser and method
An automated mixing drink dispenser (10) establishes a preselected feed rate of concentrate from a concentrate hopper (42) and ratio of concentrate to mixing water fed into a mixing chamber (42) through the Venturi effect created by swirling water fed into a mixing chamber (42) at a preselected water pressure (66) and preselected regulated flow rate (68) associated with the preselected feed rate of the concentrate. Concentrate is fed to a mixing chamber (42) from a concentrate hopper (42) having an open drain hole (50) openly connected to the mixing chamber (42). A stirring mechanism (106, 100, 101, 102, 104) mechanically mixes the concentrate within the concentrate hopper (42) to maintain a uniform density and viscosity and a gas pressure mechanism (92, 94, 96, 86) maintains a uniform head pressure of concentrate to facilitate maintenance of the preselected concentrate flow rate over time. Nitrogen gas in air is pumped through a nitrogen passing filter to fill the space (90) above the concentrate to both maintain head pressure and to reduce deterioration of the concentrate due to interaction with oxygen. |
| US08881944B2 |
Overcap for and a method of actuating a volatile material dispenser
An overcap for a volatile material dispenser includes a housing adapted to be mounted on a container. The container has a valve stem with a discharge end. The overcap includes a valve-connecting portion adapted to engage the valve stem and a fixture that extends from the valve-connecting portion. The overcap further includes a trigger attached to the housing by a hinge that is disposed at or below a plane formed by the fixture. A contact portion is disposed in the trigger for interacting with the fixture and applying pressure to the valve-connecting portion to actuate the valve stem. |
| US08881943B2 |
Tissue paper supply case
Disclosed is a tissue paper supply case comprising a case body for containing tissue paper, a lid having a slot-like take-out hole for taking out the tissue paper therethrough, a platform member mounted within the case body for placing the tissue paper thereon, and means for energizing the platform member from the bottom of the case body toward the lid, wherein the lid is provided on its inner surface with a plurality of lid projections formed in parallel rows to the take-out hole on both sides of the take-out hole, which lid projections are tapered each having a protrusion height becoming larger with increasing distance from the take-out hole, and the platform member is provided on its upper surface with a plurality of platform projections formed in parallel rows to the take-out hole on both sides of the position facing the take-out hole, which platform projections are tapered each having a protrusion height becoming larger with increasing distance from the position facing the take-out hole and wherein the plurality of lid projections formed on the lid and the plurality of platform projections formed on the platform member are placed oppositely alternating with each other. |
| US08881942B2 |
Two-shell and two-drawer containers
A package comprises a latch including first and second legs and an actuating portion. The first and second legs are joined at an angle. The actuator portion of the first leg is positioned to be displaced generally laterally to displace the second leg generally longitudinally to release the latch. In another embodiment the package has base wells on the inside surface. A generally flat marginal sealing surface encircles the first and second base wells. The wells of the base and/or lid are covered with a cover sheet to close them. Still another embodiment is a child-resistant container comprising a shell, two drawers, a stop, and a latch. The drawers are prevented from sliding apart past a limit of travel when one drawer is open sufficiently to provide access to its contents and the other drawer is not. |
| US08881940B2 |
Can cover—disc with slots
A cover for a container, the container having a hollow body and a separate end joined together by a seam and the cover including a disc of resilient material having plurality of slots cut therein. Each slot is arranged to define a clip interspaced between two arms. |
| US08881937B2 |
Mould for blowing vessels with reinforced bottom
Mold for manufacturing, by blowing blanks made of plastic material, containers having a body and a bottom and a wall defining a cavity around a principal axis of the mold and a lateral surface. The wall has, in a lower part, an opening defining a passage for a mold bottom, an upper surface that confers at least in part the shape to the bottom of the container, with said opening having an upper edge. The mold, in any plane containing the axis of the wall: the ratio between a transverse dimension of the upper edge of the opening and a transverse dimension of a lower end of the lateral surface of the wall is greater than 0.95, and the tangent to the lateral surface of the wall, at the lower end thereof, forms with the axis of the wall an angle equal to or less than 30°. |
| US08881933B2 |
Vehicle mounting assembly for a fuel supply
A mounting assembly for supporting a fuel supply on a vehicle, which is adapted for operable support and positioning of an auxiliary fuel supply. The vehicle may vary significantly, but is primarily structured for use on mine haul vehicles, bulldozers, and other heavy duty vehicles, wherein the operation thereof is enhanced through the provision of an auxiliary, or alternate fuel supply such as, but not limited to, liquid natural gas (LNG), selectively powering the engine as determined by an improved electronic control system. The mounting assembly comprises a containment structure including at least one fuel tank and a housing structured to enclose the fuel tank. A base supports both the housing and the fuel tank and a shield assembly protects the fuel tank against impact in the working environment of the vehicle. |
| US08881932B1 |
Adapterless closure assembly for composite pressure vessels
A pressurized-gas storage assembly has a liner defining a gas storage chamber and an end portion with a planar surface, with an access opening on the planar surface that is in fluid communication with the gas storage chamber. A raised circular ring extends from the planar surface and surrounds the access opening. The assembly also includes a polar boss having a longitudinally extending part that has a top surface with a recessed opening, and a planar bottom surface, with a channel extending through the polar boss to serve as a passageway through the polar boss. A circular groove is provided on the bottom flat surface of the polar boss, with the raised ring received inside the circular groove. An outer shell is provided around the entirety of the liner, with the outer shell having an edge-defining aperture that receives the polar boss. |
| US08881929B2 |
Two-piece closure for use in hot-fill containers
A two-part closure for use in conjunction with a liner. An upper part of the closure is substantially plate like and clips or snaps onto the lower part of the closure. The lowest part of the closure has sidewalls with interior threads or a snap-on rib, as desired. The upper portion of the lower part is open, with crossing ribs positioned a spaced distance above the sealing lip for the lower part. |
| US08881928B2 |
Casing cover
Provided is a casing cover able to conform to the dimensional tolerance in a difference between levels of the casing. The casing cover has an upper level cover which covers two openings in the upper level of the casing and a lower level cover which covers an opening in a lower level of the casing. Furthermore, among the upper level cover and the lower level cover: one is formed with an insertion opening passing therethrough in the direction of the height of the difference in levels; and the other is provided with a guide fitting formed to a length in the direction of the height of the difference in levels, which is longer than the maximum allowable dimension of the height of the difference between levels plus a value, and inserted into the insertion opening. In addition, for purposes of preventing the guide fitting, which connects the upper level cover and the lower level cover, from slipping out of the insertion opening, a connection fitting is provided. |
| US08881925B1 |
Protective steel membrane system and method of erection for secondary containment for an above ground storage tank
An efficient, cost-saving system and method of designing, installing, testing, and monitoring a secondary containment system for new and existing Above Ground Storage Tanks (ASTs) that is comprised of a protective steel membrane for the floor of the tank, including the floor-to-wall juncture, and the lower portion of the tank shell such that the steel membrane creates one or more interstitial zones between the steel membrane and the tank shell. The steel membrane may be installed zone by zone such that the secondary containment system can encapsulate existing tank features by molding itself around the existing contours, such as repair plates, corners, sumps, etc. Furthermore, a unique testing method using a simple electronic device is provided for on-site testing of the integrity of the weld seams that may be efficiently used after each zone is installed without requiring that the entire tank be evacuated during the construction of other zones. |
| US08881924B2 |
Tanks for containing a fluid within a chamber
A tank for containing a fluid, such as fuel, oil or gas within a chamber. The walls of the chamber are partially defined by a rigid structure having an opening; and partially defined by an elastomeric diaphragm which is attached around its periphery to the rigid structure and covers the opening in the rigid structure. An attachment frame engages the diaphragm and the rigid structure, and extends around the periphery of the diaphragm. The attachment frame has a first portion which engages the diaphragm, and a second portion which is positioned outside an outer edge of the diaphragm and attached to the rigid structure. |
| US08881918B2 |
Horseshoe game caddy
A horseshoe game caddy for removably retaining horseshoes and stakes for playing a horseshoe game. The caddy includes a plurality of horseshoe racks supported by posts in vertically spaced relation. Each of the horseshoe racks are adapted to removably support at least one of the plurality of horseshoes. |
| US08881914B2 |
Blood processing filter and the method for manufacturing the same
This invention relates to a blood processing filter comprising a sheet-like filter element, an inlet-side flexible container and an outlet-side flexible container that sandwich the filter element and are sealed thereto, an inlet port provided in the inlet-side flexible container for accepting blood before being processed by the filter element, and an outlet port provided in the outlet-side flexible container for discharging blood after being processed by the filter element. The blood processing filter also includes a flow channel securing sheet arranged between the filter element and the outlet-side flexible container. A flow channel hole through which blood processed by the filter element passes is formed in the flow channel securing sheet. The outlet port is provided so as to be capable of communicating with the flow channel hole. |
| US08881913B2 |
Waste sorting apparatus and method
A waste sorting apparatus including: an input conveyor for conveying an input stream of mixed waste materials including items of a plurality of different types; a plurality of output conveyors for conveying respective output streams of said waste materials; and a plurality of operator stations for respective human operators, wherein the input conveyor and the plurality of output conveyors are configured to be accessible from each operator station to allow each operator to sort items of said different types from the input stream to respective ones of the output streams, each of the output streams including sorted items of a corresponding one of said types, and wherein at least one of the output conveyors is a far-side output conveyor on the far side of the input conveyor from the operator stations to allow each operator to throw items to the far-side output conveyor over the input conveyor. |
| US08881912B2 |
Independent deck adjustment
A vibratory separator including a separator deck including a hinge point, and a positive displacement mechanism coupled to the separator deck and configured to displace the separator deck to an angle of inclination is disclosed. A method of separating solids form a slurry, the method including pumping a slurry onto a separator deck, vibrating the separator deck, and displacing an end of the separator deck in an upwards or downwards direction with a positive displacement mechanism to a selected angle of inclination is also disclosed. |
| US08881908B2 |
Method for simply separating carbon nanotube
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for separating metallic CNT and semiconducting CNT, comprising treating with a physical separation means of centrifugation, freezing-thawing-squeezing, diffusion, permeation or the like using a gel containing CNT as a dispersed and isolated state (CNT-containing gel), to thereby make semiconducting CNT exist in gel and make metallic CNT exist in solution. |
| US08881901B2 |
Dispensing system for double stack carton
The carton of this invention is capable of carrying the plurality of containers stacked upon their ends in two tiers with a unique dispenser that permits the dispensing of containers on their sides. The dispenser is formed in a top side wall and extends into the end wall with most of the end wall being torn open but leaving a portion near the bottom side wall to prevent the bottom layer of containers from rolling out. Angled projections in the dispensing end of the carton near the top panel and bottom panel prevent the top layer of containers from rolling out. A divider may be inserted between the two tiers of containers to facilitate loading the carton and preventing the containers from accidentally rolling out when the dispenser is open. |
| US08881900B2 |
Instrument case
A surgical instrument tray assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an outer case, an inner tray, and a handle. The inner tray is configured to fit within the outer case and is releasably attached to the outer case. The handle is securely coupled to the inner tray such that the surgical instrument tray assembly, including the outer case and the inner tray, is transportable with a single hand by engaging the handle. |
| US08881893B1 |
Eyeglasses storage box
An eyeglasses storage box includes a body connected with a transparent, and the body is pivotably connected to the cover by two pivotal members. The pivotal members each have an insertion which has a serrated surface formed on the outside thereof. The cover has engaging slots located corresponding to the insertions. The body has an inner case received therein which has two protrusions located corresponding to the pivotal members. The protrusions each have a recess for receiving the pivotal member. Two protection plates respectively cover the pivotal members. The eyeglasses can be seen via the transparent cover without opening the cover. |
| US08881892B1 |
Container
The present disclosure provides an apparatus including a first chamber containing an eye-mountable device. The apparatus may also include a second chamber containing an aqueous solution. The apparatus may also include a membrane positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber. The membrane may be configured to rupture based on application of a force to the apparatus. The ruptured membrane may allow the aqueous solution to engage with the eye-mountable device. The apparatus may also include a lid to seal one or more of the first chamber and the second chamber. |
| US08881890B2 |
Conveyor belt module with fixed axles
A modular roller-top conveyor belt and rollers for the belt. The roller-top belt has axles that are fixed relative to the module body. Each of the pieces of the multi-piece rollers can be installed radially onto an axle and joined together in a puzzle pattern to form a complete roller that can rotate on the axle. Parallel ridges extending across the width of the modules add stiffness to the belt. |
| US08881882B2 |
Rotational coupling device with improved lubrication
A rotational coupling device having improved lubrication is provided. The device includes a hub disposed about a rotational axis. A rotor is supported on, and configured for rotation about, the hub and defines a radially extending wall and a chamber on one side of the wall surrounding said hub and defining a sump containing a fluid. An armature is supported on the hub for rotation therewith within the chamber and axially spaced from the wall. Clutch plates are disposed between the rotor wall and armature and rotatably coupled to the rotor or armature. A field shell is disposed on an opposite side of the rotor wall from the armature and houses a conductor. One or more tubes have an end submerged in the fluid and extend through apertures in the armature. Rotation of said armature draws fluid through the tubes and onto the clutch plates. |
| US08881880B2 |
Hydraulic clutch
A hydraulic pressure clutch includes a first connecting hub including first, second, and third oil holes, a transmission case having first, second, and third oil supply portions, an inner sleeve having first, second, and third oil passages, a boss having fourth, fifth, and sixth oil passages, an outer sleeve having seventh and eighth oil passages, a clutch drum, a second connecting hub, a first piston forming a first piston chamber, a plurality of first clutch plates, a plurality of first friction disks disposed alternately with the first clutch plates, a first balance wall forming a first balance chamber, a second piston forming a second piston chamber, a plurality of second clutch plates, a plurality of second friction disks disposed alternately with the second clutch plates, and a second balance wall forming a second balance chamber, wherein the first and second balance chambers are supplied simultaneously through one oil line. |
| US08881877B2 |
Vibration damper
A vibration damper includes a cylinder in which a piston fastened to a piston rod executes a translational and a rotational movement relative to the cylinder. The piston is fixed to the piston rod by an axial fastener, and a device for preventing rotation by positive engagement is formed between the piston and the piston rod. |
| US08881875B2 |
Suspension apparatus for vehicle
A colloidal damper disposed between two members for damping a relative movement of the two members, including: (I) a cylinder device including a housing and a piston which are connected to one and the other of the two members and which define a chamber; (II) a colloidal-solution sealed body accommodated in the chamber and including: (A) a colloidal solution in which are mixed a first working fluid and porous bodies each having pores; and (B) a hermetically sealed container which has flexibility and which hermetically seals the colloidal solution contained therein; and (III) a second working fluid contained in the chamber together with the colloidal-solution sealed body, wherein the colloidal damper is configured to damp the relative movement of the two members by the inflow and the outflow of the first working fluid into and out of the pores upon the relative movement of the two members. |
| US08881874B2 |
Disk brake
Disclosed herein is a disc brake which may improve restoration of a piston which occurs when braking operation is terminated.The disc brake having a carrier and a caliper housing includes an adjuster installed inside the piston to maintain the pad plates at a distance from the disc, a pull-rod installed in the cylinder, a front portion thereof being screwed to the adjuster and a rear portion thereof being provided with a flange extending toward an inner circumferential surface of the cylinder, a support member coupled with a rear wall of the cylinder to support the pull-rod and seal an inside of the cylinder, a spring case adapted to have one end fixed to the support member and form a predetermined accommodating space, and an elastic member arranged in the accommodating space of the spring case to return the piston to an original position thereof. |
| US08881870B2 |
Recirculation valve in an aircraft engine
The present invention relates to an installation for lubricating and/or cooling in an aircraft engine comprising an oil tank (3), a main feed pipe (6) feeding a main pump (1) supplying a flow in a discharge line from the main pump (7) to one or several systems (2) to be lubricated and/or cooled, wherein the installation comprises a feed pipe for an auxiliary pump (8) fitted in parallel onto the main pipe (6) and connected to an auxiliary feed pump (1A), the latter supplying a flow in a discharge line from the auxiliary pump (8A) connected by a three-way circuit on the one hand to a non-return valve (4A) directed towards the main discharge line (7), and on the other hand to a hydraulically-operated (9) recirculation valve (5), in order to divert the flow from the auxiliary feed pump (1A) into a return line (8B) directly towards the tank (3). |
| US08881865B2 |
Single person portable belay anchor system and method
A portable belay anchor system is disclosed that provides a coupling location for safety rope attached to a climber, such as a roof inspector. The portable belay anchor system includes a base having a mast coupled thereto. The mast has a shaft portion and a flange portion. A plurality of removable weights are positioned on the shaft, coupled to the flange portion. The flange portion supports the weights so that the weight is carried by the shaft itself. A retaining member is coupled to the mast to hold the weights on the mast. A shackle is also coupled to the mast. A rope is coupled to the shackle to act a the belay rope which the user positions through a belay brake device. |
| US08881861B2 |
Steering system
A steering system includes a rack housing and a drainage device. The drainage device has a drainage case, and a drainage valve made of a resin. The drainage case has a case inlet port communicated with a housing space of the rack housing, case outlet ports communicated with the outside of the rack housing, a drainage space communicated with the case inlet port and the ease outlet ports, and a convex portion. The drainage valve has a valve body inlet port portion, and a valve body outlet port portion that interrupts communication between the case inlet port and the case outlet ports when the valve body outlet port portion comes into contact with the convex portion. |
| US08881858B2 |
Front wheel supporting structure for straddle-type vehicle
A front wheel supporting structure for a vehicle includes a front arm for supporting a front axle and a suspension mechanism for resiliently suppressing vertical swinging motion of the front arm. The suspension mechanism includes a damper member disposed along a lateral direction between a head pipe and the front arm, and a connecting member for connecting the front arm with the damper member such that vertical swinging motion of the front arm is converted into lateral motion of the damper member. |
| US08881851B2 |
Thermally-stable polycrystalline diamond materials and compacts
Thermally-stable polycrystalline diamond materials comprise a first phase including a plurality of bonded together diamond crystals, and a second phase including a reaction product formed between a binder/catalyst material and a material reactive with the binder/catalyst material. The reaction product is disposed within interstitial regions of the polycrystalline diamond material that exists between the bonded diamond crystals. The first and second phases are formed during a single high pressure/high temperature process condition. The reaction product has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is relatively closer to that of the bonded together diamond crystals than that of the binder/catalyst material. |
| US08881847B2 |
Dust collecting device for a roof tool
A dust collecting device disposed circumferentially around a roof tool and in association with a roof drill bit and slidable thereon for collecting and removing dust generated during a dry drilling operation. The dust collecting device comprises a cylinder member, a bushing, and a mounting assembly comprising a top washer, a rubber insert, and a bottom washer. Another aspect of the invention provides a dust collecting device comprising a cylinder member, a bushing, and a mounting assembly comprising a disk and clips. The rubber insert and the clips resist movement of the dust collecting device along the drill steel of the roof tool during the drilling operation. |
| US08881844B2 |
Directional drilling control using periodic perturbation of the drill bit
Disclosed herein is a system for steering the direction of a borehole advanced by cutting action of a rotary drill bit by periodically varying action of a drill bit while continuously rotating a drill string to which the drill bit is operationally attached. The steering system can include a bit perturbation device cooperating with a bent housing subsection and operationally connected to the drill string and to the drill bit. Drill bit action can be varied by periodically varying the rotation speed and/or rate of penetration of the drill bit. Periodic drill bit action results in preferential cutting of material from a predetermined arc of the borehole wall which, in turn, results in borehole deviation. Action of the drill bit can be varied independently of the rotation rate of the drill string. |
| US08881842B2 |
Controlling method of electric tool and electric tool carrying out the controlling method
The invention relates to a power tool, which comprises a motor for driving a tool bit rotating, the motor attains a rotational speed, a source for supplying an electric current to said motor, a sensor for measuring said current, and a control device. The control device fulfills the task of detection of a variation of the slope of the current in the course of time, and generates a control signal. The rotational speed of the tool is reduced in response to the control signal. The present invention automatically detects whether the work piece operated by the tool bit reaches a predetermined position by providing electronic control means. It may make sure that the screw is driven into a piece of wood and does not go beyond the predetermined position once detect that the work piece reaches the position and carries out the changing action. |
| US08881841B1 |
Bar with enhanced rigidity
A tool supporting bar comprising an elongated tubular perimeter wall defining an interior and including first and second perimeter wall portions. Each perimeter wall portion includes a first side wall portion and sections of two other side wall portions each extending from the first side wall portion. Each perimeter wall portion may be substantially U-shaped and positioned in opposition to each other, with the two perimeter wall portions being connected together. At least one reinforcing wall may be located in the interior and attached to the first side wall portion of one of the perimeter wall portions. Embodiments with the reinforcing wall attached to the exterior of the perimeter wall are also described. |
| US08881837B2 |
Increasing oil production
A method of recovering petroleum from dormant oil wells or increasing the production of oil wells. An alkali metal or alkaline earth metal carbonate is introduced into a water layer associated with a subterranean petroleum reservoir and/or an explosive composition is introduced into an oil layer associated with a subterranean petroleum reservoir. CO2 gas is produced by reacting the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal carbonate with an acid and/or by detonating the explosive composition. |
| US08881835B2 |
Manipulator tool and tool catcher useful with wellbore reverse circulation
A method for reverse circulating a tool upwardly through a wellbore, the method including: providing a manipulator tool including an upper end and a lower end, conveying the manipulator tool down hole to a position adjacent a downhole tool, using the manipulator tool to manipulate the downhole tool, and reversing fluid flow through the well to create a pressure differential about at least one of the manipulator tool and the downhole tool such that the at least one of the manipulator tool and the downhole tool is lifted upwardly through the wellbore. A manipulator tool for use in a reverse circulating method is also described as are a tool catcher, a tool catching assembly and a tool catching method. |
| US08881828B2 |
Bore selector
A bore selector for coupling a monobore riser to a dual bore subsea installation, the bore selector comprising a lower base part comprising a first and a second through bores connected to the respective bore of the dual bore subsea installation, an upper selector part comprising a through bore connected to a bore of the monobore riser, the upper selector part is movable relating to the lower base part to and fro between a first and a second positions, an actuator configured to move the upper selector part relating to the lower base part between the first and the second positions, and a connector sleeve slidably mounted in the through bore, wherein the connector sleeve is configured to selectively engage with the first and the second through bores, and is movable in the axial direction of the through bore to and fro between a raised and a lowered position. |
| US08881821B2 |
Ball seat milling and re-fracturing method
A well that has a plurality of sliding sleeves used to originally fracture multiple zones with balls of increasing size dropped on balls seats to sequentially open ports for fracturing in a direction toward the well surface is refractured. The method involves using a bottom hole assembly (BHA) that has a fluid motor driven mill that mills out ball seats and has with it a ported sub and a resettable packer. Once the lowermost ball seat is milled out a ball is dropped into the BHA to isolate the fluid motor and open a ported sub below a resettable packer. The dropped ball also enables a collet to latch an open sleeve to give a surface signal that the BHA is located properly for packer deployment so that the refracturing can begin through the coiled tubing string that can support the BHA or in a surrounding annular space. |
| US08881818B2 |
Tubular cutting with debris filtration
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. |
| US08881816B2 |
Shock load mitigation in a downhole perforation tool assembly
A perforation tool assembly is provided. The perforation tool assembly comprises an energy train, a first perforation gun, and a second perforation gun. The energy train comprises a moderator to reduce the speed of propagation of a detonation in a direction parallel to the axis of the perforation tool assembly. The first perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a first portion of the energy train. The second perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a second portion of the energy train, wherein the second portion of the energy train is coupled to the first portion of the energy train. |
| US08881815B2 |
Well treatment
A method for the treatment of a subterranean formation which contains sand particles, said method comprising contacting said formation with a positively charged polymer capable of increasing the residual matrix strength of said sand particles whereby to reduce or prevent their migration while minimizing any decrease in the permeability of said formation. Polymer materials suitable for use in the method of the invention include polyaminoacids, poly (diallyl ammonium salts) and mixtures thereof. |
| US08881813B2 |
Methods of forming high-porosity fractures in weakly consolidated or unconsolidated formations
Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore, that include the steps of placing a fracturing fluid comprising a first stabilizing substance into the subterranean formation at or above a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture in the subterranean formation and placing a treatment fluid comprising a gel carrier fluid, degradable solids-free gel bodies, and solids-laden gel bodies into the fracture such that the solids-free gel bodies and the solids-laden gel bodies form multiple packs within the fracture. Breaking the gel carrier fluid and allowing the solids-free gel bodies to degrade to create a high porosity propped fracture formed of the solids-laden gel bodies wherein the propped fracture has a porosity of at least about 40%. |
| US08881811B2 |
Additives to suppress silica scale build-up and methods of use thereof
Treatments and compounds for use in subterranean formations where surfaces may be subject to silica scale build-up. Certain embodiments pertain to utilizing silica scale control additives with remediation and stimulation treatments. One example of a suitable method of treatment includes providing an acidic treatment fluid comprising: a base fluid, an acid, and a silica scale control additive; contacting at least a portion of a subterranean formation with the acidic treatment fluid; and allowing the acidic treatment fluid to interact with silica scale buildup in the subterranean formation so that at least a portion of the silica scale buildup is removed. |
| US08881807B1 |
Autonomous apparatus to restore and maintain well productivity and method of using the same
Disclosed herein is an autonomous and consistently active acoustic rehabilitation technology for wells, reservoirs, and extraction of natural resources using a borehole method. The invention can be used in oil, gas, mining, geological exploration industries, and in extraction technologies for oil and gas, including shale. It is especially useful for improvement of oil and gas output from wells and stimulation of production for maximizing recovery from reserves. The invention is applicable to areas including, but not limited to, well reserves using pumps, layer pressure supporting wells, and offshore-bed wells. |
| US08881805B2 |
Systems and methods for an artificial geothermal energy reservoir created using hot dry rock geothermal resources
Methods are described for using heated fluids from enhanced geothermal systems projects that recover geothermal heat from hot dry rock resources, and then injecting the heated pressurized fluids into a suitable rock formation to create an artificial geothermal energy reservoir. The artificial geothermal reservoir can then be used to store thermal energy by boosting the enthalpy of injected fluids by exchanging against heated fluids from other sources including a solar thermal power plant. Recovered heated fluids are utilized in a geothermal power plant and the spent geothermal fluids can be injected to recover additional thermal energy from hot dry rock resources. One embodiment is a geosolar electric power generation project to provide a steady and flexible source of renewable energy from a hot dry rock geothermal source integrated with a concentrating solar power project. |
| US08881802B2 |
Debris barrier for packer setting sleeve
An annular seal for a setting tool in a packer tieback extension comprises a downhole oriented packer cup assembly. As the tool is run in the hole the packer cup flexes as the rising hydrostatic pressure equalizes across the cup into what started as a zone with atmospheric pressure inside the packer tieback extension. Once the pressure is equalized the self energizing feature of the packer cup maintains grit and debris in the mud from entering the tieback extension where the spring loaded dogs of the setting tool are held in a retracted position. If the seal fails to equalize and allows a large differential across the setting sleeve from the surrounding annulus, the rupture disc breaks inwardly into the tieback extension so that pressure is equalized. If the packer is never set after being lowered to depth and the pressure from the tieback extension is equalized into the annulus. |
| US08881801B2 |
Apparatus and method for the installation or removal of a rotary control device insert or a component thereof
An apparatus for installing and removing a rotary control device insert or an element thereof has a first clamp with a receptacle suitable for receiving a flange of the rotary control device insert therein, a second clamp having an interior suitable for extending around a pipe, and a plurality of lines extending between the first clamp and the second clamp. The first clamp is movable between an open position and a closed position. The second clamp is movable between an open position and a closed position. Each of the clamps includes a first jaw and a second jaw connected to the first jaw by a hinged connection. |
| US08881799B2 |
Downhole gas generator with multiple combustion chambers
A multiple chamber gas generator system has a plurality of gas generators shaped to fit within the borehole. Each of the gas generators having an elongate combustion chamber. A gas flow control system is operably installed for supplying gas to the elongate combustion chambers of each of the gas generators. The system further includes a control computer having a control program operatively installed thereupon, the control program functioning to control the operation of the gas flow control system and to selectively turn on or off each of the gas generators to regulate the volume of gasses being generated in response to changes in pressure within the borehole. |
| US08881798B2 |
Remote manipulation and control of subterranean tools
A subterranean tool that is self contained for actuation can be run into a desired location on an automatic set mode controlled by a timer. If a problem develops in getting the tool to the desired location in time a magnetic field created by permanent or electro-magnets can be brought to bear on the tool to stop the timer before the tool actuates. Once the tool is subsequently positioned at the desired location another magnetic field can be brought to bear near the tool to set it. Alternatively, the tool can be run to the desired location without activation with the timer and then the magnetic field can be brought to the tool to set it. The magnetic field can be lowered to the tool with wireline or can be dropped or pumped past the tool to actuate the tool. Optionally the field can be generated from within an object that ultimately lands on a seat to provide a backup way to set the tool using tubing pressure. |
| US08881794B2 |
Cooling device
A cooling device (1) comprises a top plate (2), a bottom plate (3), an axial flow inlet (4) in the top plate (2), a rotor support (5) on the top plate (2), and a pump rotor fan (6). The outer dimensions are 40 mm in diameter and 4 mm in height. The internal separation of the plates 2 and 3 is 4 mm. The cooling device (1) has a low profile in scale. Depending on the configuration and on operating parameters steady or unsteady fluid flow vortices can be created in the heat sink. The resulting flow field enhances heat transfer rates locally through impingement cooling and thermal transport by the vortices, whether generated to be steady or unsteady in nature. Also, the vortices drive a secondary flow within the heat sink, effectively creating a pumping mechanism, which further enhances heat transfer. The heat sink is simple, economical to construct and integrate within portable electronics such as mobile phones, and provides the possibility of utilizing existing components and architectures within electronic devices as the heat sink body. For example one or more heat sink surfaces may be surfaces of existing components such as a circuit board or a housing. |
| US08881791B2 |
Earth-boring tools and methods of forming earth-boring tools
Methods of fabricating earth-boring tools include forming an outer portion of an earth-boring tool from a powder mixture comprising hard particles and matrix particles comprising a metal matrix material, disposing a molten material at least partially within the outer portion of the earth-boring tool, and forming the molten material into another portion of the earth-boring tool. Methods of fabricating a bit body of an earth-boring rotary drill bit include forming an outer portion comprising a plurality of hard particles and a plurality of matrix particles comprising a metal matrix material and casting a molten material at least partially within the outer portion of the bit body to form another portion of the bit body. Earth-boring tools include a body for engaging a subterranean borehole having an outer portion and an inner portion comprising at least one material solidified within a cavity formed within the outer portion. |
| US08881787B2 |
Retractable safety gate
A retractable safety gate has a mounting assembly, a control assembly, a delaying assembly, an operating assembly, a blocking cloth, a grip assembly and a receiving assembly. The control assembly has a controller, a ratchet unit and a spiral spring. The spiral spring is connected between the controller and the ratchet unit. Thus, the controller is pulled back to the original position to be closed by the spiral spring, thereby reducing number of the components such that the retractable safety gate has a simplified structure. |
| US08881785B2 |
Tyre building drum with turn-up mechanism
Tire building drum having a turn-up mechanism for use in building an unvulcanized tire using rubber tire components, having two sets of turn-up arms (14), wherein each set of arms is connected to an axially shiftable arm support (17). The tire building drum is provided with means on the one hand for shifting the arm supports in a first direction to move the sets of turn-up arms axially towards each other, wherein the arras are tiltable in radial planes from a starting position to a tilting position, and on the other hand for in a second direction, opposite the first direction, shifting the arm supports to move the arms axially apart from the tilting position into the starting position. The tire building drum is provided with a pneumatic detection device (20) (23) for detecting whether at least one of the moving parts, such as the arms or the clamping device, are in the starting position, and for giving a detection signal indicating whether or not the arms are in the starting position. |
| US08881784B2 |
Unpuncturable inner tube
The invention relates to a device for inserting inside tires of a vehicle so that it follows its course without stopping after a bursting. The device comprises a cluster of flexible bladders (1) which are made of rubber, have a diameter of one to several inches according to the use, are interconnected by a cord (2.1) with its distribution branches (2.2, 2.3) and an inflating stem (3). The air enters each bladder via the cord by means of a very sensitive mini-check valve (9). During inflation, the air contained inside the space of the tire is purged via a purging system (6, 7, 8). In one variant, the principle of the valves, cord and purge is retained, but there are fewer bladders and they have the shape of sections of the tire. Bladders that are resistant to depression can also be used with the same valves and purge but without a cord. The refilling ensues by an over inflation step followed by a reduction effected by the purge until the operating pressure is reached. Finally, one or several rings of multiple or single chambers can be used that are inflated to a pressure greater than the tire and mounted inside around the wheel. |
| US08881781B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire capable of reducing air column resonance arising from circumferential grooves without changing the shape of unilaterally open-ended lug grooves. Lug grooves 20 are formed in land portions 15, which are defined by the circumferential grooves, and each of the lug grooves 20 consists of a lateral groove portion 21, which extends axially to open at one end into the circumferential groove and communicate at the other end with a sub-groove 12 provided in the land portion 15, and an oblique groove portion 22, which extends in a direction intersecting with the tire axial and circumferential directions to communicate at one end with the sub-groove 12 and terminate at the other end within the land portion 15. Also, the lateral groove portion 21 of the lug groove 20 is provided with a projection 23 protruding toward the tread surface from the bottom of the lug groove 20 and having a height smaller than the height H of the land portion 15 as measured from the bottom of the lug groove 20. |
| US08881778B2 |
Motorcycle tire
A motorcycle tire 1 comprising tread portion 2 having inclined main grooves 11 including main part 13 extending to cross tire equator C from a tire equator side toward a tread edge side while inclining to a former grounding side in a tire rotation direction wherein an inclination angle of main part 13 at the tire equator is from 0 to 15°, and a plurality of inclined sub-grooves 12 extending between the main grooves 11, 11 from axially outward of the tire equator while inclining in the same direction as the main part 13, and the tread portion 2 satisfying a relationship of: Lc |
| US08881777B2 |
Tyre for motorcycles
A tire for motorcycles, has a tread band and includes an annular central portion and two annular shoulder portions. The tread band includes at least one first groove extending from one annular shoulder portion to the other annular shoulder portion and having a first vertex at the annular central portion, and at least one pair of second grooves arranged on opposite sides with respect to the equatorial plane, each groove of said at least one pair of second grooves being inclined with respect to the equatorial plane and extending from a respective annular shoulder portion up the annular central portion without intersecting the equatorial plane. The distance in the circumferential direction between an axially inner end of each groove of said at least one pair of second grooves and the first vertex is no greater than 3.5% of the circumferential extension of the tread band. |
| US08881776B2 |
Bicycle bag
A bicycle bag protects a bicycle while the bicycle is secured to a rack, such as a vehicle bicycle rack. The bicycle bag includes resealable openings configured to allow the bicycle (and bag) to be securely attached to a wide variety of different rack types. Additionally, because there is risk of obscuring the tail lights of a vehicle for rear-mount racks when a bicycle bag is on the bike and the bike on the rack, the bicycle bag includes pockets designed to support a tail-light system that can be connected to the vehicle to provide additional lighting and safety. |
| US08881774B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for fluid delivery
A fill adapter for filling a reservoir. The fill adapter includes a button assembly actuator and a pump chamber plunger actuator hingably attached to the button assembly actuator, wherein the actuation of the button assembly actuator actuates the pump chamber plunger actuator and wherein the pump chamber plunger actuator actuates a pump chamber membrane before the at least one button assembly is actuated. |
| US08881771B2 |
Pressure damping device for brake system
There is provided a pressure damping device for a brake system. The damping device includes a cylindrical housing that is fixed to the oil passage, includes a first liquid pressure hole and a second liquid pressure hole respectively communicating with a main oil passage of the first and second hydraulic circuits, and is opened on one side thereof, a lid member that is coupled so as to close the opened one side of the housing, first and second pistons that are spaced apart from each other and move forward and backward within the housing, and a spring that is interposed between the first and second pistons to provide an elastic force to the first and second pistons. Here, a sealing member is provided on an outer circumferential surface of each piston so that a space between the first and second pistons is sealed, and an air damping space whose volume is changed in accordance with a pressure of a liquid pressure is provided between the first and second pistons. |
| US08881770B2 |
Quick connector having check device
A quick connector having a check device includes an outer body, a locking member, an engaging ring, an inner body and an outer locking member. The inner body has a protrusion at one end thereof and an opening next to the protrusion. The protrusion is connected with a membrane member. The membrane member has a central through hole for insertion of the protrusion and a membrane sheet adapted to cover the opening. The membrane member provides a one-way function for air flow. When air flows reversely, the membrane member will cover the opening to provide a check function. |
| US08881769B2 |
Structure of a gas-valve unit
A gas valve unit for adjusting a volumetric gas flow which is fed to a gas burner of a gas device includes a valve chamber, an actuation shaft protruding out of the valve chamber, and at least two on/off valves arranged in the valve chamber. Further arranged in the valve chamber is at least one restrictor plate having at least two restrictor points, each of the restrictor points having at least one restrictor opening. The restrictor plate is accessible from a side of the valve chamber on which the actuation shaft is protruding from the valve chamber. |
| US08881767B2 |
Ball valve and seat assembly with life-sustaining flow
A ball valve including a valve body having a valve chamber, a ball member positioned in the valve chamber and defining first and second internal passages in fluid communication, and first and second seat rings, the first seat ring allowing fluid to flow past and through the second passage when the ball valve is in a life-sustaining flow operating position. |
| US08881762B2 |
System and method implementing air shutoff position detection strategy
An engine air shutoff valve system with an improved sensor that facilitates a position detection of the shutoff valve is disclosed. The air shutoff valve system may include a shutoff valve, an indicator, and at least one solid-state proximity sensor. The shutoff valve is moveable between an open and closed position. The indicator is operatively coupled to the shutoff valve. The indicator is movable between a normal state and a tripped state in respective correspondence with the open and closed positions of the shutoff valve. At least one solid-state proximity sensor can be configured to detect when the indicator is in the tripped state. |
| US08881758B2 |
High-pressure valve
Disclosed in one aspect is a valve comprising (a) a valve body having a poppet valve chamber with an axis running there through; (b) a seat having a seat sealing surface, and a outer-seat surface, the seat located axially within the poppet valve chamber; and (c) a poppet having a poppet sealing surface, the poppet being located axially within the poppet valve chamber; wherein a poppet-seat interface is created between at least a portion of the seat sealing surface and at least a portion of the poppet sealing surface, the poppet-seat interface being at an angle β of from 20 to 90° to the axis. In one embodiment the seat is removable, allowing the geometry of at least the poppet head surface and/or the seat inside surface, which defines a fluid flow-path cross-section, to be tailored. |
| US08881756B1 |
System for harvesting rainwater
A system for rainwater harvesting includes a rain barrel adapted for collecting and storing rainwater runoff gravity-fed from a rooftop through a downspout. A substantially rigid downspout diverter comprises an inlet section, an overflow section, and an elongated connector section interconnecting the inlet section and the overflow section. The inlet section has a first end adapted for communicating with an end of the downspout and a second end communicating with an inlet opening formed with the rain barrel. The overflow section has a first end communicating with an overflow opening formed with the rain barrel and a second end extending away from the rain barrel. |
| US08881755B2 |
Valve assembly for a two handle faucet
The present disclosure relates generally to a faucet valve cartridge 10 configured for use within a dual handle faucet 16, 18. The valve cartridge 10 includes first and second fluid flow control members 94 and 96 received within a valve housing 74 and configured to control fluid flow from an inlet 32, 36 to an outlet 29. |
| US08881750B2 |
Conveyor warewasher having an automatic wastewater removal system
A dishwasher has a wash system with a nozzle system with at least one wash nozzle for spraying wash liquid, a wash tank, and a wash pump by means of which wash liquid collected in the wash tank is fed to the at least one wash nozzle. A dirt-collecting system has at least one tank-covering screen to separate off particles of dirt from the wash liquid. The dirt-collecting system also has a dirt-collecting region arranged in the wash system and is intended for collecting the particles of dirt which have been separated off from the wash liquid with the aid of the tank-covering screen, wherein the dirt-collecting region is open at the top, but closed all the way around the sides, and wherein there is also a dirt-discharging pipe system by means of which the particles of dirt collected in the dirt-collecting region are discharged from the wash system. |
| US08881748B2 |
Dishwasher detergent dispenser
A dishwasher includes a hydraulically actuated dispenser for dispensing an additive into a treating chamber of the dishwasher. The dispenser includes a storage chamber, a lid, and a hydraulic cylinder that is fluidly connected to a water source external to the dishwasher. The hydraulic cylinder opens the dispenser lid at a predetermined point in a washing operation such that the additive is released into the treating chamber. |
| US08881747B2 |
Method for producing hoods and arrangement of a plurality of hoods
The invention relates to a method for producing hoods in the form of hair nets having meshes, creating hoods having a first dimension over the head from front to rear and a second dimension crosswise thereto. A strand (20) of a net having a mesh (23) is created from threads (21). The strand (20) has two longitudinal sides. The number of meshes (23) of the net crosswise to the longitudinal sides corresponds to the number of meshes (11) of the hair net to be produced along the first or second dimension of the hair net. On or neighboring the two longitudinal sides of the strand (20), one elastic thread (22) each is fed into the outer meshes (23) of the net. At specified, regular distances, the two elastic threads (22) are guided together and connected to one another. The distance is chosen such that the number of meshes (23) of the net between two connection points (24) in the longitudinal direction of the strand (20) corresponds to the number of meshes (11) of the hair net to be produced along the first or second dimension of the hair net. The two elastic threads (22) are connected by joining to one another by means of a sealing and/or melting process. A weakness (25) is introduced in the connection region (24). |
| US08881743B2 |
Hair treatment process providing dispersed colors by light diffraction
Hair was coated with polymer-containing fluid and then hot pressed to form a composite of hair and a polymer film imprinted with a nanopattern. Polychromatic light incident on the nanopattern is diffracted into dispersed colored light. |
| US08881742B2 |
Hair augmenter attachment device including hair clip pockets
An apparatus comprises a hair clip pocket that includes a first hair clip pocket panel located on a first side of the hair clip pocket, a second hair clip pocket panel located on a second, opposing side of the hair clip pocket, the second hair clip pocket panel including at least one slit, and an opening located between the first hair clip pocket panel and the second hair clip pocket panel. The hair clip pocket is configured such that a hair clip is selectively insertable into the opening through the at least one slit such that a portion of the hair clip is constrained by the hair clip pocket, and a portion of the hair clip extends outside the hair clip pocket through the at least one slit. |
| US08881730B2 |
Adjusting a ventilation mask
In a method for adjusting a ventilation mask, a ventilative state is measured of a ventilation mask that is placed over a respiratory opening of a patient. A sealing portion of the ventilation mask is for establishing a fluid seal between the ventilation mask and the patient. The sealing portion comprises a plurality of bladders. An unintentional leak of the fluid seal is determined based on a measured change of the ventilative state. A bladder of the plurality of bladders is adjusted to seal the unintentional leak. |
| US08881727B2 |
System and method for providing feedback to a subject regarding reception of positive airway support therapy
A system and method provide feedback to a subject regarding compliance to a positive airway pressure support therapy regime. The feedback is provided to the subject in real-time (or near real-time). The feedback indicates to the subject whether a usage goal has been achieved. The usage goal may be dynamically and adaptively determined based on past usage by the subject. This may facilitate the automatic generation of usage goals for the subject that are realistic and gradually increase the compliance of the subject over time. |
| US08881724B2 |
Device and method for graphical mechanical ventilator setup and control
An input device for a clinician to control and modify the operation of a mechanical ventilator comprises a graphical display, a representation of a respiratory therapy trajectory to be delivered to a patient, at least one data point associated with the trajectory, and a data input means for the clinician to select a data point and to modify the value of the trajectory at that data point. The present invention provides for the creation and modification of a respiratory therapy trajectory, wherein the ventilator provides a medical gas waveform to a patient according to the respiratory therapy trajectory. |
| US08881719B2 |
Non-pressurized indirect swimming pool water heating system
In an improved swimming pool water heating system, water in the pool circulates through a first loop from the pool to a surge pit and through a filter before returning to the pool. The heating system includes a second loop with a heat exchanger and a remote water heater. The pool water is heated by the heat exchanger. The first and second circulation loops are separate from one another. The heater may include multiple heating units which can be staged for sequential actuation. The second circulation loop is closed, such that the pool water does not flow through the heater, but rather is indirectly heated via the heat exchanger. The heater is isolated from the pool water. The heating units are vented to atmosphere so as to be non-pressurized. |
| US08881718B2 |
Fuel-fired combustor
A fuel-fired combustor includes a housing with a combustion chamber. The housing has an inlet and an outlet. A fuel inlet to the housing supplies fuel to the combustion chamber. An igniter ignites a mixture of exhaust gas and fuel to produce a flame for increasing an internal temperature. At least one sensor measures or monitors at least one combustor characteristic and generates a corresponding combustor characteristic signal. A controller receives the combustor characteristic signal, compares the combustor characteristic signal to a predetermined combustor criteria and generates an output signal to change at least one combustor operating condition if the combustor characteristic signal varies from the predetermined combustor criteria. |
| US08881717B2 |
Built-in cooking appliance
A built-in cooking appliance includes a top plate, a main body provided under the top plate and receiving a heat source, a cabinet on which the top plate is installed, a top cover covering a space defined between a side cover of the top plate and the cabinet, an air outlet formed on the main body, a cover airflow hole provided on the top corner and providing a path along which the air discharged through the air outlet is discharged to an external side, and a storage space provided on a path an airflow path between the air outlet and the cover airflow hole and storing water introduced through the cover airflow hole. |
| US08881716B2 |
Wire saw with tension detecting means and guide roller speed control
The present invention provides a wire saw which cuts a workpiece using a cutting wire and is capable of adjusting wire tension with high responsiveness. The wire saw includes first and second workpiece cutting units 1A and 1B. Each of the workpiece cutting units 1A and 1B includes a pair of guide rollers 10a and 10b around which a wire W is wound to form a workpiece-cutting wire group. The wire saw further includes a tension detector 18 which detects tension in the wire W between the workpiece cutting units 1A and 1B, and a control device 50. The control device 50 changes a rotational speed of the guide rollers 10a and 10b of at least one of the workpiece cutting units based on the tension detected by the tension detector 18 so as to keep the tension within an acceptable range. |
| US08881715B2 |
Concrete saw
Presented is a concrete saw for sawing into concrete surfaces to provide expansion slots or joints. The concrete saw has powered front wheels and may optionally have powered rear wheels, so that with improved traction the full potential of the motor can be utilized in faster cutting of concrete. |
| US08881714B1 |
Compound bow
An archery bow has upper and lower rotatable draw force modules. The draw force modules each define first and second grooves. The bowstring and a first cable are anchored in the first groove; and a second cable is anchored in the second groove. The design of the draw force modules and the anchoring of the bowstring and cables to the draw force modules allows the cable pull to be more centered to the limb during operation yielding less limb twist and draw force module lean, resulting in improved durability and accuracy. |
| US08881713B2 |
Method and system for humidity sensor diagnostics
Methods and systems are provided for an engine including a humidity sensor. Degradation of the humidity sensor may be determined based on a change in intake air relative humidity as compared to a change in intake air temperature or pressure, under selected conditions. An amount of exhaust gas recirculated to an engine intake is adjusted differently based on whether the humidity sensor is degraded or functional. |
| US08881708B2 |
Control of combustion mixtures and variability thereof with engine load
An internal combustion engine can be operated in response to a received first throttle control input in a first operating regime that includes delivering a first air-fuel mixture having a first air/fuel ratio to a combustion volume to deliver a first output power in a first output power range between zero and a transition output power level. The engine can be operated in response to a received second throttle control input in a second operating regime that includes delivering a second air/fuel ratio richer than the first air/fuel ratio to the combustion volume to deliver a second output power in a second output power range between the transition output power level and a maximum output power level. Related methods, systems, and article of manufacture are described. |
| US08881701B2 |
Camshaft adjusting device
An adjusting device for adjusting a camshaft relative to a drive sprocket, which drives the camshaft coaxially. The adjusting device includes an actuating gear which acts between the drive sprocket and the camshaft and is driven via an electric motor to adjust the camshaft. The actuating gear has internally- and externally-toothed gearwheels in engagement with each other, in which the internally toothed gearwheel is rotated about a central axis of the adjusting device. The externally toothed gearwheel is arranged eccentrically with respect to the central axis and is driven to perform a circular motion about the central axis. The externally toothed gearwheel is supported eccentrically on at least two eccentric shafts, each eccentric shaft being driven to perform a rotary motion about a respective eccentric axis. The eccentric axes are arranged eccentrically with respect to the central axis and can be rotated about the central axis. |
| US08881700B2 |
Insert part for camshaft adjuster with center locking
A camshaft adjustment device (1) for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, with a drive part (3), such as an outer stator, and a driven part (4), such as an inner rotor. The driven part is supported so that it can rotate relative to the drive part between a first angular position and a second angular position. A separate insert part (2) originating from the drive part or the driven part is further arranged in a rotational angle limiting connecting link (5) that is formed in the drive part or the driven part, the insert part is arranged so that it can be brought into blocking contact with two blocking elements (8), such as pins or pegs, that can move in the axial direction. A control drive with such a camshaft adjustment device and an internal combustion engine with such a control drive are also provided. |
| US08881695B2 |
Variable compression ratio internal combustion engine
A variable compression ratio internal combustion engine includes a variable compression ratio mechanism, an actuator and a linking mechanism. The actuator is varies and maintains a rotational position of the first control shaft. The linking mechanism includes a second control shaft and a lever. The second control shaft is selectively turned by the actuator. The lever links the second control shaft to the first control shaft such that transference of vibration of the first control shaft to the second control shaft is suppressed. The first control shaft is pivotally linked to a first end of the lever by a first linking pin. The second control shaft is pivotally linked to a second end of the lever by a second linking pin. |
| US08881691B2 |
Internal combustion engines
An internal combustion engine (10) comprises a chamber (12), inlet valving (24, 26) operable to admit constituents of a combustible mixture into that chamber for combustion in that chamber to provide a pressure increase in that chamber, outlet valving (16) operable to release an outflow of liquid from that chamber under an influence of that pressure increase as an energy output of that chamber and an output storage device (14) for receiving that outflow of liquid from that chamber. That output storage device (14) is arranged such that that outflow of liquid is released into a region of that output storage device that is maintained substantially free of stored liquid at least while that liquid flows into that output storage device. |
| US08881687B2 |
Protective petwear
A protective petwear collar (20) includes an inflatable bladder (22 and 24) forming a substantially “C” shaped body having an central open area (23) for receiving a neck of a pet and an opening (33) formed by two opposing end portions (34 and 36). The collar includes fasteners (25, 27, 28) for securing the two opposing end portions. The inflatable bladder expands radially outward from a dog's neck in a uniform shape. |
| US08881681B2 |
Compositions useful as animal litters
The invention provides a composition suitable for use as an animal litter comprising a first component having a density less than that of liquid and a second component having a density of at least 5 lb/ft3 (80 mg/cm3) greater than the first component. The invention is based upon the discovery that adding liquid such as urine to a composition having two components with significant differences in density, one of which is less than the density of the liquid, will result in the component with the lesser density floating to the top of the liquid while the component with the greater density will segregate below the component with the lesser density. |
| US08881675B2 |
Stent holding fixtures
Disclosed are stent holding devices having a support mandrel and one or more stent retaining fixtures disposed on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may include a character identifier to facilitate tracking a stent mounted on the holding device. The retaining fixture may include a conical protrusion and a conical recess to allow any number of retaining fixtures to engage each other and be stacked on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may include a tubular member having a spiral cut that enables the diameter of the tubular member to be adjusted to allow for a frictional fit on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may have a Z-shaped or T-shaped structure configured to retain a stent. The stent retaining fixture may also have a filament for retaining a stent. |
| US08881671B2 |
Rubbing system for alignment layer of LCD and method thereof
A rubbing system for an alignment layer of a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, comprises: a rubbing table on which a substrate having an alignment layer thereon is positioned; a rubbing roll on which a rubbing material is wound, substantially positioned on the rubbing table thus to substantially contact the alignment layer, for rubbing the alignment layer by rotation of the rubbing roll; and a controlling unit for controlling the alignment layer to be rubbed by substantially contacting the rubbing roll onto the alignment layer by simultaneously lifting and lowering a rubbing table and the rubbing roll according to an alignment controlling force to be applied to the alignment layer. |
| US08881669B2 |
Wrap preventing flag apparatus
A wrap preventing flag (44) apparatus including a rod (58) extending from the upper portion (22) of a flagpole (20) in a gravity plane (P) with an attachment (60, 62) securing the top edge (46) of a flag (44) to the rod (58). A rod support (84) inter-connects the rod (58) and the upper portion (22) of the flagpole (20) for preventing the rod (58) from rotating about the pole axis (A) while allowing free rotation of the rod (58) under the force of gravity only in the gravity plane (P). The rod support (84) includes a pair of stops (94) for limiting rotation of the rod (58) in or parallel to the gravity plane (P). In the first embodiment, the rod support (84) extends into an especially fabricated flagpole (20) whereas the rod support (84) of the second embodiment includes a first bracket (96) which is disposed about an existing flagpole (20) for securing the rod support (84) to the flagpole (20). |
| US08881668B2 |
Flush mount rod holder with pad eye
A flush mount fishing rod holder has a tubular rod holding tube adapted to be received through an opening in a panel of a watercraft, a mounting flange surrounding the top end the rod holding tube. An attachment member on the upper surface of the mounting flange has an upwardly extending curved portion defining a pad eye opening therebetween and an attachment point for connecting a flexible tether line attached to a fishing rod supported in the holder or to other onboard to items to maintain it tethered to the watercraft and prevent accidental loss of the rod or other item should it be dropped or pulled overboard or the watercraft overturns. |
| US08881667B2 |
Cavitation device of underwater moving body and underwater moving body having the same
Disclosed are a cavitation device and an underwater moving body having the same. The underwater moving body includes a body; and a cavitation device for generating a cavity which encloses an outer circumferential surface of the body, wherein the cavitation device includes: a plurality of flap-up/down members rotatably connected to the body, disposed to cover the outer circumferential surface, and disposed in a circumferential direction and a lengthwise direction of the body in a matrix form; and a pressing module for flapping up the flap-up/down members such that the cavity is generated, as the flap-up/down members being rotated are inclined from the outer circumferential surface. Under this configuration, the cavitation device can freely generate a partial cavity or a super cavity on the surface of the underwater moving body. Furthermore, a ventilation module for forming a ventilated cavity may be coupled to the cavitation device. |
| US08881666B2 |
Ship
A ship has a water flow forming path (3) formed in a bottom (2), and a propeller (6) disposed in the path (3) and a rudder (8) on a rear side of the propeller (6). A movable side of the rudder (8) faces toward a bow (1a). As a result of this, thrust increases due to generation of a rapid stream by the propeller (6) in the path (3), the propulsion performance improves and the steering performance improves because the rapid stream in the path (3) acts on the rudder (8). An outboard motor (14) may be provided with a vertical channel (13) in a stern (4) of the boat. Replacement can be made through the vertical channel (13). As the propeller (6) of the outboard motor (14) is recessed, it is possible to pull the boat onto the beach while leaving the outboard motor (14) as it is. |
| US08881664B2 |
Method for maintaining the heading of a ship
A method for maintaining the heading of a ship during movements caused by waves approaching the ship from a stern direction by activating a control surface in a bow of the ship such that the control surface converts a water flow along the bow into a lateral force that opposes roll, yaw, or heeling movements and course changes. |
| US08881663B2 |
Closing tool
A closing tool to be attached to a plough frame to engage a soil layer, the tool includes an attachment stem via which the closing tool is attached to the plough frame. Secured to the lower portion of the stem are wear resistant members. |
| US08881659B2 |
Folding table for attachment to the rear side of a vehicle seat part
A folding table for attachment to the rear side of a vehicle seat part has a fastening device (2a, 2c) for fastening the folding table to the vehicle seat (1a, 1b, 1c), a carrier element (4) which is connected to the fastening device (2a, 2c) and extends downward from the fastening device (2a, 2c) and a tabletop (6) rotatably connected to the carrier element (4). Supporting elements (7e) are arranged on the tabletop (6) which, when the tabletop (6) is in the working position, can be moved in the direction toward the vehicle seat part (1a, 1b, 1c) by a common actuating member (7a, 7d, 7b′, 7b″) and can be fixed in different positions by a manually releasable latching device (6h, 7b, 7c), so that the tabletop (6) can be aligned in a horizontal position. |
| US08881657B2 |
Method and device for locking a system for guiding a guided vehicle
A method and device lock a guiding system of a vehicle guided by at least one rail. The locking device includes first and second cylinders combined with guiding devices belonging to the guiding system of a steering axle. Each of the cylinders contains at least two characteristic configuration states: a first configuration state placing the guiding device with which the cylinder is combined in a first guiding state, and a second configuration state placing the guiding device with which the cylinder is combined in a second guiding state. A power supply supplies power to the cylinders to switch the configuration state. The power supply is coupled with a rotary member, the rotation of which is mechanically linked to the movement of the vehicle, such that a change in the direction of rotation of the rotary member is transmitted to the power supply and switches the configuration state of the cylinders. |
| US08881654B2 |
Bullets with lateral damage stopping power
Ammunition which includes a bullet having an effective caliber that is larger than its nominal caliber, comprised of a bullet body with a longitudinal cavity in the forward end, and one or more bores extending from the cavity to bore openings on the exterior of the bullet. In use, target media is gathered in the cavity and ejected under force through the bore openings, increasing the damage done by the bullet. Optional embodiments include filled, irritant payload, and jacketed embodiments. |
| US08881652B2 |
Printing template
A template is provided to stretch socks out slightly so the surface of the socks are smooth and flat for printing. In order to make the process cost effective, the templates are designed to print either 2 or 3 pairs of socks at one time, the template comprises: a planar registration portion configured to assist a user to align the printing template with a printer tray; and first and second receiving portions orthogonally extending from the registration portion, each receiving portion configured to receive a garment opening and having a width configured to flatten a portion of the received sock for printing, wherein the first and second receiving portions extend in opposite direction of the planar registration portion. |
| US08881650B2 |
Stamp for micro contact printing and method for the production thereof
A die for the micro contact printing includes a die body and a die surface that is fixedly connected to the die body. The die surface is divided into at least two different regions. Each of the at least two regions comprises a different material having a different absorption capacity for printing ink. At least one of the at least two regions has a lateral dimension of no more than 1000 nanometers. |
| US08881644B1 |
Self-basting roasting oven
A food cooking apparatus with an integral basting pump system comprises a common countertop roasting oven, typically used to prepare turkeys and other large foodstuffs further performing the additional duty of automatically basting the foodstuffs. The apparatus collects basting liquid and juices from the foodstuffs at the bottom of the roasting pan area, where an electrically-powered recirculating pump transfers the liquid to the top of the oven for spraying or dripping down upon the foodstuffs being cooked. In such a manner the foodstuffs are kept moist and tender while reducing cooking time since the oven is not opened to perform a manual basting process. The basting application is controlled using a plurality of dials on the oven that govern application time, and application intervals. |
| US08881641B2 |
Fluid pressure driven motor with pressure compensation chamber
A fluid-driven motor has a manifold with an arcuate seal including first and second valve openings and a sealing surface. A cylinder pivotally mounted on the manifold has a facing surface cooperating with the arcuate seal. The arcuate seal and the facing surface define a position-responsive valve configuration such that, when the cylinder assumes a neutral position, an aperture of the facing surface faces the sealing surface, and when the cylinder is angularly displaced in either direction, the aperture overlaps one or other of the valve openings, thereby connecting to the correspond fluid flow channel in the manifold. A pressure compensation volume underlies the sealing surface and receives fluid pressure from the fluid flow channels through valves, or from the internal volume of the cylinder, so that a pressure within the pressure compensation volume approaches a value no less than a current pressure within the internal volume. |
| US08881639B2 |
Hybrid body armor
In one embodiment, hybrid body armor includes a ballistic fabric and a plurality of small ballistic plates arranged in a tightly packed array over the ballistic fabric. |
| US08881635B2 |
Variable denier yarn and suture
A textile yarn includes a first segment and a second segment. The first segment includes a plurality of first strands and has a substantially constant first denier. The second segment includes a plurality of second strands integrated together and has a substantially constant second denier. There are more second strands in the second segment than first strands in the first segment such that the second denier is greater than the first denier. A first portion of the plurality of second strands is made from a first plurality of yarn elements that extend through the first and second segments. A second portion of the plurality of second strands is made from a second plurality of yarn elements present in the second segment and not the first segment. The yarn elements in the second plurality of yarn elements terminate in a transition zone between the first segment and the second segment. |
| US08881630B2 |
Strapping material dispenser with integrated cutter
A dispenser for dispensing a selectable amount of material from an amount of stored material. The dispenser includes a housing having a material track and material storage area, a material-advancement mechanism disposed within said housing, a material-cutting, mechanism, and an actuator. The actuator has a first end being operatively engaged with said first mechanism and an opposing second opposing end being operatively engaged with said second mechanism. The actuator is spring-biased to a non-compressed position via at least first and second springs and is also selectably shiftable to a selectable, material-advancement position and a selectable, material-cutting position. |
| US08881627B2 |
Workpiece supply/conveyance device and machine tool with the workpiece supply/conveyance device
There is provided a workpiece supply/conveyance device that can remove a workpiece from a spindle and supply another workpiece to the spindle smoothly and in a short time. A workpiece holding section of one of a plurality of arms includes an unmachined workpiece holding section 29 for holding an unmachined workpiece and a machined workpiece holding section 21 for holding a machined workpiece. When the plurality of arms are rotated in one direction, each of the arms is moved to an unmachined workpiece loading position III at which the unmachined workpiece holding section receives the unmachined workpiece, a standby position IV in a standby state while holding the unmachined workpiece to be next machined in the unmachined workpiece holding section, a workpiece delivery/reception position I at which the workpiece is delivered and received among a workpiece machining apparatus, the unmachined workpiece holding section and the machined workpiece holding section, and a machined workpiece unloading position II at which the machined workpiece held in the machined workpiece holding section is unloaded. |
| US08881623B2 |
Level corkscrew having a double fulcrum and method of using same
The invention relates to a corkscrew (T) including a handle (100) to which are connected a worm (200) and two separate levers (300, 400) pivotably connected in a case on a single pin (A) secured to the handle and preformed to provide the two notches or two fulcra (310, 410) that are required in order to extract a cork (B) inserted in the neck (G) of a bottle, in two steps. Said corkscrew is characterized in that the two levers include two portions, the second portion (330) of the first lever (300) being preformed such as to be inserted in the second portion (430) of the second lever (400) and create a fulcrum on the neck (G) of the bottle when the corkscrew (T) passes from the first notch (310) to the second notch (410) such that said first notch (310) does not project in relation to the second notch (410) and said first notch (310) does not prevent said passing. The invention also relates to the method for using the corkscrew described above. The invention is useful for manufacturing corkscrews. |
| US08881622B2 |
Centrifugal pendulum mechanism
A centrifugal pendulum mechanism that includes a pendulum flange and pendulum masses which are fastened on both sides of the pendulum flange by a spacing bolt accommodated in a curved cutout of the pendulum flange to form a pair of pendulum masses, where the pair of pendulum masses is guided relative to the pendulum flange by the at least two rollers and can be pivoted restrictively because of a stop, where the rollers are accommodated in curved guide tracks in the pendulum masses and in complementary curved guide tracks in the pendulum flange and can be rolled, and at least two pairs of pendulum masses are arranged so as to be circumferentially adjacent to each other. |
| US08881621B2 |
Steering wheel assembly
A steering wheel assembly having an armature, a hub, a wheel rim skeleton, and at least one spoke connecting the hub with the wheel rim skeleton. The assembly may include a rim interface component attachable to the wheel rim skeleton. The assembly may further include an insert component, which is attachable to the wheel rim skeleton and/or the hub, and the rim interface component and the insert component being exchangeable independently of each other. |
| US08881618B2 |
Adjustable steering column lock
A lock for an adjustable steering column includes a rotatable locking lever to actuate the lock between an unlocked position and locked position, a lock plate including plate lock teeth and a first slot, and a slider including slider lock teeth and a second slot angled relative to the first slot. The slider teeth are received between respective plate lock teeth. A lock bolt rotates with the locking lever and extends through the first and second slots, and has a retainer on one end. A cam positioned on the lock bolt applies or releases a force to the slider in response to rotation of the locking lever to actuate the lock. In the locked position the slider lock teeth lockingly engage between the plate lock teeth, and in the unlocked position, the slider lock teeth are released from locking engagement with and are positioned between the plate lock teeth. |
| US08881614B2 |
Vehicle transmissions
A vehicle transmission includes a transmission input and output along with a main shaft and a countershaft that create a plurality of transmission ratios for providing different gears when combined. The vehicle transmission also includes a range change transmission. The vehicle transmission also has, in the direction of the propulsion power flow from the transmission input to the transmission output, a performance interface downstream of the countershaft and upstream of the range change transmission for connecting an electric motor. |
| US08881611B2 |
Automated inspection system
A system for inspecting an aperture is disclosed. The aperture has an axis, a design geometric parameter, an actual geometric parameter, and a depth. The system includes a first measuring probe configured to produce a signal indicative of the actual geometric parameter of the aperture when inserted therein; a deployment mechanism supporting the first measuring probe and attachable to a robotic device, the deployment mechanism configured to selectively orient the first measuring probe along the axis of the aperture; and a controller, couplable to the robotic device, the first measuring probe, and the deployment mechanism. The controller is configured to cause insertion of the first measuring probe into the aperture substantially along the axis and to receive the signal from the probe. |
| US08881605B2 |
Coriolis flow sensor
A Coriolis flow sensor including a loop-shaped Coriolis tube mounted in a housing with two ends lying next to one another, the ends being fixed in a fixation element, while the portion of the tube located between the ends lies free from the housing, which flow sensor includes an excitation element for causing the tube to oscillate about an excitation axis as well as a detection element for detecting displacements of portions of the tube during operation. The tube is connected through the fixation element to a balancing member, the assembly of the balancing member and the tube being resiliently arranged with respect to the housing, while the excitation element are arranged to rotate the tube and the balancing member with counter-phase about the excitation axis. |
| US08881604B2 |
Measuring system having a vibration-type measuring transducer
A measuring system comprises: a measuring transducer of vibration type, through which fluid flows during operation, and which produces oscillation signals corresponding to parameters of the flowing fluid; as well as a transmitter electronics (TE), which is electrically coupled with the measuring transducer, and serves for activating the measuring transducer and for evaluating oscillation signals delivered by the measuring transducer. The measuring transducer (MT) includes: At least one measuring tube (10; 10′) for conveying flowing fluid; at least one electro-mechanical oscillation exciter (41) for actively exciting and/or maintaining bending oscillations of the at least one measuring tube in a wanted mode; and at least a first oscillation sensor (51) for registering vibrations of the at least one measuring tube, and for producing an oscillation signal (s1) of the measuring transducer, representing vibrations at least of the at least one measuring tube. The transmitter-electronics (TE), in turn, generates, by means of a signal component of the oscillation signal, which represents a bending oscillation mode, in which the at least one vibrating measuring tube executes bending oscillations with at least one oscillatory antinode more than in the case of the bending oscillations in the wanted mode, a cavitation report (XKV), which signals an occurrence of cavitation in the fluid. |
| US08881601B2 |
Flow meter and use thereof for determining a flow of a medium, as well as a method therefor
The invention relates to a flow meter for determining a flow of a medium. The flow meter comprises a flow tube for transporting the medium whose flow is to be measured. The flow tube has a supply end and a discharge end disposed downstream thereof. The flow meter is provided with a first flow sensor for measuring the flow of the medium at a first position of the flow tube. The flow meter is provided with a second flow sensor for measuring the flow of the medium at a second position of the flow tube. |
| US08881599B2 |
Specimen holder for clamping workpieces
A test-specimen holder for gripping test specimens to perform material tests in the form of compressive and tensile tests has two grabs coaxially aligned relative to each other and capable of gripping the test specimen. The grabs have angled faces on sides facing away from the test specimen gripped between them. Respective hydraulic gripping cylinders are connected to the grabs for shifting same axially and a wedge can engage the angled faces of both grabs. A fluid-operated synchronization cylinder is connected to the wedge for moving the wedge perpendicular to the axis of the grabs into and out of engagement with the angled faces of the grabs. A fluid reservoir is connected through a 4/2 directional control valve with the gripping cylinders for actuating same. An adjustable first pressure-limiting valve and a check valve connected parallel thereto are connected between the 4/2 valve and the synchronization cylinder. |
| US08881598B2 |
Pressure point inspection device
The present invention discloses a pressure point inspection device, able to press on a plurality of pressure points on liquid crystal display panel for inspecting display condition, the pressure point inspection device includes: lateral adjustment board, lateral adjustment board including a first lateral board and a second lateral board; vertical adjustment board, disposed crossly on lateral adjustment board, vertical adjustment board including first vertical board and second vertical board, able to fold separately; wherein lateral adjustment board and/or vertical adjustment board disposed with a plurality of inspection heads, vertical disposition gap between first lateral board and second lateral board adjustable and lateral disposition gap between first vertical board and second vertical board adjustable. As such, the pressure point inspection device can save time of pressing pressure points on TFT-LCD and improve inspection efficiency and avoid missing pressure point. |
| US08881596B2 |
Semiconductor sensing device to minimize thermal noise
An MEMS pressure sensor is designed to reduce or eliminate thermal noise, such as temperature offset voltage output. The pressure sensor includes a pressure sensing element having a diaphragm, and a cavity formed as part of the pressure sensing element, where the cavity receives a fluid such that the diaphragm at least partially deflects. The pressure sensing element also includes a plurality of piezoresistors, which are operable to generate a signal based on the amount of deflection in the diaphragm. At least one trench is integrally formed as part of the pressure sensing element, and an adhesive connects the pressure sensing element to the at least one substrate such that at least a portion of the adhesive is attached to the trench and redistributes thermally induced stresses on the pressure sensing element such that the thermally induced noise is substantially eliminated. |
| US08881594B2 |
Tapered spiral bellows pressure sensor
A pressure measuring device includes a resilient expandable pressure sensor element having an open end and an opposite closed end. The pressure sensor element includes spiral flutes extending between the open and closed ends defining spiral bellows. The pressure sensor element is tapered over at least a portion of its length from the open end to the closed end. The pressure measuring device also includes a supporting structure having a pressure indicating scale. The supporting structure holds the pressure sensor element such that the open end of the pressure sensor element is in communication with a fluid whose pressure is to be measured and pressure applied by the fluid causes the pressure sensor element to expand axially and be visibly displaced relative to the pressure indicating scale by a distance related to the pressure applied by the fluid. |
| US08881592B2 |
Ultrasound probe
The present invention relates to an ultrasound therapy system using high-intensity focused ultrasound. The present invention improves ultrasound and heat release characteristics and provides an ultrasound probe which easily performs manufacturing and maintenance processes. According to the present invention, a housing is recessed on the inward side around the upper-part edge. A plurality of mounting holes are uniformly formed from the outside at a constant radius to the edge in the center of the upper part. And a plurality of probe units are respectively installed to the plurality of mounting holes to form a sphere in the upper part of the housing wherein a first connection pin is protruded to the lower part of the housing in the lower part of a copper connection bar and a rear block, a piezoelectric wafer, and an acoustic matching layer are sequentially stacked on the upper part of the connection bar. |
| US08881587B2 |
Gas sorption analysis of unconventional rock samples
Systems and methods for gas sorption analysis, or analogous practices, of samples from unconventional reservoirs are described. The described analysis of samples is used to determine various properties of unconventional reservoirs, which are used in evaluating their worth and producibility. |
| US08881584B2 |
Variable guide vane digital backlash measurement
An apparatus and method for a more time efficient measurement of backlash in one or more variable guide vanes of a gas turbine system are provided. A mounting structure, with an indicator attached thereto, may be provided. Further, a guide structure may be provided to allow the mounting structure to be moved adjacent to two or more variable guide vanes without moving the guide structure. |
| US08881583B2 |
Abrasion sensing device, wind turbine generation apparatus including the same, and abrasion sensing method
When it is determined that a blade is rotating, a control device operates a braking device, and acquires a rotation angle (first rotation angle) from a rotation angle sensor. Then, the control device reverses a nacelle and acquires again a rotation angle (second rotation angle) from the rotation angle sensor. Then, the control device determines whether or not the difference between the first rotation angle and the second rotation angle is greater than a threshold value. When it is determined that the rotation angle difference is greater than the threshold value, the control device determines that a gear or a bearing of a gearbox is worn out. |
| US08881581B2 |
Amperometric sensor system
A sensor system that measures at least one parameter of water includes an electronics subsystem and includes a sensor housing electrically and mechanically coupled to the electronics subsystem. The sensor housing encloses a chamber that receives water via at least one inlet and that releases water via at least one outlet. At least one sensor has at least one electrode exposed to water in the chamber. A flow generator causes water to flow through the chamber. A plurality of objects within the chamber move in response to the water flow and abrasively clean the at least one electrode. Preferably, the sensor system includes a chlorine sensor having at least two electrodes. The electronics subsystem applies a first differential voltage between the two electrodes during a measurement interval and then applies a second differential voltage between the two electrodes during an interval following the measurement interval. |
| US08881579B2 |
Method and device for determining viscosity utilizing gravity feed
A method of determining viscosity of structurally viscous fluids or beverages containing small pieces, fibers, pulps, fruit cells, cereals, particles or the like, for processing in filling, fruit juice preparation, dairy or brewery process plants, includes providing a tube rheometer having an at least substantially horizontal, straight meter tube with an inner diameter over a length of the meter tube length. At least two different volume flows are generated, exclusively gravimetrically, in the tube rheometer. The at least two different volume flows are adjusted to be substantially constant so as to determine a flow index and a consistency factor of the at least two volume flows. Pressure losses of the at least two volume flows are measured. The viscosity is determined based on the flow index, the consistency factor and the pressure losses. |
| US08881577B1 |
Method and system for analysis of rheological properties and composition of multi-component fluids
A method and system for on-line multi-component fluid analysis, the system can be configured to measure the absolute viscosity using data acquired by monitoring the time it takes for a pump to move from one side to the other side and pressure at the discharge for a reference fluid and the time it takes for a pump to move from one side to the other side and pressure at the discharge for a sample fluid. The system and method can also include comparing the data acquired for the sample fluid and the reference fluid. The system and method can present rheological behavior of the sample fluid as Newtonian viscosity and the shear rate in real time. |
| US08881576B2 |
Test device for performing leak detection at a plurality of test sites
The leak detection device comprises a plurality of measuring cells (10) in whose interior the absorption of a laser beam (17) is influenced by the presence of tracer gas. All of said measuring cells (10) are connected to a host unit (25) via light-conducting fibers (28,34). In the host unit (25), a laser (26) designed for modulation and a photodetector (37) are arranged. Modulation of the laser radiation is preferably performed by two-tone frequency modulation. This has the effect that the fiber length cannot significantly skew the result of the measurement. |
| US08881575B2 |
Apparatus for collecting gas sample in foam, and analysis method using the same
Provided are an apparatus for collecting gas samples in a foam and an analysis method using the same, and more particularly, to an apparatus for collecting gas samples in a foam in which the foam is grinded, such that the gas sample in the foam may be effectively collected, and pressure before and after collection of the gas samples may be measured to thereby increase accuracy of gas analysis, such that characteristics of the foam may be more accurately evaluated, and an analysis method using the same. |
| US08881574B2 |
Shipping container interrogation apparatus and methods
A shipping container interrogation apparatus and method that utilizes the tubular frame members of the container to deliver input air to the interior of the container, and to receive sample air from the interior of the container. A detection apparatus may be used to detect an unauthorized material in the sample air that is received from the interior of the container. Sample air from the detection apparatus may be recycled back into the container by use of a tubular frame member of the container. Input air may be delivered to the interior of the container with turbulence and in any desired direction or pattern for better interrogation of the interior of the container. |
| US08881571B2 |
Multi-tool technology
A multi-tool having a plurality of tool-receipt openings adapted to receive respective tools. The multi-tool can be used on turret presses, single-station presses, other industrial presses, or other fabrication equipment. |
| US08881567B2 |
Reset fixture for rekeyable lock assembly
A reset fixture for a rekeyable lock cylinder includes a housing with a central recess for receiving a cylinder body. A first opening communicating with the central recess is defined in the housing for receiving a reset tool. A second opening communicating with the central recess is defined in the housing for receiving a bracing bar. |
| US08881565B2 |
Locking system
The invention relates to a locking system for a carrying case, comprising a main body (1), which has a closure element (6) that can be pivoted into an open position and into a closed position and that has a receptacle (7) for a retaining frame (8), wherein in order to allow the carrying case to be attached to the retaining frame (8) using only one hand, a spring-loaded latch element (16) and a pulling lever (21) connected to the latch element (16) are provided. In the open position of the closure element (6), which is under the influence of a spring (11), the latch element (16) lies against the closure element, and in the closed position of the closure element (6), the latch element is locked with the closure element. The latch element (16) is disengaged from the closure element (6) by operating an unlocking unit (2). |
| US08881559B1 |
Foldable lock
The present invention discloses a foldable lock. The foldable lock is constituted by a lock head which is pivoted with a foldable lock rod set. Two steel balls are used by the lock head to control unlocking and locking operations, thereby improving difficulty in prizing. The foldable lock rod set is composed of plural flexible lock rods, plural pivoting sheaths, plural protective covers and plural bolts, allowing the foldable lock to have a better circuity when twining an object. By the abovementioned structures, the foldable lock can increase convenience in the locking operation and enhance the anti-theft effect. |
| US08881555B2 |
Drain device and washing machine having the same
Disclosed are a drain device having a drain filter, which causes foreign substances contained in washing water to be effectively filtered out by a filter chamber to prevent the foreign substances from flowing into a pump chamber, and allows the washing water to smoothly flow in the filter chamber to use the drain filter for a long time, and a washing machine having the same. The washing machine includes a housing provided with a washing chamber; and a drain device including a filter chamber provided with a filter member installed therein filtering out foreign substances from washing water in the washing chamber, and a pump chamber connected to the filter chamber to forcibly discharge the washing water. The filter member has a sectional area gradually increased toward the pump chamber and is provided with an end terminal separated from an inlet of the pump chamber by a designated distance. |
| US08881554B2 |
Optical fiber preform manufacturing apparatus and optical fiber preform manufacturing method
An optical fiber preform manufacturing apparatus includes a booth, a reaction chamber disposed inside the booth, a target member disposed within the reaction chamber, a burner that deposits glass particles on the target member, a partition plate that partitions the internal space of the booth into a first space where the reaction chamber and the burner are disposed and a second space, and that has a plurality of through holes that allows the first space and the second space to communicate with each other, an air supply unit that supplies clean air into the first space; and an exhaust unit that discharges air within the second space. |
| US08881552B2 |
Apparatus for fabricating a glass rod and method of same
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for fabricating a glass rod from a glass preform capable of suppressing a diameter fluctuation of the drawn glass rod even when there is a relatively large diameter reduction ratio between the glass preform and the glass rod, such as 60 to 95%. The diameter (D) of the glass preform for determining the ratio from a measured diameter data is acquired from measured diameter data of the glass preform, the measured diameter data is obtained by measuring the diameter of the glass preform along the longitudinal length of the preform before drawing the glass preform, and the feed speed (V1) is determined so that the feed speed (V1) varies depending on fluctuations of the measured diameter data in the longitudinal direction. |
| US08881551B2 |
Method for positioning glass sheets for forming
A method for positioning glass sheets for forming includes positioners (55) that are moved slower than the speed of glass sheet conveyance to provide rotational adjustment of a glass sheet for accurate alignment above a forming mold (52). The forming mold (52) is moved upwardly for the forming in a pressing manner against a downwardly facing upper mold (58). Both preformed and flat glass sheets can be positioned by different embodiments of the apparatus. |
| US08881549B2 |
Hydrocarbon gas processing
A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and fed to an absorbing means. A first distillation liquid stream from the absorbing means is fed to a mass transfer means. A first distillation vapor stream from the mass transfer means is cooled to partially condense it, forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied as the top feed to the absorbing means. A second distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is heated by cooling the first distillation vapor stream, combined with the residual vapor stream, and heated by cooling the gas stream. A second distillation liquid stream from the mass transfer means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components. |
| US08881544B2 |
Auxiliary power unit for on board conditioning systems of power boats
A power unit for air conditioning systems installed on boats, including at least one compressor, of the mass produced type used in the automobile industry, connected to the circuit of the conditioning system, at least one mechanical pump for circulation of a heat exchange fluid along a circuit and one or more rotating electrical machines. Operation of the power unit is ensured during navigation by an internal combustion engine for marine propulsion, for example a four stroke engine of the type normally used for outboard marine propulsion, mass produced at low costs, while when the boat is in port it is ensured by an electric motor. The fan coils are also of the mass produced type used in the automobile industry. |
| US08881537B2 |
Magnetocaloric thermal generator
A heat generator (1) comprises at least one thermal module (1′) which contains at least two adjacent magnetocaloric elements (2), and a common distribution chamber (3), associated with a heat transfer fluid circulation device (4), fluidly connects the adjacent magnetocaloric elements (2) with one another. Two end chambers (5, 6) are associated with a circulation means (7) and fluidly connected each with the two magnetocaloric elements (2) located at the hot end (9) and a cold (11) end of the thermal module (1). A magnetic arrangement of the heat generator (1) subjects each of the magnetocaloric element (2) to a variable magnetic field. The circulation mechanism (4), associated with the common distribution chamber (3), moves the heat transfer fluid simultaneously through the two adjacent magnetocaloric elements (2) in different circulation directions. |
| US08881534B2 |
Gas turbine engine shaft coupler
A gas turbine engine is provided that includes a gearbox operable to selectively couple a relatively high pressure spool shaft to a relatively low pressure spool shaft. In one form the gearbox includes a cone clutch that engages a male member of the cone clutch to a female member of the cone clutch during an engine start of the gas turbine engine. A relatively high pressure of a working fluid can be used to bring the male member and the female member together. A spring can also be used to urge the male member and the female member apart when the working fluid is at a relatively low pressure. |
| US08881532B2 |
Control method for cooling a turbine stage in a gas turbine
A control method for cooling a turbine stage of a gas turbine, whereby cooling air is bled from combustion air flowing in a compressor of the gas turbine, and is fed to a cooling circuit staring from a stator of the turbine stage; and cooling airflow is adjusted as a function of the pressure at the inlet of the cooling circuit, and as a function of the combustion air pressure at the exhaust of the compressor; more specifically, there is a feedback control setting a setpoint, which is predetermined as a function of the power output of the turbine to reduce contaminating emissions. |
| US08881527B2 |
Systems and methods for generating electricity
Power plant systems and methods are presented. The power plant includes a steam turbine configured to release exhaust steam. The power plant further includes an electro-hydrodynamic system operatively coupled to the steam turbine. The electro-hydrodynamic system is configured to receive the exhaust steam from the steam turbine and generate auxiliary electric power using the exhaust steam. |
| US08881524B2 |
Device for opening a passenger door in case of emergency
The invention relates to a device for opening a passenger door (1) of an aircraft in case of emergency, which is fastened so it is manually pivotable on the fuselage (3) of the aircraft via a hinge and/or support arm configuration (2), an auxiliary-energy-operated emergency opening drive (4) being provided between the fuselage (3) and the passenger door (1), which automatically opens the passenger door (1) in accordance with an emergency control unit (5), the auxiliary energy for the emergency opening drive (4) being pyrotechnic energy, whose gas expanding inside an expansion chamber (6) after triggering by the emergency control unit (5) impinges the emergency opening drive (4) with pressure medium to open the passenger door (1), wherein said emergency opening drive (4) generates a rotational movement. |
| US08881522B2 |
Exhaust manifold
The present invention relates to an exhaust manifold (15) for an exhaust system (5) of a combustion engine (1), in particular of a motor vehicle, with an exhaust channel (16) for conducting exhaust gas, which comprises an inlet side (17) that can be connected to the combustion engine (1) and an outlet side (19) that can be connected to the exhaust system (5), and with at least one coolant channel (20) for conducting coolant, which is arranged on the outside of the exhaust channel (16) and can be connected to a cooling circuit (6).In order to reduce the thermal load on the exhaust manifold (15), at least one thermoelectric converter (22) can be provided, which on the one hand is coupled to the exhaust channel (16) and on the other hand to the coolant channel (20) in a heat-transferring manner. |
| US08881519B2 |
Slewing type working machine
A slewing-type working machine capable of reducing back pressure generated during slewing. The slewing-type working machine includes: a base carrier; an upper slewing body; a hydraulic motor including first and second ports and slewing the upper slewing body; a hydraulic pump, a slewing operation device including an operating member; a control valve controlling the hydraulic motor based on the operation signal of the slewing operation device; first and second pipe-lines connecting the first and second ports of the hydraulic motor to the control valve; a communication switching device capable of switching communication and cutting of between both pipe-lines and the tank; and a switching command section operating the communication switching devices, when the upper slewing body is slewed, to bring only a pipe-line, which corresponds to a discharge-side pipe-line of the hydraulic motor, of the pipe-lines into communication with the tank, while bypassing the control valve. |
| US08881517B2 |
Water-wave/flowing-water energy transformer
The present invention is a device and a method of generating large scale power plant using the energy content in ocean waves or river-channel flows. Ocean waves or flowing waters are used to generate compressed air. The pressurized air is then piped to shore and stored in large pressure tanks to be used in a buoyancy driven wheel rings. The wheel rings, which are located inside a large water reservoir, are spaced from each other and have series of receptacles or buckets connected to them. The high pressure air is injected at the bottom of the reservoir and the rising air is trapped inside the receptacles. The gas filled receptacles generate buoyancy forces which rotates the wheels and the central shaft to generate power. |
| US08881516B2 |
One-way brake for a torque converter stator
A stator assembly for a torque converter includes a member fixed against rotation and including engagement surfaces spaced mutually about an axis, a stator formed with pockets spaced about the axis, rockers, each rocker located in a pocket, able to pivot toward and away from engagement with the engagement surfaces, and springs, each spring urging a rocker toward engagement with the engagement surfaces. |
| US08881511B2 |
Method for reducing the amount of NOx in the exhaust gases of a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a method for controlling a system for reducing the amount of NOx in the exhaust gases of a motor vehicle. The system comprises a storage chamber (8) which contains a pollutant-removing agent and which is arranged such that the temperature thereof is controlled by a heating device (9). The system further comprises a supply module (6) arranged so as to inject the pollutant-removing agent into the exhaust gases, the supply module (6) comprising a device for measuring the pressure (6a) or the temperature inside the storage chamber (8), as well as a device (6b) for proportioning the pollutant-removing agent. The control method involves, for example: defining a predetermined moving criterion, in particular on the basis of the engine torque during a first period; filtering the moving criterion with a filtering period (T1) corresponding to the first period; comparing the filtered moving criterion with various thresholds in order to determine a type of moving; determining the elapsed time for each type of moving during a second period (T2) in order to associate a trend representing moving conditions throughout said second period; calculating a set pressure or set temperature according to the type and the trend representing past moving conditions; comparing the set pressure or set temperature with the pressure or temperature measured by the pressure- or temperature-measuring device (6a); and heating the storage chamber (8) if the pressure or temperature inside the latter is lower than the set pressure or set temperature. |
| US08881509B2 |
System for purifying exhaust gas and exhaust system having the same
A system for purifying an exhaust gas and an exhaust system having the same while preventing degradation of a selective reduction catalyst may include an exhaust pipe connected to an engine, the exhaust gas generated at the engine passing through the exhaust pipe, a particulate filter mounted on the exhaust pipe, coated with a selective reduction catalyst adapted to reduce nitrogen oxides contained in the exhaust gas by an injection of a reducing agent, and adapted to trap particulate matters contained in the exhaust gas, and one or more injectors adapted to inject the reducing agent and/or oxygen storage capacity material together or separately into the exhaust gas passing through the exhaust pipe. |
| US08881508B2 |
SCR control system utilizing a differential NH3 and NOx measurement using an exhaust gas sensor coupled with a micro SCR catalyst
Systems and method are disclosed in which a portion of an exhaust gas stream is received into an exhaust outlet flow path downstream of a first selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst and upstream of a second SCR catalyst. The removed portion is treated with a diagnostic SCR catalyst element and an NH3 concentration composition of the treated removed portion is determined. The NH3 concentration is used to control injection of reductant upstream of the first SCR catalyst. |
| US08881504B2 |
System for providing power to an electrically heated catalyst
An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The exhaust gas system includes an exhaust gas conduit, a generator, a vehicle electrical system, a primary energy storage device, a rechargeable secondary energy storage device, an electrically heated catalyst (“EHC”) device, and a control module. The primary energy storage device is selectively connected to the generator. The primary energy storage device has a threshold state of charge (“SOC”). The rechargeable secondary energy storage device is selectively connected to the generator and the vehicle electrical system. The EHC device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit. The EHC device has an electric heater that is selectively connected the generator for receiving energy and a selectively activated catalyst that is heated to a respective light-off temperature. |
| US08881502B2 |
Mixer that performs reciprocating rotary motion for a confluent-flow nozzle of a turbine engine, and a method of controlling it
A mixer for a confluent-flow nozzle of a turbine engine is provided. The mixer includes: an annular cap designed to be centered on a longitudinal axis of the nozzle and having a stationary upstream portion and a downstream portion that is movable in rotation about the longitudinal axis relative to the stationary portion, the movable portion of the cap terminating at its downstream end in inner lobes alternating circumferentially with outer lobes; and a mechanism which imparts reciprocating rotary motion to the movable portion of the cap. |
| US08881491B2 |
Coupling member for damping vibrations in building structures
A building structure including a plurality of vertical elements extending from a ground surface with at least a first of the vertical elements connected to a second of the vertical elements by a coupling member, the coupling member includes a damping element for damping vibrations in the building structure resulting from relative movement between the first and second vertical elements due to lateral loads applied to the building structure. The damping element undergoes deformation due to the relative movement between the vertical elements causing the damping material to be activated in shear. At least one of a first and second fuse member is connected to at least one of first and second ends of the damping element respectively. The fuse member is selected from a material, and otherwise sized and dimensioned to exhibit semi-rigid behavior when the damping element undergoes deformation due to loads below a predetermined load limit and to undergo deformation without substantially increasing the load in the fuse and in the damping element when loads exceed the predetermined load limit, such that the damping element is prevented from deforming beyond its predetermined deformation limit and therefore avoiding any occurrence of damage that would reduce its ability to provide damping to the structure. First and second connecting means are also provided for rigidly connecting the first and second fuse members to the first and second vertical elements, respectively. |
| US08881489B2 |
Light control process, light control system and building
A light control process, a light control system and a building, which are capable of increasing, in a short period of time, the amount of light passing through a multiple sheet including a plurality of transparent sheet layers are provided.A light control process including steps of (a) supplying moisture in between the transparent sheet layers 12 of the multiple sheet 10, and (b) reducing the pressure between the transparent sheet layers 12 of the multiple sheet 10 to bring the transparent sheet layers 12 into close contact with each other with the moisture existing between the transparent sheet layers 12, whereby the amount of light passing through the multiple sheet 10 is reduced in comparison with the amount of light passing through the multiple sheet before supplying the moisture in between the transparent sheet layers 12; A light control system including a multiple sheet 10, a moisture supply system for supplying moisture in between the transparent sheet layers 12 of the multiple sheet 10, and a pressure-reducing system for reducing the pressure between the transparent sheet layers 12 of the multiple sheet 10; and A building including the light control system according to the present invention, the building having a roof and/or walls at least partly formed of a multiple sheet 10. |
| US08881487B2 |
Joining system arrangement for building elements
A joining system arrangement for building elements the joining system arrangement having a box element adapted for embedment in a first building element, such that an open side of the box element is flush with a surface of the building element, and arranged such that a bridge element can be inserted into the box element, the box element having four side faces arranged around an open side and a back plate, wherein, at at least one side face of the box element includes at least one load transmitting element which is arranged externally on the at least one side face, the at least one load transmitting element configured such that at least two surface portions are formed, constituting a rounded face, which are turned away from the at least one side face of the box element and from each other. |
| US08881485B2 |
Wind turbine tower system
A wind turbine tower system includes a wind turbine tower with a height of at least 100 meters, said wind turbine tower. The wind turbine tower includes a plurality of hexagonal-shaped or other shapes of vertical columns comprised of a concrete composition and a plurality of panels, each of the plurality of panels extending between adjacent vertical columns. The plurality of vertical columns and the plurality of panels are arranged to provide a hexagonal cross-section for the wind turbine tower. |
| US08881484B2 |
Long span solar collector support system
A long span solar collector mounting system with a deployable truss structure centered beneath the beam, and a single centered vertical support and a stabilizing end support, for mounting solar panels and other equipment on roofs and other surfaces, that can be tilted to a desired angle with respect to the ground, and can be rotated about its vertical axis to maximize solar production, with a vertical member that is offset to direct resultant wind loads directly through the base thereby minimizing twisting or bending stresses on roof structures, with beam clamping capability for attaching to roof beams below the roof with only access above the roof, that can be tilted during and after installation for reroofing and servicing access, with angled retaining nuts that provide secure attachment of solar panels and other equipment. |
| US08881483B2 |
Variable-geometry modular structure composed of thermo-acoustic caissons, particularly for buildings
A variable-geometry modular structure made of a metallic or plastic alloy, having at least one modular element with variable-geometry, with a honey-comb structure, to be joined to different modular components to obtain different embodiments. The modular element has a series of passages in which vacuum is created when manufacturing, through molding or extrusion, the modular element itself; the above modular element is a structural element and has at the same time insulating characteristics. The external surfaces of the modular element have a series of recesses and ribs, shaped as a dovetail, that allow mutually joining two or more elements. Modular elements can further be butt-joined by using posts arranged next to the passages. The modular element can be joined to a panel which has a substantially smooth or a corrugated external surface, which is used for applying plaster or other finishing elements, such as any type photovoltaic panels or tiles. |
| US08881480B1 |
Construction assembly and method
A construction assembly for installation within new or existing residential or commercial building structures which increases the thermal efficiency of concrete construction panels while avoiding dangerous insulation materials and potential fire hazards. The construction assembly includes a first layer of concrete and a phase change material layer that efficiently retains heat when the phase change material melts and discharges heat as the phase change material crystallizes. Alternatively a support layer, a second phase change material layer and a second concrete layer can be included in a variety of combinations for increased efficiency. A method is disclosed for creating the construction assembly. |
| US08881477B2 |
Ceiling frame system
A ceiling frame system 1 comprises a plurality of frame members 1 configured to depend from the ceiling. The frame members 1 include one or more service conduits 11 and are configured to be interconnected to one or more other frame members 1 to interconnect said service conduits 11 between predetermined interconnected frame members 1. The services are accessible at one or more predetermined locations along the length of each frame member 1. A ceiling frame member 1 is also provided. |
| US08881465B2 |
Door sealing structure for motor vehicle
A door sealing structure for a motor vehicle includes a receiving recess provided at the door inner panel, a door weather strip of which a partial portion is inserted into the receiving recess so as to be rotatably supported and formed with a size capable of protruding outside from the receiving recess, and an elastic member being installed in and supporting the door weather strip elastically for preventing the door weather strip from being detached from the receiving recess, thereby reducing a closing force of a door and improving an air-tightness performance. |
| US08881453B2 |
Seed-borne, soil amendment method and composition
A material for assisting in at least one of germination, protection, hydration, and thriving of seeds and the plants originating therefrom treats a seed with a tackifier or binder, such as corn syrup or the like, which secures a layer of hydrating polymer particles thereto. Nutrients, protectants, and the like may be absorbed in the polymer before or after coating of a seed thereby. Weighting materials, extenders, flowing agents, and the like may assist in the functioning or handling of the coated seeds. |
| US08881450B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for stabilizing trees against toppling forces
The invention provides methods for inhibiting the uprooting and toppling of trees during storms, and tree-stabilizing apparatuses adapted for this purpose. |
| US08881448B2 |
Method for preparing an optimum density termite bait composition
A composition in compacted form for use for termite monitoring and control comprises a cellulose material which may be purified cellulose or microcrystalline cellulose as a base bait, the composition being compacted to an optimum density of not less than approximately 1.033 g/cc. Also disclosed is a method for monitoring and controlling termite infestations which comprises the steps of a) preparing such a composition; b) placing the composition in a bait station; c) monitoring the station at periodic time intervals for termites; and d) upon observing termite infestation in the bait station, replacing the above composition with a bait composition containing a termite killing agent. |
| US08881445B2 |
Tip up fishing device
A tip up fishing device with a substantially vertical arm and a substantially horizontal cross arm, a holding pin at its end which pivots from a substantially horizontal position, downwardly, to a substantially vertical position. The pin holds a spool of fishing line, rotatably mounted. A strike of a fish moves the pin from horizontal position to vertical position, moving the spool of line from a substantially vertical inclination of the spool face, with the line under pressure, to a substantially horizontal position of the spool face, allowing the line to pay out without significant resistance. The pivotal movement of the axis pin which holds the spool, from horizontal position to a downward vertical position, triggers both a flag and an electric light notification. The lower end of the upright portion of the rigid support is adaptable to attach to different bases as a means for support. |
| US08881444B2 |
Stock bedding system for firearm
A stock bedding system for a firearm is disclosed. In one embodiment, the stock bedding system includes a stock having a pair of bearing surfaces that are configured and arranged to mutually engage a mating pair of bearing surfaces formed on the barrel-receiver assembly. At least one of the four bearing surfaces has a predetermined convex surface profile which causes the barrel-receiver assembly to roll in an angular direction away from one lateral side of the stock towards the opposite lateral side when the barrel-receiver assembly is mounted to the stock. The convex surface profile acts to tighten the engagement between the opposing bearing surfaces of the barrel-receiver assembly and stock providing a secure and vibration resistant mounting. In one embodiment, the convex-shaped bearing surface is defined by a pillar lug mounted in the stock which engages a mating substantially flat bearing surface formed on the barrel-receiver assembly. |
| US08881442B2 |
Dual trigger for semi-automatic rifle
A dual trigger assembly for a rifle. The assembly includes the major components of the dual trigger and a trigger guard that is formed to accommodate the dual trigger. The dual trigger assembly may replace a single trigger assembly without the need for machining the rifle that will be provided with the dual trigger assembly. |
| US08881431B2 |
Shoe with protrusions and securing portions
A shoe sole structure includes a midsole body that extends from the heel region to the forefoot region of a shoe and an outsole that is attached to the midsole body. The outsole includes a plurality of protrusions arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shoe, while extending at least partially between the lateral edge and the medial edge of the shoe. One or more of the half tube structures can include grooves and/or projections to enhance traction on a contact surface. |
| US08881427B2 |
For a shoe, in particular for a sports shoe
The invention relates to a shoe in which the specific characteristics of the midsole, namely the width, length, thickness and front/rear profile thereof, midsole materials used with a certain type of deformation (Shore hardness and elasticity), and lateral reinforcements emerging from the midsole and surrounding the upper are suitable for increasing in an extremely noticeable manner both the performance (speed and reduced fatigue) and the user comfort (reduced impact on knees, back, leg muscles), for use when jogging or walking on uneven outdoor surfaces, as well as for jogging or walking on roads. Furthermore, the characteristics of the midsole (spike surface and deformation in contact with the ground) improve the safety of the user by providing enhanced grip on sloping terrain, as well as on snow-covered or wet terrain. |
| US08881423B2 |
Concentrator
A hair treatment device has a body and a blower supported by the body from which air is blown. A concentrator separately connected to the body or integral with the body comprises at least one gas flow conduit in gas flow communication with the blower. A nozzle is in gas flow communication with a distal portion of the conduit and is oriented to blow air from a distal portion of the first conduit back toward the body. |
| US08881412B2 |
Survey setting point indicating device and surveying system
A survey setting point indicating device comprises a prism device 5 and a support member, and in the survey setting point indicating device, said prism device comprises a laser emitting device 16 for emitting a laser beam 17, an omnidirectional prism 9 having a cavity 14 in a center, a mirror 18 which is provided in said cavity, is rotatable about two axes crossing at right angles, and can deflect, in an arbitrary direction, said laser beam emitted from said laser emitting device, and a control unit 19 for controlling a posture or a rotation of said mirror, and said support member supports said prism device, and said laser beam is configured to attach (transfer) a position of a center of said prism device to a required surface. |
| US08881405B2 |
Wheel support hub unit, bearing ring member for wheel support hub unit, and method of manufacturing the same
A raceway member (6) of a wheel support hub unit, having wheel or vehicle body fixing portions (7) extending radially outward from a solid or hollow shaft portion, and a wheel or vehicle body positioning cylindrical portion (9) extending concentrically with the shaft portion, the fixing portion (7) being formed by the cold side extrusion so that the fixing portion is integral with the shaft portion (5). |
| US08881403B2 |
Process for producing openable photograph holders
A process for producing openable photograph holders by providing a laminar sheet made of metallic material, plastically deforming by molding the laminar sheet to obtain a first semi-finished piece and a second semi-finished piece having a profile substantially equal to the profile of the first semi-finished piece, arranging a pair of shaped bottoms having profiles substantially equal each other and to the profile of the semi-finished pieces, removing material in the first semi-finished piece of rounded shape to form an ornamental pattern. One shaped bottom is coupled to each semi-finished piece to form two half portions of the openable holder, each of which presents an outer surface and an inner surface to house a photo, and constraining together the half portions to form the openable photograph holder in which the inner surface of a first half portion faces the inner surface of a second half portion. |
| US08881401B2 |
Hypoid gear design method and hypoid gear
A degree of freedom of a hypoid gear is improved. An instantaneous axis in a relative rotation of a gear axis and a pinion axis, a line of centers, an intersection between the instantaneous axis and the line of centers, and an inclination angle of the instantaneous axis with respect to the rotation axis of the gear are calculated based on a shaft angle, an offset, and a gear ratio of a hypoid gear. Based on these variables, base coordinate systems are determined, and the specifications are calculated using these coordinate systems. For the spiral angles, pitch cone angles, and reference circle radii of the gear and pinion, one of the values for the gear and the pinion is set and a design reference point is calculated. Based on the design reference point and a contact normal of the gear, specifications are calculated. The pitch cone angle of the gear or the pinion can be freely selected. |
| US08881398B2 |
Method and apparatus for insulating a refrigeration appliance
A method of insulating a refrigeration appliance. The refrigeration appliance includes a case, a liner, and a five-sided, box like vacuum panel. The liner is formed to be inserted into the case forming a chamber between the liner and the case. The five sides of the vacuum panel define a cavity. The method includes in one embodiment, positioning the five-sided vacuum panel in the chamber between the case and the liner, injecting foam into the chamber, and curing the foam to attach the five sided vacuum panel to the case and the liner. |
| US08881397B1 |
Method for testing variable cooling geometries in a turbine vane
A method for designing an air cooled turbine airfoil includes selecting a number of different internal cooling air circuits, forming a ceramic core for each of the different cooling air circuits, forming a metal airfoil over each of the ceramic cores, leaching away the ceramic cores, mounting the airfoils in a stage of a turbine, passing a hot gas stream through the turbine, passing cooling air through each of the airfoils, and measuring a pressure and temperature differential across each of the airfoils to determine which cooling air circuit has the best performance. |
| US08881395B2 |
Method for increasing the coefficient of adhesion between two parts rotating as one with a rotor
A method for increasing the coefficient of adhesion between two parts that rotate as one with a rotor, for example a turbomachine rotor, those parts pressing against one another via pressing faces. The method includes milling at least one of the pressing faces so as to modify its surface finish and increase its roughness, then covering the or each machined face with a thin layer of a material that is hard and has a high coefficient of friction. |
| US08881394B2 |
Device for repairing the casing holder of an aeronautical engine
A device for repairing a casing holder of an aeronautical engine extending radially relative to the engine rotational axis and including a plurality of lips, each having a hole drilled therein and evenly distributed on the circumference of the holder. The device includes at least one reinforcement holder that can be attached to clean lips of the case holder via through-holes or blind-holes, the reinforcement holder having two orthogonal planes of symmetry. The device further includes a reconditioning holder mounted on the reinforcement holder via a first part using attachment means positioned in one of the planes of symmetry of the reinforcement holder. |
| US08881393B2 |
Manufacturing method of impeller for fluid transmitting device
In a manufacturing method of an impeller for a fluid transmitting device, multiple guide grooves aligned in a peripheral direction to allow communication between adjacent ones of multiple positioning holes are provided in a concave inner surface of a core in advance; and in a step of melting a brazing material and causing the molten brazing material to penetrate into gaps between coupling pieces and positioning holes that are fitted to each other and further into gaps between the core and the blades, the molten brazing material is guided to the positioning holes through the multiple guide grooves. Accordingly, the step allows the molten brazing material to be efficiently guided to the gaps between the coupling pieces and positioning holes, thereby improving the yield of the brazing material and preventing an influence of a residual brazing material over the rotational balance of the impeller. |
| US08881389B2 |
Methods of flash dual inline memory modules with flash memory
In one implementation, flash memory chips are provided with an operating power supply voltage to substantially match a power supply voltage expected at an edge connector of a dual inline memory module. The one or more of the flash memory chips and a memory support application integrated circuit (ASIC) may be mounted together into a multi-chip package for integrated circuits. The one or more flash memory chips and the memory support ASIC may be electrically coupled together by routing one or more conductors between each in the multi-chip package. The multi-chip package may be mounted onto a printed circuit board (PCB) of a flash memory DIMM to reduce the number of packages mounted thereto and reduce the height of the flash memory DIMM. The number of printed circuit board layers may also be reduced, such as by integrating address functions into the memory support ASIC. |
| US08881388B2 |
Method and apparatus for making capacitive touch panels
An apparatus for laser scribing two transparent electrically conductive layers (72A,B; 73A,B) deposited on opposite surfaces of a transparent substrate (71A; 71B) comprising; a laser beam (74A), one or more lenses (75A, 76A, 77A) configured and positioned for adjusting the focal spot (78A; 78B) of the laser beam between a first position (78A) and a second position (78B), means for holding a substrate in a plane between the first and second position and means for moving the relative positions of the substrate (71A; 71B) and laser beam (74A) in two dimensions within the plane or a plane parallel to it, wherein in use, the first and second positions (78A; 78B) coincide with or are adjacent to exposed surfaces of the two transparent electrically conducting layers (72A,B; 73A,B). |
| US08881386B2 |
Power module production method, and power module produced thereby
There is provided a power module production method that is capable of stably producing a power module with highly reliable properties, and so forth. The power module production method produces a power module 1 by stacking a cooler 5, an insulating resin sheet 4, a heat sink block 3, and a semiconductor chip 2, wherein a first insulating resin sheet 41, which forms a lower layer of the insulating resin sheet 4, is first bonded to the cooler 5 by thermal compression. Next, with a second insulating resin sheet 42, which forms an upper layer of the insulating resin sheet 4, interposed between the first insulating resin sheet 41 and the heat sink block 3, the second insulating resin sheet 42 is bonded to the first insulating resin sheet 41 by thermal compression, and the heat sink block 3 is bonded to the second insulating resin sheet 42 by thermal compression. The semiconductor chip 2 is then soldered onto the heat sink block 3. Thus, bonding defects at the respective bonding interfaces are prevented, and dielectric breakdown of the insulating resin sheet 4 is prevented. |
| US08881384B2 |
Component mounting device and component mounting method
When performing the device type changing operation with the change of the board type to undergo mounting, the component mounting device, which has a first mounting lane and a second mounting lane and which is structured so as to be able to select either an independent mounting mode or an alternate mounting mode, moves a mounting head of the mounting lane to and thereafter positions and fixes to a previously-set predetermined withdraw position [P] where entry of a portion of a body of an operator by way of an opening (19) formed in a protective cover (18a) can be prevented and where safety of the operator is not impaired even if a mounting head of a mounting lane on the other side has undergone collision. |
| US08881382B2 |
Embedded printed circuit board and method of manufacturing the same
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of manufacturing an embedded printed circuit board, which includes the following operations in the order presented: a first operation of forming a first cavity and a third cavity, disposing a first device in the first cavity and disposing a third device in the third cavity; a second operation of forming a second cavity and a fourth cavity, disposing a second device in the second cavity; a third operation of providing an insulating member; a fourth operation of disposing a first base substrate and a second base substrate and pressure laminating the first base substrate, the second base substrate, and the insulating member together; and a fifth operation of forming a first copper clad laminate and forming a second copper clad laminate. |
| US08881376B2 |
Method of manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording head laminated with AFM-FM phase change material
A method of manufacturing a PMR writer is disclosed that minimizes pole erasure during non-writing and maximize write field during writing by including an AFM-FM phase change material spacer that is in an AFM state during non-writing and switches to a FM state by heating during writing. The main pole layer including the write pole may be formed as a laminated structure by a sputter deposition process wherein a plurality of “n” ferromagnetic layers and “n−1” AFM-FM phase change material layers are laid down in an alternating manner. The AFM-FM phase change material is preferably a FeRh or FeRhX alloy (X=Pt, Pd, or Ir) having a Rh content >35 atomic %, and may also be used as a flux gate to prevent yoke flux from leaking into the write pole tip. |
| US08881375B2 |
Method for manufacturing a disk drive head suspension
A method for manufacturing a disk drive head suspension having a plated load point dimple. An aperture is etched into the spring metal member. A photoresist mask having an opening with load point-defining side walls and a load point diameter is formed over a portion of a spring metal member including the aperture. Metal is plated onto the spring metal member and into the aperture in the opening to form a load point having the load point diameter on the spring metal member. |
| US08881372B2 |
Method of manufacturing a spindle motor
In a method of manufacturing a spindle motor, a sheet preferably made of a thermoplastic resin is closely adhered to an upper surface of a base portion of a spindle motor such that the sheet covers a base hole of the base portion. Next, heat is applied to a region of the sheet which coincides with the base hole to define a sheet hole continuous with the base hole. Thereafter, a coil is arranged over the base portion, and a conducting wire defining the coil is extended through the sheet hole and the base hole to be drawn downwardly out of the base portion. The sheet hole is thus defined after the sheet is closely adhered to the base portion. In addition, the sheet hole is defined by melting the resin through application of the heat. It is therefore easy to arrange the sheet and define the sheet hole. |
| US08881369B2 |
Methods for using a reusable quick release fastener system
Methods for using a reusable quick release fastener system include engaging and disengaging fastening devices composed of elastomers or shape memory polymers and their composites wherein the fastening devices may be of any number of geometrical shapes such that the mating geometries of each device are compatible with one another. The fastening devices provide an easy and near silent closure mechanism for a container, for example. Thus, the methods for using reusable quick release fastener systems including the fastening devices made of elastomers or shape memory polymers can be used to attach one part to another or to quietly close a pocket, box, or other container, for example. |
| US08881363B2 |
Fuel injection valve and method for coupling two components together
There is provided a coupling process whereby two components can be coupled together at high positional precision regardless of precision of a single component.A softer component 17 of two components 15, 17 to be coupled together is subjected to shearing by a corner 15c of a harder component 15 while respective parts of the two components 15, 17, positioning of the respective parts being required, are kept as-positioned state with the use of a mandrel 31, and a side face of the corner 15c is fitted to a sheared surface 17c of the softer component 17 during shearing in progress, subsequently coupling the two components 15, 17 together at a fitting surface by plastic coupling, press-fitting, or welding. |
| US08881361B1 |
Methods of repairing a rotary drill bit
Embodiments of the invention relate to superabrasive compacts including multiple superabrasive cutting portions and methods of repairing a rotary drill bit that employs at least one of such superabrasive compacts. |
| US08881359B2 |
Machine tool assembling apparatus and method of assembling machine tool using machine tool assembling apparatus
A machine tool assembling apparatus and a method of assembling a machine tool using the machine tool assembling apparatus are provided. The machine tool assembling apparatus includes a table, a first support mechanism having an arm which is swingable toward and away from the table, and a second support mechanism. The first support mechanism is disposed between the table and the second support mechanism. The first support mechanism is rotated to bring the arm into facing relation to either the table or the second support mechanism. |
| US08881357B2 |
Tool for peeling apart a weld sample
A tool peels apart a sample weld between a top sheet and a bottom sheet of metal while the bottom sheet is held in a vise. The tool includes a wheel having a peripheral rim surface. A handle is attached to the wheel so that rotating the handle rotates the wheel. A clamping mechanism is mounted on the wheel and moves between an open position spaced from the peripheral rim surface and a closed position in which the clamping mechanism clamps the top sheet to the peripheral rim surface so that rotation of the wheel by the handle will progressively wrap the top sheet about the peripheral rim of the wheel and thereby forcibly peel the top sheet away from the bottom sheet to pull apart the weld between the top and bottom sheets. |
| US08881356B2 |
Method for manufacturing a sitting orthosis from a representation of the contact surface of the sitting orthosis, and a sitting orthosis manufactured in such a manner
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sitting orthosis, which is provided with a contact surface where the user of the sitting orthosis makes contact with the sitting orthosis, from a representation of the contact surface of the sitting orthosis. The method comprises of manufacturing a shell part on the basis of the representation of the contact surface by machining processable material under the control of the representation of the contact surface of the sitting orthosis; and arranging a covering layer on the thus obtained shell part. The invention also relates to a sitting orthosis. The sitting orthosis comprises a contact surface where the user of the sitting orthosis makes contact with the sitting orthosis, wherein the sitting orthosis is assembled from a shell part of a material processable by machining and wherein at least the contact surface is provided with a covering layer. |
| US08881352B2 |
Machining device for machining crankshafts and a machining system having such a machining device
A machining device for machining crankshafts has a rotationally driven disk-shaped base body with blade inserts arranged peripherally thereon. A first supply line for a cryogenic cooling medium is arranged concentrically with the axis of rotation and is thermally insulated in at least some sections. The tool has a plurality of second supply lines for the cryogenic cooling medium running across the axis of rotation and leading to the blade inserts, the second supply lines each being thermally insulated in at least some sections. A distributor unit connects the first supply line to at least one of the second supply lines for supplying the cryogenic cooling medium to at least one of the blade inserts. The cryogenic cooling medium can be conducted directly to the blade inserts which are engaged with the crankshaft that is to be machined. |
| US08881350B2 |
Clip for folded fabrics
A clip for holding folded articles such as towels, fabrics, textiles, nonwoven fabrics, paper, and other sheets of material, includes a single piece construction having contoured braces on opposite ends of a connector. The contoured braces define a hinge portion allowing the braces to move outwardly away from the connector and then resiliently return to a position adjacent the connector. The braces are formed into a shape similar to the English letter S such that one curved portion of the brace is a finger grip and a second curved portion of the brace fits against a folded fabric to hold the fabric within the clip. |
| US08881348B2 |
Tension tool
A tension tool includes: a shaft body that has a first locking portion formed at one end portion thereof and a screw portion formed from the other end portion thereof to a screw portion; a cylindrical body that holds the shaft body to interpose a gap therebetween and has a second locking portion attached to a lateral side thereof; and a nut that is disposed to the screw portion in contact with the other end portion side of the cylindrical body and adjusts a separation length between the first locking portion and the second locking portion. Further, the gap is interposed between the cylindrical body and the shaft body, and a virtual line connecting the two locking portions and an axial line formed by the shaft body are inclined. Preferably the first locking portion is a hook and a distal end thereof is bent in the lateral direction. |
| US08881347B2 |
Vibration and pressure damping device for gripping handles and steering mechanisms
A damping device for a handgrip of an object includes a bladder disposed in said handgrip, an inflation device in fluid communication with the bladder, and a controller adapted to detect at least one of vibrations and impact pressure, and automatically adjust a cushion pressure of said bladder by causing the inflation device to inflate or deflate the bladder with a fluid as appropriate in order to attenuate the at least one of vibrations and impact pressure transmitted through said handgrip. |
| US08881342B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner having a main separating unit, a filter, an auxiliary separating unit, a vacuum source adapted to generate an airstream, and airflow passages configured to operate in a vacuum cleaning mode and a filter cleaning mode. In the vacuum cleaning mode, the airflow passages are configured to direct the airstream through the main separating unit and then through the filter in a first direction, and the airflow substantially bypasses the auxiliary separating unit. In the filter cleaning mode, the airflow passages are configured to direct the airstream through the filter in a second direction, opposite the first direction, and then through the auxiliary separating unit. A method for operating a vacuum cleaner is also provided. |
| US08881339B2 |
Robotic vacuum
An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis having forward and rearward portions. A drive system is mounted to the chassis and configured to maneuver the robot over a cleaning surface. A cleaning assembly is mounted on the forward portion of the chassis and has two counter-rotating rollers mounted therein for retrieving debris from the cleaning surface, the longitudinal axis of the forward roller lying in a first horizontal plane positioned above a second horizontal plane on which the longitudinal axis of the rearward roller lies. The cleaning assembly is movably mounted to the chassis by a linkage affixed at a forward end to the chassis and at a rearward end to the cleaning assembly. When the robot transitions from a firm surface to a compressible surface, the linkage lifts the cleaning assembly from the cleaning surface. |
| US08881336B2 |
Cleaning substrate
A cleaning substrate (1) comprising an absorbent layer (2); a surface layer (3) comprising a macro-apertured laminate (31) of a thermoplastic formed film (32) and a nonwoven layer (33); wherein said thermoplastic formed film (32) is in direct contact with said absorbent layer (2), and said macro-apertured laminate (31) has a thickness (35) of from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. |
| US08881332B2 |
Toothbrush system utilizing oral care capsule
A toothbrush includes a brush head having a capsule receiving zone sized to receive an dentrifice capsule, and a plurality of angled bristles adapted to retain the capsule in such zone. Loading of such toothbrush with a capsule may be performed with a dispenser including a toothbrush manipulation element adapted to move a retention structure associated with the brush head, and dispensation element adapted to deliver the capsule into the receiving zone. Such dispenser may include a desiccant material disposed to receive moisture from a capsule storage container. A dispenser may further include a plurality of toothbrush insertion apertures each adapted to receive a portion of a different toothbrush, so as to enable multiple users each having different toothbrushes to use the same dispenser without requiring contact between multiple brushes and single capsule interface surface of the dispenser. |
| US08881331B2 |
Head for a mop
Head (1) for a mop (2), comprising a carrying body (4) which can be connected to a handle (3) and on which are fastened cleaning strips (5) made of textile material, and also comprising an abrasive body (6), wherein the abrasive body (6) is connected with adhering action to at least one cleaning strip (5). |
| US08881326B2 |
Modular infant furniture and connectors therefor
A modular infant furniture having crib and play-pen configurations as well as versatile connectors therefor are disclosed, where modular infant furniture includes a bar assembly having superior and inferior connectors, and where a bar element, compatible with female connectors and/or male connectors, extends between the superior and inferior connectors. |
| US08881320B2 |
Toilet valve lever interlock
A dual flush toilet assembly including a locking mechanism that prevents over travel of a piston, thereby preventing inadvertent full flushing when only a partial flush has been selected, yet permits full flushing when so desired. Specifically, a rotatable locking mechanism that prevents the piston from moving fully upwards into the second latched position when a partial flush is desired, yet rotates to an unlocked position to permit the piston to move fully upwards into the second latched position when full flushing is desired. |