| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08888759B2 |
Medical device with hydrophilic coating
A medical device is disclosed, comprising a substrate and a hydrophilic surface coating arranged on said substrate. The substrate has, on its surface coated with said hydrophilic surface coating, a surface texture with an arithmetical mean deviation of the surface profile (Ra) of at least 3 μm and/or a profile section height difference (Rdc (1-99%)) of at least 18 μm. It has surprisingly been found that the increased surface roughness of the substrate provides significant improvements in e.g. water retention for the hydrophilic coating. |
| US08888758B2 |
Closed male luer device for minimizing leakage during connection and disconnection
A medical connector for minimizing leakage of fluids during connection and disconnection is described. The medical connector includes a body having an inlet port, at least one outlet port adjacent to a male luer portion of the body, and a fluid path between the inlet port and the at least one outlet ports. A retractable seal adjacent to the male luer portion of the body and blocks the outlet ports of the body when the male luer portion of the medical connect is in a disconnected state. The retractable seal is positioned on the body such that it is moved away from the outlet ports upon insertion of the male luer portion of the medical connector into a medical access device thereby unblocking the outlet ports and creating a fluid path through the medical connector. |
| US08888757B2 |
Active microneedle array
An active microneedle array and method are provided for penetrating an outer layer of an epidermis. The active microneedle array includes a base having first and second sides. The first side of the base is engageable with the epidermis. A microneedle projects from the first side of the base. The microneedle is moveable between a first initial configuration and a second deformed configuration in response to engagement with the epidermis so as to form a passageway therein. |
| US08888754B2 |
Absorbent article having a color-pigmented and printed backsheet
The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as diapers and adult incontinence products, which collect and retain urine and fecal material deposited thereon by the wearer. The disposable absorbent articles of the present invention comprise a color-pigmented backsheet, which further comprises visually discernible ornamental designs printed thereon. |
| US08888749B2 |
Spray for fluent materials
Certain embodiments relate to a sprayer or other medical apparatus for applying a biocompatible coating in situ. Such an apparatus may have a first conduit connected to a first exit opening and a second conduit connected to a second exit opening to deliver a first composition through the first conduit and a second composition through the second conduit to mix the first composition and the second composition outside both the first conduit and the second conduit. The first composition may be, e.g., a precursor to a material formed after the mixing of the first composition and the second composition. The first exit opening and the second exit opening may be approximately adjacent to each other and define an angle that is less than about 140 degrees. |
| US08888743B2 |
Battery management system
A battery management system is provided for one or more batteries. The system includes a display unit, and a controller coupled to the display unit and programmed to determine when a healthcare delivery system is coupled to the one or more batteries, to control the display unit to display an initial number corresponding to a time remaining on battery (TROB) when the healthcare delivery system is coupled to the one or more batteries, to determine if the TROB is within a reserve range extending up to a reserve range maximum, the reserve range maximum being less than a maximum TROB, to change the TROB according to an operational state of the healthcare delivery system if the TROB is greater than the reserve range maximum, and to decrease the TROB without regard for the operational state of the healthcare delivery system if the TROB is less than the reserve range maximum. |
| US08888741B2 |
Balloon catheter and method for manufacturing same
A balloon catheter comprises an outer shaft having a distal end, an inner shaft situated therein to form an annular fluid line and projecting beyond the distal end of the outer shaft, and a balloon which is dilatable under the influence of a fluid introduced through the fluid line under pressure. At its proximal end the balloon is attached in a fluid-tight manner to the distal end region of the outer shaft at a first attachment zone, and at its distal end is attached in a fluid-tight manner to the distal end region of the inner shaft at a second attachment zone. Between the attachment zones, in the undilated state the balloon is placed in longitudinal folds along its length. The balloon, at least at its distal end, has an untapered design with a thin wall thickness (d) which is essentially unchanged over the length of the balloon, and the longitudinal folds extend into the attachment zone at that location. |
| US08888733B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for autoretroperfusion
Devices, systems, and methods for autoretroperfusion. In at least one embodiment of a perfusion system of the present disclosure, the system comprises a first catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first lumen therethrough, the distal end configured for insertion into a luminal organ of a patient, a coupler defining an outlet port and a first port, the coupler configured to engage the proximal end of the first catheter at the outlet port and to receive blood from a blood supply through the first port, a first tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therethrough, the distal end of the first tube configured to engage the first port of the coupler and to receive the blood from the blood supply, and a first flow regulator in communication with one or more of the coupler and the first tube, the first flow regulator operable to regulate a flow and/or a pressure of the blood through at least part of the system, wherein the system is configured to permit the blood from the blood supply to flow through the first tube, the coupler, and the first catheter into the patient to treat a patient condition. |
| US08888729B2 |
Indwelling heat exchange catheter and method of using same
A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system. |
| US08888725B2 |
Mechanical chest compression plunger adapter and compression pad
A plunger adapter and a detachable compression pad for piston driven chest compression devices optimizes the application of chest compressions to a fixed location on a patient's chest. The detachable compression pad may be removably secured to the patient above the patient's sternum to ensure that the compression pressure from the piston through the piston adapter is applied to a fixed location on the patient's chest. As the plunger and plunger adapter retract from the chest, the compression pad remains fixed to the patient's chest, and as the plunger and plunger adapter extend from the chest compression unit for subsequent compression strokes, the distal end of the plunger adapter reengages the compression pad to apply compression to a fixed location on the patient's chest. |
| US08888723B2 |
Gait rehabilitation methods and apparatuses
A method for gait rehabilitation, comprising, identifying at least one deficient gait element; exercising said deficient gait element individually using a rehabilitation apparatus; and exercising said deficient gait element in concert with at least one other gait element using said rehabilitation apparatus. |
| US08888722B2 |
Wearable action-assist device, and method and program for controlling wearable action-assist device
A wearable action-assist device which assists or executes an action of a wearer by substituting for the wearer is provided with an action-assist tool 2 having an actuator 201 which gives power to the wearer 1, a biosignal sensor 221 which detects a wearer's biosignal, a biosignal processing unit 3 which acquires from a biosignal “a” detected by the biosignal sensor a nerve transfer signal “b” for operating a wearer's muscular line skeletal system, and a myoelectricity signal “c” accompanied with a wearer's muscular line activity, an optional control unit 4 which generates a command signal “d” for causing the actuator 201 to generate power according to the wearer's intention using the nerve transfer signal “b” and the myoelectricity signal “c” acquired by the biosignal processing unit 3, and a driving current generating unit 5 which generates a current according to the nerve transfer signal b and a current according to the myoelectricity signal “c”, respectively, based on the command signal “d” generated by the optional control unit 4, and supplies the currents to the actuator 201. |
| US08888720B2 |
Great toe dorsiflexion detection
A limb movement biosensor for wearing upon a great toe or other appendage, the wearing upon the great toe being particularly useful for sensing dorsiflexion of the great toe as an indicator of contraction of a wearer's tibialis anterior muscle. A particular configuration of one embodiment allows for extended, multi-night data collection of limb movements by allowing an embedded microcontroller to sleep until movement greater than a pre-determined magnitude is detected by an accelerometer, by recording into memory such detection, while avoiding recording of the actual magnitude value of the detected movement. According to another optional embodiment feature, a light sensor is configured to wake up the processor from a lower power state, such as when a user removes the device from a light-protected package. |
| US08888719B2 |
Labor management devices for decreasing the incidence of cesarean childbirth
The present disclosure provides devices for decreasing the incidence of Cesarean childbirth by managing the labor process. In one aspect, a tactile feedback device is positioned adjacent the perianal tissues. A perianal support device includes a perianal support member having a pressure surface configured for engagement with tissue adjacent an anal orifice and a pressure detecting system associated with the perianal support member to detect pressure indicative of pressure on the perianal tissue of a patient. |
| US08888707B2 |
Blood pressure measurement apparatus
A blood pressure measurement apparatus for measuring blood pressure in a predetermined period includes a blood pressure measuring unit for measuring the blood pressure of a subject, an information acquiring unit for acquiring information that is related to variation in blood pressure and changes in a time-series in the predetermined period, a determining unit for determining whether or not the information acquired by the information acquiring unit satisfies a predetermined condition, and a trigger output unit for, in a case where the determining unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, causing the blood pressure measuring unit to start and execute blood pressure measurement. The predetermined condition is expressed as a function of time that varies and is measured in the predetermined period. |
| US08888705B2 |
Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus
An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus that can generate and display 3D ultrasound image data of superior image quality in real time is provided. To achieve a high volume rate for acquiring 3D ultrasound image data, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus performs 3D scans on a 3D region of an object while sequentially shifting a transmission/reception group that is comprised of each of the transmitting acoustic fields and more than five parallel simultaneous reception beam directions corresponded to each of the transmitting acoustic fields at a prescribed angular distance Δξ0 along the θ (azimuth) direction and the φ (elevation) direction. |
| US08888704B2 |
Ultrasound imaging apparatus and method for displaying ultrasound image
An imaging part acquires a plurality of ultrasound image data by sequentially imaging the subject with ultrasound waves. A display controller causes a display to display, side by side, a plurality of ultrasound images based on the plurality of ultrasound image data acquired by the imaging part.Moreover, the display controller causes the display to display measurement markers for obtaining quantitative information of tissues shown in the ultrasound images in a state superimposed in relatively the same positions on the plurality of ultrasound images. |
| US08888701B2 |
Apparatus and methods for monitoring physiological data during environmental interference
Apparatus and methods for attenuating environmental interference are described. A wearable monitoring apparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to the body of a subject and a sensor module that includes an energy emitter that directs energy at a target region of the subject, a detector that detects an energy response signal—or physiological condition—from the subject, a filter that removes time-varying environmental interference from the energy response signal, and at least one processor that controls operations of the energy emitter, detector, and filter. |
| US08888695B2 |
Laparoscopic port assembly
Various embodiments of a laparoscopic trocar assembly are disclosed. The port assemblies include inserted parts that protect the patient's tissues at the point of deployment. The port assemblies include seals for maintaining pneumoperitoneum both when instrument are being used and when instruments are not inserted. |
| US08888689B2 |
Systems and methods for optimizing and maintaining visualization of a surgical field during the use of surgical scopes
Systems and methods make use of a view optimizing assembly having a deflector assembly with critical physical, pneumatic, and optical characteristics that make possible intra-operative defogging, surgical debris deflection, and cleaning of a laparoscope lens during minimally invasive surgery, while also maintaining visualization of the surgical site. The view optimizing assembly can incorporate a quick exchange feature, which makes possible a surgical method for maintaining clear visualization that includes the ability to make a quick exchange of laparoscopes having different operating characteristics (e.g., laparoscopes with different tip angles, lengths, or diameters) entirely on the sterile operating field and without interference with the preexisting surgical set-up on the sterile operating field. The view optimizing assembly integrates with the existing suite of minimally invasive instrumentation. It does not interfere with the surgical set-up, and it requires minimal change in the process or practice of a surgical operating room (OR) team. |
| US08888685B2 |
Medical system
A medical system includes: an endoscope including an insertion portion that can be inserted into a body cavity of a subject, and an image pickup section provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion; an exclusion section capable of, when the insertion portion is inserted into the body cavity of the subject, excluding a tissue existing around the distal end portion; a computing section that obtains luminance information relating to a luminance of an image picked up by the image pickup section, and determines whether or not the obtained luminance information meets a predetermined condition; a drive section that if a determination result that the luminance information does not meet the predetermined condition is provided, continues an operation to drive the exclusion section, and if a determination result that the luminance information meets the predetermined condition is provided, stops the operation to drive the exclusion section. |
| US08888683B2 |
Modifications in endoscope apparatus, using fluid and gas dynamics, and methods for improving visibility during endoscopy
A scope adapted for insertion and manipulation in a difficult pathway is disclosed. The scope comprises at least one module for manipulating the scope. The scope may further comprise an illumination source, an image sensor, a power source, and a viewing member for viewing images of a cavity or other anatomical member of a patient. In one embodiment the scope is intended to facilitate insertion of an intubating device, which comprises an elongated semi-rigid stylet including first and second ends and at least one inner lumen connected to a module. Additionally, a flexible tip is provided for manipulating one end of the scope and allowing greater flexibility when maneuvering a difficult pathway. In another embodiment, fluids are provided through an interior portion of the scope, allowed to at least partially contact the lens located at the distal end of the scope, and subsequently cleanse or defog the lens for improving vision via the scope. A method for navigating a difficult pathway and for using the apparatus described herein is also disclosed. |
| US08888681B2 |
Method and apparatus for biliary access and stone retrieval
Endoscopes, endoscopic instruments, and methods for making and using the same. An illustrative endoscopic instrument includes a catheter that can extend through the working channel of an endoscope. The catheter may include an end effector passing region. |
| US08888679B2 |
Apparatus and method for intra-abdominally moving a first internal organ to a position away from a second internal organ and the holding the first internal organ in the position without manual input
An apparatus including a flexible length of cord and three tissue connectors positioned at the opposite ends of the cord and at an intermediate position of the cord is designed to be laparoscopically inserted through the abdominal wall and into the abdominal cavity, and used to move a first internal organ to a position away from a second internal organ where the apparatus holds the first internal organ in the position without further manual input, thereby providing surgical access to the second internal organ. |
| US08888677B2 |
Pressure limiting device for gastric band adjustment
A pressure sensing or monitoring device may be used with an implantable band system. In some versions, the device may be used with a syringe. The device may comprise a visual indicator for monitoring pressure. The device may govern operation of the syringe by setting a threshold pressure to limit the amount of pressure applied to an implantable band system by the syringe. |
| US08888675B2 |
Apparatus and methods for supporting cardiac ischemic tissue
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for supporting ischemic tissue of the heart using scaffolds that may be placed within the heart percutaneously. A scaffold assembly may include a layer of biocompatible material detachably secured to a placement rod, such that the placement rod may be used to urge the layer of biocompatible material through a catheter to adjacent an area of ischemic tissue. Anchors may secure the layer of material to the myocardium. Multiple layers of biocompatible material may be placed in the ventricle separately to form the scaffold. In some embodiments, a scaffold is formed or reinforced by injecting a polymer, such as a visco-elastic foam, around an inflatable member inflated within a ventricle. |
| US08888674B2 |
Methods and systems for magnetic focusing of therapeutic, diagnostic or prophylactic agents to deep targets
Systems and methods are disclosed for trapping or focusing magnetizable particles comprising therapeutic agents at a distance using a dynamic magnetic field and feedback control, to enable the treatment of diseased areas deep inside a patient's body. The methods may be used to diagnose or treat diseased areas deep within a patient, for example tumors of the lungs, intestines, and liver, and is also useful in enhancing the permeability of solid tumors to chemotherapeutic agents. |
| US08888672B2 |
Systems and methods for neuro-EEG synchronization therapy
Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, inexpensive, easy to use therapy for a number of disorders. Described are methods and devices to treat disorders that involves no medication. Methods and devices described herein use alternating magnetic fields to gently “tune” the brain and affect mood, focus, and cognition of subjects. |
| US08888671B2 |
Method for disposal of drilling waste, contaminated sediments and residual waste and a disposal facility for same
This invention relates to a method of treatment and disposal of drilling waste, contaminated sediments and residual waste including the steps of providing drilling waste, contaminated sediments, residual waste or other disposable material, grinding or crushing the material, mixing the material with at least one binder, using material exhibiting a maximum particle size of less than 5 mm; transferring the mixture to a disposal device placed in a benthic zone and allowing the mixture to cure in the disposal device. A disposal facility formed by the method of this invention is described. |
| US08888670B2 |
Apparatus and method utilizing a magnetic force to apply a force to a material
A roller comprising a magnet is used to apply a force to a material between the magnet of the roller and a magnetically susceptible surface. A handle of the roller may be moved by a user to roll the roller over the material to apply the force along a length of the material. |
| US08888669B2 |
Exercise apparatus for balance and strength training
Exercise apparatus for balance and strength training that enables a user to perform push and pull oriented exercises with the user's hands or feet against the apparatus. Includes a pivot space, for example a slot or area or area with higher or lower areas, wherein the pivot space is configured to couple with a pivot element, for example a ball, cylinder, wheel or any other type of element that may move with respect to the pivot space and exercise interface. The movable pivot element enables force and hence torque required to balance to differ on each side of the apparatus. For example, a user with an injured shoulder may desire to utilize more force to balance during a push-up with the uninjured shoulder and less force and more range of motion to balance with the injured shoulder. |
| US08888666B2 |
Strength training apparatus
An strength training apparatus includes an elastic headpiece and a handle by which to perform, among other exercises, intensive hammer training. Multiple headpieces may be constructed each having distinct characteristics, such as weight and recoil, and may be selectively coupled to the handle. The headpiece is retained on the handle so as to withstand both angular moment and impact force exerted on the apparatus during operation thereof. |
| US08888664B1 |
Exercise bench system
An exercise bench allows a user to practice both legs together while each one has an independent weight load for the user's preference. The exercise bench has a pivotably adjustable back support, seat panel. The bench is disposed between a base frame and top frame with three connection columns. The first two columns have weight support displaced at the lower end and an opening on the top end for a pulley for each column. The top frame also supports an adjustable pulley support panel with two additional pulleys disposed on two opposite sides of the panel. Two independent cables connect weight through the pulley to the user's foot. The user can apply the same or different weight load to each leg and thus can practice accordingly. |
| US08888663B2 |
Adjustable exercise devices
Adjustable-weight exercise devices are disclosed. An example adjustable-weight exercise device may include an exercise device body; a generally cylindrical cavity extending into the exercise device body and comprising at least one engagement feature; and a generally cylindrical weight insert configured to be slidably received the cavity and comprising a corresponding engagement feature. The engagement feature and the corresponding engagement feature may be configured to releasably engage each other to selectively retain the generally cylindrical weight insert within the generally cylindrical cavity. |
| US08888661B2 |
Abdominal muscle exercise machine
A machine for exercising at least a user's abdominal muscles, the machine having a base having front and back ends; an arm lever mounted to the base near the front end of the base; a user platform moved by a user and/or by the arm levers, the user platform slidably and pivotably mounted to the base; and a linkage mechanism operatively connecting the arm lever to the user platform so that when the arm lever is moved towards the user platform, the user platform is moved towards the arm lever and a front end of the user platform is moved upwards, pivoting the user platform into an angled configuration, and when the arm lever is moved away from the user platform, the user platform is moved away from the arm lever and the front end of the user platform is moved downwards, pivoting the user platform into a horizontal configuration. |
| US08888660B1 |
Energy harvester for exercise equipment
An energy harvester system is provided in and responsive to movement of a motion control arrangement of an exercise machine for converting kinetic and ambient light energy supplied from an environment of the exercise equipment into electrical power which is delivered to a feedback system associated with the exercise equipment in order to provide information corresponding to the user of the exercise equipment. |
| US08888658B2 |
Transfer case utilizing an on-demand centrifugally governed hydraulic power supply to perform both range shift and on-demand four wheel drive
A control system (100) for an all-wheel-drive torque transfer case (102) coupling of a motor vehicle (104) including a power unit (130) having a centrifugally governed fluid pump (132) and a flow valve (134) movable between recirculation and diverter positions (134a, 134b). A control valve (136) located between the fluid pump (132), the all-wheel-drive clutch assembly (112), and the range shift assembly (120). The control valve (136) operable between a first position (136a) allowing fluid flow between the pump (132) and the clutch assembly (112), and a second position (136b) allowing fluid flow between the pump (132) and the range shift assembly (120). At least one range shift valve (138; 152, 154) located between the control valve (136) and the range shift assembly (120). The at least one range shift valve (138; 152, 154) operable between a range shift exhaust mode (138a; 136a, 152a, 154a), a high range mode (138b; 136b, 152b, 154a), a locked range mode (138c; 136a, 152b, 154b), and a low range mode (138d; 136b, 152a, 154b) of operation by selectively allowing and/or preventing pressurized fluid flow to/from the first and second expandable fluid chambers (126, 128) of the range shift assembly (120). |
| US08888647B2 |
Two-speed power take-off unit with mode clutch
A two-speed power take-off unit adapted for installation in an all-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two-speed power take-off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high-range and a low-range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a PTU gearset driving the rear wheels. |
| US08888645B2 |
Simple planetary gearset continuously variable transmission
A CVT is provided that includes an input member, an output member, an input disk rotationally coupled to the input member, an output disk having an output gear, a roller disposed between the input disk and the output disk and configured to transfer torque from the input disk to the output disk, a counter gear intermeshed with the output gear, and a planetary gear set connected to the output member. The planetary gear set includes a ring gear, a carrier member, and a sun gear. The ring gear is rotationally coupled to the counter gear. The counter gear and the planetary gear set are co-planar with the output disk. |
| US08888642B2 |
Power tool
Embodiments of the present invention may include a power tool including a drive motor and a continuously variable transmission mechanism. The continuously variable transmission mechanism may include a sun roller rotated by a drive motor, the sun roller configured to press on a plurality of planetary rollers, a holder radially supporting the plurality of planetary rollers, a shift ring being in internal contact with the plurality of planetary rollers, and a resistance reducing portion disposed at the holder to fill a gap between the two of the planetary rollers. |
| US08888636B2 |
Power output apparatus
A power output apparatus 1 to 1D including an engine 6, a motor 7, and a transmission 20 to 20D having two transmission shafts connected to the engine 6 is provided. The transmission includes a power combination mechanism 30 adapted so as to be able to rotate first to third elements differentially from each other. The first element is connected to any one of the two transmission shafts, the second element is connected to a driving shaft 9 or 9, and the third element is connected to the motor 7. The second element combines the power transmitted from the first element and the power transmitted from the third element, and transmits the combined power to the driving shaft 9 and 9. The other transmission shaft of the two transmission shafts transmits power to the driving shaft 9 or 9 without going via the power combination mechanism 30. |
| US08888634B2 |
Toothed plate-link chain
A toothed plate-link chain having a plurality of link plates that form chain links in the transverse direction of the chain. The link plates of laterally adjacent chain links partially overlap, and the chain links are hingedly connected to each other by hinge pins that extend through receiving openings in overlap regions of the link plates. At least some of the link plates have plate teeth, and some of the link plates have a modified form to reduce the effect of impact impulses of the link plates on the tooth flanks of a toothed wheel about which the chain passes. As a result, the magnitude of the meshing impulses and the times during which they act on the toothed wheel are modified to thereby reduce structure-borne noise. |
| US08888633B2 |
Low friction sound-type silent chain
In a silent chain of the inner flank engagement and outer flank seating type, the link plate teeth are arranged so that their rearwardly facing inner flanks protrude slightly beyond the outer flank overlapping link plate teeth in a preceding row when the chain is straight and in tension. The rearwardly facing inner flank is composed of an arc-shaped engagement starting region adjacent the tip and a straight engagement guiding region extending toward the root. |
| US08888632B2 |
Double-sided driving silent chain and double-sided driving silent chain transmission using the same
A silent chain using double-sided driving link plates having symmetrical upper and lower teeth has a problem that it is unable to assure a required risky sectional area of the plates because a width between upper and lower crotches is narrow. The invention provides a silent chain using double-sided driving link plates whose required risky sectional area is maintained by using link plate whose back side is undercut and whose upper and lower parts are unsymmetrical even though its front side has a shape of a normal link plate. A distance from a line connecting centers of pin holes to a bottom of an upper-side crotch is equal to or more than ½ of a diameter of the pin hole to assure the risky sectional area. Teeth of the back side are cut away to form a flat surface to assure a contact area with a shoe and others. |
| US08888631B2 |
Sprocket and chain transmission
A sprocket comprises a set of standard sprocket teeth, each having a first face width and capable of entry between the inner link plates of a transmission chain and engaging sprocket tooth-engaging driving elements of the chain while restricting side slip of the chain by contact with the inner link plates of the chain. The sprocket also comprises a set of narrow sprocket teeth also capable of engaging driving elements of the chain. Each of the narrow sprocket teeth is narrower than the standard sprocket teeth, and can engage driving elements without contacting the inner link plates of the chain. Contact resistance between the sprocket teeth and the chain is reduced and periodic sounds are reduced, while a stable running path of the chain is maintained. |
| US08888626B2 |
Tensioning system with self-locking mechanism
According to aspects illustrated herein, there are provided methods and systems for applying continuous tension on a belt/cable system. The automatic tensioning system includes a pivot mechanism and a locking mechanism. The pivot mechanism includes a pivot arm extending between an idler pulley and a pivot point. The idler pulley is mateable with a belt/cable. The belt/cable is routed about the idler pulley. The idler pulley rotates by the movement of the belt/cable, and the pivot arm pivots in an opposing direction from the belt/cable at the pivot point to apply continuous tension to the belt/cable as the pivot arm pivots. The locking mechanism is in communication with the pivot arm to secure the pivot arm in position, and the locking mechanism is adjustable. |
| US08888625B2 |
Quick release tensioner
A tensioner includes a base and an idler support assembly slidably retained on the base, the idler support assembly including a support element having a cam surface at a first end. A spring loaded handle assembly includes a tension bar rotatably mounted to the base, and a handle longitudinally adjustably mounted to the tension bar, an engagement element, and a biasing element intermediate the engagement element and the handle. The handle is assembly rotatable between a first position and a second position. The engagement element disengages the cam surface in the first position and the engagement element engages the cam surface in the second position. |
| US08888622B2 |
Isolator decoupler
An isolator decoupler comprising a shaft, a pulley journalled to the shaft, a clutch carrier journalled to the shaft through a one-way clutch, a torsion spring engaged between the pulley and the clutch carrier, the torsion spring loadable in an unwinding direction, the torsion spring and the pulley having a predetermined clearance between a torsion spring outside diameter surface and a pulley inside diameter surface, and whereby the torsion spring outside diameter surface and a pulley inside diameter surface come into a progressive frictional engagement by torque load dependent radial expansion of the torsion spring. |
| US08888617B2 |
Belt type continuously variable transmission
With respect to a belt type continuously variable transmission in which a belt is wound around between a primary pulley and a secondary pulley, each of which includes a stationary sheave and a movable sheave, and a transmission is carried out by forwardly and backwardly moving the movable sheave with respect to the stationary sheave, a boss portion that protrudes in an axial direction is integrally formed with the stationary sheave of the secondary pulley, and a parking gear is provided on the outer circumferential side of the boss portion. Further, the configuration to hold the bearing is achieved using the inner circumferential portion of the boss portion integrally formed with the stationary sheave, that is, the inner circumferential portion of the parking gear so as to shorten the axial length of the secondary shaft, whereby achieving cost reduction. |
| US08888611B2 |
Golf ball cover material and golf ball using the same
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball which has an increased dry spin rate and wet spin rate on approach shots without sacrificing the processability into the cover. The present invention provides a golf ball cover material having shear loss moduli G1″ (Pa), G2″ (Pa), and G3″ (Pa) that satisfy following equations when measured using a dynamic viscoelasticity measuring apparatus at following conditions. log G1″≦7.09 (1) log G2″≧7.17 (2) log G3″≦7.14 (3) G1″ measuring conditions: shear mode, oscillation frequency: 10 Hz, temperature: 0° C., strain: 0.05%; G2″ measuring conditions: shear mode, oscillation frequency: 10 Hz, temperature: −30° C., strain: 0.05%; and G3″ measuring conditions: shear mode, oscillation frequency: 10 Hz, temperature: 0° C., strain: 5%. |
| US08888607B2 |
Fairway wood center of gravity projection
A golf club head includes a body defining an interior cavity. The body includes a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion, and a skirt positioned around a periphery between the sole and crown. The body has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The club head includes a face positioned at the forward portion of the body. The face defines a striking surface having an ideal impact location at a golf club head origin. Embodiments include club heads for a fairway wood that at least one of a high moment of inertia, a low center-of-gravity, a thin crown and a high coefficient of restitution. |
| US08888604B2 |
Golf swing measurement and analysis system
An integrated golf club and analysis system that measures and analyze the performance characteristics of both: 1) a free golf swing without impact with a golf ball and 2) a golf swing with ball impact analysis. Free swing analysis provides critical information needed to analyze swing style so that dynamics swing characteristics optimization can be evaluated throughout the entire swing without ball impact, while impact analysis provides critical information on ball impact location on the club face, however, they cannot be measured simultaneously since ball impact eliminates the ability to identify the swing metric peaks such as velocity if it were to occur after ball impact. To achieve both, an integrated electronics golf club head comprises multiple types of sensors for measuring club head motion, impact and spatial location information with a weight and balance of a regulation golf club head. |
| US08888602B2 |
Electric tools
An electric tool may include an electric motor, a spindle to which a working tool may be attached, and a torque transmission path provided between the electric motor and the spindle and including a first rotary member and a second rotary member. A torque transmission device may be provided between the first rotary member and the second rotary member and may include a plurality of resiliently deformable torque transmission members. |
| US08888600B2 |
Emulation methods and devices for a gaming machine
The invention provides numerous methods and devices for enhancing the use of gaming machines. Some embodiments of the invention provide enhanced functionality for legacy gaming machines. Alternative embodiments of the invention may be implemented in an entirely new gaming machine and/or in gaming machines that are not yet in existence. Some such implementations are directed to the use of non-native gaming software in gaming machines that include (a) different peripheral devices and/or (b) a different CPU from that of the gaming machine for which the gaming software was written. These implementations may use software emulation and hardware abstraction methods and devices. |
| US08888599B2 |
Gaming terminal having a prize fulfillment mechanism
A gaming terminal is configured to permit each player of a plurality of players to play a game in a tournament. The gaming terminal includes a processor configured to specify the maximum number of games which may be played in the tournament, count the number of games which have been played by each player, and verify the identity of a winning player. The gaming terminal also includes a prize fulfillment mechanism configured to pay out a cash prize to the winning player. The prize fulfillment mechanism pays out the cash prize instantly and directly to the winning player upon verification of the winning player's identity and when the number of games played equals the maximum number of games which may be played in the tournament. |
| US08888597B2 |
Systems for providing amusement
Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments disclosed herein teach a game system comprising a wide area network, a game unit coupled to the wide area network and capable of uploading game data concerning game play, and a server coupled to the wide area network and capable of receiving the game data and storing the game data in a database with other game data. According to certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the wide area network is the Internet. Encryption may be used to protect game data before it is uploaded. The game unit may be, for example, directly coupled to the Internet via an Internet Service Provider, or coupled to a local area network which may be coupled to the wide area network. |
| US08888593B2 |
Directional input for a video game
A method for providing directional input to a video game is provided. The method initiates with capturing an image of a first object and a second object, the first object and the second object being defined at a fixed distance from each other. A three-dimensional location of the first object is determined based on analysis of the captured image, and a two-dimensional location of the second object is determined based on analysis of the captured image. An input direction for a video game is determined based on the three-dimensional location of the first object and the two-dimensional location of the second object. |
| US08888591B2 |
Projected reels with spinning mechanism
A gaming machine is configured for playing a wagering game and includes at least one non-rotating curved surface and a projection apparatus. The projection apparatus includes at least one rotatable element and is configured to project images of symbols onto the curved surface while the at least one rotatable element is rotated and then stopped such that the symbols appear to respectively move and then stop along the curved surface. The stopped symbols indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. |
| US08888590B2 |
Graphics render matching for displays
Technologies are presented for matching pre-processing of graphics at rendering source to post-processing at a display device to reduce undesirable effects of pre- and post-processing combinations. A rendering source may receive information associated with or otherwise determine a type of display device to which images are to be delivered. Parameters of the rendering process may then be suitably modified to take advantage of the post-processing performed by the display device or eliminate processes that may be undone by the display device. In some examples, the rendering source may communicate its pre-processing parameters to the display device and cause adjustment of post-processing parameters at the display device or, alternatively, send instructions to the display device to adjust the post-processing parameters. |
| US08888589B2 |
3D wagering for 3D video reel slot machines
Methods and systems allowing video slot machine players to wager on symbols occurring on all sides of a reel, including the reel's front, back, top, bottom, and inside portions. Players may move reels in space to seek out winning paylines or win mystery bonuses on symbols combinations that occur on portions of the reel that may be initially hidden from their view. Features of embodiments of the present invention allow players to increase the number of paylines on which they can bet by a factor of four or more. |
| US08888587B2 |
Modifying gaming devices based on physical attributes of determined groups
A gaming device may be modified in a way that is aimed at the similar interests in a focus group rather than on an individual. Groups are formed where the patrons in the groups have related elements. The related elements are compared to modifiable elements of the gaming device and modifications are made to the modifiable elements to attract the members of the focus group. |
| US08888586B2 |
Gaming machine player account identification system
A gaming machine player account identification system includes a non-contact account carrier and a gaming machine. The gaming machine includes a register processing unit, a display interface, and an account accessing element corresponding to the non-contact account carrier. The non-contact account carrier can be a radio frequency (RF) chip or a bar code unit. The account accessing element is a RF accessing element or an image capturing element and a bar code identification unit. Through the account accessing element, the player account data can be obtained in a non-contact fashion; then the bar code identification unit interprets the account QR code to get the player account data. Thus players can register simply by themselves and quickly verify the player account data to save account registration time and manpower to meet use requirements. |
| US08888582B2 |
Wagering game having symbol transfer from feeder array to primary array
A primary array of symbol positions arranged in a plurality of columns and a feeder array of symbol positions arranged in one or more columns are displayed. A plurality of symbols including a special symbol is randomly distributed such that (i) each of the symbol positions of the primary and feeder arrays is associated with one of the plurality of symbols thereby forming a first outcome. In response to one of the symbol positions of the primary array being associated with the special symbol, one or more of the symbols associated with the feeder array is visually transferred to the primary array of symbol positions. The first outcome is modified with the one or more transferred symbols thereby forming a second outcome. |
| US08888575B2 |
Live action multi-track skills game
A system and method for operation of a game in which teams of players attempt to negotiate through a track of rooms, or several tracts of rooms. Teams attempt to progress through the track by solving problems presented in each room thereby earning access to a following room, until the team completes a track comprising several rooms. A control system is operable to control flow of teams from room to room, and to control presentation of problem solving activities to the teams, and to interpret data from the rooms to assess the performance of the team, and grant access to a following room or to bar access to a following room and/or eject the team from the room to start over on the track. |
| US08888572B2 |
Battery cooling structure
A battery cooling structure which cools a battery equipped on a vehicle, the battery cooling structure including: a fan sending an air to cool the battery; and a sound insulation wall including a sound insulation material which insulates noise wherein the sound insulation wall faces an exhaust outlet of the fan. |
| US08888571B2 |
Fastening device for an actuator and a housing, in particular for a motor vehicle
The invention proposes a device for attaching an actuator (2) to a housing (4), in particular for an automotive vehicle, the actuator being provided for driving a movable equipment (41) disposed within the housing. The device comprises attaching means for attaching the actuator on the housing. The mounting means comprise two conjugated connection flanges (20, 40), respectively mounted on a connexion face (28) of the actuator (28) and on a connection face (48) of the housing. The connexion flanges are adapted to be assembled according to a male/female type connection at the outside of the housing. |
| US08888570B2 |
Combination handheld meat tenderizer and marinade injector
An improved meat tenderizing appliance for domestic use in which both mechanical and chemical tenderizing processes are implemented in an easily cleaned, handheld unit operated by the mechanical movement of the device. A small pump is operated through the downward motion of the device. Pressure generated from the pump, as a result of the downward motion, forces the injection solution through a manifold of specially designed needles that administer micro-cuts into the meat and inject the solution. The needles are designed as heavy duty stainless steel with flutes that have sharp edges to produce the micro-cuts in the meat and to strengthen the needle. |
| US08888563B2 |
Polishing head capable of continuously varying pressure distribution between pressure regions for uniform polishing
A polishing apparatus which includes a polishing head for holding a work, and a polishing plate on which a polishing pad is adhered. The polishing head includes a holding plate, an elastic sheet member fixed to an edge of the holding plate, a ring-shaped template fixed to an outer edge of a lower face of the elastic sheet member, a pressure chamber formed between a lower face of the holding plate and an upper face of the elastic sheet member, a seal ring having a main body part which is fitted to a supporting plate, a seal lip, which slidelingly contacts the elastic sheet member and divides the inside of the pressure chamber into an inner divided chamber and an outer divided chamber; and a fluid supply section for individually supplying a fluid to the divided chambers. |
| US08888562B2 |
Double-side polishing apparatus
In the double-side polishing apparatus, one end part of a slurry supply hole has a female-tapered face whose inner diameter is gradually increased toward a polishing face of a polishing plate. A pad hole, which corresponds to the slurry supply hole, is formed in a polishing pad covering the slurry supply hole. An edge of the pad hole is located in the slurry supply hole. A fixation pipe, in which a flange section facing the female-tapered face is formed at one end part, is fixed in the slurry supply hole. The edge of the pad hole is sandwiched and held between the female-tapered face of the slurry supply hole and the flange section of the fixation pipe. |
| US08888558B2 |
Probe pin and method of manufacturing the same
A probe pin having a bent portion at its tip end portion is used for a probe card, the probe pin is configured such that an angle constituted by a direction of work groove generated at a time of machine-working of a tip end portion of the probe pin and a longitudinal direction of a metal wire is set to 45 degree or less, or both directions are set to be almost parallel to each other. Due to above configuration, even if the tip end portion of the probe pin is subjected to a bending work and a worked surface is formed with recessed portion, a breakage of the probe pin caused by the recessed portion existing on the worked surface and functioning as a starting point of the breakage can be effectively prevented whereby a lowering of a production yield of the probe pin can be greatly suppressed. |
| US08888557B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor device
A method of transporting a semiconductor wafer having a ring-shaped stiffening portion can include the steps of pressing the semiconductor wafer from the back surface side to the front surface side thereof on a place different from a place at which the semiconductor wafer is to be held, the step of pressing the semiconductor wafer being conducted before holding the semiconductor wafer having the ring-shaped stiffening portion. The method can include releasing the attachment by suction of the front surface of the semiconductor wafer by supplying a positive pressure onto the chuck table, releasing pressing the semiconductor wafer from the back surface side to the front surface side thereof on the place different from the place at which the semiconductor wafer is to be held and picking up the semiconductor wafer having the ring-shaped stiffening portion from the chuck table while holding the semiconductor wafer. |
| US08888555B2 |
Method for joining fabric panels and manufacturing brassieres
A method of manufacturing a breast cup of a brassiere may include the steps of providing a pad including a first edge portion and a second edge portion, providing a fabric cover including a third edge portion and a fourth edge portion, superimposing the first and third edge portions, connecting the superimposed first and third edge portions together, superimposing the second and fourth edge portions, connecting the superimposed second and fourth edge portions together, ultrasonically cutting and fusing the connected first and third edge portions to form a first line of fusion joining the pad and the fabric cover, ultrasonically cutting and fusing the connected second and fourth edge portions to form a second line of fusion joining the pad and the fabric cover, and turning the joined pad and fabric cover inside out along the first and second lines of fusion to form seamless edges. |
| US08888553B2 |
Doll head having a magnetically adjustable facial contour and method of assembling same
A doll head is disclosed having a magnetically adjustable facial contour, along with a method for assembling same. In one embodiment, the doll head includes a face mask support on which is mounted an elastically deformable face mask. Movable adjustment mechanisms and associated motors and power supplies for moving the adjustment mechanisms are disposed in the face mask support. Each adjustment mechanism generates an applied magnetic field. First magnets are affixed to an inner surface of the face mask, and second magnets in magnetic communication with the first magnets are slidably disposed on an exterior surface of the face mask support. The adjustment mechanisms selectively apply magnetic fields that slidably adjust position of the second magnets. As position of the second magnets slidably adjust, the first magnets move to a like extent. As the first magnets move, contour of the face mask adjusts to change expression of the doll head. |
| US08888543B2 |
Relating to amphibians
An amphibian (1) for use on land and water, comprising: a hull having a planing surface (2), and at least one retractable suspension apparatus (4) movable from a vehicle supporting position to a retracted position, comprising for each wheel (5), upper and lower suspension arms (8, 9) that are pivotably connected at inboard ends to a support structure within the hull; and are pivotably connected at outboard ends to a suspension upright (7). Upright (7) extends from a first, upper connection past a second, lower connection to a location (10) for a wheel hub mounting. The suspension upright when deployed in land use extends externally of the hull across a side face (2A) of the planing surface; while lower suspension arm (9) remains above the top of planing surface (2) throughout use of the amphibian on land. This suspension arrangement allows the hull to have no cutouts in its planing surface. |
| US08888542B2 |
Electric outboard motor
Provided is an electric outboard motor that includes a drive motor, which is an AC motor, as a drive source. The electric outboard motor includes: an outboard motor main body that includes the drive motor and an inverter that converters a direct current to an alternating current to supply the alternating current to the drive motor; a control/power supply unit that is formed separately from the outboard motor main body and that can supply the direct current to the inverter; and a connection cable that electrically connects the outboard motor main body and the control/power supply unit. The inverter and the drive motor are stacked and arranged in an axial direction of a rotation output axis of the drive motor. Part of the inverter falls within an outline of the drive motor in a view in the axial direction of the rotation output axis of the drive motor. |
| US08888541B2 |
Press-fit type connector terminal
The press-fit type connector terminal includes a pin section having a U-shaped or quadrangular cross-section, and a contact section situated at a front end of the pin section, the contact section including a contact piece surrounding an imaginary center line parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pin section, and a slit formed at a part of the contact piece and extending substantially parallel to the imaginary center line, the connector terminal being comprised of a single bent metal plate having elasticity. |
| US08888540B2 |
Power-track coupling
A coupling is used with a U-section longitudinally extending power track having a floor and a pair of side walls defining a longitudinally and transversely open retaining channel and provided on the side walls with respective dielectric support rails each carrying a respective longitudinally extending main conductor transversely exposed in the slot and connected to phase or ground. The coupling has a dielectric coupling housing extending along an axis and having center structure defining a center symmetry plane perpendicular to the axis and end formations projecting axially oppositely from the center structure and each fittable longitudinally into the channel at an end of the power track to an insertion depth determined by the center structure. Two L-section and longitudinally extending metallic contact strips are carried on and transversely limitedly movable in a predetermined transverse direction in the dielectric housing. |
| US08888539B2 |
Shielded connector assembly
A connector assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure is advantageously configured to allow a sensor connector to straightforwardly and efficiently join with and detach from a patient cable connector. Further, embodiments of the connector assembly advantageously reduce un-shielded area in an electrical connection between a patient cable and a sensor connector. In addition, embodiments of the connector assembly advantageously increase the shielding of detector signals coming from the patient sensor to the monitor. |
| US08888535B2 |
Corrosion resistant electrical assembly with connectors and multi-port junction block
A corrosion resistant electrical system for communicating between a power source and multiple electric devices on a truck box or trailer. A hard plastic junction block with a male connector for power input communicates internally with two or more female connectors for power output, allowing multiple electric motors or other devices to receive electricity from a single power cable. The assembly includes cables with female or male connectors at the ends, the connectors having corresponding projecting portions and passageways, and U-shaped flanges and spaces, that fit together. The space between the projecting portions and the passageways are sealed by a resilient gasket around the projecting portion, and the U-shaped flanges and projecting portions contain aligned apertures to receive a lock pin to secure the mated connectors together. |
| US08888529B2 |
Electrical connector having common ground shield
An electrical connector assembly includes a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector that can be mated so as to establish an electrical connection across the electrical connectors at a mating region. One of the electrical connectors includes a perforated common ground shield at the mating region that reduces crosstalk while substantially matching impedance at the mating region to a desired impedance of the electrical connector assembly. |
| US08888526B2 |
Coaxial cable connector with radio frequency interference and grounding shield
A radio frequency interference (RFI) and grounding shield for a coaxial cable connector is disclosed. The shield comprises a circular inner segment and at least one arcuately shaped pre-formed cantilevered annular beam attached to the circular inner segment by a joining segment. The at least one pre-formed cantilevered annular beam extends angularly from a plane of the circular inner segment. The at least one pre-formed cantilevered annular beam applies a spring-force to a surface of the surface of a component of the coaxial cable connector establishing an electrically conductive path between the components. The at least one pre-formed cantilevered annular beam comprises an outer surface with a knife-like edge that provides a wiping action of surface oxides on component surfaces of the coaxial cable connector and allows for unrestricted movement when the coaxial cable connector is attached to an equipment connection port of an appliance. |
| US08888523B2 |
Extension apparatus for power outlet
An extension apparatus of a power outlet includes a main body and a socket. The main body includes a plug portion and an extension plug portion. The plug portion defines three through holes. The extension plug portion defines three blind holes. Three first metal pieces are mounted in the through holes. Three second metal pieces are mounted in the blind holes and coupled to the first metal pieces. The socket is plugged into the extension plug portion to be coupled to the plug portion. When a first plug is plugged into the plug portion, electrical power is fed to a second plug. |
| US08888521B2 |
In-line sealed electrical connector apparatus having a connector apparatus position assurance device, and locking method thereof
A connector apparatus position assurance device ensures that a male connector assembly and a female connector assembly of an in-line sealed electrical connector apparatus of the present invention remain engaged. The connector apparatus position assurance device has contiguous parts that engage various parts of a retention clip of the male connector assembly at different levels of insertion of the connector apparatus position assurance device into the male connector assembly. The insertion of the connector apparatus position assurance device is also accomplished at various stages (i.e., from pre-lock position to final lock position) depending on the insertion level of the female connector assembly into the male connector assembly. Consequently, the effect of the level of insertion of the female connector assembly ensures that the male and female connector assemblies remain engaged. |
| US08888519B2 |
Modular RF connector system
The electrical connector includes a first block, a second block, a first support bead, a second support bead, and a wire. The first block includes a first groove and a first rib. The first block is metallized so as to conduct electricity. The second block includes a second groove and a second rib. The second block is metallized so as to conduct electricity. The first support bead does not conduct electricity. The second support bead does not conduct electricity. The wire conducts electricity. The first and second support beads support the wire. When the first rib of the first block is inserted into the second groove of the second block, then the first support bead, the second support bead, and the wire are retained between the first block and the second block. |
| US08888518B2 |
Rotary connector
After a lead block, which is assembled by fitting a required number of pin terminals into an insulating support member, is connected to an end portion of a flat cable, the lead block is mounted on a lower connector holding portion of a rotary connector. The lower connector holding portion is formed of downward protruding portions of an outer cylindrical portion and a lower cover that are snap-fitted to each other. The downward protruding portion includes a receiving recess, and the downward protruding portion includes a holding wall portion. Tip portions of the pin terminals are inserted into insertion holes of the holding wall portion, so that the lead block is mounted. While stopper portions of the pin terminals are interposed between the holding wall portion and an outer wall of the support member, the support member is disposed so as to be positioned the receiving recess. |
| US08888512B2 |
Power-track adapter
An adapter for use with a U-section longitudinally extending power track has a base adapted to fit in the slot and a head adapted to fit outside the slot on the track so that an electrical device can be connected via the adapter to the conductors in the track. A first operating shaft extending along and pivotal about an axis in the housing carries contact fingers pivotal on rotation of the first shaft between a retracted position recessed in the base and a contacting position projecting from the base and, when the base is fitted to the slot, engaging the conductors. A second operating shaft extends along and pivotal about the axis in the housing. A second switch assembly connected to the second shaft and operable thereby on rotation of the second operating shaft to connect and disconnect the contact fingers with phase contacts on the housing. |
| US08888511B2 |
Universal power socket adaptor
The invention relates to power sockets and, more particularly, relates to universal power sockets capable of receiving, and electrically engaging with, different types of plugs having pins. Even more particularly, the invention relates to a universal power socket having sprung contacts. There are universal adapters already in existence, however some are unable to connect accurate and stably with a plug. Some may require a different pin clasp to hold it in place, whereas some adapters may be too big, or are not cost effective, and will still be unable to hold a vast range of power plugs. My invention has resolved all of these problems, something which has never previously been done. The creation of my universal adapter has enabled the use of only one clasp in order to hold 9 different pins. It is accurate and will hold power plugs stably in place, with the convenience of being able to connect to a majority of power plugs worldwide. My invention has safely adapted the power plug to be much smaller and convenient with the ease of having a low cost. It can be used for travel as a power adapter, as well as being used as an indoor power socket. The ability to be implanted indoors is beneficial to airports and hotels, where it will be of convenience for their customers who have arrived from a different country. |
| US08888509B2 |
Electrical connector and method of assembling same
An electrical connector and method assembling the same. A device may comprise a connector frame, a flexible printed circuit board connected to the connector frame, a filter mounted to the flexible printed circuit board; and at least one terminal mounted to the flexible printed circuit board and in electrical communication with the filter. A method to assemble an electrical connector may comprise: providing a flexible printed circuit board having two conductive pads and a filter in electrical communication with the two conductive pads; connecting each conductive pad to a corresponding terminal; inserting each terminal into corresponding holders in a connector frame; placing the flexible printed circuit board in a curved pathway of the connector frame to form a connector subassembly; and inserting the connector subassembly into a connector housing. The filter may have three electrical connections, two are connected to the terminals and one is connected to ground. |
| US08888507B2 |
Board-to-board connector
A board-to-board connector made in the form of the combination of a male connector and a female connector is disclosed to include an electrically insulative connector body including a long rectangular mating part, a receptacle part and a plug part respectively located at two opposite sides of the long rectangular mating part, a recessed receiving chamber defined between the long rectangular mating part and the receptacle part and a recessed mating chamber defined between the long rectangular mating part and the plug part, terminal grooves located at the receptacle part, a positioning protruding member located at the plug part and a recessed mating chamber surrounded by the long rectangular mating part and the positioning protruding member, first conducting terminals respectively mounted in the terminal grooves, and second conducting terminals mounted in the positioning protruding member of the plug part of the electrically insulative connector body. |
| US08888506B2 |
Connector
A connector has a contact and a housing. The contact has a fixed portion, a contact portion, a spring portion and a held portion. The spring portion supports the contact portion. The held portion is located between the fixed portion and the spring portion. The housing has a sidewall portion and a bottom portion The sidewall portion is located outward of the spring portion in a predetermined direction and holds the held portion. The bottom portion is located under the spring portion in a vertical direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. The housing has a gap between a lower surface of the spring portion and the bottom portion. The bottom portion and the sidewall portion hide the contact except the fixed portion both when the connector is seen from below along the vertical direction and when the connector is seen from the outside along the predetermined direction. |
| US08888502B2 |
Electrical connector with dual contact halves
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing having a plurality of passageways and a number of contacts restricted in the insulative housing. Each contact includes an upper contact half sliding in the passageways and a lower contact half supporting the upper contact half. The upper contact half has three curve sections and the lower contact half has two curve sections. When a force is applied to the upper contact half, the upper and lower contact halves are wiping each other and both are deflectable in vertical and transverse directions. |
| US08888498B2 |
Multilayered tissue phantoms, fabrication methods, and use
A method for producing a multilayer tissue phantom involves successively forming at least two layers, each layer formed by depositing a viscous flowable material over a supporting element or over a previously formed layer of the phantom supported by the supporting element, selectively redistributing the material while material is solidifying to control a thickness distribution of the layer, and allowing the material to solidify sufficiently to apply a next layer. The supporting element supports the material in 2 or 3 directions and effectively molds a lumen of the tissue. The neighboring layers are of different composition and of chosen thickness to provide desired optical properties and mechanical properties of the phantom. The phantom may have selected attenuation and backscattering properties to mimic tissues for optical coherence tomography imaging. |
| US08888496B1 |
System and method for evaluating job candidates
Human resource system for collecting and analyzing survey data from reference providers identified by a job candidate for use by an employer. The system sends an electronic communication to the reference providers to request completion of survey questions and electronically receives the survey data from the reference providers, preferably through webpages. An analysis module combines the received survey data from the reference providers and generates a confidential candidate report for an employer which excludes identification of any ratings or comments by any reference providers. The system also generates customized interview probe questions for use during job interviews and coaching tactics for use after the hiring, based on the weak areas that have been identified from the completed surveys in order to assist the hiring manager to bring the new hires up to speed quickly and effectively. |
| US08888488B2 |
Method for pre-operative visualization of instrumentation used with a surgical guide for dental implant placement
The invention relates to manufacturing a surgical guide to be placed in a patient's mouth. The patient's mouth is scanned to obtain surgical-region scan data at a region where an implant is to be located. The patient's mouth is also scanned in the opened position to acquire dental conditions opposite from the surgical region so as to obtain opposing-condition scan data. A virtual model is developed using the surgical-region scan data and the opposing-condition scan data. Using the virtual model, a surgical plan is developed that includes the location of the implant to be installed in the patient. A virtual surgical guide is also developed based on the surgical plan. The dimensions of instrumentation to be used with the surgical guide are checked to ensure they will fit within the mouth by use of the opposing-condition scan data. After checking, final surgical-guide manufacturing information is obtained for manufacturing the surgical guide. |
| US08888484B2 |
Guide shoe for a guiding device of a plastic processing machine clamping unit
A guide shoe of a guiding device of a plastic processing machine clamping unit has an elongated main part in clamping direction for attachment of sliding and/or rolling elements. The guide shoe has a connecting element which is spaced from the main part and extends substantially vertically in the clamping direction, and which has a fixing region for fixing the guide shoe to a moving mold platen. The moving mold platen can be fixed solely to the fixing region of the connecting element in decoupled manner from the main part. The connecting element is designed as a deformation element fixed to the main part via a connecting region that forms a target bending zone with respect to a bend about a bending axis substantially parallel to the clamping direction, such that the deformation element additionally forms a target torsion zone about a torsion axis substantially perpendicular to the clamping direction. |
| US08888479B2 |
Molding device with cutting mechanism
A molding device includes a male die, a master die core, a male die core located between the male die and the master die core, and a cutting mechanism received in the male die core. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting seat and a cutter. The cutting seat defines a latch slot. The latch slot includes a narrow portion and a wide portion communicating with the narrow portion. The cutter includes a plate body received in the narrow portion and a latch shaft located on the plate body. The latch shaft is engaged in the wide portion. When a plastic product is formed and a sprue gate is around the mold cavity, the plate body is configured to cut the sprue gate, and the plate body is movable relative to the cutting seat around the latch shaft, to prevent the plate body from sticking. |
| US08888474B2 |
Downhole motors and pumps with asymmetric lobes
In an aspect, the disclosure provides an apparatus for use downhole. In one aspect the apparatus includes a rotor with lobes disposed in stator with lobes, wherein at least one of the contours of the rotor lobe and the contour of the stator lobe is asymmetric. |
| US08888472B2 |
Waterproof fluid pump with magnet and support shaft arrangement
Provided is a waterproof fluid pump including: a motor that is accommodated in a first case and comprises a stator and a rotor, to thus generate a rotating torque; an impeller that is accommodated in a pump housing that is mounted in the first case and that receives the rotating torque of the motor to thus pump fluid; a support shaft to which the rotor and the impeller are rotatably supported and that is fixed to the first case; a first magnet that is fixed to the rotor and is rotated with the rotor; and a second magnet that is fixed to the impeller and is disposed facing the first magnet and that has opposite polarity to that of the first magnet. Thus, fluid may be fundamentally prevented from being introduced into the inside of the motor. |
| US08888471B2 |
Liquid feed pump and flow control device
A liquid feed pump includes a pump housing, a diaphragm forming a pump chamber together with the recessed portion surface and partitioning the pump chamber from the hole, a reciprocating member reciprocatably inserted into the hole and reciprocating to press the diaphragm to deform, a driving member displacing the reciprocating member periodically in a direction of reciprocation, a seal portion sandwiching the diaphragm to seal the diaphragm in a position around an outer peripheral side of the recessed portion surface, a diaphragm receiving surface provided between the seal portion and the opening portion, and its contact area contacting the diaphragm decreases in response to an increase in the displacement of the reciprocating member to the recessed portion surface side and increases in response to an increase in the internal pressure of the pump chamber. |
| US08888470B2 |
Pumping cassette
A pumping cassette, the cassette includes a housing. The housing includes at least one fluid port and at least one air vent port. The air vent port vents a fluid source outside the housing. The pumping cassette also includes at least one reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pump within the housing. The pump pumps fluid. |
| US08888467B2 |
Fluid pump
A fluid pump includes a drive shaft driven by power from an engine, a rotor adapted to be provided at a housing and rotating unitarily with the drive shaft, a driving wheel which is provided separately from the drive shaft and to which the power from the engine is always transmitted when the engine is running, a driven wheel transmitting the power from the engine to the drive shaft upon being in contact with the driving wheel, and a displacement mechanism causing the driving wheel and the driven wheel to be out of contact from each other by moving at least one of the driving wheel and the driven wheel. |
| US08888465B1 |
Sewage handling system, cover, and controls
A basin for use in liquid handling, such as sewage handling. The basin is comprised of a bottom wall, a side wall, and an open top, and a hanging feature formed in the body of the basin. A basin assembly for liquid handling may include the basin, and a hanging member suspended from the hanging feature within the basin. One or more level switches may be attached to the hanging member. A sewage handling system may include the basin assembly, a top cover fastenable to the open top of the basin, and a pump disposed in the basin. |
| US08888464B2 |
Fabricating parts with composite material reinforcement having a single crossing line
Method for fabricating a reinforcing coating for a part made of composite material. Pre-impregnated reinforcing fibers are used in the form of slivers and said slivers are laid on the part in two layers of longitudinal slivers by being placed thereon. This fabrication makes provision for using an angular orientation for the slivers of each layer respectively of 0° and of some other angle relative to said determined direction of the solid body for covering using an interlaced pattern type that gives layer crossing lines parallel to a longitudinal axis of the solid body for covering, which pattern type is selected to form interlacing patterns that limit the number of layer crossing lines along the longitudinal axis of the solid body for covering to a single line. |
| US08888463B2 |
Rotor blade and method for producing same
The invention relates to a rotor blade for wind energy installation, comprising at least one flange running in a longitudinal direction from a rotor blade root to a rotor blade tip, whereby a width of the flange decreases along the longitudinal direction. The invention also relates to a method for producing a rotor blade in that at least one flange with a width decreasing in the longitudinal direction is applied to a rotor blade inner wall, and to a laying assistance device for positioning strips of the flange. |
| US08888460B2 |
Rotor section for a rotor of a turbomachine, and rotor blade for a turbomachine
A rotor section for a rotor of a gas turbine is provided. The rotor section includes a rotor disk with rotor blades inserted in retaining grooves thereupon, the rotor blades being secured against displacement along the retaining grooves by means of a sealing element which is arranged on the end face. In order to disclose a reliable construction which can be designed in a straightforward and simple manner for the circumferential fixing of the sealing element, each sealing element is secured by means of a blocking element in each case which in this case engages in a hole which is arranged in the rotor blade root on the end face. |
| US08888459B2 |
Coupled blade platforms and methods of sealing
An array of rotor blades is provided. The array includes a rotor disk defining a plurality of slots. A first rotor blade that includes a first platform between a first airfoil and a first shank portion is coupled with a first slot of the rotor disk via the first shank portion. The first rotor blade further includes a pair of oppositely disposed flanges positioned between the first platform and the first shank portion and extending beyond a longitudinal side edge defined by the first platform. A second rotor blade, that includes a second platform defining a pair of oppositely disposed overhang lips and positioned between a second airfoil and a second shank portion, is coupled with a second slot of the rotor disk via the second shank portion. The second rotor blade is positioned adjacent to the first rotor blade such that one of the overhang lips of the second platform is positioned over one of the flanges of the first rotor blade. Methods are also generally provided for installing rotor blades onto a rotor disk. |
| US08888455B2 |
Gas turbine engine and blade for gas turbine engine
One embodiment of the present invention is a unique gas turbine engine blade. Another embodiment is a unique gas turbine engine. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for gas turbine engines and blades. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith. |
| US08888452B2 |
Shroud for rotating machine component
A shroud 10 is carried by a housing 14 of a hydraulic machine 12. The shroud 10 at least partially encloses a rotating fan 74 disposed on a rotating shaft 72 that extends from the housing. The shroud 10 includes a mounting portion 22 having a peripheral mounting wall 50 that encircles the housing 14 with an interference fit and that includes tapered slots 60 for receiving tapered cooling fins 62 of the housing 14. The shroud 10 also includes a shroud portion 20 formed of integral one piece construction with the mounting portion. The shroud portion 20 includes a peripheral shroud wall 30 and a perforated shroud cover wall 38. The shroud portion 20 is arranged in cantilever relation to the mounting portion 22. A stop member 40, 44 engages a rotating end of the shaft 72 to limit deflection of the cantilevered shroud member toward the fan 74. |
| US08888451B2 |
Method for producing a vane, such a vane and a stator component comprising the vane
A method for producing a vane for application in a component in a gas turbine engine includes casting at least one of a vane leading edge part and a vane trailing edge part and connecting the leading edge part and the trailing edge part. |
| US08888447B2 |
Anti-rotation method for a rolling element bearing cartridge
To solve heat soak and reduced heat rejection capability problems in turbochargers with rolling element bearings (REBs), the REB cartridge is mounted to the bearing housing in a way that is not rigid, thus allows for an oil damping film, but, at the same time, the REB cartridge is held both axially, to transfer thrust loads to the bearing housing, and rotationally, so that the REB cartridge does not rotate relative to the bearing housing, using male or female features in the REB and corresponding female or male features associated with the bearing bore or the turbine face of the bearing housing closure. |
| US08888444B2 |
Steam seal system
A steam seal system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the steam seal system includes: a low pressure steam turbine positioned on a shaft; a pair of end packings surrounding the shaft, each of the pair of end packings located proximate an axial end of the low pressure steam turbine along the shaft; and an pair of extraction conduits fluidly connected to the low pressure steam turbine and the shaft, the pair of extraction conduits connected to the shaft at a location axially outward of the pair of end packings and the low pressure steam turbine. |
| US08888440B2 |
Compressor of exhaust gas turbocharger
A compressor of an exhaust gas turbocharger has a compressor housing of a divided type that forms an inlet slit, an outlet slit and a recirculation passage at the same time when the compressor housing is assembled. In the compressor of the exhaust gas turbocharger, mating surfaces of compressor housing members 9a and 9b are formed in the neighborhood of the inlet part of the impeller 5 in the compressor housing 9 that is divided into the compressor housing members 9a and 9b in the direction of the rotation axis of the impeller; and, a space forming the recirculation passage 29, an inlet slit 25 and an outlet slit 27 are formed between the mating compressor housing members 9a and 9b. |
| US08888438B2 |
Moment of inertia system for producing energy through the action of wind
A system and method of generating energy by transforming energy from a low-density substance, such as airflow or wind, into kinetic energy by directing the flow through a wind guide system towards panels that rotate in generally the same direction as the airflow. Furthermore, the system uses the ground and/or water as a surface for guiding the airflow towards the windmill devices. The system is made of lightweight, inexpensive tension compression construction. The tension compression system is weighted at the outermost ends of the wind-engaging panels to create a moment of inertia device capable of evening out the peaks typical of wind power generation. |
| US08888433B2 |
Reduced capacity carrier and method of use
A substrate transport apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a casing and a door. The casing is adapted to form a controlled environment therein. The casing has supports therein for holding at least one substrate in the casing. The casing defines a substrate transfer opening through which a substrate transport system accesses the substrate in the casing. The door is connected to the casing for closing the substrate transfer opening in the casing. The casing has structure forming a fast swap element allowing replacement of the substrate from the apparatus with another substrate without retraction of the substrate transport system and independent of substrate loading in the casing. |
| US08888431B2 |
Adjustable bonding washer
An adjustable bonding washer for placement between two metal pieces to create an electrical bond between them. The bonding washer has two metallic parts constrained to slide relative to one another along an axis. Each part has oppositely directed teeth that are forcibly embedded into the metal pieces to make electrical contact with them when they are rigidly clamped together. Adjustability enables the bonding washer to be mated with metal pieces having a range of widths and profiles, such as the slotted rails used to support arrays of photovoltaic panels. |
| US08888429B2 |
Nut with lug flare
A clinch nut for attachment to a plastically deformable metal substrate is provided. The clinch nut comprises a body portion with a central axis and a punch portion extending from the body portion and coaxial with the central axis. The body portion includes an annular-shaped surface encircling the central punch portion. The annular-shaped surface includes a plurality of spaced apart lugs encircling the central punch portion. The plurality of lugs each includes a contact surface with a recessed portion where the contact surface engages the metal substrate. A first portion of the contact surface is biased outwards from the central axis upon insertion in the metal substrate to form at least one lug flare during attachment of the nut to the metal substrate. A portion of the metal substrate is entrapped between the at least one lug flare and the body portion. |
| US08888427B2 |
System for preventing rotation of fasteners
A system for preventing rotation of fasteners is provided that includes secondary locking devices. The system may include multiple fasteners that extend parallel to each other and may be arranged in a generally circular pattern. Multiple secondary locks may be arranged concentrically outside of the fasteners and have radially extending teeth so that teeth of adjacent secondary locks engage each other for preventing rotation of the fasteners. The secondary fasteners may have central openings that are larger than the fasteners to allow for substantial back-and-forth rotational movement, which may be between about 5 to 20 degrees of travel, of the secondary locks upon the fasteners before being stopped by the engagements of the secondary locks and fasteners. Inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the secondary locks may have different axes of symmetry which may allow the secondary lock teeth to be arranged asymmetrically relative to the fasteners. |
| US08888422B2 |
Locking system for roll-off containers
A locking system including a lock box and a locking bar. The locking bar configured as an elongated member which engages a loading hook of a roll-off container. The locking bar including at least one hole defined therethrough and configured to engage a hasp of a lock. The lock box has an opening defined therethrough and is configured to receive a first portion of the length of the locking handle so that when the locking handle is engaged with the hook a second portion of the length of the locking handle projects from the lock box. This second portion includes at least one of the aforementioned holes and functions to receive a locking hasp. An alternative locking system including a locking sleeve preventing engagement of a bar of a roll-off storage container. |
| US08888421B1 |
Pickup trunk
A pickup trunk is provided for a pickup truck having a bed with side walls and a tailgate. The pickup trunk includes a holder to receive cargo therein. A manually adjustable retainer mechanism is for retaining the holder with the cargo in a stationary position on a back portion of the bed between the side walls of the pickup truck adjacent to the tailgate, so as to allow for easy access and retrieval of the cargo from the holder when the tailgate is opened. |
| US08888420B2 |
Tool chucking apparatus
A tool chucking apparatus to hold a machining cutter or tool includes a holding member and a fastening member that are coupled together to form a grip space inside to hold a collet. The collet has a plurality of pawl structures with a plurality of elastic slots formed thereon. When the holding member and the fastening member are coupled, the collet has one end tightly held in the holding member and the other end tightly held in the fastening member. Hence the two ends of the collet contract the elastic slots to tightly grip the cutter or tool. As a result, machining precision improves, safety enhances and the life span of the cutter or tool increases. |
| US08888415B2 |
Anchor and method of installing anchor
An anchor comprises an anchor bolt having a shaft and a bolt head, a spreading sleeve having spreading parts provided at a tip portion of a tubular body capable of being fitted on a tip portion of the shaft and a cone nut provided at its inner side a screw through hole to threadedly engage with the shaft. The shaft of the anchor bolt is composed of a thick shaft part connected to the bolt head, and a thin shaft part provided to be closer to the tip portion of the shaft. The thick shaft part is provided with a rupture portion reduced in diameter. The rupture portion is provided at a position spaced by a predetermined length from the step between the thick shaft part and the thin shaft part and ruptures if torque of a predetermined value acts on the bolt head. |
| US08888414B2 |
Grouted cylindrical connection utilizing bearing surfaces for offshore monopile foundations
A grouted cylindrical connection utilizing bearing surfaces can be used with conventional transition-monopile foundations to connect the large diameter cylindrical shaped monopile to the larger diameter cylindrical shaped transition section which includes appurtances. The grouted cylindrical connection includes a cylindrical shaped monopile, a cylindrical shaped transition section receiving the monopile, an annulus being formed between the monopile and the transition section, and first and second bearing elements disposed in the annulus. The first bearing element is attached to the transition section and the second bearing element is attached to the monopile. The annulus is filled with grout to transmit force and moment between the transition section and the monopile through grout between the first and second bearing elements. |
| US08888411B2 |
Catenary line dynamic motion suppression
This invention introduces three-dimensional (3D) damper arrangements that are used to suppress dynamic motions of a subsea line like a riser, on which the dampers are installed. Damping surfaces (shapes) are mounted on the line so that their combined drag per line unit length dampens motions in 3 mutually perpendicular directions: axial, in-plane (IP) and out-of-plane (OOP). 3D suppression is provided by integral 3D dampers or by combining IP-OOP dampers like strakes with neighboring axial dampers. Increased line motions suppression is achieved by decoupling, particularly on dampers mounted in regions of high line curvature and/or small effective tension. This invention also presents Short Lazy Wave (SLW) configurations of rigid catenary risers, which are also used to suppress dynamic motions. 3D dampers can be used together with SLWs. Motion suppression is introduced to reduce dynamic stresses and to increase fatigue life of the lines. |
| US08888406B2 |
Weighted bag
A weighted bag includes a filler material contained by a sealed bag configured to be substantially impermeable to fluids. The sealed bag may include a generally tubular bag body made from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated polymer-based textile where the tubular bag body is formed by hot air welding and the bag is sealed using sealing tape applied and bonded at each end of the tubular bag body. The weighted bag may be recovered after use and recycled for reuse in a subsequent installation. The filler material may include a slag, a slag-based material and/or low iron fines which may be residual material from the steel or iron producing industries. |
| US08888405B2 |
Road roller
A road roller is described comprising a front carriage and a rear carriage, which are interconnected by an articulated swivel joint, wherein the front carriage and the rear carriage each comprise a front carriage frame and a rear carriage frame. The front carriage frame and/or the rear carriage frame consist of beams including a main beam, which extends horizontally along the longitudinal median plane of the road roller and at one end of which the articulated swivel joint is disposed, and comprises two side beams diverging from the free end of the main beam to form a “V”. Disposed thereon are the supports for supporting the drums, wherein the side beams are upwardly oriented. |
| US08888402B2 |
Self-propelled civil engineering machine and method of controlling a self-propelled civil engineering machine
The invention relates to a self-propelled civil engineering machine, and in particular to a slipform paver, road paver or road milling machine, and to a method of controlling a self-propelled civil engineering machine. The civil engineering machine according to the invention has a control unit which is configured to determine data which defines the position and/or orientation of a reference point on the civil engineering machine in relation to a reference system (X, Y, Z) independent of the position and orientation of the civil engineering machine. The reference system (X, Y, Z) independent of the machine-related reference system (x, y, z) may be selected as desired, and there is thus no need for the positions of various reference points to be plotted on the ground. |
| US08888401B2 |
Irregular tessellated building units
A surface covering unit includes at least one face comprised of at least one primary rotational tessellation element. The rotational tessellation element includes at least two pairs of sides, and the sides in each pair of sides have the same length and are images of one another. The sides of a first pair of sides extend from a first vertex and are rotationally spaced from each other, and the sides of a second pair of sides extend from a second vertex and are rotationally spaced from each other. The sides of the first and second pairs of sides have two or more straight line segments or complex curves, and are not a single straight line or a single curve. One pair of sides has a length different from the other pair of sides. The surface covering has a natural appearance such that a repeating pattern is not readily apparent. |
| US08888398B2 |
Sanitary clamp
A sanitary clamp comprises a first member coupled to a projection with at least one external ratchet tooth, pivotally connected to a second member having at least one wall at least partially defining a well configured for receiving the projection. A rocker lock having a first portion and an opposed second portion including an engaging member is pivotally coupled to the at least one wall and configured such that the engaging member is resiliently positioned in the well to engage the at least one external ratchet tooth to latch the projection within the well, and such that the second portion travels outwardly when the first portion is inwardly depressed to retract the engaging member from the well and release the engaging member out of engagement with the at least one external ratchet tooth to unlatch the projection with respect to the well. |
| US08888395B1 |
Scrub brush
A scrub brush includes a channel at least partially through the body, a first end and a second end, including a brush head receiving portion adjacent the first end. A brush head is positioned adjacent the first end, the brush body including a handle portion adjacent the second end. The handle portion may include an actuator, a reservoir adapted to receive a liquid cleaner, a pump, the pump actuated by the actuator. Actuation of the actuator delivers liquid cleaner from the reservoir to the brush head for scrubbing/cleaning. At least a portion of the handle portion preferably contains a transparent window adapted to show the contents of the reservoir. A hanging flange is provided having an opening formed along the spine of the body of the brush adjacent the brush head portion. |
| US08888394B2 |
Device including a rotary applicator member with at least one dispenser orifice that opens under pressure from the composition
A device for packaging and applying a liquid composition, the device comprising: a container containing the composition; and a rotary applicator member having at least one dispenser orifice configured to open when the upstream composition is put under sufficient pressure, and to close when the pressure decreases. |
| US08888387B2 |
Coating and developing apparatus and method
In one embodiment, a coating and developing apparatus includes a processing block including a vertical stack of early-stage processing unit blocks; a vertical stack of later-stage processing unit blocks disposed laterally adjacent to respective ones of the early-stage processing unit blocks; a vertical stack of developing unit blocks stacked on the early-stage processing unit blocks; a vertical stack of auxiliary processing unit blocks disposed laterally adjacent to respective ones of the developing unit blocks; first transfer units, each of which are disposed between the laterally adjacent early-stage processing unit and later-stage processing unit; second transfer units, each of which is disposed between the laterally adjacent developing unit block and auxiliary processing unit block; and a auxiliary transfer mechanism for transferring a substrate between the first transfer units and between the second transfer units. |
| US08888386B2 |
Friction member for brake mechanism and camera shutter using the same
A friction member for a brake mechanism in a camera shutter is provided. The friction member includes a carbon nanotube polymer composite. The carbon nanotube polymer composite includes a polymer and a carbon nanotube structure mixed with the polymer. The carbon nanotube structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes joined by van der Waals attraction force. The camera shutter using the friction member is also provided. The camera shutter includes a drive mechanism and a brake mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a blade driving lever having a moving path. The brake mechanism includes two abovementioned friction members and a brake lever clamped between the two friction members. The brake lever is located at a termination of the moving path to brake the blade driving lever. |
| US08888381B2 |
Optical module base and optical module
An optical module base is made up of a plurality of lead frames and a resin structure integrally molded with the lead frames and has an optical device mounting part and an optical waveguide mounting part which are formed in the resin structure. Each of the lead frames includes a connection part to which an optical device is to be mounted and electrically connected and a lead part which is continuous with the connection part. A portion of the thickness of the connection part is embedded in the resin structure and is positioned at the optical device mounting part. A sufficient strength of fixing a lead frame on a resin structure integrally molded with the lead frame can be ensured even if the sizes of the lead frames are miniaturized according to the sizes of electrodes of an optical device to be flip-chip bonded. |
| US08888380B2 |
Optoelectronic assembly and active optical cable using same
An optoelectronic assembly includes a substrate subassembly and a cable subassembly. The substrate assembly includes a substrate, a holder disposed on the substrate, an optoelectronic interface IC, and a plurality of optoelectronic components. The cable subassembly includes a lens cover and a plurality of fiber cables bonded to the lens cover. The optoelectronic interface IC and the optoelectronic components are disposed in a cavity formed by side walls of the holder. The optoelectronic components include at least one laser source and a plurality of photodiodes. The lens cover is inserted into the cavity and thereby fixedly engaged with the holder. |
| US08888372B2 |
Sensor-carrier cap for a bearing of a wheel hub
A sensor-carrier cap for a bearing of a wheel hub, the cap being made of plastic material and having a bottom wall arranged transversely to a central axis and providing a seat for accommodating a sensor, a cylindrical mounting wall extending axially from one side of the bottom wall around the axis; snap locking means projecting in a radially outer direction from the cylindrical wall, for locking the sensor-carrier cap on a tubular appendage of a wheel hub-bearing. |
| US08888367B2 |
Linear motion guide unit
Lubrication for rolling elements is carried out within the turnaround passages. For resupply of lubricant, the end seals and end caps have lubricating holes lying in alignment with each other to allow any lubricant injection needle piercing through there. A porous compact impregnated with lubricant fits in a concavity in the end cap. The concavity has an opening to communicate the concavity with the turnaround passage. The porous compact is composed of reservoirs, conjunctive parts, and applicator noses extending through openings to expose their tips into the turnaround passages. The lubricating hole in the end cap has a slit through which the porous compact is exposed to the lubricating hole to allow the lubricant flowing into the porous compact. |
| US08888366B2 |
Hydrostatic guide device and machine tool using the hydrostatic guide device
A hydrostatic guide device includes: a fixed member having vertical guide faces; a movable member having vertical slide faces; a fluid supply device; a hydrostatic pocket to which a first fluid pressure based on a dimension of a gap is applied, and that urges the movable member with a first urging force; and a hydraulic pocket to which a second fluid pressure based on a dimension of a gap is applied, and that urges the movable member with a second urging force. A variation of the second fluid pressure is smaller than a variation of the first fluid pressure. When the first urging force and the second urging force are balanced with each other in a horizontal direction, the gap between the vertical guide face and the vertical slide face becomes a set value. |
| US08888362B2 |
Thermal phase separation simulator
A thermal phase separation simulator and method for testing chemicals is disclosed. The simulator comprises a circular block heater carousel mounted for rotation on a stage. The carousel includes a circular array of test wells for receiving a plurality of test bottles, a plurality of heating elements and thermocouples disposed between the wells. Each well has an illumination port and a vertical slit to the outside to allow visual observation or imaging of a vertical swatch of the bottle. An illumination source aligns with the illumination port of each well in response to rotation of the carousel. The method includes adding a mixed phase fluid to a plurality of bottles, adding a chemical agent to each bottle, and simulating a thermal phase separation. Images of the fluid in each bottle are captured and analyzed to determine the performance of the one or more chemical agents. |
| US08888345B2 |
Thermal-expansion compensator and headlamp
The invention relates to a thermal-expansion compensator for holding a light module in a housing of a headlamp for a motor vehicle, comprising a compensation pin extending along a pin axis with a stop element, wherein the compensation pin can be connected to the housing by means of a connecting means, a compensation element with a compensation body extending along a compensation axis and at least two stop receptacles that are each formed for holding the stop element of the compensation pin, and a holder that is arranged rigidly on the light module. |
| US08888344B2 |
Vehicle lamp unit
A vehicle lamp unit comprising a cylindrical lens arranged on an optical axis extending in a front-back direction of the vehicle lamp unit, a semiconductor light-emitting element arranged on the optical axis behind a rear focal line of the cylindrical lens, and a reflector, which comprises a right concave curved surface located in a right side region of the reflector, and a left concave curved surface is located in a left side region of the reflector, wherein each of the right and left concave curved surfaces comprises an inner reflecting surface near the optical axis, wherein the light reflected by the inner reflecting surface of the right concave curved surface is directed to the left side region across the optical axis, and the light reflected by the inner reflecting surface of the left concave curved surface is directed to the right side region across the optical axis. |
| US08888343B2 |
Optical device and signaling and/or lighting system
An optical device comprising an exit portion furnished with an exit face and designed to emit, through the exit face, light rays emanating from a first luminous source and from a second luminous source, characterized by the fact that it comprises a first light guide configured to propagate the light rays emanating from the first luminous source toward the exit portion and a second light guide configured to propagate the light rays emanating from the second source toward the exit portion.A preferential application is the field of lighting equipment for motor vehicles. |
| US08888338B2 |
Reflective street light with wide divergence angle
A reflective street light with wide divergence angle includes a light device having a light emitter and a total reflection lens. The light rays from the light emitter are reflected to two sides of the total reflection lens and then are refracted outwardly via the refraction surfaces at a maximum angle. |
| US08888336B2 |
Air deflectors for heat management in a lighting module
A lighting module has an array of light-emitting elements that is electrically coupled to a heat sink and a housing having a heat exit. The array of light-emitting elements is positioned in the housing and the heat sink is positioned to dissipate heat generated within the housing so that the heat is expelled through the heat exit. A deflector is secured to the housing and is positioned to extend over some portion of the heat exit. The deflector guides heat away from the housing in a direction. In some configurations, the deflector guides heat away from the housing in a direction that is opposite the direction in which the array of light-emitting elements emit light. Also, some lighting modules have multiple heat exits and may have multiple deflectors extending over a portion of the respective heat exits. |
| US08888334B2 |
Arrangement for creating light effects
The invention relates to an arrangement for generating light effects, particularly for decorative purposes, having a light source (10) and a textile web material (12) that can be illuminated by through light from the light source (10) toward a visible side (16) or by incident light. According to the invention, the textile web material (12) comprises a two-layer weave structure made of warp threads (18) forming a warp thread layer (26) and weft threads (20) forming a weft thread layer (24) contacting the warp thread layer (26) on one side. |
| US08888333B2 |
Light redirecting film and display system incorporating same
Light redirecting film is disclosed. The light redirecting film includes a first major surface that includes a plurality of first microstructures that extend along a first direction. The light redirecting film also includes a second major surface that is opposite to the first major surface and includes a plurality of second microstructures. The second major surface has an optical haze that is in a range from about 4% to about 20% and an optical clarity that is in a range from about 20% to about 60%. The light redirecting film has an average effective transmission that is not less than about 1.55. |
| US08888332B2 |
Accessories for LED lamps
Apparatus and methods of attaching accessories to LED lamps and for providing active accessories in LED lamps are disclosed. |
| US08888331B2 |
Low inductance light source module
An embodiment of the invention provides a low inductance light source module comprising a connector having a layer of insulating material sandwiched between first and second conducting layers and a semiconducting light source that seats in a recess extending through the first conducting layer and the insulating later and has first and second electrical contacts for receiving power electrically connected to the first and second conducting layers. |
| US08888330B2 |
Omnidirectional LED lighting apparatus
A lighting apparatus is disclosed. The lighting apparatus may be an omni-directional LED lamp. The lighting apparatus may include a heat sink and a first substrate disposed over the heat sink. A second substrate may be mounted to a connector provided on the first substrate. The second substrate may include at least one LED mounted on a surface of the second substrate. The second substrate may be mounted in the connector such that the surface of the second substrate is positioned at a prescribed angle with respect to the upper surface of the first substrate. Various types of reflectors are disclosed that reflect light in a prescribed angular range with uniform intensity. A bulb may be provided over the heat sink to surround the LEDs. Moreover, a power module may be electrically connected to the connector to provide power to the LEDs. |
| US08888328B2 |
Light engine
An LED-based high power uniform light engine including an array of LEDs having a common anode and a fill factor which exceeds 0.85, the common anode having heat spreading functionality and an active heat sink which is thermally connected to the common anode. |
| US08888327B1 |
Halogen lampholder and halogen lampholder with heat shield
A lamp assembly comprising a housing having a front surface, a cavity, and a mounting rod, a reflector having an opening and mounted within the cavity, a light source removably mounted within the cavity and the opening, a cap removably secured to the housing, a lens disposed between the cap and the housing, a heat shield, and wherein the heat shield is disposed between the lens and the light source. |
| US08888325B2 |
Multiple use LED light fixture
An LED light fixture is provided and includes a light engine assembly having a plurality of LED light modules mounted to a printed circuit board. The light engine assembly has a substantially circular periphery. A substantially cylindrical main body portion surrounds the light engine assembly and is sized to define a substantially annular gap between an inner surface of the main body portion and the periphery of the light engine. A plurality of radially extending and circumferentially arrayed fins are positioned rearward of the light engine assembly, and a thermal pad is coupled to and positioned between a rear surface of the light engine assembly and the plurality of fins for transferring heat away from the light engine assembly. The annular gap at least partially defines an air flow path in communication with spaces between the fins. An LED track lighting fixture including the LED light fixture also is provided. |
| US08888323B2 |
Lighting device
Lighting device, usable for example with LED light sources, comprises a bowl-shaped body having a base surface with a plurality of mounting studs projecting from the base surface, together with one or more boards for the mounting of light radiation sources, provided with holes for the passage of respective mounting studs. The board has pairs of mounting locations for light radiation sources, each pair being arranged on opposite sides of a respective hole so as to be located on opposite sides of the stud which extends through said respective hole. A plurality of reflectors is provided in order to project the light radiation from the device. The reflectors each have an inlet opening for the light radiation and are capable of being mounted on the mounting studs selectively in one of at least two opposite mounting positions in which the inlet opening is placed at one of said mounting locations. |
| US08888320B2 |
Prismatic LED module for luminaire
An LED module for a luminaire has a downwardly directed heat sink comprising cooling fins that extend rearward from the module's front end and downward from its top wall, which has a top face that abuts the underside of a luminaire carrier plate. A circuit board carrying at least one LED is mounted on the front face, and a prism is mounted to the heat sink over the LED(s). The front (light-emitting) face of the catadioptric prism has several prominent side-by-side sections which emit beam patterns that diverge laterally and overlap in a central region. A prominent full-width upper section on the front face emits a primarily downwardly directed beam pattern to help fill in dark spots. |
| US08888318B2 |
LED spotlight
An LED spotlight that is operable to emit light with a selected emission angle measured relative to an emission axis of the spotlight comprises: a dish shaped (parabolic) reflector and a plurality of LEDs, wherein the LEDs are configured such that in operation each emits light in a generally radial direction to the emission axis of the spotlight and wherein the light emission axis of the LEDs is configured at an angle to the emission axis of the spotlight of at least 40°. In preferred embodiments the LEDs are configured such that their emission axis is substantially orthogonal to the emission axis of the spotlight and the reflector comprises a respective parabolic light reflective surface portion associated with a respective one of the LEDs. |
| US08888316B2 |
Lenticular LED light source replacement for fluorescent in troffer
A light source replacement for a fluorescent troffer light fixture utilizing light emitting diode and lens combination with the existing diffuser to produce lower contrast and evenly distributed illumination. |
| US08888315B2 |
Vapor-tight lighting fixture
This invention provides a vapor-tight luminaire with a housing that defines a continuous and unbroken sealed tubular lens extending in a longitudinal direction. The housing includes a pair of end cap structures removably and sealably mounted on each of opposing respective housing ends. The housing removably supports a lamp assembly that can include various reflector arrangements. The lamp assembly can include fluorescent tubular lamps and can include electronics, such as a ballast circuit. Illustratively, a supporting rail suspended from each of the opposing housing ends by respective posts slidably supports the lamp assembly. In this manner each of the housing and the lamp assembly are constructed and arranged to allow the lamp assembly to be passed into and out of the housing along the supporting rail when at least one of the end cap structures is removed from the respective one of the housing ends. |
| US08888314B2 |
Lighting apparatus using light emitting diodes
Provided is a lighting apparatus using light emitting diodes (LEDs) having a lateral heat radiation unit structure that can maximize heat radiation effect by employing an air vent structure causing atmospheric pressure difference between both side ends of an air circulation path. The lighting apparatus comprising a housing having a power supply accommodation space therein, a heat radiation unit that comprises an LED module accommodation groove that is installed on the top of the housing and having at least one inclined surface or mounting surface on which the LED module is mounted, and a number of fins that are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the LED module accommodation groove, an air circulation path that is lengthily formed between the housing and the heat radiation unit. |
| US08888312B2 |
Power generating lamp and illumination appliance
A power generating lamp capable of effectively use electrical energy of lighting to generate high electromotive force comprising a linear or annular lamp tube that is supplied with power and emits light and one or a plurality of solar panels that have an arc shape in a cross-sectional view or a linear shape a cross-sectional view. |
| US08888310B2 |
Floating illumination device
A floating device that is capable of illumination. In one embodiment, the invention can be a floating illumination device comprising: a housing having a sealed interior cavity and a substantially vertical axis; a power source located within the sealed interior cavity, the power source comprising a first battery and a second battery separated by a gap; and a light source located within the sealed interior cavity and operably coupled to the power source, the light source located within the gap between the first battery and the second battery. |
| US08888303B2 |
Optical sheet controlling external light, display device and method for producing optical sheet
An optical sheet, which can suitably absorb external light over a wide range and can improve a contrast, a display device, and a method for producing an optical sheet. The optical sheet is disposed on an observer side relative to an image light source and includes: a plurality of layers that control light emitted from the image light source to emit the light on the observer side, wherein at least one of the plurality of layers is an optical functional sheet layer which includes prisms being arranged in parallel along the surface of the optical sheet whereby light can be transmitted and wedge portions are arranged in parallel between the prisms whereby light can be absorbed. At least one of the plurality of layers other than the optical functional sheet layer is a light-absorbing layer. |
| US08888302B2 |
Delineator with configurable reflector
A delineator includes a delineator body, a positioning member, and a reflective sheet. The delineator body and the positioning member include mounting features adapted to mate with each other at a plurality of positions corresponding to different positions of the positioning member on the delineator body. By selecting one of the different positions of the positioning member on the delineator body, the user can select a visibility configuration of the delineator. In some cases the reflective sheet may be bonded to the positioning member, so that the reflective sheet is positioned at a particular place on the delineator and visible to an observer when the positioning member is mounted in the selected position. In other cases the reflective sheet may be bonded to the delineator body, and the positioning member may cover one portion of the reflective sheet and leave another portion of the reflective sheet exposed to an observer. |
| US08888301B2 |
Foreign matter removal unit and optical apparatus having the same
A foreign matter removal unit includes a rectangular optical member disposed on an optical path, in which is set an optically effective region through which a light flux passes, a piezoelectric device provided to a side of the optical member on the outer side of the optically effective region, and a vibration suppression member provided to a side of the optical member where the piezoelectric device is not provided. The vibration suppression member is provided to the optical member such that an edge face of the side of the optical member does not protrude out from an edge face of the vibration suppression member. |
| US08888297B2 |
Polarized light source and polarization converting method and device thereof
A polarized light source comprises a light emitting source and a polarization conversion device. The polarization conversion device comprises a fixing device (107), and a transparent moveable carrier (104) having motion state with respect to the fixing device (107) and provided with light wavelength conversion material (103). The polarization conversion device further comprises a stationary polarization beam splitter (101) close to the moveable carrier for transmitting a portion of excited light from the light wavelength conversion material (103) to provide a polarized emitted light and reflecting the other portion back to the light wavelength conversion material (103). A filter (102) for reflecting the excited light and transmitting the light from the light emitting source can be disposed at the side of the moveable carrier opposite to the polarization beam splitter (101). |
| US08888284B2 |
Field of light based device
The invention teaches a field of light based method and system suitable for non-invasive target analysis, including in vivo analysis. A embodiment of the system comprises a field of light imaging device; an illuminating module consisting of a plurality of light sources that emit light radiation centered on multiple wavelengths; a partially reflective minor positioned to reflect radiation to the target from the illumination module, and from the target to the field of light imaging device; a display; a processing and control module coordinating target position, and the synchronous output of the illumination module with image capture by the field of light imaging device; and an output and storage device. |
| US08888280B2 |
Automatic modification of a progressive lens design
A method and apparatus for creating a progressive spectacle lens design by transforming a starting design. The starting design is defined to include specifications for the course of a principal line and specification of at least one base target isoastigmatism line with a constant base target astigmatism, in which the base target isoastigmatism line passes through a first predetermined control point {right arrow over (r)}1=(u1,y1). The method and apparatus transform the starting design by shifting the first control point {right arrow over (r)}1=(u1,y1) along a predetermined or predeterminable curve, taking into account the design and/or the spectacle lens wearer-specific data; modifying the course of the base target isoastigmatism line such that it passes through the shifted first control point {right arrow over (r)}′1(u′1,y′1); and calculating a target astigmatism distribution A(u,y), which exhibits the modified base target isoastigmatism line. Furthermore, the method and apparatus are provided to create the spectacle lens on the basis of the progressive spectacle lens design. |
| US08888271B2 |
Air bearing substrate media transport
Disclosed is an apparatus for transporting a substrate media sheet along a process path through a marking zone. The apparatus includes a marking zone, an air bearing support rail and a media cart. The marking zone marks the substrate media sheet. The air bearing support rail extends from a first location upstream of the marking zone to a second location downstream of the marking zone. The media cart conveys the sheet along the process path. The media cart includes a platen for holding the sheet thereon as the media cart translates through the marking zone. The media cart is supported along the process path between the first and second locations by the air bearing support rail. The air bearing support rail includes a gaseous layer providing a non-contact bearing support between an outer surface of the air bearing support rail and a non-contact support surface of the media cart. |
| US08888265B2 |
Ink set and image printing method
An ink set includes a first ink that contains a white material and a first resin; and a second ink that contains a color material other than the white material and a second resin, wherein the first resin includes a component (A) causing cracks when resin of 0.5 g is dropped onto a slide glass and is dried at a temperature of 50° C. and a humidity of 0% RH for 10 minutes, and wherein the second resin includes a component (B) of at least one of polyolefin wax and ethylene vinyl acetate resin. |
| US08888264B2 |
Method of preparing dispersions
A process for preparing dispersions of particles, especially aqueous dispersions is described. The process relates to a dispersion process where a polar solvent is added during the dispersion process such that the hydrogen bonding solubility parameter component, δh, of the initial dispersion mixture increases at least 1.5 units. When the polar solvent added is water the dispersion process is called a Solvent-to-Water Process. |
| US08888260B2 |
Liquid-jet head and image forming apparatus
A liquid-jet head includes nozzles ejecting liquid drops, individual liquid chambers in communication with the corresponding nozzles, a common liquid chamber supplying the liquid to the individual liquid chambers, and a filter member filtering the liquid inside the common liquid chamber. The filter member includes a thin layer having pores and a thick layer on a circumferential part of the thin layer, the thick layer being bonded to the first common liquid chamber member; the thin layer includes a first surface having the thick layer and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a circumferential part of the second surface being bonded to the second common liquid chamber member with an adhesive; and part of or all the pores in the circumferential part of the second surface are exposed in a direction toward the thick layer, and the adhesive overflows into the pores. |
| US08888259B2 |
Induction ink melter
A melting device melts solid ink into liquid ink by passing alternating current through an electrical conductor arranged in coils around a housing. The liquid ink passes from a reservoir, through a spool valve arrangement, and into first and second chambers. The spool valve arrangement only allows liquid ink into one chamber at a time. While the first chamber is being filled, pressure is applied to the second chamber. The pressure applied to the second chamber forces the liquid ink in the second chamber through a filter and an outlet. When the first chamber is filled to a predetermined level, pressure is no longer applied to the second chamber and is applied to the first chamber. The pressure applied to the first chamber moves the spool valve arrangement to block the first chamber. While pressure is applied to the first chamber, the second chamber is filled with liquid ink. |
| US08888258B2 |
Printing liquid container, printing liquid filled container, image forming apparatus and printing liquid filled container manufacturing method
The present invention provides a printing liquid container, a printing liquid filled container, an image forming apparatus, and a printing liquid filled container manufacturing method that may enlarge the opening surface area in a seal membrane. Namely, the printing liquid container includes: a sealing membrane provided to a capping section for sealing an opening in the capping section; a contact portion formed in a central portion of the sealing membrane, the contact portion is contacted by a hole piercing tool for forming a hole in the sealing membrane; and a first rupture portion configured thinner than the sealing membrane and extending out from the contact portion to an outer peripheral portion of the sealing membrane. |
| US08888257B2 |
Liquid discharge head, liquid discharge device using the same, and recording apparatus
Providing is a liquid discharge head less susceptible to a standing wave occurred in a shared flow path; a liquid discharge device using the liquid discharge head; and a recording apparatus. The liquid discharge head includes a plurality of liquid discharge pores; a plurality of liquid pressing chambers 210 respectively connected to the plurality of liquid discharge pores; a shared flow path 205a being long in one direction and being linked the plurality of liquid pressing chambers 210; a liquid supply path 205c which is connected to both ends of the shared flow path 205a, and has a larger cross-sectional area than the shared flow path 205a; and a plurality of pressing parts for respectively pressing liquid in the plurality of liquid pressing chambers 10. The cross-sectional area of a middle segment of the shared flow path 205a is smaller than the cross-sectional area of that of each of both end segments thereof. |
| US08888255B2 |
Piezoelectric actuator with coplanar electrodes
A piezoelectric actuator includes a cantilever membrane. A thin film sheet is affixed to one side of the cantilever membrane to bend the membrane in multiple directions in response to an electric field induced within the thin film sheet. A plurality of coplanar electrodes disposed on the thin film sheet are interdigitated in relation to one another to generate the electric field during application of a voltage across interdigitated electrodes. |
| US08888254B2 |
High density three-dimensional electrical interconnections
Implementations relate to methods, devices produced by the method, and systems using the devices, for forming three-dimensional interconnect structures for ink piezoelectric printheads. A piezoelectric element array for an ink jet print head can include a plurality of piezoelectric elements spaced from adjacent piezoelectric elements by an interstitial space. Each piezoelectric element can include a central void space formed in a first intermediate layer between the piezoelectric element array and a second intermediate layer that is operable to function as a free space for portions of the piezoelectric elements to actuate into when subjected to the voltage. |
| US08888253B2 |
Method of manufacturing electromechanical transducer layer, method of manufacturing electromechanical transducer element, electromechanical transducer layer formed by the method, electromechanical transducer element, inkjet head and inkjet recording apparatus
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing an electromechanical transducer layer on a surface of a substrate, including discharging a solution including a source material to form the electromechanical transducer layer from a nozzle of a nozzle plate to coat the solution on the surface of the substrate while applying voltage between the nozzle plate and the substrate to charge the nozzle plate at a first polarity and the substrate at a second polarity opposite to the first polarity such that a split droplet split from a main droplet which is coated on the surface of the substrate becomes charged at the second polarity and is attracted and collected by the nozzle plate; and applying a heat treatment to the substrate on which the solution is coated to crystallize the solution to form the electromechanical transducer layer. |
| US08888244B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus and method of forming nozzles
A printing apparatus includes a first nozzle substrate having a first tapered nozzle unit aligned with a pressure chamber and a second nozzle substrate having a second tapered nozzle unit aligned with the first tapered nozzle unit and attached to the bottom of the first nozzle substrate. |
| US08888243B2 |
Inkjet printing devices for reducing damage during nozzle maintenance
Provided is an inkjet printing device. The inkjet printing device includes a passage forming substrate having a plurality of pressure chambers and a nozzle substrate. The nozzle substrate includes a plurality of nozzle blocks extending in a first direction, a plurality of nozzles connected to the pressure chambers and penetrating the nozzle blocks, and a plurality of trenches. Each of the trenches is disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with respect to the nozzle blocks, recessed from a bottom surface of the nozzle blocks, and extends in the first direction. |
| US08888239B2 |
Inkjet printer
In an inkjet printer, a first sparsely arranged portion of a first ejection head entirely overlaps in a movement direction with a second densely arranged portion of a second ejection head. A plurality of outlets of the first sparsely arranged portion include use outlets, and among a plurality of outlets of the second densely arranged portion, those that overlap in the movement direction with use outlets of the first sparsely arranged portion are non-use outlets. In an overlapping range of the first ejection head and the second ejection head, outlets of both of the ejection heads are used in recording an image onto a base material. Consequently, it is possible to prevent or suppress a reduction in print quality such as changes in density or the occurrence of voids due to displacement of the mounting positions of ejection heads in the overlapping range. |
| US08888233B2 |
Device for cleaning wiper elements for an inkjet print head
In a device to clean wiper elements of an inkjet print head of an ink dispenser of a printing apparatus having a chassis, a maintenance station is mounted on the chassis to allow travel of the maintenance station in at least one direction that causes the maintenance station to move past the inkjet print head. The maintenance station carries wiper elements that wipe ink from the surface of the inkjet print head as the maintenance station moves past the inkjet print head. An ink uptake unit is mounted at the chassis at a position past which the maintenance station travels, after traveling past the inkjet print head. The ink uptake unit includes material that transfers ink from the wipers to the material. |
| US08888232B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a pressure chamber that communicates with a nozzle which has an opening at a nozzle formation surface; a communication plate where a common liquid chamber which supplies a liquid to the pressure chamber is formed; a liquid ejecting head having a flexible film which seals the opening surface at the nozzle formation surface side of the common liquid chamber in the communication plate; and a sealing member which has a cavity-shaped sealing hollow section and can be sealed by the nozzle formation surface being confronted in the sealing hollow section. The sealing member is configured so as to be sealable by at least a portion of the flexible film being confronted in the sealing hollow section in a sealed state of the nozzle formation surface. |
| US08888231B2 |
Cleaning method and cleaning device
A cleaning method of an ink supply path in a recording apparatus where ink is supplied from an ink cartridge, includes a first cleaning step of cleaning by supplying to the ink supply path a gas-liquid mixture of a cleaning liquid A provided with an ink cleaning action and gas, and a second cleaning step of cleaning by supplying to the ink supply path a cleaning liquid B provided with an air bubble suppressing action after the first cleaning step. |
| US08888226B1 |
Crack detection circuits for printheads
Crack detection circuits for printheads are described. In an example, a crack detection circuit for at least one printhead, includes: crack detectors formed on the at least one printhead; switches selectively coupling the crack detectors on each printhead to a communication bus; and a configuration circuit on each printhead coupled to control inputs of the respective switches, each configuration circuit responsive to a crack detection configuration input to control the respective switches. |
| US08888219B2 |
Method of acquiring correction value and method of manufacturing liquid discharging apparatus
There is provided a method of acquiring a correction value of a liquid discharging apparatus that includes a first nozzle row, a second nozzle row, a third nozzle row, and a fourth nozzle row, the method includes: acquiring the amount of deviation (heterogeneous row error) of a dot formed by the third nozzle row in the predetermined direction, acquiring the amount of deviation (overlapping area error) between the dot formed by the third nozzle row and a dot formed by the fourth nozzle row in the predetermined direction, and acquiring a correction value which causes discharge data assigned to the fourth nozzle row to shift in the predetermined direction based on the heterogeneous row error and the overlapping area error. |
| US08888216B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus including controller supplying non-ejection drive signal
The liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid ejection head, a drive unit, a non-ejection drive controller, and an environment measurement unit. The drive unit selectively supplies an ejection drive signal and a non-ejection drive signal to the actuator. The non-ejection drive controller causes the drive unit to supply the non-ejection drive signal to the actuator within a non-ejection drive period which is at the trailing end portion of the non-ejection period, when the non-ejection period satisfies the predetermined condition. The non-ejection drive controller controls the drive unit so that the length of a blank period is varied based on at least one of the temperature and the humidity measured by the environment measurement unit, the blank period being a period between a point of supplying a final non-ejection drive signal within the non-ejection drive period and the trailing end of the non-ejection period. |
| US08888214B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
This invention enhances gloss uniformity of a formed image surface by selectively using colorless inks according to dot layouts of colored inks. A dot-layout unit sets colored dot layouts for respective colors of colored ink data. A colorless-dot-layout unit sets a colorless dot layout for one colorless ink with reference to a colorless dot layout table according to the colored ink data. An image is formed according to the colored and colorless dot layouts. In the colorless dot layout table, when a specular glossiness calculated according to the colored dot layouts is high, the colorless dot layout is set to superpose a colorless ink having a low refractive index on a colored ink having a high refractive index. Conversely, when the specular glossiness is low, the colorless dot layout is set to superpose a colorless ink having a high refractive index on a colored ink having a low refractive index. |
| US08888213B2 |
Circuit device and droplet ejection apparatus
A circuit device drives actuator elements respectively associated with a plurality of nozzles to cause droplets to be ejected from the nozzles. The circuit device includes input terminals; a receiving unit; a switching unit; and a transfer unit. The receiving unit receives, via the input terminals, input signals including a terminal arrangement signal and drive signals for driving the actuator elements. The terminal arrangement signal indicates a type of assignment of signals to be assigned to the input terminals. The switching unit switches the assignment of signals in accordance with the terminal arrangement signal. The transfer unit transfers, to the actuator elements, drive signals that are input to the input terminals after the assignment of signals has been switched. |
| US08888207B2 |
Systems, methods and articles related to machine-readable indicia and symbols
A system employs combinations of marking media, each with respective distinguishing spectral characteristics to encode human comprehensible information in, and read human comprehensible information from, machine-readable indicia or symbols. Machine-readable indicia may be a single dot encoding information only in the combinations. Machine-readable symbols may be linear or two dimensional, spatially encoding information in the combinations, as well as spatially. A symbology may map at least the combinations to human-readable symbols or characters. A printer may form indicia or symbols with combinations of marking media. A reader may read indicia or symbols and decode information from at least the combinations of marking media. Different combinations may be visually homogenous, for example gray. |
| US08888203B2 |
Door closure structure for rotary door and side-by-side refrigerator comprising the same
A door closure structure for a rotary door and a side-by-side refrigerator comprising the same are provided. The door closure structure comprises: a slide passage formed in an upper end surface of the rotary door; a hinge assembly comprising a hinge body, a hinge plate and a hinge shaft; and a swing plate extended in a lateral direction, a first end of the swing plate pivotably connected to a front end of the hinge body, an angle between the swing plate and the upper end surface of the rotary door ranging from 0 to 90°; a spring having two ends connected to the swing plate and the front end of the hinge body respectively; and a roller rotatably disposed at a second end of the swing plate to catch into or roll out of the slide passage following a movement of the swing plate. |
| US08888202B2 |
Pull-out mechanism for a drawer
A pull-out mechanism for mounting a drawer in a drawer cavity of a piece of furniture. The mechanism may include an upper pull-out rail with a substantially U-shaped cross-section affixed to the drawer and may optionally include a lower rail with a substantially U-shaped cross-section affixed to a wall in a drawer cavity. The mechanism may also have an intermediate rail, which is disposed between the upper rail and the lower rail, or alternatively may support the upper rail while attaching to the wall. One or more bearing holders provided with at least one ball bearing and a plurality of rollers or wheels supports the upper rail and optional lower rail in a mounted relationship with the intermediate rail. |
| US08888196B2 |
Field spoke repair kit
Disclosed herein is a bicycle wheel repair kit for joining a first segment of a spoke to a second segment of the spoke, the first segment extending radially outward from a wheel hub to terminate in a first free end and the second segment extending radially inward from a wheel rim to terminate in a second free end. The kit may include a coupler including a first engagement member and a second engagement member. The first engagement member is configured to engage the first free end. The second engagement member is generally opposite the first engagement member and configured to engage the second free end. The coupler is configured such that a distance between the first engagement member and the second engagement member can be adjusted. |
| US08888195B1 |
Aerodynamic bicycle rim and wheel
Embodiments described herein provide aerodynamic bicycle rims and wheels. Embodiments can include a bicycle rim that is wider than the width of the tire proximate to the outer edge of the rim and is shaped so that there is a tangent line tangent to the rim and the tire. The tangent line can be tangent to the rim on the sidewall or elsewhere on the rim. The widest part of the rim can be radially inward from the outer edge of the rim or elsewhere on the rim and the tangent line can be tangent at the widest part of the rim or elsewhere on the rim. |
| US08888194B2 |
Control module for milling rotor
A control module for a milling rotor of a machine is provided. The control module comprises a processor and a controller. The processor is configured to receive a first signal, indicative of a direction of motion of the machine, a second signal, indicative of a relative height of a pair of side plates with respect to the milling rotor, and a third signal, indicative of a relative height of a moldboard with respect to the milling rotor. The processor processes the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal to generate a control signal. The controller is configured to receive the control signal from the processor and selectively disengage the milling rotor of the machine based on the control signal. |
| US08888190B2 |
Dynamic seating components for wheelchairs
A wheelchair includes a pivotable mechanism. The pivotable mechanism allows for a pivoting movement about an axis defined by an interface between adjacent components. These components may be (a) a seat member and a back member, (b) a seat member and a footrest, (c) a foot rest and a footplate support, (d) a baseplate and a footplate, or (e) a back member and a headrest. |
| US08888186B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat including: a rotatable arm configured to release a holding state of a holding mechanism of a seat body; and an operating strap configured to rotate the arm by being pulled at a first end portion thereof, wherein a second end portion of the operating strap opposite to the first end portion is fixed to the seat body, a middle portion of the operating strap is folded back and is hanged to an engaging portion provided to the arm, and the arm is configured to be rotated by pulling the operating strap so as to pull in the engaging portion by the middle portion, and wherein the middle portion, which is folded back from the second end portion, is folded back from an outer side to an inner side with respect to a rotational center of the arm. |
| US08888184B2 |
Tilting device for a chair
The invention relates to a tilting device (5) for a chair, comprising a lower plate (6) and an upper plate (7). An elastic body (8) is located therebetween. The lower plate (6) has a bulge (9) in the vertical direction, by means of which the tilting device (5) is placed onto the upper end of a gas spring (2). The seat plate (3) of the chair is fastened to the upper plate (7). |
| US08888180B2 |
Disposable automobile seat cover
A disposable seat cover for a child safety seat includes an upper sheet, a lower sheet and upwardly curved pocket formed by the upper sheet for receiving a kidney shaped absorbent pad, the upper sheet having front flaps that are selectively overlapped and adhesively secured to form an upwardly disposed crotch portion juxtaposed to the pocket and the absorbent pad. The seat cover is adhesively or frictionally held to the child safety seat, side elements members and a fold construction provide universal conformance to the seat and for the occupant. |
| US08888177B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat comprises: a base frame (side frame 4, pipe frame 5) which constitutes at least left and right lower portions of a seat back frame; a force-receiving member (bracket 7) disposed adjacent to a left or right outer side of the base frame, and configured to receive a load from outside in a lateral direction; and a load transmission part configured to transmit the load from the force-receiving member to a side laterally opposite to that on which the force-receiving member is provided, wherein the force-receiving member has a shape with a closed cross section, and a portion of at least one of an upper wall (72) and a lower wall (74) separate from front and rear ends thereof provides an uneven shape (stepped profile 72a, 74a). |
| US08888176B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat comprises: left and right side frames (4) which constitute left and right lower portions of a seat back frame (2); an inner frame (pipe frame 5) disposed adjacent to a laterally inner side of one of the side frames (4); a force-receiving member (bracket 7) disposed adjacent to a laterally outer side of the one of the side frames (4), provided discretely from the inner frame, and configured to receive a load from outside in a lateral direction; and a load transmission part (lower frame 6 and lower portion 51 of the pipe frame 5) configured to transmit the load from the force-receiving member to a side laterally opposite to that on which the force-receiving member is provided. The force-receiving member is directly fixed to the inner frame. |
| US08888175B2 |
Slide-out bed pod
A pod assembly for use in an aircraft that includes a seat with a seat bottom and a seat back, a shell that at least partially surrounds the seat, and a bed associated with the shell. The bed is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position where the bed is generally flat. The bed is supported by the shell in the deployed position. |
| US08888173B2 |
Vehicle side body structure
A vehicle side body structure includes a sill, an A-pillar and a reinforcement member. The sill defines an internal sill space and the A-pillar defines an internal A-pillar space. The A-pillar is rigidly connected to the sill with the internal sill space and the internal A-pillar space being connected. The reinforcement member is located within the internal sill space and the internal A-pillar space. The reinforcement member has a forward end fixedly attached to the sill at a front attachment point and a rearward end fixedly attached to the A-pillar at a rear attachment point that is laterally offset from the front attachment point. The reinforcement member includes a main bracing part that extends diagonally between the front and rear attachment points within both the internal sill space and the internal A-pillar space with respect to a vehicle longitudinal direction. |
| US08888167B2 |
Body structure of vehicle
A dash panel has an impact absorption portion formed therein. A suspension tower is connected to the impact absorption portion, so that support stiffness thereof can be ensured. In addition, the suspension tower can be rotated around the front pillar due to an impact, so that an amount of backward movement of the dash panel toward a vehicle interior can be reduced. Thus, a brake booster cannot substantially be moved backward, so that a brake pedal and a steering column can be prevented from being displaced in an upward and backward projecting direction. As a result, a vehicle interior can be protected. |
| US08888166B2 |
Load transfer device
A load transfer system and device for use in connection with structures forming a personnel cabin for a vehicle, is disclosed. The load transfer system includes a first surface, a second surface joined in an overlapping configuration with the first surface at a plurality of connection points, and, a load transfer device, wherein a force impacted on the first surface transfers via the load transfer device away from the connection points to prevent shearing of the connection points from the surfaces. The system and device are particularly useful on military vehicles, which are frequently subjected to high impact activities, including shock waves from a mine blast or impact between two objects, such as a vehicle crash. These events can subject the structures forming the vehicles and cabins to large shear stresses, particularly on the connection points holding the structures together, which could cause the connections to fail. |
| US08888163B1 |
Utility vehicle screen
A removable and re-attachable screen for a utility vehicle (UTV) for providing protection from debris to a driver and passenger while allowing airflow into the cab area. The screen includes a frame made of flexible material and a meshed flexible screen secured to the frame. The frame has a plurality of securement devices for securing the frame to a roll cage of a utility vehicle. Further, the securement devices are secured to at least a front top bar of the roll cage and at least two side bars of the roll cage. The screen can be further made of fiberglass material, thereby providing durable and long lasting protection. |
| US08888162B2 |
Universal accessory mounting system for two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles
A universal accessory mounting system for at least one of a two-wheeled vehicle and a three-wheeled vehicle including a rider area and a steering assembly including a steering tube, includes a vertical panel located in front of the rider area and aft of the steering tube, and a plurality of standard attachment features mountable to the vertical panel for mounting a plurality of different storage option accessories to the vertical panel. |
| US08888161B1 |
Vehicle seat with multi-axis energy attenuation
Methods and apparatus are provided for an energy attenuating seat assembly with multi-axis energy attenuation. In one embodiment the seat assembly comprises a seat with a back, a first energy attenuating support comprising a first seat guide, and a first energy attenuating link, the first energy attenuating support operatively disposed in a first direction with respect to the seat. The exemplary seat assembly further comprises a second energy attenuating support comprising a second seat guide, and a second energy attenuating link, the second energy attenuating support operatively disposed in a second direction with respect to the seat. |
| US08888156B2 |
Handling tool, for secure handling of connectors of electrolysis cells intended for aluminium production
A handling device includes at least a guiding member having a notch associated with two side trunnions and designed to receive a trunnion, the handling device also including a gripping member the guiding member and the gripping member cooperating in such a manner that, when the gripping member is in an open position, each trunnion can be inserted into or extracted from the notch, and when the gripping member is in a closed position, each trunnion can only move a limited distance in the notch, between a “low” position and a “high” position, an actuating system associated with the gripping member, able to move it between the open and closed positions, and a locking system that is able to block said gripping member when a locked position, and able to move from the locked position to an unlocked position when the are in the high position. |
| US08888146B2 |
Security device for a sliding door or sliding window assembly
A security device for a sliding door or sliding window assembly comprising a base plate and a removably interlocking stop member. The base plate is securely fastened to the floor or window sill, respectively, in close proximity and along the path of movement of a sliding door or sliding window, by means of a plurality of openings for receiving screws. The stop member, while engagingly disposed in the interlocked, in use position, prevents the sliding door or sliding window from opening at all or past a predetermined point. The base plate and stop member are each formed having an interlocking means element, adapted to receive, matingly, the others interlocking means element. The stop member features a blocking element, which projects into the path of the sliding door or sliding window, while in the in use position. Removing the stop member allows normal movement of the sliding door or sliding window. |
| US08888139B2 |
Metal hose end fitting
A pressure tight, high pressure metal hose fitting is provided for a corrugated metal hose formed from metal tube having the fitting crimped permanently to the end of the hose. The fitting includes a first end with a stem which has threading to be coupled to an appropriate fitting surface. The fitting also has a second end adapted to be received within the hose. A sealing gasket is disposed on the second end of the fitting. A clamshell element is disposed above and about the fitting and the hose. The fitting includes projections which are adapted to be received in the clamshell assembly. A crimping ferrule is placed above and about the clamshell and is crimped to compress the clamshell about the fitting and hose and causes the sealing gasket to form a pressure tight seal. |
| US08888138B2 |
Hose coupling
A hose coupling assembly is described that includes a nipple section for retaining a flexible hose where the hose is crimped between the nipple section and a socket. A tubular sleeve covers a portion of the nipple section known as the nipple extension section and the sleeve is attached to the nipple section so as to cover at least one aperture formed in the nipple section such that the sleeve is forced outward towards the socket when pressurized fluid is introduced into the hose coupling assembly which increases the compression force on the hose. |
| US08888134B2 |
Mounting unit for sub-frame in vehicle
A mounting unit for a sub-frame of a vehicle is provided. The mounting unit is used for engaging a front side member with the vehicle's sub-frame. The mounting unit includes a welding seat that is formed as a groove on a lower side of the front side member. The mounting unit further includes a mounting nut assembled with the front side member, a welding flange integrated with an external circumference and a head of the mounting nut and inserted into the welding seat to be combined with the welding seat, and a member seat that is formed outside the welding flange and with which a fender upper connecting member is combined. |
| US08888133B2 |
Work vehicle with a ground-work unit
A work vehicle has a ground-work unit that is mounted under a frame supported by front wheels and rear wheels and disposed forwardly of the front wheels. The work vehicle includes a steering wheel supported to a steering post and consisting of spokes and a ring. A man-machine interface face formed in the steering post downwardly of the steering wheel and around a rotational axis of the steering wheel includes a display face having a flat panel display and an operation face having an operation input device. The steering wheel is greater in size than the flat panel display as seen in the direction of rotational axis of the steering wheel, and the operation face is greater in length than the flat panel display in the direction of vehicle width. |
| US08888130B2 |
Lawn care vehicle with rear wheel steering assembly
A riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame and a steering assembly. Wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle may be attachable to the frame. The steering assembly may include a steering wheel operably coupled to rear wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle via a cable system. The cable system may include a first cable portion, a second cable portion and a pulley assembly. The first and second cable portions may each contact a steering column pulley at respective first ends of the first and second cable portions. The steering column pulley may be configured to pull a corresponding one of the first cable portion or the second cable portion based on a direction of rotation of the steering wheel. The first and second cable portions may each be in operable communication with a steering disc at respective second ends of the first and second cable portions. The steering disc may provide translation of movement of the first cable portion and the second cable portion into corresponding movement of the rear wheels. The pulley assembly may be configured such that each pulley of the pulley assembly handles both the first cable portion and the second cable portion as the first cable portion and the second cable portion are conveyed from the steering column pulley to the steering disc to translate motion of the steering column pulley to the steering disc. |
| US08888129B2 |
Inflation method and apparatus for an airbag
An airbag device includes an airbag comprising foam bulk at least partially surrounded by a flexible membrane, the airbag compressible from a second volume to a first volume; a locking mechanism for maintaining the airbag compressed to the first volume; a one-way valve openable to deliver air to the airbag when the locking mechanism is released; and wherein when the locking mechanism is released, the airbag expands. |
| US08888123B1 |
Folding structure of baby stroller and method for folding the baby stroller
A folding structure of a baby stroller and includes two respective links which are connected to two lower ends of two handles. The links are connected to two front frames and pivotably connected with two respective slides which are pivotably connected to an X-shaped connection frame which is pivotably connected to two rear frames. When folding the baby stroller, the two handles are pushed downward to activate the slides by the links, the slides then activate the connection frame to pull the rear frames to let the stroller stand up. The handles are almost not overlapped with the front frames so as to reduce weight. |
| US08888117B2 |
Suspension systems and methods for bicycles
A bicycle seat suspension assembly has a parallelogram pivoting linkage connecting the frame with the seat. The parallelogram linkage has a frame link, seat link, upper link, and lower link. An upper spring assembly pivotally engages the frame link on one end and extends up to pivotally engage the upper link. A lower spring assembly pivotally engages the frame link on one end and the lower link on the other end. The suspension assembly is movable between an uppermost position wherein the upper and lower spring assemblies are pre-compressed, and a second position wherein the upper and lower spring assemblies are further compressed. In some embodiments one or both of the spring assemblies have a compression spring that can be swapped out with another compression spring to adjust the spring rate of the assembly. |
| US08888113B2 |
Air bladder suspension
An air bladder suspension. The air bladder suspension of the present invention may be used with a vehicle wheel and a tricycle add-on wheel. The air bladder suspension may include a cantilever or seesaw type configuration and absorb shock when the tire of the wheel hits a ripple or bump on a road. |
| US08888111B2 |
Mobile storage unit
A mobile storage unit is disclosed. The mobile storage unit comprises at least two structural frames, a seat portion coupled to the at least two structural frames, a handle assembly coupled to the seat portion, a bottom panel coupled to the at least two structural frames whereby a storage area is created below the seat portion, above the bottom portion and between the at least two structural frames and at least two wheels coupled to the bottom panel. Through the use of the present invention, the potential for back problems that are associated with the use of the traditional backpack is eliminated. Additionally, the mobile storage unit provides an easily accessible storage area for the user/student in the case where no locker is provided. Furthermore, the mobile storage unit incorporates a seat portion which allows a user to utilize the mobile storage unit as a seat in situations where one is needed yet not available. |
| US08888108B1 |
Skateboard truck
A skateboard truck is provided that includes a base plate, a hanger and a kingpin. The base plate includes a kingpin clamping device, wherein the kingpin clamping device engages the kingpin and clamps around the circumference of the kingpin. The kingpin is prohibited from axial and radial movement in response to clamping the kingpin clamping device around the kingpin. The skateboard truck may also include a pivot alignment system. The pivot alignment system includes a recess in the hanger, a bearing coupled within the recess of hanger, a slot within the base plate and a pivot rod coupled to each the slot and the bearing. The pivot rod extends through the slot and engages the bearing within the recess of the hanger. The pivot rod may be moved from an engaged to a disengaged position, wherein the disengaged position, the pivot rod is slideable within the slot. |
| US08888096B2 |
Blocking mechanism for amusement game
A blocking mechanism for a table-type amusement game, and a table type amusement game equipped with a blocking mechanism. The blocking mechanism utilizes a blocking bar which goes from a closed position, which blocks a playing piece from scoring to an open position, which permits the playing piece to score. The blocking mechanism may be manually or electrically operated. When the blocking mechanism is electrically operated, it may be activated by the insertion of a coin into a coin and/or bill acceptor of the type found on table-type amusement games. |
| US08888095B1 |
Processing apparatus of cards and sheets
A processing apparatus of cards, etc., includes a stacker, which can lead a card overflowed from a main stacker automatically to an extension stacker. The apparatus includes a stacker provided by a main stacker, an extension stacker at the downstream side of the main stacker, and a switching mechanism for switching discharge of the card from the main stacker to the extension stacker. The switching mechanism includes a stopper to which a tip of the card overflowed from the main stacker is contacted and stopped, and a switching slope switching the discharged card from a main stacker discharging posture to an extension stacker discharging posture. When the card overflows from the main stacker, the card is contacted with the stopper and the switching slope is automatically switched to the extension stacker discharging posture, and the card next to the overflowed is discharged to the extension stacker with a correct order. |
| US08888093B2 |
Position detection device for detecting sheet position, conveyance device, and image formation device with threshold determination unit
A threshold for detecting a position of a lateral edge of a sheet is more accurately determined, whereby the accuracy of detection of the lateral edge position of the sheet is improved. A line sensor includes a plurality of element blocks. Each element block includes a plurality of pixels. The threshold for detecting the lateral edge position is determined based on a light level and a dark level of signals output from an element block that is actually used to detect the lateral edge position of the sheet. |
| US08888091B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a stacking plate configured to stack sheets, a sheet feeding unit configured to feed the sheets by contacting the sheets stacked on the stacking plate, an elevating unit configured to elevate the stacking plate by a drive transmitted from a drive unit, a drive transmission unit configured to transmit the drive from the drive unit to drive the sheet feeding unit, and a clutch mechanism configured to cause the drive transmission unit to transmit the drive from the drive unit to the sheet feeding unit after the elevating unit urges the sheets stacked on the stacking plate toward the sheet feeding unit by elevating the stacking plate. |
| US08888087B2 |
Susceptor support portion and epitaxial growth apparatus including susceptor support portion
A susceptor support portion of the present invention includes a susceptor shaft and a substrate lift portion. The susceptor shaft includes a support column and a plurality of arms that extend radially from the support column, the substrate lift portion includes a support column and a plurality of arms that extend radially from the support column, the arm of the susceptor shaft includes a first arm, a second arm coupled to the first arm, and a third arm coupled to the second arm, from the support column side of the susceptor shaft, the second arm being provided with a through hole which passes through the second arm in a vertical direction, and a width of the first arm of the susceptor shaft is smaller than a width of the second arm of the susceptor shaft. |
| US08888083B2 |
Movement device having linear motor
A movement device includes: a linear motor including a mover and a stator and moving a movement body including the mover in one axial direction; a rotational motor having a rotor and included in the movement body; and a control device. The rotation axis of the rotor passes through the center of gravity of the movement body and intersects a plane including the center of gravity and the path of movement of the mover. The control device controls the rotation of the rotor so that the counter rotational torque which compensates at least a part of rotational torque acting on the movement body due to the movement of the mover is generated in the rotor. |
| US08888082B2 |
Mount bushing of stabilizer bar for vehicle
A mount bushing of a stabilizer bar for a vehicle includes an insert adapted to be directly molded to a predetermined position of the stabilizer bar, a sliding bearing comprising a pair of bearings and adapted to be coupled to an exterior circumference of the insert, a lubrication layer being formed between the insert and the sliding bearing, a rubber bushing comprising upper and lower rubber members and adapted to be coupled to the sliding bearing such that the rubber bushing encloses an exterior circumference of the sliding bearing, a bracket adapted to enclose the rubber bushing and to be fixed to a vehicle body, and first and second sealing means adapted to prevent foreign materials from flowing into the rubber bushing and to prevent grease in the rubber bushing from flowing out. |
| US08888079B2 |
Apparatus for improved vibration isolation
A vibration isolator having an upper housing defining an upper fluid chamber, a lower housing defining a lower fluid chamber, a piston resiliently disposed within the upper housing and the lower housing, a tuning passage defined by the piston, for providing fluid communication between the upper fluid chamber and the lower fluid chamber, a tuning fluid disposed within the tuning passage, the upper fluid chamber, and the lower fluid chamber. A reservoir in fluid communication with the upper fluid chamber for providing pressurization control of the vibration isolator. An expanded accumulator region for providing Increased pressure retention during maintenance and operation of the vibration isolator. |
| US08888078B2 |
Modular flow system
The invention relates to a modular flow system comprising a plurality of frame elements which can be combined by means of welded web structures to various stacks comprising in each case at least two, in particular at least ten frame elements, in order to form different functional units such as in particular a membrane distillation stage, a steam generator, a condenser, a heat exchanger, a filter and/or a pervaporation stage. The frame elements according to the invention comprise in each case an outer frame provided with passage openings and vapor and/or fluid channels as well as a central inner region surrounded by the outer frame. Moreover, each frame element is provided on both sides with a welded web structure that delimits, on the one hand, the region comprising the passage openings and the central inner region and, on the other hand, at least two regions, each comprising a vapor and/or fluid channel. |
| US08888077B1 |
Liquid distributor
A liquid flow distributor for positioning above one or more packing sections in a packed exchange tower includes a plurality of troughs. At least one trough in the plurality of troughs has along a side thereto a deflecting member. The deflecting member is angulated to generally follow a shape of the at least one trough. A diffuser side of the deflecting member is positioned to deposit the liquid into a discharge region. A deflector side of the deflecting member is positioned for deflecting ascending vapor away from the discharge region. |
| US08888072B1 |
Underwater fairlead assembly
An underwater fairlead assembly has a housing, a wheel, and a plurality of pocket segments. The wheel is connected to the housing by a shaft. The wheel may be a single webbed or a double webbed wheel. A plurality of pocket segments is removably affixed to the outer edges of the wheel. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of pocket segments includes eight removable pocket segments. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of pocket segments includes sixteen removable pocket segment halves. In the closed housing embodiment, the wheel and associated pocket segments are not entirely removable from the housing. In the open housing embodiment, a shaft securing arm secures the shafts, wheel and plurality of pocket segments to the housing. |
| US08888071B2 |
Trenchless pipe replacement of underground pipe
The present invention comprises an improved cable puller assembly for use in the trenchless replacement of underground pipes including water, sewer and electrical conduits. The improved cable puller assembly utilizes a cylinder body comprising four double acting hydraulic cylinders set up in pairs of two, i.e. two forward cylinders and two aft cylinders. The cable pullers are configured to move inwardly and outwardly from the cylinder body and feature the ability to pull a cable through a pipe on both their inward and outward strokes. |
| US08888068B2 |
Split gate valve with biasing mechanism
A system includes a split gate valve with first and second gate sections coupled together and configured to move together within a cavity of the split gate valve between an open position and a closed position. The split gate valve includes a rolling actuator to reduce friction and to convert a rotational input into a linear motion to move the first and second gate sections between the open and closed positions. The split gate valve also includes at least one expansion bar configured to bias the first and second gate sections from one another to seal against opposite seats of the split gate valve, wherein each expansion bar includes a spring mechanism configured to compress upon moving the first and second gate sections into and beyond the closed position to prevent buckling of the expansion bar. |
| US08888064B2 |
Coil retainer and method of use
A coil retainer is configured for securing a metal coil to a support surface using tension lines. The coil retainer includes a core insert extending about an arc and configured to be inserted into a hollow core of the metal coil so that an exterior of the core insert supports an inner surface of the coil along a portion of the inner surface. A coil side containment wall extends along the arc of the core insert and projects radially outward from the core insert. The coil side containment wall is configured to support a flat side of the metal coil. A cross beam extends across the arc of the core insert. Attached to the cross beam is at least one chain guide configured to guide a tension line over the cross beam and at least one chain mount configured to secure a tension line to the coil retainer. |
| US08888060B2 |
Display device
A connecting portion 21 (31) includes a hole portion 22 (33) and a shaft insertion portion 23 (34) that is cut in from an edge of an arm 2 (3) to the hole portion 22 (33) by a width smaller than a diameter of the hole portion 22 (33), and a post portion 42a (42b) includes a shaft 43a (43b) that is attachable to/detachable from the hole portion 22 (33) through the shaft insertion portion 23 (34) only from a predetermined direction when upper and lower arms 2 and 3 are projected to an extent not normally used, and a fixing portion 44a (44b) formed at both ends of the shaft 43a (43b) by a diameter larger than that of the hole portion 22 (33). |
| US08888059B2 |
Fastening device and holding device
A fastening device (6) for detachably fastening a first component (4) to a second component (5), especially to a motor vehicle. A bearing block (7), which has a stay bolt (13), is fastened to one component (5). The bearing block (7) has an anchor bracket (8), which is fastened to the other component (4) and which has an anchor hook (15) for hooking onto the stay bolt (13). A locking device (16) is provided which can be adjusted between a locking state, in which anchor hook (15) can be hooked into and detached from the stay bolt (13), and an unlocking state, in which stay bolt (13) is fixed to the anchor hook (15) hooked into same. |
| US08888057B2 |
Support stand
Generally a collapsible structure adapted to support a container. Specifically, a collapsible tripod which operates between a folded condition for transport and a support condition adapted to support a container. |
| US08888056B2 |
Detachable lifting module
A detachable lifting module includes a fixing support, a sliding unit, a mounting unit, and at least one fastening element. The fixing support has a first track defining a first space and a second track defining a second space. The sliding unit includes a first sliding element detachably disposed on the first track and a second sliding element detachably disposed on the second track. The first sliding element has a first pressing portion received in the first space, and the second sliding element has a second pressing portion received in the second space. The fastening element is capable of connecting the first and second sliding elements. The first and second pressing portions are respectively received by the first and the second spaces and respectively engaging the first and second tracks to lock the sliding unit by adjusting the fastening element. |
| US08888051B2 |
Train crossing safety system
Systems and/or methods for reducing problems associated with the train/railroad systems are provided. In certain example embodiments, a system and/or method is provided wherein a sensor monitors a particular area (e.g. a train/railroad crossing, a tunnel entrance or exit, etc.) and transmits data (e.g. an image and/or video) to a train as it approaches the monitored area (e.g. when it is within a predetermined distance of the monitored area). In certain example embodiments, the sensor may be enclosed within a housing to prevent damage thereto. A display within the train may indicate whether or not there is a problem at the particular monitored area (e.g. a blockage at a crossing, a cave-in at a tunnel, etc.). Multiple images corresponding to multiple areas may be displayed, and may be ordered, for example, to the train. The conductor of the train may take appropriate action to avoid accidents and/or to reduce the impact of inevitable accidents (e.g., by stopping the train or reducing speed). |
| US08888044B2 |
Aircraft provided with a buoyancy system for a rotary element
The present invention relates to an aircraft (1) provided with at least one rotary element (10) provided with blades (11) liable to come into contact with a liquid surface (100) on ditching, said aircraft including a buoyancy system. The aircraft includes a fairing (15) surrounding at least part of said rotary element (10), the fairing (15) including an inflatable emergency float (20) of the buoyancy system for preventing said blades (11) from coming into contact with the liquid surface when in an inflated position. |
| US08888042B2 |
Emergency vision apparatus
An emergency vision apparatus for providing an operator in a station visual access to information during a vision-obscuring emergency, comprises an expandable first enclosure filled with clear air, the first enclosure having front and rear transparent panels to allow an operator visual access through the first enclosure to a first source of information disposed in front of the front panel; an expandable second enclosure filled with clear air, the second enclosure having a rear panel and a transparent front panel for being disposed in proximity to a second source of information; a first camera disposed at the rear panel of the second enclosure, the camera being directed toward the front panel to image the second source of information through the second enclosure front panel; and a first display operably connected to the camera, the display being operably associated with the first enclosure to be visible to the operator through the first enclosure rear panel. |
| US08888041B2 |
Tank module for a structurally integrated vacuum sewage system for aircraft
A tank module for an aircraft is designed for being fitted into the aircraft fuselage from outside. The tank module comprises at least one receptacle and a shell section that forms an outer end of the tank module and is connected to the receptacle. The shell section can be fitted into a fuselage opening in such a way that the receptacle is positioned in the interior of the aircraft fuselage. |
| US08888040B2 |
System for opening and closing the door of an aircraft landing gear compartment
A system for opening and closing a door for a landing gear compartment of an aircraft includes a connection between the landing gear and the door with a first system forming an actuator mounted on the landing gear and a second system forming an actuator mounted on the door. The two systems form actuators connected to each other by at least one fluid communication device such that actuating the first system causes the actuation of the second system. |
| US08888039B2 |
Method and device for the lateral stabilization of an aircraft
The stabilizing device (1) comprises auxiliary stabilizers (6) which are mounted on the horizontal tailplane (2) of the aircraft and which generate a lateral stabilizing effect when brought into a deployed position. |
| US08888032B2 |
Tape cartridge
A tape cartridge includes: a first flange member including a first hub portion and a first flange portion; a second flange member including a second hub portion slidably fitting to the first hub portion and a second flange portion, and forming a reel winding a tape in a combination with the first flange member; an engagement portion in which a first through-hole is opened and that is located on a back side of a surface of the second flange portion facing the first flange portion so as to engage with a drive unit included in an external tape driving device; a first protrusion provided to the first hub portion so as to be exposed from the first through-hole and push up the first flange member and space the first flange portion and the second flange portion apart from each other by contacting the drive unit. |
| US08888029B2 |
Milling apparatus
Milling apparatus suitable for mechano-chemical breakdown of contaminated media reliant upon housed ball mill units each able to be cradle mounted to receive a rotational drive of a shaft and to feed material downwardly from housing to housing. |
| US08888028B2 |
Shredder for lawn vacuum
An apparatus including a gear assembly; a first blade section and a second blade section. The first blade section includes a first shaft. The first shaft is connected to gears of the gear assembly and extends from a first side of the gear assembly. The second blade section includes a second shaft and a cutting blade. The second shaft is connected to the gears of the gear assembly and extends from a second opposite side of the gear assembly. The gear assembly is configured to rotate the second shaft in an opposite direction of rotation relative to rotation of the first shaft. |
| US08888020B2 |
Multi-stage showerhead for preventing mixed-flow and back-pressure
A multi-stage showerhead for preventing mixed flow and back pressure, in which a capacity space is set inside a housing, the capacity space is provided for placing an inner disk, an outer disk, a distribution base, an outlet base, a bottom base and a water-gas mixing seat, wherein at least a counter-stop pad is set inside the water-gas mixing seat for avoiding that water and gas fixed to produce back-pressure counter current, to thereby ensure the purpose of water-saving and not reducing the strength of water. |
| US08888019B2 |
Gear driven sprinkler with top turbine
A sprinkler comprises a nozzle, a turbine and a gear train reduction. The gear train reduction has an output stage that is coupled to the nozzle. The turbine is located between the nozzle and the gear train reduction and is coupled to an input stage of the gear train reduction. |
| US08888017B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for delivering highly atomized diesel exhaust fluid to an exhaust aftertreatment system
A system includes a cylindrical blend chamber having two inlets and one outlet. The outlet is fluidly coupled to a transfer line, and a nozzle is positioned downstream of the transfer line. The nozzle is fluidly coupled to an exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine. The system further includes a first inlet fluidly coupled to a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) stream, and a second inlet fluidly coupled to an air stream. The DEF stream and the air stream intersect at a divergent angle. |
| US08888014B2 |
Tassel assembly including a fragrance delivery arrangement
A fragrance delivery system similar in appearance, or used in similar locations as a tassel assembly having a fragrance delivery arrangement is provided. The fragrance delivery system similar in appearance, or used in similar locations as a tassel includes an attachment component for hanging the fragrance delivery system similar in appearance, or used in similar locations a tassel, from a conventional supporting article, a head component having a decorative configuration and a skirt component connected to the head component. The skirt component includes a support member and may or may not include a skirt of various materials including strings, cloth, ribbons, wood, glass, plastic or other decorative elements suspended from the support member. A fragrance delivery arrangement is releasably connected to the head component and may or may not be at least partially concealed by the skirt. |
| US08888013B2 |
Dispensing means
According to the invention there is provided dispensing means having a housing 16 and a spray dispenser 13, the housing 16 having a first part and a second part, the housing being formed such that when it is in use the first part can be secured to a building construction above ground level such that the second part faces away from the first part, there being a space within the housing, the spray dispenser 13 adapted for detachably fitting to the housing within the space, the spray dispenser having a spray emitting portion 14 and a spray material storage portion 15, the spray emitting portion 14 and the spray material storage portion 15 being detachable with respect to one another, the dispensing means being formed such that when it is operational the spray dispenser 13 can, from substantially within the housing 16, automatically release a spray of the spray material to an area outside of the housing. |
| US08888012B2 |
Insulator for railway fastening clip and railway rail fastening clip for use therewith
An electrical insulator for use with a rail fastening clip comprises a contact member providing on one side a substantially flat rail contact surface for contacting a foot of a rail and on the opposing side a clip contact surface for contacting a rail bearing surface of a bearing portion of the clip, the insulator also having retaining means for retaining the insulator on the clip in such a way as to allow rotation of the insulator about a longitudinal axis of the bearing portion of the clip. The insulator has stop portions for limiting such rotation about the longitudinal axis of the bearing portion of the clip to a desired extent. The clip contact surface of the insulator is convex, in a vertical plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bearing portion of the clip, such that, when the insulator is attached to a clip having a flat rail bearing surface, a contact region between the flat rail bearing surface of the clip and the clip contact surface of the insulator is linear. The insulator is rockable about the linear contact region within the extent defined by the stop portions such that, when the rail contact surface of the insulator contacts the surface of a rail foot, the angle of the rail contact surface can conform to the angle of the rail foot surface. A rail fastening clip, suitable for use with the insulator and of the kind driven onto a rail in a direction which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rail, has a bearing portion having a flat rail bearing surface, wherein a detent, extending laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bearing portion, is formed in the flat rail bearing surface, at a location spaced from a free end of the bearing portion of the clip, for engaging a corresponding abutment surface of the insulator to be retained on the rail bearing portion of the clip. |
| US08888010B2 |
Detection of security marks simulating natural defects for embedding information in documents
A system for generating a security mark includes a data reception component that receives information. A security mark generation component in communication with the data reception component generates at least one security mark configuration based at least in part upon the received information. The at least one security mark configuration includes at least one simulation mark which resembles a natural feature. An application component applies one configuration of the at least one security mark configurations to a recipient. The applied security mark configuration obeys at least one rule whereby the security mark is distinguishable from the natural feature which it resembles by a system for detection of security marks. |
| US08888008B2 |
RFID antenna module and electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an RFID antenna module includes an insulating substrate, a loop coil antenna and a magnetic part. The antenna is provided on the insulating substrate. The magnetic part is provided on the insulating substrate to be positioned behind the antenna. The insulating substrate is bent such that the antenna is directed in a plurality of directions. |
| US08888007B2 |
Method and system for issuing portable data carriers
A method for managing issuance of a portable data carrier using multiple production units for issuing portable data carriers, a data provisioning unit and an assignment unit. The data provisioning unit receives data for the portable data carrier in a production unit independent format. At least one production unit is assigned to use the data for issuing the portable data carrier in the assignment unit. The data are provided by the data provisioning unit to the assigned production unit and the portable data carrier is issued in the assigned production unit. The data are provided by the data provisioning unit to the assigned production unit in response to a data independent polling for data by the assigned production unit and in the production unit independent format. In the assigned production unit the provided data are converted from the production unit independent format into a production unit dependent format. |
| US08888003B2 |
Method for decoding a two-dimensional optical code
A method for decoding a two-dimensional optical code formed by a set number of codewords, wherein decoding the code based on a single acquired image has not been successful, includes analyzing an acquired image and at least one further acquired image and obtaining a respective set and further set of values of identified codewords. Each codeword can take on either an undefined value or vice versa a numeric value if the codeword is recognized. A combined set of codewords is created and each codeword of the combined set is assigned a value of a codeword of the set and/or of the further set and an algorithm for detecting and self-correction of errors is applied to the combined set to obtain confirmation of successful decoding of the two-dimensional code. |
| US08888002B2 |
Access control reader enabling remote applications
A system and method for enabling users to run remote applications on access control readers located throughout office buildings. A system administrator creates different remote applications groups such as admin, engineer or cardholder and then assigns users to one of the remote application groups. Users are then able to run the remote applications assigned to their remote application group from any of the access control readers located throughout the office building. |
| US08888001B2 |
System for packaging, processing, activating, and deactivating multiple individual transaction cards as a singular unit
A transaction card processing and activation system comprising the identification of a unique identifier corresponding to an aggregate of transaction cards of affiliated or non-affiliated card issuers and the activation of each transaction card corresponding to the unique identifier of the aggregate irrespective of the number, types, or card issuers of the transaction cards Additionally, the present invention allows a point of sale entity to initiate the activation of each of the multiple, disparate transaction cards in the aggregate by merely processing the unique identifier associated with the aggregate. |
| US08888000B2 |
Card reader with multiple functions and a method for implementing the same
The invention discloses a method for implementing a card reader with multiple functions and a card reader therewith. The method includes that a card reader determines whether a card is inserted in the slot of the card reader and whether the card reader is online; if no card is inserted in the slot, the card reader performs operation to generate a one-time password; if a card is inserted in the slot and the card reader is online, the card reader performs corresponding operation on the card according to the card operating requirement, while if a card is inserted in the slot and the card reader is offline, the card reader performs operation with the card to generate a Token; otherwise, to end the process. The card reader includes a power module, an input/output module, a determining module, an operating module, and a performing module. With good common performance, the card reader provided by the invention performs as smart card reader and verification whether a card is inserted in the card reader or not, which overcomes the shortcomings that the card reader in the prior art has simplex function. |
| US08887999B2 |
System and method for converting closed loop cards into gift codes
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for generating a gift code. The system receives an indication from a first user identifying a closed loop card, receives a confirmation of an amount of money in an account associated with the closed loop card, offers to purchase the closed loop card at an amount less than the amount of money in the account associated with the closed loop card, and upon acceptance of the offer, deactivates the closed loop card. The system then offers to sell the amount of money at a discount rate to a second user, receives acceptance of the offer to sell the amount of money at the discount rate, and associates a gift code with the amount of money for use by the second user. Gift codes can have no expiration date. A multi-process secure gateway can confirm the amount of money. |
| US08887991B2 |
Method and apparatus for configuring and validating telecom and datacom systems
A mobile-device method and system implement validating installation of a network device, for example the installation and validation of cards within a network element. Installation data is loaded onto the mobile device and one or more cards are installed in a network element, the cards having QR codes. An image of the installation is captured and the QR codes are recognized in the captured image. The cards are identified by association with the recognized markers and the physical locations, such as slot positions, of the cards relative to the network element are determined. The installation is validated with regard to slot assignments of cards and an installation report is uploaded from the mobile device to central servers. |
| US08887986B2 |
Container for receiving vouchers and method for closing container having a housing part and a cover for receiving vouchers
The invention relates to a container (10) for holding notes of value, which comprises a housing part (12) and a cover (14) for closing an opening of the housing part (12). The cover (14) has a closing element (34) which is movable in at least one unlocking direction (P1) and which in a locked state is engaged with an engagement area (48) of the housing part (12) that is complementary to the closing element (34). The closing element (34) is movable in unlocking direction (P1) into an unlocked state for unlocking. Further, the container (10) comprises a rotatably mounted retaining element (58) which, in a first position of the container (10), is arranged such that the closing element (34) is movable in unlocking direction (P1) from the locked state into the unlocked state for unlocking. In a second position of the container (10) that is inclined by at least a minimum angle of inclination with respect to the first position, the retaining element (58) is rotated due to its gravity relative to the housing part (12) such that a retaining area (64) of the retaining element (58) prevents a movement of the closing element (34) from the locked state into the unlocked state. |
| US08887983B2 |
Foldable packaging container
A foldable packaging which may include a liquid-resistant paperboard form that is foldable to provide an attractive stackable container that resists water leakage, can be assembled without fastening hardware and has concealed gussets. The packaging can be folded into overlapping flaps and wings which are folded and interlocked to define a generally trapezoidal packaging which can receive a variety of different pot sizes and types. The die cut pattern forming the packaging can be of a universal shape but formed in a variety of different sizes to accommodate different sized potted plants. |
| US08887982B2 |
Hand formed reinforced polygonal containers and blanks for making the same
A blank of sheet material for forming a polygonal container includes a bottom panel, two opposing side panels each extending from a side edge of the bottom panel, and two opposing end panels each extending from an end edge of the bottom panel. The blank also includes a foldover panel that is configured to lock the container in at least a partially formed position. The blank further includes a reinforcing panel assembly that includes an outer reinforcing corner panel extending from the first side panel, an outer reinforcing end panel extending from the outer reinforcing corner panel, an inner reinforcing end panel extending from the outer reinforcing end panel, an inner reinforcing corner panel extending from the inner reinforcing end panel, and an inner reinforcing side panel extending from the inner reinforcing corner panel. |
| US08887981B2 |
Temporary adhesive for component bonding
A rosin composition includes a gum rosin, an emulsifier, a randomizing additive and a bonding agent. This rosin composition may be used as a temporary or permanent adhesive for the soldering of components. The rosin composition may be temporary as it is easily removed from a surface without damaging the surface. |
| US08887979B2 |
Surgical stapler
A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples. |
| US08887976B2 |
Articulated front accessible backpack
Backpacks and backpack systems which have at least a portion which is accessible from the front of a wearer. In one illustrative embodiment, a backpack system in accordance with the present invention includes a back portion with shoulder straps. A swing-around portion is formed as a storage compartment that is secured to the back portion in a carrying position. An articulated frame is secured to the back portion and the swing-around portion and allows a user wearing the backpack to pivot the swing around portion around the user's side and access the contents therein. A securing latch is used to secure the articulating frame to retain the swing-around portion in the carrying position. The entire storage compartment of the pack may be a swing-around portion, or the pack may include multiple storage compartments that are either fixed to the back portion or function as swing-around portions. |
| US08887974B2 |
Adjustable accessory support assembly
An adjustable accessory support assembly for a motorcycle accessory includes a base connectable to a support bracket mounted on a motorcycle and a slider accessory connectable to the motorcycle accessory and coupled to the base. The slider assembly is configured to transition from a first, locked configuration to a second, unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, relative movement between the slider assembly and the base is prevented, whereas in the unlocked configuration, the slider assembly is moveable relative to the base to allow the motorcycle accessory to be repositioned relative to the support bracket. |
| US08887972B2 |
Releasable magazine pouch
A magazine pouch having slots for receiving a magazine having a conventional magazine notch engagable by the magazine catch assembly of firearm to retain the magazine within the magazine well of the firearm. The magazine pouch having a shuttle slidable to engage a retention element with a hook portion to move the hook portion into the slot such that the hook portion engages the magazine notch. The engagement of the hook portion to magazine notch retains the magazine within the slot during movement of an individual wearing the magazine pouch. The shuttle can be slid out of engagement with the hook portion to disengage the hook portion from the magazine notch allowing removal of the magazine. |
| US08887970B2 |
Portable electronic module having a holder
A portable electronic module including a portable electronic device and a holder applied to hold the portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a display unit disposed on the first surface, wherein a connecting unit is disposed on the second surface. The holder includes a first body having a first connecting portion and a first wearing portion and a second body having a second connecting portion suited to connect with the first connecting portion and a second wearing portion, wherein the first body is suitable to connect with the second body. At least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is suitable for connecting with the connecting unit, and a wearing space is formed to wear for users by the combination of the first wearing portion and the second wearing portion. |
| US08887969B2 |
Pouring nozzle
The pouring nozzle comprises an elongated, tubular part, defining a lower part of a pouring channel with a central longitudinal axis L, a plate-like part, provided with a flow-through opening between its surface opposite the tubular part and its section adjacent said tubular part. The flow-through opening defines an upper part of the pouring channel. The peripheral area between said surface and said section comprises four segments, namely two inclined bearing surfaces, opposite to each other, and two planar surface sections, arranged opposite and parallel to each other between said two distinct bearing surfaces. Each bearing surface is curved with respect to the central longitudinal axis L of the pouring channel. The curvature is therefore concave with respect to the central longitudinal axis L and in view of the opposite arrangement of the bearing surfaces the said bearing surfaces are arranged inversely to each other. |
| US08887967B2 |
Trigger dispenser for liquids with a suction valve
A trigger dispenser (1) for liquids comprises a suction valve (30) having a diaphragm (32) abutting against the bottom wall (106) of the pumping chamber (4). The suction valve (30) comprises a stem (40) extending along a suction valve axis (Y), which crosses the bottom wall (10b), snap-coupling with it. |
| US08887964B2 |
Dispensing mechanism and a dispenser
A dispensing mechanism for a liquid container includes a hollow flexible dispensing portion and a dispenser. The dispensing mechanism includes a first lever arranged to pivot about a first pivot axis and a second lever arranged to pivot about a second pivot axis and includes a user operated portion. The first lever includes a first sliding surface and the second lever includes a second sliding surface. The first and second sliding surfaces bear in sliding abutment against each other at an abutment point. The first and second pivot axes are substantially parallel to each other, and a first plane extends through the first and second pivot axes. In a non-actuated position of the dispensing mechanism, the user operated portion of the second lever and the abutment point are arranged on a first side of the first plane. The first sliding surface at least at the abutment point, is convex and the abutment point remains on the first side of the first plane over at least a first ⅔ of a dispensing stroke of the first lever. |
| US08887958B2 |
Component mixing method, apparatus and system
A mixing device has a cavity within a body with an inlet for an ingredient. A water inlet is located in the cavity of the body such that the water inlet and the ingredient inlet impinge upon one another to mix the fluids within a chamber located within the cavity. The mixture then dispenses downstream through an outlet. The chamber is located upstream of the water inlet in order to facilitate the mixing process. |
| US08887955B2 |
Apparatus for dispensing a liquid from a liquid storage container
A liquid dispenser for dispensing a liquid from a liquid storage container operably associated with the liquid dispenser. Preferably, the liquid dispenser includes a main housing having a dispensing location at which liquid from a liquid storage container is dispensed and a storage location for storing a liquid storage container. Preferably, the liquid dispenser includes a removable liquid transport assembly removable from the main housing having a substantially rigid liquid manifold, a valve assembly, a riser tube, a reservoir, a reservoir dip tube, a pump head, a pinch tube and a dispensing nozzle that are removable as a single unit from the main housing. Preferably, the liquid dispenser includes a single self-priming pump. Preferably, the valve assembly includes a non-return valve and a pressure relief valve that act in concert to control the flow of liquid between the liquid storage container and the reservoir. |
| US08887954B2 |
Compact spray device
An automatic discharge device includes a housing retaining two containers therein. An actuator arm is attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. A drive unit is provided for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The movement of the actuator arm actuates a valve stem of one of the two containers in one of the first and second positions. The actuator arm is adapted to spray fluid disposed in an interior of the two containers. |
| US08887953B2 |
Systems and methods for applying texture material to ceiling surfaces
An aerosol system for dispensing sprayable material in a desired spray pattern comprises an aerosol assembly and an outlet assembly. The outlet assembly comprises an actuator member, at least one flexible outlet member supported on the actuator member such that at least one pair of edges defined by the at least one flexible outlet member overlap, and a movable member supported on the actuator member to define an actuator assembly. The movable member is displaced such that the movable member acts on the at least one flexible outlet member to deform the at least one flexible outlet member to alter an effective cross-sectional area of at least a portion of a dispensing path to control fluid flow along the dispensing path and thereby cause the sprayable material to be dispensed in the desired spray pattern. |
| US08887952B2 |
Carton with an improved dispensing feature
A carton with an improved dispenser at one of the carton which preserves the integrity of the carton when the carton is opened by permitting a bottom end flap attached to the bottom panel to remain in place and also a portion of each side end flap that is adjacent to the bottom end flap. This dispenser may also provide a safety net for the first container that is automatically dispensed when the carton is opened. |
| US08887948B2 |
Shape memory handles and insulators
Shape memory insulators comprising a first layer of core material, such as polymeric insulative material, and a second, shape memory layer of elastomeric material, for attachment to objects. The shape memory layer may comprise silicone rubber, silicone gum, silicon crepe, and/or silicone gel, for example. The shape memory insulator may be part of a handle for an object, such as a pot or pan, for example, or other objects and devices requiring continuous and/or repetitive manual operation. The shape memory polymeric material may conform to the shape of the user's hand when the handle is gripped by a user's hand. When the grip is released, the shape memory material returns to its original shape. The shape memory insulators provide insulation as well as improving comfort and/or control over the engagement and use of objects, while decreasing arm and hand wear and/or strain of those using the objects. |
| US08887947B2 |
Closure for beverage container and method for closing an opening of a container
A closure (2) for a flexible container (2) comprises a valve (7, 8) which is switchable between a closed position and an open position, and a tube structure (9) arranged to be immersed in a liquid in the container (1). The valve comprises a first part (7) arranged to be inserted in an opening (10) of the container (1) and a second part (8) arranged within the first part (7), said first and second parts (7, 8) being rotatable in relation to each other for switching between the closed position and the open position of the valve. The closure (2) is made essentially of plastic material. A method of closing a flexible container (1) is also described. |
| US08887946B2 |
Device for assembly by elastic interlocking
An assembly device comprises an external element and an open-loop ring. The external element comprises a tubular part extending along an axis. The open-loop ring is elastically deformable between an open position and a closed position. The external element comprises an assembly part assemblable with the ring by elastic interlocking. The assembly part comprises recessed elements and/or projecting elements arranged on an internal wall of the tubular part. The ring comprises first assembly part assemblable with the external element by elastic interlocking when the ring is in the open position, and the second assembly part interlocking with the external element by elastic interlocking when the ring is in the closed position. Such elastic interlocking assembly device allows for the irreversible assembly of the external element with a container neck. |
| US08887945B2 |
Foldable container module
A foldable container module includes a body and a foldable container. The body has a sidewall and a room. The foldable container has a panel, multiple folding line sets formed on the panel, and a joint. The foldable container can be transformed by folding along the multiple folding line sets. The joint connects to the sidewall of the body. The foldable container module can be held in one hand by a user, and the other hand of the user can swing freely or take the solid food from the foldable container, such that the user can also suck the liquid from the body by the straw at the same time. Moreover, when the foldable container module is to be stored, the user can fold the foldable container along the multiple folding line sets to reduce a volume of the foldable container. |
| US08887943B1 |
Decorative serving container system
A decorative serving container system that includes a serving dish, a ring element, and a cover element. At least two ring element handle portions extend outwardly from a ring element lip, wherein each ring element handle portion has a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of a serving dish handle, wherein each ring element handle portion includes a handle skirt portion that extends downwardly from the handle portion and is formed to be positionable around at least a portion of a serving dish handle and provide frictional engagement of the handle skirt portion with at least a portion of the serving dish handle. The cover element has one or more handles formed to be at least partially received within a recess of the ring element. |
| US08887942B2 |
Collapsible cup assembly with a container lid
A collapsible drinking cup assembly having a plurality of annular ring segments each flexibly coupled together, end-to-end. An upper drinking lip segment of the ring segments includes an interior and exterior sidewall such that the drinking lip segment tapers inwardly from a lower base portion to an annular upper distal edge thereof. A support floor of the cup apparatus includes an annular bottom flange extending radially beyond an exterior wall of the bottom ring segment. Atop lid member extends over an opening into the cup apparatus, and includes a pair of opposed, inner and outer contact walls that collectively define an annular receiving groove therebetween. The cup apparatus can be expanded from a collapsed position to an expanded position when both the annular bottom flange and the lid member are radially gripped and axially pulled apart longitudinally thereof before separation of the lid member from the drinking lip segment. |
| US08887941B2 |
Trash can liner system
A trash can liner system, having: a trash can (or a cage inserted into a trash can) having a first fastener on its inner surface; and a plurality of nested liners suspended together within the trash can, wherein the plurality of nested liners comprises an outer liner, wherein the outer liner has a second fastener on its outer surface, and wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are connected together thereby connecting the outer surface of the outer liner to the inner surface of the trash can. |
| US08887940B2 |
Portable paint and tool container
A container is provided for carrying a quantity of paint and a plurality of tools; a flange element is comprised having a variety of holes, recesses and magnets to receive tools and supplies; the container optionally comprising a bail type handle, sealing lid and carrying strap. |
| US08887938B2 |
Buckling clamshell container for automated aliquot and dispersal processes
A package assembly for automated aliquot and/or dispersal processes is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to: first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot, wherein a flexure channel is defined in each of opposite sides of at least one of the first or second portions, the flexure channels cooperating to define a flexure axis extending through the pair of flexure channels. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may allow at least one of first and second portions of the package assembly to flex about the flexure axis in response to an opening force exerted on the package assembly such that the first and second portions separate in response to the opening force. |
| US08887935B2 |
Collapsible durable outdoor adventure container
A collapsible durable outdoor adventure container is constructed of polymer sheeting having holes in flaps of the sheeting. The sheet is bendable and bent by a user to a selected tubular configuration to align through holes along a seam line in flaps of the sheet or sheeting assembly with cable tie clamping elements clamping said flaps together through the holes. A strap coupled to at least several of the clamping element running along the seam line acting as an outside wrapping and/or tensioning element to contain the clamped flaps and fully or partially contain the contents of the container providing a connection tensioning element between adjacent clamping elements as connected along the seam line of the flaps. |
| US08887934B2 |
Side cover structure of an electric connecting box
A side cover structure of an electric connecting box includes a connecting box main body, an upper cover, and a side cover covering a side opening at the connecting box main body. The side cover includes a vertical shaft through upper and lower supporters, and the connecting box main body includes a bearing. The shaft is engaged slidably and rotatably around the bearing. The bearing includes a stopper preventing the side cover from drawing out upwardly when the side cover in closed condition is moved upwardly, and a receiver supporting the side cover higher than that in closed condition when the side cover is moved upwardly and rotated toward a direction to open. The bearing includes curved upper and lower bearings, and the upper bearing has a top end portion, and a bottom end of the top end portion acts as the stopper to abut on the lower supporter. |
| US08887929B2 |
Tool caddy for automobile lift
In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, a tool caddy is removably mountable to a fixed portion of an automobile lift. The tool caddy is generally rigid, having a conical section and a cantilevered section. A U-shaped mounting bracket is adapted to be placed atop and/or around any fixed rectangular/square section of the lift. The conical section is shaped to accommodate an impact gun or other similarly sized and/or shaped tool. The cantilevered section has several portals disposed in a surface thereof for holding smaller tools. The tool caddy will secure in place, when it is A) wedged at least partially through the triangular opening of a truss, B) rested atop a rectangular portion of a beam of a truss, or C) slid along a beam until the top plate of the mounting bracket is wedged into a portion of the truss where the triangular section meets the beam. |
| US08887928B2 |
Frame and frame coupling member
A frame includes a first frame member that has a first opening at an end portion thereof; a second frame member that has a second opening at an end portion thereof; a first frame coupling member that comprises a first projection that fits into the first opening and a second projection that fits into the second opening; and a second frame coupling member that couples to the first frame coupling member, wherein: the first frame member and the second frame member are located so as to be sandwiched between the first frame coupling member and the second frame coupling member when the first frame coupling member and the second frame coupling member are coupled to each other. |
| US08887926B2 |
Nanoporous films and method for manufacturing the same
Provided is a carbon nanostructure-metal composite nanoporous film in which a carbon nanostructure-metal composite is coated on one surface or both surfaces of a membrane support having micro- or nano-sized pores. A method for manufacturing a carbon nanostructure-metal composite nanoporous film, includes: dispersing a carbon nanostructure-metal composite in a solvent at the presence of a surfactant and coating the carbon nanostructure-metal composite on one surface or both surfaces of a membrane support; and fusing the metal on the membrane support by heating the coated membrane support. The metal in carbon nanostructure-metal composite nanoporous film melts at a low temperature since a size of a metal of the carbon nanostructure-metal composite is several nm to several-hundred nm. |
| US08887924B2 |
Field water purification system
A field water purification system is described. The field water purification system includes a container and a filter coupled to an outlet port of the container. The container includes a first layer and a second layer of polymeric material. A first edge of the first layer is bonded to a first edge of the second layer. A second edge of the first layer is bonded to a second edge of the second layer. A first end of the first layer is bonded to a first end of the second layer. The outlet port is disposed in the first layer at a first distance from the first end. A flat water filter is also described. A method for treating water is also described. |
| US08887923B2 |
Filter medium and water filtration system including the same
A filter medium comprises: a) 55 to 80 percent by weight of activated carbon particles having a D50 of 70 to 130 micrometers and a D10 of 25 to 50 micrometers; b) 5 to 20 percent by weight of first catalytic activated carbon particles having a D50 in a range of 20 to 40 micrometers and a D10 of 2 to 20 micrometers; and c) 10 to 30 percent by weight of a thermoplastic binder that binds at least the activated carbon particles and the catalytic activated carbon particles into a porous unitary body, wherein the percent by weight of components a)-c) is based upon a total weight of components a)-c). A water filtration system including the filter medium is also disclosed. |
| US08887922B2 |
Screen deck assembly
A screen deck assembly has an elongated connecting member for securing screen panels to a vibratory machine. The connecting member has a first end and a second end, a body, a transverse arm contiguous with and generally perpendicular to the body, and a radial dome top extending above the transverse arm such that a locking channel is formed between the transverse arm and the radial dome top. A screen, which has a locking profile that corresponds to the locking channel in the connecting member, is detachably secured to the connecting member by sliding or pressing the locking profile into the locking channel. |
| US08887921B2 |
Screen panel with wear protective apertures
A screen panel with wear protective apertures for mining and quarrying industries adapted to be mounted on a screen deck, including a screening surface made up of materials such as herein described formed on a reinforcing frame, said screening surface having suitably designed apertures of desired shape for allowing materials of desired size to pass through, said apertures having walls made of abrasion resistant material such as herein described said walls having plurality of slits(1) cut along the vertical as well as horizontal line in the top and bottom portion of the apertural walls, whereby utmost flexibility of the apertures is ensured simultaneously ensuring wear protection. |
| US08887918B2 |
Food tray
A food tray has a lower tray containing a first food product and an upper tray nested stably at least partly inside the lower tray, with the upper tray containing a second food product. An air permeable interface is provided between the upper tray and lower tray to allow venting of steam from the lower tray during cooking. A cover is provided for the food tray. Each of the lower tray and the upper tray are formed of a material that is suitable for use in a microwave or conventional oven. Various constructions may be used to create the air permeable interface, such as lugs, ledges and lips. The upper tray may sit above the lower tray. The trays are nested loosely for case of removal of the upper tray from the lower tray. Various configurations of cover may be used such as a sleeve, carton or lid. The upper tray may contain the higher value food product. |
| US08887915B2 |
Lamp display packaging with folding graphic lampshade depiction display panel
Embodiments include a lamp and collapsing lampshade packaging, shipping and display device. The device includes a shell, with a hood, central trunk and bottom receptacle, and which further includes a graphic depiction of the collapsible lampshade on a display panel which may be deployed when the device is used for display purposes, thus making it appear that the collapsible lampshade is assembled and mounted on the displayed lamp. The panel may be permanently affixed in a fold-out manner to the top of the device or alternatively it may be separable from it. In the case of a permanent panel, a releasable holding secures the panel close to the shell during storage or transit. For a separable panel, releasable fixing allows panel deployment on the face of the hood for viewing. The device may store more than one lamp and the panel may include renderings of more than one lampshade. |
| US08887914B2 |
Bulk material shipping container
A bulk material shipping container in one embodiment including a pallet, a bottom compartment mounted on the pallet, a top compartment mounted on the bottom compartment and movable from a retracted position relative to the bottom compartment to an expanded position relative to the bottom compartment, a plurality of top compartment supporting assemblies configured to support the top compartment in the expanded position relative to the bottom compartment, and configured to release the top compartment from the expanded position to enable the top compartment to move downwardly into the retracted position, a material unloading assembly, a material loading assembly, and an extension assembly. |
| US08887913B2 |
Grommet matrix
A dental case including a substrate having a plurality of holes therein and a grommet matrix. The grommet matrix including a plurality of grommets each having a groove. The plurality of grommets are interconnected outside of said groove and the plurality of grommets are located at predetermined positions corresponding to the plurality of holes. |
| US08887912B2 |
Living hinge needle assembly for medicament delivery device
A multi-pack assembly for containing and dispensing one or more new pen needles, and receiving and containing used pen needles after use, is provided, wherein a plurality of both new and used pen needles can be contained in a series of storage vessels, each secured to an adjacent storage vessel thereby forming an easily managed multi-pack assembly shape, and providing caps for each individual pen needle storage vessel to provide a sterility barrier and which can be opened independently of one another, and which can be closed in the same manner after use to prevent unwanted interaction with the used pen needles contained therein. |
| US08887911B2 |
Packages and kits for analyte monitoring devices, and methods related thereto
Generally, packages for an analyte monitoring device are provided. The packages include a container for containing an analyte monitoring device. The container includes a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and two sidewalls extending from sides of the bottom wall to an open top end of the container. The front wall is shorter in height than the rear wall, and is on an opposite side of the bottom wall than the rear wall. The two sidewalls are on opposite sides of the bottom wall, and extend from the front wall to the rear wall. The package also includes an inner panel disposed between the front wall and the rear wall. A front compartment is formed between the inner panel and the front wall, and a rear compartment is formed between the inner panel and the rear wall. The opening of the rear compartment is at the top end of the container, and an opening of the front compartment is at the top end of the container. Analyte monitoring kits and methods relating thereto are also provided. |
| US08887910B2 |
Low profile protective cover configurable as a stand
A protective cover having a front cover, a rear cover including a middle rear cover, an exterior rear cover, and a folding portion that connects the middle rear cover to the exterior rear cover, an articulable back that connects the rear cover to the front cover, a holding sheet that is attached to an inner surface of the exterior rear cover and is not attached to the middle rear cover, the holding sheet having bands located at corners of the holding sheet, the bands configured to be attached to corners of an electronic device for securing the electronic device to the protective cover, and an anti-slip pad attached to an inner surface of the front cover. |
| US08887904B2 |
Feeding nipple container
A container for storing and dispensing a substance including a deformable nipple having an open end, a feeding tip and a storage cavity; a lid adapted to releasably engage the open end of the nipple; and a (optionally) a tether having resilient properties, the tether connecting the nipple to the lid; wherein, in a storage position the substance, when placed within the storage cavity of the nipple, is contained; wherein in a mixing position, the substance is released from the storage cavity of the nipple; and wherein the container transitions from the storage position to the mixing position upon application of an external force to the nipple, causing the nipple to deform and the lid to disengage the open end of the nipple. |
| US08887903B2 |
Protective cover for electronic tablet with adjustable viewing stand
A protective cover for an electronic device, such as an electronic tablet computer, can transform into an adjustable stand to hold the device in multiple viewing angles. The cover protects the electronic device and allows a user to view and access the device without removing it from the cover. The stand can be adjusted to allow for multiple viewing angles. |
| US08887901B2 |
Conveyor sprocket assembly
A conveyor sprocket assembly generally includes a support shaft, at least one conveyor sprocket slidably engaging the support shaft, and an abutment stop positioned adjacent the conveyor sprocket. The abutment stop is configured to be removed to allow the conveyor sprocket to slide axially along the support shaft. |
| US08887895B2 |
System and methods for content display
Systems and methods for displaying content in a conveyor system are provided. A content displaying conveyor plate includes a base plate and an upper plate that is configured to be releasably coupled to the base plate. The upper plate can be configured to display content, for example content that is integral to the base plate, content that is disposed between the upper plate and the base plate, or any combination thereof. The upper plate can be coupled to the base plate via one or more connection members defined on the upper plate and/or the base plate. Any, number, such as all of the base plates of an existing conveyor system can be replaced with respective content displaying conveyor plates. The base plate of the content displaying conveyor plate can define one or more recesses, the recesses configured to receive an attachment member and/or other components of a carousel therein. |
| US08887889B2 |
Device for uncoupling loaded shafts, for a power transmission unit
A device for uncoupling a drive shaft of a piece of equipment from an input shaft. The device includes a claw including first teeth and first splines to (i) move longitudinally along a first of the shafts by co-operating with second splines borne by the second of the shafts and (ii) engage or disengage the first teeth in relation to the second teeth positioned on the second shaft. The device also includes a longitudinal movement mechanism including a stationary part acting on a longitudinally mobile piece to move the claw between a coupling position and an uncoupling position. The longitudinal movement mechanism drives the claw by co-operation between a rotationally fixed piece and a piece that is linked to the claw and rotated therewith, a longitudinal clearance being maintained during operation between the piece that is rotationally fixed and the rotated piece. |
| US08887882B2 |
Vibration damper with integrated level control
A vibration damper with integrated level control includes a cylinder in which a hollow piston rod with a piston outfitted with damping valves is guided so as to be axially movable. The piston divides the cylinder into a workspace on the piston rod side and a workspace remote of the piston rod. The workspace on the piston rod side is limited at the end by a piston rod guide, and the workspace remote of the piston rod is connected to a pump space by at least one connection opening in a separating wall. The separating wall supports a hollow rod on which the piston slides and controls the pump operation of the vibration damper. A compensation space receives the damping volume displaced by the piston rod due to a dynamic load, and the piston rod guide is guided in the cylinder so as to be movable axially, and the connection opening in the separating wall is outfitted with a valve that opens in the direction of the work space remote of the piston rod. |
| US08887879B1 |
Brake activation system an method with vehicle floor placement
A brake activation system and method are described. In one example, a bottom surface is configured to engage a floor pan of a towed vehicle near a brake pedal. An actuation arm extends away from the bottom surface and is configured to connect to the brake pedal to actuate a brake of the towed vehicle through the brake pedal, the actuation arm extends in a direction partially normal to the bottom surface. An arm drive system applies pressure to the actuation arm to drive the brake pedal to actuate the brake, the arm drive system being connected to the bottom surface to drive the actuation arm against the bottom surface in a direction partially normal to the bottom surface. |
| US08887877B2 |
Drum brake with automatic shoe clearance adjustment apparatus
To provide the drum brake with the automatic shoe clearance adjustment apparatus to reduce the cost of the drum brake as reducing the number of components. The first engagement portion is provided between the brake lever and the strut body to engage the brake lever and the strut body without operating the service brake, and the second engagement portion is provided also to engage the brake lever and the strut body while automatically adjusting the shoe clearance. |
| US08887876B2 |
Brake shim having lubricant compartment
A shim for a disc brake pad is provided. The shim is formed of a generally planar metal sheet that has a plurality of curved or bent edge tabs extending out from its edges thereof to engage the brake pad. A centrally disposed raised area is provided on the shim. The raised area serves as a compartment for lubricant when the shim is retained on the brake pad. The raised area has at least one lubricant access port to allow lubricant to be introduced into the compartment without removing the shim from the brake pad. A disc brake pad assembly having the shim is also provided. A method of lubricating the assembly via the access port is also provided. |
| US08887875B2 |
Caliper body of a disc brake
A caliper body (1) for a disc brake unusually capable of high structural performance and low bulk, said caliper body comprising at least one connection bridge (6) arranged straddling the connection disc of an elongated attachment side portion with an elongated non-attachment side portion; in which said elongated portions have an outer surface (13, 14) opposite the disc substantially inclined and rounded towards the disc in the radially outward direction so that the caliper body (1) viewed in the tangential or circumferential direction has a bulk with a rounded outer surface like a tortoise shell. |
| US08887874B2 |
Dock locking device for a transport freight vehicle and equipment including same
The device for chocking a goods transportation vehicle at a dock comprises a horizontal support (1) designed to be anchored on the ground fronting a loading dock, a horizontal platen (2) mounted slidingly on a horizontal support (1), a rear chock (3), designed to constitute a stop for the last rear wheel train of the vehicle to be chocked at the dock, the said rear chock being integral with the said platen, a front movable thrust-action chock (4), carried by the horizontal platen (2) at a distance from the rear chock (3), the said platen (2) being actuated slidingly along the support (1) between an anterior rest position and a posterior position of chocking the transportation vehicle at the dock by a motor assembly (5), which is also capable of immobilizing the platen both in anterior rest position and in the position of chocking at the dock and maintaining it in these positions, and the front thrust-action chock being able to occupy a release position, in which it is spaced apart from the trajectory of the rear wheels of the vehicle, and an active position, in which, on the one hand, it is disposed facing one of the surfaces of revolution of one of the rear wheels of the vehicle and, on the other hand, by displacement of the platen (2) toward its chocking position, it can act in thrust manner on this surface of revolution. |
| US08887872B2 |
Method of determining state of charge of energy storage system
A method of determining state-of-charge (SOC) of a battery includes changing the SOC of the battery over a portion of a full SOC range to assure operation defined by open circuit voltage (Voc) of the battery following a known Voc-SOC profile; determining a Voc value; and estimating SOC of the battery based upon the Voc value and the known Voc-SOC profile. |
| US08887871B2 |
Check valve of cylinder head
A check valve of a cylinder head controls an oil supply amount to the cylinder head according to oil pressure of a hydraulic pump. The check valve of the cylinder head according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: a lower cover of cylindrical shape including upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface being open and the lower surface having at least one first oil hole for receiving oil from the hydraulic pump; an upper cover coupled to the upper surface of the lower cover and having a sliding axle and at least one second oil hole; a first plate mounted in the lower cover, sliding vertically along the sliding axle, and having at least one third oil hole that is disposed eccentrically to the at least one second oil hole; and a second plate disposed between the first plate and the lower cover, sliding vertically along the sliding axle, and having at least one fourth oil hole disposed eccentrically to the first, second, and third oil holes. |
| US08887868B2 |
Starting method for rotating machine and starting method for wind turbine generator
A starting method is provided for a rotating machine which includes a main shaft, a main bearing rotatably supporting the main shaft and a main bearing lubricant pump circulating lubricant through the main bearing. The starting method includes steps of: rotating the main shaft to raise a temperature of the main bearing in a state in which the main bearing lubricant pump is not operated; and operating the main bearing lubricant pump to start supplying the lubricant to the main bearing after the step of raising the temperature of the main bearing. |
| US08887865B2 |
Device of assistance for a user of a ladder
In a ladder assistance device, a cable pulled by a controlled driving apparatus is laid in a loop along the height of the ladder, the user being attached to the cable by a lanyard, a sensor element detecting movements along the ladder, a control element controlling the driving apparatus. A remote control activates or deactivates assistance and allows user weight input, the remote control remaining in the reach of the user and including a stop button deactivating assistance and two activation buttons for activation of assistance, one each for “up”/“down”. A memory stores sets of control values for assistance level(s) for each direction of movement, corresponding to at most two levels in the steady state of the assistance. The program of the control element allowing: the selection that corresponds to the user weight, the activation which is only obtained by the activation buttons of the remote control. |
| US08887863B2 |
Mat member, method for manufacturing the mat member, muffler and method for manufacturing the muffler
A mat member includes inorganic fibers, a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface has a plurality of needle penetration marks and/or a plurality of needle protrusion marks. The second surface has a plurality of needle protrusion marks and/or a plurality of needle penetration marks. A plurality of needle marks are formed in the mat member by needle punching and extend from the needle penetration mark to the needle protrusion mark. An inorganic fiber bundle which includes a plurality of the inorganic fibers oriented in a closed loop configuration is formed at the needle protrusion mark. |
| US08887857B2 |
Safety arrangement for vehicle pedal
The present disclosure relates to a safety arrangement for a vehicle pedal, comprising a pedal structure including a pedal arm with an elongated shape for carrying a pedal plate; a bracket, which is fixedly connected to the pedal arm; a pedal hub, to be arranged in order to transfer a movement of the pedal structure to a vehicular system. The pedal structure is in a first position relative to the pedal hub during normal operation of the pedal structure. Further, the pedal structure is displaceable from the first position relative to the pedal hub to a second position relative to the pedal hub, wherein, when in the second position, the pedal structure is at least partly operatively decoupled from the pedal hub. |
| US08887854B2 |
Electrical unit containing structure for saddle type electric vehicle
A battery holder for containing a battery unit is provided above a driving motor body and below a main frame. The battery holder includes a holder body portion, a plate member which is detachable from the holder body portion at a lateral side of a vehicle and by which lateral movement of the battery unit is restrained, and a terminal part which is provided at a rear portion of the holder body portion and is used for connecting a power supply from the battery unit to the driving motor body. The battery unit and the terminal part are detachably connected to each other. A controller fixing part by which a controller for controlling the power supply between the battery unit and the driving motor body is fixed to the vehicle, is provided at a lower portion of the holder body portion. |
| US08887848B2 |
Forklift
A forklift includes a wheel driving device that includes a traveling motor and drives a wheel; and a cargo handling device that includes a cargo handling motor and drives a cargo handling mechanism. The cargo handling motor includes a wind generating mechanism that generates wind by the rotation of a motor shaft of the cargo handling motor; and a discharge port that discharges the wind generated by this wind generating mechanism. The cargo handling motor is arranged in a vehicle body of the forklift so that wind discharged from the discharge port reaches the wheel driving device. |
| US08887845B2 |
Stow-away air dam
A system for controlling airflow through an under-hood compartment of a vehicle body includes a stow-away air dam assembly disposed on the body and configured to control the airflow between the body and a road surface from outside the vehicle to the under-hood compartment. The air dam assembly includes a retractable portion and a drive shaft configured to shift the retractable portion between a stowed position and a deployed position. The retractable portion is set at a first height in the stowed position and at a second height in the deployed position, wherein the first height is greater than the second height relative to the road surface. The air dam assembly also includes an actuator configured to operate the driveshaft. The system additionally includes a controller configured to regulate the actuator. A vehicle employing the system is also disclosed. |
| US08887842B2 |
Arm-wheel type vehicle
Provided is an arm-wheel type vehicle including: a main body; an arm that is rotatably installed to the main body; a wheel connected to the arm; a first buffer device that is installed on the main body; and a second buffer device that is installed on the arm. |
| US08887840B2 |
Zero-turn lawnmower with improved control handles
A lawnmower includes a chassis; a seat supported on the chassis for permitting an operator to sit or stand on the chassis; a pair of drive wheels for supporting the chassis above a ground surface; an engine and a pair of transmissions for driving the drive wheels; and a pair of manually-moveable handle assemblies for controlling the transmissions. Each handle assembly includes a substantially vertically-extending control handle, wherein the control handles are mounted outboard of opposite sides of the seat so as not to block the operator's ingress or egress from the seat. |
| US08887838B2 |
Cutting element and method of orienting
A cutting element includes, a gilmoid with a plurality of cutting edges thereon, and at least one support extending from the gilmoid. The at least one support and at least one of the plurality of cutting edges are simultaneously contactable with a surface upon which the cutting element is restable. |
| US08887830B2 |
Telescoping leader
A telescoping leader for a construction vehicle for accommodating a vibrator, pile driver, earth drilling gear mechanism, or the like, has an outer leader that is disposed so that it can be longitudinally displaced relative to an inner leader. The inner leader and outer leader have closed material cross-sections, and the outer leader surrounds the inner leader. At the end of the outer leader that can be displaced on the inner leader, and at the end of the inner leader that is guided in the outer leader, a guide is firmly disposed, on which the outer leader can be displaced. |
| US08887827B2 |
Mounting assembly for mounting implement to a vehicle
A mounting assembly (6) for mounting a bulldozer blade (2) to a vehicle (4) is disclosed. The assembly comprises a lower link (8) adapted to be mounted to a vehicle, a pair of first actuators (16, 18) adapted to be pivotably mounted to the blade, and to a pair of link plates (24, 26) via respective pin joints (28, 30), and a pair of second actuators (36, 38) adapted to adjust the position of respective pin joints (28, 30) relative to the lower link to adjust the orientation of the blade relative to the vehicle. |
| US08887822B2 |
Flexible dry sprinklers
A flexible dry sprinkler includes a flexible tube having an inlet attached to a first end, the inlet defining an inlet orifice operatively sealed by an inlet seal assembly. An outlet is attached to the second end of the flexible tube, and defines an outlet orifice operatively sealed by an outlet seal assembly. A flexible linkage extends from the inlet to the outlet through the flexible tube, and is constructed to operatively release the inlet seal assembly responsive to axial translation of the flexible linkage from a first position to a second position. The flexible linkage is supported by the outlet seal assembly in the first position and wherein the flexible linkage is constructed to axially translate toward the outlet when the outlet seal assembly is released. |
| US08887820B2 |
Inert gas suppression system nozzle
Nozzles (22) for reducing noise generated by the release of gas from a hazard suppression system (10) are provided. The nozzles (22) comprise a plurality of partitions (42, 44, 46, 48) that define a serpentine gas flow path through the nozzle. The flow path causes the gas to undergo a plurality of expansions and directional changes thereby reducing the velocity of the gas and dampening the generation of sound waves as the gas exits the nozzle (22) through the nozzle outlet (40). |
| US08887816B2 |
Polymer compositions for use in downhole tools and components thereof
A downhole tool or a component thereof may comprise a plasticized polymer composition that comprises a polymer and a water-soluble plasticizer, wherein the plasticized polymer composition has a first deflection test value. The tool may be exposed to an aqueous-based medium where the water-soluble plasticizer may leach out of the tool such that the plasticized polymer composition has a second deflection test value after exposure to the aqueous-based medium that is less than about 10% of the first deflection test value. |
| US08887815B2 |
Nanoparticle kinetic gas hydrate inhibitors
Inhibiting gas hydrate formation while transporting hydrocarbon fluids may include providing a kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor, adding the kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor to a fluid capable of producing gas hydrates, and transporting the fluid that comprises the kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor. Generally a kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor may include a heterocyclic compound comprising nitrogen, e.g., poly(vinyl pyrrolidone). |
| US08887809B2 |
Treatment fluids comprising transient polymer networks
Treatment fluid compositions may comprise transient polymer networks for use in methods related to subterranean applications. In one aspect, a method may include providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a transient polymer network, and placing the treatment fluid in a subterranean formation. In another aspect, a subterranean treatment fluid may include an aqueous-base fluid and a transient polymer network. |
| US08887808B2 |
Engineered methods and materials for wellbore strengthening in subterranean operations
A method of wellbore strengthening may include providing a wellbore strengthening fluid comprising a drilling fluid, a particulate, and a fiber; introducing the wellbore strengthening fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation; and forming a plug comprising the particulate and the fiber in a void near the wellbore, the plug being capable of maintaining integrity at about 1000 psi or greater overbalance pressure. |
| US08887807B2 |
Apparatus and methods for deploying cementing plugs
An apparatus for installing cement plugs into a well, comprising a protective sleeve having one end adapted to be attached to the end of a drill pipe and arranged to carry a cementing plug around its outer surface such that a dart passing through the drill pipe can pass through the sleeve and engage only on formations on the plug to withdraw it from the end of the sleeve. |
| US08887806B2 |
Method for quantifying cement blend components
Disclosed herein is a method of servicing a wellbore comprising the steps of preparing a dry cement blend comprising a base cement and a crystalline component wherein the dry cement blend is based on an initial dry cement blend formulation, obtaining a diffraction pattern of a sample of the dry cement blend, generating a model diffraction pattern, refining the model diffraction pattern using a structural refinement method, determining the type and amount crystalline components present in the dry cement blend, generating a final dry cement blend formulation, and comparing the initial dry cement blend formulation to the final dry cement blend formulation. |
| US08887805B2 |
Compositions and methods related to mitigating aluminum and ferric precipitates in subterranean formations after acidizing operations
Trivalent-ion chelating agents may be useful in mitigating the formation aluminum and ferric precipitates in subterranean formations during acidizing operations. An acidizing operation may include introducing an acidizing fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the acidizing fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, an acid source, and a trivalent-ion chelating agent, e.g., hydroxamates, 6,7-dihydroxyquinoline, 3-hydroxy-4-pyridinones, and any combination thereof. In some instances, trivalent-ion chelating agents with a pKa of less than about 7 may be particularly useful in acidizing operations. |
| US08887803B2 |
Multi-interval wellbore treatment method
A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising providing a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation and having a casing string disposed therein, the casing string comprising a plurality of points of entry, wherein each of the plurality of points of entry provides a route a fluid communication from the casing string to the subterranean formation, introducing a treatment fluid into the subterranean formation via a first flowpath, and diverting the treatment fluid from the first flowpath into the formation to a second flowpath into the formation. |
| US08887802B2 |
Torque absorbtion anchor system and method to assemble same
An electric submersible pump (ESP) torque absorbtion anchor system (TAS) and a method to assemble the same are disclosed. The TAS includes a collar having an uphole end coupled to a production string and a flange formed on an outer diameter of the collar. The TAS also includes a sleeve having a rim extending radially inward from an uphole end of the sleeve. The collar is positioned in a cavity of the sleeve so that oppositely facing shoulders of the collar and the sleeve contact and transfer axial loads between the sleeve and the collar. A spring is positioned in an annulus between the sleeve and the collar and mounts to the collar and the sleeve so that rotational loading of the sleeve relative to the collar transfers to the spring. |
| US08887801B2 |
Stabilizer for pipe handling equipment
A stabilizer to suppress unwanted pivotal movement in pipe handling equipment suspended from bails. The stabilizer can contain either or both adjustable contacting members and non-adjustable contacting members which are rigidly connected to a portion of the pipe handling equipment. The adjustable contacting members contact the bails on one or both sides of the bail(s) to suppress motion of the elevator relative to the bail. |
| US08887796B2 |
Plate heat exchanger
A plate heat exchanger including a plurality of heat exchanger plates joined to each other. Each plate has a heat transfer area, a first porthole area, a second porthole area, a third porthole area and a fourth porthole area. Each porthole area surrounds a porthole having a porthole edge. Each porthole area comprises an annular flat area, a set of inner portions on the annular flat area along the porthole edge, and a set of outer portions along the annular flat area at a distance from the inner portions. The outer portions of the first porthole area have a first relative peripheral position with respect to the inner portions. The outer portions of the fourth porthole area have a second relative peripheral position with respect to the inner portions. The first relative peripheral position includes a peripheral displacement in relation to the second relative peripheral position. |
| US08887793B2 |
Screen attachment method for lineals
A window screen assembly comprising a screen frame including a screen lineal and a lip portion, the screen lineal including an aperture and a screen channel, a screen member secured in the screen channel. The assembly also has a slide assembly comprising a shield attached to the screen lineal, mounted into the aperture, a top slide attached to the shield, movable relative to the screen frame from an engaged position to a disengaged position along a given linear axis. The slide comprises a cap, a post attached to the cap, a ramp attached to the post. The shield has at least one shield springs embedded in the shield. The window screen assembly is configured to be removably secured to an architectural member. |
| US08887789B2 |
Retractable, low-profile storm shield systems and methods
A self-contained system for protecting building penetrations is disclosed. The system can include a housing containing a take-up roll and a screen made from a flexible, strong fabric-like material suitable for resisting high winds, driving rain, and wind-driven missiles. The system can further comprise a deflector or roller to maintain the angle of deployment of the screen. The system can further include a weight bar attached to the end of the screen to assist in deploying the screen. The system can further comprise a dual pulley system to assist in deploying the screen and to hold the screen in the deployed position. The system can include wipers to clean the screen as it is retracted into the enclosure. The system can further comprise an integrated or separate light control, or “black-out” screen. The system enclosures can comprise various hinged covers to facilitate service, repair, and storage. |
| US08887787B2 |
Dual roll blind
A dual roll blind is provide. The dual roll blind may include a first screen and a second screen having light transmission portions and light shielding portions, respectively, a first winding bar and a second winding bar for respectively winding the first screen and the second screen, a first gear for rotationally driving the first winding bar, a second gear for rotating the second winding bar with rotating dependently on the first gear, an engagement maintaining portions for providing elasticity in the same direction as the mounting direction of the axis of rotation to one of the first gear or the second gear to prevent the gear from breaking away, and a clutch body holding inside the first gear, the second gear, and the engagement maintaining portions. The clutch body can include a setting hole corresponding to the engagement maintaining portions, and at least one of the first gear, and the second gear is interposed between the setting hole and the engagement maintaining portions. |
| US08887774B2 |
Fuel vapor retention system and methods
Embodiments of the present invention relate to fuel tanks including features for capturing vapors displaced during a filling process. In an embodiment, the invention includes a fuel tank including a housing defining an interior volume; an inflow conduit providing fluid communication between the outside of the housing and the interior volume; a check-valve coupled to the inflow conduit, the check-valve configured to allow fuel to flow through the check-valve into the interior volume but prevent the flow of gases from the interior volume to the outside of the housing; an expansion member configured to reversibly change in volume; and a vent conduit providing fluid communication between the expansion member and the interior volume of the housing. Other embodiments are also described herein. |
| US08887765B2 |
Spiral fluid flow system
A fluid flow system is provided. The system includes a tank, a first manifold and a second manifold. The tank has a generally centralized portion and a sidewall. The tank extends from a lower portion to an upper portion to contain fluid therein. The first manifold is located adjacent the sidewall and has a first length extending from the lower portion to the upper portion. The first manifold defines at least in part a first opening extending along at least a portion of the first length permitting fluid flow therethrough. The first manifold is positioned to permit fluid to flow between the first manifold and the sidewall independent of the first opening. The second manifold is located about the centralized portion and has a second length extending from the lower portion to the upper portion. The second manifold defines a second opening extending along at least a portion of the second length permitting fluid flow therethrough. |
| US08887764B2 |
Water faucet with triple-set controller
A faucet comprises a spout, and a valve assembly that can be positioned in at least three different positions so as to draw water from a cold water reservoir, a hot water reservoir and lukewarm water reservoir. The valve assembly may comprise three valves, one valve for opening and closing the flow of water between each valve and the reservoirs. The lukewarm water reservoir receives water from the cold water reservoir which sits therein and raises up to room temperature. At least one handle provides for controlling the valves of the faucet so as to draw water from each reservoir or simultaneously from at least two reservoirs. A plumbing system including the faucet, conduits for each reservoir and a lukewarm water reservoir is also provided. |
| US08887762B2 |
Quick connect coupling with nested ball valves
A quick connect coupling includes female and male assemblies. The female and male assemblies include first and second valves, respectively, operable between open and closed positions. The male assembly connects to the female assembly by axial movement and relative rotation, wherein the male assembly disconnects from the female assembly by relative rotation and axial separation, wherein relative rotation of the assemblies moves the second valve between the open and closed positions. Moving the second valve from the closed to the open position allows the first valve to be movable from the closed position to the open position and moving the first valve from the closed to the open position limits relative rotation between the assemblies and prevents disconnection. Disconnection can only occur when the first valve has been moved to the closed position. Disconnection moves the second valve from the open to the closed position. |
| US08887761B2 |
Valve opening and closing mechanism
A valve opening and closing mechanism includes: an input shaft 2 driven by a power source; two or more output shafts 5, 6 respectively including valves 3, 4; power transmission members that transmit power from the input shaft 2 to the respective output shafts 5, 6 with varying a phase of the power; and preload application members that apply preloads respectively to the output shafts 5, 6 and the power transmission member in opposite directions. The output shafts 5, 6 may be separated from the power transmission member. |
| US08887757B2 |
Wafer check valve assembly and related methods of use
Provided is a wafer check valve assembly comprising a body having a mating side including first, second and third surfaces and a shaft groove, a tapered surface of the mating side extends from the third surface toward an inlet side of the body and from a first end to a second end of a port opening; a retainer having a mating side including fourth, fifth and sixth surfaces; and a disc with a shaft; wherein, when the body, retainer and disc are mated together: the shaft is housed between the body and the retainer and within the shaft groove, the first and fourth surfaces are proximal, the second and fifth surfaces are proximal, and the third and sixth surfaces proximal, so to define a pocket housing a gasketing material to form a seal between the body and retainer and to secure together the body, retainer, and disc. |
| US08887755B2 |
In-line repairable metal seated floating ball valve
A metal seated floating ball valve for in-line repair has a valve body, a ball mounted in the valve body, a stem connected to the ball, and a bonnet connected to the valve body. The floating ball valve further has a first seat and a second seat adjacent the ball mounted in the valve body, an energizing ring mounted in the valve body proximate the first seat and in series with the first seat and the second seat, and a valve seat bias mounted in the valve body proximate the energizing ring and in series with the energizing ring. The energizing ring may have a slot near the upper end and a wedge surface along the lower end. |
| US08887752B2 |
Fuel staging system
A fuel staging system comprises a splitter valve arranged to split an input fuel stream into a pilot fuel stream and a main fuel stream, the splitter valve comprising a spool slidable within a bore, the spool and bore together defining first and second control chambers, the fluid pressures in which determine the position occupied by the spool, the system further comprising a control line which, in use, controls fuel delivery through a plurality of main burners, the fluid pressure in the control line being a combination of the fluid pressures in the first and second control chambers. |
| US08887749B2 |
Method and apparatus for watering
An apparatus including flexible tube having a first opening at a first end, an opposing second opening at a second end, and a body portion between the first end and the second end. The body portion of the flexible tube may have an inner cavity and a plurality of further openings leading out from the inner cavity. The apparatus may include a first connector, configured to be connected to a water source. The apparatus may further include a non-porous first outer member, having a first opening at a first end, an opposing second opening at a second end, and a body portion between the first end of the first outer member and the second end of the first outer member. The first outer member may substantially surround a portion of the flexible tube to block a first set of the plurality of further openings to inhibit liquid flow. |
| US08887745B2 |
Midpoint reversed directionally coupled double chamber structure for the natural induction of a tornado
An apparatus generates and/or maintains fluid flow synthesizing and maintaining an artificial tornado. The apparatus includes a generally cylindrical frame having two chambers coupled with two channels each of one half the entire length of the frame, and having reversed angular coordinates. Each chamber operates to generate and/or maintain a vortex and each channel operates to induce and/or reinforce the vortex along the length of the frame. |
| US08887743B2 |
Chemical delivery system and platform
A chemical delivery system capable of handling a variety of concentrated chemicals in such a manner as to reduce the amount of service required to maintain the system. The system should be able to accurately and consistently deliver an appropriate quantity of concentrated chemicals as needed by the application where the system is utilized. Additionally, the system is configured such that the system occupies as little space as necessary. |
| US08887742B2 |
Dishwasher comprising a drying apparatus
A drying apparatus that allows the wet washed dishes located in the washing container to be dried quickly from an economic and hygienic point of view is provided. The drying apparatus for drying washed dishes is disposed inside a dishwasher and circulates exclusively the air located in a washing container of the dishwasher. The drying apparatus is provided with a suction port for introducing the air from the washing container into the drying apparatus, a blow-out port for discharging the air from the drying apparatus into the washing container, a conveying section between the suction port and the blow-out port, and a fan for conveying the air from the suction port to the blow-out port via the conveying section with the conveying section having a condensing section with at least one wall operable as a condensing surface upon which the humidity contained in the air condenses. |
| US08887741B2 |
Liquid processing apparatus, liquid processing method and storage medium
Disclosed is a liquid processing apparatus which performs a liquid processing by supplying a chemical liquid from a chemical liquid supplying unit to substrate rotating around a vertical axis, and includes a cover member arranged at an upper surface of substrate to oppose the substrate and have a space therebetween is provided with a gas supplying port, and gas is supplied from gas supplying port toward the space. The gas is discharged from the space through a gap between protrusion at the circumferential edge of cover member protruding downward and the substrate. In addition, lamp heater heating the circumferential edge of substrate is arranged in the space along the circumferential direction of substrate, the chemical liquid supplied from a chemical liquid supplying unit is supplied to a position closer to the circumferential edge side than a position at which lamp heater is provided. |
| US08887739B2 |
Hair iron
The present invention relates to a hair iron including: one pair of bodies rotatably hinged to each other; heat plates disposed on the bodies; and supporting means, each being disposed between one of the bodies and one of the heat plates in such a manner as to support the longitudinal center of each heat plate. Accordingly, each supporting means is disposed between each body and each heat plate to support the longitudinal center of each heat plate, so that the pair of heat plates is evenly contacted with each other according to the seesaw principle, thereby allowing the heat and pressure generated from the heat plate to be applied uniformly to hair. |
| US08887730B2 |
Dual-lumen tracheal tube with assembly portion
The present disclosure describes systems and methods having a dual-lumen tube with an assembly end. The assembly end may be molded and coupled to an extruded portion of the tube to form a complete dual-lumen tube. The assembly end may form the distal portion of the dual-lumen tube, which may simplify the manufacturing process by eliminating cutting and shaping steps involved in forming the distal ends of the ventilation lumens. The assembly end may be molded or otherwise formed so that the distal portion is not cut to length. In addition, the assembly end may include addition functionality, such as a camera apparatus or one or more sensors. |
| US08887729B2 |
Tracheostomy tube assemblies having spherical bearing elements
Various embodiments of tracheostomy tube assemblies including a first subassembly and a flange subassembly are provided. The first subassembly includes a connector and a first spherical bearing element coupled to a first end of the connector. The first spherical bearing element includes at least two protrusions radially offset about a circumference of the first spherical bearing element. The flange subassembly includes an outer spherical bearing element having recesses for receiving the at least two protrusions and being adapted to encapsulate the first spherical bearing element. |
| US08887726B2 |
Respiratory mask
The invention relates to a respiratory mask comprising a mask body and an articulated connection piece that can be connected to a respiratory tube. On the mask body, at least one exhalation gap is located in the vicinity of a connection that holds the articulated connection piece. Preferably, the exhalation gap terminates in an umbrella-shaped outflow channel that runs away from the patient. Preferably, at least two components of the respiratory mask are interconnected without play. |
| US08887724B2 |
Oxygen sensor seat assembly, oxygen sensor assembly, and anesthesia machine
An oxygen sensor seat assembly, an oxygen sensor assembly, and an anesthesia machine are disclosed. |
| US08887721B2 |
Attenuation of vasoactive oxygen carrier-induced vasoconstriction
Compositions and methods for preventing or reducing vasoconstriction in a mammal following administration of an artificial oxygen carrier (e.g., a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier) are disclosed. The methods include administering to a mammal a composition containing an artificial oxygen carrier in combination with one or more of a nitric oxide-releasing compound, a therapeutic gas containing gaseous nitric oxide, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and/or a soluble guanylate cyclase sensitizer. |
| US08887720B2 |
Delivery of ultra pure nitric oxide (NO)
A system for delivering a therapeutic amount of nitric oxide can include a reservoir including a restrictor with a length of at least 0.5 inch and at most 2 inches covered by a metal sheath, a gas supply, and a delivery conduit. A delivery conduit can include at least one cartridge and a patient interface. The at least one cartridge can include a surface-active material and a reducing agent. |
| US08887716B2 |
Supraglottic tube for inserting a larynx mask
A supraglottic tube is provided, which despite certain softness has high compressive strength in the proximal distal direction and an adjustable radius of curvature. The supraglottic tube includes at least three lumens. A guiding lumen is located between a respiration lumen and a esophageal lumen. The lumens are separated from each other by separating walls. A guiding means, which includes a pressure element and a tractive element, is located in the guiding lumen. A tractive force can be applied to the tractive element by way of a feed connector and an adjustment unit, in which the pressure element is supported, whereby the radius of curvature of the supraglottic tube can be adjusted. |
| US08887709B2 |
Foldable fuel burner
A foldable burner (10) is shown in the assembled and expanded condition. Foldable burner (10) comprises a raised platform (12) formed from aluminum foil portions (4b) and (4c) onto which fuel (14) can be placed. Tabs (16) are provided for gripping by a user to expand the burner from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition. Tabs (16) may also act as supports to strengthen the burner (10) and make the burner (10) more stable. Pluralities of apertures (8) enable air to enter the burner (10) under a chimney effect in order to provide oxygen to fuel (14) for burning. The upper periphery (18) of the burner (10) provides support for a cooking vessel (20) such as a saucepan. The burner (10) is easy to transport in its folded condition. Further, it may be designed as to offer a second use as transportation box. |
| US08887708B2 |
Modular paintball marker
An improved paintball marker with electro-pneumatic firing mechanism that employs two separate solenoid valves: a low pressure solenoid valve for bolt actuation and a high pressure solenoid valve for exhaust valve actuation to fire the paintball. The exhaust valve is completely independent of the bolt movement. This eliminates the need for a mechanical ram to strike the exhaust valve. Fewer moving parts and a smaller moving mass reduces recoil and improves reliability and overall operation of the marker. Moreover, the design is more modular and allows for easier disassembly and maintenance. |
| US08887707B2 |
Clay bird thrower
A hand held disk thrower consisting of a pivoting extended arm and launching head connected to a gripping handle that allows a wide ratios secondary action. The throwing head and arm section are designed to grip the clay target in a semicircular channeled head that offers some resistance to releasing. The arm is lengthened and arched to create both drag and centrifugal force. The launch head and arm section are attached to the handle by a pivoting joint that allows for free or flopping movement of head arm section. The combination head and launch arm and handle are constructed of a semi-rigid plastic. The thrower is designed to release a spinning disk when swung in an arc by the person grasping the handle. |
| US08887706B2 |
Humidity and fuel alcohol content estimation
Methods and systems for an engine system including an exhaust gas sensor are disclosed. In one example, under a first engine fueling condition, an air-fuel ratio correction factor is determined based on an expected air-fuel ratio and an actual air-fuel ratio. During a second engine fueling condition and a third engine non-fueling condition, fuel alcohol content and ambient humidity, respectively, are determined based on the exhaust gas sensor and corrected based on the air-fuel ratio correction factor. |
| US08887701B2 |
Low pressure EGR system and control method thereof
A control method for a low pressure exhaust gas recirculation (LP-EGR) system may include measuring an engine speed and load, setting a target pressure difference between a downstream side and an upstream side of a LP-EGR valve according to the measured engine speed and load, measuring a present pressure difference between the downstream and upstream sides of the LP-EGR valve, comparing the present pressure difference with the target pressure difference, and preventing a reverse flow of a recirculated exhaust gas by adjusting an opening rate of the LP-EGR valve to alter a recirculated exhaust gas amount when the present pressure difference is smaller than the target pressure difference. The LP-EGR system for preventing reverse flow of a recirculated exhaust gas may include an air intake line, an exhaust line, a LP-EGR line, a LP-EGR valve, pressure sensors and a control portion. |
| US08887696B2 |
Evaporated fuel handling apparatus
A fuel cap includes a communication chamber configured to make a charge path and the inside of the fuel tank communicate with each other while in a closed state. The communication chamber includes: a positive pressure control valve configured to open, and send evaporated fuel, which occurs inside the fuel tank, to an evaporated fuel reservoir via the communication chamber and the charge path when the internal pressure of the fuel tank becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure; and a negative pressure control valve configured to open, and send air from the evaporated fuel reservoir to the fuel tank via the communication chamber and the charge path when the internal pressure of the fuel tank becomes equal to or less than the predetermined pressure. In addition, a key cylinder sets the negative pressure control valve open upon inserting a key into the key cylinder. |
| US08887692B2 |
Systems and methods for decreasing torque fluctuations during cylinder deactivation and reactivation
A control system for an engine includes a first spark control module and a second spark control module. The first spark control module retards spark timing for M of N cylinders of the engine to a first spark timing during a period before deactivating or after reactivating the M cylinders, wherein M is an integer greater than or equal to one, and wherein N is an integer greater than M. The second spark control module advances spark timing for (N−M) active cylinders of the engine to a second desired spark timing during the period before deactivating or after reactivating the M cylinders, wherein the second spark timing is greater than the first spark timing. |
| US08887691B2 |
Method and apparatus for selecting a combustion mode for an internal combustion engine
A method for selecting a preferred combustion mode for an internal combustion engine operative in a plurality of combustion modes is described. The method includes selecting a combustion mode in terms of first and second engine parameters, and separating the engine operating region into zones defined by the first parameter. Each of the zones is further separated into sub-zones defined by the second parameter. A combustion mode is associated with each of the sub-zones. Operating states are determined for the first and second parameters. One of the zones is identified based upon the state for the first parameter. One of the sub-zones of the identified zone is identified based upon the state for the second parameter, along with a combustion mode associated with the identified sub-zone. The engine is controlled to the preferred combustion mode, depending upon hysteresis. |
| US08887689B2 |
Oil deterioration suppressing apparatus for internal combustion engine
The present invention provides an oil deterioration suppressing apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprising an oil reservoir section for reserving oil, a filtering component and an adsorption component provided in an oil passage, and a supply device for supplying the oil in the oil reservoir section to a side upstream of the adsorption component and the filtering component. The filtering component is configured to remove unnecessary products from the oil, and the adsorption component is configured to be positioned upstream of the filtering component to adsorb a predetermined acid component in the oil. Since the apparatus can remove a predetermined acid component in the oil from the oil in the adsorption component, it is possible to suppress generation of the sludge in the filtering component, thereby suppressing the oil deterioration appropriately. |
| US08887688B1 |
Oil filtering and cooling system for compression ignition engines
An oil distribution and cooling system for diesel engines of the design represented by the 6.4L POWER STROKE® engine. The stock oil cooler and cover are removed and a manifold is positioned in place of the removed stock oil cooler and cover. The block has oil in, oil out, coolant in and coolant out ports which align with those on the engine. Coolant is directed to an adapter plate and a relocated oil cooler which may be the removed cooler or a replacement, preferably of the oil-to-air type. Oil to be filtered and cooled is directed through the manifold to a filter and then to the cooler. Cool, clean oil is returned to the manifold for distribution to various engine locations. |
| US08887683B2 |
Compact electromagnetic plasma ignition device
A quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator for producing corona discharge plasma from is presented. The quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator has a folded cavity made of opposing concentric cavity members that are nested together to form a continuous cavity ending in a aperture. A center conductor with a tip is positioned in the cavity. The folded cavity advantageously permits the coaxial cavity resonator to resonate at a lower operating frequency than an unfolded quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator of the same length. Embodiments of the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator use narrower apertures to reduce radiative losses, and include center conductors that are reactive load elements, such as helical coils. When a radio frequency (RF) oscillation is produced in the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator, corona discharge plasma is formed at the tip of the center conductor. The corona discharge plasma can be used to ignite combustible materials in combustion chambers of combustion engines. |
| US08887679B2 |
Valve actuation mechanism and automotive vehicle comprising such a valve actuation mechanism
A valve actuation mechanism for an internal combustion engine includes rockers moved by a camshaft, each rocker being adapted to exert a valve opening force on at least a portion of a valve actuation mechanism of each cylinder belonging to a housing of the engine, via an engine brake activation piston, housed in a bore of the rocker, and movable with respect to the rocker under action of a fluid pressure raise in a chamber fluidly linked to the bore, from a first position, in which an engine brake function is deactivated, to a second position, in which a roller of the rocker reads at least one engine brake bump of a cam of the camshaft so as to perform the engine brake function. Each rocker includes a discharge valve movable in translation with respect to the rocker, adapted to reduce fluid pressure in the chamber. The engine brake system includes, for each rocker, a stopper fast with the housing and adapted to exert, on a portion of the piston, a force for opening the discharge valve when the activation piston has to be moved from its second position to its first position. |
| US08887675B2 |
Control device for changing phase of multiple independent intake valves in engine
A control device includes: a first phase changing portion retarding a first intake valve phase relative to a second intake valve phase; a throttle valve adjusting an intake air amount of the engine, and a control portion configured to perform an intake valve phase control which controls the first phase changing portion to retard the first intake valve phase relative to the second intake valve phase such that an air amount in the cylinder of the engine is reduced to a target value to perform rich combustion, and the control portion configured to perform a throttle valve closing control which controls the throttle valve such that the air amount in the cylinder is the target value or smaller after the air amount in the cylinder is not reduced to the target value or smaller by the intake valve phase control performed by the first phase changing portion. |
| US08887670B2 |
Remote animal training system using voltage-to-frequency conversion
An animal training device and system which uses a voltage to frequency conversion technology (VFC) providing the capability to adjust in gradual incremental levels upward and downward for consistent and individual electronic control of separate output to an animal undergoing training to learn new behaviors which are desired by its owner/handler/trainer. The device is contained in a housing which is worn around the neck of an animal by means of a collar strap or attached to a harness that properly fits onto an animal. The primary use is with dogs, but all kinds of domestic animals may be trained using this device. This VFC technology is offered in a variety of electronic platforms. Whether one-way or two-way remote controller with manual activation by the user, automatic activation by remote sensor detectors, or automatically activated by an on-board microprocessor circuitry sensing the animals own actions, either or all device outputs allow the animal's caretaker the unique capability to select an appropriate level of one of a variety of cue signals at a given moment allowing the animal not to be overwhelmed or to cause any over-reactions. |
| US08887668B2 |
Apparatus for controlling algal blooms and killing pathogens in fish tank
Provided are a killing apparatus for use in a fish tank. The killing apparatus includes a first conductive mesh, a second conductive mesh, and a spacer which is disposed between the first conductive mesh and the second conductive mesh and insulates the first conductive mesh and the second conductive mesh. Accordingly, in the fish tank, algal blooms are prevented and reduced, fish disease is prevented, and the growth of water plants is expedited. |
| US08887666B2 |
Universal water fountain system for animals
A submersible, universal water fountain system for an animal watering vessel. The system includes a port for discharging water into the vessel, a housing which has an inlet through which water is drawn from the vessel, and a pump for drawing water through the inlet and forcing the water from the housing through the port back into the vessel. The port discharges water in a pattern to diminish overspray outside the vessel and create a stream-like flow path of water movement in the vessel to enhance the water drinking experience of an animal. |
| US08887662B2 |
Pressure masking systems and methods for using the same
Methods of pressure coating a target surface of an article comprising one or more passageways include fluidly connecting a pressure masker comprising pressurized masking fluid to a first side of at least one passageway, passing the pressurized masking fluid through the at least one passageway from the first side to a second side comprising the target surface, and, coating the target surface using a coating material, wherein the pressurized masking fluid passing through the at least one passageway prevents the coating material from permanently altering a cross sectional area of the at least one passageway. |
| US08887660B2 |
Barrier coating corrosion control methods and systems for interior piping systems
Methods and process steps for mapping, cleaning and providing barrier coatings to interior walls of piping systems. An entire piping system can be cleaned in one single pass by dry particulates forced by air and the piping system coated in one single pass. Pipes can be protected from water corrosion, erosion and electrolysis. Pipes having diameters of approximately ⅜″ up to approximately 6″ are treatable. Piping systems such as potable water lines, natural gas lines, HVAC, drains, and fire sprinkler systems in homes, apartments, high-rise hotel/resorts, office towers, high-rise apartment and condominiums and schools, can be treated. The coating forms an approximately 4 mils or greater covering inside the pipes. Buildings can return to service within approximately 24 to approximately 96 hours. |
| US08887656B2 |
Container with adjustable date indicium
A closure for a container has a plurality of indicia such as date and/or time, disposed on the lid's top surface, with a rotary collar which is adjustable to a fixed position to highlight (select) indicia regarding the contents of the container. |
| US08887651B2 |
Agricultural fumigation using a multilayer film including a PVDC vapor barrier
Methods for fumigating soil include providing a fumigant including at least one volatile substance into or onto soil and applying over the soil a multilayer polymeric film to form a vapor barrier between the fumigant-treated soil and the atmosphere to at least partially contain the fumigant. The multilayer film includes at least one barrier layer comprising at least one vinylidene chloride polymer and protecting layers on each side of the barrier layer. The multilayer film preferably has at least one UV protecting layer and optionally at least one reflective layer. |
| US08887650B2 |
Temperature-controlled purge gate valve for chemical vapor deposition chamber
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus that are optimized for producing Group III-N (nitrogen) compound semiconductor wafers and specifically for producing GaN wafers. Specifically, the methods relate to substantially preventing the formation of unwanted materials on an isolation valve fixture within a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor. In particular, the invention provides apparatus and methods for limiting deposition/condensation of GaCl3 and reaction by-products on an isolation valve that is used in the system and method for forming a monocrystalline Group III-V semiconductor material by reacting an amount of a gaseous Group III precursor as one reactant with an amount of a gaseous Group V component as another reactant in a reaction chamber. |
| US08887646B2 |
Shipping pallet post reinforcement
A pallet used for stowing and transporting items for shipping. The pallet design of the present invention includes a top deck, a bottom skid, and several posts for providing support between the top deck and bottom skid. The posts are integrated with either the top deck or bottom skid. Within each pallet post is a steel tube reinforcement that is overmolded directly into the bottom skid, or is assembled after the pallet post is molded. The supports, which are typically hollow posts, are molded onto either the top deck or bottom skid, and a thermoplastic weld or adhesive joint is applied to the posts to complete the assembly. The palled having the integrated posts and reinforcements provides an economical approach of reinforcing pallet posts to absorb tow fork impact. |
| US08887641B1 |
40 mm low drag extended range projectile
A 40 mm ammunition projectile for firing without significant spin in an M203 or an M320 grenade launcher. The ammunition includes a projectile body having hollow inner cavity therein for an explosive warhead; a projectile fin assembly; a projectile nose element having a conically shaped front area thereon; a decoupled projectile sabot in two or more joining sabot petals enclosing the body; a base cartridge case having vent holes, a bowl area for placement of a copper closure cup containing propellant therein, and a closure plug for threading into the rear of said cartridge case. The projectile fin assembly may provide a canted angle on each fin blade to (relatively very slowly) spin up the round at less than 30 Hz. Projectiles with body length less than five inches may be launched in an M203 grenade launcher while projectiles with body length up to eight inches may be launched in an M320 grenade launcher. |
| US08887639B2 |
Inflatable bag with burst control envelope and gas generator
A rupturable bag assembly comprises an inflatable bag which parts at a target internal pressure to produce an acoustic shock wave having a minimum target noise level at a prescribed distance. The inflatable bag comprises inner and outer walls. The inner wall has greater elasticity than the outer wall. Both inner and outer walls are constructed from first and second disk shaped sections with the first and second sections being sealed along outside perimeters. The second section of the inner wall carriers a heat resistant shield on one face. An inflation port assembly provides a chamber for a fuel source and flame abatement elements between the fuel source and an inlet port to the rupturable bag. |
| US08887635B2 |
Method for cleaning inking units in offset printing presses
An offset printing press and a method for cleaning inking units in offset printing presses include emptying and subsequently refilling ink fountains of individual inking units of the printing units with ink sequentially one after the other. Immediately after the emptying of a first ink fountain, a washing operation for an associated inking unit is started even before remaining ink fountains have been emptied. After a respective further one of the remaining ink fountains has been emptied, the washing operation for a respective further inking unit is started and refilling of the first ink fountain is started while washing operations for one or more of the further inking units are still running. |
| US08887625B2 |
Hydrogen adding equipment for living organism applicable fluid
Hydrogen gas is added into living organism applicable fluid substantially without changing constituents of the living organism applicable fluid by reacting a hydrogen generating system and a generating-purpose water, wherein the hydrogen generating system contains metal aluminum, which is a food additive, as a hydrogen generating agent and calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide, which is also a food additive, as a hydrogen generating reaction accelerator such that the hydrogen generating agent and the hydrogen generating reaction accelerator are adjacent to each other. |
| US08887620B2 |
Diaphragm installation tool
An air-driven dual diaphragm pump comprises a pump body with a first air passage leading to a first air cavity with a first diaphragm, a second air passage leading to a second air cavity with a second diaphragm, and a reciprocating shaft which connects the first and second diaphragms. A diaphragm installation tool for the dual diaphragm pump comprises a plate which fits atop the pump body. A groove in a surface of the plate opposite from and nonadjacent to the pump body extends from the location of the first air passage to the location of the second air passage. A hole located within the groove at the location of either the first air passage or the second air passage extends through the plate. Pressurized air entering the pump body is redirected by the groove and the hole to always enter the first air passage, rather than the second, thereby slowly filling the first air cavity and positioning the second diaphragm for installation. |
| US08887619B2 |
Removable heat management for recharge coils
Devices, systems, and techniques for managing heat generated in coils for wireless energy transmission are disclosed. Inductive coupling between two coils (e.g., a primary coil and a secondary coil) may be used to recharge the power source of an implantable medical device. A phase change material may be thermally coupled to the primary coil to absorb heat generated during the inductive coupling and reduce temperature increases of the primary coil. In one example, the phase change material may be configured to absorb heat from an energy transfer coil. A housing may be configured to contain the phase change material and a coupling mechanism may be configured to removably attach the housing to the energy transfer coil. |
| US08887618B2 |
Pressure wave generator with movable control rod for generating a pressure wave in a medium
Examples of a pressure wave generator configured to generate high energy pressure waves in a medium are disclosed. The pressure wave generator can include a movable piston with a guide through which a piston control rod can move or slide. The pressure wave generator can include a transducer coupled to a medium. During an impact of the piston on the transducer, the control rod can slide in the guide, which can reduce stress on the rod. The pressure wave generator can include a damper to decelerate the control rod, independently of the piston. Impact of the piston on the transducer transfers a portion of the piston's kinetic energy into the medium thereby generating pressure waves in the medium. A piston driving system may be used to provide precise and controlled launching or movement of the piston. Examples of methods of operating the pressure wave generator are disclosed. |
| US08887617B2 |
Recoil-spring device for a handgun
In a recoil-spring device (100) in a handgun equipped with a breech and a recoil spring (110) in the form of a spiral spring, whose rear end abuts a rear stop member (123) on a recoil spring rod (120) and whose front end is mounted for movement along the recoil-spring rod (120) with contraction of the recoil spring (110), support in an uncomplicated recoil-spring eyelet is achieved in that the front end of the recoil spring (110) abuts, at least indirectly, a rear contact surface (132) of a contact element (131) that is mounted for movement along said contact-spring rod (120), while the front contact surface (133) is in contact with an internal surface of the breech of the handgun. |
| US08887616B2 |
Auto regulating gas system for supressed weapons
An auto regulating gas system to automatically regulate the operating speed of an auto loading weapon having a gas operating system by restricting the gas flow from the firing of a projectile. A gas block attached to the barrel or the weapon redirects a volume of propellant gases to cycle the weapon, the gas block including a gas port for directing propellant gases received from the a gas port of the barrel into the gas system. A spring-loaded plunger assembly is positioned within the gas block, the plunger assembly including a regulator plunger having a reduced flow orifice, a regulator bushing, a regulator spring, and a regulator cap, wherein the position of the regulator plunger within the gas block automatically controls an amount of gas that is allowed to enter the gas system. A mechanical backup linkage assembly is attached to the gas block as a backup device for returning the regulator plunger to a forward position in the gas block when a muzzle device mounted on a muzzle of the firearm is removed. |
| US08887614B1 |
Stacked buoyant payload launcher
A submarine buoyant payload launcher system includes support rails extending longitudinally along an interior surface of a submarine missile capsule. A plurality of hold downs are spaced along the length of each rail and are retractable into the support rails. Once a payload is in position within the rails, the hold downs adjacent to the top end of the payload are rotated to their closed position, so as to contact the payload. Another payload can then be loaded within the rails until the payload contacts with the closed hold downs. As in the case of the first payload, the hold downs adjacent to the top end of this next payload are rotated to their closed position. Multiple payloads can be loaded within the rails in this manner. |
| US08887612B2 |
Firearm charging handle
An improved charging handle for a firearm, specifically for automatic and semi-automatic rifles, where the charging handle is provided with operator engagement sides generally parallel to the long axis of the charging handle rod. In certain embodiments, the charging handle includes a latch mechanism comprising a non-pivoting pin for engagement with a detent on a firearm exterior surface and a biasing mechanism biasing the pin toward the elongate member, such that when the charging handle assembly is inserted fully into the firearm the pin engages the detent and is held in engagement by the biasing mechanism. In certain other embodiments the charging handle includes a latch mechanism that is rotationally secured to the handle portion and rotatable between a latched orientation and an unlatched orientation, and a biasing mechanism biasing the latch mechanism in the latched orientation and an interface member actuatable for moving the latch mechanism between the latched orientation and the unlatched orientation, wherein the interface member is at an angle to the elongate member when the latch mechanism is in the latched orientation, and the interface member is generally parallel to the elongate member when the latch mechanism is in the unlatched orientation. |
| US08887611B2 |
Method for neutralizing explosives and electronics
Disclosed is a system for detonating a buried explosive device by discharging an electric discharge with at least five joules of energy to detonate the buried explosive device. |
| US08887608B1 |
Cleaver and cutting board combination with self-locking hinge
An apparatus for cutting food items. The apparatus includes a cleaver, a cutting board, and a hinge that connects the cleaver to the cutting board. When these three components are used together, the apparatus provides greater cutting ability than conventional kitchen knifes and cutting boards. The apparatus is designed to cut through fish and poultry bones, frozen foods, and other food items that are typically difficult to cut. |
| US08887607B2 |
Tool change device for working apparatus of shearing machines
A tool change device (12) for working apparatus (10) of longitudinal shearing machines adapted for working on paper, cardboard, plastic films, various coupled materials, aluminum, fabric, non woven, glass fiber, carbon fiber and similar materials, wherein mechanical elements are provided for quick coupling/centering and extraction with translatory movement between a tool or blade holder head (16) and a tool holder (28) and with provision for a direct and quick feed of compressed air. |
| US08887606B2 |
Table cutting machine
A cutting machine can include a cutting machine body that is movably supported above a table and capable of vertical movement, the cutting machine body can be positioned at an upward waiting position and a lower end position. The cutting machine body can include an auxiliary cover positioned around a portion of a blade and including a projection. When in the upward waiting position the auxiliary cover is not able to move upward because of the position of the projection, and in the lower end position the auxiliary cover is able to move upward. |
| US08887604B2 |
Dresser link for saw chain
Embodiments herein provide a dresser link for a saw chain that is configured to condition a sharpening element. The dresser link may include a conditioning element with an outer edge that is offset from an outer side of the dresser link. The conditioning element may include a horizontal relief angle and/or a vertical relief angle. The saw chain may further include a cutter link having a cutting element. The horizontal and/or vertical relief angle may facilitate maintenance of a clearance between the cutting element and the conditioning element after wear of the cutting element and conditioning element. |
| US08887598B1 |
Multipurpose handheld tool and associated method
A multifunctional hand-operable beverage service tool includes a casing having a cavity defined therein, the casing having a proximal end region and a distal end region. A plurality of tools are pivotally coupled to said casing, the tools each being independently pivotable relative to the casing along an arcuate path defined between retracted and deployed positions; wherein one of said plurality of tools comprises a wine key lever. A first opening is positioned through the distal end region of the casing, the first opening being constructed and arranged to engage and remove a bottle cap. A second opening comprising a finger hole is positioned through the proximal end region of the casing. |
| US08887592B2 |
Spherical involute gear coupling
Disclosed herein are several embodiments of rotors (gears) which utilize spherical involute curves to determine the surfaces of the lobes (teeth). In some embodiments the contact surfaces are radial projections of spherical involute surfaces. In other embodiments the contact surfaces have a root and/or tip of a spherical involute curve, but are barreled or otherwise curved to reduce the point stress on each rotor. The rotors may also be configured where torque transfer is provided at a first set of lobes (teeth) and backlash removal is provided on teeth radially opposed to the first set of lobes (teeth). As the apparatus rotates, the position of torque transfer remains substantially the same, as does backlash prevention/removal, but the teeth providing these operations vary. The rotors may also be used for fluid flow. |
| US08887589B2 |
Twin clutch transmission
A twin clutch transmission for a large horsepower vehicle having a compact size and a high transmission efficiency is obtained. In a twin clutch transmission, there are provided an input shaft, an odd-numbered level speed change mechanism 30, an even-numbered level speed change mechanism 60, a synchronizing speed change mechanism 100, and an output mechanism 90. The speed change mechanisms 30 and 60 include transmission gear trains 32 and 62, main clutches 34 and 64 for selectively transmitting the powers of the transmission gear trains 32 and 62 to the transmission shafts 40 and 70. The synchronizing speed change mechanism 100 includes synchronizing gear trains 110 and 120 for coupling the rotation of the odd-numbered level transmission shaft 32 with the rotation of the even-numbered level transmission shaft 62, and synchronizing clutches 112 and 122 for selecting coupling by this synchronizing gear train. |
| US08887579B2 |
Correcting for two-phase flow in a digital flowmeter
A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable conduit, and a driver connected to the conduit that is operable to impart motion to the conduit. A sensor is connected to the conduit and is operable to sense the motion of the conduit and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to detect a single-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a first process during the single-phase flow condition to generate a validated mass-flow measurement. The controller is also operable to detect a two-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a second process during the two-phase flow condition to generate the validated mass-flow measurement. |
| US08887578B2 |
Coriolis mass flow rate sensor
A subassembly of a Coriolis flowmeter is fabricated from a single monolithic piece of elastic polymeric material. The subassembly includes two flow-sensitive members and a base integrally connected to the two flow-sensitive members. The two flow-sensitive members include straight sections, and are substantially similar and parallel to each other. Flow passages are drilled along the straight sections of the two flow-sensitive members, and drilled entrances are sealed using the elastic polymeric material. A temperature sensor is fixedly attached to a flow-sensitive member for measuring a temperature of the flow-sensitive member and communicating the temperature to a metering electronics. The metering electronics determines a calibrated flow rate of fluid flowing through the Coriolis flowmeter that accounts for the temperature. |
| US08887576B2 |
Submersible electronic sensor
The invention provides a submersible, electrically-powered sensor assembly that incorporates a flexible seal assembly having operative and non-operative electrical traces of a uniform vertical height for carrying clamping loads and avoiding signal loss along a signal carrying trace due to compression of the flex seal, minimizing fluid leak paths between two flange surfaces, providing stability in compression, and enabling electrical communication in an environment having an operating fluid. |
| US08887571B2 |
Vibrating micromechanical system having beam-shaped element
An exposed end of a micromechanical system having at least one beam-shaped element is connected to a further element of the micromechanical system at the other end thereof. To optimize the mechanical properties of the micromechanical system, recesses are provided in the beam-shaped element in such a way that the mass of the beam-shaped elements decreases toward the exposed end. |
| US08887567B2 |
Double-ended tuning fork with outrigger excitation
An accelerometer includes a base, a proof mass flexibly connected to the base, and a double-ended tuning fork (DETF) coupled to the proof mass and the base. The DETF includes a base attached to the accelerometer base, an outrigger that extends from a first side of the base, and two tines that extend from a side of the outrigger that is opposite the first side of the base. The accelerometer also includes a drive mechanism that generates opposing forces in different halves of the outrigger, thereby causing the tines to oscillate. An excitation voltage applied to metallized traces on the outrigger at the base of the DETF cause the tines to resonant. The alternating strains generated at the root of the tines excite the tines themselves at their resonant frequency without the requirement of complex metallization applied to the tines. |
| US08887564B2 |
Method for predicting initial unbalance in a component
A method for predicting initial unbalance in a component comprising one or more elements, the method comprising: defining a statistical distribution of a mass moment weight of each of the one or more elements; restricting the statistical distribution to a selected range; and calculating an initial unbalance of the component for the restricted distribution of the one or more elements. |
| US08887563B2 |
Transducer and method for manufacturing same
The present invention relates to a transducer and a method for manufacturing same, and more particularly, to a transducer and to a method for manufacturing same, in which a first liquid and a second liquid are supplied such that, at the boundary therebetween, a deformation-generating part, including a perforated structure having one or more holes therein, is formed, and the effect of external pressure is negated by the action between the liquids. |
| US08887562B2 |
Diagnostic tire test method
Provided is a method for testing a tire. The method may comprise performing a first stopping distance test on a tire of a first specification at a first inflation pressure and gathering data about the first stopping distance test. The method may further comprise performing a second stopping distance test on a tire of the first specification at a second inflation pressure and gathering data about the second stopping distance test. The method may further comprise performing a first traction test on a tire of the first specification at either the first inflation pressure or the second inflation pressure and gathering data about the first traction test. |
| US08887561B2 |
Method for estimating the dynamic load borne by a vehicle tire
The invention relates to a method for estimating the dynamic load borne by a tire of a vehicle running along over a given period, whereby the pressure is measured during the period, at each pressure measurement point, the pressure, known as the reference pressure, of the same tire subjected to a load that is constant and known per time interval is determined, and the variation in load is calculated from the difference between the measured pressure and the pressure, known as the reference pressure, and from a model of the tire devised beforehand and that relates a variation in load to a variation in pressure.The invention also proposes a method for estimating the load borne by a tire. |
| US08887551B2 |
Calibration of instrument relative to ultrasonic probe
A method of calibration including placing an instrument on an arbitrary point and at an arbitrary rotational orientation on an ultrasonic probe, obtaining spatial coordinates of the instrument, obtaining spatial coordinates of three points on an external surface of the ultrasonic probe, and using the three points to define an ultrasonic image plane, obtaining spatial coordinates of a set of landmarks which have a known spatial relationship to the ultrasonic image plane, these landmarks defining a direction in which the ultrasonic probe is directed within the ultrasonic image plane, and obtaining spatial coordinates of a front point on a front facing surface of the ultrasonic probe, the front facing surface having a known relation with a reference axis of a scanning plane of the ultrasonic probe that defines where an ultrasonic image starts within the ultrasonic image plane. |
| US08887550B2 |
Two degree of freedom dithering platform for MEMS sensor calibration
Systems and methods for two degree of freedom dithering for micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensor calibration are provided. In one embodiment, a method for a device comprises forming a MEMS sensor layer, the MEMS sensor layer comprising a MEMS sensor and an in-plane rotator to rotate the MEMS sensor in the plane of the MEMS sensor layer. Further, the method comprises forming a first and second rotor layer and bonding the first rotor layer to a top surface and the second rotor layer to the bottom surface of the MEMS sensor layer, such that a first and second rotor portion of the first and second rotor layers connect to the MEMS sensor. Also, the method comprises separating the first and second rotor portions from the first and second rotor layers, wherein the first and second rotor portions and the MEMS sensor rotate about an in-plane axis of the MEMS sensor layer. |
| US08887548B1 |
Land mine simulator
A land mine simulator includes a housing having an opening formed in one end thereof. A plate movably supported in the housing's opening has a first face exposed to a surrounding environment and a second face exposed to an interior region of the housing. A non-compressible fluid-filled reservoir in the housing includes a flexible diaphragm opposing and spaced apart from the second face of the plate. Plungers are between each of the second face of the plate and the diaphragm. Each of one or more air spring in the housing includes a cylinder having a movable piston sealed therein with a first side of the piston in fluid communication with the reservoir's fluid and a second side of the piston in fluid communication with a pressurized volume of gas within the cylinder. A pressure sensor is provided in communication with the fluid in the reservoir. |
| US08887547B2 |
Weight applying unit for calibration and weight applying method for calibration
A game controller including multiple sensors for detecting a pressure load of a user for use as an input device of a game apparatus. The game controller includes a load platform adapted to receive the pressure load of the user; a plurality of load sensors arranged in the load platform for detecting the pressure load of the user, each load sensor generating an independent detected load signal; and a connector to operationally connect the plurality of load sensors to the game apparatus for transmitting a transmission signal to the game apparatus to facilitate gameplay. The transmission signal includes the independent detected load signal of at least one load sensor such that the transmission signal includes at least one independent detected load signal corresponding to at least one load sensor of the plurality of load sensors. |
| US08887543B2 |
Tube flaring tool
A tool kit including a clamping structure formed of dual clamping bodies that define a cylindrical projecting member when the clamping bodies are united, a force transfer adapter, a substantially cylindrical force applying member having a tapered end and an elongated yoke having a longitudinal bore defined therein, wherein the first end of the yoke and the cylindrical projecting member have cooperating features for facilitating a non-permanent engagement with one another when the dual clamping bodies are united, and wherein the second end of the yoke and the force applying member include cooperating features for facilitating the gradual application of force to the force transfer adapter. |
| US08887538B2 |
Drum-type washing machine and bearing housing structure thereof
A drum type washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a tub, a drum, a motor rotating the drum, bearing housings housing bearings to support a rotation shaft, a suspension connected to the bearing housings and a cabinet to mitigate vibration, a bracket coupled to the bearing housings, and a gasket installed between the bracket and the tub. Such an arrangement may allow volumes of the tub and the drum may be increased without increasing the volume of the cabinet. |
| US08887535B2 |
Washing device
A washing apparatus includes a drive mechanism, a washing tub being configured to contain a washing article for washing and to be rotated by the drive mechanism, a casing that covers the washing tub, a liquid supply flow path for supplying the cleaning liquid for washing, a liquid discharge flow path, an air flow path, a detection portion being configured to detect whether or not the casing is filled with the cleaning liquid based on the cleaning liquid flowing into the air flow path, and a pump being configured to send the cleaning liquid to the liquid supply flow path, wherein the cleaning liquid is supplied to the casing in a condition that the casing communicates with the outside of the casing, after the washing article is put into the washing tub, and wherein the cleaning liquid is circulated, and wherein the washing tub is rotated, when the casing is filled. |
| US08887533B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling moisture in the manufacture of glass fiber insulation
Apparatus, systems and methods for monitoring and controlling the amount of moisture introduced into the forming hood area in the manufacture of mineral fiber insulation products. Moisture from coolant liquids, binder dispersions and binder diluents are all introduced deliberately into a forming hood; ambient moisture and water from combustion are additional sources. A series of global variable control valves, one for each fluid system; as well as individual variable control valves for each fiberizing unit are provided with associated meters. Sensors monitor fibrous pack conditions and ambient conditions and provide inputs to the valve control system. A specific 3-ring liquid dispensing system is also disclosed. |
| US08887529B2 |
Method and apparatus for cutting glass ribbon
A process and apparatus for cutting a continuous glass ribbon involving the use of edge restrainers such as suction cups and clamps connected to an actuator of a robot tooling through a flexible linkage capable of reciprocal motion in the direction of the ribbon velocity. The use of the flexible linkage reduces peak pulling-force when the glass ribbon is pulled or pushed laterally to during bending and separation along a pre-formed score-line. The invention can be advantageously used in the bottom of the draw of a vertical down-draw forming process. |
| US08887524B2 |
Refrigerating apparatus
A refrigerating circuit in which a compressor, a gas cooler, a first pressure reducing unit and an evaporator are successively annularly connected to one another via pipes includes a second pressure reducing unit and a liquid receiver between the gas cooler and the first pressure reducing unit, and the liquid receiver is connected to the suction port of the compressor via a pipe. Then, the opening/closing degree of the second pressure reducing unit is controlled in accordance with a pressure difference between the discharge-side pressure of the compressor and the suction-side pressure thereof, whereby the amount of the refrigerant to be circulated is increased when the refrigerating ability runs short, and the excessive refrigerant is received in the liquid receiver when the refrigerating ability becomes excessive, so that the amount of the refrigerant to be circulated can be adjusted. |
| US08887522B2 |
Apparatus for dispensing a food product
An apparatus comprises a reservoir (2) for containing a food product, an appendage (10) which protrudes from the reservoir (2) and defines a chamber (11) communicating with the reservoir (2), an outlet hole (22) for the food product, the appendage (10) being delimited by a lower surface (12) in which the outlet hole (22) is obtained. |
| US08887517B2 |
Method for operating an aircraft cooling system and aircraft cooling system
The invention relates to a method for operating an aircraft cooling system (10), comprising the steps guiding a cooling medium through a cooling circuit (26) which is coupled to a refrigerating machine (12) and to at least one cooling energy consumer (14a-14d) in order to supply cooling medium cooled by the refrigerating machine (12) to the cooling energy consumer (14a-14d), and controlling the operation of the refrigerating machine (12) by a control unit (42), such that coolant medium cooled by the refrigerating machine (12) to a predetermined cooling medium flow temperature is supplied to the cooling energy consumer (14a-14d). The method for operating an aircraft cooling system (10) further comprises detecting a cooling energy requirement of the cooling energy consumer (14a-14d) and transmitting a signal indicative of the cooling energy requirement of the cooling energy consumer (14a-14d) to the control unit (42). The operation of the refrigerating machine (12) is controlled by the control unit (42) in such a way that cooling medium which is guided through the cooling circuit (26) is cooled to a cooling medium flow temperature which is adapted to the cooling energy requirement of the cooling energy consumer (14a-14d). |
| US08887509B2 |
Liquid level monitoring and reporting system
An assembly includes a reservoir, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller. The first and second sensors are positioned in the reservoir. The controller is connected to both the first and second sensors. The controller sends a full signal when the first sensor indicates that liquid level in the reservoir is at or above a first level. The controller sends a fill signal when the second sensor indicates that liquid level in the sump is at or below a second level. The controller sends an approximate oil level signal with a value estimated based upon elapsed operating time since the reservoir was at or above the first level. |
| US08887507B2 |
Traversing fuel nozzles in cap-less combustor assembly
A combustor includes a central fuel nozzle assembly and a plurality of outer fuel nozzle assemblies, each of the plurality of outer fuel nozzle assemblies having a center body and an outer shroud, the plurality of outer fuel nozzle assemblies being configured to abut one another in a surrounding relationship to the central cylinder such that no gaps are present between any two abutting ones of the plurality of outer fuel nozzle assemblies. One or more of the plurality of fuel nozzle assemblies may traverse axially back and forth according to embodiments of the invention. |
| US08887502B2 |
Pressure booster and diecasting arrangement
A pressure booster (1) for a die casting machine, comprises a pressure booster piston (4) having a valve seat (7), wherein the pressure booster piston (4) interacts with the valve seat (7) to form a shut-off or non-return valve (6). The valve body (24) is displaceable to a limited extent in the axial direction (a) and can be retained hydraulically in a starting position. |
| US08887500B2 |
Hydraulic transaxle
A hydraulic transaxle comprises a transaxle housing, an axle, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic circuit, and a pair of auxiliary pumps. The transaxle housing defines a fluid sump therein. The axle is supported by the transaxle housing. The hydraulic motor is disposed in the transaxle housing so as to drive the axle. The hydraulic pump is disposed in the transaxle housing so as to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor. The hydraulic circuit is disposed in the transaxle housing so as to fluidly connect the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor. The pair of auxiliary pumps are disposed in the transaxle housing so as to supply fluid from the fluid sump to outside of the transaxle housing. |
| US08887499B2 |
Electronic high hydraulic pressure cutoff to improve system efficiency
A method for overpressure control in a hydraulic system having multiple hydraulic pumps, with each hydraulic pump being connected by a respective hydraulic circuit for actuating a single respective hydraulic actuator, includes actuating a first variable displacement hydraulic pump, the first hydraulic pump being fluidly linked by a first hydraulic circuit to a first hydraulic actuator for powering the first hydraulic actuator. Upon detecting a pressure that exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure, the flow rate of the first hydraulic pump is electronically modified to a second flow rate lower than the first flow rate whereby the pressure in the first hydraulic circuit is reduced to a pressure that is below the predetermined threshold pressure. |
| US08887498B2 |
Transmission hydraulic control system having an accumulator bypass valve assembly
A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid includes a pump. A bypass valve assembly includes an inlet port in communication with the pump and an outlet port in communication with an accumulator. The pump and the accumulator are both in communication with a hydraulic control system that controls, lubricates, and cools a transmission of a motor vehicle. The bypass valve assembly has a valve moveable between at least a two positions. The bypass valve assembly is operable to bypass the accumulator when the vehicle is first started such that the pump charges the hydraulic control system before charging the accumulator. The accumulator provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic control system after vehicle start. |
| US08887491B2 |
Control apparatus for an internal combustion engine
A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine determines, based on an output value of the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor, an air-fuel ratio of a gas flowing into the catalyst that is set to either a “target rich ratio” or a “target lean ratio”, and determines a fuel injection amount. Disclosed is an evaporated fuel purge section for introducing an evaporated fuel generated in a fuel tank into an intake passage. The purge section starts the purge when the target air-fuel ratio is set to the target rich ratio at a purge execution condition satisfied time point at which a state has changed from a state in which the purge execution condition is unsatisfied to a state in which it is satisfied, and does not start the purge when the target air-fuel ratio is set to the target lean air-fuel ratio at the purge execution condition satisfied time point. |
| US08887490B2 |
Rich burn internal combustion engine catalyst control
A catalyst system may include a catalyst and a first sensor that detects contents of gases entering the catalyst and reports the contents of the gases entering the catalyst to an emissions control module. A second sensor and a third sensor may detect contents of gases exiting the catalyst and report the contents of the gases exiting the catalyst to the emissions control module. The emissions control module may determine an air-fuel ratio based on the contents of gases entering the catalyst and the contents of gases exiting the catalyst. The emissions control module may instruct an air-fuel regulator to operate an engine using the air-fuel ratio. |
| US08887489B2 |
Noise control chevron for a nozzle, and nozzle and turboshaft engine provided with such a chevron
According to the invention, the shape of each of said chevrons is defined: by two lateral sides (21, 22) having front ends (21A, 22A) that are connected to said nozzle (4, 10) and that, when moving away from the latter, converge towards each other without joining so that the rear ends (21R, 22R) of said lateral walls (21, 22) are spaced from each other; and by a curvilinear transverse line (23.1) connecting the rear ends (21R, 22R) of said lateral walls (21, 22) by forming two rounded side protrusions (24.1, 25.1) separated by an intermediate rounded recess (26.1). |
| US08887486B2 |
Ram air fan inlet housing
A ram air fan inlet housing for containing a ram air fan rotor. The inlet housing includes a flanged surface and an interior surface. The flanged surface is perpendicular to an axis of the inlet housing and defines a flange plane at an axial end of the inlet housing. The interior surface is symmetric about the axis of the inlet housing and includes a flange section, a transition section, an outlet section, a rotor section, and an inlet section. |
| US08887480B2 |
Walk power mower with height of cut adjustment system having spring arm with replaceable locking pin
A walk power mower has a mower deck that encloses a pair of rotary cutting blades with the grass clippings from the blades being discharged through a rearwardly extending grass discharge tunnel in a rear bagging mode of operation. The mower deck has ground engaging wheels that are vertically moved up or down to adjust the height of cut. The height of cut adjustment system comprises at least one spring arm having a locking pin or tab that cooperates with one of a plurality of notches, detents or openings on the mower deck to select a desired height of cut. A threaded fastener releasably attaches the locking pin or tab to the spring arm to be able to replace the locking pin or tab without replacing the entire spring arm. |
| US08887475B2 |
Leveling and aligning device for installing tiles
This invention relates to a leveling and aligning device for installing tiles and which comprises a wedge for leveling the tiles and a main body; more specifically, the main body has a supporting base and at least one vertical member extending along an axis substantially perpendicular to the base and connected to the supporting base along a preferential fracturing line; the first vertical member has an opening extending from the supporting base, designed to receive the leveling wedge, and a contact portion designed to engage with the leveling wedge; the first vertical member comprises at least one pair of first side tabs having a thickness greater than the thickness of the first vertical member. |
| US08887470B2 |
Solar trough frame, part and method
A solar trough frame for holding solar mirrors includes a plurality of chords. The frame includes a plurality of extruded profiles, including chords, chord sleeves, struts, strut end pieces and mirror support pieces, each chord sleeve having at least one chord sleeve fin, each chord sleeve positioned about one of the chords. The frame includes a plurality of struts, at least one of the struts having a strut end piece having at least one strut fin that connects with a chord sleeve fin to connect the plurality of chords. The frame includes a platform supported by the chords and struts on which the solar mirrors are disposed. A chord sleeve for connecting a chord of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a strut end piece extending from a strut of the solar frame. A strut end piece for connecting the strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord sleeve of the solar frame. A method for linking a strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord of the solar frame. A method for supporting solar mirrors. |
| US08887469B2 |
Slant wall block and wall section including same
A wall block comprises an upper surface and an opposed lower surface. A front face and an opposed back face, and a first side face and an opposed second side face, are disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. The first side face and the second side face generally extend from the front face to the back face. The block includes one or more features that define a horizontal alignment direction. The front face extends from the first side face to the second side face generally along a direction that is slanted with respect to the horizontal alignment direction. |
| US08887466B2 |
System for constructing walls using blocks equipped with coupling means
The invention relates to a system for constructing walls using blocks equipped with coupling means, comprising blocks having: ridges that fit into grooves, bases that fit into channels, cavities for the flow of adhesive, notches in which ducts for installations are located, perforations for reinforcing the wall with post-tensioned cable or rebar, provisions for building frames for doors or windows, and tunnels for housing piers, among other elements, which together allow a wall to be constructed without skilled labor, saving materials and reducing construction time. |
| US08887465B2 |
Apparatus and method for construction of structures utilizing insulated concrete forms
An insulated concrete form having spaced sidewalls joined by form ties to define a first interior cavity therebetween for receiving poured concrete, the form ties including interior fastening plates positioned in between the spaced sidewalls. The interior fastening plates provide a backing surface to which forming structures can be easily and efficiently secured to define a second interior cavity in between the forming structure and one of the sidewalls, the second interior cavity having thickness less than the first interior cavity so as to define a form for making a recess in the resulting concrete portion of the wall. |
| US08887464B1 |
Metal panel roof recover
The subject invention provides for metal panel roof recover systems which are installed over an existing roof. The existing roof has a support frame which includes an array of spaced purlins running horizontally through the roof and a plurality of interconnected metal panels that are mounted vertically across the array of purlins. The roof recover system comprises individual panel clips, elongated panel clips, and a metal cover. The individual clips are arranged in linear arrays running vertically across the purlins and are mounted to the purlins through the panels of the existing roof. The elongated continuous panel clips extend vertically across and are mounted to adjacent purlins through the panels of the existing roof. The metal cover is attached to the clips and comprises a plurality of metal panels interconnected by vertical standing seams formed on the clips. |
| US08887463B2 |
Cover assembly for structural members
A cover assembly for bridging an opening located in an expansion joint between two spaced-apart structural members. The cover assembly includes a coverplate having a rigid plate member that is engaged with a resilient elastomeric cover. The cover assembly is affixed to the underlying structural members by base members. The proper positioning of the cover assembly within the expansion joint gap is maintained through a positioning assembly that is engaged with the coverplate and base members. |
| US08887459B2 |
Modular wall assembly system
Provided are systems and components for modular wall assembly. The components include horizontal tracks, vertical studs, and floor tracks that have engagement means for assembling the components together into a frame structure. Horizontal tracks and floor tracks have portions for mourning a wall module such as a wall panel unit, bookshelf unit, or cabinet. The horizontal tracks, vertical studs, and floor studs may be CNC cut from a CAD file for precision alignment between interlocking components. The modular wall assembly systems provide for ease of construction and flexibility in designing the layout of an interior wall. |
| US08887458B2 |
Self-adjusting firestopping sleeve apparatus with flexibly resilient supplemental constriction means
A firestopping sleeve positionable usually in walls which is self-adjusting and includes a sleeve defining an access corridor extending longitudinally therewithin with at least one firestopping pad positioned therein. The pad defines an access corridor extending therethrough for receiving wall penetrating cables which are firestopped therearound by the pad. A supplemental construction band is positioned extending around the pad for enhancing firestopping adjacent the penetrating wire for facilitating preventing the flow of heat, smoke or fire therepast. |
| US08887457B1 |
Door frame reinforcement assembly
A door frame reinforcement assembly for resisting an intrusive force applied to a building door has a pair of opposing elongated jamb members and elongated reinforcement members securable with a respective jamb member. Each of the jamb members has a pair of rabbet milled step-up cutouts. One of the cutouts receives a long screw threadably engaging the jamb member with the walls studs. The reinforcement members are secured within the second cutout. The reinforcement members are formed as metal tubes with an insert. |
| US08887456B2 |
Kit for producing a stair case
A kit for assembling to produce a staircase, the kit comprising: a pair of star supports (12); a plurality of treads (16); a plurality of risers (18); a plurality of tread supports (14) for supporting treads when the staircase is assembled; and means defining the correct position of the plurality of tread supports on the stair supports to produce a staircase to a given specification. |
| US08887454B2 |
Solar module attachment device and mounting method
A device for attaching a module for collecting energy originating from solar radiation on a structure such as a roof, a façade or a mounting structure of a ground-mounted system, in which the module is provided with at least one fastener on its face designed to be facing the structure. The device includes at least one support secured to the structure by snap-fitting, the fastener and the support being suitable for being coupled to one another for the attachment of the module to the structure. |
| US08887453B2 |
Supporting structures for building integrable photovoltaic modules
Building integrable photovoltaic (BIP) modules include photovoltaic inserts for producing electrical power and supporting structures for mechanically attaching and supporting the insert with respect to a building structure, such as roof tops. The supporting structures may include ventilation ribs that form ventilation channels under the photovoltaic insert and, in certain embodiments, under other components of the module. These ribs may be used to provide mechanical support to the entire module. In specific embodiments, ventilation channels of one module are configured to coincide with ventilation channels of one or more other like modules and to form a continuous channel along the roof edge. The supporting structures may be used to form moisture barriers in between two modules, such as side glitters. In certain embodiments, supporting structures are separate components and are attached to the insert to form a module during fabrication or installation of the module on a building structure. |
| US08887451B2 |
Pivoting bracket for foundation support system
An apparatus for lifting and supporting a foundation is provided. The apparatus includes a pivoting bracket that is rotatably coupled to a slab bracket plate having a sleeve. The sleeve is adapted to slide onto a support structure driven into strata within a hole formed in a foundation in an area needing support. The pivoting bracket is pivoted into an insertion position in which one arm of the bracket is up and one arm is down. This enables the bracket to clear the sides of the hole in the foundation. The bracket is then pivoted to a support position and drawn upwardly with guide rods and a seating plate until seating portions of the bracket engage an underside surface of the foundation. The apparatus is then raised to lift the foundation. The sleeve of the apparatus is then affixed to the support structure to support the foundation. |
| US08887440B2 |
Garage door antenna
A system and method for controlling a garage door is presented. An alarm system includes an antenna mounted to a garage door. A signal generator logic generates a periodic signal based on a capacitive value of the antenna. The signal generator logic also provides transmit power to the antenna that is radiated away from the garage door. A detection logic detects if there is a change in a characteristic of the periodic signal caused by movement in proximity of the garage door. Amplification logic amplifies the change of the periodic signal. Alarm detection logic determines if the change is an alarm and an alarm response logic will stop a movement of the garage door when the change is an alarm resulting from movement near the door. |
| US08887432B2 |
Handgun converter
A handgun converter enclosing a handgun and allowing the user to operate the handgun with full and increased functionality and enhanced safety. The combined weapon endows the handgun with increased stability and accuracy due to additional supports, versatility by adding rails, and with an additional mechanical latch mechanism supporting safe use. The handgun converter is constructed to allow quick mounting and release of the handgun, to enhance weapon versatility. |
| US08887429B2 |
Light-weight firing control housing for revolver
A revolver with light-weight firing control housing includes a cylinder frame supporting a rotatable cylinder defining a plurality of cartridge-receiving chambers and a firing control housing made of a non-metallic material. The firing control housing attaches to the cylinder frame and supports firing control mechanism components, such as a trigger and a pivotable hammer actuated by the trigger. In one embodiment, the firing control housing may be made of a polymer and the cylinder frame may be metal. |
| US08887426B2 |
Elastomeric extractor member
A biasing member for a bolt assembly of a firearm is described herein. The biasing member comprises a body having a first portion configured to engage and seat within a biasing member receiving indentation of an arm of the extractor, and a second portion configured to engage and seat within a receiving area along a bolt of the firearm. The body provides a biasing force directed against the extractor arm. The body comprises an elastomeric material, and is configured such that the first and second portions provide varying levels of compression sufficient to maintain a substantially constant extractor tension between the extractor arm and a cartridge. |
| US08887422B2 |
Apparatus pertaining to physically-discrete sign components
A physically-discrete sign component comprises an internally-electrically-illuminated alphabetic character having a front-facing profile and at least one connecting bar disposed at least substantially horizontally with respect to the front-facing profile of the alphabetic character and at least partially within the front-facing profile of that alphabetic character. By one approach the physically-discrete sign component includes two of the connecting bars. If desired, these two connecting bars are disposed at least substantially parallel to one another. By one approach, a first one of the connecting bars extends partially, but not wholly, above an upper periphery of the aforementioned front-facing profile while the second connecting bar extends partially, but not wholly, below a lower periphery of the front-facing profile. The connecting bars can include a connecting-bar interface configured to physically and electrically interconnect to an adjacent sign component. |
| US08887418B2 |
Three dimensional foam greeting cards
Three-dimensional lightweight foam greeting cards are described herein having a foam body with a perimeter wall that extends between two spaced apart parallel pieces of planar sheet material such as heavy gauge paper, cardboard, or other such material. The greeting cards have a partially hollowed foam body or one or more cavities in the foam body concealed in the front and back by the planar sheet material which may be pre-cut in the shape of the foam body are decorated consistent with the design of the foam body. The cavities in the foam body may contain various electronic components that enable the greeting card to produce sound and/or other special effects. The greeting cards may include various switch mechanisms that may be located and accessed through various locations on the foam greeting card body. |
| US08887417B2 |
Greeting card with spring loaded slide track audio trigger
An interactive greeting card having a multi-panel greeting card body, a sound module and a molded track contained between two or more panels of the multi-panel greeting card body, and a moveable object which is attached to the molded track through an opening in one or more of the greeting card panels. The moveable object is operative to move from one end of the molded track to the opposite end of the molded track whereby playback of a pre-recorded digital audio file is initiated. The interactive greeting card may additionally contain a small motor which causes movement of a second moveable object and an object launcher which is operative to launch an object along the track and into the air. Other special effects may be included such as lights, additional sounds or movement, or any other special effects which can be incorporated into a greeting card. |
| US08887415B2 |
Hoist rope guide
A rope guide that includes an arm, a rope-contacting element, and a spring damper. The rope guide is pivotably coupled to the boom of a mining shovel. The combination of the arm, spring damper, and rope-contacting element maintains a nominal tension in the rope, thereby reducing the likelihood of wear and fatigue on the rope. |
| US08887413B2 |
Expanding material box for equipment
A material box can telescope between larger and smaller widths to accommodate legal requirements of traveling down the road, making traveling between job sites easier and safer than conventional, unadjustable material boxes. The material box can be used in a wide configuration to plow a wider area, such as empty parking lots, cutting down work time. When cars are present, the material box can be made narrow to accommodate for the vehicles while still being an effective material moving device. |
| US08887412B2 |
Road position indication for motor grader snow plow
A motor grader includes a tracking system indicating the location of the motor grader relative to a desired snow plowing path. The tracking system may also indicate the location of prerecorded obstacles along the desired snow plowing path. |
| US08887408B2 |
Apparatus for confirming right angles at corners of a rectangular structure with a tape measure
An apparatus and its method of use with a conventional tape measure confirms right angles of the corners of a rectangular structure. The apparatus is a two-part tool including a tape measure tab part and a tape measure tape part. The tab part secures a tape measure tab at one corner of the rectangular structure as the tape measure tape is pulled from the tape measure housing diagonally across the structure. The tape part of the apparatus is secured to the diagonally opposite corner of the structure and is used to check the diagonal distance measurement of the tape across the structure. The process is then again performed between the other diagonally opposite corners of the structure to obtain a diagonal distance measurement across the other corners to determine if the two diagonal measurements match and confirm the right angles of the rectangular structure. |
| US08887406B2 |
Footer square apparatuses
A footer square apparatus for squaring a building foundation may include a footer square body, a first guide line, a second guide line, and a post receiving opening. The first guide line may be disposed on the footer square body and have a length that is substantially straight. The second guide line may be disposed on the footer square body and have a length that is substantially straight. The post receiving opening may be disposed through the footer square body and may receive a post. The length of the first guide line may be substantially perpendicular to the length of the second guide line. The post receiving opening may be located at the intersection of the first guide line and the second guide line. |
| US08887401B2 |
Rotating blade assembly
A rotating blade assembly provides a multiplicity of rotating blades for shaving. The rotating blades engage a surface, and create a multiplier effect for an enhanced shave. Multiple rotating blades minimize contact between each blade and the skin to extend the life of the blades, and also funnel hair and shaving cream away from the surface. A pair of gear assemblies inside the blade housing rotatably engages to provide smooth rotation for the blades. Openings in the blade housing create a space for the blades to extend out of, an opening for water to pass through during cleaning and usage, and an opening for the hair and shaving cream to pass through. A shaft locks the gear assembly to prevent rotation for more precise shaving of side burns, mustaches, and goatees. A hollow handle with an opening at the end allows residue to pass through during cleaning and usage. |
| US08887399B2 |
Housing manufacturing system and method
A method of final assembly for constructing homes from substantially planar floor and wall sections. The method includes assembling a house from floor and wall sections in a final-assembly section of a final assembly facility. The final-assembly section is at an intersection of a crane section that is adjacent to a final assembly line. The crane section has at least one roof assembly area used for assembling the roof. The final assembly line further has a plurality of additional stations within the final-assembly section that are in-line with the at least one station. The method also includes lifting a roof assembled in the roof assembly area onto the house, and further finishing the house at each of the plurality of additional stations. |
| US08887394B2 |
Device and method for calibrating a sintered molded part
The invention describes a device (1) for calibrating a sintered molded part (2) with an angular toothing (3) by means of a calibrating tool (4), comprising a lower punch (15) for mounting the sintered molded part (2) with a lower punch external toothing (23), a vertically movable and axially rotatably mounted upper punch (8) with an upper punch external toothing (21), as well as an axially rotatably mounted die (14) with a die internal toothing (24). The lower punch (15) is mounted to be moveable only in vertical direction. |
| US08887393B2 |
Fabrication of an inkjet printhead mounting substrate
A method of fabricating a mounting substrate forming an ink inlet in a first layer of a first dielectric; forming contact pads on a second layer of a second dielectric; forming a slot through the second layer; forming a window through a third layer of a third dielectric; aligning and laminating the second layer to the first layer such that the ink inlet is aligned with the slot; and aligning and laminating the third layer to the second layer so the contact pads and the slot are exposed through the window; providing a printhead die having: a drop mechanism for ejecting drops; a chamber to contain ink; and adhesively bonding the printhead die to the second layer so that the printhead die is disposed within the window and an inlet feed opening of the printhead die is aligned with the slot through the second layer. |
| US08887392B1 |
Apparatus and methods for connecting a drain pan overflow sensor to a ductless mini-split HVAC system
Apparatus useful for connecting a drain pan overflow sensor to the evaporator assembly of a ductless mini-split HVAC system includes at least one carrier extending upwardly from the overflow sensor and at least one connector releasably engageable with the carrier and at least one fin and/or evaporator coil tube of the evaporator assembly. |
| US08887391B2 |
Turbine disk slot bottom machining
A method for forming a slot in a rotor disk includes a finishing step using a tool rotating at angle off normal in direction opposite a direction that the tool is driven through the slot. A finish profile is obtained in part by removing material from a bottom surface with a tool rotating about an axis off normal. |
| US08887387B2 |
Methods of manufacture of leads with a radially segmented electrode array
A method of making a lead for a stimulation device includes forming at least one pre-electrode in the shape of a ring, the at least one pre-electrode comprises at least two thin-walled portions separated by at least two thick-walled portions; disposing the at least one pre-electrode near a distal end of a lead body; joining at least one conductor to each thick-walled portion of the at least one pre-electrode; and grinding the lead body and the at least one pre-electrode to remove the thin-walled portions of the at least one pre-electrode to form segmented electrodes from the thick-walled portions of the at least one pre-electrode. |
| US08887385B2 |
Impedance matching method
A circuit board assembly includes a circuit board, at least one pad formed on the circuit board, and at least one connection line. Each of the at least one connection line includes a connection end connected to a respective one of the at least one pad and has the same resistance value as the respective pad. |
| US08887379B2 |
Friction weld coaxial connector interconnection support
A coaxial connector for interconnection with a coaxial cable with a solid outer conductor by friction welding is provided with a monolithic connector body with a bore dimensioned for an interference fit with an outer diameter of the outer conductor. A friction groove may be formed around the leading end of the outer conductor by application of a friction weld support against the inner diameter and leading end of the outer conductor. The friction groove may include a material chamber formed between a radial friction protrusion of the bore and a bottom of the friction groove. The friction weld support may be provided with ceramic surfaces contacting the outer conductor, a stop shoulder dimensioned to abut a cable end of the bore and/or an elastic insert seated within an inner conductor bore. |
| US08887375B2 |
Method for manufacturing earphone
An earphone includes an earphone housing, a speaker positioned in the earphone, and an earphone cable connected to the speaker. The earphone housing has a first housing and a second housing. The first housing forms a first connecting surface, and the second housing forms a second connecting surface. The first connecting surface and the second connecting surface abut against each other and are ultrasonically fused together, in which excess plastic is formed and arranged along a fusing line. A method of manufacturing above-described earphone is also provided. The method also includes the forming of an excess plastic arranged along a fusing line formed between the first housing and the second housing made during ultrasonic fusion, the removing of excess plastic of the earphone phone by a cutter, and the grinding of the earphone housing by a grinding device. |
| US08887370B2 |
Rackable fence system
In certain embodiments, a fence system includes a rail having a first surface having one or more apertures. The rail also includes second and third surfaces opposing one another, the first, second, and third surfaces of the rail forming a channel. The second surface and the third surface of the rail have first and second lips, respectively, the first and second lips extending into the channel. The fence system section also includes one or more pickets inserted through corresponding apertures of the first surface of the rail. Each picket has a first connection region located substantially in the channel formed by the first, second, and third surfaces of the rail such that the first connection region is substantially prevented from passing through the corresponding aperture in the first surface of the rail or between the opening defined by the first and second lips of the rail. |
| US08887367B2 |
Cell including clean and dirty sections for fabricating composite parts
A cell for fabricating a part having reinforcing fibers embedded in a matrix, includes a clean section for performing clean operations including laying up the reinforcing fibers on a mandrel tool. The clean section satisfies clean room requirements for processing uncured composite materials. The cell further includes an adjacent dirty section for performing dirty operations including machining the layup after curing; a common end effector positioning system movable between the clean and dirty sections; and means for preventing contaminants in the dirty section from entering the clean section. |
| US08887365B2 |
Glove port retrofit assembly and method of replacing components
What is disclosed is a system for retrofitting a sealed enclosure for performing work therein having an outer enclosure assembly configured to be clamped to the outer annular face of a port ring and form a sealed engagement with the outer annular surface of the port ring, a change assembly having an inner ring and an access element wherein the inner ring has a first annular cylinder body that is sized to be slidably received by the port ring and the access element is configured to be sealably and slidably positioned within the first annular cylinder body of the inner ring. |
| US08887364B2 |
Rivet setter
A rivet setter that can efficiently and smoothly perform, and reduce the takt time for a rivet setting operation. The rivet setter can be configured to set a rivet sequentially fed from a rivet supplying means by inserting the rivet into apertures formed at predetermined positions on workpieces. The rivet setter can have delivery paths for delivering the rivet one by one by sliding the rivet down to a settable position and can have a hanging support portion formed in the settable position in the tip end of the delivery path for supporting the head of rivet and for hanging the rivet shank downward. The rivet setter can be configured to enable the rivet to be set in the apertures of the workpieces by moving the hanging support portion substantially horizontally while keeping the rivet suspended in the hanging support portion and inserted into the apertures of the workpieces. |
| US08887361B2 |
Vertical turning-milling complex machining center
A vertical turning-milling complex machining center comprises a horizontally-arranged bed body (6) and a vertically-arranged column (7). The bed body (6) is provided with an X-axis lateral supporting linear track (2) and an X-axis guide screw (5). The bed body (6) is also provided with a uniaxial rotating table (1) which can reciprocate and is driven directly by a first external rotor torque motor. The column (7) is vertically provided with a Z-axis lateral supporting linear track (10), a Z-axis guide screw (9) and a crossbeam (11) that reciprocates up and down. The crossbeam (11) is provided with a transverse Y-axis linear track (13), a Y-axis guide screw (12) and a single-pendulum milling head seat frame that can reciprocate along the Y-axis guide screw (12). The single-pendulum milling head is driven directly by a second external rotor torque motor. The vertical turning-milling complex machining center uses direct-drive technology applied to a B-axis and a C-axis, the motor torque is greatly increased and functional parts can stably operate, therefore the integral rigidity and stability of the machining center are improved. |
| US08887359B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing opening matter of long-sized fiber tow
[Means for Solution] A preliminary opening unit 1, an opening unit 2 and a swelling/shaping unit 3 are connected so as to form a communicated space for delivering a fiber tow 10 continuously. A fiber tow 10 is contacted with a particulate additive in a nozzle 32 of the opening unit (2), is opened in an opening zones Z1 and Z2, is swollen and shaped in the swelling/shaping unit 3 for obtaining a long-sized opening matter in which the fiber tow opening matter and the particulate additive are integrated. |
| US08887354B1 |
Clip for model construction
A construction clip includes a pair of generally identical clip members. Each clip member has a base portion and two converging opposing flanges extending from the base portion. The clip members are hinged together at their respective base portions. The converging opposing flanges of each clip member include a generally flat base flange and an opposing clip flange. The base flange presents a generally flat inside surface suitable for contacting a generally flat, thin piece of model construction media. The base flange further includes an opening. The clip flange has a curved distal end that preferably extends to the opening defined in the base flange and a distal edge that curves away from the generally flat inside surface of the base flange. The clip flange has a return flange that originates at a location toward the distal end of the clip flange and extends toward the base portion. |
| US08887353B2 |
Repel assembly and method
A repel assembly and method includes an engagement surface having an adhesive plane for securing to an object, a plurality of attachment spikes extending from the engagement surface at an angle transverse to the adhesive plane and a transport surface for supporting a fixture coupled to the plurality of attachment spikes, the fixture being positioned between the engagement surface and the transport surface. The repel assembly further includes an annular ring having an upper and lower ring coupled to the repel assembly, the lower ring having first and second ends spaced by a wiper body such that the annular ring repels debris from contacting and/or collecting on the transport surface. |
| US08887348B2 |
Handheld floor treatment device
The invention relates to a handheld floor treatment device, comprising a floor part (1), which has a liquid supply (11), and a liquid in-take (13) and a structurally separated suction unit that contains at least one suction turbine (17). The invention further relates to a handheld floor treatment device, comprising a floor part (1) having a bow (5), which encompasses the floor part (1) at least in some sections and which is connected to the floor part (1) by means of a first joint (4) that can be adjusted in the treatment direction (6), and further comprising a guide part (2) attached to the bow (5), the guide part having a handle (3). The guide part (2) comprises a further joint (8) at the lower end below the center but above the floor part (1), about which joint the guide part (2) can be adjusted transversely to the treatment direction (6) so that the floor part (1) can be rotated by a user (P) parallel to the treatment surface (B) about a vertical axis (A1) of the floor part (1) by at least ±45°, even if the guide part (2) is in a tilted position. |
| US08887346B1 |
Back scrubbing device
A back scrubbing device comprising one or more elongated straps each having a first end, a second end, a top surface, and a back surface; handles which can be attached to the first end and a second end; a first attachment disposed on the first end and a second attachment disposed on the second end, wherein a second strap can be attached to the first end of a first strap and a third strap can be attached to the second end of the first strap. Disposed on the top surface of the strap is a plurality of hollow socket pegs, wherein the socket pegs may be constructed in a variety of abrasiveness from very soft to very rough for use in scrubbing a person's back. |
| US08887344B2 |
Silicone broom and a manufacturing method of silicone broom
A sweeping device and method of manufacturing a silicone sweeping device. The sweeping device is made of silicone and includes: a silicone block with internal chassis; a plurality of downwardly silicone elongated bristles; and an upwardly projecting member containing a handle-receiving member with a cavity. The method of manufacturing a silicone sweeping device includes: providing a hard heat resistant chassis; providing a hard heat resistant cone with internal screw thread; drilling a hole into the center of the chassis; providing protective coating to the chassis; providing primer coating to the chassis; inserting the hard cone heat resistant tube as the handle receiving hole into the hole in the chassis; providing a mold including a mold cavity; placing the chassis into the mold cavity; processing the silicone in the mold into a final product; and applying secondary heat treatment in the oven. |
| US08887342B2 |
Cleaning system for the removal of sediments from a tank
This invention addresses a cleaning system for the removal of sediments from a tank, the tank being fitted with at least an inspection hatch and/or a cleaning hatch, the cleaning system being fitted with a power system, a traction system, and a cleaning device. |
| US08887336B2 |
Hospital bed
The present inventors disclose a bed comprising a bed insert and a base. An insert comprises one or more openable loops which can receive medical tubing or other types of medical lines. In some configurations, the one or more openable loops can be reversibly attached to the insert. An insert can be attached to the base by a reversible attachment such as Velcro. A patient, along with an insert, can be lifted from the base. A patient who has medical lines which extend through the loops can be lifted with the insert from the base without disrupting connections between the medical lines and the patient. |
| US08887333B2 |
Support pillow
A pillow has a body having a medial region and a pair of legs that extend from the medial region to define an opening therebetween. A sleep mask is attached across the front of the pillow by two elastic straps. A storage bag with handles is kept within a storage pocket of the pillow and is attached to the pillow. The bag can be removed from the interior and pulled over the pillow to form a carrying bag. Pouches are retained at the interior of the pillow body and can extend outward from the body. The pouches can fill with fillable material from the interior of the pillow body, allowing the firmness of the pillow to be adjusted. In addition, the legs can then be pushed together so that the pillow can be used as a more traditional pillow rested against a surface. |
| US08887332B2 |
Pillow with gusset of open cell construction
A pillow is provided herein which includes a cover having opposing first and second panels. A gusset perimetrically bounds, and joins, the first and second panels. The gusset is formed of an open cell construction. Compliant fill material is disposed within the cover. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a pillow is provided allowing for lateral ventilation between opposing panels. This permits a cooling effect while a user is resting or sleeping. |
| US08887330B2 |
Weight-stabilizing stretcher
A flat backboard for an injured person to lie upon is supported between two rigid support poles. The support poles are connected at each end of the stretcher to each other by an elevated support assembly. The support assembly has a handlebar structure and a mount assembly; this mount assembly has a central axle, around which the handlebar assembly fits, allowing for the handlebars to rotate without the mount assembly or the backboard rotating. When the holder of the handlebars generates a rocking motion, the central shaft rotates in the mount assembly, such that the weight of the injured person is supported by the mount assembly, but the rocking motion is not communicated to the mount assembly or the backboard. |
| US08887325B2 |
Overflow adapter
Overflow adapter for raising fluid discharge overflow level of a drain overflow having a drain overflow discharge entrance and a substantially centrally disposed drain overflow connector, the drain overflow installed in a plumbing fixture having a drain, the drain overflow having an optional drain control attached to and working in conjunction with the substantially centrally disposed drain overflow connector, the optional drain control for opening and closing the drain, comprising: an overflow disk having an upper overflow disk discharge opening having opposing substantially concentric arcuate edges and opposing edges transverse to the opposing substantially concentric arcuate edges, an overflow plate having an upper overflow plate hole at least as large as the upper overflow disk discharge opening, a shaft, and a cover or handle fastened to and working in conjunction with the shaft when the optional drain control is installed in the drain overflow for opening and closing the drain. |
| US08887322B1 |
Portable water heater
A portable hot water heater for larger-scale applications including emergency use, situations involving hazardous materials, and the like. The hot water heater advantageously efficiently and rapidly heats large quantities of water for providing a stream of hot water for immediate use. The hot water heater includes a pump that can draw water from any suitable water source, a power source, a heating assembly that quickly and efficiently heats the water as it flows through the heating assembly. The heating assembly is attached to a shower head or other fixture. |
| US08887320B2 |
Flow projector device
A flow projector device is used between the rim of a toilet bowl and an overlying seat. The flow projector device includes a base having an upper surface, a lower support surface, an inner end, an outer end, and lateral sides extending between the inner and outer ends. The upper surface slopes downwardly from the outer end toward the inner end. The device also includes a return portion and an outer barrier. The return portion extends downwardly from the inner end. The outer barrier extends upwardly from the outer end. The outer barrier includes a recurved surface configured to redirect urine to the upper surface of the base. Urine directed along the upper surface towards the recurved surface can be redirected by the recurved surface back onto the upper surface of the base to flow down the upper surface, past the return portion and into the toilet bowl. |
| US08887319B2 |
Adjustable fixture support carrier for off-the-floor plumbing fixtures
A fixture support carrier, for mounting a plumbing fixture above the floor, that can be adjusted in either direction by means of interchangeable studs and plastic nipples. |
| US08887318B2 |
Impact absorbing liner with adjustment device
An impact absorbing liner for use as part of a helmet that comprises adjustable means which allow to change the interior size and shape of the liner. The impact absorbing liner can be adjusted by operating on an actuation mechanism. |
| US08887317B2 |
Protective garment with scissor deflecting and jamming obstacles
A protective garment and undergarment with scissor deflecting and jamming obstacles includes strapping having the obstacles in series patterned to be parallel to a strap thereof and have parallel and angular surfaces thereto configured to deflect a pair of commercial scissor blades into an angle of incidence to the strap. A spacing between obstacles is also configured to be less than a total thickness of the scissor blades in order to jam the scissors there between and impede or deter an assault of the wearer. The garment also includes a waist strap, a crotch strap and thigh straps disposed at an outer respective edge to of the garment. Each strap includes a non-elastic material and the cut-resistant obstacle strapping permanently disposed there around configured to deflect a pair of scissors into an obstacle cutting position or jam the pair of scissors on an obstacle thereof and impede or deter an assault. |
| US08887314B2 |
Needle stick prevention device
The invention (C-Hold Safety Device) is designed to overcome the risk (e.g., needle sticks) currently associated with obtaining blood samples or inserting IV needles using C-Hold and other similar vein or arterial needle penetration procedures. The invention thus overcomes the reason for the prohibition of otherwise safe and efficient procedures for medical needle insertions. |
| US08887312B2 |
Helmets comprising ceramic for protection against high energy fragments and rifle bullets
Helmets for military and other applications that require resistance to high energy fragments and rifle bullets are disclosed. The helmets are fabricated with a combination of ceramic, either as a monolith or as a plurality of discreet pieces, and an inner backing material having a plurality of fibrous layers such as polyolefin and/or aramid fiber layers. |
| US08893300B2 |
Security systems and methods to reduce data leaks in enterprise networks
Disclosed are embodiments of a security system for reducing data leaks by checking information flows between resources of a network. When an information flow is attempted between a sending resource, which can be anywhere in the network, and a receiving resource residing at a specific host within the network, a host labeler can determine whether information is allowed to flow from the sending resource to the receiving resource. The sending resource and the receiving resource can each have an applicable label, and each label can comprise zero, one, or more taints. For each taint having an active secrecy characteristic in a label of the sending resource, the host labeler can require that there be a matching taint with active secrecy characteristic in the receiving resource. If this condition is not met, the security system can block the information flow between the sending and receiving resources. |
| US08893291B2 |
Security through metadata orchestrators
A method of obtaining a service from a second cloud domain, the method being performed by a first cloud domain, includes identifying the second cloud domain which provides the service from among a plurality of cloud domains by analyzing metadata parameters of the plurality of cloud domains, receiving an indication of data which is requested by the second cloud domain to perform the service, and transmitting the requested data along with metadata corresponding to the requested data to the second cloud domain. |
| US08893289B1 |
Internal privacy invasion detection and prevention system
Data privacy administration is described, including receiving, with a computer system, resource access records that correspond to accesses of user resources by an administrator of an application that stores the user resources; processing, with the computer system, the resource access records to generate structured audit records that correspond to the resource access records, the structured audit records includes a resource identifier that corresponds to the resource that was accessed and an accessed-by identifier that indicates an administrator that accessed the resource; and analyzing the structured audit records using a plurality of resource privacy modules that include resource privacy rules that define violation detection scores specifying likelihoods of whether one or more resource accesses are problematic accesses, wherein the resource privacy modules are provided from two or more different domains. |